Thalos provided Amon with comprehensive instructions, emphasizing the importance of accomplishing all the necessary tasks to achieve his goal.
Thalos instructed Amon to assume a seated position, just as he would during meditation, with crossed legs and fingertips touching. Focusing his qi in his hand, Thalos commenced drawing a circle precisely where Amon was seated, causing it to emit a radiant yellow glow.
"Remain calm. I will infuse you with qi. You must maintain control, just as you did before."
Amon diligently followed Thalos' instructions, but this time, the task proved to be significantly more challenging. The qi was potent, making control difficult. Nevertheless, Amon managed to succeed, allowing the qi to flow through his entire body, permeating every inch.
"Now, gather all the qi in the center of your body, specifically in your solar plexus." Amon flawlessly accomplished the task, skillfully directing all the qi to his solar plexus while maintaining control. Amon's aptitude for banding qi was truly remarkable.
Gradually, the circle beneath Amon began to dissolve, transforming into ordinary qi particles.
"Now, bend the qi within your body and merge it with the copious amount of qi concentrated in your solar plexus."
Amon flawlessly executed this step, seamlessly integrating the two forms of qi in his core. This center served as the key to opening the 'gate.' Upon opening his eyes, Amon found himself immersed in a dark world. The stone plate, resembling the previously drawn circle by Thalos, stood as the sole discernible feature. However, what captivated Amon's attention the most were the paths. Countless dirt roads extended in every direction, numbering in the hundreds, if not more.
"You are currently within the gate, the birthplace of qi. The stone plate symbolizes the gate you have traversed. Choose the path that intrigues you the most, following the trail of the qi that resonates with you."
Thalos' voice reverberated through the vast emptiness of the realm.
"Embark on this step alone. I cannot offer assistance. Currently, I am utilizing all my power to ensure that you can hear my voice. I will explain the reasons behind this later. For now, adhere to my instructions."
Although Amon remained curious as to why Thalos could only communicate with him, and why it consumed all of Thalos' power, he dismissed these thoughts and placed his trust in his master's guidance.
Amon proceeded toward a path where lightning qi radiated. Stepping onto the dirt road, two colossal lightning bolts struck the ground beside him. These flashes seemed to mark his entrance onto that specific path, guiding him forward until he reached its end.
The path crackled with lightning qi, with bolts continuously striking the ground around Amon, seemingly aimed at attacking. After walking for some time and admiring his surroundings, Amon reached a junction on his left. Progressing ahead appeared straightforward, but curiosity about the alternate path's destination piqued his interest. Thalos had mentioned that these paths branched off into thousands, each offering a new power at the points of divergence.
However, every time Amon attempted to proceed along the alternate path, a massive lightning bolt struck right where he intended to go. Regardless of his repeated attempts, the same result ensued. Amon realized that he had to take action to advance.
In that moment, he recollected the abundance of qi surrounding him, particularly the lightning qi. Bending the qi, Amon approached the path once again. The lightning attempted to strike him once more, but this time, the outcome differed. Amon skillfully used the lightning qi to deflect the strikes. Countless lightning bolts aimed at him, yet he expertly redirected each one, persistently walking down the path while warding off the relentless assault.
Upon reaching the path's end, Amon encountered a stone slab adorned with the symbol of a lightning bolt. The lightning ceased its threatening display, and the instant he stepped onto the slab, he was instantaneously transported to an unfamiliar location. Before him stood a vast chamber, its walls reminiscent of those found in a castle. However, what truly caught his attention was that he stood upon a leaf-shaped platform constructed entirely of solidified qi. In the center of the chamber rested an altar, emanating an enigmatic energy. As Amon touched the energy, a peculiar being emerged and uttered, "Now, learn my technique: Young Bander."
Thalos' perspective:
"He is taking quite a while. Could it be possible? No, that cannot be. Yes, the boy is a genius with tremendous potential, but achieving this on his first attempt is still impossible."
Thalos comprehended precisely to what he was referring. He believed Amon was learning the initial technique of the Path of Lightnings.
However, the notion that Amon could perform so exceptionally seemed ludicrous to Thalos. When Thalos was a young god, newly born into existence, accomplishing such a feat was effortless. Yet, for a mere human? No, that seemed inconceivable. Just as he convinced himself that he was merely imagining things, he heard Amon's voice.
"Path of Lightnings: Thunder Punch."
Amon's voice echoed within the cave. He was not utilizing the skill within their current world but on the other side of the gate.
Back in Amon's realm, he employed the skill. It produced a deafening bang capable of causing hearing loss to those in close proximity. Accompanying the bang was a small lightning bolt. The attack primarily aimed to confuse opponents with its noise, as the lightning itself possessed little power. Amon doubted it could defeat anything more significant than a young deer, yet he found it practical for combat.
The creature teleported Amon back to the path, precisely at the branching point. Amon decided to return to the beginning. The creature imparted several essential details about this realm.
Firstly, it revealed that the creature was a "skill guardian" tasked with teaching those who reached its domain. Moreover, at the end of each branching point, a guardian resided.
Secondly, if Amon were to traverse the path in its entirety, mastering every skill at each branching point, he would confront the guardian safeguarding the ultimate manifestation of banding the lightning qi—a power surpassing that of most gods. Achieving mastery over every skill within the various paths of qi banding would grant him access to the true form of qibanding. This form was even more powerfull than the ultimate manifestations of the different banding styles.
Thirdly, only three gods had ever achieved these powers.
Lastly, if Amon desired to return, he need only return to the stone plate at the beginning and make the wish to do so. Amon decided to heed this advice and returned.