The Beginning: The Chaos That Haunts the World
In the days following Liang's discovery of his new power, strange phenomena began to accelerate across the world. The spirit beasts, once thought to be mere legends, started appearing in increasing numbers. Creatures that were affected by the new energy turned into monstrous, powerful beings, shaking the stability of the world. The cities became prime targets for these beasts, forcing governments to take immediate defensive measures.
Mass migration from rural areas to major cities ensued. People fled from regions threatened by these spirit beasts, seeking refuge behind the newly constructed city walls. These walls were massive fortifications built to protect humanity from the transformed creatures.
One day, while wandering through the crowded streets, Liang felt something strange. Even though his life had dramatically changed since the discovery of the Seed of the Universe within him, something else was beginning to emerge. His ability to absorb spiritual energy was starting to diminish. He felt as though his power was no longer absorbing as efficiently as it had before.
and focused his thoughts on the glowing sphere that floated inside his soul, he noticed a significant change. Inside that sphere, a small patch of land appeared, no larger than one square meter. From this patch, a small seedling began to grow, floating in the air. The seedling grew rapidly, glowing with a mysterious light.
Liang felt that this seedling represented the beginning of a new stage in the development of the Seed of the Universe inside him. It was not just an internal transformation; it marked a shift toward an unknown future. Something inside him was growing, leading him to believe that this seedling was the precursor to something much more significant.
However, despite the remarkable experience, Liang noticed another oddity: his ability to absorb spiritual energy had begun to decrease. At first, he paid little attention to this, but as his energy absorption level reached the tenth unit in the system, the decline became clear. It was as if the Seed of the Universe had consumed its own energy, and consequently, his ability to absorb spiritual energy became less effective.
[System]:
[Level Two: Discovery of Internal Energy]
*Required units to reach level two: 50 units of spiritual energy.
*Warning: Energy absorption decreases by 1/100 with every additional unit.
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the training of combat artists, members of ancient hidden clans that had operated in secrecy for decades. The recent global upheavals had prompted these clans to reveal their existence, in a bid to counter the rising threat of spirit beasts and protect the world.
The government made these combat techniques available to the public. Among the most notable techniques was the "Horse Stance," a foundational practice designed to enhance physical and mental strength. Alongside it, techniques for absorbing Qi and building the Dantian, the body's energy center, were also introduced. Although these methods were available to the public, the hidden clans kept secret, more powerful techniques.
Though Liang's abilities were unique in absorbing spiritual energy, he knew that his Qi absorption wasn't at the same level. However, he understood that he needed to learn these basic techniques being broadcast to the public. He felt an urgent need to protect himself and his family, fearing that the world might change drastically at any moment.
Despite the diminishing return on his energy absorption, Liang didn't lose hope. He decided to start learning the basic techniques the government was broadcasting on television. At first, he thought these methods might be ineffective for him, especially considering his mysterious powers, but deep down he knew he couldn't rely solely on his unique abilities.
As global tensions escalated due to the appearance of spirit beasts and the rise of combat clans, Liang knew that he had to act quickly. He began practicing the foundational techniques like Qi absorption and Dantian building, which were taught through the broadcasts. These were vital to enhance his physical and mental resilience, and in doing so, he could better defend himself against whatever challenges lay ahead.
At the same time, political tensions were rising. The government was moving quickly to support combat artists, and many were traveling between cities to train volunteers. Liang knew that he needed to be careful and watchful, especially considering the threat that loomed over him and his family.
While Liang focused on learning these new techniques, his mind often drifted to other concerns. He feared that the growth of the Seed of the Universe inside him could pose a danger to his life and the lives of those he loved. He remembered his deceased father and worried about his mother and his younger sister, who was only seven years old.
"If things change any more than this, I'll need to protect everyone. But how can I control what's happening inside me?" Liang wondered, as he contemplated the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
Liang knew that a new phase of his life had begun, and the world around him was no longer as it once was. His ability to absorb spiritual energy was diminishing, and the world itself was transforming in ways he could not predict. However, deep inside, he realized that despite the many challenges, he had to continue searching for ways to develop the Seed of the Universe within him. The world was now in a state of upheaval, and he had to keep pace with the changes, no matter what sacrifices it might require.
End of Chapter Three