Chapter 7: Send Off

“You wanted to see me, father?” Wang Zen entered his father’s study. Today was the day which he would leave for Goixi Province along with a few guards and a servant or two.

Wang Shu was using a quilt to write documents and did not look up from his work as he spoke. “Yes, I wanted to wish you well on your journey.”

This surprised Wang Zen. He clasped his hands together and bowed. “Thank you, father.”

“And I saw your match, yesterday. Disappointing.”

Although it hurt, Wang Zen could not say he was surprised by his father’s words. “I’m sorry, father. I’ll try harder next time.”

“From what I saw you tried too hard.” There was silence as the quill danced across the parchment. “You need to try harder in training and be more mindful in battle or being embarrassed will be the least of your problems.”

“Yes, father.” Wang Zen said, hoping he was hiding his bitterness.

“And you should stop learning Meteor Kick.”

“What?” Wang Zen said before he knew it. “I’m sorry,” he quickly corrected but either his father did not notice or did not care about his outburst.

“You haven’t mastered the ki control to execute Blits Fist properly,” Wang Shu continued. “You are currently a Beginner-level Rank 5 cultivator. You should be able to execute that technique 7 times but your wasting too much ki, lessening that number to 5. Until you can execute it properly, give up on learning Meteor Kick.”

“Yes, father.” Wang Zen said. Why would he think I’d listen to him when he sends me away like this!? No, I need to learn Meteor Kick to be stronger than my peers. Wang Zen looked toward the door. “Well, it seems everyone is just waiting for me.”

“Of course, I do not wish to keep you for long.” Wang Shu looked up to his son and was quiet while looking at him.

It lasted a moment but it was enough to cause Wang Zen to squirm in place, wondering what his father was thinking.

“I have something for you.” Wang Shu reached up to his ring. Swirling energy came from the ring and on the table a sword and a white mask with red right angle lines appeared. “These are yours as rewards for entering the academy,” Wang Shu said before returning to his work.

For a moment, there was nothing but the quiver scrolling over the paper but a moment later, Wang Zen’s footsteps joined as he walked closer to his reward. Despite himself, he felt excited and happy that his father had given him something.

He picked up both the tanto and white mask with red lines.

“The mask will hide a full level of power,” Wang Shu began without looking up, “unlike my mask, it won’t totally hide your power but considering your still at Beginner level of your cultivation, it should hide all your strength. The sword is made to be sharp and will never dent or crack. It also has a special ability but that will only be unlocked when you can use elemental energy. A goal to look forward to.”

“Th-Thank you, father.” This was the most genuine thank you he had ever given in a long time.

Receiving a mask felt like a great honour to Wang Zen. His father was well known for inventing the power hiding mask, making it almost a symbol of their family. His late brother had one, his father was wearing one and now he, Wang Zen, would join their ranks.

“Farewell, son.” Wang Shu said, still not looking at him.

Wang Zu clasped his hands and bowed, “Farwell, father.”

Wang Zen had gone outside where he found a carriage waiting for him with four guards. One of the guards was Zhing Yin and his son Zhing Bhiki. They were standing with a girl that he did not know.

“Zen’er!”

“Come to see me off,” Zen smiled at his friend.

“Yes and to also introduce you to my friend.” Bhiki gestured to the girl who was a little younger then the both of them. “This girl’s brother is in the Goixi Province but she is too young to travel alone.”

“No problem. My name is Wang Zen.” He introduced himself.

“I am Jun Nee.”

“Nice to meet you!”

They all entered the carriage.

“Have a good journey, Wang Zen and come back strong!”

“Thank you, my friend.” Wang Zen waved goodbye. In no time, the city was slowly disseapering in the distance . He was leaving the only home he had ever known for some unwelcomed but new place. Despite himself, he could not help but feel excited.