[Using a sad story to shatter his last defensive walls and earn his favor. You are truly a monster.] Lyxor couldn't help but compliment Lucius.
'Shut up.'
Meanwhile, Lucius remained silent, his eyes left wide open as he gazed at Master Zhang in disbelief.
"It would be an honor." He said passionately, bowing deeply, while the old man laughed and stroked his beard proudly.
"It's nothing. Now take a sit, and I'll help you understand the basics." Master Zhang as he pointed towards a mat on the elevated platform.
He and Lucius walked up the platform and sat adjacent to each other before he began his explanation.
"The introduction of Aetherium into our world did two things to the human body." Master Zhang began.
"It evolved our genes, granting each of us unique abilities, which are known as guardians today." Master Zhang continued. "It also opened up the human's energy pathways, allowing us to harness the natural energy spread across the world. This energy we call known as Qi"
Saying this, Master Zhang raised his hands, his veins bulging around his wrist as translucent energy manifested, completely covering his hand.
"Wow." Lucius was stunned.
He could tell this was not the tainted power of the Aether crystals, it was the pure world energy known as Qi. What truly stunned him was that this power was accessible to everyone, including powerless humans, doesn't that mean even the average man has a chance at greatness in this unfair world?
"Do not share this information with anyone. Should it get out, the entire world population of powerless humans can easily turn to martial arts in a bid to get enough strength to destroy the world governments." Master Zhang warned with a stern look.
"I will take this secret with me to the grave." Lucius bowed, and Master Zhang nodded in satisfaction.
[Do you really plan to keep this a secret?] Lyxor asked.
'Of course, if the entire world can possess power, they cannot be ruled. To be able to rule the world, I need to keep the people weak and make a select few strong.' Lucius responded.
[Doesn't that make you the same with the government you hate so much?]
'The difference between us is I will treat the people well and give them a good life. That is what most people desire. Should this power be made readily available to everyone, the world will fall into chaos because there will always be bad people who will use this knowledge for evil. Isn't it better this power is limited to a select few I can monitor and control?' Lucius asked.
[I see your point…]
"Now, try and manifest your Qi." Master Zhang interrupted Lucius' conversation with Lyxor.
"Yes. Master!" Lucius said, promptly focusing on Master Zhang, unsure of how to continue.
Master Zhang's voice, calm and measured, broke the silence.
"Lucius, listen to the wisdom of the ancients and the whispers of your inner self," he began. "Qi is the life force that flows through all things, connecting you to the universe and its boundless energy. To manifest your Qi, you must first find stillness within."
He paused, allowing Lucius to absorb his words before continuing.
"Imagine a calm lake, undisturbed by wind or rain. Your mind must be like this lake—serene, clear, and reflective. As you breathe in, envision drawing energy from the earth beneath you, feeling its stability and strength. As you breathe out, release all tension and distractions, letting them dissolve into the air."
Master Zhang moved gracefully, his robes whispering against the floor as he demonstrated a simple hand position and Lucius mimicked him.
"Place your hands gently on your knees, palms facing upward. This is a gesture of openness and receptivity. Allow your breath to become a bridge between your body and the energy around you."
"Focus on the point just below your navel," he instructed, his voice a soothing guide. "This is your Dantian, the reservoir of your Qi. With each breath, visualize a warm, glowing light gathering here. Feel its warmth grow with every inhale, becoming brighter and more concentrated."
Master Zhang's eyes gleamed as he noticed the distortion of the natural energy around Lucius. This kid was making progress on his first trial just by following his instructions!
"Remember, Lucius, Qi is not something to be forced. It is a natural flow, like a river coursing through its path. Trust in your inner strength and let the energy find its way. As you meditate, surrender to the process. Be patient, be persistent, and above all, be attuned to the quiet power within you."
He placed a gentle hand on Lucius's shoulder, helping him adjust his posture.
"In time, you will feel your Qi move, guiding you to greater clarity and strength. Embrace this journey with an open heart and a focused mind, and your inner power will manifest when you are ready."
With those words, Master Zhang stepped back, allowing Lucius to continue his meditation. By the time he was done speaking, Lucius had already fallen into a deep trance, completely detached from the outside world.
"Amazing…" Master Zhang was shocked.
Even the best students he thought needed at least a week to be able to meditate properly because it needed one to be able to put aside their inner turmoil and inner thoughts. Seeing Lucius succeed on his first trial was unheard of, even in his home country, China.
'He possesses S-rated potential as a guardian, and with this display alone it's clear he has S-rated potential at the very least as a martial art practitioner. This kid may become the next SS-rated guardian to grace this world, and I am his master! I struck gold this time!' Master Zhang couldn't help but confess.