Seated cross-legged within his secluded cave, Qi Yun slowly closed his eyes, allowing his consciousness to sink into a state of deep focus. In his mind, he silently recited the foundational chant of the Limitless Demon Art, his cultivation technique for the Qi Refinement Realm.
"Qi flows through Yin and Yang, birthing all things under heaven and earth. All things are but emptiness. The heart is the foundation of the Dao, and spiritual energy courses through the meridians…"
With each repetition of the chant, Qi Yun's mind drifted into an ethereal state, where thoughts became weightless, and his perception expanded beyond the limitations of his physical body.The world was governed by the Five Elements, an eternal cycle of creation and destruction. Similarly, the human body was a balance of Essence, Qi, Spirit, Soul, and Vital Organs. To cultivate was to refine and elevate these aspects, forging an existence beyond mortality.Qi Yun directed his focus toward his Dantian, where the Crimson-Eyed Devil Python's inner core rested. Carefully, he guided a thin stream of its energy through his meridians, following the intricate pathways described in his cultivation manual.Unlike the violent, uncontrollable surges he had previously experienced, this time the energy obeyed his will.With each cycle, the energy coursed through his muscles, bones, and blood, subtly strengthening his body. It was a gradual but profound transformation.Time faded into nothingness.When Qi Yun finally opened his eyes, an entire night had passed.Sunlight filtered in through the misty cave entrance, casting long shadows across the rocky walls.Yet, instead of exhaustion, Qi Yun felt invigorated—more alive than ever.His vision was sharper, his hearing keener, and his body felt lighter yet immeasurably stronger. Even the subtle vibrations in the air seemed more distinct to his heightened senses.A surge of excitement welled within him.He had officially stepped into the early stage of Qi Refinement!
The speed of his breakthrough was staggering.For most cultivators, entering Qi Refinement required weeks, if not months, of dedicated training. Even prodigies would struggle to match his pace.But Qi Yun did not allow himself to become complacent.He knew all too well—this was only the beginning.After a brief period of rest, he made his way to the sect's library, eager to expand his knowledge of cultivation.A lone disciple sat cross-legged at the entrance, his face devoid of emotion. As Qi Yun approached, the disciple lazily lifted his gaze, briefly acknowledging him before closing his eyes again, indifferent to his presence.Qi Yun shook his head and walked past him, entering the vast archive of ancient texts.He browsed through the numerous scrolls and books, selecting several that covered foundational cultivation principles, meridian pathways, and Qi manipulation techniques. He also picked up a basic literacy guide, ensuring he could fully comprehend the more intricate ancient scriptures.Returning to his cave, he resumed his seclusion.Days blurred into weeks as he immersed himself in study and cultivation.The process was monotonous and grueling, but Qi Yun's resolve remained unyielding.He understood that cultivation was a path of perseverance, discipline, and relentless effort. There were no shortcuts—only unwavering dedication.Outside, the cold spring's mist thickened, veiling the entrance of his cave in an ethereal haze.Qi Yun sat motionless, his breathing deep and steady, his mind fully attuned to the rhythm of his cultivation.His journey into the world of the mystic arts had only just begun.