"Are you sure you want to continue training tonight, Tianran?" Lin Yueqing asked, her voice slightly rising, filled with uncertainty. She stood beside him, her worried gaze fixed on Tianran's face, as shards of twilight illuminated them.
Tianran, still feeling the tremors from the morning's training, sat cross-legged on the cold stone. He stared at the damp earth beneath him. "There's no other choice, Yueqing," he replied softly yet firmly. "If I don't open a single meridian this week, it's all over." He then offered a bittersweet smile, trying to hide his exhaustion behind a jest, "Every second is precious, isn't it?"
Yueqing held the warm tea cup in her hands, looking down, lost in thought. "But your body hasn't recovered," she said gently, her voice full of concern. "If you faint again... who will help you?" she whispered, her worried tone becoming more evident.
Tianran looked at her, his eyes soft and sincere. "I've already lost everything once," he said, his voice touching. "I don't want to be afraid of merely postponing my demise; that's not how to live." He gazed at her, challenging yet filled with emotion.
The night sky opened above them. The scent of damp earth and fallen leaves grew stronger. The sounds of crickets and rustling leaves filled the silences in between.
A system panel appeared, transparent at the edge of his vision, detailing his current state and struggles.
─────[STATUS FOR THE EVENING]─────
Physical Strength: 6/100
Qi: 4%
Survival Determination: 33%
Open Meridians: 0/12
Active Skills: None
Quest Progress: 22%
Effects: Weakness, muscle soreness, low concentration.
─────▲─────
Yueqing set down her cup beside her, her eyes watching Tianran, who still appeared fragile. "At the very least, drink this first, Tianran. This ginseng tea will do you wonders," she said softly. "My mother always said, 'First, battle your own body before you take on the world.'"
Tianran took a slow sip, the bitter flavor spreading, warming his empty stomach. Yet, he couldn't dismiss Yueqing's advice. "I appreciate this, Yueqing. But... it feels so hard to rise again."
Just then, the system interjected, its voice gentler than usual: "Host is advised to meditate slowly. The technique 'Void Pulse' can be accessed when in a calm state, with a minimum determination of 40%."
Tianran turned to Yueqing, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "But if you want to go home, it's fine. I can manage on my own. I don't want to burden you."
Yueqing shook her head, her smile both subtle and firm. "No, I will stay here. I'll guard the kitchen door, and if you faint, it will be my responsibility to fetch ginger tea for you."
She left with steady steps, yet Tianran could feel the sincerity in her words. "Perhaps I really do need help," he muttered, noticing how much lighter his shoulders felt with Yueqing by his side.
Tianran took a deep breath, her hands resting on her knees. She closed her eyes, immersing herself in the rhythm of her breathing and the whisper of the wind. "System, begin the training. Guide me," she said with determination, though her voice still trembled.
"Training initiated. Focus on your breathing and allow the Qi to flow," the system responded, its voice exuding a calming strength.
A panel of instructions appeared before her mind's eye, shimmering into focus:
─────[MEDITATION TRAINING — VOID PULSE]─────
Tianran: "Sit in a cross-legged position, keep your back straight. Just as you taught me, system."
System: "Breathe in slowly, Tianran. Direct your Qi to the lower dantian. Feel the path of energy flowing."
Tianran: "I'm trying, but this emptiness is hard to grasp. It's as if I'm sinking into darkness."
System: "Visualize it, do not hesitate. The meridian pathways are like empty corridors waiting to be filled."
Tianran: "Okay, I see it… but why does it feel painful?"
System: "Channel your Qi gently. Do not force it when you experience discomfort. Your body is still in the adjustment phase."
Tianran: "Focus on the warm point, just as you said…"
System: "Yes, allow the Qi to find its own path."
─────▲─────
The stone beneath her felt cold, seeping through her thin trousers. She shifted her position, allowing her body to adapt to the chill of the night.
Tianran: "But… could it be too much?"
Sistem: "Don't think negatively. Breathe slowly, let your heart calm. Focus on each beat."
The scent of dew and the sounds of the night all served to soothe his thoughts.
Calm your mind. Don't rush… He mimicked the system's voice, coaxing himself into tranquility.
Tianran: "The Qi feels like a warm current… but as it moves into the meridians, this pain returns."
Sistem: "Don't force it, Tianran. Your body isn't ready to bear the full pressure yet. Take it slow."
Tianran nodded, adjusting his visualization, imagining a void: a dark corridor within his body where the Qi slowly threaded its way.
Tianran: "There's a warm spot in my back and shoulders… maybe…"
Sistem: "That's a good sign. Keep going, stay focused. The pain is still there, but is it starting to ease?"
Tianran: "Yes, it feels warm now. It… makes me feel more alive."
His status update flowed through his mind, a rhythmic pulse in tune with his own heartbeat:
─────[MEDITATION PROGRESS]─────
Meridian Opening Progress: 24%
Pain Level: Moderate
Concentration: 70%
Determination: 34%
─────▲─────
Suddenly, the kitchen door creaked open. "Ah, good company," Tianran thought, striving to maintain his focus. Yueqing entered, carrying a thin blanket, her expression filled with concern.
"It's quite cold tonight," she said softly, genuine care evident as she wrapped the blanket around Tianran's shoulders. "Don't let yourself catch a chill."
"Thank you, Yueqing. Your warmth truly helps," Tianran replied, feeling the gentle touch of the blanket against his skin. "I'll be careful."
