NOVEL NEXT Chapter 2: The Hidden Potential
The forest was silent, with only the faint rustling of leaves stirred by a gentle breeze breaking the stillness. Riu Xian sat slumped against the trunk of a large tree, his breaths shallow and uneven. His body was riddled with pain from the brutal beating he had endured, and his vision blurred from the blood loss.
The memories of this new world had been fragmented when he first reincarnated, but now, bits and pieces began to resurface, as if responding to his desperate state. I need to heal… but how? His thoughts were frantic, grasping at the fragments in search of a solution.
In his mind, a basic technique surfaced—a Qi-gathering method taught to all novice cultivators. Though it wasn't sophisticated, it was said to accelerate recovery. However, Riu Xian knew it was not a miracle cure. The process required precise control over Qi, something he, as a beginner in this world's cultivation system, had yet to master.
But there's no other option, he resolved. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he forced himself to sit in a meditative posture. The memories whispered guidance to him: regulate his breathing, focus his mind, and draw Qi from the surroundings into his body.
As he began the process, he noticed the stark difference between this world's Qi and the Ki he had known in Murim. In Murim, Ki was used to refine the body and push martial arts to their peak. But here, Qi is used for both the body and the soul. And immortality… that's their ultimate goal.
The thought intrigued him, but there was no time to dwell on it. He needed to survive first. The Qi around him began to stir, faint traces flowing toward him. Yet, despite his efforts, his injuries showed no signs of healing. His brow furrowed in frustration. Why isn't it working? Is there something wrong with this body?
He concentrated deeper, trying to feel the flow within him. It was then he noticed it—nearly all of his meridians were blocked. The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning. Of course! The Qi can't circulate properly. No wonder the recovery isn't happening.
His mind raced for alternatives, and an idea struck him. What if I combine this Qi-gathering technique with my Murim methods? In his previous life, Ki techniques were used to forcefully open pathways and strengthen the body. Though Qi and Ki were different, they felt similar enough that his Murim methods might work.
Taking a deep breath, he began channeling the Qi through his body with the Murim techniques he had mastered in his past life. The initial attempt was shaky, the two techniques clashing slightly as he tried to harmonize them. But as he adjusted, a sudden surge of Qi flowed into his body at an alarming rate. The air around him shimmered with energy, creating a visible vortex of Qi.
Unbeknownst to Riu Xian, a figure was observing him from the skies. Xiao Ming, a young cultivator from the Azure Flame Sect, stood on her flying sword, her gaze fixed on the unusual phenomenon below. Her eyes widened as she felt the density of Qi being drawn toward the boy.
At this rate, his body won't withstand it, she thougt. The sheer volume of Qi was far beyond what a biginner cultivator could handle. She prepared to intervene, expecting his body to rupture from the overload.
But to her astonishment, Riu Xian's body absorbed the Qi, refining and circulating it with precision. The energy flowed through him, healing his most severe injuries and unblocking a small portion of his meridians. The vortex around him dissipated as the process completed, leaving the forest still once more.
Riu Xian opened his eyes, his breathing steadier now. Though his body still ached, he felt significantly better than before. More importantly, he sensed a slight improvement in his internal flow. I've managed to unblock some of my meridians. Is it five percent? Ten? I can't tell yet.
From above, Xiao Ming's gaze narrowed as she studied him. This child absorbed an overwhelming amount of Qi and didn't explode. Not only that, but he's partially healed himself and unblocked some meridians. What kind of secret is he hiding?