Cultivating a Failure

Falling Star exited the classroom and caught up to Yu Chang at the stairs to the roof. She followed along without speaking as he stepped out into the sunlight. She marveled at the way the sun splashed across his generally plain features. At this moment he truly looked like an uncut gem waiting to be shaped and polished. Her desire to polish this gem rose even more.

As she stepped out into the sun behind him, a wind rose. Turning to look, Yu Chang froze. The breeze caught her hair up, and it danced on the light air current. This appearance really captured the essence of a goddess that had descended from the heavens.

"Master, why are you up here?"

"I want to know what you think of the lunch I made you."

"Oh."

"Oh? What's that supposed to mean?"

"I just didn't think your reason would be so simple."

Falling Star sighed and dragged Yu Chang to a shady corner of the roof. In the corner, she let go of his arm and placed a hand on the pendant hanging from her neck, the same pendant that she had previously loaned him to move his things. She held out her other hand with her palm facing up. After a brief moment, a cloth and a wrapped lunch box identical to the one she gave to Yu Chang appeared. "Let's have a picnic!"

"A picnic?"

"Yeah! Why not?"

Yu Chang looked at the carefree woman in front of him with an unreadable expression on his face.

"Is it that bad to have a nice picnic with me?" After asking the question, she sighed. "Oh alright, I wanted to talk to you. I haven't had the chance to really get to know you yet even though we've known each other for a few days. I figured now would be as good a time as any to start. It's also important that I get an understanding of what you've already learned so I can tailor a proper training plan for you."

"I see. Well, when you put it that way it makes sense. What do you want to know?"

She set out the cloth and sat down with her back against the brick wall, legs stretched out in front of her. Yu Chang nearly choked at the way she seemed to disregard the fact that she was wearing an elegant dress. Patting the spot next to her she asked in a serious tone, "what have you learned so far? Have you been studying combat or other cultivation paths?"

"I've mostly been studying combat. I've looked into several different styles of martial arts. The two I've practiced most frequently are tae-kwon-do and capoeira. I was about to start studying tai chi."

"Hmm, interesting combination. One is very direct, while the other is very fluid and constantly changing. I haven't met many combat cultivators who know capoeira, let alone that study other styles along with it. As far as tai chi goes, don't bother learning the forms for now, just study the theories. I'll teach you the forms later. Have you learned any meditative practices? How about weapon training?"

"As far as meditation, I've been focusing on basic meditation, but no matter how long I meditate, I don't feel any changes. I haven't looked into weapon training at all, practice weapons alone cost more than my budget could support."

"I see." Falling Star looked thoughtful as she processed the information Yu Chang gave her. "For now, just brush up on what you already know and study the theories behind tai chi. During my first class session on Monday, I'll evaluate your current skill level as part of a demonstration for the other students. Don't meditate anymore, I'll show you how to do active meditation next week. Once we get you settled into a routine, I'll pick out some practice weapons for you as well. Now quickly eat eat!"

Yu Chang sighed and opened the lunchbox. Instantly steam rose from the box unexpectedly. He never expected this to be one of the special stasis moderating boxes that preserved the state of food to maintain perfect freshness and proper serving temperature. Only the most wealthy cultivators could afford this type of technology. The lunch Falling Star had made was surprisingly a western style meal with salisbury steak, gravy, rice, and corn. The smell alone was enough to make his mouth water. Most of the lunch period was spent quietly savoring the magnificent lunch he had been given. After several minutes in silence, Yu Chang stared at the empty lunch box and regretfully put his chopsticks down.

"Master, that was really amazing, how are you so good at everything you do?"

"Cooking isn't that hard. Besides, I'm not good at everything, my refining skills are atrocious."

"Eh? Even though your father is called the God of Refining, you can't refine?"

"Unfortunately, that's how it goes. I actually wanted to be a refiner like my father when I was young, but I have no talent for it. If you have an aptitude for it, I'll see if father will give you some pointers. However, first, we got to settle your initial problem of no spiritual energy. Once we solve that we'll be able to figure out what your best suited for. However, you should hurry back to class now, lunch period is almost over. I'll pick you up once classes end so be ready."

"Right, I'll head back first then, thank you for lunch master."

Yu Chang got up and headed back towards the classroom while Falling Star watched him from where she was sitting. "Capoeira eh? You're just full of surprises Little Yu, I can't wait to start your training!" If Yu Chang had seen her face at this moment, he would be seriously worried about his life choices.