### ** Chapter 5: The Consolidation of Qi **
The cave was silent except for the soft sound of the water dripping on the stone walls. Liang Feng was sitting in the center, surrounded by crystals that shone with a soft light. He had spent days circulating the Qi, following the instructions of old master Hong.
-"Focus on the flow of Qi," said the old master Hong, observing closely. -"Feel it like a river, flowing through you. Don't force, just allow it to follow your natural course."
Liang Feng closed his eyes and did how he was instructed. He felt Qi flow through his body, but this time more gently. It was as if he were harmonizing with the world around him instead of trying to dominate him.
"Well," said the old master Hong. "Now try to condense the IQ in your Dantian, the center of your power."
Liang Feng concentrated, feeling Qi accumulates in his abdomen. It was a strange feeling, as if something inside was solidifying. However, before he could consolidate Qi, he felt a wave of fatigue.
"I ... I can't," he said, opening his eyes and breathing deeply.
Old Master Hong smiled, but this time there was a glow of understanding in his eyes.
- "This is normal. Cultivation is not a race; it is a journey. It takes time to consolidate IQ and form a stable core."
Liang Feng looked into his hands, feeling the energy throbbing inside him, but still weak and unstable.
- "How long will it take?" He asked frustrated.
Old Master Hong laughed, but this time there was a note of caution in his voice.
- "It depends on you. Some cultivators take months, other years. The important thing is not to hurry. An unstable core may break, and that would be disastrous."
Liang Feng didn't answer, but felt a new determination burn inside him. He knew this was just the beginning, but he also knew he was on the right track.
- "What do I need to do to accelerate the process?" He asked finally.
Old Master Hong rose and walked to a cave wall, where there were a series of old symbols recorded on the stone.
"In addition to meditation, you need practical experience. Facit challenges, fight spiritual beasts, explore the world. Each battle, every discovery, will strengthen your IQ and your understanding of cultivation."
Liang Feng looked at the symbols, feeling a cold in the spine. He knew the old master Hong was right. Cultivation was not just about accumulating power; It was about understanding the world and oneself.
"Okay," he said. - "I will do whatever is needed."
Old Master Hong smiled, but this time there was a shadow of worry on his face.
- "Well. Because what's coming ... will test everything you are."