The pale moon hung silently, its glow spilling through the lattice window like molten silver. The night was deep, but Li Shen's eyes snapped open. His heart pulsed with rhythm, steady yet strong. The haze of fatigue had vanished, replaced by a cool, lucid calm.
He exhaled softly. "Mental Energy: full again."
Sitting cross-legged on the straw mat, Li Shen focused his mind. The stillness of night seemed to deepen in response, as though the world itself awaited his command.
"System," he whispered, "show my interface."
A faint chime echoed inside his consciousness.
Ding:
Name: Li Shen (Optimal Condition / Healed)
Cultivation: Body Tempering – Early
Cultivation Technique: Verdant Breathing Art (Tier I)
Qi Density: 32.8 Q units
Mental Energy: 100 / 100 units
Technique: Verdant Breathing Art (Tier I)
[Proficiency: 35%]
[Qi Circulation Efficiency: 88%]
Technique: Cutter's Vital Rhythm (Tier I)
[Proficiency: 0%]
[Qi Circulation Efficiency: 0%]
Li Shen studied the panel's glowing letters, the information floating in his mind's eye. "Still too low," he muttered. "The Cutter's Vital Rhythm hasn't even begun to resonate."
He clenched his fist slightly. If I can't understand its breathing rhythm, I can't draw Qi properly through it.
"System, scan the Cutter's Vital Rhythm."
Ding:
"As the host proficiency is still 0%, system cannot scan the technique."
A soft sigh escaped his lips. "So even you can't help unless I take the first step."
For a moment, Li Shen sat still. The gentle wind outside brushed past the shutters, whispering like an old friend. His eyes fell upon the candlelight flickering on the desk—its flame steady despite the draft. Steady… constant… enduring.
He straightened his back. "System, optimize Verdant Breathing Art until one hundred percent."
Another chime.
[Optimization Initiated.]
Technique: Verdant Breathing Art (Tier I)
Proficiency: 35%
Qi Circulation Efficiency: 88% → 100%
Overall Improvement: +12%
Mental Energy: -20 (Remaining: 80)
Then, a sudden surge—his chest tightened as the air vibrated.
Ding:
"Host has achieved complete Qi Circulation Efficiency. Reward granted: Full Proficiency of Verdant Breathing Art (Tier I)."
Technique: Verdant Breathing Art (Tier I)
Proficiency: 100%
Qi Circulation Efficiency: 100%
Mental Energy: 80 / 100
Ding:
"Techniques with 100% efficiency and proficiency will be labeled [M] — Mastered."
Li Shen's eyes widened. "Mastered… already?"
For a heartbeat, disbelief held him frozen. Then joy erupted like a flame within his chest. He leapt to his feet, the mat creaking beneath him. Seventy-five days of cultivation… in one night! His breath came fast, almost trembling.
He clenched his fists and forced himself to calm down. The candle flickered once more, reflecting the quiet determination in his gaze.
"Alright," he murmured, settling back into a seated stance. "Let's see what mastery feels like."
He closed his eyes, guiding his breath according to the perfected rhythm of the Verdant Breathing Art. At once, his lungs expanded with a vibrant flow of Qi—cool as spring rain, sharp as steel dew. It coursed through his meridians with perfect harmony, leaving trails of warmth that made his skin faintly glow.
Outside, the wind stirred. Dewdrops trembled on the leaves. Even nature seemed to hum along his breathing.
Time dissolved into rhythm—inhale, circulate, exhale. Qi entered his body like countless silk threads weaving into his core. The faint outline of his spirit sea shimmered faintly within.
Three hours passed. When he opened his eyes, dawn had already brushed gold across the horizon.
"System," Li Shen said quietly, "show my panel."
Ding:
Name: Li Shen (Optimal Condition / Healed)
Cultivation: Body Tempering – Early
Cultivation Technique: Verdant Breathing Art (Tier I) (Mastered)
Qi Density: 32.8 → 35.8 Q units
Mental Energy: 80 / 100 units
Cultivation Techniques:
- Verdant Breathing Art (Tier I) [M]
- Cutter's Vital Rhythm (Tier I) [Proficiency: 0%] [Efficiency: 0%]
Li Shen's eyes lit up. "Three whole Qi units in a single night…"
The realization struck him like thunder. With the Verdant Breathing Art mastered, his Qi absorption had multiplied fivefold—from a mere 0.28 to a full 1.0 per hour.
At this rate… I can reach Body Tempering—Middle Phase—in just two weeks.
He could almost see it: the tempered body, the surging Qi veins, the subtle glow of strength waiting to be unleashed. A faint smile tugged at his lips.
The sunlight poured into his room, scattering the shadows. He stood, tying his robe neatly, and glanced at the bamboo scrolls resting beside his bed.
"The Cutter's Vital Rhythm…" he whispered. "If I can master the breathing art, then perhaps this technique won't elude me for long."
He stepped outside. The morning breeze carried the scent of pine and ironwood. Disciples were beginning their early drills, wooden swords clashing in the distance.
With renewed vigor, Li Shen turned toward the Ironwood Forest.