The days were getting harder for Xiao Shao. Although his physical training and fighting skills were getting better, he felt that something was missing. Inside him, there was a feeling that even though his physical strength had increased, there was a limit that he could not pass by relying only on his muscles and wits.
That night, after training hard at the dojo, Xiao Shao returned home with an extremely tired body. When he opened the door to his apartment, he felt something strange. On his small table, there was an old book that he had never seen before. The book was made of rough leather, its color had faded, and there were some symbols that he did not recognize engraved on the cover.
Curious, Xiao Shao picked up the book and opened the pages. Inside, there were writings that he did not understand at first. The words did not seem to be from a language he was familiar with, but there was something that caught his attention. The few sentences on the first page spoke of a power greater than the human body, of a way to increase physical and mental potential through a deeper path.
"This… isn't just about physical training," Xiao Shao thought, realizing that the book might be something very different from what he had imagined.
He began to read carefully, translating each sentence. Although the writing seemed imperfect, the words gave a sense of the power that could be gained through "cultivation." Although there was no qi or spiritual energy in this world that he had previously known, the book spoke of a way to control the body and mind in a more profound way.
The book explained "Body and Soul Cultivation." Each page gave instructions on how to optimize one's natural strength, from breathing techniques to how to regulate the energy within the body. Xiao Shao felt a new hope rise within him. If this world did not provide him with qi, perhaps there were other ways to attain greater power, and this book might be the key to achieving it.
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For the next few weeks, Xiao Shao dedicated himself to studying the techniques in the book. Although he sometimes felt frustrated by the difficulty of understanding some of the concepts, he did not give up. He continued to practice, following the instructions in the book with great diligence.
One of the first techniques he tried was "Deep Breathing." This technique taught Xiao Shao to control his breathing in a more structured way. Every time he inhaled, he imagined the air flowing through his body, giving him strength and vitality. Every time he exhaled, he tried to banish fatigue and stress, replacing them with calm.
Over time, Xiao Shao began to feel changes in his body. He felt stronger, more energetic. Every physical exercise he did felt easier, smoother. Although he did not feel the flow of qi as described in the book, he felt a more subtle kind of improvement—a feeling of power rising from within him.
In addition to breathing, the book also taught a more in-depth meditation technique. Xiao Shao spent hours each day sitting quietly, regulating his thoughts, and trying to feel the flow of energy in his body. Although he could not feel any spiritual energy, the meditation helped him to become more connected to himself, to every part of his body.
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One bright morning, after meditating for almost two hours, Xiao Shao felt something different. When he opened his eyes, his body felt light, as if there were no limits. He felt a power he had never known existed within him. He stood up and moved his body with incredible agility, as if the entire world flowed with his body movements.
"I… can feel it!" Xiao Shao shouted loudly, his confusion turning into awe. He had just touched a higher boundary of power, even without qi.
With the technique he had learned, his body and mind were now in a state of perfect synergy. It was as if a part of him had been awakened, and the power flowed freely throughout his body. He could feel the energy from within him, though it was not like the qi in ancient stories. This was the pure energy of the human body, which had existed for a long time, but only now could he access it.
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From then on, Xiao Shao continued to train himself more intensely. The techniques in the book began to bear fruit. Every day, he felt his body getting stronger, more flexible, and faster. Even in battle, he could feel the tremendous improvement. His movements became sharper, more precise, and more deadly.
Not only physical,His mental abilities had also grown. He could concentrate longer, think more clearly in high-pressure situations, and respond with incredible precision. His mind and body now functioned as one whole.
Even so, Xiao Shao knew that this was just the beginning. The book had only given him basic instructions, and he knew that there was still much to learn. However, he felt that he had found a new path, a path to power far greater than this world could provide.
And with this knowledge, Xiao Shao knew that nothing could stop him from advancing to the pinnacle of power.