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Chapter 33 — Flow Like Water
Cultivation had always been… rigid.
Hours of static meditation.
Careful control of breath, cycling energy with precision but no freedom.
But now—
Now, everything was different.
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A New Rhythm
Sitting in meditation, I inhaled slowly.
The familiar pulse of spiritual energy rose through my meridians, but this time, instead of pushing and guiding it like a stubborn stream, I let it flow.
And it responded.
The Adaptive Flow technique wasn't about control through force; it was about harmony.
The energy moved like water, spiraling naturally along its paths, faster, smoother, cleaner.
By the time the session ended, my cultivation had advanced more than it usually would in two days.
> [Cultivation Efficiency Increased: +8%.]
I opened my eyes, the morning light spilling into the room, and let out a slow, incredulous laugh.
"This changes everything…"
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Testing the Edge
Later that day, I took to the outskirts of the city.
An abandoned clearing, perfect for testing.
I tightened the straps of my training weights and drew a dull practice blade.
One deep breath—Adaptive Flow activating—
and the world seemed to slow.
Each movement was precise, deliberate, but effortless.
The blade cut the air with a fluid grace that hadn't been there before.
It wasn't speed.
It wasn't strength.
It was… efficiency.
Every ounce of power went exactly where I wanted it to.
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An Unexpected Encounter
"Your stance is wrong."
The voice came from the treeline.
I didn't need to look to know who it was — Xia Qingyue, her tone cool as the mountain snow she trained under.
I turned, keeping my expression neutral.
"What are you doing here?"
She stepped into the clearing, her steps impossibly quiet.
"Watching. And wondering why someone who hides as much as you do trains like a man preparing for war."
I didn't answer.
Couldn't answer.
Her eyes lingered on the dull blade, then on my steady breath, sharp with quiet calculation.
"You're improving faster than most inner disciples," she said finally. "Dangerously fast."
Then, without another word, she turned and disappeared back into the trees, leaving only silence behind.
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System Prompt
> [Warning: Target Awareness Level Increasing — Xia Qingyue has taken notice.]
[Suggestion: Maintain Low Profile or Prepare for Interference.]
I sheathed the practice blade slowly, a wry smile tugging at my lips.
So much for staying invisible.
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