Khan Bei's Journey - The Mentor

The echoes of the most recent rebellion had faded, and Sun Jian’s banners now flew proudly over Changsha. The city, once a staging ground for war, was returning to its rhythm. Khan Bei found himself in the familiar position of a warrior without a battle, this would allow him to return to his usual routine as a doctor and occasional mentor.

But for Sun Jian, peace was the perfect time to build for the future. He wished for his sons to be educated and well-rounded, not just in martial prowess, but in character and wisdom. And for that, he had requested the help of the Heavenly Sword of Balance.

“You want me to be a mentor for your children, Lord Sun Jian?”

In Khan Bei’s clinic, Sun Jian had a tendency of visiting whenever he needed to discuss matters of personal importance for him. The doctor, having shed his warrior persona after returning from the battle against the rebels, was usually found there, even when he was technically a member of Sun Jian’s vassals.

“That is correct, my friend.” Sun Jian sat opposite Khan Bei who was busy tending to some of his herbal medicines. “The Yellow Turban rebellion may have been defeated, but that doesn’t mean that trouble has stopped brewing in the realm. I believe we should also look to the future, and that is why I need my children to be ready when their time to lead arises.”

The Heavenly Sword of Balance scrutinized Sun Jian with that calm, yet piercing gaze of his. Sun Jian could almost feel how the doctor was looking at his own spirit. The jade eyes of the swordmaster could see if people were being honest or deceitful.

“If the children are as capable and stubborn as the father, then I suppose there can be no harm in mentoring them. However,” to this, Khan Bei raised his hand with a finger held up, “I will not give them any special treatment, nor will they receive what they haven’t earned from me. If they quit? I will not take them back. Is that agreeable?”

Sun Jian laughed loudly and nodded. “Hahahaha! That’s more than fair, Khan Bei! Don’t hold back just because they are my children. This will also help them toughen up, eh?”

The doctor smiled slightly and nodded.

“Tell them to meet me on the training grounds tomorrow. At sunrise.”

“Sunrise? Isn’t that a bit too early for children?” Sun Jian’s protest was met with a hard stare from the Heavenly Sword.

“Training grounds. Tomorrow. At sunrise.” Khan Bei stood up from his chair and looked at Sun Jian in an almost dismissive way. “They are the future, Sun Jian. It is never too early to start, and they have great potential. However, if you truly believe they are not ready, then I will not push the matter. Remember: No special treatment.”

Sun Jian left the clinic with a sense of worry. What did he just sign up his children to?

The following morning, at sunrise…

In the training grounds behind the family manor, the mist of the morning was still floating giving the place a slightly eerie look. The footsteps of children could be heard approaching as the three children of Sun Jian appeared in the grounds. Sun Ce, Sun Quan and the young Princess Sun Shangxiang.

Sun Ce, a young man of 14, strutted into the grounds looking around expecting to see some grand spectacle or finding a challenger to spar with. Sun Quan, the lad of 12 with his more measured attitude, stepped in wondering why they had to wake up this early for training. Sun Shangxiang, while still a child of 10 and underestimated for being a girl, was curious to know what her brothers might be doing.

Their father had told them they would begin to train under a very special teacher and that they should be: “On the training grounds, tomorrow morning at sunrise. Whatever the teacher tells you to do, you obey. Is that understood?”

“I don’t see the special teacher anywhere. Is he running late?” Sun Ce looked around in a petulant manner. “Doesn’t speak well of the ‘teach’.”

“Brother, we shouldn’t jump to conclusions. For all we know, maybe we are here earlier than expected.” Sun Quan had a tendency of considering the alternatives his brother never thought of.

“Hey! Isn’t that the teacher?” Sun Shangxiang, far more observant than the boys, noticed someone sitting in a meditative position and pointed him out to them.

The sun had barely risen above the rooftop of the mansion and cast its light on to the training grounds, illuminating the area.

The children saw a man in deep meditation. His legs were crossed in a specific fashion. His hands were held together in a prayer stance with his eyes closed. Only his mouth seemed to be moving slightly, uttering soft words. There was subtle green aura of calm energy emanating from his being.

