The clock on my nightstand read 2:47 AM when I finally settled into my cultivation position. The events with Black Panther had left me restless, but I knew better than to waste this energy. Instead, I would channel it into my practice.
I closed my eyes and began circulating my internal energy through the familiar pathways of the Nine Heavens Dragon Taming Technique. The qi flowed like liquid fire through my meridians, each rotation strengthening my foundation.
Tonight felt different. The energy moved with unusual intensity, as if responding to the life-and-death battle I'd just survived. I could sense my cultivation approaching a critical threshold.
I deepened my breathing and pushed harder. The qi surged through my body like a raging river, building pressure at the core of my dantian. Sweat beaded on my forehead as I struggled to maintain control.
Then it happened. Something inside me snapped into place with an almost audible click.
