Chapter 7 - Cleansing of Impurities
Eren emerged from the basement, feeling a profound sense of rejuvenation. His body and soul were refreshed as if a long-standing thirst had finally been quenched. The sensation was both comforting and exhilarating.
"Mother!" he called out cheerfully, his voice echoing through the house.
Alina turned toward him, astonished to see her son after two hours of meditation. Her expression shifted to one of delight when Eren approached her with excitement brimming in his eyes.
"Mother, I was able to circulate qi! It's faint, like a thread of hair, but it's there!"
Alina's usual grace gave way to an expression of sheer joy. Her cheeks flushed with excitement as she grasped Eren's small hand, her jade-like fingers trembling slightly.
"Eren, show me," she said earnestly.
Eren extended his hand obediently, and Alina clasped it tightly, her own hand soft yet firm. The flow of qi was faint but undeniable.
"You've done it!" Alina exclaimed, unable to contain her happiness. She lifted Eren into her arms and planted two affectionate kisses on his cheeks.
"My son, you have such talent!" she said, her voice filled with pride.
Seeing his mother so overjoyed warmed Eren's heart. For as long as he could remember, Alina had always worn a faint, composed smile. But now, her happiness was genuine and radiant.
"Mother, your cooking talent is even greater!" Eren teased, prompting Alina to laugh as she patted his head.
She left to prepare a meal, her steps lighter than usual. Meanwhile, Eren stayed behind, marveling at the warmth that filled his chest. Though his body was small, his heart swelled with gratitude and determination.
As they shared the meal, Eren noticed that Alina ate more than usual. Perhaps her joy mirrored his own, or perhaps it was his progress that reassured her.
"Mother, I'm going out for a walk. Tomorrow, I'll start training with the others," Eren announced with a playful grin after finishing his meal.
Alina smiled warmly, though a trace of concern flickered in her eyes. She nodded, knowing her son's resolve was unshakable.
---
Eren stepped out of the Qing family home and headed toward a hidden cave in the nearby mountains. He had stumbled upon it by chance during one of his explorations. Small yet spacious enough to serve as a private sanctuary, the cave had become his secret training ground.
Inside, Eren took out a peculiar jade pendant he had discovered in the cave days ago. The oval-shaped pendant, no larger than a thumb, bore a faint Yin-Yang design that seemed to emit a subtle warmth. Intrigued by its mysterious aura, Eren had begun wearing it beneath his clothes.
"Time to train," he murmured, sitting cross-legged on the cave floor.
Eren focused on the Primeval Vitality Technique, his breathing steady and deliberate. He had yet to achieve a proper flow of qi using this method, and his dantian had remained unresponsive. However, his practice of the Blue Lotus Style earlier had created a faint mist-like presence in his dantian.
To his surprise, the qi generated by the Blue Lotus began to intertwine with the ancient technique. A thin, light-blue stream of qi merged with a faint yellow one, forming a stronger, more tangible flow.
"It's working!" Eren exclaimed inwardly, his heart racing.
The qi circulated through his meridians, threading through his body in a pattern that felt natural yet powerful. His dantian, previously dormant, began to whirl faintly, like a small vortex gathering energy.
Eren realized the Primeval Vitality Technique wasn't a standalone method. It required synergy with other techniques to truly shine.
"The Primeval Vitality Technique is divided into nine layers, representing the heavens," he mused. "It's said to enhance the body's strength to incredible levels. Perhaps this pendant and the Yin-Yang symbol are aiding its activation."
Determined, Eren continued cultivating, pushing the flow of qi through his meridians. The pendant glowed faintly, harmonizing with the streams of qi. He felt an intense surge of energy as the flows strengthened and stabilized.
---
After hours of practice, Eren finally stopped. The cave was silent, save for his steady breaths. When he looked down, he noticed a thin layer of black, greasy residue covering his skin.
A foul odor emanated from the substance.
"Impurities?" Eren muttered, realization dawning on him. His body had undergone a cleansing process, expelling toxins and impurities accumulated over time.
A smile spread across his face.
"This is just the beginning. With the Primeval Vitality Technique, the Blue Lotus Style, and this pendant, my future strength will be limitless."
Determined and brimming with newfound confidence, Eren stepped out of the cave, the moonlight washing over him. His path had only just begun, but his resolve burned brighter than ever.