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December 31, 1560

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THE day had finally arrived. The day where he would take his first step into the world of cultivation. Or so he thought. Waking up, Henry expected something to happen. He didn't know what to expect, but to feel at least different. What he did feel was instead hunger as his stomach kept rumbling, demanding food. Instantly, Henry thought that he had failed. Hearing the numbers of possible cultivators from normal humans from his father had dampened his enthusiasm by a large amount.

Knock, Knock

"Young master Henry, it's morning, time to wake up."

Amy opened the door, expecting the usual scene to greet her, however, she was left surprised. For the first time in her time serving the young master, she saw him not sleeping somewhere in the room lazing around but properly dressed, sitting on a chair gazing through a window.

"Good morning young master Henry. Happy Birthday," said Amy, bowing to congratulate him.

"... Ah. Thank you, Amy."

Noticing Henry's lack of concentration, she asked worryingly,

"Is there something wrong young master Henry?"

"No" replied Henry, not wanting to believe his self-made diagnosis.

"Very well then. Your parents are waiting for you in the dining room to join them for breakfast."

"Alright."

Shortly after leaving his bedroom, Henry was delayed continuously by servants of the estate, congratulating him on his 8th birthday. He could no longer maintain a smile and say thank you, for his grumbling stomach had risen to another level reminding him of his unusual hunger. After spending what seemed like an hour of agony to him, he and Amy finally arrived at the dining room. Knocking on the door, Amy announced Henry's presence before entering.

"Young master Henry has arrived."

The dining room was what one would expect of a wealthy noble. It was heavily decorated with beautiful paintings, a colorful carpet, and a huge chandelier. The walls and ceiling were decorated with gold paint costing Robert over 5 gold coins. Overall, the room screamed money for any new visitor. The main table was 10 feet long, with Robert sitting at the head of it accompanied by his wife to the side. Several maids were standing behind them in quietness, ready for whenever one would be called upon. Henry's parents were currently in mid-discussion, before looking over to see Henry enter and Amy follow behind him.

"AH, there he is. The most handsome son in the entire world. Come here and give me a hug!"

When Henry walked over, he got hugged and kissed on the checks multiple times by Mary, who said,"

"Who do I love the most in the entire world? That's right, my baby."

"What about me honey? Robert chimed in.

"Hmph. You don't even get to be on my list."

"Eh? Why not?"

"Why not? I think you know perfectly well. It's because you want to leave me for months all alone."

"My love, you know that I must go personally. That matter cannot be handled from an office."

"Hmph, I don't believe you."

Seeing, his parents banter with each other, Henry couldn't help but smile. As he escaped his mother's loving grasp, he quickly got into another one.

"There's our birthday boy. Happy 8th birthday son." Robert said after his bear hug, ruffling his hair with a smile.

"Thanks, Father."

"Now sit. After breakfast, we shall give you your presents."

"Presents?" Henrey asked, eyes shining with excitement. His prior worries and moods were gone in a flash as all he could think of, was getting a cool present.

"That's right son. Now eat up."

"Okay", nodding his head, Henry quickly devoted his omelet eggs with some hesitation to the side of carrots forced from his mother.

After all, 3 of them were finished eating and the maids had talked away their dishes, Robert pulled out a single silver coin, placed it on the table, and slide it over to Henry.

"That is a gift from your mother."

"A silver coin?"

"No sweetie, it's an allowance. 1 silver coin a month. I had to argue with your father for a while for him to give you one. Use it wisely."

"WOW, thanks, mum!" After giving her a quick hug, he quickly went to the coin and placed it in his pocket."

"Now for my gifts. I have 2 for you. For my first gift, I need to touch you."

After getting up and placing his hand on Henry's forehead, he closed his eyes and remained silent.

A few seconds passed in silence, and Henry began to think that his father had fallen asleep when he felt something. Closing his eyes. Henry began to feel some kind of tickling energy travel all across his body. It began from his forehead and went all the way down to his toes.

"Father, what's going on? I keep feeling this ticklish thing everywhere."

Slowly, Robert lifted his head and began to proudly smile, telling Henry, "Congrats Henry. You've formed meridians!"

"EH?" Shouted Henry unable to hide his shock. "REALLY?"

"Of course, that ticklish feeling you mentioned was your meridians."

"R...really?" Henry couldn't help but ask again, as small droplets began to form around his eyes.

Robert quickly hugged him saying, "There, there. Deep breaths. Men don't cry."

After several minutes of deep breathing, Henry was finally calm enough for him to leave his fathers to embrace.

"Better now?" Seeing Henry's shy nod, he continued. "This is my second gift."

Clapping his hands twice, a maid walked in carrying a large book, placing it in Roberts's hands.

"A book? I don't want more books to read more father!" Henry couldn't help but remark, getting sick of the idea of reading a book in his free time. He spent enough of that during Sir Straut's lectures.

"Oh, I'm sure you will want to read this book once you see its name!"

"I don't believe it," replied Henry stubbornly.

"Here you go," said Robert as he placed the book onto the table for Henry to read. Henry's eyes shot open, completely wide in shock when he read the title of the book.

"The Basics of Cultivation" he muttered, gripping the book in sheer shock.

"I see you like it. It cost me 5 gold coins you know, so treat it well."

Hugging his father, Henry exclaimed, "Thank you so much, father. I will take very good care of it."

"Hahaha. You may go read it."

"BYE", Henry shouted, already halfway out the door.

"My dear, are you sure it was a good idea to tell him about his meridians or give him that book?" Mary could help but ask nervously. "I'm afraid he might hurt himself."

"It is was he wanted my love. We can't always be there to protect him. It's best he grows now rather than later. I shall also see if I can hire a cultivator to properly guide him but for now, I will teach him."

"SIGH, I guess you're right. I shall trust you this one time. Now let's go, we don't have much time for ourselves before you depart." Mary said, getting up to leave

"Coming my love!"

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BANG.

The door to Henry's room was loudly shut as he ran to his desk, placing his newly acquired book on it. Opening his curtains to the max, so the most amount of sunlight could enter, Henry sat down with urgency and gazed at the cover of his brand new book. The entire cover of the book was colored in light green with the title being in pitch black. Right below the title was a seed in a dark green circle.

'A seed?' Henry couldn't help but ask himself.

'I wonder why there is a seed.'

Flipping open the book, he began to read the introduction to cultivation, as this day became an unforgettable core memory for Henry even centuries later.