The morning air was brisk and carried the scent of dew and pine as Liang woke to the sound of Master Yuan stirring the campfire. Flames danced around a small kettle of tea, the flickering light casting long shadows across the rocky plateau.
"Get up," Yuan said, his voice as sharp as ever. "Your training begins before the sun reaches its peak."
Liang groaned, his body still sore from the previous day. But the faint chiming of the system in his mind spurred him on. He forced himself to sit up, rubbing his eyes as the familiar screen appeared.
Daily Quest: Cultivate for 1 Hour. Reward: +1% Progress.
Liang smirked faintly. The system really doesn't let me rest, does it?
After a quick meal of dried fruit and flatbread, Yuan led Liang to a nearby clearing. The area was ringed with towering trees, their roots weaving through the ground like veins. A small stream cut through the center, its water sparkling under the rising sun.
"Today, you'll begin refining your control over Qi," Yuan said, gesturing toward the stream. "Water is an excellent teacher. It flows where it's guided but resists force. You'll practice forming Qi threads and using them to manipulate the flow of the stream."
"Qi threads?" Liang asked, tilting his head.
Yuan raised a hand, and shimmering strands of light extended from his fingers. They snaked toward the stream, dipping into the water. With a flick of his wrist, the current shifted, creating a swirling vortex. He released the threads, and the water returned to its natural flow.
Liang's eyes widened. "That's incredible!"
Yuan snorted. "It's basic. You'll need to master this if you want to wield Qi effectively in battle."
Liang stepped forward, closing his eyes and reaching inward. He visualized the Qi within him, shaping it into thin strands that extended from his fingers. A faint, flickering thread emerged, wavering like a candle in the wind.
"Focus," Yuan said, his voice firm. "Your will must be steady. Imagine the thread as an extension of yourself."
Liang steadied his breathing, and the thread grew brighter. Slowly, he guided it toward the stream. As the Qi touched the water, the current resisted, and the thread snapped. Liang cursed under his breath.
"Again," Yuan said.
Hours passed as Liang repeated the exercise, each attempt leaving him more drained than the last. By midday, his fingers trembled from the strain, and his Qi reserves felt dangerously low.
"Rest," Yuan said finally, tossing him another vial of restorative elixir. "You're progressing faster than I expected."
Liang drank the elixir gratefully, his energy slowly returning. "Why is this so hard?" he muttered.
"Because control is harder than raw power," Yuan said. "A wild flame can burn bright, but it takes skill to forge steel with it. Strength without discipline is useless."
Liang nodded, the elder's words sinking in. He glanced at the stream, the water flowing serenely despite his repeated failures. I'll get it eventually, he thought, clenching his fists.
As they resumed training in the afternoon, the system chimed again.
Skill Unlocked: Basic Qi Manipulation.
Task Complete: Strengthen Qi Control. Progress +2%.
Liang grinned, the sense of accomplishment fueling him to keep going. This time, when he formed the Qi threads, they felt stronger, more stable. He guided them to the stream, and the water shifted slightly under his control.
Yuan's eyebrows rose, though his expression remained stoic. "Not bad. Keep practicing, and you'll refine the technique further."
By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, Liang had managed to create small ripples in the stream consistently. Exhausted but exhilarated, he collapsed onto the grass, his chest heaving.
That night, as Liang meditated by the campfire, the system presented a new screen.
Skill Progression: Qi Threads (15%).
**Potential Trait Detected: Elemental Affinity
Chapter 7: The Whisper of Flames
The night deepened, and the stars hung like scattered jewels above the campsite. Liang sat cross-legged by the dying embers of the fire, the soft hum of Qi resonating through his core. He couldn't stop thinking about the system's latest message:
Potential Trait Detected: Elemental Affinity. Assess for Details?
Liang hesitated before mentally selecting Yes.
Assessing…
Affinity Confirmed: Fire.
Note: Affinity unlocks pathways to specialized techniques. Further cultivation is required for mastery.
A surge of heat washed over him, as if the knowledge itself awakened something dormant. Fire. The thought both thrilled and unnerved him. He had seen what flames could do—consume, destroy, and leave nothing but ash. Was this his destiny?
"Lost in thought?" Master Yuan's voice broke through the silence.
Liang looked up to find the elder watching him, his sharp gaze glinting in the firelight.
"I… I think I have a fire affinity," Liang admitted.
Yuan arched an eyebrow, then nodded slowly. "Interesting. Affinities are rare gifts. They allow cultivators to harmonize with a specific element, amplifying their abilities. But they're also a double-edged sword."
