The orange hues of dusk dripped across the skies of Mount Huashan as the mist slowly descended, gently enveloping the steep slopes in an almost freezing tenderness. Behind the mist, in a hidden valley accessible only through narrow and treacherous paths, the sound of heavy breathing pierced the silence. A young boy, drenched in sweat and panting, was carrying two wooden buckets filled with water to fill the bath. He did this every day, from morning until noon.
Unknowingly, the physical training given by Cia Sun had strengthened Yun Xia's muscles. His body had grown sturdier, capable of enduring the grueling training Cia Sun imparted.
The training progressed to a higher level, far beyond mere physical conditioning.
Yun Xia gritted his teeth. Since dawn, the training had been relentless. His hands were blistered, his legs barely able to support his small frame, yet his eyes remained fixed on Cia Sun with determination that slowly grew amidst his pain and exhaustion.
Cia Sun did not immediately teach Yun Xia advanced techniques. The foundation of core energy was his primary focus. Without a solid base of energy, there would be no possibility of mastering high-level skills.
As the last heir of the Han Dynasty, Yun Xia had arrived with a shattered spirit, lost direction, and haunted by trauma. Thus, he began from the very basics: reconstructing the boy's soul. Getting him used to rigorous routines, maintaining inner balance, and reigniting his extinguished will to live. Every day, Cia Sun spoke to Yun Xia about values, history, honor, and sacrifice. Only in the fourth week was he gradually introduced to movement training.
At night, Yun Xia often fell asleep sitting, leaning against stones, or even during breathing exercises. But Cia Sun never scolded him. He knew the boy's wounds ran far deeper than what a sword could heal.
"You are not just the heir to the throne, Prince," Cia Sun whispered one night. "You are a fire that has not yet burned out. And the fire you carry will grow mighty one day."
---
Meanwhile, far to the south, in the palace of the Han Dynasty now under Ming Dynasty control, the atmosphere became more orderly. Jian Ma, the general appointed by Zhong Yi as temporary ruler, had reorganized the palace structure, placing Ming loyalists in key positions and beginning to erase the symbols of Han Dynasty glory.
Yet, the shadows of the past haunted him. In the main meeting hall, Jian Ma received a report from his internal spies.
"We have scoured the mountains and nearby villages for an entire month, Sir. There is no trace of the boy."
Jian Ma clenched his teeth. He knew that if word reached Zhong Yi that a descendant of Emperor Yun Hao was still alive, his position would be in jeopardy. He made a desperate decision.
"Find a boy of the same approximate age. Kill him and bring his body here. Burn it dressed in the old imperial robe and spread the news that we have found and executed the Han Dynasty's last heir."
His soldier hesitated, but an order was an order. The next day, news spread throughout the palace: the heir to the Han Dynasty had been found and executed.
---
Two days later…
"The final report," Jian Ma said, handing over a document, "states that the heir to the Han Dynasty has been found and eliminated."
Zhong Yi frowned. "Are you sure?"
"We found the body of a boy in a mountain village. His age matched, his clothing was suspicious. His face resembled the youngest son of Emperor Yun Hao. We are confident it's him."
Zhong Yi stared deeply at Jian Ma. "You know the consequences if your report is wrong?"
"I stake my life on it, Sir. No one could have escaped our sweep."
Zhong Yi did not respond. He simply took the document and retreated to his chamber, though in his heart, suspicion lingered. He had been at war far too long not to detect deceit.
Jian Ma, on the other hand, felt relieved that his scheme had succeeded. The innocent boy he sacrificed had been cremated, and the false news had spread widely. Even senior officers believed it.
'There is no more threat. Soon, I will surely receive the mandate to rule this region. My betrayal has not been in vain,' he thought to himself.
---
Back on Mount Huashan, Yun Xia's training grew increasingly intense. Cia Sun began teaching him the fundamental martial arts techniques, as he himself had once trained: deep breathing, inner energy focus, and empty-hand techniques mimicking animal movements. During the day, they trained physically. At night, they meditated under waterfalls or copied ancient texts.
"Mastering martial arts is not for revenge," Cia Sun said one night, "but to ensure you do not lose your humanity."
Yun Xia nodded. The boy had changed. His eyes were no longer clouded by pain and fear. He began to understand that he was not only being trained to become a warrior but also to become a whole person.
Day after day, Yun Xia trained tirelessly. One year, two years, until he reached the age of fifteen. The once small boy had grown into a strong, handsome young man, bearing the combined features of both his parents. His body was sturdy and well-built. His gaze sharp, like a lion stalking its prey.
In the six years since Cia Sun first trained him, Yun Xia had mastered all the techniques of the legendary Golden Lion warrior.
One night, Cia Sun invited Yun Xia to enter a cave not far from the small hut where they had lived all this time.
Yun Xia was puzzled. He had often passed the place but had never noticed the cave they now entered together.
"Hold on."
Cia Sun used his energy to ignite a flame in his hand. Then he lit two torches hanging on the cave walls.
"You carry one, I carry the other," he said, handing one to Yun Xia. "Let's go inside."
Cia Sun walked ahead, with Yun Xia following closely. The path sloped slightly and was quite slippery.
As they ventured deeper into the cave, they finally arrived at a chamber bathed in reddish-yellow light.
"We're here, Prince," said Cia Sun, looking around as if searching for something.
"Before beginning your final training, I have something to tell you. Are you ready?"
Yun Xia nodded. "Please, Master."
He saw what looked like a lake, not very wide, but instead of water, it was filled with blistering hot lava.
"This reddish-yellow hue comes from the lava lake ahead. In the center of the lake is a rock where you will meditate. Everything I have taught you leads to this moment."
"Whatever you command, I will do."
Cia Sun smiled. "Absorb all the natural elements here. Bind the pure essence within your body to the elements you inhale."
"How will I know when my meditation is complete, Master?"
"When something emerges from within the lava lake, that will be your sign that your meditation has ended. Are you ready to undertake this?"
Yun Xia nodded.
"Now leap to that rock and meditate there. Remember, do not stop until the sign appears," said Cia Sun.
Yun Xia walked to the edge of the lava lake. He lightly leapt using his mastered light body technique and landed precisely on a large rock. His body was only about five meters above the lava's surface. The intense heat radiated, as though it was roasting him alive.