The sky was tinged with the soft glow of dawn when Liang Chen opened his eyes.
His body hummed with energy, faint but steady, like a river barely stirring before it rushes downstream. Today, he decided, he would push a little further — focus on the Energy Sea, refine his movements, and test the subtle strength building inside him.
"A river starts as a trickle, but it can carve mountains if it flows long enough," he whispered, flexing his fingers. "Patience is my ally, and time is my teacher."
School was routine, but Liang Chen noticed things more clearly than ever before. The faint tremor in a classmate's hands as they tried to solve a math problem.
The nervous glance of a teacher grading papers. The subtle shifts of the wind outside that rustled leaves in an unusual rhythm.
Each detail sharpened his senses, his awareness, his connection to the world.
After classes, he went straight to the girl's house. Today, he helped her carry not only groceries but also reorganize a small storeroom. His movements were quicker, smoother, more precise. He could feel the pulse of energy in his limbs responding to every thought, enhancing his strength subtly.
"You've been helping us so much… you don't even ask for anything," the girl said softly, glancing at him.
Liang Chen smiled faintly, brushing a bead of sweat from his brow. "Helping others strengthens the soul. That is something no coin can buy. And besides… one day, the world will test me in ways I cannot yet imagine. I have to be ready."
Back in his alley, Liang Chen set up a small meditation space. Today's goal was clear: focus on his Energy Sea, push the pulse of spiritual energy a little further, and see if he could sustain it longer than ever before.
Sitting cross-legged, he closed his eyes and let his mind drift inward. The ember in his dantian pulsed warmly. He traced it slowly through his limbs, feeling it expand, weaving through muscles, bones, and veins like liquid fire.
"One day, this spark will blaze," he thought quietly. "And when it does… no betrayal, no pain, no obstacle will hold me back."
Minutes stretched into hours. Liang Chen felt a subtle pressure in his chest, a tingle in his hands and feet. The energy responded to his will, flowing more freely, stronger than before. He opened his eyes slowly and flexed his fingers. Even the smallest movements felt sharper, more deliberate. His stamina had improved. His reflexes were quicker.
He stood and tested a punch on the training bricks. The energy in his limbs amplified his speed and control. A brick cracked cleanly, then another. His body, his mind, his energy — they were slowly syncing.
Night fell, and Liang Chen sat at the window, gazing at the glowing city below. The pulse in his dantian felt like a small sun, quiet but persistent.
"Slow progress… steady effort… one day, even this small ember will become a flame that lights the world," he whispered.
Chapter Ending Quote:
"Patience fans the spark into a flame, discipline channels it, and courage ensures it never fades."