"What do you mean?"
"Fire is powerful but volatile," Yuan said. "It responds to passion, anger, and ambition—but without control, it will consume you as easily as your enemies. You must learn balance."
Liang swallowed hard, the weight of Yuan's words settling over him. "How do I start?"
Yuan smirked faintly. "With discipline." He tossed a small bundle of sticks into Liang's lap. "Your next lesson begins now. You'll use Qi to ignite these without touching them directly. No shortcuts, no Azure Bloom tricks."
Liang frowned. "Right now? I'm exhausted."
"An enemy won't wait for you to be rested," Yuan replied. "If you want to survive, you'll push past your limits."
Liang bit back a groan and set the sticks in front of him. Closing his eyes, he reached inward, summoning the ember of Qi in his core. He visualized it growing into a flame, then willed it toward his hand.
The air around him warmed, and a faint spark flickered over his palm before sputtering out.
"Again," Yuan said, his tone sharp.
Liang gritted his teeth and tried again, his frustration mounting with each failure. The sparks came and went, taunting him.
"Stop forcing it," Yuan snapped. "Fire isn't born from brute strength. It's born from focus and intent. Feel the flame. Become it."
Liang took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm. He closed his eyes again, imagining the warmth of a campfire on a cold night—the gentle crackle of wood, the steady glow of embers.
The Qi in his core responded, flowing more smoothly this time. He guided it toward the sticks, and a spark leaped from his hand. The dry wood caught fire, a small but steady flame flickering to life.
Liang opened his eyes, a mix of relief and pride washing over him. "I did it!"
Yuan nodded approvingly. "Good. That's the first step. But don't celebrate too soon. Maintaining the flame is just as important as igniting it."
The rest of the night passed in grueling practice. Yuan pushed Liang to keep the fire burning, to control its size and intensity. Each success was followed by a new challenge, and by the time dawn broke, Liang was thoroughly spent.
Task Complete: Ignite Flame Using Qi.
Skill Unlocked: Ember Spark (Basic Fire Control).
Liang stared at the system notification, a weary but satisfied smile tugging at his lips. He was making progress, step by step.
"Rest while you can," Yuan said, tossing him a waterskin. "Tomorrow, we head deeper into the wildlands. Your real trials are only beginning."
Liang nodded, a flicker of determination in his eyes. He didn't know what lay ahead, but he was ready to face it. With the Azure Bloom and his newfound affinity, he felt the first true spark of hope.
The path of cultivation was long and perilous, but for the first time, he believed he could walk it.
Chapter 8: Into the Wildlands
The rising sun painted the sky in hues of orange and gold, casting long shadows across the rocky terrain. Liang tightened the straps of his travel pack, his muscles still sore from the previous night's training. Master Yuan stood at the edge of the plateau, his hands clasped behind his back as he surveyed the path ahead.
"We'll be leaving the forest entirely today," Yuan said, his tone brisk. "The wildlands are untamed territory, home to beasts, rogue cultivators, and worse. Stay alert and follow my lead."
Liang nodded, adjusting the Azure Bloom tucked safely into the inner pocket of his robes. Despite its weightlessness, he could feel its presence, pulsing faintly like a second heartbeat.
The two descended the plateau and followed a winding path that led into a valley. The forest thinned gradually, replaced by sprawling grasslands dotted with jagged rocks and ancient ruins. Liang's gaze drifted to the horizon, where distant mountains loomed like silent sentinels.
"What's in the wildlands?" he asked, breaking the silence.
"Resources, danger, and opportunity," Yuan replied. "Many cultivators venture there seeking rare herbs, powerful beasts to tame, or remnants of lost sects. But the wildlands are also lawless. Those who enter must be prepared to defend themselves."
Liang shivered despite the warmth of the morning sun. The memory of the rogue cultivator from the forest lingered in his mind, a stark reminder of how dangerous this world could be.
"What are we looking for?" he pressed.
"A test," Yuan said simply. "You've taken your first steps as a cultivator, but your resolve and instincts need sharpening. The wildlands will provide that."
Liang frowned but didn't argue. He'd learned by now that Yuan rarely explained himself fully, preferring to let the lessons unfold naturally.
As the day wore on, the terrain grew harsher. The grass turned sparse, giving way to rocky ground. The air grew drier, and Liang found himself sweating despite the cool breeze.
Suddenly, Yuan stopped, raising a hand. Liang froze, his senses straining.
"What is it?" he whispered.
