The next morning, Li Wei sat cross-legged in his tiny room, his breathing calm and steady. Following the system's guidance, he had spent the night meditating, drawing faint strands of spiritual energy into his body. With each breath, he felt the energy circulate within him, gathering in his dantian, the core of a cultivator's power.
The system's display floated in front of him:
Current Cultivation Level: Mortal Stage 1 (15%)
New Tasks Available:
Meditate for two hoursReward: 20 cultivation pointsHunt and defeat a Spirit BeastReward: 100 cultivation pointsLearn a Basic Martial TechniqueReward: 50 cultivation pointsLi Wei studied the tasks, particularly the third one: Learn a Basic Martial Technique. He had heard stories about powerful techniques that allowed cultivators to wield energy in unique ways, like striking an opponent from a distance or enhancing their own speed. Yet, in his village, such techniques were almost unheard of.
The system's voice spoke within his mind, calm and clear. "Seek a mentor. There are those in your village who possess hidden knowledge."
Li Wei raised an eyebrow. A mentor? Here? Most of Willow Brook's villagers were farmers and laborers. But there was one person who came to mind—the reclusive old man who lived in a hut on the outskirts of the village.
The villagers called him Elder Yuan, though no one seemed to know his real name or where he had come from. He was an enigma, seldom seen and never spoken of. Rumor had it that he was once a cultivator, though he had long since given up that life.
Determined, Li Wei made his way to the edge of the village. Elder Yuan's hut was nestled among the trees, a modest structure made of stone and wood. Li Wei hesitated at the door, feeling a strange sense of trepidation. But before he could knock, the door creaked open, and he found himself staring into the piercing gaze of an old man with silver-streaked hair and a face marked by countless years of wisdom and hardship.
"What brings you here, boy?" Elder Yuan's voice was rough but steady, his gaze assessing.
Li Wei took a deep breath and bowed. "Elder Yuan, I…I wish to learn the path of cultivation. Please, would you teach me a basic martial technique?"
Elder Yuan's eyes narrowed, a hint of surprise flickering in his expression. "Cultivation, hm? And what makes you think you're worthy of such knowledge?"
Li Wei clenched his fists. "I may not be from a noble family, and I may not have great talent, but I have the will to improve. I'll do whatever it takes."
The old man studied him for a long moment, as though weighing his sincerity. Finally, Elder Yuan turned and walked back into his hut, motioning for Li Wei to follow. Inside, the room was sparsely decorated, with only a few scrolls and a simple mat on the floor.
"Sit," Elder Yuan commanded.
Li Wei sat down, keeping his back straight and his gaze steady. Elder Yuan knelt across from him, his expression unreadable.
"Young people always crave power, yet they seldom understand the price," Elder Yuan said, his tone quiet. "Cultivation is not a simple path. It requires discipline, patience, and an unwavering will. Many begin this journey, but only a few survive it."
Li Wei nodded, meeting the elder's gaze with determination. "I'm willing to pay the price, whatever it takes."
Elder Yuan's lips curled into a faint smile. "We shall see. Show me the energy you've gathered."
Following the elder's instructions, Li Wei closed his eyes and guided the spiritual energy within him to the surface, letting it flow through his limbs. It was faint but unmistakable, a thin current of warmth radiating from his dantian.
Elder Yuan's eyes widened slightly. "You've already begun gathering spiritual energy…interesting. And quite surprising." He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Very well, I'll teach you a basic technique—a martial stance known as the Iron Root."
Li Wei leaned forward, excitement sparking in his eyes. "The Iron Root?"
"It is a foundation for all martial arts," Elder Yuan explained. "It teaches stability, strength, and control. Once you master it, you'll be able to channel your spiritual energy through your body more effectively."
Standing, Elder Yuan moved into the center of the room and took a stance, spreading his legs shoulder-width apart and sinking his weight down. His feet were rooted firmly to the ground, his posture as solid as a mountain.
"Watch carefully," Elder Yuan instructed. "The Iron Root begins with balance. Feel the earth beneath you, let your energy connect with it. Your body must become immovable, like a great tree."
Li Wei mimicked the stance, spreading his legs and sinking down, but his balance wavered, and he felt awkward, his energy unsteady.
"Focus," Elder Yuan said sternly. "Draw your energy from your core. Let it flow down, rooting you to the ground."
Li Wei took a deep breath, drawing the faint strands of spiritual energy from his dantian and sending them downward, toward his legs and feet. Gradually, he felt his stance become more stable, his body more grounded.
Elder Yuan nodded approvingly. "Good. Now hold that stance."
Minutes passed, turning into an hour. Li Wei's legs began to tremble, but he gritted his teeth, refusing to give up. Sweat poured down his face, and his muscles burned, but the determination in his heart grew stronger with each passing moment.
Finally, Elder Yuan nodded. "Enough."
Li Wei collapsed onto the mat, panting, his legs shaking from the strain. Yet, despite the exhaustion, he felt a sense of accomplishment. His body seemed more attuned, his energy flowing more naturally.
Elder Yuan watched him with a thoughtful expression. "You did well. The Iron Root may seem simple, but it is a technique that will strengthen your foundation. Without a strong foundation, any technique you learn will be flawed."
Li Wei bowed deeply, respect in his eyes. "Thank you, Elder Yuan. I will practice this technique every day."
The old man's gaze softened, a hint of pride showing through his stern demeanor. "Very well. Return to me once you can hold the stance for three hours without wavering."
Li Wei nodded eagerly, feeling a surge of motivation. As he turned to leave, Elder Yuan called out to him, his voice tinged with a rare warmth.
"Remember, Li Wei… The path of cultivation is not just about strength. It is about resilience, humility, and wisdom. The true strength of a cultivator lies not in overpowering others, but in mastering oneself."
Li Wei nodded, absorbing the elder's words. As he left the hut, the system's voice echoed in his mind.
Task Completed: Learn a Basic Martial Technique
Reward: 50 cultivation points
His cultivation progress jumped to 25%, and he felt a renewed sense of strength coursing through him. With each task, he was growing stronger, closer to his dream of becoming a cultivator worthy of legend.
As he walked back to the village, his mind replayed Elder Yuan's words. Mastering oneself… Perhaps the old man was right. If he wanted to rise to the heights of power, he would need more than brute force. He would need the strength of character, wisdom, and an unyielding heart.
And so, Li Wei resolved to return to Elder Yuan's hut every day, determined to master the Iron Root and strengthen his foundation. His path was still uncertain, his goal still distant, but with each step, he could feel himself drawing closer to his destiny.