The storm that had been threatening the skies all day finally broke, casting a veil of rain over the wildlands. The sound of water pattering against rocks and soil filled the air, blending with the occasional rumble of distant thunder. Liang tightened his cloak around his shoulders as he trudged behind Master Yuan, his legs aching from the relentless pace.
The battle with the bandits still lingered in his mind. He replayed every move, every mistake, and every near miss. The flames of his Qi had come to him instinctively during the fight, but he knew that raw talent alone wouldn't be enough in the future. He needed control.
Master Yuan finally slowed, glancing over his shoulder at Liang. "We'll rest here for a while."
Liang exhaled in relief, lowering himself onto a flat rock. The rain didn't let up, but the overhanging branches of a large tree provided some shelter. Yuan, as always, seemed unfazed by the elements, standing tall as he surveyed the surroundings.
"Your Qi reserves are still low," Yuan said after a moment. "You've been relying too much on bursts of power without understanding how to sustain it."
Liang frowned, glancing at the faint glow of the Azure Bloom through his damp robes. "It's like it just… happens. I feel it building, and then it explodes. I don't know how to stop it from burning out."
Yuan nodded, sitting cross-legged across from him. "That's normal for someone just starting out. Qi is like fire—it needs fuel to burn, and without proper control, it consumes you as much as it does your enemies."
"Then how do I control it?" Liang asked.
Yuan raised a hand, and a soft green light began to emanate from his palm. The rain seemed to bend around the energy, droplets evaporating before they could touch it. "You learn to channel it steadily. Let it flow like a river, not a flood. This is what meditation is for—to train your mind and body to harmonize with your Qi."
Liang stared at the glowing light, his curiosity outweighing his fatigue. He mimicked Yuan's posture, sitting cross-legged and resting his hands on his knees. "What do I do?"
"Close your eyes," Yuan instructed. "Breathe deeply. Focus on the Azure Bloom—it will guide you."
Liang did as he was told, inhaling and exhaling slowly. At first, his thoughts were a chaotic jumble: the battle, the bandits, the journey ahead. But as he focused on his breathing, the noise began to fade. He felt the Azure Bloom's presence, its warmth pulsing faintly in his chest.
Initiating Cultivation Alignment…
Scanning Qi Pathways…
Error Detected: Incomplete Flow in Secondary Meridians. Suggested Action: Focus on Stabilization.
Liang's eyes snapped open, startled by the sudden system message. He glanced at Yuan, who hadn't moved or reacted. It was a reminder that the Azure Bloom's power was his alone—a gift, but also a burden.
"What's wrong?" Yuan asked, his tone calm but perceptive.
"Nothing," Liang lied, closing his eyes again. "Just… trying to focus."
This time, he let the system's suggestions guide him. He visualized his Qi as a glowing stream, flowing through his body. The main pathway was strong, but the side channels felt fragmented, like broken branches interrupting a river's flow. He focused on smoothing those fragments, imagining them mending together.
Minutes turned into what felt like hours as he worked. Gradually, the chaotic energy within him began to settle. The warmth of the Azure Bloom spread evenly through his body, and for the first time, he felt a sense of balance.
Stabilization Successful. Qi Flow Improved by 15%.
Liang opened his eyes, and a small smile crept onto his face. "I think I did it."
Yuan studied him, his sharp gaze assessing. "Good. Your aura feels more stable. But don't get overconfident—this is just the beginning."
Before Liang could respond, a faint rustling in the distance caught their attention. Yuan stood immediately, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
"Stay here," he said, his voice low.
Liang rose to his feet despite the order, his own hand hovering near his dagger. "What is it?"
"Quiet," Yuan hissed, stepping toward the noise.
The rain continued to fall, masking the sound of approaching footsteps. Liang strained his senses, and the Azure Bloom responded, sending a pulse of awareness through his mind.
Detected Presence: Singular Entity. Low Threat Level.
A figure emerged from the shadows, stumbling forward with uneven steps. It was a woman, her clothes tattered and soaked, her face pale and gaunt. She clutched her side, blood seeping through her fingers.
"Help… me…" she croaked before collapsing to her knees.
Yuan was at her side in an instant, his expression wary but not unkind. "Who are you? What happened?"
"Bandits…" the woman whispered, her voice weak. "They… they took everything… killed my family…"
Liang's chest tightened at her words. The memory of the bandits he had fought earlier came rushing back, their sneering faces and ruthless actions.
"Where did this happen?" Yuan asked, his tone firm but calm.
The woman shook her head weakly. "Not far… They're still there… please…"
Yuan glanced at Liang, his expression unreadable. "Liang, give her some water."
Liang hurriedly retrieved his waterskin and offered it to the woman. She drank greedily, coughing as she tried to steady herself.
"Can you walk?" Yuan asked.
She nodded faintly, though her body trembled. Yuan helped her to her feet, supporting her weight as they made their way back to the tree.
"We'll take her to the nearest village," Yuan said to Liang. "But be prepared—this might be more than it seems."
Liang frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Bandits don't leave survivors unless they want something," Yuan said grimly. "We'll need to be on guard."
The rain continued to fall as they resumed their journey, the woman leaning heavily on Yuan's arm. Liang stayed close, his mind racing with questions. Who was she? Could they trust her? And why did he feel like the storm wasn't just in the sky but brewing all around them?
The Azure Bloom pulsed faintly, as if sensing the same unease. Liang gripped his dagger tighter, preparing for whatever lay ahead.