Chapter 5: The Path Opens
The announcement of the Cultivation Association spread like wildfire. Across every city, posters, news broadcasts, and online forums spoke of one thing—
Cultivation Realms.
People rushed to meditation centers, parks, and even laboratories, trying to absorb Qi. Most failed. Some succeeded. But everyone had the same dream now—to cultivate.
---
In a small hut at the edge of Seria City, Luo Shin sat cross-legged.
The translucent panel floated before him.
> Name: Luo Shin
Realm: Qi Refraining (Level 1)
Technique: 〈Breath of Origin〉
He exhaled slowly.
"The world is moving forward… I can't stay behind."
Closing his eyes, he began practicing 〈Breath of Origin〉 again. His breathing grew deep and steady. Qi in the air was faint, but with each inhale, his meridians tingled faintly. The warmth spread into his chest, then settled in his dantian.
Minutes passed. Then an hour. Sweat dripped from his forehead. His body shook, but he endured.
Ding!
[Qi absorbed: +50]
[Spiritual Energy: 100/100]
[Breakthrough achieved.]
The panel flashed brightly.
Realm advanced → Qi Refraining (Level 2).
---
Shin opened his eyes. His body felt lighter, his senses sharper. The faint sound of insects outside reached his ears clearly. Even his eyesight grew keener; he could see the cracks on the wooden wall of his hut.
He clenched his fist. The bones inside made a crisp, powerful sound.
"So this is what it feels like to grow stronger…"
---
As he was about to continue training—
Ding!
[System Reward: First Breakthrough Bonus Unlocked.]
[Granting special advantage—〈Status Scan〉.]
A new line appeared on the panel:
> System Skill: Status Scan
– Allows host to scan cultivation realm and condition of self or target.
Shin's eyes widened. "I can… see other people's cultivation level?"
Curiosity burning, he walked to the fountain outside his hut. He pointed at a passing stray dog.
"Scan."
Ding!
[Target: Wild Dog]
[Realm: Mortal (0)]
[Condition: Healthy, no Qi absorption.]
Shin's jaw dropped. "It… really works."
---
That night, he trained again.
Breath after breath, Qi seeped into him. The warm current grew stronger, his body trembling with every circulation.
Ding!
[Spiritual Energy: 200/200]
[Breakthrough achieved.]
Realm advanced → Qi Refraining (Level 3).
Shin collapsed on his bed, panting heavily, but a faint smile touched his lips.
"In just two days… I've already reached Level 3. Others are still struggling to absorb Qi… but I…"
He looked at the glowing panel. His eyes hardened.
"This system… it makes me different. No, it makes me unique."
Outside, Seria City was filled with noise—rumors of Qi crimes, black market manuals, and the first recruitment tests by the Cultivation Association.
But in his hut, Luo Shin silently walked forward on a path no one else could follow.
The path of the Absolute Anomaly.
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✨ End of Chapter 5 ✨