Azure Sky City was a marvel of both engineering and mysticism, a floating city that hung fifty meters above the ground, tethered to the earth by massive chains that shimmered faintly with runic inscriptions. The sight of it, even after thirteen years of living there, never ceased to amaze Song Shuhang. He often found himself gazing at the faint blue glow that emanated from the city's base, wondering about the mechanisms—magical or otherwise—that kept the city aloft.
With a population of only 100,000, Azure Sky City was not large compared to other cities in the Blue Wind Kingdom. Yet, its strategic importance and unique nature made it a jewel of the kingdom. It was home to the Xiao Clan, one of the noble families that ruled vast territories and wielded immense influence. The Xiao Clan's wealth and power gave Azure Sky City its affluence, attracting merchants, scholars, and adventurers alike.
But as with all aristocratic systems, the Xiao Clan had its fair share of both virtues and vices. Some members of the clan were just and benevolent, aiding the city's people and maintaining order. Others, however, used their power to oppress and exploit.
In his thirteen years, Shuhang had witnessed firsthand the cruelty of unchecked power. He had seen people driven out of their homes, businesses confiscated under false pretenses, and individuals vanish without a trace when they stood in the way of the nobles' ambitions. These experiences had instilled in him a deep awareness of the importance of strength in this world.
This was a world where power was everything. It was a world where individuals could destroy entire cities with a wave of their hand, and monsters prowled in the wilderness, ready to prey on the weak. To live without training, without striving for strength, was to live a life of naivety and risk.
Fortunately, this world offered a path to power. The air itself was saturated with a mystical energy known as Ki, which could be absorbed and refined to strengthen the body and extend life. However, the process was not as simple as breathing it in. Specific techniques were needed to harness and refine Ki effectively. Without these techniques, one's growth was painfully slow, and attempting to refine Ki without guidance was dangerous, potentially leading to injury or even death.
For Shuhang's family, obtaining these techniques had not been easy. They were a simple family of blacksmiths and tailors, scraping together what wealth they could to survive. Years ago, his grandfather had managed to purchase a basic Ki refinement technique, a significant expense for their modest means. This technique allowed the user to reach the 9th level of the Ki Refinement stage, a respectable accomplishment but a hard ceiling for those without access to more advanced methods.
Shuhang's father, Song Wuji, and his late grandfather had both reached this peak. Yet they could not advance further, as the cost of acquiring a Foundation Realm technique was far beyond their means. Advanced techniques were jealously guarded by sects and clans, often sold only to the wealthy or granted to members and disciples.
Despite these limitations, Shuhang had managed to reach the 9th level of Ki Refinement at a young age, thanks to his modern understanding of science and logic. While others followed the techniques blindly, Shuhang analyzed them, understanding their mechanisms and improving their efficiency. This analytical approach allowed him to progress rapidly, and he had even shared his insights with his family, enhancing their own cultivation.
Yet, Shuhang was hesitant to join a sect or clan. These organizations were powerful and offered many resources, but they also demanded loyalty and obedience. Shuhang valued his independence and wished to carve his own path. For now, he preferred to stay with his family, enjoying their company and the simple pleasures of life.
But as he stared out at the horizon from the city's edge, watching the morning mist rise from the ground below, Shuhang knew he couldn't remain stagnant forever. His family's safety, his own dreams, and the dangers of this world all demanded that he grow stronger. The Foundation Realm was his next step, and he would find a way to reach it, no matter the cost.
The Song family finished their hearty breakfast, and as the table was cleared, they moved toward their usual training area—a spacious courtyard at the back of the house, concealed by high walls to ensure privacy. This was their daily routine, a ritual in a world that demanded strength for survival.
The courtyard was an impressive mix of practicality and ingenuity. It held various exercise equipment designed by Shuhang himself, combining his modern knowledge with the materials available in Azure Sky City. Dumbbells, barbells, and adjustable weight machines filled one side, while cycling equipment and a manually powered treadmill took up another. It was a sight that would have seemed out of place in this ancient-feeling world, but for the Songs, it was a testament to their unity and progress.
