### Chapter 11: Harmony in Chaos
Ming Yue had been diligently solidifying his foundation at the first rank of Qi Gathering. His days were spent immersing himself in cultivation, drawing in Qi from the surroundings, and refining it within his body. The process was painstakingly slow, but he was patient, knowing that a solid foundation was crucial for future breakthroughs.
One evening, while cultivating in the abandoned house he had claimed as his own, Ming Yue felt the accumulation of Qi reaching a critical point. He sat cross-legged, focusing his mind and breath, as the ambient energy around him began to swirl and condense.
As he delved deeper into his cultivation, his consciousness drifted into his sea of consciousness, where the Chaos Tree stood tall and enigmatic. Its branches twisted and turned like serpents, and its leaves shimmered with an otherworldly light. Ming Yue's eyes sparkled with a golden hue as he stared into the depths of the mysterious tree.
"Harmony of Chaos," he whispered to himself, "Chaos is not mere disorder; it is the primordial dance, the interplay of creation and dissolution."
Chaos Qi surged within him like wild rivers, untamed and unpredictable. But within its tumult lay hidden patterns, like constellations in a stormy sky. He recalled the five phases of Chaos Qi his mother had once told him about:
- **Birth (Hun):** The initial spark of creation.
- **Growth (Zhi):** The flourishing of life and energy.
- **Conflict (Chong):** The inevitable clashes and turmoil.
- **Balance (He):** The delicate equilibrium between forces.
- **Dissolution (Xiao):** The final return to nothingness.
Ming Yue surrendered to the chaos within, accepting everything when the tree whispered to him. He ceased resisting, allowing the currents to carry him. His meridians expanded, channels widening like cosmic rivers. Chaos Qi flowed freely, no longer a tempest but a symphony. In that moment, he glimpsed the Chaos Nexus—a realm beyond realms, where all elements converged. Here, Chaos was both canvas and brushstroke.
Ming Yue's dantian pulsed, and the boundary between self and universe blurred. He became the eye of the storm, the stillness within Chaos. The breakthrough came with a surge of nirvana light, green and radiant waves surrounding him. It shattered barriers, melding his essence with the Chaos Tree's roots, showing how infinite it was. Chaos Qi now obeyed him as he had accepted it, unlike before, harmonizing with his intent. He was no longer a mere vessel; he was the conductor of chaos itself.
The experience was transformative. Though it was a small leap in the vast world of cultivation, and even though he was still pitifully weak compared to the true cultivators, the Chaos Tree had shown him a glimpse of the secrets buried in its nebulous tapestry of history.
As the radiant waves subsided, Ming Yue opened his eyes. He felt a new clarity, a deeper connection to the Chaos Qi. He picked up a small stone, holding it in his palm, and injected a tendril of Chaos Qi into it. The stone began to erode rapidly, crumbling into dust within moments. He marveled at this new ability, understanding its potential and its current limitations. For now, his Qi was insufficient to wield this power on a larger scale, but it was a start.
He stood up, stretching his limbs and feeling the new strength coursing through his veins. The night was still, and the village outside was quiet. Ming Yue knew that his journey was just beginning. The path ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but he was determined to press forward. With the Chaos Tree's guidance and his newfound strength, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Ming Yue stepped outside into the cool night air. The stars above shone brightly, reflecting the determination in his eyes. He took a deep breath, feeling a profound sense of purpose. The world was vast, and his destiny awaited.
Ming Yue looked at the stars, feeling the chaos around him. Though subtle, he was already sensing its constant fluxes in the material plane. "What about money?" he pondered. "Wait, I heard from a villager that in three months' time, sects will be accepting disciples ranging from fourteen to nineteen. If I manage to join a distant sect, I could avoid the Tian clan for a while and use it to cover my shadow. All attendees will be going, but if the Tian clan is there, I could be putting myself in their hands. Though they think I'm dead, it won't be long before they find out I'm still alive. But this is my only chance, and I have to gamble," Ming Yue mused as he stepped outside, seeing the moon's reflection on the lake nearby.
