Azazel took his first tentative steps into the dense forest. His senses were heightened, and every rustling leaf and crackling twig seemed to pulse with energy. It felt as if the forest itself was alive, watching him with a predatory gaze, and yet, there was an odd sense of calm within him as the memories of Jiang Xian's life continued to settle into his mind.
He had been here before, in some form or another, though he couldn't fully grasp why it felt so familiar. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and aged trees. The night was dark, yet his vision was sharper than ever—his eyes adjusted to the moonlit forest with ease, as if guided by an instinct not his own.
The voice of the Iron Soul System was no longer intrusive; it felt like an old companion, ever-present in the background of his thoughts. Each word it spoke felt deliberate and calculated, pushing him toward something greater, something he could not yet understand.
Host: The Iron Soul system's primary function is to aid in your cultivation and unlock your potential. The first step to awakening your soul's power is to stabilize your Qi. Use the environment to channel your energy.
Azazel paused, blinking as the system's instructions echoed in his mind. Qi—the life force that flows through every living being in this world. It was a concept that Jiang Xian's memories had made clear, yet the sensation of it within his own body was foreign.
His body felt... stagnant. There was energy within him, yes, but it was as if it was locked away, bound by invisible chains. He raised his hand and closed his eyes, trying to focus on the subtle flow of Qi, the lifeblood of this world. Jiang Xian's memories told him that every martial artist began by learning to feel the Qi around them, sensing its presence like a sixth sense.
Slowly, he placed his palm flat against the trunk of a tree, feeling the rough bark against his skin. His breath deepened, and he could sense something stirring deep inside. A faint hum, like a whispering current, seemed to be pulsing through the ground beneath him. Focus, he told himself. Feel the flow of Qi.
For a moment, there was nothing. Then, just as the frustration began to creep in, Azazel felt it. A tingling sensation, like a pulse, rippled through his arm and into his chest. It was small, barely perceptible, but it was there. This is it, he thought, a grin tugging at his lips. This is the beginning.
Host: Well done. You have successfully begun to channel Qi. Now, focus on guiding it through your meridians and into your dantian. The flow must be smooth to prevent stagnation. Proceed slowly.
Azazel nodded to himself, though he wasn't entirely sure if the system could see him. The voice was simply an unyielding presence in his mind, instructing him as though he were a mere child learning to walk. But, strangely, he didn't mind. There was comfort in the guidance, even if it was impersonal.
He closed his eyes once more, feeling the Qi as it swirled faintly within his body. He imagined it flowing through his arm, his chest, down to his lower abdomen where his dantian resided—the centre of his spiritual and physical power. At first, the Qi resisted him, like water trying to run through a constricted pipe. But he forced it, gently but firmly, coaxing it to move.
Keep it steady, don't force it too much, the system warned.
Slowly, with a concentration he had never known he possessed, Azazel felt the Qi begin to gather, pooling within his dantian. It wasn't much, but it was a start. The feeling was exhilarating—this was the key to everything. The system's words echoed in his mind again, as though pleased with his progress.
Host: You have unlocked the first step of Qi cultivation. The next step is to solidify this energy. By doing so, you will increase your ability to withstand external forces and enhance your physical strength. However, there is a caveat: you must learn to control the flow of Qi to avoid injury.
Azazel exhaled slowly, his chest tightening as a wave of fatigue settled over him. The Qi in his body felt alien, and trying to control it took more effort than he anticipated. But the realisation that this was only the beginning made him press forward. He was not here to simply exist—he was here to rise.
Suddenly, a rustling noise broke through his concentration. Azazel snapped his head toward the sound, his eyes narrowing instinctively. His body was already responding to the heightened sense of danger, the Qi within him humming with renewed energy as adrenaline surged.
From behind a cluster of trees, a low growl reached his ears.
A beast.
Azazel's heart pounded, the memories of Jiang Xian's past flashing before him. Jiang Xian had always faced danger head-on, trained in martial arts with a single-minded determination. But now, with the body of a young, inexperienced martial artist, Azazel wasn't sure if he was ready to face a real fight.
The growl grew louder, and then, the creature emerged—a massive, wolf-like beast with glowing red eyes and sharp fangs. Its fur was thick, matted with dirt, and its claws scraped against the forest floor as it stalked closer, its nose twitching as it caught Azazel's scent.
Azazel froze for a moment. His mind raced as he instinctively placed his hand on the sword at his waist, though he wasn't sure if it was something Jiang Xian had carried or if it was something he had simply imagined in his body.
The beast bared its teeth and lunged.
Host: Focus on your Qi. Draw upon it. Your life is at stake.
Azazel's eyes widened as he saw the beast's claws coming toward him. Without thinking, his body moved on its own, twisting out of the way. The moment the beast passed, he used the opening to draw his sword and swing it in a wide arc. The blade cut through the air, the movement sluggish at first, but as his Qi flowed through his body, it became sharper, more controlled.
The sword sliced through the beast's side with a sickening crunch, leaving a deep gash across its ribcage. It howled in pain, reeling back.
Host: Excellent. You have successfully used your Qi to strengthen your attacks. The first victory is always the hardest.
Azazel's breath was ragged as he steadied himself, his heart pounding. The beast was wounded but not defeated—it snarled and charged again, but this time, Azazel was ready. He channelled the Qi within him, his senses heightened, his movements swifter.
With a precise strike, Azazel lunged forward, his sword piercing through the creature's throat. The beast collapsed, its body twitching in its final moments.
As the adrenaline faded, Azazel stood over the beast's body, chest heaving. His body was aching, but there was a strange sense of accomplishment settling over him. He had done it. He had survived.
Host: You have successfully killed your first opponent. This is the first step on your path to greatness. But remember, strength alone is not enough. You must continue to cultivate your Iron Soul, unlocking its potential as you progress.
Azazel exhaled slowly, wiping sweat from his brow. His hands shook slightly, but a new sense of determination burned within him. He had the system now, and he had his first victory. This world was ruthless, but so was he.
He turned toward the horizon, where the first light of dawn began to break through the trees. The journey ahead would be long, but for the first time since waking in this world, Azazel felt something close to hope.
The Iron Soul was his key to power. And he would unlock it, no matter the cost.