Seated across from Lin Xiao Yue in the small clearing, Gù Tiānháo began with the fundamentals of cultivation. "Cultivation is the process of absorbing, refining, and controlling Qi—the energy that permeates all things," he explained, his voice taking on a patient, instructional tone rarely heard from him. "The world is filled with natural Qi, but ordinary people cannot sense or use it. Cultivators learn to draw this energy into their bodies, refine it in their Dantian—an energy center located here," he touched a point below his navel, "and circulate it through meridians, the pathways that run throughout the body.
"He described the cultivation realms in simple terms, starting with the Body Refinement Realm where one strengthened the physical vessel, through Meridian Opening where the energy channels were expanded, to Qi Condensation where one formed a stable energy core, and beyond to realms of increasing power. Lin Xiao Yue listened with rapt attention, her eyes wide with wonder as concepts that had been mere legends to her were explained as achievable realities. She asked occasional questions—intelligent ones that showed she was truly comprehending the principles rather than simply accepting them.
"The first step," Tiānháo continued, "is to sense the Qi around you. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Imagine with each breath that you are drawing in not just air, but the energy of the world itself. Feel for a tingling sensation, a warmth or coolness that exists beyond physical touch. Don't force it—simply open yourself to the possibility of sensing it.
"He guided her through a basic meditation posture, correcting her hand position and spine alignment. Then he retrieved two items from his storage pouch: a worn manual with the Gu family crest and a small scroll containing the Nine Cycles technique. "These will be your foundation," he said, placing them before her. "The Gu family's basic cultivation manual is straightforward but effective—it focuses on building a solid foundation rather than rapid advancement. The Nine Cycles technique is an auxiliary method that helps circulate and refine Qi more efficiently. Together, they will give you a stable start on the cultivation path.
"He opened the manual to the first pages, explaining the initial breathing exercises and visualization techniques. "We'll begin with these basics. Don't expect immediate results—most people require weeks or even months of practice before they can sense Qi, let alone gather it. Patience and persistence are essential virtues for any cultivator.
"Lin Xiao Yue nodded solemnly, her expression determined as she studied the diagrams in the manual. "I understand, Young Master. I'm prepared to work hard, no matter how long it takes. Even the chance to try is more than I ever hoped for. "Let's begin with your first attempt," Tiānháo said, settling into a meditative posture across from her. "I'll guide you through the process, helping you recognize what you're looking for. Follow my instructions exactly.
"He led her through the initial breathing pattern, his voice calm and measured. "Breathe in slowly, counting to nine. Hold for three counts. Exhale for nine counts. Feel your body relaxing with each breath, your mind clearing of distractions. Now, as you breathe in, imagine drawing in not just air, but a gentle mist of energy. It enters through your nose, travels down to your lower abdomen, to the Dantian point. With each breath, this mist grows slightly denser, slightly warmer.
"To Tiānháo's surprise, Lin Xiao Yue's breathing quickly fell into a perfect rhythm. Her face, initially tense with concentration, gradually relaxed into serene focus. More surprising still, he could sense a faint stirring of Qi around her—barely perceptible, but definitely present. Most beginners required dozens of attempts before achieving even this much. Could she possess natural talent?
"Good," he encouraged quietly. "Now, try to feel the energy gathering at your Dantian. Don't force it, simply invite it to collect there. Imagine a small, warm sphere forming, growing slightly with each breath.
"Lin Xiao Yue's brow furrowed slightly in concentration, but her breathing remained steady. Tiānháo watched in growing amazement as the ambient Qi began to respond more actively to her, thin tendrils of energy being drawn toward her body. This was far beyond what any beginner should be capable of. Either she possessed remarkable natural talent, or perhaps her years of working with medicinal herbs had unknowingly sensitized her to natural energy.
Just two minutes into her first meditation attempt, Tiānháo sensed a distinct shift in her energy. A small, stable core of Qi had formed in her Dantian—weak and unrefined, but unmistakably present. She had officially entered the 1st Level of the Body Refinement Realm. What might take others weeks or months of dedicated practice, she had accomplished in minutes.
"Lin Xiao Yue," he said softly, unable to keep the surprise from his voice. "Open your eyes.
"She did so slowly, blinking as if emerging from a trance. "I felt something," she whispered, wonder in her voice. "A warmth, gathering here." She placed her hand over her lower abdomen. "Was that... was that Qi?
"It was," Tiānháo confirmed, genuine respect in his tone. "And more than that—you've successfully formed your first Qi core. You've entered the 1st Level of the Body Refinement Realm. Lin Xiao Yue, you have remarkable talent. What you just accomplished typically takes weeks of consistent practice.
"Her eyes widened in disbelief, then filled with tears of joy. "Truly? I'm... I'm a cultivator now?
" The realization seemed to overwhelm her—that she, a simple herb gatherer with no family or background, had taken her first step on the path that might one day lead to immortality. The path that would, at the very least, lift her from the constant struggle for survival that had defined her life.
In a burst of emotion, she lunged forward and embraced Tiānháo, her arms wrapping tightly around him as tears flowed freely down her cheeks. "Thank you," she sobbed against his shoulder. "Thank you, Young Master! You've given me a new life, a new future! I can never repay such kindness!
"Tiānháo stiffened momentarily at the unexpected physical contact, then awkwardly patted her back. "Your talent is your own," he said, uncomfortable with her gratitude yet strangely moved by it. "I merely showed you the door; you walked through it yourself.
"She pulled back, wiping her tears with embarrassment, but her smile was radiant. "I will work hard every day to be worthy of your teaching," she promised fervently. "I know I'm starting late, and I have so much to learn, but I won't waste this opportunity. I'll practice until my fingers bleed if that's what it takes.
"Looking at her determined face, still streaked with tears of joy, Tiānháo felt something shift within him. He had come to this world alone, focused solely on his own survival and advancement. Now, unexpectedly, he had found someone worth teaching, worth protecting—perhaps even worth caring about. It was a complication he hadn't anticipated, yet he couldn't bring himself to regret it. "We'll begin proper training tomorrow," he said, his voice gentler than usual. "For now, rest and accustom yourself to the feeling of Qi in your body. Your journey has only just begun.