The aftershocks of the trial still vibrated through Yu Tian's body as he stood in the ruins, gazing at the dissipating energy of the creature. The air was thick with the lingering remnants of battle, but Yu Tian's mind was elsewhere. For the first time since his rebirth, he could feel a deep, resonant power within him, pulsing like a second heartbeat. It was as if the energy of the world itself was now a part of him, and he could sense it everywhere—beneath his feet, in the air, and even within his soul.
His hand clenched into a fist, and he marveled at the newfound strength in his body. The trial had been brutal, but it had shaped him in ways he couldn't fully comprehend. He was no longer the weak, ordinary man from his past life. Now, he stood at the precipice of something far greater.
"Your victory in the Trial of Body Tempering has unlocked your first true cultivation advancement," the Celestial Ascension System's voice echoed inside his mind. "Your physical body has been strengthened, but there is still much to learn. Now, you must focus on the next step—Qi Condensation."
Yu Tian closed his eyes, letting the system's words sink in. Qi Condensation. It was the second stage of cultivation, one that focused on gathering and refining the spiritual energy within the body. This energy, known as Qi, was the lifeblood of any cultivator. It fueled the cultivation process, enabling a cultivator to enhance their power, break through barriers, and eventually ascend to higher realms.
As his mind lingered on the concept of Qi, Yu Tian felt a gentle pull within himself. It was a subtle, almost imperceptible feeling, but he knew it was the energy the system spoke of. His body, now more attuned to the world's rhythms after the trial, seemed to resonate with the energy around him. It was as if the universe itself was offering him its power, waiting for him to claim it.
Yu Tian extended his senses, reaching out to the world. He felt the wind, the rustle of leaves in the distance, the distant hum of the earth's energy, and—beneath it all—the Qi that flowed through every living thing. It was a silent current that permeated everything, connecting the world and its creatures in an intricate web of power.
"Gather the Qi within you," the system instructed. "Use your newly awakened senses to absorb and refine it. Focus on the center of your being—the dantian. There, you will store the Qi that you gather."
Yu Tian took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he followed the system's guidance. He placed a hand over his abdomen, the location of his dantian, and focused his mind inward. The energy within him stirred, as though it recognized his intention.
Slowly, he began to draw the Qi into his body, guiding it toward his dantian. At first, the process was slow. The Qi felt elusive, like water slipping through his fingers, but Yu Tian persisted. His focus deepened, and gradually, the energy began to respond. He could feel it flowing through his veins, surging like a tide. It was warm, soothing, and yet powerful in its own right.
The Qi continued to gather within his dantian, swirling in a vortex of energy. Yu Tian's body seemed to hum with the newfound power, the sensation both exhilarating and exhausting. He had only just begun to condense the Qi, but already he could feel the difference. His muscles felt stronger, more responsive, and his mind was clearer than ever before.
"You are progressing well," the system praised. "The Qi within your dantian is beginning to form. But be cautious. The process of Qi Condensation can be dangerous if you push yourself too hard. The energy within your body is still unfamiliar to you, and without proper control, it could harm you."
Yu Tian nodded, taking the system's warning to heart. He had learned quickly that pushing too hard could result in failure, and failure in cultivation was a painful and sometimes deadly experience. He had no intention of making such a mistake.
The hours passed as he continued to refine the Qi within his body, drawing it in and expelling it, guiding it with slow, deliberate movements. His body, still sore from the trial, slowly acclimated to the process, and he could feel the connection between himself and the world around him deepening. Every breath, every pulse of energy, seemed to align with the natural rhythms of the world, and he felt more at home within himself than he ever had before.
As night fell and the stars began to dot the sky, Yu Tian finally opened his eyes. He felt... different. Stronger. More attuned to the universe's power. His body, once weak and fragile, now seemed to radiate with latent strength. But even more than that, he felt a deep sense of purpose—his journey was just beginning, and he knew the trials ahead would only grow more difficult.
He rose to his feet, steadying himself as the last remnants of exhaustion faded. His Qi had condensed into a small, swirling sphere within his dantian, a sign that he had successfully completed the first step of Qi Condensation. It was a small victory, but it was a victory nonetheless.
"You have successfully reached the Qi Condensation stage," the system announced. "Now, you may begin to explore the path of cultivation in greater depth. The next stage will be Foundation Establishment, where you will begin to refine your understanding of the world's laws and your connection to them. But remember, every stage is a step forward. You are still in the early stages of your journey."
Yu Tian nodded, a sense of quiet determination settling over him. He had taken the first step toward becoming something greater, but there was much more to be done. His journey had just begun, and he could already sense that the road ahead would be filled with challenges, dangers, and powerful enemies. Yet, for the first time, he felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.
As he stood under the starry sky, Yu Tian made a silent vow to himself. He would not falter. He would not fail. He would rise, no matter the cost.
And so, the journey of Yu Tian continued, a young cultivator on the path to mastering the very forces of the universe.