Ancient Scrolls of Cultivation
1001 Words
Tim knew that his uncle Jake wanted him to start a company, though he wasn’t fully aware of the reasons behind it. What he did know was that the company had to grow into something significant. “Now that I’ve graduated, all that’s left is to defeat Master, and then I’ll finally learn the truth about my past,” Tim thought. “That was the deal we made, the three of us. I just need a week of training. I could feel the gap between me and Master was closing during our last sparring match.”
Jake, thrilled and proud of Tim’s rapid ascent, knew that the next step was to gain practical experience through starting the company. Yet he also understood the challenges ahead, believing that Tim would need to be sharp to face the ruthless competition coming his way. “Timothy, you’ve done well,” Jake said, his voice carrying both pride and awe. “I don’t comprehend how you manage to do 90% of the things you do, but I’m proud of you. I believe you’re ready to learn the truth about your family. But first, as we agreed, you must defeat Mr. Carter.”
Jake’s words carried a weight that Tim didn’t miss. There was anticipation, even a glimmer of excitement, but something more profound as well. His tone made it clear that this wasn’t just about the sparring match—it was about unlocking the key to his family’s mysterious past.
Mr. Carter looked at Jake and then back at Tim, a mixture of determination and pride in his eyes. “After our last match, I believe it won’t be long before you surpass me,” Mr. Carter admitted. “But don’t think I’ll make it easy for you. I’ve been honing my skills, too. When the time comes, I’ll give you my all. After that match, there will be nothing left to teach you. I’ve passed on everything I know.”
He paused, his gaze intensifying. “Let me know when you’re ready.”
Tim nodded confidently, imagining the moment of his victory. “Master, I’ll only need a few days, maybe a week,” Tim said, his face lit with certainty. “I’m sure I can defeat you.”
Jake, watching the exchange, raised an eyebrow. He wasn’t sure if Tim’s confidence was well-founded or if it bordered on arrogance. “You seem sure of yourself, Timothy,” he said, a hint of scepticism in his voice.
But Tim was undeterred. He turned to Mr. Carter, asking, “Master, can I use your library? I want to read a bit—it relaxes me.”
Inwardly, he was scheming: This way I won’t have to sneak around, and I can focus. I need to find more cultivation scrolls. I have to break through and get stronger. I need to know the truth about my parents and my family. Their secrecy is driving me insane.
Mr. Carter waved his hand dismissively. “Sure, but put everything back where you found it.”
With that, Tim excused himself, heading down to the basement library. Before leaving, he added, “Please don’t disturb me unless it’s a life-or-death situation. And if anyone from the prominent families comes looking for me, tell them I’m not here.”
Jake and Mr. Carter exchanged glances, noticing how odd Tim’s behaviour seemed, but neither dwelled on it.
“That’s odd,” Jake muttered, before sighing deeply. He turned to Mr. Carter, his expression darkening. “Do you think he’s ready for the truth? It’s been sixteen years, and we still don’t know if Madam Timberly is alive.”
Jake’s voice faltered, the weight of the years pressing down on him. “We know Alexander Jacobs took them, but after that, nothing. Not a word.”
It had been a long time since Jake had allowed himself to dwell on the painful memories. Sixteen years of uncertainty. He had no way of knowing if Tim’s parents were dead or alive, and investigating would have exposed him to danger. He had to wait until Tim was strong enough to protect himself, and now that the boy was on the verge of surpassing his master, Jake knew the time to act was approaching.
Mr. Carter, standing tall despite his age, looked toward the basement where Tim had gone. “Jake, we can only hope he’s strong enough to handle the truth. We’ve trained him well, but the truth... that’s something else entirely.”
There was a deep affection in Mr. Carter’s voice, an undercurrent of worry. He had always treated Tim like a grandson, filling a void in his life that had remained empty for decades. “The last sixteen years with Tim have been the best of my life,” he said, his voice softening. “I’m an old man, Jake—seventy years old. Thanks to you and Timothy, I have no regrets.”
As the two men exchanged words, their thoughts were heavy with anticipation for what the future would bring. They could only hope that when the time came, Tim would be ready—not just to learn the truth about his family but to face the consequences that would surely follow.
Tim stepped into the dimly lit basement library, surrounded by towering shelves filled with ancient tomes and scrolls. The air was thick with the scent of aged parchment as he made his way to the large wooden table at the center of the room. He was determined to arm himself with knowledge before facing Mr. Carter once more.
He unfurled a scroll decorated with intricate symbols and began to read. The cultivation methods described were far more complex than anything he had encountered before, detailing how to harness mana and strengthen one’s elixir field. Each word resonated with potential, fuelling his determination to push past his current limits. Among the methods, one passage caught his attention: it spoke of the forest of Dawnridge, notorious for its sinister reputation.
- Writer
