Chapter 10: The Wonders of Space-Time Cultivation
Ali sat cross-legged in his room, the ancient scroll of Chrono-Mastery unrolled before him. The parchment's faded characters seemed to pulse with a mysterious energy, as if the knowledge within was eager to be unlocked. The scroll described nine stages in the cultivation of Chrono-Mastery, and Ali was determined to master them all. The first three stages focused on understanding and manipulating space—a profound and complex endeavor.
Human perception was limited to three dimensions: length, width, and height. These dimensions were defined by three orthogonal axes. The human mind, constrained by its nature, could not perceive other dimensions of space. However, Chrono-Mastery offered a way to transcend these limitations. By understanding the fourth dimension, one could manipulate the space around them.
Ali read intently, absorbing every detail. The scroll explained that teleportation worked by folding space and entering from one side to exit from the other. It also mentioned a technique to hide in the fourth dimension, where others could not see or feel one's presence, but one could observe them from the side.
"At level one of Chrono-Mastery, you will master short-range teleportation," the scroll stated. "Initially, you can teleport up to 100 meters in any direction. As you advance, you must enhance the range of your teleportation, pushing the boundaries of your understanding further."
Understanding space was not an easy task. The scroll emphasized the complexity of perceiving the fourth dimension, which was elusive and incomprehensible to the ordinary mind. Ali knew he had a long journey ahead, but he was eager to begin.
Before starting the space-time cultivation, Ali decided to focus on breaking through to the third level of body cultivation. Even though he had just reached the second level, his soul perception and the insights gained from Chrono-Mastery had accelerated his progress significantly. He felt the breakthrough was near and knew that enhancing his body cultivation would aid his space-time studies.
For the next few days, Ali dedicated himself to his body cultivation. He practiced diligently, pushing his limits and honing his body and mind. The Dragon Vein Cultivation Technique guided him, enhancing his physical strength and resilience. His training was intense, but Ali was determined.
On the third day, as the first light of dawn pierced the sky, Ali felt a surge of energy within him. He channeled his qi, guiding it through the meridians and pathways outlined in the Dragon Vein Technique. With a final, focused effort, he broke through to the third level of body cultivation.
Ali's body felt invigorated, his muscles and bones strengthened by the surge of energy. His senses, already sharp from his soul cultivation, became even keener. He could see further, hear more acutely, and his mind processed information with remarkable speed. His grandfather, Hamza, was delighted by Ali's progress.
With his body cultivation now at the third level, Ali turned his full attention to Chrono-Mastery. He began his meditation, focusing on the essence of space around him. He closed his eyes and visualized the three dimensions he was familiar with. He imagined the length, width, and height of his room, the objects within it, and his own body. Then, he tried to expand his perception, reaching out with his soul to grasp the elusive fourth dimension.
Days turned into weeks as Ali immersed himself in this practice. His enhanced soul perception allowed him to make rapid progress. Slowly, he began to sense the presence of the fourth dimension, a subtle layer of reality that lay just beyond his usual perception. It was like a hidden thread, woven into the fabric of space.
One night, as the moonlight filtered through his window, Ali felt a breakthrough. He could now faintly perceive the fourth dimension, a hidden plane that seemed to fold and bend the space around him. With this newfound understanding, he attempted his first short-range teleportation.
He focused on a spot across the room, visualizing it clearly in his mind. Then, drawing upon his qi and his understanding of the fourth dimension, he willed himself to move. There was a brief sensation of disorientation, as if he had stepped through an invisible door. In an instant, he found himself standing at the opposite side of the room.
Ali's heart raced with excitement. He had done it—he had mastered the first level of Chrono-Mastery. But this was only the beginning. He knew that he must now enhance the range of his teleportation, pushing the boundaries of his understanding further.