The following morning, I stood at the base of the northern hill, the soft rustle of leaves mingling with the cool morning breeze. My heart was a mix of anticipation and caution as I stared up at the winding path leading to the top. The system had been silent since Shen Tao's invitation, leaving me with a hundred questions and no answers.
> [Reminder: Quest Active – Meet Shen Tao at the northern hill.]
I adjusted the satchel on my back, took a deep breath, and muttered, "Well, here goes nothing," before starting the climb.
---
When I reached the hilltop, I found Shen Tao sitting cross-legged on a flat rock. His posture was serene, yet it exuded an undeniable authority. The moment I approached, his eyes snapped open, sharp and assessing.
"You came," Shen Tao said with a faint smile. "Good. That shows you're willing to take risks. But before we talk further, let's see if you have what it takes."
I tensed, a knot of unease tightening in my chest. "What kind of test?"
Shen Tao stood, his robes fluttering in the breeze. "Simple. Land a single blow on me. You can use anything—martial techniques, Qi, whatever you've got."
A frown creased my brow. I had only just begun my journey as a cultivator, and here he was, asking me to land a hit on someone who radiated an aura of strength I could hardly fathom. The gap between us seemed as vast as the heavens themselves.
But I had no choice but to try. I steadied my breathing, gathering my focus as I recalled the Iron Fist Strike technique from the Basic Combat Manual.
With a surge of Qi, I thrust forward, aiming my fist straight for Shen Tao's chest. My strike was swift, precise—at least, that was the intention.
But just as my fist was about to make contact, Shen Tao sidestepped with a fluid, almost lazy motion, effortlessly dodging the attack.
"Too slow," he said calmly.
I didn't give up. I followed with a series of punches and kicks, pouring all the energy I had into each strike. Yet, every blow was either dodged or deflected with minimal effort. Shen Tao moved with an almost ghostly grace, his body seemingly one with the wind.
Minutes passed, and my breath grew heavier, my muscles sore. I staggered back, frustration bubbling within me.
"How am I supposed to hit you when you're this much stronger?" I asked, panting.
Shen Tao chuckled lightly. "Strength is irrelevant. Your problem is your lack of adaptability. You rely too much on raw power and predictable patterns."
He took a step closer, his gaze sharp as he looked directly at me. "Cultivation isn't just about brute force. It's about understanding your opponent, adapting to their movements, and exploiting their weaknesses. Remember that."
---
Shen Tao reached into his robes and pulled out a small jade pendant, holding it out to me.
"This is for you," he said, his voice steady.
I hesitated before taking the pendant from his outstretched hand, examining it closely. It was carved with intricate patterns, and its surface felt warm to the touch.
"What is it?" I asked.
"A basic Qi resonance tool," Shen Tao explained. "Wear it while you train, and it will help you sense and control your Qi more effectively."
The system's voice rang in my mind as I held the pendant.
> [Acquired: Qi Resonance Pendant.]
Effect: Enhances Qi control during training. Increases efficiency of cultivation by 10%.
My eyes widened. "Why give this to me?"
Shen Tao smiled faintly. "Because I see potential in you. You remind me of myself when I first started. But don't mistake this as charity—if you waste this opportunity, you'll regret it."
---
After handing me the pendant, Shen Tao gestured for me to sit. I complied, feeling a mix of gratitude and curiosity.
"Now, let's begin your first lesson," he said. "Tell me, what do you know about Qi manipulation?"
I hesitated, unsure of how to answer. "Not much. I've only scratched the surface through bits and pieces of common knowledge."
Shen Tao nodded in understanding. "Then we'll start with the basics. Close your eyes and focus on your dantian. Feel the flow of Qi within you—its rhythm, its pulse."
I did as instructed, shutting out the world around me and focusing inward. I visualized the golden orb of energy in my dantian, its glow faint but steady, just like my connection to it.
"Good," Shen Tao said, his voice soft but clear. "Now, guide that Qi through your meridians. Imagine it flowing like a river, nourishing every part of your body."
I followed his words, concentrating deeply. At first, I felt only a subtle warmth spreading through my limbs. But as I focused more, that warmth grew stronger, and my control over the flow of Qi became clearer.
"Excellent," Shen Tao praised. "You're a quick learner. But remember, true mastery of Qi manipulation takes years of practice. Don't rush the process."
---
The training session continued until the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the hilltop. By the time we finished, I felt a deeper connection to my Qi than I ever had before, my control now more refined than I could have imagined.
As I stood to leave, Shen Tao's expression turned serious.
"Before you go," he said, his voice firm, "I must warn you. The path you've chosen is fraught with danger. Cultivators are not only tested by their own limitations but by the greed and ambition of others. Never let your guard down, even for a moment."
I nodded, the weight of his words sinking in, their meaning clear.
"Thank you for the lesson," I said quietly.
Shen Tao smiled, a knowing glint in his eyes. "We'll meet again soon. Until then, keep training—and stay alive."
---
As I descended the hill, my thoughts were heavy with the lessons I'd learned. The system chimed again, reminding me of my progress.
> [Quest Completed: Meet Shen Tao at the northern hill.]
Rewards: Qi Resonance Pendant, +25 Sign-In Points.
> [New Quest Unlocked: Strengthen Your Core.]
Begin practicing the Iron Fist Strike and improve your mastery over Qi manipulation.
Objective: Successfully perform 100 enhanced strikes.
Reward: Beginner Foundation Establishment Manual, +30 Sign-In Points.