Chapter 3: The Path of Qi
The Inner Gate of Jade Sky Sect loomed like a fortress carved from ancient jade. Legend D. Clinton followed Senior Sister Mei through wide courtyards filled with robed disciples meditating under waterfalls, sparring atop stone platforms, and levitating glowing orbs between their palms.
Everything felt like a scene from a fantasy epic.
Everything… except him.
"Your body has no meridian flow," Mei muttered, eyeing him with concern. "Your dantian is dormant. No trace of spirit Qi. How are you even alive?"
Clinton tried not to look panicked. "Lucky genetics?"
> "Her analysis is accurate," Narvek said in his calm tone. "This world's power system revolves around Qi energy. You are currently at zero."
"Can you fix that?"
> "Only organically. You require Qi exposure to awaken your meridians. I can assist neural alignment, but you need an external source."
Clinton didn't understand half of what Narvek meant. But he nodded like he did.
Mei led him to a quiet pavilion nestled above a cliff. There, an old man was sitting cross-legged, surrounded by a circle of glowing talismans. His long white beard danced slightly with the wind, and his robes shimmered like rippling water.
"Grandmaster Mu Tian," Mei said, bowing. "I brought the outsider. He's… unusual."
The old man opened one eye and focused on Clinton. His gaze pierced through him like a sword. "Hmph. He looks like a mortal. But his soul… isn't entirely his own."
Clinton tensed. Did the old man sense Narvek?
> "My presence is encrypted. He detects enhanced soul fluctuations but cannot identify their source."
"Come closer, boy," the old man said, gesturing.
Clinton stepped forward.
"You are in a world ruled by cultivation," Mu Tian said. "Qi is the breath of existence. Without it, you are but a lamb among wolves. Tell me—do you wish to change that?"
"…Yes," Clinton said, quietly.
"Then let me open your path."
The old man's hand suddenly moved, pressing two fingers against Clinton's chest.
A surge of blazing energy poured into him like a waterfall of fire. Clinton screamed as it ripped through his body, burning through flesh, nerves, bones—seeking paths that didn't exist.
> "Meridian pathways found. Synchronizing. Engaging neural dampening…"
Even with Narvek's help, Clinton felt like he was dying. His bones cracked, muscles spasmed, and his veins glowed with radiant blue light. Symbols appeared on his skin, vanishing seconds later as quickly as they came.
"Hold steady!" Mu Tian barked.
The Qi was rampaging inside him, colliding against blocked meridians. Most mortals died from this force. But Clinton had Narvek—an ancient Metacorp from beyond this universe—silently reinforcing every cell.
Suddenly, something clicked.
An invisible vortex spun in his lower abdomen.
> "Dantian formation complete. Host has achieved Initial Qi Condensation."
Clinton gasped as the pain receded. He dropped to his knees, panting heavily.
Mei's eyes widened. "You actually formed a dantian in one go? Even talented youths take months to achieve that!"
Mu Tian stroked his beard. "Hmm… you are strange, boy. But not weak. The heavens have given you a chance. Do not waste it."
Clinton looked up, sweat dripping down his face. "What… happens now?"
"You train," Mu Tian said. "You bleed. You learn how to wield that spark of power. Or it will consume you."
He turned away, already dismissing him. "Go. Mei will guide you to the Outer Sect."
As they walked away, Clinton whispered, "Narvek… I feel it. Like… pressure in my stomach."
> "That is Qi. You are now a cultivator, albeit at the lowest stage. With discipline, you can evolve."
Clinton clenched his fist. He could feel the energy now, swirling within him like a trapped storm.
He looked out across the valley of mountains and sword peaks and floating platforms. Somewhere out there, monsters, warriors, and emperors ruled with divine strength.
And now… he wasn't just an outsider anymore.
He had Narvek.
He had power.
He had a path.
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End of Chapter 3
Ready for Chapter 4?