Instructor Sheng`s disciples crowded into a pavilion at sunrise. He had alluded to an important announcement the day prior. Silence filled the pavilion as he stood at the head with a stony expression. "Listen well, I will be saying this once." Sheng`s beady eyes scanned the initiate disciples. "Advancing to the Expression Realm represents the pinnacle of cultivation in our esteemed Vale. It is the realm in which our Sect Master reigns supreme, with the Ten Heavens Council being the only exception. Entering this realm is a formidable and arduous task, it may well be impossible for many." Sheng paced back and forth with an occasional glance to the disciples who waited with bated breath. "The Boundless Temple will be opened."

　　Enril`s spine stiffened. Zelek yawned and leaned over to Enril. "What`s the big deal?" he whispered.

　　Enril whispered back, "According to one of the AlSchemists, the Boundless Temple is a revered treasure of our sect. Only the Sect Master knows the true depths and secrets. Supposedly, there`s a restriction in place that forbids entry to anyone in the Expression Realm. There`s a rumor that it ho-"

　　"Please, stand if you wish to give this announcement." Sheng stood between the boys. Enril thought he caught a plume of smoke billow from Sheng`s ears.

　　"My apologies, Instructor Sheng. Disciple was discourteous due to his excitement." Enril bowed his head to the dirt.

　　Sheng continued past, "As I was saying, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Emerging victorious from the Temple will grant you three benefits." Sheng paused, checking for any new kibitzers. He held up a solitary finger, "You will gain a hint towards stepping into the Expression Realm." A second finger joined the first, "You will upgrade your status from Initiate Disciple to Core Disciple." A third finger sprang up, "Your clan will receive a voucher for one hundred pills." Sheng folded his arms into his robes. The disciples sat in somber silence as he glared at them. "You are dismissed to train on your own today." They turned to one another, and the pavilion was consumed in a cacophony of voices.

　　"Enril, this is what we`ve been waiting for. We can enhance our status and bring honor to the Foon Clan." Zelek`s voice trembled in tandem with his clenched fists.

　　"Once we enter the Expression Realm, we can begin taking missions throughout the Vale, too. More chances for greater glory and wealth. We must work hard, Brother." Enril held out a hand to Zelek who clasped it, intertwining their thumbs. Riken rolled off them in waves as they began to practice in the courtyard.

　　"You must make a decision, Xing," Winryu said.

　　"The Foon Clan has declined since my grandfather`s reign. I`m merely a Second-Step, compared to him who had reached the Fifth-Step. I can compete with the Phizen`s Patriarch, I have no doubt. I`m concerned about their other Expressionists. The scout`s report has shattered my hopes&" Xing slammed a fist into the table. It groaned under the immense pressure. "Why can`t they live in peace as we do?"

　　"It is not for us to question why Heaven tests us." Shinu`s solemn tone came in a harsh crash through Xing`s ears.

　　"We only have ourselves to blame for being unlucky," Winryu said as he twirled his mustache. "Perhaps we ought to bring those two boys back? I have great confidence in them. Though they caused me much trouble, they did prove to be talented."

　　"No, they must remain undisturbed for as long as possible. We`d squander the meager amount of talent we do have by uprooting them prematurely." Xing paused and his shoulders shuddered. "They must not learn of this information. Any correspondence intended for them must pass through me first."

　　"I think you are wise, Xing. It`s hard to believe that today marks the sixth anniversary of their coming-of-age ceremony. Wouldn`t it be wonderful if they reached Third-Step Wandering Realm by this point? It would even put dear old Haoran`s progression to shame," Shinu chuckled. A glistening drop formed in the corner of his eye as he started toward Mount Churei.

　　"I hate to entertain the thought, but we may have to pin our hopes on them if we can`t solve this problem." Xing walked to the edge of the deck adjoining the house. He rested a hand on the supporting pillar. "Yes, those boys may have to bear a great burden for their clan. It`s unfair to them, but if even one of them joined me in the Expression Realm&" his voice trailed off.

　　Shinu laughed, "You younger generations are always rushing through life. Enter the next step, jump to the next realm. You never take the time to enjoy the breeze." He hummed and smiled as he sipped on a steaming cup.

　　Winryu gawked at Shinu. "Maybe if we had been more diligent the clan would rely on us elders instead of children." His words hung heavy in the air.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

　　"The fault doesn`t belong to any particular person. All Foon Elders are in the Fifth-Step Wandering Realm. The average clan member is blessed if they even glimpse Third-Step in their lifetime. This new generation brings a glimmer of hope and prosperity, but only because you elders were the backbone that made it possible." Xing turned and looked at the seven with a warm gaze.

　　"You`re always flattering us, Xing. You know it`s our pride and joy to raise the younger generations. If the time comes," Shinu glanced at Winryu who nodded in agreement. Shinu looked back at Xing before saying, "We would sacrifice everything for the clan."

　　Xing`s smile turned to a bitter frown.

　　Enril tried to rouse the lifeless body.

