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[bringingdowndisaster]

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[bringingdowndisaster]

"How far up is it?" Xue Yang asks as he watches the world below them get smaller and smaller. Without a sword to fly on, he can only imagine that the climb would be a nightmare...

[gentledawn]

"Pretty far. But the trip isn't long at all this way." Xingchen reassures, hugging his companion to him, "If you get dizzy, focus on the sky or look at me."

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang doesn't want to miss a second of the view, and so he continues to watch as they ascend, though he does have to look up at the sky a couple of times due to dizziness. But of course, he doesn't let Xiao Xingchen know that's what's happening.

After a while, he finally starts to see the top of a mountain. Pointing, he asks, "Is that it?"

[gentledawn]

"Yes, we're almost there." Xingchen pretends not to notice when Xue Yang looks up at the sky. It doesn't matter. He can tell the other boy is enjoying the gorgeous view. Who wouldn't?

"I'll take you to see my Master straight away. Don't be afraid of her. She will love you."

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang rolls his eyes a little. "Why would I be afraid?" Of course he'd never admit to feeling a little apprehensive about meeting the legendary Baoshan Sanren.

[gentledawn]

"She can be intimidating when she wishes." Xingchen explains easily, guiding them up to a path leading to the small sect, "I'll be with you."

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang lets out a non-committal sound and follows Xiao Xingchen up the path. It really is remote... and it feels weird to be this far up.

Eventually, they are approached by a tall - and yes, rather intimidating - woman. Xue Yang doesn't have to ask if this is Xiao Xingchen's Master. It's obvious from the sight of her. She's beautiful, and looks somehow old and young both at the same time. Fitting for an immortal.

She looks at Xiao Xingchen, her eyebrow subtly raising at the sight of Xue Yang. "Xingchen," she greets, "I see you brought a friend."

[gentledawn]

Placing Shuanghua on his back after they land and disembark, Xingchen guides his friend up the narrow path. They will walk between two large boulders and then the way will open up. It's actually rather spacious, though snow covers everything at this time of year.

Upon seeing Baoshan Sanren, Xingchen bows lowly, cupping his hands before him. When he rises again, he smiles and nods at Xue Yang.

"Master, he has potential. I met him while walking on the street." he knows he doesn't need to say more. She is sharp enough to realize that any boy on the street in this weather likely isn't cherished by anyone.

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang stays behind Xiao Xingchen, warily looking at Baoshan Sanren and some of the other disciples that have come to curiously see who Xiao Xingchen has brought with him. They're varying ages - some adults, some teenagers and some younger children.

Baoshan Sanren nods. "I understand." She then turns her gaze to Xue Yang. "What's your name?" she asks, her voice softening just a little.

"Xue Yang," he responds, still practically hiding behind Xiao Xingchen.

"And how old are you?"

"Fourteen."

"That is a little older than I usually accept new disciples, but I trust in Xingchen's judgement." He is her best current disciple, after all. "Welcome, Xue Yang."

[gentledawn]

The way Xue Yang hides warms his heart. Xingchen smiles at his brothers and sisters, but he stays still so his new friend has a nice hiding place. Baoshan Sanren has that effect on everyone, yet Xue Yang will be hard-pressed to find a kinder soul.

"He is very clever, Master. I know he will do well." he answers confidently.

The items he had purchased for the sect are handed over to his brothers and sisters. Then he holds out a candy for Xue Yang.

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Baoshan Sanren finally smiles. "Since you brought him here, he will primarily be your responsibility. You are old enough for that kind of committment. I will help of course, should you need it."

Xue Yang takes the candy from Xiao Xingchen and immediately pops it into his mouth. He feels a little relieved by Baoshan Sanren's words.

[gentledawn]

"Thank you, Master. I won't disappoint you or neglect Xue Yang." Xingchen bows to her again before turning to smile at his friend, "Let me show you where we will stay, A-Yang."

The nickname feels...right. But that is for his friend to decide, of course.

[bringingdowndisaster]

"I know you will not," she responds. She has full faith in her best student.

Xue Yang sticks close to Xiao Xingchen as they walk. They're given curious glances and friendly greetings from the other disciples, but Xue Yang responds to neither. He's wary by nature, and this situation is too new and different for him to know how to handle.

[gentledawn]

Xingchen gives his Master a parting smile before leading Xue Yang to the building where he rests with some of the older disciples. He opens the door and ushers his friend inside.

"Let's get you warmed up." he chuckles at the wariness, "No one here means you harm. They're all good people, I promise."

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang scoffs. "Sounds like something a bad person would say to trick someone." But there's a playful edge to his voice.

At least it's warmer and nicer inside.

[gentledawn]

"I didn't mean for it to..." Xingchen frowns and reconsiders his words, "You really are safe. Anyone here will help you if you ask it of them." he hurries to build up the fire, nodding at the unused bed.

"That one is yours." and it is near his.

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Xue Yang snickers a little. "Don't take it so seriously, gege. I was joking." Mostly.

He slumps down on the bed Xiao Xingchen points out. It's definitely an improvement from sleeping on the streets. "Now what?" he asks, looking expectantly at Xiao Xingchen.

[gentledawn]

It's the mostly that worries him. Xingchen makes them tea and holds out a steaming cup to his friend.

"Now we decide your strengths and your weaknesses." he shifts Shuanghua so he can sit on a cushion on the floor, "Your mind is sharp. Quick, I would say. You are cautious and don't trust easily. I think strengthening your defenses would be productive."

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang takes a sip of the tea and immediately makes a face. Too bitter! He puts it on the bedside table for now.

"How would I do that?" he asks.

[gentledawn]

This boy lives on sugar, doesn't he. Xingchen hides a smile behind his tea cup and drinks the hot brew carefully.

"We need to focus on your Golden Core. I can help you sense it."

[bringingdowndisaster]

Pretty much!

Xue Yang nods, eager to learn. "Show me."

[gentledawn]

Setting his cup aside, Xingchen brings Xue Yang's hand to his chest, calling his core to the surface. Light and warmth will encircle the other boy's hand, healing and full of life.

"This is mine."

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang's eyes go a little wide feeling the warmth encircling his hand. Oh, he's definitely feeling it. The warmth is strong and strangely comforting.

"Yeah... I feel it."

[gentledawn]

"I want you to close your eyes and concentrate on your heartbeat." Xingchen holds Xue Yang's hand against his chest, "Your core exists alongside that beat, traveling through your veins and giving you life and energy."

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang follows Xiao Xingchen's instructions and closes his eyes. He tries to focus on his heartbeat, but he's never been very good at sitting still and focusing on something like this. It goes against all of his instincts. Makes him anxious.

He ends up clutching at Xingchen's hand before opening his eyes and letting out a frustrated noise. "I can't do it!"