After getting over the initial surprise Fu gathered her thoughts and formulated a plan, whether it was born out of the goodness of her own heart or the desperation to try and explain why Haruto had so much Chi, only she could say.
As the group walked through the thick fog that covered the terrain, the downpour had slowed down immensely, reduced to trickles of water from a dried-up tap.
Fu and Chen walked side by side, explaining Chi to Haruto from the basics, they didn't ask why at his age he was incapable of using Chi, considering the treatment some children of the Jigoku clan especially those of Illegitimately is the correct spelling of the word. blood or born from sex workers and or someone of working class. Each had their own stories and some weren't colorful or pretty.
"Alright, Haruto, let's start from the beginning," Fu said, her expression serious yet patient. "Chi is the fundamental life energy that flows within all living beings. It gives us strength, vitality, and the power to perform extraordinary feats."
Haruto nodded, eager to learn more but feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of it all.
"Think of Chi like a river," Fu continued, gesturing to illustrate her point. "It flows throughout your body, nourishing your organs, muscles, and bones. But unlike water, Chi isn't something you can see or touch—it's a force within you, guiding your movements and empowering your actions."
Haruto furrowed his brow, trying to grasp the concept. "So, how do I use Chi? And what's the deal with those grades you mentioned?"
Fu smiled, sensing his confusion. "Using Chi is like tapping into a hidden reservoir of power within yourself. Through meditation, breath control, and focused intent, you can harness the energy of Chi and channel it to perform incredible feats. As for the grades, they represent different levels of mastery and proficiency in cultivating and manipulating Chi."
She took a deep breath before delving into the specifics. "In the Foundation Base Cultivation stage, practitioners learn to control the flow of Chi within their bodies. It's about building a solid foundation for further growth and development. As you progress to Intermediate and Advanced stages, you'll unlock more potent techniques and abilities, such as elemental manipulation and combat techniques."
Haruto nodded, starting to grasp the fundamentals. "And what about Immortal Cultivation?"
Fu's eyes sparkled with excitement as she explained. "Immortal Cultivation is the pinnacle of Chi mastery. It's about transcending the limitations of mortal existence and tapping into the divine power of the universe. Those who reach this stage become like gods, wielding unimaginable power and wisdom."
Haruto listened intently, his mind buzzing with newfound knowledge. "So, it's like unlocking different levels of power and understanding?"
"Exactly," Fu confirmed, a proud smile spreading across her face.
"Currently, all the students here are at the Foundation Base Cultivation stage," Fu explained, her voice calm and reassuring. "This stage is all about laying the groundwork for your Chi cultivation journey. It's like building a sturdy foundation for a house—you need a strong core to support the structure and withstand any challenges that come your way."
Haruto nodded, absorbing Fu's words as he contemplated his journey ahead. "So, right now, we're all trying to strengthen our foundation and learn more about our powers," he summarized, feeling a sense of clarity dawning within him.
"Exactly," Fu confirmed a hint of pride in her tone. "Each grade—from E to S-SS—represents a different level of mastery within the Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced stages. Right now, your focus should be on honing your skills, refining your techniques, and exploring the full extent of your Chi potential."
"Haruto then asks how stages are determined," Fu continued, her expression thoughtful as she considered his question. "Well, the stages are determined based on the level of mastery you've achieved in your cultivation journey."
She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts before continuing, "From Grade E to D, you're considered to be in the Foundation stage. This is where you're laying the groundwork for your Chi cultivation, building a strong core, and understanding the fundamentals of Chi manipulation."
Haruto listened intently, absorbing the information as Fu spoke. "Once you progress to Grade C to B, you enter the Intermediate stage," Fu explained further. "Here, you're refining your techniques, delving deeper into the complexities of Chi control, and expanding your repertoire of skills."