"Listen," Yuan murmured.
Liang closed his eyes, focusing. At first, he heard nothing but the wind. Then, faintly, a low growl reached his ears.
"Beast," Yuan said, his voice calm but firm. "Prepare yourself."
Before Liang could ask for details, a creature leaped from behind a boulder—a massive, wolf-like beast with dark fur and glowing red eyes. Its claws gleamed like steel, and its snarl revealed rows of sharp teeth.
Liang's heart raced. "What is that?"
"A Shadowfang," Yuan said, stepping aside. "A mid-tier Qi beast. Perfect for your first real fight."
Liang's eyes widened. "What? You're not going to help?"
"This is your test," Yuan said, his expression unreadable. "Rely on what you've learned. Trust yourself."
The Shadowfang didn't wait for further discussion. It lunged at Liang with blinding speed, its claws slashing through the air. Liang barely managed to dodge, stumbling back as his mind scrambled for a plan.
Focus, he told himself.
He steadied his breathing, calling upon the Qi in his core. It responded sluggishly at first, but the memory of his training with Yuan spurred him on. A faint glow surrounded his hands as he prepared a basic Qi barrier.
The Shadowfang lunged again, its claws colliding with the barrier. The impact sent Liang staggering, but the barrier held.
"Good," Yuan called. "Now counter."
Liang gritted his teeth, his eyes locking onto the beast. He formed Qi threads, their shimmering strands extending from his fingers. He guided them toward the creature, aiming to restrict its movements.
The threads wrapped around the Shadowfang's legs, but the beast thrashed violently, snapping them with ease. Liang cursed under his breath.
Think, he thought. Fire.
The system chimed faintly in his mind, reminding him of his new skill: Ember Spark. Liang took a deep breath, summoning his Qi and focusing it into his palm. A small flame ignited, flickering weakly at first.
The Shadowfang charged again. This time, Liang stood his ground. He thrust his flaming palm forward, releasing the spark. The flame expanded, striking the beast's shoulder and forcing it back with a pained yelp.
"Yes!" Liang shouted, a surge of confidence flooding him.
The beast circled him warily now, its glowing eyes filled with a mix of anger and caution. Liang took the opportunity to regroup, his mind racing. He could feel the strain of using Qi, his reserves dwindling rapidly.
"You can't rely on raw power alone," Yuan said, his voice cutting through the tension. "Outthink your opponent."
Liang nodded, scanning his surroundings. The rocky terrain gave him an idea. He shifted his position, subtly drawing the Shadowfang toward a cluster of loose boulders.
The beast growled and charged again, but Liang was ready. He darted to the side, using a Qi thread to yank one of the boulders loose. The rock tumbled down, crashing onto the Shadowfang's hind leg.
The beast howled in pain, its movements slowed. Seizing the opportunity, Liang summoned another Ember Spark, this time directing the flame at the creature's head. The fire struck true, and the Shadowfang collapsed, its body smoldering slightly.
Liang stood over the fallen beast, his chest heaving. His legs trembled from exhaustion, but a thrill of triumph coursed through him.
"Well done," Yuan said, stepping forward. He examined the beast's body, then turned to Liang. "You're learning."
Liang managed a weak smile. "That… was terrifying."
Yuan chuckled. "Good. Fear sharpens the mind. But remember, fear alone won't save you. You fought well, but there's much to improve."
The system chimed softly, and a familiar screen appeared before Liang.
Task Complete: Defeat a Mid-Tier Qi Beast. Progress +5%.
Skill Progression: Ember Spark (25%).
New Trait Unlocked: Fire Adaptation.
Liang's eyes widened as he read the notifications. Fire Adaptation?
Yuan noticed his distracted expression. "What did the system reveal?"
Liang hesitated but decided to share. "It says I've unlocked something called Fire Adaptation."
Yuan's eyebrows rose. "Impressive. That means your body is beginning to harmonize with your fire affinity. You'll find it easier to use fire techniques and resist heat-based attacks."
Liang couldn't help but smile. Despite the exhaustion, he felt a sense of accomplishment he hadn't known before.
"Rest," Yuan said, his tone softening slightly. "You've earned it. Tomorrow, we press deeper into the wildlands. The real challenges are yet to come."
Liang nodded, sinking to the ground beside the defeated Shadowfang. His thoughts swirled as he stared up at the sky.
The wildlands were harsh, but they were also a place of growth. For the first time, Liang felt like he truly belonged on the path of cultivation. And he was determined to keep moving forward—no matter how steep the road ahead.