Seeing the surge of Yang Qi settling within Xiu Yun, Samuel adjusted her posture with care, ensuring the energy flowed seamlessly through her body. Her breathing steadied under his guidance, and though her expression reflected some uncertainty, it carried a growing determination.
"Xiu Yun, focus," Samuel said gently, his voice steady yet firm. Her gaze met his curious, questioning, but trusting. "I've transferred enough energy for you to break through to the fourth stage of the Body Refinement Realm."
He handed her the Whispers of the Tides, the cultivation manual he had carefully crafted with her needs in mind. "Follow the steps in this chapter precisely. It will guide you through the process."
Turning to Mei Ling, Samuel gestured toward a small ornate box on the nightstand. "Mei Ling, could you hand me that box?" he asked. Without hesitation, she retrieved it, revealing a single silver needle resting within. Passing it to Samuel, she watched him closely, curiosity lighting her eyes.
Samuel shifted his attention back to Xiu Yun, explaining as he prepared to act. "The Body Refinement Realm is foundational, divided into twelve stages. Each stage unlocks one of the body's primary meridians, enhancing a specific attribute while laying the groundwork for greater cultivation later on."
Samuel's hand moved gently, tracing a line just above Xiu Yun's brow. "The Mind Meridian," he began, his tone calm and measured, "sharpens mental clarity, improving your reaction speed and cognitive ability. You'll find your thoughts quicker and more precise."
His hand paused for a moment before moving downward, brushing lightly between her collarbones and stopping just above her sternum. "The Heart Meridian enhances stamina and accelerates healing," he continued, his touch deliberate. "This one is vital for endurance—both in battle and in recovery."
He glanced at her briefly, noting her steady breathing, before tracing a line along her ribcage. "Here, near your lungs, is the Breath Meridian," he said, his lips curving into a faint smile. "It boosts lung capacity, allowing you to hold your breath longer and sustain greater stamina. Think of it as the foundation for physical resilience."
Moving to her forearm, he brushed his fingers lightly along the surface of her skin. "The Surface Meridian," he explained, "toughens and refines the skin, making it resilient to damage while preserving its natural beauty. It's both a defense and a refinement."
Samuel knelt slightly to meet her gaze as he traced along her jawline. "The Bone Meridian strengthens your skeletal structure," he said, his voice softening. "It increases durability without sacrificing agility."
He touched just below her eye with one finger, then shifted to gently tap the tip of her nose with another. "The Sight Meridian enhances your vision, sharpening your ability to see clearly and react swiftly. The Scent Meridian, on the other hand, heightens your sense of smell—for tracking, detecting, or simply sensing the world more acutely."
Straightening up, he gestured toward her arms and legs. "The Limb Meridians," he said, pointing briefly to her upper arm and thigh, "improve strength, speed, and resilience, each focused on their respective areas. They'll allow you to move faster and strike harder."
Finally, his hand hovered just above her navel. "The Core Meridian," he concluded, his tone steady, "balances and harmonizes all the others. It subtly strengthens every aspect of your body, tying the system together."
As Samuel stepped back, he met Xiu Yun's wide-eyed gaze. "Each of these meridians is a step toward a stronger self," he said, his voice warm yet firm. "Understanding them is just the beginning. Unlocking them will change everything."
"Let's begin." He said as he positioned the silver needle over a precise acupoint in between Xiu Yun's ribs, aligning it with her Breath Meridian. "This will stimulate the opening of the Breath Meridian," he explained. "Focus your thoughts and channel the energy inward as I guide you."
With practiced precision, he inserted the needle, a faint glow emanating from the contact point. Xiu Yun winced momentarily but soon felt a warm current coursing through her body, spreading a sense of strength and clarity. Samuel's reassuring smile eased her tension. "Good. You're doing well. Stay focused, and follow the manual's instructions. You'll reach the fourth stage in no time."