Approaching slowly, the Sun children looked at the man curiously, studying his features and posture. He didn’t look tough, thought Sun Ce. Has he been here all along?, inquired Sun Quan. Who is this man?, wondered Shangxiang.

The eyes of the man opened abruptly, catching the children off guard and making them step back with fright. Standing up slowly, the man suddenly looked like he was much taller than he really was. For a moment, the children thought he was a giant.

“Good morning, children. You’ve arrived on time. That is good.” Khan Bei’s voice was deep, yet had a gentle tone to it. “I am Khan Bei, The Heavenly Sword of Balance. Your father asked me to serve as your teacher.”

The children simply stared at the towering man with incredulous eyes. Sun Ce had heard from the soldiers that had marched with his father north that their army smashed through the gates of the rebels thanks to the help of a Heavenly Sword. Sun Quan recalled hearing from one of his father’s advisors that their doctor had saved the lives of many of their soldiers thanks to his skills as a doctor and warrior. Shangxiang, while not yet intrigued by combat or battles, had heard from her friends that Sun Ce had been scolded badly by a doctor in town who her father had befriended and asked to join his ranks.

Could this be the same man? A Heavenly Sword?

“Let me see if I can tell who is who.” Khan Bei took a step forward and looked at the children with a bit more severity in his gaze. “Stand in line. Show some respect, children.”

Suddenly feeling the seriousness of his words, the children stood in line and waited.

“I remember you, reckless child,” Khan Bei directed his attention to Sun Ce who suddenly realized who he was talking with, “Your father told me you’ve passion and strength, but I can see you lack control. We will see if you are as good as you think you are, Sun Ce.”

Sun Ce felt a wave of embarrassment and anger at these words. He remembered how this man had rebuked him in front of Zhou Yu and his father without considering his position.

“That would make you Sun Quan,” The boy suddenly felt nervous when he heard Khan Bei mention his name. “I can see a lot of potential in you, just like your father said. But I can sense you have a certain lack of confidence in yourself. If you listen to the lessons I impart to you and your siblings, I promise you will become a great leader one day.”

Sun Quan felt a sudden surge of excitement at these words. He had always wanted to become a great man like his father and one day surpass his brother. He would have to work hard!

“And who might you be, little girl?” Khan Bei leaned down so he could look directly at Shangxiang who pouted.

“I’m not a little girl! I’m Sun Shangxiang! I’m the daughter of Sun Jian!” She took a step forward as if challenging the towering mentor. This made him smile with approval.

“You certainly are not a little girl, Princess. I like your spirit and the fire in your heart. I certainly wish some men who think themselves strong would have YOUR spirit and fire. I’m looking forward to teaching you.” Khan Bei nodded at her as he gently patted her head.

Shangxiang couldn’t tell if he was underestimating her or if he genuinely meant what he said. But hearing someone praise her spirit made her feel happy and acknowledged.

“Before we get started, I would like to take a measure of your current skills. This will allow me to know how best to teach you individually to make the most of your talents and work on your weak sides.” Khan Bei stood before them as he scrutinized each child.

Sun Ce was still dealing with the jab he gave them about their first encounter: Pride and recklessness…

Sun Quan had been excited at the prospect of learning, but he could see that his confidence waned quickly: Doubt and low self-esteem…

Shangxiang seemed the most excited to begin training, but her age and being a woman would be challenging for her: Eagerness and being underestimated…

“For now, let us see what you can do. Who wants to go first?”

The first to step up was Sun Ce. He strutted in, his youthful face beaming with confidence that bordered on arrogance. “Father said you’re strong. But are you Sun Jian strong?”

Khan Bei raised an eyebrow. “Strength is measured in many ways, young one. Brute force is but one. Show me what you know.”

Khan Bei tossed a training sword to Sun Ce while he picked up one for himself.

Sun Ce attacked with a flurry of blows, mimicking his father’s powerful strikes. Khan Bei deflected them all with ease. The exchange showcased Sun Ce’s tendency of rushing forward without hesitation. Every strike from his practice sword was followed by a loud yell from the boy who displayed his fighting spirit relentlessly. However, no matter how much the boy tried, he could not breach Khan Bei’s defenses. Slowly, but surely, Sun Ce’s attacks began to lose speed and strength due to fatigue.

