Despite only promising to stay an extra day, Sparrow ended up spending many months standing in freezing cold water with Brother Han. Over that time, he began to learn many essential skills of a cultivator including patience, resilience, mental and physical strength, and a little bit of wisdom.

That was the boring part.

Sparrow could heal, small injuries in an instant, just by directing his Qi to any scratches or bruises he had.

He could make small balls of flame appear in his hand by directing his Qi there.

Each day Brother Han would fill his wok with cold water from the mountain river and Sparrow would direct his Qi until it was boiling.

At first, this practice left Sparrow with nosebleeds, headaches, and only slightly warm water. But after months of training Sparrow was able to boil water in only a matter of minutes.

Brother Hans’ training was leaps and bounds ahead of Sparrow’s. Brother Han would create walls or spirit beasts, made entirely out of fire. With the single punch, he could crack boulders. Brother Han could levitate, and even turn his right arm invisible.

One day in the spring after months and months of training Brother Han announced it was time for him to face the Demon King.

‘But Brother Han,’ Sparrow said, ‘Wasn’t your goal to be able to disappear fully before you face the Demon King?’

Brother Han nodded with a shrug.

‘What if he sees you?!’ Sparrow said.

Brother Han gave a small smile, ‘Sparrow. I may be able to do many things as a cultivator. But even I have my flaws.’

Brother Han picked up a rock and levitated it between them, ‘I lack patience. I can’t wait any longer. I am worried that Sherry will be will no longer be alive by the time I get there.

Sparrow nodded. Over the many months, there hadn’t been a day where Brother Han didn’t talk about Sherry.

Missing her and wanting her to be safe, had allowed the cultivator to focus his energy much more intensely and learn so much faster, but it also tested his patience.

Brother Han waved his hands and his wok and collection of things floated slowly into his pack frame.

‘Brother Sparrow,’ Han said, laying a hand on his shoulder. ‘It has been very good, us being together. But I think today, here, now, as we are, we must part.’

Sparrow shook his head, ‘I knew you’d say that. But I’m a little bit worried about you, brother. I don’t like the idea of you going into the demon realm to fight alone. I’m coming with you.’

Brother Han chuckled and touched the smaller boy’s chin.

‘How old are you? Eight? You look bigger than eight.’

Brother Han shook his head, ‘You’ve done so well young Sparrow. But if you go into the demon realm, you’re probably not going to come back. You will die there Sparrow.’

‘Well, at least then I’ll know what death feels like,’ Sparrow laid a hand on his friend’s shoulder.

‘Come on. We’re wasting time, and I won’t take no for an answer. We’re going in together. We’re fighting together, and we’re going to rescue Sherry.’

Brother Han took a slow breath and then a smile played across his lips.

‘I know I call you brother Sparrow. But today, I think I realized that you truly are my family.’

He clamped a hand on Sparrow’s shoulder, ‘I’ll make the portal. Let’s go.’