Feng Yan sat in the serene quiet of the space, the cool air brushing against her skin as she worked to calm her racing thoughts. After the vivid dream, the discovery of the phoenix pendant, and the looming mysteries of her origin, her mind was a swirl of questions and possibilities. But for now, she needed to think strategically.
If I'm going to find out who I really am, I need more than just courage and determination, she mused, her eyes narrowing with focus. She had already laid out the key steps she needed to take to uncover the truth: physical power, financial capacity, a dark force to gather information and assert influence, and—perhaps most critically—cultivation to protect herself and her family's heritage.
She had been diligent in her martial arts practice, her body growing stronger with each passing day. Having already established a strong foundation in her previous life, her progress now was swift, her strength increasing in leaps and bounds. But martial arts alone won't be enough. I need more than just physical power.
Her company had just started, and though she had financial backing, it wasn't enough to fund the larger goals she had in mind. She needed to expand. The knowledge she possessed about medicines and herbs gave her an edge—perhaps she could venture into the pharmaceutical or medicinal field to generate more income.
However, beyond money and physical power, there was a more elusive need. She had to create a dark force—an underground organization to help her gather information, establish dominance, and protect her interests. She knew this would be no easy task. It required cunning, resources, and the right people in her corner. But first, she had to find a lead.
Feng Yan's eyes rested on the scroll that lay beside her, the one her great-grandmother had given her. Cultivation had always been part of her family's legacy, but in her previous life, she had been too focused on surviving to practice it seriously. Now, it seemed to be her only choice. Her enemies wouldn't stop, and if she was going to stand a chance, she needed to harness her family's ancient power.
With a deep breath, Feng Yan reached for the scroll. Her great-grandmother had told her to open it only when she was ready, and now, with her mind resolute and her purpose clear, she felt the time had come.
The moment she unfurled the scroll, something extraordinary happened.
The scroll itself began to glow with a soft, ethereal light, almost as if it was alive. The symbols and ancient characters inscribed on it pulsed with energy, and the air around Feng Yan seemed to hum with power. Her heart raced as she watched in awe. It was like a magical artifact, ancient and sacred, designed to guide her on her path to cultivation.
As the light grew brighter, Feng Yan felt an invisible force envelop her, gently pulling her into the process. The scroll seemed to take on a life of its own, guiding her step by step through the initial stages of cultivation. She had no need to think—her body followed the instructions naturally, as if her great-grandmother's knowledge had been imprinted on her.
The energy flowed through her with an intensity she had never felt before. The seal her great-grandmother had cleared allowed her meridians to open fully, and now, an overwhelming surge of power rushed into her body. It was as if the floodgates of the universe had been opened, and she was being filled with pure, unadulterated energy.
Her body began to undergo a transformation. Inside, she could feel her organs, bones, and muscles shifting, adapting to the new power coursing through her veins. It was painful, but the pain was also a sign of growth. Every cell in her body was being refined, strengthened by the energy flowing through her meridians. Her very essence was changing.
Sweat beaded on her forehead, her skin glistening as her body heated up from the intense energy flow. But despite the physical discomfort, Feng Yan felt a profound sense of clarity. Her mind was sharper, her senses heightened, and her understanding of the world around her deepened.
It was heaven-defying.
As the energy continued to pulse within her, Feng Yan could feel her cultivation foundation being established. Her great-grandmother's teachings flowed into her, guiding her through each intricate step. The scroll's knowledge, combined with her own natural talent and the cleared meridians, allowed her to progress at an astonishing rate.
Hours passed, though it felt like mere moments. By the time Feng Yan finished her cultivation session, she was drenched in sweat, but her body glowed with a newfound strength. Her breathing slowed, and she felt the energy in her dantian swirling like a vortex of power. Her body was stronger, her mind clearer, and her spirit more resolute.
Feng Yan exhaled deeply, feeling the incredible changes within her. Her great-grandmother's gift had unlocked a world of possibilities, and now, she had the means to protect herself and continue her family's heritage.