“You’re strong,” Khan Bei admitted, “but you rely too much on power and not enough on precision or control.”

Sun Ce scowled. “I am precise.”

Khan Bei smiled faintly. “Then prove it.”

The boy roared loudly and rushed again using what little strength he had, hoping his fighting spirit would help him score a hit. The teacher, having had a proper measure of the boy’s skills, proceeded to disarm Sun Ce several times, each with a gentle tap that left the young lord bewildered. After the final attempt had failed, Sun Ce suddenly felt his old injuries aching, the same ones Khan Bei had healed back then. When he looked up, his mentor looked down on him with his sword pointing at Sun Ce’s face.

“True strength,” Khan Bei explained, “is knowing your limits and exceeding them with control. You haven’t taken care of your injuries, even after I warned you then to avoid being reckless. Your greatest strength is also your greatest weakness, Sun Ce. You’re reckless and lack discipline.”

Sun Ce felt branded by the words Khan Bei had said. He’d heard the same lecture many times before, but he’d always proven them all wrong. This time, he had been beaten not just in skill, but also in mind and spirit.

As he was getting angrier, he noticed that Khan Bei had knelt down and placed his right hand over his shoulder. The Sun children watched in awe as their master’s hand began to glow in a faint green color. Sun Ce recognized this as Khan Bei’s incredible healing ability which had earned his father’s recognition. After a few seconds, the pain he felt was gone.

“You’ve much to learn, Sun Ce. If you listen well and follow the advice given, you will one day become a powerful warlord who not only conquers your adversaries, but also conquers your own weaknesses. That is the true strength of a warrior.” When he released Sun Ce’s shoulder, Khan Bei stood up and nodded at the boy.

“I… I understand, master.” Sun Ce was still grumbling with himself, but couldn’t really argue with what Khan Bei had said. He may not have liked it, but he felt a growing sense of respect for his master.

“Sun Quan, step forward.” Sun Ce sat down while Sun Quan approached Khan Bei. Respectfully, he gave a proper bow.

Sun Quan was more reserved. He entered hesitantly, his eyes downcast. “Father said I should pay attention to your lessons,” he mumbled.

Khan Bei nodded. “And so you shall.”

He started with basic forms, noticing Sun Quan’s careful movements. He wasn’t as aggressive or as reckless as his brother, but did notice his hesitation to secure a solid hit. Cautious, but indecisive.

“You’re cautious,” Khan Bei observed. “That is not a weakness, but a strength. However,” Just as Sun Quan started to feel pride in his cautious approach, Khan Bei breached his defense and disarmed him, “caution without confidence is a cage.”

He saw Sun Quan flinch slightly at his comment. For a moment, he could sense the boy’s confidence quickly plummeting.

“There is no need to be discouraged, Sun Quan. Even the bird needs time to learn how to fly. Be patient and learn how to flow with your environment; with your own mind, body and spirit.” He gestured for Sun Quan to follow along with his sword form. “Let’s try a different stance for you.”

Khan Bei guided him through a series of movements, each emphasizing balance and control. These movements didn’t have the same offensive power and speed as Sun Ce. Their other martial arts masters had emphasised the need to seek victory quickly and with overwhelming force. This form was different… It was resilient, strong and impenetrable. He had used the exact same form to defend against and disarm Sun Ce only a moment ago. It felt natural for Sun Quan…

“Feel the energy flowing within you, Sun Quan. You have it. Now let it flow through the blade. Defend, find the gap, and strike when the time is right.” Gradually, Sun Quan’s movements became more fluid, his strikes gaining strength. A small smile appeared on his face as he looked at Khan Bei nodding with approval.

“See?” Khan Bei said softly. “You have more power than you think.”

“Thank you, Master!” Sun Quan bowed with gratitude and continued to practice the form by himself.

“Now then, Princess. Would you like to give it a try as well?” The master’s eyes lingered on Shangxiang who looked eager to try something new.

“Yes, Sir!” The boisterous voice of the young girl made her teacher chuckle.

