Chapter 2: Chapter 2: The Trials of Growth
Time flowed swiftly, and under the protection of the Victoria family, Solomon grew steadily. At the age of five, he began to shine like a rising star, displaying a talent for cultivation that astonished all who beheld it. He mastered the family's foundational techniques with ease, every movement and every breath flowing as though it were second nature. The elders of the family, impressed by his brilliance, watched him with approval, hailing him as the family's future hope, destined to bring glory to their name.
Yet, fate is never without its twists. During a highly anticipated internal family tournament, a sudden and unexpected incident changed everything. Solomon, who had been dominating his matches, faced a turning point during a critical bout. Just as victory seemed assured, his opponent unleashed a strange and sinister technique, imbued with a mysterious power. Caught off guard, Solomon was struck directly and sent sprawling to the ground, blood spilling from his lips.
From that day onward, it was as if an invisible wall had risen before him. No matter how hard he tried, his cultivation progress came to an abrupt halt. Those who had once held high hopes for him began to turn away, their once-bright eyes now clouded with disappointment. The whispers of mockery and disdain soon followed, spreading like wildfire among the family's younger members. Some openly sneered at him, their words dripping with scorn.
But Solomon was not one to be defeated by adversity. In his eyes burned a flame of unwavering determination. Each night, when the moonlight bathed the Victoria estate in its silvery glow, Solomon would steal away to a secluded corner of the garden. There, alone and away from prying eyes, he practised tirelessly. Repeating the same basic movements over and over, his sweat soaked through his clothes, but he never allowed himself even a moment's thought of giving up.
One fateful day, while exploring the deepest recesses of the family's library, Solomon stumbled upon an ancient, dust-covered tome. Its cover was engraved with enigmatic runes, radiating an aura of antiquity. Intrigued, Solomon opened the book to discover a wealth of unique cultivation insights and techniques. Unlike anything taught by the family, the methods described seemed to hold the key to breaking through his current impasse.
However, Solomon quickly realised that the book was listed as forbidden within the family—a banned text that no member was permitted to read. To be caught studying it would bring severe punishment. Yet Solomon's heart was consumed by a single, burning resolve: to break free from his stagnation and reclaim his lost honour. He knew it was a dangerous gamble, but he was willing to risk everything—his future, his place in the family—to prove his worth.
Under the cover of night, Solomon carefully smuggled the tome back to his room. By the flickering light of a candle, he delved into its contents. The techniques were esoteric and complex, demanding immense focus and willpower to comprehend. One false step could lead to dire consequences, even madness. Yet Solomon pressed on, his unyielding determination and unwavering belief driving him forward. Slowly, he began to adapt the forbidden methods into his training.
Meanwhile, Alfred, the ever-vigilant butler of the Victoria family, noticed subtle irregularities in the estate during his nightly inspections. A man of precision and meticulousness, Alfred left no detail unchecked. The faint disturbances near the library caught his attention, prompting him to investigate further. He was determined to uncover the truth—if any family member had dared to violate the rules, there would be consequences.
At the same time, Elder Claude, ever watchful and suspicious, began to hear whispers about Solomon. Rumours circulated that the boy was practising an unorthodox cultivation technique. To Claude, the family's rules were sacrosanct, and any deviation from them could spell disaster. Resolute and uncompromising, Claude decided to personally evaluate Solomon's progress, to uncover what secrets the boy might be hiding.
And yet, unseen by both Alfred and Claude, a shadowed figure lurked in the darkness, their eyes fixed intently on Solomon's every move. Cloaked in secrecy, their motives remained a mystery. Were they friend or foe? What did they seek from Solomon?
Solomon's path was shrouded in uncertainty, beset by challenges on all sides. Could he evade Alfred's keen eyes and Elder Claude's suspicions? Would he master the forbidden techniques and surmount the barrier that had halted his growth? The veil of mystery hung heavy over Solomon's future, waiting for the moment when the truth would be revealed.