Liang trudged behind Master Yuan as they left Green Hollow far behind, the dense forest giving way to rocky hills and a winding dirt path. His body still ached from the fight, but his thoughts churned with questions he hadn't dared ask until now.
"Master Yuan," he ventured, breaking the silence, "who was that person in the forest? How did they know about the Azure Bloom?"
Master Yuan's pace slowed as he glanced back. "You've entered a world far larger and more dangerous than you realize," he said. "There are many who pursue treasures like the Azure Bloom—rogue cultivators, sects hungry for power, and even creatures born of Qi itself. That figure was likely a rogue. Opportunists like them scour the land for fledgling cultivators to rob."
Liang swallowed hard. The memory of the figure's suffocating aura lingered in his mind. "And you? Why did you help me?"
The older man stopped, turning to face Liang fully. His sharp eyes seemed to pierce through him. "Because I saw potential," he said simply. "You stood against an enemy far beyond your strength and refused to give up. That determination is rare, especially in someone so young."
Liang blinked, taken aback by the words. "But my potential…" He hesitated, recalling the system's earlier assessment: Low. "I don't think it's anything special."
Master Yuan's expression darkened. "Potential is not destiny. The heavens might dictate your starting point, but your perseverance and choices shape the rest. If you cling to that doubt, it will become your greatest weakness."
Liang absorbed the words, a flicker of resolve reigniting in his chest.
By midday, they reached a secluded plateau overlooking a valley. Master Yuan gestured for Liang to sit, and they settled on the grass, the wind whispering through the trees around them.
"Before we begin, show me what you've learned so far," Master Yuan said.
Liang hesitated. "I've only just started. I can sense Qi and draw it into my core, but it's slow. And during the fight with the wolf, the Azure Bloom seemed to act on its own."
Master Yuan nodded. "Good. That means you've awakened your core and taken the first step. But cultivating Qi is not just about absorbing energy—it's about mastering it." He held up a hand, and a faint glow enveloped his palm, swirling like a controlled storm. "Qi must obey your will, bending to your intent. Without control, it's like water in a cracked jar—wasted and useless."
Liang nodded, his heart racing. He closed his eyes and focused inward, searching for the ember of Qi in his core. It was faint but steady, pulsing softly. He reached for it, willing it to rise.
The energy responded sluggishly, like a stubborn flame refusing to catch. Beads of sweat formed on his brow as he struggled to guide it.
"Stop," Master Yuan said sharply.
Liang opened his eyes, startled.
"You're trying too hard," Yuan said. "Qi is a river, not a mountain. Force it, and it will resist. Flow with it, and it will follow."
Liang frowned but nodded. Closing his eyes again, he softened his approach, imagining the Qi as water flowing through a stream. This time, the energy moved more freely, spreading warmth through his body.
"Good," Master Yuan said. "Now, guide it to your hand."
Liang focused, directing the Qi toward his palm. Slowly, a faint glow emerged, flickering like the light of a dying candle. He opened his eyes, a thrill coursing through him.
"I did it!" he exclaimed.
Master Yuan's lips quirked in a faint smile. "A small step, but an important one. Remember this feeling—it will be the foundation of everything you do."
As the afternoon wore on, Master Yuan introduced Liang to basic techniques: stabilizing his Qi, forming defensive barriers, and enhancing his physical strength. Each task pushed Liang to his limits, leaving him drenched in sweat and gasping for air.
By evening, he collapsed onto the grass, his body trembling from exhaustion. "I don't think I can move," he groaned.
Master Yuan chuckled. "Good. That means you've worked hard." He handed Liang a small vial filled with a glowing blue liquid. "Drink this. It will help restore your energy."
Liang took the vial and drank, the cool liquid spreading a refreshing vitality through his limbs. He sat up, feeling slightly less like he was on the verge of death.
"Why are you helping me so much?" Liang asked, his voice quieter now.
Master Yuan's expression grew somber. "Once, I was like you—young, inexperienced, and carrying a treasure I didn't understand. I lost everything because I wasn't strong enough to protect it. If I can help you avoid that fate, then perhaps my mistakes won't have been in vain."
Liang's chest tightened. "Thank you," he said sincerely.
Master Yuan nodded but said nothing more.
As night fell, the two set up camp under the stars. Liang lay on his back, staring at the sky, his thoughts swirling. The day had been grueling, but it had also awakened something within him—a hunger to grow, to prove himself.
The system chimed softly, and a screen appeared in his vision.
Progress: 27%
New Task Unlocked: Strengthen Qi Control.
Liang smiled faintly. The path ahead was long, but for the first time, he felt like he was moving forward.
Tomorrow, he would push even harder. The Azure Bloom had chosen him, and he was determined to prove he was worthy of its power.