The morning air was cool, carrying the faint scent of dew and damp earth.
Liang Chen stretched lightly, feeling the warmth of the ember inside his dantian respond to his movements. He had been practicing every day — grinding herbs, delivering pills, meditating, and now experimenting with small combat techniques.
"Strength is patience, and patience is strength," he murmured quietly to himself as he packed a small bag of pills for the day. "One step, one motion, one thought at a time. That is how power is built."
School was uneventful, as usual. Liang Chen moved through the crowded hallways with his usual calm composure. He noticed subtle details others overlooked — the tired expression of a janitor struggling with a heavy cart, the nervous tapping of a classmate's foot during a test. He stored these observations quietly, understanding that awareness was just as important as raw power.
After classes, he went to the girl's house. Her family struggled more than he had realized. Bags of rice, small boxes of supplies, and a stack of vegetables waited outside. Liang Chen lifted them with ease, each motion guided by the faint energy flowing through his limbs.
The girl watched him carefully. "You… you don't have to help us so much," she said quietly.
Liang Chen paused, placing a bag of rice down carefully. "Helping others doesn't weaken me. It strengthens the mind and sharpens the heart. You'll see… one day, even small acts matter as much as power."
Her eyes widened slightly at his words, and she nodded slowly. "You really believe that?"
"I do," he replied calmly. "Even in another life, I learned that strength without heart is hollow. I will never forget it again."
Back at his small alley workshop, Liang Chen began grinding herbs, mixing powders, and preparing pills. Today's experiment was different — he wanted to see if he could combine spiritual energy with his physical movements more efficiently.
He held a small brick in his hand, closed his eyes, and focused.
The warmth in his dantian pulsed in response. He moved the brick slowly, then threw it gently. The impact created a small crack, more from control than force, but the result thrilled him.
"Control is the first true step to power," he whispered. "Without control, even the strongest flame will burn itself out."
After several repetitions, sweat dripping down his brow, he set the brick aside and practiced his stance and movement.
The faint energy flowing through him enhanced his reflexes subtly, allowed him to balance more easily, and made his motions smoother.
Even in mundane acts — lifting groceries, arranging herbs, or walking through crowded streets — Liang Chen felt the growth of his body and spirit. Every action was practice, every interaction a lesson, every day a small step toward the life he wanted to build.
Night fell. He sat at his window, looking at the city lights below. His muscles ached pleasantly, his hands tingled with faint energy, and his heart thrummed with determination.
"This is just the beginning," he thought quietly, the ember in his dantian glowing stronger than before. "Step by step, I will grow stronger. One day, nothing will be able to stand in my way."
Chapter Ending Quote:
"Power begins with patience, grows with discipline, and shines brightest when guided by heart."