“With you, I’d like to try something different from these two. Let’s see if we can find the best training for you so you can become stronger, smarter and be able to defend yourself and your family when the time comes.” The master looked at Shangxiang while the girl looked puzzled.

“Why can’t I do the same things my brothers are, Master? I can do it too!” A pout appeared on the girl’s face which made the Master raise an eyebrow.

“Oh! So you want to be like your brothers?” Khan Bei crouched down so that he could look at Shangxiang directly, “You want to be aggressive as Sun Ce and cautious as Sun Quan?”

The girl was about to give a fast answer, but noticing the look her new master was giving her, she could tell she needed to think about it. Crossing her arms and grumbling as she thought hard, she looked at her master.

“I don’t want to be like my brothers. I don’t think…” The girl looked a bit embarrassed at her statement.

“Good.” The master’s comment made Shangxiang stare back in surprise. “You should always try to be no less than what you want to be.” He patted her head again which made her giggle. “You want to be strong? Become stronger. You wish to be smarter? Become smarter. You want to become Sun Shangxiang, a proud warrior of the Sun Family? Then I will do everything in my power to help you become whatever you want to be.”

The girl’s expression brightened up as excitement filled her heart. She had always been told that she would become a “lady of the Sun Family” and she would have to act and behave as a woman of her station. But in her heart, she always found such things boring and unfulfilling. She always wanted to be more like her brothers or like her father. At times, she even wished she had been born a boy. But hearing Master Khan Bei saying she could be whatever SHE chose to be, filled her with hope.

“Th-Then… I want to become the strongest woman in the realm! I want to be the pride of the Sun Family!” Shangxiang’s enthusiasm made her say these words loudly, which made her brothers look at her as if she had said something completely ludicrous. But to the boy’s surprise, their master stood up and nodded at the girl with encouragement.

“Then you and I have a purpose now. I will help you become what you wish to become, Princess. All I ask is that you give it your best, listen to my instructions and follow your own path. Don’t let anyone put out that fire in your heart. You will learn how to use your strong spirit and focus your energies. You will not be like your brothers. No. You will be YOU.” He ended this statement by pointing at her.

“You have a natural talent,” Khan Bei praised. “But talent alone is not enough. You must learn discipline and control. I will aid you in this endeavor for as long as it takes. I promise.” Sun Shangxiang nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Throughout the morning, the siblings were dedicated to their training. After Sun Ce had a conversation with his master, he began to train his other talents as well as how to focus his impetuous nature more effectively. Sun Quan has begun to slowly build his confidence thanks to the encouragement of their master who took the time to observe the boy’s progress and provide minute changes to help him find his own flow. Shangxiang, empowered by her master’s words, was working diligently as she was trained in martial arts suited for her young age but also tailored to challenge her personality and ambition.

Watching from a distance was Sun Jian who observed his children training with renewed vigor and enthusiasm. It was subtle, but he could see Sun Ce reining in his recklessness bit by bit as he was challenged by Khan Bei’s superior abilities.

Sun Quan had always been a reserved and cautious boy, and that made him unsure of himself, feeling overshadowed by his older brother. But the Heavenly Sword had taken his son’s nature and turned it into his strength. Sun Quan was now focused, building his confidence and learning to become his own man.

He never would have imagined that Khan Bei would have encouraged Shangxiang to become a warrior! She had always had a fiery personality and had an independent spirit, just like her mother. This made her difficult to talk to or convince to do certain things. Khan Bei, instead of calming her fire, stoked the flames in her heart and encouraged her to be herself.

Ever since he managed to convince Khan Bei to join his cause and serve under his family, Sun Jian had noticed how things were subtly falling into place. His focus had been in securing the future of their family, but in doing so, he felt that he had neglected to help his children grow. Teachers had come and gone through the years. Some had a measure of success with his children. But never had anyone succeeded in bringing out his children’s talents.

Perhaps in the end, he too needed to learn how to make better judgements. But for the time being, he felt reassured that he had made a wise decision this time around: The Heavenly Sword of Balance would aid the Tiger’s Cubs become the future of the Sun Family.