Mei Ling, standing to the side, watched intently, her curiosity blending with admiration for Samuel's expertise. The room seemed to hum with latent energy as the cultivation process progressed, signaling the beginning of a transformative journey for Xiu Yun.
Xiu Yun closed her eyes, her breathing steadying as the energy surged through her body, guided by the silver needle. Samuel observed her carefully, his hands hovering near her pulse, ensuring the process unfolded as intended.
"Good," Samuel said with a nod. "The Breath Meridian is opening. You'll feel a rush of vitality soon—your stamina increasing and your lungs feeling more expansive. Let the energy settle, and don't resist the flow."
True to his words, Xiu Yun felt her lungs fill with an ease she had never known. Each breath seemed to pull in not just air but a sense of strength and invigoration.
"Now, we'll move to the next meridian: the Mind Meridian," Samuel said, removing the needle from her wrist. He leaned closer, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead. "This one will sharpen your thoughts and reaction speed. It can be disorienting at first, but just trust me."
He positioned the needle delicately between her brows, the center of her spiritual sea. As he inserted it, a gentle hum filled the air, and a faint glow pulsed around her forehead.
For a moment, Xiu Yun's mind reeled under the rush of sensations a whirlwind of sounds and sensations she hadn't noticed before. Mei Ling's soft breathing, the faint rustle of leaves outside the villa, even her own heartbeat seemed magnified. She clenched her fists, grounding herself as Samuel's steady voice guided her through the chaos.
"Focus on the clarity," Samuel instructed, his voice anchoring her. "Let the energy refine your mind, honing your thoughts like a blade."
Xiu Yun took a deep breath, calming her racing thoughts. Slowly, the sensations settled, leaving her with a newfound sharpness and confidence.
"Excellent," Samuel praised, withdrawing the needle. "You're progressing faster than I expected. Let's move to the Heart Meridian next."
He guided Xiu Yun to lie back, his touch gentle as he located the acupoint just below her sternum. "This meridian will enhance your stamina and healing ability. You might feel a strong pulse or warmth spreading through your chest."
The needle slipped in with precision, and Xiu Yun gasped as a comforting warmth radiated from her heart. It wasn't overwhelming but deeply soothing, like being wrapped in a protective embrace. The sensation expanded outward, energizing her limbs and steadying her core.
Her heartbeat, already steady, now felt more powerful, like a drum echoing with determination. She placed a hand on her chest, marveling at the transformation.
Samuel smiled at her wonder. "Your stamina will be unmatched now, and your body will recover from injuries faster than ever. Let's proceed to the Surface Meridian."
He moved the needle to her forearm, near the skin's surface. "This will strengthen and refine your skin. It will become more resilient, protecting you from harm while retaining its natural grace."
As the needle pierced her skin, Xiu Yun felt a cool sensation, as though a breeze had swept across her body. Her skin seemed to hum with energy, a subtle glow emanating from her arms and face. She instinctively touched her cheek, finding it smoother and firmer than before.
"It feels... different," Xiu Yun murmured, her voice filled with awe.
"That's the energy reinforcing your body," Samuel explained. "Your skin is now tougher yet retains its softness. This balance is essential for higher realms of cultivation."
He stepped back, giving her space to adjust to the changes. Mei Ling approached, placing a supportive hand on Xiu Yun's shoulder. "You're doing amazing," Mei Ling said warmly. "Most people take months or even years to accomplish what you've done in a single session."
Xiu Yun beamed at the encouragement, her confidence growing. She glanced at Samuel, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you," she said softly. "I never thought I'd feel this... strong."
Samuel smirked, his pride evident. "You've only just begun. The path ahead is long, but you've proven that you're more than capable of walking it. Now, rest for a moment before we move forward. Let the energy settle, and let your body adjust."
As Xiu Yun leaned back, feeling the last of the qi in her womb dissipate. She knew that this was only the beginning of a journey that would redefine her existence.