　　"Huh? Whuzzat?" Zelek sat up, shielding his eyes from the ambient glow. "Why`d you wake me?"

　　Enril blurted, "Something is wrong. I don`t know what happened, but it`s bad."

　　"Stop your enhancement so I can see."

　　"I can`t."

　　"I don`t understand," Zelek yawned and stretched his arms overhead.

　　Enril flailed his arms about, his voice tinging with panic, "My enhancement doesn`t stop when I stop the breathing technique. My Reserve is leaking riken every second." The soft shimmer of his enhancement trailed behind each motion.

　　Zelek rubbed his eyes and squinted. "It`s probably best to consult with Instructor Sheng. He may have insight since he is an Expressionist. There`s nothing we can do at this moment. Try to rest." Zelek flopped back to his pillow and resumed his soft snores.

　　Enril sat on his mattress, rocking back and forth, with his knees tucked to his chest. Had he stunted his growth? Was his Reserve damaged? He just wanted to cut his weakness and be left with strength. The progress had been remarkable, and he just wanted to continue building strength. Had he known this would be the result, he wouldn`t have pressed further.

　　Sleep`s sweet embrace eluded Enril that night. Once Zelek woke up, they reported to their training pavilion a few minutes earlier than normal. "Instructor Sheng, may we ask for your guidance?" Zelek asked. Sheng`s back was to the boys, but he gave a low hum in response. "Enril had an accident, and as a result, he is permanently enhancing his body. His riken is draining from his Reserve, slow but steady. Is there any way to heal him?" Zelek stepped aside to reveal Enril`s glowing figure. Sheng spun and paced around him, rubbing his chin while he hummed.

　　"You did this of your own volition?" He asked and poked Enril`s shoulder with a single finger.

　　"Yes, I wanted to perfect my breathing so I might not falter at a critical moment."

　　"The path of the Seeker is arduous, filled with trial and tribulation, much like the ebbs and flows of a river. It`s up to you to navigate the circumstance. What may seem a curse could end up a blessing, or vice versa. Take your seats and prepare." Sheng shooed them away.

　　After the boys sat, their peers filtered in and sat. Ten minutes later, an older man in gold-trimmed black robes joined Sheng at the front. "Good morning, Initiate Disciples," The man greeted with a quarter-bow. "I hope you`re well-rested and prepared for the opening of the temple. Listen well to my words." He spread his arms wide, "The Boundless Temple offers many rewards. It is meant to simulate a distortion. As you may know, sometimes distortions open in the regions between the five sects, the Outer Wilds. It is up to us Seekers to explore and secure treasures, as well as contain the beasts."

　　A hand shot up. The man paused and motioned the disciple to stand. "Initiate Disciple Rance has a question for the Elder. Where do distortions come from?"

　　"A fair question." The elder paced about the pavilion. Idle muttering escaped his lips as he walked. At last, he stopped and turned to Rance, "No one knows. They just appear. The leading theory is Heaven`s intervention."

　　Rance bowed, "Thank you for enlightening us, Elder."

　　"Moving on, the Boundless Temple will be safe for you to explore. You can fight to your heart`s content without fear. Once defeated, you will be removed by the power of the Elders and Sect Master. This is a special principle of the Temple. In a real distortion, your lives would be forfeit."

　　Silence spread over the disciples. Eager-eyed but tight-lipped, they waited. Another hand shot up. "Initiate Disciple Zelek would like to ask what strength is required to enter a distortion?" His emerald eyes blazed with determination as they met the blue eyes of the elder.

　　"The minimum requirement set by the Ten Heavens Council is to be an Expressionist. Before that would be akin to walking into an open grave." The Elder`s voice was cold.

　　"Disciple thanks the Elder for his guidance." Zelek bowed then sat.

　　The Elder inspected Zelek for a brief moment, then resumed, "A sole victor will claim the grand treasure the Temple holds within. As you may have heard, it is a secret that will aid you in your attempts to step into the Expression Realm." He scanned over the disciples. His gaze landed on one, and he furrowed his brow. In a huff, he stormed over. "Explain to this Elder why you have your enhancement active. Do you wish to begin a brawl with this old man?" Small drops of saliva splattered onto the face of the disciple as the Elder shouted.

　　The disciple lowered his head to the ground, "Disciple Enril meant no disrespect, Elder. I made some sort of mistake in my training and am unable to disable my enhancement. My Reserve drains with each passing second." Enril could feel the hot breath of the Elder on his neck. He didn`t dare raise his head until he heard fading footsteps.

　　Once at the front, the Elder said, "Utilize whatever means you have to become the victor. Team up, betray your teammates, or run solo, it does not matter. All that matters is to reach out and grasp victory." He rushed out of the pavilion.

　　"In thirty minutes, we will head to the main courtyard. That will be where you, and the other two groups of Initiate Disciples, will enter the temple. Their techniques will be unfamiliar to you which will help simulate a real distortion," Sheng announced.

　　Enril gave a nervous glance to Zelek who beamed an eager smile.