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Chapter 3 - Episode 3 – "The First Cultivation"

> "Sit cross-legged. Close your eyes. Empty your mind."

Easier said than done.

Shun Seijuro sat beneath a broken tree, surrounded by the stench of dried blood and rotting corpses. His hands trembled slightly—not from fear, but from exhaustion. The bandits were dead, and he was alive… barely.

> "Breathe, brat. Stop thinking. Feel."

Inside the silent depths of his mind, the shadowy soul of Sei Muyang floated in meditation. His voice was calm, but held the same sharp edge of a blade honed through endless war.

> "Qi exists everywhere. Air, earth, life, death. You just never had the eyes—or strength—to notice."

Shun clenched his fists. "Then teach me. I'll earn that strength."

> "…Hmph. Power is earned, not given. But you… you might be worth the trouble."

A cold breeze swept through his body. His skin prickled, and his heartbeat slowed as the world seemed to grow quieter. For the first time, he felt it—thin strands of energy all around him, like threads waiting to be grasped.

> [System Notification]

"Qi Sensitivity: Activated."

"Basic Cultivation Method: Heaven-Devouring Breathing Art (Modified) has been granted."

> "This technique is fast… but brutal. It'll either make you stronger—or tear your insides apart."

Shun sat in silence, repeating the breathing pattern imprinted in his mind.

Inhale… hold… pull.

Exhale… guide… stabilize.

Qi surged in. It was like drinking fire. His veins pulsed. His muscles tensed. He bit down, nearly drawing blood, but he didn't stop.

> [Qi Absorption Rate: 22%]

[Meridian Strain: Moderate]

> "You're forcing it. Again! Slow your breathing!"

"Shut up," Shun gritted out. "I got this…"

> "Stubborn fool… Good."

---

Hours passed under the cold night sky. Moonlight bathed the land as silence returned to the bloodstained clearing.

Then—

> [Congratulations. You have reached Qi Gathering – Level 2]

[Stats Increased: Strength +1, Vitality +1, Spirit +1]

Shun opened his eyes.

His body didn't ache anymore.

His vision was clearer.

His breath, deeper.

His soul… stronger.

> "I did it."

> "Barely. This is the level children reach before they lose their baby teeth. You've got a long way to go, brat."

Shun cracked a grin. "And I'm just getting started."

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