The warmth of the blanket and the aroma of steaming tea in the air helped to calm his mind further. "Concentration is key," Tianran whispered to himself, working to bring his flow of Qi back to its steady course.
Once more, the system panel emerged in his mind:
─────[STABLE ENVIRONMENT]─────
Effect: Concentration increases, risk of fainting decreases.
Determination: 36%
─────▲─────
All external sounds faded away. Only the pulse of Qi, the rhythm of his heartbeat, and the rushing of blood in his ears remained. "I can do this," he thought. "Just one more step to open this meridian."
Occasionally, Tianran coughed softly, feeling the weight of the pressure like a stone resting on his chest. "Don't stop, Tianran… just one more step…" he whispered to himself, trying to rekindle the nearly extinguished spirit within him.
In his mind's eye, the Qi shimmered like a fine white light—twisting within his dantian, seeking the cracks in the wall of the meridian that obstructed its flow. He felt the pain gradually shift to warmth, a sign of progress that invigorated him.
The panel updated once more:
─────[MEDITATION PROGRESS]─────
Meridian Opening Progress: 27%
Concentration: 82%
Determination: 37%
─────▲─────
Time passed. The night deepened, and mist began to settle, muffling the sounds of the outside world. Each blocked Qi made Tianran's body tremble as if signaling deep discomfort.
Yueqing approached, her voice soft yet firm. "Tianran, that's enough. Your face is looking extremely pale," she said, concerned for her friend's well-being.
Tianran opened his eyes briefly, breathing heavily. "Not yet… I haven't felt any significant changes," he replied, his spirit still aflame despite the strain he was under.
Yueqing let out a long sigh, gently patting Tianran's shoulder. "If you faint, I'll carry you into the kitchen so you can rest," she said, trying to offer support despite her worries.
Tianran chuckled weakly, his voice soft yet filled with hope. "Seems like you're stronger than I am."
He closed his eyes again, taking a deep breath to gather Qi at one point in his lower back. Suddenly, a scorching sensation like needles ignited within him—then a warm flow spread throughout his body. He could feel it, an unstoppable energy coursing through him. The status panel flashed rapidly:
─────[MERIDIANS NEARLY OPEN]─────
Progress: 36%
Effects: Increased pain, risk of nosebleed/fainting
Advice: Stop training if the body cannot endure
─────▲─────
Tianran held his breath, his hands gripping the blanket as if it could grant him more strength. "One… last… push…" he said, his voice trembling yet resolute.
He channeled all the remaining Qi into that warm spot. The pain intensified, his head throbbed, and his vision swirled, creating an illusion of uncertainty. Yet, he persevered. Each second felt like an eternity.
After a few tense moments, a voice from the system echoed softly but clearly, resonating in the stillness of the room:
"First meridian progress at 40%. Host on the verge of activation. Activate 'Void Pulse' to break through the blockage."
The panel shifted, and a new skill icon lit up brilliantly:
─────[SKILL UNLOCKED: VOID PULSE]─────
Void Pulse (Level 1)
Description: A void-based Qi wave that breaks through meridian clogs.
Effect: Opens the first meridian pathway. Risk: Severe fatigue, dizziness, loss of consciousness.
Status: Ready to Use
─────▲─────
Tianran felt a strange warmth spreading from his dantian throughout his body, as if his spirit had just been rejuvenated. He opened his eyes, gazing at the stars that seemed brighter than ever, illuminating his path.
"Yueqing… I did it. Just one more step," he whispered weakly, yet there was a glimmer of joy in his eyes.
Yueqing smiled in relief, even though worry still lingered in her heart. "Don't push it any further, Tianran. That's enough for tonight. We don't want you to faint."
Tianran nodded gently, gratitude swelling in his heart. "Thank you… for everything. You've always been by my side, Yueqing," he said, his voice soft but warm.
The system panel updated its progress:
─────[NIGHT TRAINING PROGRESS]─────
Meridian One: 40%
Void Pulse: Ready for Use
Willpower: 40%
Status: Extremely fatigued, needs rest.
─────▲─────
Yueqing stepped closer, placing her gentle hand on Tianran's back. "You've done your best. Now, let's rest. I'll prepare some ginger tea for you."
Tianran smiled faintly, feeling comforted by Yueqing's soothing touch. "Tonight… I feel stronger, clutching onto hope."
Yueqing nodded, signaling for Tianran to stand. "With every step, we'll grow closer. Come, I'll help you."
She led Tianran towards the kitchen, her movements tender as she aimed to distract him from his fatigue and pain. "This ginger tea will aid your recovery. It has a warm, healing quality after a tough training session."
Tianran took slow sips, the warmth of the ginger tea spreading through his throat. "This warmth… is far more precious than just flavor," he remarked, closing his eyes for a moment to savor the experience. "Since my reincarnation, I've never felt such peace."
He gazed at his own hands, slightly trembling—but this time they felt alive. "This is all thanks to your guidance," he said earnestly.
One night, one step. Tomorrow, I will challenge the rest of the world. Tonight, I just want to endure and be with you.
The system panel dimmed, leaving behind a single message:
─────[SYSTEM NOTE]─────
The Host is showing significant progress. The Spirit 'Voidwright' is beginning to resonate.
Recommendation: Rest and recover stamina before the next Void Pulse.
─────▲─────
As the night grew late, mist shrouded the courtyard. Behind the kitchen wall, the weakest disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect finally found hope at the edge of weakness—and for the first time, he dared to challenge fate with his own choice. "I will not give up, Yueqing. From now on, I will fight for our future," Tianran vowed, filled with determination.