I was meditating until now, my mind focused on reaching a higher state of consciousness, but the quiet was broken by a question that echoed through my thoughts.
"Will I grow old meditating forever, master?"
Master knocked his head down, as if pondering my words. His gaze was distant, perhaps seeing something beyond the physical plane, or perhaps just deep in thought.
"For some,"
he began, his voice steady and wise,
"It may take months to gather the dust of soul stars. But for you, it only took four days. That's no small feat. It shows your talent in cultivating within the soul realm of Heaven."
A girl who liked Yin, named Bao, arrived looking for him.
"Brother Yin!"
I quickly grabbed my shirt and pretended to be busy under the river fall, trying to hide my embarrassment.
It wasn't that I didn't like her—it's just... complicated.
Master, sensing the awkward moment, vanished swiftly into his locket.
"There you are, Brother Yin."
Bao's voice was full of warmth as she approached.
"We haven't seen each other for so many days. Can we go grab some bamboo from the woods together?"
I paused for a moment, still trying to steady my thoughts.
It wasn't that I didn't want to spend time with her—she was a dear friend—but I had goals to achieve.
"I am busy… maybe next time," I said, avoiding her gaze.
She tilted her head and smiled, stepping closer. Even though I knew she was my friend, something about her proximity made my face flush red.
I quickly turned my head, hoping she wouldn't notice my blushing.
I lost my balance and nearly stumbled into the water.
"Brother Yin, I'm going to cheer you on during the competition,"
she said, her voice soft, "I know you'll make it to the top of the world. So, practice hard. I'll be there to support you."
As she walked away, a strange sensation filled the air. My body, tingling from the intense feelings of embarrassment, also began to emit faint vapors.
Master noticed, chuckling softly inside his mind.
"Your girlfriend is friendly,"
he commented with a knowing grin. I couldn't help but shake my head in frustration.
"Master, what does it mean when vapors come from my body?"
Master's voice was calm but serious as he explained.
"This is the beginning, Yin. At this stage, your body is learning how to breathe and control its internal energy. The vapors are a sign that your cultivation is progressing.
You're ready to begin learning breathing techniques. Focus on mastering them, and soon, you'll unlock a new level of power."
It felt like the entire universe had opened up to me. But what Master said next pushed me further into uncharted territory.
"I will teach you the first of these techniques: Fire Breathing Eagle Claw Smashing."
Master raised his hand and, in an instant, the landscape around us trembled as a powerful wind surged. With a single motion, he smashed the mountain before us in half, the ground shaking violently as clouds of flame and dust exploded outward.
The force was so immense that I thought I might be blown away.
"Wow,"
I breathed, awestruck, unable to comprehend what I had just witnessed.
"Now, Yin,"
Master continued, his tone serious,
"To learn
breathing techniques, you must understand the elements. You have dragon fire within you—if you can control it, it will elevate your power. But you must first prepare yourself to withstand it. Breathe deeply and channel that fire, then release your hand at an 80-degree angle, as I show you."
I followed his instructions carefully, breathing in the way he taught me. But as I unleashed the Claw Smash, only a few blades of grass stirred. I felt the weight of failure pressing down on me.
"Hahahah!"
Master laughed heartily, his voice full of mirth. "It takes time, Yin. You're still learning. But you will get there."
My mana was drained, and I collapsed to my knees.
"Let's practice again and again. The key to mastering elemental skills is consuming the cores of the elements," Master explained, his voice now serious. "You need fire cores, water cores, ice cores, or even wind cores—each core will empower you.
But you must be cautious. The process is not without its dangers."
"Where do I find these cores, Master?"
"You'll need to search in sacred places. These places are often guarded by powerful beasts, creatures that test the worthiness of those who seek the elements. Only the truly prepared can claim them."
Master paused for a moment before continuing
, "Heavenly Breathing is an ancient technique, one that cultivators in the highest realms use. It allows you to draw in the pure energy from the heavens—the Qi that flows through all things.
Each breath you take connects you more deeply to the world, amplifying your power and spiritual strength. But it's not something to be taken lightly. Only those who are truly ready can master it."
I nodded, determined. Tomorrow, I will begin my journey in search of the elemental cores. The competition loomed ahead, but the thought of becoming stronger kept me moving forward.
When Yin returned home that evening, weary from his training, his family was waiting.
"Is it true what Bao said, Yin? About the competition?"
His mother's voice was heavy with concern.
"We are a low-profile family. We can't afford to make enemies, especially among the elderly. Maybe it's better if you quit, Yin."
Her words struck like a blow to my chest. I felt sadness and frustration building inside me. I couldn't let this go. I had to prove myself. But I didn't know how to explain it to them.
I helped my sister with dinner that evening, my mind elsewhere. I was already thinking ahead, planning my search for the elemental cores. Tomorrow, I will begin my journey. I had no time to waste.
The next morning, Yin's resolve was stronger than ever.
"I have no choice but to compete. I will prove that I'm not someone to be underestimated,"
he muttered to himself, determination burning in his chest. The path ahead was clear, but it was also filled with obstacles—dangerous beasts, difficult trials, and powerful cultivators who would stop at nothing to prevent him from succeeding.
But Yin had something more powerful than just skill: his unyielding will to rise above his circumstances. With his mind set on the competition and the elemental cores, he was ready to take the next step in his journey.
Master's words echoed in his mind:
"To wield elemental power, you must cultivate your spiritual energy to the highest level. Only then can you handle the intense forces of the cores.
The elements themselves are alive, and they will test you to your limits. But through perseverance, you will grow stronger."
The road ahead was long, and the trials would be grueling. But Yin was prepared. He would face every challenge head-on, and nothing would stand in his way.
Yin, curious about the elemental cores and their importance, asked Master,
"Master, how many cores do people typically consume in their cultivation?"
Master looked at him seriously.
"Those in the Earth Realm or Heavenly Realm who have reached the first level of 5 stars typically consume two cores. But be warned—if you consume more cores than your spiritual body can handle, you will suffer backlash.
It's possible to die in as little as two days if your body is unprepared for the energy you take in."
Yin's eyes widened in concern.
"But how do we know if we're ready?"
Master nodded, his gaze distant.
"That's why you must cultivate your spiritual strength before attempting such feats. You cannot rush these things.
Take it slow. Even I, in my current state, have only consumed three elemental cores to stabilize my spiritual energy."
Yin was eager to learn, but the weight of the Master's warning settled over him. He had much to prepare for before seeking the elemental cores.
"Master," Yin asked cautiously,
"what level are you at now?"
Master's expression softened, a small smile curling his lips.
"At present, I am at the third level, 5-star. But as you can see, I am currently in my spiritual form, which places me at the third level, 1-star."
Yin blinked, surprised by the humility in Master's words
. "So… you're weaker now?"
Master chuckled.
"Weaker, yes. But not without my wisdom. Even in this form, my understanding of the elements and their cultivation is far beyond what many others can achieve.
So, remember this, Yin—your power is not solely determined by your physical strength, but by the depth of your spiritual understanding."
Yin stood straighter, more determined than ever. He understood now that the journey ahead would be long, and that mastery of the elements wasn't just about power—it was about wisdom and control.