Chen Mu hovered above Lin Tian's sleeping form, his incorporeal arms crossed, his ghostly brow furrowed in worry.
"So," he muttered, "I nearly ruptured the kid's soul core—if that's even a real thing—because I told him to circulate Qi like ramen noodles."
He drifted back and forth in the ring like a pacing specter. "I need to stop making things up. Or at least make better things up."
He paused.
"No. What I actually need... is a damn manual."
[New Objective: Acquire Cultivation Manual.]
[System Tip: Basic manuals available in the simulation shop.]
[Bluff Points Available: 78]
Chen Mu blinked. "You're telling me I could've just bought one this whole time?"
[Correct.]
He glared into the void. "Then why didn't you tell me?"
[Host never asked.]
"Unbelievable."
He scrolled through the newly visible menu.
[Beginner Cultivation Manual – Cost: 60 BP]
Description: A foundational guide on Qi gathering, meridian flow, and energy cycling. Includes diagrams and safety warnings.
He didn't hesitate.
[Purchase Confirmed.]
[Bluff Points Remaining: 18]
[Item Received: Beginner Cultivation Manual (Simulated Projection)]
A glowing scroll materialized inside the ring's consciousness-space. Chen Mu grabbed it like it was the Holy Grail.
"Finally. Something real."
The next morning, Lin Tian knelt before the ring, eyes wide.
"I've meditated on my failure, Master. I'm ready to learn again."
Chen Mu projected a slow, confident hum. "Good. You've endured hardship. That qualifies you to receive the... true teachings."
[+3 BP for mystical posturing.]
Lin Tian bowed his head.
"I will not fail you again."
"You won't," Chen Mu said, opening the manual inside his mind and flipping through the first pages. "Today, we begin with regulated breathing and Qi perception. Sit. Spine straight. Hands on knees."
Lin Tian obeyed.
Chen Mu read line by line from the system manual and delivered it like ancient wisdom.
"Breath is the gate. Stillness is the key. Inhale slowly. Follow the breath down to your core. Visualize it spreading through your limbs."
Lin Tian's breathing evened out. His expression settled.
[Environmental Qi Detected.]
[Cultivation Attempt: In Progress]
Chen Mu continued.
"Now begin to circulate the Qi. Trace the first meridian pathway shown on the diagram I've placed in your mind."
He projected a simplified image from the manual. Lin Tian gasped slightly.
"I can see it..."
[Disciple Comprehension: 64%]
[Qi Flow: Stable]
For the next hour, Lin Tian followed the steps exactly.
His body warmed. A faint glow pulsed at his core.
[Cultivation Progress: 9%]
Chen Mu watched in silent amazement.
"This is actually working."
He kept his tone calm and low.
"Good. Keep the flow steady. Do not force it. You're reshaping the very soul."
[+2 BP for dramatic spiritual truth.]
Lin Tian didn't answer. He was too deep in focus.
When he finally opened his eyes, they shimmered faintly.
"Master... I think I really did it."
"You did," Chen Mu said quietly. "You've taken your first true step on the path."
[New Trait Gained: Foundational Qi Sense]
[Cultivation State: Stable]
That night, Lin Tian meditated calmly under moonlight.
Chen Mu didn't say anything else. He simply watched. And planned.
Because now, finally, they had a real shot.