Around 10,000 kilometers away, a portal materialized seemingly out of thin air. From within the mystic gateway, Roy emerged, greeted by a sudden and unexpected deluge of water that left him utterly drenched, causing him to instinctively shut his eyes tight. The sensation of cold water soaking him head to toe jolted his senses awake, making him fully aware of his surroundings.
"Have I ventured somewhere dangerous?" Roy thought as he opened his eyes again. What unfolded before him was not a scene of danger, but one of sheer wonder and amazement.
As the portal dissolved into nothingness, the world revealed itself, leaving Roy in awe. Before him sprawled an enchanting and captivating landscape, a place of unparalleled beauty and natural grandeur. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of damp earth and fresh foliage, and he couldn't help but marvel at his surroundings.
Massive, ancient trees, while scattered, allowed dappled sunlight to filter through their leaves, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interplay of light and shadow made the forest look almost magical, as if it belonged to another world. The greenery seemed vibrant, alive with energy. However, what truly captured Roy's attention was the overpowering sound that emanated from his right.
Turning in that direction, Roy saw a breathtaking sight. A massive waterfall cascaded down from a towering, dark cliff, which seemed almost otherworldly as it shimmered in the sunlight. The cliff appeared endless, its peak obscured by mist, as if touching the sky itself. The waterfall spread out gracefully, the shimmering water glistening like liquid crystal as it fell. The scene exuded an aura of mysticism, leaving Roy in awe. He marveled at its height and grandeur, feeling a sense of humility in the presence of such natural, almost ethereal beauty.
Flowing from the base of the waterfall, a river surged with wild and untamed energy, its waters crashing and splashing in all directions. Though the sun shone brightly, the presence of countless water droplets and a delicate mist imparted an illusion of perpetual cloudiness near the waterfall. Rainbows appeared and disappeared amidst the mist, adding to the magical allure of the place.
Roy stood at a safe distance, approximately half a kilometer from the majestic waterfall. Yet, even from this vantage point, the influence of the waterfall on the immediate environment was undeniable. The sheer force of the water created a constant breeze, the mist dampening the ground around him.
"I need to figure out what to do next," Roy considered, his eyes drawn to the enticing river. He found a sturdy rock on which to sit and ponder his course of action. His body was still aching, the remnants of his previous ordeal lingering, but he had to remain focused.
As he reviewed the instructions that his Master had provided before the actual chapters of the Heavenly Origin Qi Cultivation Technique, Roy allowed himself to be captivated by the extraordinary scenery that surrounded him. There was something calming about the sound of rushing water, the freshness of the air, and the warmth of the sun on his skin. It was the perfect place for contemplation.
"This technique is supposed to be really powerful, but my body needs to be stronger than a normal human's or it'll fall apart. Master said I should do Bone and Muscle Forging at least twice, but it's up to me," he muttered, knowing full well that this was no ordinary path he had chosen.
Roy thought about the three realms of cultivation: Bone Forging, Muscle Forging, and Qi Cultivation. The human body isn't naturally strong enough to handle any extra aura, the energy used in cultivation, so bones and muscles need to be reinforced using the aura already present in the body.
Aura is the energy cultivators use, but it used to be called Qi thousands of years ago. Not everyone can cultivate, only those who can sense and move aura already present in their bodies can walk on the path of cultivation. Since the human body is weak, it needs to be tempered first. Only then can someone start absorbing aura from the surroundings.
Roy thought about his situation and decided, "Most people start Qi Cultivation after one round of tempering, but I need more. I'll at least strengthen my bones before leaving here. If Master chose this place, it must be safe enough." He felt reassured by the thought that the Heavenly Monarch had chosen this place for him.
Roy's decision showed a maturity beyond his years, shaped by his perfect memory. He remembered everything since birth, which, along with his tough early life and years of slavery, made him grow up fast and develop a strong will.
Determined to move forward, Roy rose to his feet and began his search for the perfect training spot, one far removed from potential distractions. Fortunately, thanks to the miraculous golden liquid he had discovered, the need for food or water was no longer a concern. The thought of being free from such basic needs gave him a sense of liberation. He could focus entirely on his training.
With his sights set on the colossal waterfall, Roy started his journey, hoping to find an ideal location for his training. As he ventured closer to the cascading waters, the intensity of the splashes grew, forcing him to maintain a safe distance from the tumultuous river. The sound of the water was almost deafening now, but it only fueled his determination.
"I need to set up a base camp close by," he mused as he continued to explore the breathtaking surroundings. He knew he would need a place to rest and recover between his training sessions, somewhere secluded yet close enough to the waterfall to utilize its resources.
Roy looked around the base of the cliff for hours but found nothing suitable. Exhausted, he decided to rest under a huge tree, leaning against its massive trunk. The sound of rustling leaves was soothing, contrasting with the roaring waterfall.
The trees in this extraordinary place were colossal, some with roots that jutted out from the earth, creating hollow chambers beneath them. The tree he had chosen was one such titan. Its roots formed a natural shelter, providing a sense of security that Roy found comforting.
As he settled into his resting place, Roy noticed that the tree's interior was hollow. It seemed like the perfect hideaway, concealing him from prying eyes should anyone chance upon this remarkable location. He cautiously ventured inside, his eyes adjusting to the dimness.
Roy ventured into the hollow interior of the tree, his small and agile body easily fitting within the space. He took a moment to arrange the dirt-covered floor, making it more comfortable for his repose. However, as he settled in, the ground suddenly gave way beneath him, and he plummeted ten feet below.
"Why does it seem like I'm always falling?" Roy grumbled, a trace of frustration in his voice. He let out an exasperated sigh, brushing the dirt from his clothes. It felt as though the universe was playing a game with him, constantly challenging his endurance.
Despite the fall, Roy remained unscathed and found himself in a tunnel that stretched deeper underground. The tunnel twisted and turned, and after a brief ten-minute journey, he arrived in a cave concealed behind the roaring waterfall. The sound of the water was even louder here, reverberating through the cavernous space.
"Looks like there's a cave behind the waterfall. I need to be careful—getting too close to the waterfall could be dangerous. But this place is perfect for training. With 1,000 golden liquid drops at my disposal, I won't need to leave in search of food or water," Roy said, his eyes gleaming with determination. He could feel that this secluded cave would be the perfect haven for him to forge his body.
The cave was spacious, with natural rock formations and a smooth, cool floor. The constant mist from the waterfall seeped in, keeping the air damp and cool. It felt like an ideal environment for his rigorous training regimen. Roy examined the cave, noting its features and strategizing on how he could best use the space.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, as Roy trained diligently in the cave. Each day was grueling, his body pushed to its limits as he undertook the physical training and Bone Forging. He cultivated as it was mentioned in the heavenly origin qi technique.
The physical training was brutal—he used the rocks in the cave as makeshift weights, lifting them repeatedly until his muscles burned and ached. He performed exercises to harden his body. Every day was a test of endurance, but with each passing day, Roy could feel his body growing stronger.
Roy's main goal was to reach the Muscle Forging realm before leaving. He was determined to use this opportunity to get stronger, pushing his body until it could handle the power of aura. He practiced guiding aura through his body, carefully refining his control over it. Each drop of the golden liquid he drank provided him with the energy he needed to continue, and the cave had become his sanctuary.
The days were filled with hard work, but there were moments of solace too. At night, Roy would sit by the entrance of the cave, watching the moonlight glint off the waterfall and the river beyond. The sight was mesmerizing, a reminder of the beauty of the world he had been given a second chance to explore. During these quiet moments, he thought of the Heavenly Monarch, the person who had given him this opportunity, and felt a sense of gratitude.
Two Years Later