I began to interrogate the old merchant and asked him the question, "So, is there Qi in this world?"
He nodded and replied, "Yes, that's correct. Qi plays a significant role in this world. If one masters Qi, they can become an exceptionally strong person. However, there are also many who abuse it for their own selfish goals."
Curiously, I continued to ask, "How does one learn Qi?"
The merchant sighed and answered thoughtfully, "Learning Qi is an extremely difficult process. It starts with developing a Golden Core within oneself, which is a long and demanding path. It takes an average of about 30 years to achieve this state."
Perplexed, I asked further, "And is there no way to expedite this process?"
The merchant smiled slightly and replied, "Well, if one has enough financial resources, they can accelerate the process with the help of special pills. These pills are made from various rare herbs. Alternatively, one may be fortunate enough to find a master who can initiate them into the arts of Qi."
Frustrated, I continued to inquire, "Can't one simply enroll in a martial arts school and learn Qi there?"
The merchant shook his head and explained, "Well, theoretically, that would be possible. However, in most martial arts schools, you would first spend many years sweeping the floor and serving your master as an outer disciple before even being recognized as an inner disciple."
I sighed in disappointment. This wasn't the quick and easy path I had envisioned. But perhaps Nori could still help us in some way with her abilities.
"Nori, can you sense the Qi within me? Can you help me recognize and master it?"
Nori responded with a gentle voice in my mind:
[Analysis complete.]
[Qi detection failed. My virtual sensors are unable to detect or analyze the subtle energy of Qi.]
I sighed slightly disappointed because I had hoped that Nori could assist me in discovering and controlling Qi. However, as an artificial intelligence, Nori was bound by her programmed limitations and couldn't establish a direct connection to Qi.