The following morning, Gù Tiānháo decided to consume his second Meridian Opening Pill. Having allowed his body a full day to integrate the changes from the first pill, he felt ready for the next transformation. The process was no less intense than before—the needle-like pain as another twenty percent of his meridians were forcibly opened, the expulsion of impurities, the gradual settling of enhanced energy pathways. When it was complete, he could feel his cultivation base had grown significantly stronger, now approaching the peak of the 3rd Level Body Refinement Realm. More importantly, with forty percent of his meridians now open, his cultivation speed had increased exponentially.
After recovering from the pill's effects, Tiānháo decided to test his enhanced capabilities through training. He moved to the small clearing behind Lin Xiao Yue's cottage, where he could practice without damaging her home. The morning air was crisp and clean, filled with the sounds of birds and the rustle of leaves. He began with the Divergent Fist technique, working through the movements he had mastered: Bone Shattering Fist and Flash Fist. The difference in power and speed was immediately apparent—his strikes cut through the air with audible force, and his movements flowed with a fluidity that spoke of perfect Qi circulation.
He transitioned to the Gale Palm technique, practicing the Wind Palm and Gale Palm movements. Each palm strike generated visible disturbances in the air, small whirlwinds that scattered fallen leaves and bent nearby grass. His control was precise, the Qi responding to his intent with minimal waste or delay. Finally, he practiced the Nine Mist Steps, his footwork technique. The Shadow Steps felt almost effortless now, his form blurring as he moved between positions. The Wind Steps, which had previously required significant concentration, now came naturally, allowing him to change direction mid-movement with ghostly grace.
As he trained, Tiānháo became aware of being watched. He turned to see Lin Xiao Yue standing at the edge of the clearing, her eyes wide with fascination and awe. She had clearly been observing his practice for some time, her herb basket forgotten at her feet as she stared at the display of superhuman ability. When their eyes met, she blushed slightly but didn't look away, her expression filled with wonder rather than fear.
"Young Master," she said softly, stepping closer with obvious curiosity, "what you're doing... it's like the stories traders tell about immortals and legendary warriors. Is this what cultivation truly looks like?
"Tiānháo paused his training, studying her face. For four days, he had stayed in her home, eaten her food, and accepted her hospitality without offering any real compensation beyond his protection. She had refused his spirit stones, asking for nothing in return for her kindness. More than that, he found himself genuinely caring about her welfare—a feeling that surprised him with its intensity. In his previous life as Alex Chen, he had been cautious about forming attachments, and since his transmigration, he had maintained emotional distance from everyone around him. Yet Lin Xiao Yue's simple goodness and resilience had somehow slipped past his defenses.
An idea formed in his mind—impulsive perhaps, but driven by genuine gratitude and a growing affection he was only beginning to acknowledge. "Lin Xiao Yue," he said, his voice carrying an unusual warmth, "would you like to learn cultivation yourself?
"Her eyes widened in shock, her mouth opening slightly as if she couldn't quite process what he had said. "I... Young Master, surely you jest? Someone like me, a simple herb gatherer... cultivation is for the talented, for those born to powerful families. I have no special bloodline, no natural gifts.
"Cultivation potential exists in everyone," Tiānháo replied, stepping closer to her. "Some have greater natural talent, others must work harder, but the path is open to all who have the determination to walk it. You have shown courage in the forest, resilience in the face of hardship, and kindness despite your own struggles. These qualities matter more than bloodline or natural talent.
"He paused, then added with quiet sincerity, "You have given me shelter, food, and peace when I needed it most. You refused payment, asking nothing in return. Allow me to offer you something far more valuable than spirit stones—the chance to change your destiny, to become more than circumstances would normally allow.
"Lin Xiao Yue's eyes filled with tears, her hands trembling as she clasped them together. "Young Master... if you truly believe I could learn... if there's even a chance... yes! Yes, I would be honored to try! Even if I fail, even if I have no talent, the opportunity alone is more than I ever dared dream of!
"Her acceptance filled Tiānháo with an unexpected warmth. For the first time since his transmigration, he was choosing to help someone not for strategic advantage or personal gain, but simply because he wanted to see her succeed. It was a reminder of the humanity he had thought lost, a connection to something beyond the cold pursuit of power. "Then we begin immediately," he said, gesturing for her to sit on the grass beside him. "The first step is understanding what cultivation truly means."