Adapting to a New World
As the world continued to undergo dramatic transformations, major cities began turning into fortified strongholds. People flooded into these urban centers, bringing with them stories of strange spiritual phenomena, mythical beasts, and the emergence of hidden clans thought to be mere legends. Life of comfort and daily routine gave way to an urgent need for survival.
Liang Chen understood that the world around him had become an unforgiving place. While contemplating his new path, he was overwhelmed by unanswered questions. He felt that the Seed of the Universe within him was not just a tool, but a tremendous responsibility. Yet, he had no idea how to wield it to become stronger or how to protect his mother and young sister from the dangers of this new world.
Discovering His Dantian
One day, while practicing the "Horse Stance," a technique he had learned from the television broadcasts, Liang felt something unusual. His energy center, known as the dantian, began interacting with the surrounding energy. A faint warmth radiated from below his navel, as if a stream of energy was slowly gathering in a single point. Liang realized this was the key to a new journey in the world of martial arts.
He focused on building his dantian using the Qi absorption techniques he had learned. Although these were general techniques accessible to everyone, Liang noticed they were effective in enhancing his physical and spiritual capabilities. A newfound internal balance began to emerge.
However, the Seed of the Universe within his soul remained an entirely different mystery. When he closed his eyes and focused on the glowing sphere, he saw that the small sapling had started to grow slowly. Still, this growth had no direct impact on the outside world. The realm he carried within his soul appeared to be a completely separate dimension.
While Liang continued his daily training, news broke on the local television station of a rampaging spiritual creature that had breached one of the city's outer walls. The creature was massive, resembling a wolf with eyes glowing a deep blue. It caused widespread panic among the residents before a group of martial artists, aided by the government, managed to subdue it.
This attack stirred deep concern within Liang. He knew the situation would only worsen over time and that these creatures could grow stronger and smarter. Yet, he couldn't ignore the threat looming over his family.
Liang began seriously considering how to enhance the Seed of the Universe and expand its capabilities. He knew he had to find unconventional methods. He decided to venture beyond the city's boundaries to test the Seed of the Universe's power in an unsafe environment.
He understood the risks, but his fear for his mother and sister's safety drove him to act. As night fell, he packed a small bag with food and water, setting out before dawn.
During his journey, Liang encountered his first spiritual creature—a relatively small being resembling a deer but with antlers that glowed green. Liang decided to use his ability to absorb spiritual energy from the creature.
As he focused on the creature, he felt the energy flow slowly toward the Seed of the Universe within his soul. However, with each additional unit of energy, the absorption became harder. He remembered the warning that had appeared in the system:
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[Level Two: Discovering Inner Energy]
Required units to reach Level Two: 50 units of spiritual energy.
Warning: Energy absorption decreases by 1/100 with each additional unit.
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After the encounter, Liang noticed that the Seed of the Universe had gained one more energy unit, but the creature remained mostly unharmed. This made him realize that this method alone wouldn't suffice to face the challenges ahead.
Upon his return to the city, Liang began hearing about martial arts clans offering training to individuals in specialized centers within the urban areas. These centers provided basic training to everyone, but advanced techniques were reserved for members of these clans.
Liang decided to join one of these public training sessions. He believed he could learn the essentials he needed without drawing attention to his unique abilities. During one of the sessions, he met a trainer named Shen Fu, an elderly yet strong man with an extraordinary ability to control spiritual energy.
The trainer noticed Liang's high focus and unusual talent. He decided to give Liang additional lessons on managing energy and achieving harmony between the dantian and the body.
Despite being immersed in training, Liang couldn't stop worrying about his family. He constantly wondered if he could truly protect them. His mother was a strong woman, but she lacked any means of defending herself. His seven-year-old sister lived in her innocent, childlike world, blissfully unaware of the looming danger.
Liang decided to teach his family the basics of self-defense and Qi absorption techniques. Although these skills weren't enough to fend off spiritual creatures, they could at least give them a chance to survive in case of an attack.
As night fell, Liang sat in his room and closed his eyes to focus on the Seed of the Universe. He knew he had a long way to go to balance his spiritual powers and protect those he loved. The world had become a place full of danger, but Liang realized he couldn't give up. He had to find new ways to develop his abilities, even if it meant risking everything.
The End of Chapter Four