Chapter 5: The Wonders of Soul Cultivation
The village of Stone Dam was known for its horses, and Ali, at just seven years old, had already become familiar with the daily rhythms of their care. Yet tonight, his mind was far from the stables and the village's routine. Ali's grandfather, Hamza, had just revealed the secrets of soul cultivation to him, an ancient practice passed down from their legendary ancestor. This night would mark Ali's first steps on a path that few had the privilege to tread.
Hamza had explained that Ali's aptitude for soul cultivation was extraordinary. Over the years, Hamza had meticulously tempered Ali's body and soul, preparing him for this moment. Unlike body cultivation, which drew from the heaven and earth essence qi, soul cultivation required a more profound qi—virtue qi. This qi was closely tied to karma and virtue, and "The Book of the World" detailed the various sources and methods to harness it.
"The first part of your cultivation," Hamza had said, "requires not only diligence but also timing. The best time to cultivate is at the end of the night, just before the sunrise. The movement of the sun and moon signals the optimal moment."
Ali had spent the evening trying to sleep, but anticipation kept him awake. As the night deepened and the village grew silent, he felt a sense of calm and readiness. When the time finally came, he slipped out of bed and quietly left the house.
The world outside was still, shrouded in darkness. It was the hour when even the night creatures rested, and Ali felt a profound solitude as he walked to the practice grounds. The air was cool, and the stars overhead seemed to watch over him as he settled into a meditative posture.
As Ali began to focus, he reached out with his consciousness, trying to sense the world qi around him. Gradually, he felt a mysterious link connecting his awareness to the vast expanse of the heavens. An ethereal presence surrounded him, one that he could not fully describe, much less understand how to absorb. This feeling, though brief, was profound and left him in awe.
Lost in contemplation of this sensation, Ali noticed flickering lights gathering at a certain spot. Intrigued, he followed them to the practice grounds, where he found his grandfather, Hamza, deeply immersed in cultivation. The mysterious presence Ali had sensed was there, magnified several folds.
Hamza's aura shimmered as he manipulated this profound power, drawing it into his body and soul with practiced ease. Ali watched in wonder, realizing that his grandfather had been cultivating for hours. This wasn't the first time Ali had seen Hamza awake at night, but only now did he understand the depth of his grandfather's practice.
The first sparkles of dawn began to creep over the horizon, and with them, Hamza completed his practice. He stood, a serene expression on his face, and noticed Ali watching him. Hamza approached, placing a gentle hand on Ali's shoulder.
"You felt it, didn't you?" Hamza asked, his voice soft yet filled with pride.
"Yes, Grandfather," Ali replied, awe still evident in his voice. "I felt
something...mysterious. But I don't know how to describe it, let alone absorb it."
Hamza nodded, understanding the confusion and curiosity in Ali's eyes. "That feeling is the presence of virtue qi. It's more elusive and profound than the qi used for body cultivation. It's a power tied to our karma and virtue, and learning to harness it is a gradual process. You have made an excellent start."
Ali felt a rush of determination. "I want to learn, Grandfather. I want to master this and follow the path of our ancestors."
"And you will, Ali," Hamza assured him. "For now, continue to observe and practice diligently. The book will guide you, but your own experience and patience will be your greatest teachers."
As the first light of day spread over Stone Dam Village, Ali felt a renewed sense of purpose. He knew the journey ahead would be challenging, but with his grandfather's guidance and the legacy of their ancestors, he felt ready to face it. This was the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one that would lead him towards true immortality.