The forest grew denser as Zhi Xian and Wei Ling continued on their path, the trees towering above them like silent guardians. The air was thick with the scent of moss and damp earth, and only slivers of light pierced through the canopy, casting eerie shadows on the ground. Zhi Xian felt a quiet power pulsing in his chest, a strange energy he had sensed ever since touching the scroll in the shrine.
After their encounter with the corrupted men, Zhi Xian knew this world held threats far beyond his previous understanding. He felt the pull to cultivate further, to strengthen his abilities and prepare for whatever awaited him on the path. Wei Ling seemed to sense Zhi Xian's desire for growth, for he slowed his pace and spoke in a calm, measured tone.
"You felt something back there, didn't you?" Wei Ling asked, his gaze fixed ahead. "A shift in your spirit, a desire to grow stronger."
Zhi Xian nodded, clenching his fists. "I did. I feel as though there's something inside me, something that I need to unlock to move forward."
Wei Ling smiled knowingly. "That's the call of the Qi within you. Right now, you're at the Qi Foundation stage, where you've just started to touch the flow of energy in your body. But to face the greater challenges ahead, you'll need to advance to the Spirit Awakening stage."
Zhi Xian listened intently, eager to learn. "How do I do that?"
Wei Ling stopped beside a small clearing, where the trees parted just enough to reveal a patch of sky. He sat down cross-legged and motioned for Zhi Xian to do the same.
"To advance, you must refine the energy within you, allowing it to flow freely and connect with the world around you," Wei Ling explained. "Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Feel the air filling your lungs, the energy flowing through your veins. Try to connect with that energy, let it expand beyond the limits of your body."
Zhi Xian closed his eyes, focusing on his breath. He tried to feel the Qi within him, letting it circulate through his body. At first, it was faint, like a small flame flickering in the darkness. But as he focused, the energy grew stronger, spreading through his limbs and filling him with warmth.
He could feel the pendant around his neck pulsing in rhythm with his heartbeat, amplifying the energy within him. The warmth intensified, and he sensed his Qi beginning to harmonize with the environment, drawing strength from the life force of the trees, the soil, the air itself.
As the energy built, he felt a sudden clarity, a sense of connection he hadn't experienced before. It was as if he could feel the heartbeat of the forest, the quiet pulse of life around him. The sensation was exhilarating, yet humbling, a reminder of his smallness in the vastness of the world.
Wei Ling's voice broke the silence. "Good. You're starting to feel the Spirit Awakening stage, the beginning of connecting with the Qi around you. But remember, cultivation is not just about power; it's about understanding the balance of life and energy."
Just as Zhi Xian was about to respond, a rustling in the underbrush drew their attention. He opened his eyes, his senses heightened by the cultivation exercise. He could feel a subtle presence approaching, something dark and hungry.
Wei Ling rose to his feet, his expression tense. "Prepare yourself, Zhi Xian. This isn't an ordinary beast."
From the shadows emerged a creature unlike any Zhi Xian had ever seen. It was a massive wolf, its fur black as night and eyes glowing with a feral red light. Dark energy crackled around its form, distorting the air and creating an aura of fear.
Wei Ling's expression was grave. "This is a Shadow Wolf, a beast corrupted by dark energy. They're dangerous, especially for someone at your level. But with what you just learned, you might stand a chance."
Zhi Xian tightened his grip on his sword, his heart pounding. He could feel his Qi surging, filling him with a newfound strength. He took a step forward, meeting the wolf's gaze with steely determination.
The Shadow Wolf snarled, lowering itself into a crouch before leaping toward him, claws outstretched and fangs bared. Zhi Xian sidestepped just in time, feeling the rush of air as the beast's claws sliced through empty space. He swung his sword, aiming for the wolf's side, but the creature was fast, twisting its body to avoid the blade.
Wei Ling watched from the side, his eyes sharp as he observed Zhi Xian's movements. "Feel your Qi, Zhi Xian! Let it guide your actions. Use it to anticipate the creature's movements."
Zhi Xian took a deep breath, focusing on the energy within him. He let his Qi flow through his body, sharpening his senses and quickening his reflexes. This time, when the wolf lunged, he was ready. He moved with a fluidity he hadn't possessed before, dodging the creature's attack and countering with a swift strike to its side.
The wolf yelped, stumbling as blood dripped from its wound. Zhi Xian felt a surge of confidence, the thrill of battle coursing through him. But he didn't let his guard down. He could sense that the creature was still dangerous, still capable of retaliating.
The wolf growled, its dark energy intensifying as it prepared for another attack. Zhi Xian braced himself, his Qi flowing steadily, his mind clear and focused. As the wolf charged, he met it head-on, his blade slicing through the air with precision.
With one final, powerful strike, Zhi Xian drove his sword into the wolf's chest. The creature let out a final, pained howl before collapsing to the ground, its body dissipating into dark mist that faded into the air.
Zhi Xian stood over the creature's remains, breathing heavily. He felt both exhausted and exhilarated, the battle pushing him to his limits yet filling him with a sense of accomplishment. He had faced a creature corrupted by dark energy and emerged victorious.
Wei Ling approached him, a proud smile on his face. "Well done, Zhi Xian. You've taken your first true step on the path of cultivation. The Spirit Awakening stage is now within your reach."
Zhi Xian sheathed his sword, nodding. "Thank you, Wei Ling. I couldn't have done it without your guidance."
Wei Ling chuckled, patting Zhi Xian on the shoulder. "You have a long way to go, but I see great potential in you. Remember, the path of cultivation is not just about battles. It's about understanding yourself, the world, and the balance between light and dark."
Zhi Xian looked down at the pendant around his neck, feeling its warmth. He knew that this journey would be long and difficult, but he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He had taken his first step, and with each battle, each lesson, he was drawing closer to unlocking the true power within him.
As they resumed their journey, Zhi Xian felt a quiet determination settle over him. He was no longer just a young man from Mount Qingyan; he was a cultivator, a seeker of strength and wisdom. And though he didn't yet know the full extent of the path before him, he knew that he was ready to face it.