Samuel sat cross-legged before Xiu Yun, holding the silver needle with a mix of anticipation and resolve. Although he had never attempted this process before, his theoretical knowledge of cultivation techniques gave him confidence. He knew the Body Refinement stage was fundamentally different from higher realms: while Qi could temporarily flow through the body, it couldn't yet remain stored. This limitation made careful control crucial.
"It's time for me to catch up," he said, glancing at Mei Ling. "Hand me the energy crystal on the table. I'll need it to stabilize my foundation." Mei Ling retrieved the crystal—a shimmering blue gem imbued with concentrated Qi—and handed it to him. "Samuel, your body isn't prepared to hold Qi long-term. You'll need to keep it moving, or it will dissipate," she warned. Mei Ling interjected cautiously, "this is your first attempt, and while I trust your knowledge, it's risky. Are you certain about this?"
Samuel took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. This was uncharted territory—his first step into a world he had only theorized about. Pressing the energy crystal to his chest, he willed its rich Qi into his body. The sensation hit him like a wave, a heady mixture of exhilaration and strain that left him momentarily breathless.
Mei Ling watched with a mix of admiration and concern.
"I know," Samuel replied, his voice steady despite the growing pressure inside him. "This isn't about holding Qi, it's just clearing the meridians."
He directed the Qi toward the Mind Meridian, carefully aligning the silver needle with the acupoint between his brows. With a precise motion, he inserted it, using the needle as a conduit to channel the Qi. The moment the meridian began to clear, an intense wave of sensation hit him—an almost electric sharpness that seemed to cut through his thoughts.
For a moment, his vision blurred, but as the Qi coursed through the newly opened pathway, his mind sharpened. He could feel his reaction speed increasing, his awareness expanding. "The Mind Meridian... open," he muttered, removing the needle and exhaling in relief.
Next, he turned his attention to the Heart Meridian, targeting the acupoint beneath his sternum. As the needle pierced his skin, he felt a fiery pulse in his chest. The Qi rushed through the meridian, clearing blockages and amplifying his stamina and resilience. His heart raced, but it was steady, pumping with newfound strength.
"It's incredible," he said softly, marveling at the vitality surging through him. "I feel as if I could run for days without tiring."
Moving on, Samuel located the acupoint for the Breath Meridian near his ribs. This time, he hesitated briefly, knowing the strain on his body was accumulating. "Just one step at a time," he reminded himself, inserting the needle.
The air around him seemed to change instantly. His lungs expanded, pulling in Qi and oxygen with unprecedented efficiency. Samuel felt as though the world had slowed, each breath filling him with energy.
Finally, he focused on the Surface Meridian, located near his forearm. This meridian was vital for strengthening the skin, but it required a delicate touch to avoid overloading the body. Samuel carefully inserted the needle, guiding the Qi into the pathway.
A cool sensation washed over him, his skin shimmering faintly as the meridian cleared. He could feel his body becoming tougher, his skin more resilient and smoother.
With the fourth meridian opened, Samuel set the needle aside, his breathing heavy. The Qi within him was already beginning to dissipate, unable to linger in his unrefined body. Still, the effects of the cleared pathways were undeniable.
"I can't hold the Qi, but the meridians are open," he said, standing and stretching his arms. He could feel the changes—the sharper mind, stronger heart, more efficient lungs, and tougher skin. "It's a start, but there's still a long way to go."
Mei Ling approached, her expression a mix of pride and amusement. "For someone doing this for the first time, you handled it well."
Samuel nodded, his confidence unwavering. "I know. This is just the beginning. For now, I'll focus on helping Xiu Yun refine her body while maintaining my progress. Together, we'll step into the true path of cultivation."
Xiu Yun, watching him in awe, spoke softly, "You make it look so easy, but I know it's anything but. Thank you, Samuel."
He smiled at her, his expression warm. "Now, let's focus on making sure you refine those meridians fully. We've got a lot of work ahead."