A Simple Life, Big Dreams
Looking at Liang Chen's life, one might see the image of a young man who always aspired to a simpler existence—far from hard work and the dangers this new world imposed. However, his reality was far from that dream.
Liang, raised in a poor family living in a tiny two-room apartment that barely housed him, his mother, and his seven-year-old sister, had abandoned his university studies a year ago due to the mounting financial burden on his family. His father had passed away in a construction accident, leaving them with no financial support. As a result, Liang had to shoulder the responsibility of supporting his family.
He worked at the city market as an assistant in a small shop selling basic tools. The work was grueling, with long hours, but Liang never complained. His dream of a comfortable life—where he could lie back on a sofa in a home he owned without being forced to do anything—was a powerful motivation to keep going.
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Stages of Qi Power
As the government continued to disseminate basic techniques for Qi training, the public became increasingly interested in understanding and applying these arts. People began to realize that fighting with Qi was no longer just a fantasy but a tangible part of the new reality.
Televised training programs explained the stages of Qi power in detail:
1.Foundation Stage:
In this stage, one strengthens their body and opens the energy pathways within it. It involves exercises like "Horse Stance" and breathing techniques to gather Qi in the Dantian.
2.Qi Formation:
This stage enhances a person's ability to absorb Qi from their surroundings and convert it into internal energy stored in the Dantian.
3.Core Formation:
At this level, the individual can freely circulate energy throughout their body and utilize basic Qi-based combat techniques.
4. Spirit Enlightenment:
Achieving this stage requires the soul to fully connect with the universe's energy. Practitioners gain the ability to control their environment and use advanced combat techniques.
5.Grandmaster Stage:
Only legends reach this level. Practitioners can manipulate the physical world using their Qi alone, becoming forces of nature in their own right.
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As Liang juggled his work and training, he began to meet people who left lasting impressions on his life.
Chang Wei:
Liang's childhood friend and co-worker. Although optimistic and full of life, Chang harbored deep worries about their impoverished future. He often tried to lift Liang's spirits but concealed his own fears.
Mr. Yu:
The middle-aged shop owner where Liang worked. While he seemed strict, he saw a younger version of himself in Liang. He occasionally helped Liang by offering free goods for his family to eat.
Despite his poverty, Liang was determined to save money for his younger sister's education. To him, she was the beacon of hope that pushed him forward. He didn't want her to endure the same struggles he had.
One night, after a long day of work, Liang returned home to find his mother quietly crying. It was evident she felt guilty about him giving up his education to support them. Liang approached her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry, Mom. Education won't teach me how to protect you. Right now, I need to become stronger—not just to bring in money but to protect you and Su Ying."
While the world immersed itself in mastering the basics and spreading Qi techniques, Liang felt he was falling behind. His ability to absorb spiritual energy had become limited since the Cosmic Seed began growing. He needed to find alternative ways to improve himself.
He decided to sneak into one of the training centers run by a well-known clan in the city. Although these centers were open to the public, the clans reserved their strongest techniques for their members.
During his first visit, he met a girl named Xiao Lan, a trainee at the early Foundation Stage. Unlike other trainees, Xiao noticed that Liang had powerful but unstable inner energy.
"You have talent, but you don't know how to harness it. If you keep going like this, you'll destroy yourself."
Though wary of her intentions, Liang began listening to Xiao Lan's advice. She provided guidance on balancing internal energy and unlocking energy pathways.
.Over time, Liang formed a friendship with Xiao Lan, who helped him during his training sessions. All the while, he kept the secret of the Cosmic Seed hidden from everyone.
Meanwhile, Chang Wei noticed changes in Liang's behavior. He started feeling left out, jealous of Liang's dedication to training and his neglect of old friendships.
One dark night, as Liang meditated on the Cosmic Seed within his soul, he noticed that the tiny sapling growing inside had started to emit a different kind of energy. It seemed to be calling him to take the next step.
Liang realized that he had to make a pivotal decision: Should he continue working hard and relying on conventional methods to grow stronger, or should he risk everything to explore the depths of the Cosmic Seed?
End of Chapter Five