After an enjoyable yet tiring adventure out for the day, Kai returned home feeling pleasantly worn out.
When Kai finally reached his room, he settled into bed taking a moment for himself letting go of any remaining exhaustion left inviting him to relax.
As he lay idly, a sudden realization struck him - amidst the excitement of the day, he had completely forgotten to practice today.
Nevertheless, he found himself content with the change of pace and the enjoyment he had experienced.
Kai followed his usual routine until dinnertime, feeling a renewed sense of energy.
After a satisfying meal, he retreated to his room and locked the door, pondering his next move.
Sitting on his bed, he considered, "What should I do now?"
It then occurred to him that several days had passed since he acquired the skill, yet he hadn't put it to the test.
Activating the "Spirit Manipulation" skill, he pondered how to effectively utilize it.
The question running through his mind was: "Is it possible for me to manipulate the spiritual energy in my surroundings?".
With curiosity guiding his actions, he attempted to gather the energy but found himself unsuccessful.
Undeterred, he explored another approach, gradually accumulating a small amount of spiritual energy around him.
However, within seconds, the energy dissipated, leaving him slightly down.
Realizing that he could only achieve this much for now, Kai accepted that he could only accomplish so much with the skill at this stage.
Recalling the system's message about its growth potential, he maintained hope that he would eventually unlock its full capabilities.
Then, he resumes his nightly spiritual gathering practice.
The next morning, as Kai readied himself for another day of school, alerts from the system captured his notice.
Though under pressure for time, he took the decision to leave checking them aside as an option and hastened through his daily regimen.
He barely made it on schedule and rushed off toward combat practice without any further delay.
As part of his commitment to enhancing his abilities in battle, Kai took part in an intense sparring match with Master Liang during training time.
Master Liang, a sharp observer, noticed Kai's steady accumulation of spiritual energy, surpassing 100 units.
He further recognized that many others among the students were reaching this milestone of 100 also, requiring consideration for an important matter.
After the intense sparring, Master Liang called all the students together, gathering them around him.
Piqued by this sudden gathering, Sensei Mei approached Master Liang and said:
"May I ask why we've been summoned here?" she ventured forth carefully while bringing out her curiosity and slight concern.
Master Liang chuckled nervously, realizing he had piqued Sensei Mei's interest.
"Well, Sensei Mei, you must have noticed the students' steady improvement in spiritual energy," he began.
"I believe it's time to share an important piece of information with them."
Sensei Mei's eyebrows furrowed, her curiosity intensifying.
"What information?" she pressed.
Master Liang took a deep breath, composing himself.
"As you know, to break through to the Novice Rank, students need to accumulate at least 100 units of spiritual energy," he explained.
"However, there is an additional requirement. Before reaching Novice Rank, each of them must cultivate their bodies and attain a minimum of 60 vitality."
Sensei Mei's surprise deepened, mingled with a tinge of frustration.
"Why didn't mention this to them before?" she inquired, her voice tinged with mild anger.
Master Liang scratched his head sheepishly.
"I thought it would be better for the students to make progress first before burdening them with additional tasks," he admitted.
Sensei Mei sighed, a smile twitching at the corners of her lips.
"Well, what's done is done," she remarked, her voice filled with a mix of amusement and understanding.
"Go on, inform the students properly now. And remember, you'll be in a world of pain if you keep withholding important information from me."
Master Liang nodded, a playful glint in his eyes. He approached the students, gathering their attention.
"Before we continue with your training, there's something I need to share with all of you," he began, recalling his previous conversation with Kai.
"Do you remember when Kai asked a question in class, and I mentioned there was something you would know later?"
The students nodded in unison, their curiosity piqued.
One of them replied, "Yes, sir, we remember."
Master Liang continued with a sense of gravity in his voice.
"As you strive to break through to the Novice Rank and cultivate higher levels of spiritual energy, it is essential to develop a stronger physique. Without a robust body, you won't be able to handle the increased spiritual energy effectively."
Eager anticipation filled the air as the students listened intently, their gaze fixed on Master Liang.
"Before breaking through to the Novice Rank, you must also cultivate your physical bodies to possess a minimum of 60 vitality," he announced.
"For this reason," Master Liang continued, "you will be introduced to an art called the 'Bone Refining Art.' It is a method of cultivating your bones to make them stronger, enhancing your vitality in the process."
A student raised their hand, seeking clarification. "Sir, why do we need vitality for a stronger physique, and how can we cultivate it?"
Master Liang smiled, appreciating the student's question.
He proceeded to explain, "Vitality is necessary to forge your bones and strengthen your body. You will be taught the 'Bone Refining Art,' which I will explain in detail.
First, engage in deep meditation, connect with your spiritual energy, and direct it toward your bones.
Allow the energy to seep into your skeletal structure, enhancing your bones' strength and increasing your vitality.
To aid in this process, you will be provided with Vitality-Enhancing Pills, which replenish the blood required for the cultivation. And also you guys already have Spirit-Gathering Pills that can be used for replenishing spiritual energy.
However, I must warn you, this process can be quite painful. Proceed with caution."
Master Liang's mischievous smile hinted at the challenges the students would face.
Aware that vitality measurement equipment is not available today, he announced,
"Tomorrow, we will measure your vitality. In the meantime, continue with your training."
With newfound knowledge and challenges on the horizon, the students dispersed, their minds brimming with thoughts of the path that lay ahead.