"All right, everyone, warm-up first," Shuhang instructed, clapping his hands.
Song Wuji, his father, nodded with a grin. "You're the boss here, son. Let's see if this old man can keep up."
His younger brother, Song Shou, who was only ten years old, puffed out his chest and exclaimed, "I'll beat all of you today!"
Shuhang smirked and patted his brother on the head. "Big words for someone who couldn't even lift half the weights yesterday."
Shiyu, the youngest and only daughter, giggled, her braided hair bouncing as she grabbed a skipping rope. At eight years old, she was still small but determined to keep up with her family.
Their mother, Song Lingsi, stood by the treadmill, tying her hair into a neat bun. "Less talk, more action," she said, stepping onto the machine with a competitive glint in her eye.
The family started with stretches, ensuring their bodies were loose and ready for the intense session ahead. Then they moved on to the weights, each working at their own pace. Shuhang had designed the equipment with adjustable resistance, allowing everyone to use it regardless of their strength level.
The courtyard echoed with the sounds of effort—clanking weights, the rhythmic whir of the treadmill, and the occasional grunt of exertion. Even young Shiyu was determined, skipping rope with unrelenting focus.
After an hour of physical training, Shuhang clapped his hands again. "Good work, everyone. Now, let's move on to Ki cultivation."
The family sat in a circle on the soft grass, their breathing steady as they prepared to enter a meditative state.
Ki, the energy that permeated the world, was the foundation of strength in this realm. For the Song family, understanding and harnessing it had been a journey of both discovery and perseverance.
Shuhang had revolutionized their approach to Ki cultivation. Unlike others who blindly followed the techniques handed down to them, Shuhang analyzed the mechanics behind the process. He had spent years studying the Nature Breath technique, a more advanced version of the basic Ki Refinement method his grandfather had initially purchased.
He had discovered that techniques were essentially blueprints, fixed pathways for absorbing and refining Ki. The Nature Breath technique focused on creating a spinning halo of energy that funneled Ki into specific points of the body, making absorption more efficient.
But Shuhang had taken it further.
"Focus on the entry point," Shuhang reminded his family as they began their meditation. "Don't let the energy scatter. Funnel it directly into the core and let it flow through the pathways we practiced."
This was his innovation: a single, concentrated point of energy entry, paired with a thickened halo that spun faster to draw in more Ki. By layering the Ki and absorbing thicker strands of energy, they could increase both their reserves and the quality of the energy within their bodies.
The family followed his instructions diligently. Song Wuji and Song Lingsi, despite being older, had adapted to Shuhang's methods, and their cultivation had improved significantly. Shou and Shiyu, though younger, showed incredible promise.
As the session ended, Shuhang stretched his arms and let out a satisfied sigh. He could feel the strength coursing through his body, but he knew he was at a bottleneck. For months, he had been at the peak of the Ki Refinement stage, unable to advance without a Foundation Realm technique.
"Father," Shuhang said, breaking the quiet. "When can we buy the Foundation Realm technique?"
Song Wuji opened his eyes and looked at his son with a proud smile. "I was wondering when you'd ask. You've been so focused on improving what we already have that I thought you weren't in a hurry."
Shuhang blinked in surprise. "I've been ready for a while. I just didn't want to burden the family."
His father laughed, his deep voice filling the courtyard. "You're no burden, Shuhang. If anything, you've made this family stronger and more prosperous. The savings we've built up over the years were always meant for this."
Song Lingsi joined in, her voice gentle but firm. "Your father is right. We've been waiting for you to say the word. If you're ready, we'll go today."
Shuhang felt a surge of excitement. "Let's do it. I'm ready to take the next step."
"After work, then," Song Wuji said, clapping his son on the shoulder.
With that, the family split up for the day. Wuji, Shou and Shuhang headed to the smithy, where they crafted weapons and tools for the city's residents. Lingsi and Shiyu went to the Han family tailor shop, carrying on the other half of the Song family's livelihood.
As Shuhang walked alongside his father, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that would bring him closer to his goal of understanding and mastering the mysteries of cultivation.