Chapter 3: The Weight of Qi
The Sanctum's chamber was silent, save for the faint hum of qi that permeated the air. Li Chen sat cross-legged on the cold stone floor, his eyes closed, his breathing steady. The pendant around his neck pulsed softly, its light casting faint shadows on the walls. Elder Ming hovered before him, his translucent form flickering like a candle in the wind.
"Open your eyes, boy," Ming said, his voice sharp but not unkind. "You cannot master qi with your eyes shut."
Li Chen obeyed, his amber eyes meeting Ming's starlit gaze. His dark skin glistened with sweat, his black hair clinging to his forehead. The faint glow of the pendant highlighted the sharp angles of his face, still bearing the traces of youth but hardening with resolve. His robes, once the deep green of the Jade Flame Clan, were now frayed and stained, a testament to the trials he had endured.
"Qi is the foundation of all cultivation," Ming began, his tone lecturing but not condescending. "It is the energy that flows through all living things, the breath of the world itself. To cultivate qi is to draw upon this energy, to refine it, and to make it your own. But it is not a simple matter of gathering power. Qi is alive, and it demands respect."
Li Chen nodded, his expression focused. "How do I refine it?"
Ming's form flickered as he gestured to the air around them. "Feel it. The qi in this chamber is dense, far denser than in the outside world. Close your eyes again and reach out with your mind. Let it flow into you, but do not force it. You are not its master—you are its conduit."
Li Chen closed his eyes, his breathing slowing. He reached out with his awareness, feeling the currents of qi swirling around him. It was like standing in a river, the energy brushing against his skin, cool and electric. He focused on the pendant's rhythm, letting it guide him as he drew the qi into his body.
At first, it was chaotic, a storm of energy that threatened to overwhelm him. But he remembered Ming's words—do not force it. He relaxed, letting the qi flow naturally. Slowly, the storm calmed, the energy settling into a steady stream that filled his core.
"Good," Ming said, his voice softer now. "You are beginning to understand. But this is only the first step. The path of cultivation is long and arduous, divided into realms and stages. Each realm represents a deeper understanding of qi, a greater mastery of its power."
Li Chen opened his eyes, curiosity burning in his gaze. "What are the realms?"
Ming's form shifted, his starlit eyes narrowing as he began to explain. "The first realm is Qi Awakening, where you learn to sense and gather qi. This is where you are now, at the very beginning of your journey. The next realm is Foundation Building, where you solidify your connection to qi, creating a stable foundation for future growth. Beyond that lies Core Formation, where your qi condenses into a core, a source of immense power. And further still, Nascent Soul and Divine Ascension, realms of greater power exist though they are almost mythical and you won't need to worry much of them now."
Li Chen's brow furrowed. "And the Golden Cloud Sect? Where do they stand?"
Ming's expression darkened. "The Golden Cloud Sect's elders are at the Foundation building realm, their cultivation pillars formed over countless years. Their patriarch is said to be nearing Core Formation, though such claims are often exaggerated. As for their hunters, they are mostly at the mid qi awakening, with a few at the peak of Qi Awakening."
Li Chen's jaw tightened. "And I'm just starting Qi Awakening. How can I hope to face them?"
Ming's form flickered, a hint of a smirk on his translucent face. "You have something they do not—the Sanctum. Here, time flows slower, and the qi is denser. With my guidance, you will advance faster than they can imagine. But do not mistake speed for ease. The trials ahead will push you to your limits."
Li Chen nodded, his resolve hardening. "I'll do whatever it takes."
Ming's expression softened, something akin to pride flickering in his starlit eyes. "Good. Then let us continue."
Meanwhile, in the Ruins...
Captain Zhang stood amidst the shattered remains of the Jade Flame Clan's ancestral hall, his golden robes gleaming faintly in the moonlight. His hunters moved through the ruins, their movements precise and deliberate. The air was thick with tension, the faint hum of qi making the hairs on the back of Zhang's neck stand on end.
"Anything?" Zhang barked, his voice sharp.
One of the hunters shook his head. "No sign of the boy, Captain. But the energy here… it's strange. It feels like the ruins are alive."
Zhang's lips curled into a sneer. "Superstitious nonsense. The boy is here, and we will find him. Spread out. Search every inch of these ruins."
The hunters obeyed, fanning out into the shadows. Zhang remained where he was, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. His dark eyes scanned the ruins, his gaze lingering on the shattered altar. The cracks in the stone seemed to pulse faintly, as if breathing.
"You cannot hide forever, boy," Zhang murmured, his voice low and dangerous. "When we find you, you'll wish you had died with your clan."
Back in the Sanctum...
Li Chen stood in the center of the chamber, his body tense, his qi flaring erratically. Elder Ming floated before him, his form flickering as he observed.
"Again," Ming commanded.
Li Chen nodded, his amber eyes narrowing in concentration. He reached out with his qi, feeling the energy in the chamber respond. This time, he focused on shaping it, molding it into a form he could control. The qi surged, forming a faint, shimmering barrier around him.
"Better," Ming said, his tone approving. "But your control is still crude. You must refine it, make it precise. In battle, even the slightest mistake can be fatal."
Li Chen exhaled slowly, letting the barrier dissipate. His chest heaved, his dark skin glistening with sweat. "How long will it take to reach Foundation Building?"
Ming's form flickered, his expression thoughtful. "With the Sanctum's aid, months instead of decades. But do not rush. Each stage must be mastered fully, or your foundation will crumble."
Li Chen nodded, his jaw tightening. "I understand."
Ming studied him for a moment, then gestured to the chamber's walls. "There is more to the Sanctum than just qi. These carvings—they hold the secrets of your ancestors. Techniques, formations, and knowledge lost to time. When you are ready, they will be yours to unlock."
Li Chen's gaze shifted to the walls, his eyes tracing the intricate carvings. Scenes of his ancestors meditating, battling, and forging alliances filled the stone, their stories etched in jade and shadow.
"For now," Ming said, his voice firm, "focus on your qi. The Golden Cloud Sect draws closer, and you must be ready."
Li Chen closed his eyes, his mind focused on the path ahead. The road to power was long, but he would walk it, no matter the cost.