Ling Fei sat cross-legged on the wooden floor of his small home, the Spirit Tempering Pill resting in his palm. Its radiant glow illuminated the dim room, casting dancing shadows on the walls. This pill, a treasure beyond his wildest dreams, was his first real step into the world of cultivation.
The system's voice chimed in his mind, steady and reassuring.
> [System Tip: Consuming the Spirit Tempering Pill will strengthen your spiritual foundation and awaken latent Qi pathways. Follow the cultivation method provided below.]
The words materialized in his vision, detailing the steps of a foundational Qi refinement technique. Ling Fei's heart raced as he read through the instructions.
---
He popped the pill into his mouth, the sweet, almost honey-like taste melting on his tongue before a surge of warmth spread through his body. It wasn't just heat; it was a flood of energy, vibrant and alive, rushing through his veins and pooling in his dantian, the core of cultivation nestled just below his navel.
His breathing quickened as the energy began to flow, but it was chaotic, like a river during a storm. He closed his eyes, focusing on the technique the system provided.
"Breathe in slowly, guide the energy through the meridians," he muttered, his voice trembling with concentration.
The warmth responded to his intent, following the mental pathways he envisioned. It was like guiding a wild beast; every second was a struggle, but slowly, the energy began to obey. The chaotic flow smoothed into a gentle stream, circulating through his body and nourishing his latent Qi pathways.
The process was painful at times, his body resisting the foreign energy, but the pain soon gave way to a sense of clarity. It was as though a fog had lifted from his mind, and he could see the world more vividly, hear every subtle sound, and feel the faintest vibrations in the air.
> [Congratulations! You have successfully awakened your Qi pathways. You have entered the First Stage of the Qi Condensation Realm.]
Ling Fei opened his eyes, his heart swelling with triumph. The system's notification wasn't just words—it was a declaration that he had stepped onto the path of cultivation.
---
The world outside seemed different when Ling Fei stepped into the sunlight. The colors were richer, the scents sharper. He could sense the faint energy of the natural world—the Qi of the earth, sky, and even the gentle breeze brushing against his face.
For the first time, he felt connected to something greater than himself.
But his celebration was short-lived. As he walked toward the village square, the stares of the villagers reminded him of how different he had become.
"He survived the forest?"
"Is he… cultivating now?"
"How is that even possible? Wasn't he a cripple?..."
Ling Fei ignored them, focusing on the system's next directive.
> [New Quest: Strengthen Your Foundation.]
Collect Spirit Herbs from the Crescent Hills to refine a basic Qi Recovery Elixir.
Reward: Qi Recovery Elixir x3, +20 Sign-In Points.
The Crescent Hills were known for their abundant herbs, but they were also home to wild beasts. Venturing there would be dangerous, especially for someone who had just started cultivating.
---
Preparations for the Journey
Before setting off, Ling Fei visited the village blacksmith, a grizzled old man named Uncle Han.
"You're going to the Crescent Hills?" Han asked, his bushy eyebrows raised. "Boy, you've got guts, but you'll need more than that to survive."
Ling Fei nodded. "Do you have anything I can use? A weapon, perhaps?"
Uncle Han scratched his chin before pulling out a short sword with a slightly chipped blade. "This isn't much, but it's better than nothing. Take care of it, and it'll take care of you."
Ling Fei bowed deeply, grateful for the man's generosity. Armed with the sword and a small satchel for collecting herbs, he made his way toward the Crescent Hills.
---
The Journey Begins
The hills were a stark contrast to the forest he had braved before. Rolling green slopes stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with vibrant flowers and clusters of herbs. The air was fresher here, almost invigorating, but Ling Fei knew better than to let his guard down.
He consulted the system's description of the Spirit Herbs he needed, scanning the area for their distinctive blue leaves. It wasn't long before he spotted a cluster growing near a rocky outcrop.
Cautiously, he approached, his senses on high alert. The tranquility of the hills was deceptive; danger could strike at any moment.
As he reached for the herbs, a low growl froze him in place. He turned slowly to see a wild boar, its eyes glowing faintly with Qi energy. It wasn't a Spirit Beast, but it was still a threat.
The boar charged, its tusks aimed straight at him. Ling Fei's heart pounded as he sidestepped the attack, drawing his sword in one fluid motion. The weapon felt awkward in his hand, its weight unfamiliar, but he gritted his teeth and held his ground.
The boar turned for another charge, its movements faster than he anticipated. Ling Fei swung the sword clumsily, the blade grazing the beast's side but failing to deter it. The boar's tusks nicked his arm, drawing blood.
Pain shot through him, but he refused to back down. He adjusted his grip, remembering the system's guidance.
> [Tip: Focus your Qi into the blade to enhance its sharpness.]
Closing his eyes briefly, he visualized the flow of Qi from his dantian into the sword. The blade began to hum softly, a faint glow emanating from its edge.
When the boar charged again, Ling Fei moved with newfound confidence. He sidestepped the attack and brought the sword down in a decisive arc, striking the beast's neck. The enhanced blade cut through its flesh with ease, and the boar collapsed to the ground.
---
A Small Victory
Ling Fei sank to his knees, his chest heaving with exertion. The battle had been short, but it was a stark reminder of how dangerous the path of cultivation could be.
The system chimed once more.
> [Battle Complete: Defeated a Qi-Enhanced Wild Boar.]
Rewards: +5 Sign-In Points, Wild Boar Tusks x2, Qi Beast Core x1.
He stared at the glowing core in his hand, a small orb pulsing with faint energy. It was his first real loot from battle, a tangible reminder of his progress.
After collecting the herbs, Ling Fei began his journey back to the village, grinning with ecstasy.