It was ironic; his name meant "as serene as moonlight on still waters." He lay on the soft grass, looking up at the stars. "Each one is a world and plane of their own, and one day, all shall be within my grasp. Wealth, power, and even women if I want," he thought, his orange eyes rippling as he combed his dyed hair. In this moment, Ming Yue looked mature and handsome, unlike his former self in the gladiator pits, who was handsome yet dirty and filthy.
"I will have to cultivate for the next months and solidify my foundation in this realm. With the basic yet valuable knowledge of Chaos Qi, I could make a breakthrough," he thought, clenching his hands as though squeezing the star he was looking at.
Determined to not waste any time, Ming Yue planned his cultivation regimen meticulously. Each day was divided between practicing martial techniques, refining his Chaos Qi, and studying the cultivation method he had begged from Scholar Feng. The nights were dedicated to meditation under the starry sky, where he felt closest to the essence of Chaos.
The village of Yongan provided a peaceful backdrop to his rigorous training. It was larger than the previous village, bustling with activity, especially in the marketplace. The market was a main supply of resources, known for a special wood called Yin Veined Bluewood. This wood was stronger than metal and used to make hilts for weapons. Its blue veins were a result of absorbing the Yin element, and the trees grew nearby, making it a valuable resource.
Ming Yue wandered the marketplace, observing the various goods and the vibrant life of the village. The houses were made of sturdy wood, their roofs covered with clay tiles. The villagers wore simple yet practical clothing, suited for their daily tasks. Men carried tools and goods, women haggled with merchants, and children played in the streets. The air was filled with the sounds of bargaining, laughter, and the occasional cluck of chickens or bray of donkeys.
He approached one of the shop owners, hoping to find a way to earn some money. The man, a burly fellow with a thick beard and a kind smile, listened to his plea.
"I'm looking for work, sir. Anything that can help me earn some money," Ming Yue said respectfully.
The shop owner looked at him, his eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and pity. "You're quite young, lad. Shouldn't you be playing instead of working yourself to the bone?" he said, shaking his head.
Ming Yue smiled wryly. "I have to take care of myself. I can't afford to play," he replied.
The man sighed. "Well, if you're determined, you could try collecting herbs or animal hides. But it's dangerous work, especially for a boy your age. The beasts in the forest aren't forgiving."
Ming Yue nodded, understanding the risk but feeling a sense of determination. "Thank you for the advice. I'll manage," he said, bowing slightly before leaving the shop.
Returning to his temporary home, Ming Yue worried about how he could make money. He thought about the suggestion to hunt animal hides and sell them at the market. He currently had the boar's hide from his earlier encounter and decided to sell it to Scholar Feng, hoping the man might have a use for it.
The next day, Ming Yue carried the boar's hide to Scholar Feng's residence. The old scholar was surprised to see him again but welcomed him inside.
"Back so soon, boy? What do you have there?" Scholar Feng asked, eyeing the hide.
"I brought this boar's hide. I thought you might find a use for it," Ming Yue replied, laying the hide on the table.
The scholar examined it carefully. "Not bad. What do you want for it?"
Ming Yue hesitated before speaking. "If you find it useful, I can bring more. I just need some money to sustain myself."
Scholar Feng nodded thoughtfully. "Very well. I'll take this hide and pay you for it. If you bring more, I'll buy them as well. But be careful in those woods. They're not safe."
"Thank you, Scholar Feng," Ming Yue said, relieved. He received a few coins in exchange for the hide, which would help him for the time being.
As he left the scholar's house, Ming Yue felt a renewed sense of purpose. He would hunt and gather more hides, earning enough to sustain himself while continuing his cultivation. The path ahead was still fraught with challenges, but he was ready to face them head-on. The next three months would be crucial, and he was determined to be prepared for the upcoming sect selection. His journey was just beginning, and with each step, he was getting closer to his goals.
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