"Now listen carefully. We're going to start something very important," Nyx's voice echoed in Jin Mo's mind, laced with both excitement and gravity.
Jin Mo's tiny body tensed, his heart racing as he listened intently. What is it? he thought, a flutter of anticipation filling him.
Nyx's tone shifted to something more focused. "We're going to create your dantian. It's the core of your strength, the place where you'll store and cultivate Qi. This is the foundation of everything. Focus and follow my instructions carefully."
Jin Mo closed his eyes, feeling the weight of her words settle within him. He drew in a slow breath, the air filling his lungs, calming his racing thoughts. As he exhaled, his small body relaxed, and he allowed himself to center. The world outside seemed to fade into the background, leaving only his awareness and the pulse of energy surrounding him.
Below his navel, the space within him felt vast and empty—a void waiting to be filled, humming softly with untapped potential. Jin Mo's mind sharpened as he became aware of the energy flowing all around him, as if it were alive, swirling in invisible currents. He focused, drawing the energy toward him. It felt natural, like an extension of his own being, responding to his will.
As his awareness deepened, the energy began to gather, pulling inward, towards his core. It felt like a magnetic force, guiding the flow with an almost sentient pull. Then, in that quiet space beneath his navel, a small spark ignited. It flickered at first, like a fragile flame struggling to take hold, but then, slowly, it began to grow—a warm, radiant light blossoming within him. The sensation was unlike anything he had ever felt before. It was like the birth of a sun within his body, glowing with warmth and vitality.
"That's it," Nyx's voice came softly, yet filled with pride. "You're doing it, Jin Mo. Let it solidify."
The energy began to stabilize, the flame no longer flickering but now steady, glowing with unwavering brilliance. Jin Mo focused on his breath, steadying it as he controlled his emotions. He centered his mind, allowing the energy to settle into its new form. Slowly, the flame became more solid, its light growing steadier, becoming a firm, pulsating core. His Dantian.
Jin Mo felt a surge of vitality spread through his limbs, like life itself coursing through his veins. His body resonated with the strength now locked within him, the power of the Dantian aligning with the rhythm of his own breath. It felt as though his very soul was intertwined with the energy, the bond deepening with every passing second.
The world around him seemed to hum in response, charged with the same vibrant energy that now flowed within him. He could sense the Qi that surrounded him more clearly, as if the entire universe had suddenly become alive with possibility.
"How does it feel?" Nyx's voice broke through his focused state, a playful edge creeping into her tone. "Do you feel the power surging through you?"
Jin Mo could barely contain his awe. "It feels… incredible. It's like a part of me. No, it is me," he thought, the connection to his Dantian becoming an intimate and irreplaceable part of his being.
Nyx laughed softly, her voice filled with amusement. "That's right, Jin Mo. This is just the beginning. You're no longer just a child—you're a cultivator now. The power within you will grow, but for now, you must learn to harness it, to control it."
A chime echoed in his mind, a gentle, melodic sound.
Ding! New Attribute Unlocked: Qi - 10
Jin Mo felt a rush of warmth as the energy stabilized within him. The Dantian pulsed softly, its light steady and constant, grounding him in a way that felt both powerful and serene. His small body was invigorated, filled with newfound strength. He hadn't realized how empty he had felt before this moment—now, there was purpose in every breath, a foundation that had been built in a span of minutes.
"Well? How was my gift?" Nyx's voice rang in his mind, full of playful pride. "Isn't it amazing?"
Jin Mo couldn't help but smile softly to himself, the feeling of power and connection still overwhelming. "Yes… it's more than amazing. It's... everything."
Nyx's laughter echoed, light and teasing. "No need to thank me. I already know how incredible I am!"
But Jin Mo's thoughts were already drifting forward, to the road ahead. Though this was a monumental step, he knew it was only the beginning. With the Dantian as his foundation, the journey of cultivation would now truly begin. He felt a new sense of purpose, a quiet but burning determination rising within him. And with Nyx by his side, he would grow stronger, faster—until he was ready for whatever came next.