The following morning, Ling Fei stood at the base of the northern hill, the soft rustle of leaves accompanying the morning breeze. He stared at the winding path leading up, his heart a mix of anticipation and caution.
The system had remained silent since Shen Tao's invitation, leaving Ling Fei to wonder about the mysterious man's intentions.
> [Reminder: Quest Active – Meet Shen Tao at the northern hill.]
"Well, here goes nothing," Ling Fei muttered, adjusting the satchel on his back before starting the climb.
---
A Simple Test
As he reached the hilltop, Ling Fei found Shen Tao sitting cross-legged on a flat rock, his posture serene yet commanding. The man's eyes opened the moment Ling Fei approached, sharp as a blade.
"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."
Ling Fei tensed. "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."
Ling Fei frowned. He'd just begun his journey as a cultivator, while Shen Tao radiated the aura of someone far stronger. The gap between them was as vast as the heavens and the earth.
Still, he had no choice but to try. Taking a deep breath, Ling Fei steadied his stance, recalling the Iron Fist Strike technique from the Basic Combat Manual.
His Qi surged, gathering in his fists as he lunged forward. His punch was swift and precise, aimed directly at Shen Tao's chest.
But just as his fist was about to connect, Shen Tao shifted slightly, sidestepping with ease.
"Too slow," Shen Tao said, his tone calm.
Ling Fei didn't let up. He followed with a series of punches and kicks, pouring all his energy into the assault. Yet, each strike was effortlessly dodged or deflected. Shen Tao moved like a ghost, his movements fluid and graceful.
After several minutes, Ling Fei's breath grew heavy, his body drenched in sweat. He staggered back, frustration bubbling within him.
"How am I supposed to hit you when you're this much stronger?"
Shen Tao chuckled. "Strength is irrelevant. Your problem lies in your lack of adaptability. You rely too much on raw power and predictable patterns."
The man stepped closer, his gaze intense. "Cultivation isn't just about brute force. It's about understanding your opponent, adapting to their movements, and exploiting their weaknesses. Remember that."
---
A Glimpse of Potential
Shen Tao reached into his robes, pulling out a small jade pendant. He held it out to Ling Fei.
"This is for you," Shen Tao said.
Ling Fei accepted the pendant, examining it closely. It was carved with intricate patterns, its surface warm to the touch.
"What is it?" he 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 chimed in.
> [Acquired: Qi Resonance Pendant.]
Effect: Enhances Qi control during training. Increases efficiency of cultivation by 10%.
Ling Fei's 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."
---
The First Lesson
After handing over the pendant, Shen Tao gestured for Ling Fei to sit.
"Now, let's begin your first lesson," he said. "Tell me, what do you know about Qi manipulation?"
Ling Fei hesitated. "Not much. I've only scratched the surface through bits and pieces of common knowledge."
Shen Tao nodded. "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."
Ling Fei did as instructed, shutting out the world around him. He visualized the golden orb of energy in his dantian, its glow faint but steady.
"Good," Shen Tao said. "Now, guide that Qi through your meridians. Imagine it flowing like a river, nourishing every part of your body."
As Ling Fei concentrated, he felt a faint warmth spreading through his limbs. It was subtle at first, but it grew stronger with each passing moment.
"Excellent," Shen Tao said. "You're a quick learner. But remember, true mastery of Qi manipulation takes years of practice. Don't rush the process."
---
The training session lasted until the sun began to set. By the end, Ling Fei felt a newfound connection to his Qi, his control more refined than ever.
As he prepared to leave, Shen Tao's expression turned serious.
"Before you go, I must warn you," he said. "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."
Ling Fei nodded, the weight of Shen Tao's words sinking in.
"Thank you for the lesson," he said.
Shen Tao smiled. "We'll meet again soon. Until then, keep training—and stay alive."
---
As Ling Fei descended the hill, the system's voice rang in his mind.
> [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 Qi Condensation Manual, +30 Sign-In Points.