btth: crafting even heaven

Chapter 29: Chapter 29: The Molding Years



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🌄 Xiao Clan Courtyard – Weeks After the Age Ceremony

Morning mist settled like silk over the Xiao Clan courtyard. Birds chirped atop the training pavilions, and the scent of herbal tonics wafted from the kitchens. But for the past few weeks, one thing had become evident—Xiao Yan was not around as often.

Tianzun sat under a plum blossom tree in meditation. Across from him, Xun'er practiced her breathing technique while Yoru lazed in the grass, tossing pebbles.

"He skipped training again," Yoru said, twirling a blade of grass between her fingers.

Xun'er opened her eyes slowly. "He said the others invited him to play Dou Beast Chase near the bamboo forest."

Yoru scoffed. "He's ditching us for tag with brats half his strength."

Tianzun opened his eyes, exhaling calmly.

"Let him go," he said.

The girls looked at him.

"He's entering a molding phase," Tianzun explained. "The desire to be seen, to be liked, to feel above others... It's natural for someone gaining attention for the first time."

Xun'er tilted her head. "You don't mind he's not with us?"

"No. Because this isn't abandonment. It's exploration."

Yoru looked unconvinced. "Still feels like he left us behind."

Tianzun smiled faintly. "He needs this. The world will shape him now more than we ever could. If he loses himself, we'll be here to remind him. If he grows... all the better."

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🌳 Bamboo Forest – Solo Training

Meanwhile, Xiao Yan trained alone in the shaded bamboo grove, punching the air with practiced form.

> "One strike... Two... Channel the Qi to the wrist..."

His face was determined, but also distracted. Between moves, he glanced in the direction of the village.

He heard laughter. Children were waiting. But he still lingered.

> "I haven't sparred with Tianzun in days. Wonder what he's doing?"

Yet he shook the thought away. He wanted to prove something—to the clan, to himself. He was the one in the spotlight now.

He didn't notice that Tianzun had already predicted all of it.

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🔬 Later That Day – Plum Garden Conversation

As the sun began to set, Xun'er, Yoru, and Tianzun sat watching clouds.

Yoru kicked her legs. "So we're just letting him drift away?"

Tianzun sipped a calming tea. "He's not drifting. He's swimming downstream. We're the ones on the riverbank, waiting."

Xun'er looked thoughtful. "Will he come back?"

Tianzun replied, "Not today. Maybe not tomorrow. But one day he'll need anchoring. And we'll still be here."

Yoru looked at him. "You're... really patient, huh?"

He nodded. "Because I've seen how easily pride blinds a bright soul. If I push now, he resists. If I wait, he remembers."

The three of them sat in silence, letting the winds carry their thoughts.

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End of Chapter 29


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