Chapter 5 Strange Man.

The beautiful natural sound of a waterfall flowing, along with the peaceful chirping of birds echoed into the distance, it's music seemingly washing away all the worries in the heart and calming the soul, with the water curtain disappearing into the deep pool like shooting stars in the galaxy.

At the base of the waterfall over to the side of the pool, Rex lay under a tree basking in the sunlight his eyes closed as he chewed on a blade of grass the beautiful sound of nature and the aroma of fish roasting over a small fire beside him.

This was a secluded place outside the city that no one ever came to, the scenery was beautiful like an immortal painting brought into a place outside the scuffles of the mortal world.

He and Irene had found this place about three years ago while they were out playing as her grandfather picked herbs a little ways off,and she had fallen in love with this place. Since then it became the special place they hung out.

He had been a little disappointed after he had confirmed that he couldn't cultivate as that was quite the blow to his dreams, so he had come here to relax and clear his head.

He suddenly opened his eyes at the sound of some bushes rustling to see a handsome middle aged man dressed in black with a book in his hand stepping out of the forest.

"Oh, what a wonderful scenery, a beautiful scenery free from all the struggles of the mortal world, truly a marvel of nature and such a pleasant aroma too." The strange middle aged man said in a peaceful magnetic voice as he took in the view of the waterfall.

Rex smiled at the mans praise. "Good afternoon, sir."

"Hm? Oh, I didn't expect I'd run into someone at a place like this. Hello there young man." The middle aged man turned slightly surprised.

"You seem to be someone who knows how to enjoy the beauty of nature. You're in luck, this is the best scenery you'll find around. Would you like to join me Senior." Rex bowed respectfully to the middle aged man.

The man smiled warmly as he approached. "I'd love to, thank you very much. You're quite the respectful little fella. I just woke up from a nice long nap, and wanted to take a little stroll, I remember before I went to sleep I was displeased by another young mans disrespectful behavior, just because he thought he was a little strong and had some ability"

"But I find that you are much better than him in that regard." He shook his head in disappointment as he sat on a log that faced the waterfall presenting the best view Rex directed him over to.

"Please senior, you over praise me, being respectful to others is only right. That person probably let his pride blind him, he is simply trash. As for me I personally believe that anyone who acts without the proper respect that someone is due is scum, and just like all trash they should be treated properly, as these are the personal teachings my father gave me." Rex smiled humbly adding the last part with a solemn nod.

The man laughed heartily, "Haha, exactly my thoughts as well. Your father is a brilliant man. Little fellow I like a you more and more. You remind me of my nephew, what's your name?"

"Oh, forgive my manners. I am Rex, Leonis Rex. Nice to meet you." Rex stepped back and bowed a little embarrassed.

The man nodded in approval. "Leonis Rex, the Lion King huh? Not bad. The name's missing one but it's still not too far off, nice to meet you young man."

"Sit. You seem to have something on your mind, and don't tell me it's nothing I can tell it's bothering you. It always feels better to let your problems out, keeping your problems bottled up inside is bad for your health especially at your age. I'd be willing to listen, maybe I can help." He said receiving a stick of already roasted fish he had been offered."

Rex suddenly fell silent as he took a fish for himself and sat beside the man. before saying. "Well since you mentioned it, yes I do have something on my mind."

He had to admit, this man had a magnetic air about him that made you trust him. The things on his mind had been bothering him so much it was frustrating. Rex never liked worrying his parents and friends with his problems, and telling this stranger was a way to get the load off his chest, so he let all his problems out.

"So you see sir, when we were on equal grounds even though I was outnumbered I still had a chance of being able to fight back, an at least 90℅ chance of winning and making sure that even when I lost I still gave them a bloody nose.

But now that they're cultivators it's like a whole new mixed up board game. It's like I'm an ant left with both hands tied behind my back while blindfolded playing chess while they're giant Elephants masters backed by the very heavens playing Go. What's worse I don't even know how to play chess or go. So every move I make I have a 99℅ Chance of losing. Also ants don't play with Elephants they'll get stomped, It's areal annoying pain in the ass." Rex complained aggrievedly even forgetting his language.

The man nodded calmly as he listened. "First of all I don't think it's as exaggerated as you're putting it, but I think I understand your little conundrum.

"Let me ask you a question, what is cultivation? If you don't make it sound so complicated it brings you down to two words, 'Getting Stronger.'"

"You know you really do remind me of my nephew. He used to be just like you a real respectful little lad, then he met his aunt. Anyway that's another story, let's not go off track.

I'm going to tell you the exact same thing I told him when he was facing cultivation problems just like you are right now.

"First of all tell me, who told you you couldn't get stronger just because you didn't have a spirit root?" The man asked looking at him.

Rex was instantly struck dumb. He had never thought of it that way, he was right. Cultivation at its roots was just a way to get stronger by following the instructions in cultivation manuals. It was just that everyone knew that the methods for cultivation relied on the presence of a spirit root at the core to be possible.

But at the root of it all wasn't cultivation just a way to get stronger?

"There are many races with different types of people. All having different ways they cultivate to get stronger and stronger.

Some rely on their spirit root to absorb energy from the world around them, some rely on devouring the flesh powerful beasts and plants, there are so many ways to get stronger so many different cultivation styles and methods.

"Have you tried cultivating and failed, have you tried another method? If you try a cultivation method and it doesn't work, then it simply means that cultivation method isn't suitable to you. Have you tried all the cultivation methods in existence and failed, then why don't you create your own personal cultivation method, one suitable for you.

The Ancestral True Dragon did it why can't you?"

Those words rang out in his head like a bell. That's right, the True Dragon did it, why couldn't he.

The story of how the True Dragon grew to the peak was very popular. The True Dragon was originally the weakest snake yet it blazed it's own cultivation path, persevering through heavenly tribulations and defying the heavens until it became a sacred divine beast reaching the peak of the world.

The True Dragon created its own cultivation path, the first human cultivators did too, so why can't he.

Rex suddenly felt like the fog had cleared and he had found clarity, it was as if a whole new world of possibilities had been opened up to him, and his eyes shone brighter as many thoughts ran through his mind.

Seeing Rex in this condition he stood, "Don't forget with hard work nothing is impossible, where there's a will there's a way, though it might be a little painful, you'll find it's all worth it at the end of the day. So maintain a firm will and a clear heart and you'll find it's not as complicated as it seems in fact it's all quite simple.

And remember to never limit your horizons, let your imagination run wild and free. Your greatest power is your imagination, try to read some books too they can help with your imagination." He said throwing the book in hand to Rex.

"Well that's that I won't say any more or I might start yammering on complicating things. Take care of yourself little cub. I look forward to our next meeting." He waved as he walked off.

It was only when he was almost out of sight that Rex realized that he had left. "Excuse me Senior. You never told me who you are. What do I call you!?"

"My nephew used to call me Uncle Mors. You can just call me that." His voice came as he disappeared from sight.