"Moving up to Grade A signifies that you've reached the Advanced stage," Fu continued, her tone becoming more animated. "At this level, you're mastering advanced techniques, exploring specialized areas of Chi cultivation, and pushing the boundaries of your capabilities most instructors are in the first stage of A like instructor hippo"
"Only three instructors are currently at the first stage of A"
"Stage? Is it different from grade?"
"Yes," Fu answered "There are three stages to every grade, for example, grade A has the novice stage, the middle stage, and the third stage of mastery, once one has mastered the third stage they can advance in grade."
"Only if they have the talent for it" Chen intervened.
"Some only end up at the second stage of Grade D and never can progress any further"
Haruto nodded in understanding, his mind racing with newfound knowledge. "And what about the highest levels?" he asked, curiosity gleaming in his eyes.
Fu's expression turned solemn as she replied, "That's where things get truly extraordinary. Grade S to SS represents Immortal cultivation—the pinnacle of Chi mastery. At this level, cultivators transcend the limitations of mortal beings, achieving immortality and wielding unimaginable power."
Haruto's eyes widened in awe at the magnitude of what Fu described. Immortal cultivation—the stuff of legends and myths. It was a goal that seemed impossibly distant yet undeniably alluring.
"But for now," Fu said, her voice bringing him back to the present, "our focus is on mastering the basics, strengthening our foundations, and working towards our goals one step at a time."
"And what about elemental attacks, how do I create those, as well as use Chi itself for both offense and defense" Haruto asked.
Fu nodded, impressed by Haruto's eagerness to learn. "Using Chi as an external force and creating elemental attacks is indeed a more advanced technique, but I'll do my best to explain."
She gestured for Haruto to follow as they walked along the damp path, the mist swirling around them like wisps of smoke.
"As I mentioned earlier, Chi flows through chambers in our body known as attributes," Fu began. "These attributes can be seen once someone has good enough control over their Chi. Most people have only one attribute, but some rare individuals, like yourself, may have more." Fu said, having picked inside his body earlier.
Haruto's interest was piqued at the mention of multiple attributes. "So, what are these attributes exactly?"
Fu smiled, pleased by his curiosity. "Attributes are essentially channels through which Chi flows, each associated with a specific element: fire, water, earth, air, dark and light as well as lightning. By running Chi through these attributes, you can create elemental attacks corresponding to each element."
Haruto nodded, processing the information. "But how do I control the elements once I've channeled Chi into my attributes?"
Fu's smile widened as she explained further. "Controlling the elements requires a deep understanding of their properties and an innate connection to their energy. It's not just about directing Chi through your attributes—it's about tapping into the essence of the elements themselves. If you can will it and think it into existence, your elements can make it as long as you have a deeper understanding of energy"
he paused, choosing her words carefully. "For example, to create a fire attack, you would need to channel Chi through your fire attribute while visualizing flames erupting from your body. It's a combination of focus, visualization, and sheer willpower."
Haruto listened intently, his mind racing with possibilities. "And what about the other elements? Are they similar?"
Fu nodded. "Yes, the process is similar for each element, but the techniques and visualizations may vary depending on the nature of the element. Water attacks, for instance, require a fluid, flowing movement of Chi, while earth attacks are more solid and grounded."
As the trio continued their discussion, Zen's voice cut through the fog commanding everyone to stop, the group instinctively drew their weapons and got into formation.
Without orders or yelling, they had each gone to their roles, their unmarked posts.
The weakest were kept in the middle along with the healers including Fu, who played both as a healer and a defender. Haruto isn't capable of using Chi but now he has the basic concept and in addition, he has superb physical abilities.
Zen and the group walked slowly, as if not to wake a sleeping beast above them, whatever sound their feet made was masked by the downpour that seemed to die down.
'Why are we on the defensive' Haruto thought internally.
The fog obscuring his vision, the scent of earth made vivid by the gentle breeze that followed the downpour and in mere moments the smell of earth was replaced by something Haruto remembered well.
Whether in his past life as Arthur or his current as Haruto, this smell was the same, an iron scent mixed with earth. The scent of blood