"If you start fainting, I'll pinch your cheeks until you wake up, Tianran. Are you sure you want to continue?" Yueqing asked with a teasing tone, although the worry was clearly visible on her face. She sat cross-legged beside Tianran, feeling the chilly night breeze touch their skin.
Tianran took a deep breath, sensing the cold night air fill his lungs. "There's no turning back, Yueqing. If I stop tonight, I'm afraid my courage will never return." His voice was filled with determination as he tried to push aside the anxiety gnawing at his heart.
Yueqing offered a faint smile, slowly tightening her blanket around her shoulders. "I'll stay here to support you. Just think of me as your charm against nightmares, in case something unwanted happens." She wanted to give Tianran a sense of comfort, feeling important in moments like this.
Tianran chuckled softly, feeling the warmth brought by his friend's presence. He closed his eyes, allowing the aroma of ginseng tea and damp earth to fill his senses. "Yueqing, when we're here together, it feels like anything is achievable." He let himself sink deeper into meditation—becoming one with his breath, feeling the power flowing from within.
The system panel lit up, more complex than before:
─────[TRAINING STATUS: MEDIUM TRANCE]─────
Physical Condition: Severe Fatigue
Qi: 2%
Focus: 95%
Spiritual Resonance: 4%
Effects: Increased self-awareness, risk of spiritual vision
Progress on First Meridian: 45%
Void Pulse: Ready for Use
─────▲─────
"System, guide me to the next level..."
─────[TRAINING STATUS: MEDIUM TRANCE]─────
Body Condition: Severe Fatigue
Qi: 2%
Focus: 95%
Spiritual Resonance: 4%
Effect: Heightened self-awareness, risk of spiritual vision
Progress Meridian One: 45%
Void Pulse: Ready for Use
─────▲─────
"System, guide me to a deeper level."
"Host has entered trance status. Risk: soul vision and spiritual dreams. Recommendation: Do not resist the inner flow." The system's voice offered a measure of calm, despite the accompanying threats.
Yueqing looked at Tianran intently. "Remember, don't hesitate. This is part of your journey, and I will always be here to support you." She wanted Tianran to feel a solid presence beside her, a reminder that they were not alone on this path.
Tianran let his thoughts drift away. The real world faded—body sensations disappeared. He entered a boundless void, standing on a transparent floor like glass. A circle of blue light illuminated his steps, the dark sky enveloping him in silence. "Where am I?" he whispered to himself, his soft voice muffled by the stillness.
Suddenly, a faint shadow—his older, broken self—emerged from the darkness. With vacant eyes and a face marred by wounds, a hoarse voice ambushed him, "Do you truly believe you can change your fate with such a frail body? Is your courage enough?"
Tianran swallowed hard, feeling his heart race. He stood tall, staring at his own reflection. "Fate is not the end, but rather a challenge. If my resolve is strong enough, I can change it. I will not give up."
The shadow crept closer, encircling him like fog, as if it meant to drown him in despair. However, Tianran refused to falter. "I am not alone," he declared boldly, "There are those who believe in me, even when I have doubted myself."
Tianran felt a surge of energy flowing around him, filling the empty space. He struggled to stay focused, even as the shadow kept pressing him. "What do you want from me?" he asked, his tone firm, trying to sound stronger than the heavy voice that disturbed him.
"You know what you seek, Tianran. You only need to confront the darkness within you."
"The darkness will not defeat me!" he shouted, a blend of fervor and anger igniting in his eyes. "I will surely find my way, with or without the image of my broken self." The light around him began to shimmer, as if responding to his wishes and courage.
The shadow recoiled for a moment, appearing hesitant, and Tianran seized the opportunity to step forward. He could feel the tension in the air, as if everything vibrated in a spiritual connection. "You can't stop me!"
"You've failed before. Cast aside by the old world. What guarantee do you have that this time will be different?" asked the voice that shook his soul, adding weight to an already heavy burden.
Tianran closed his eyes, hearing the voice, filled with doubt, calling back bitter memories. "Because now I'm not alone," he replied assertively, though his heart trembled. "Someone believes in me, even when I had my own doubts."
He sensed the energy around him beginning to vibrate, the swirling light creating a spiraling vortex that pulled him toward its center. The system's voice now rang clear, whispering information about him, as if listening to an uplifting melody.
"Spiritual resonance detected. First meridian weakened. Host can activate 'Void Pulse' within the inner realm."
Tianran extended his hand towards the whirlpool of light and summoned back the image of Yueqing—her enchanting face and soothing voice calmed his heart.
"I will always be here. You are not alone, Tianran."
Every word flowed within him, empowering him as the system panel suddenly appeared in the empty space:
─────[INNER RESOLUTION]─────
First Meridian: 50% (Limit Reached)
Void Resonance: 15%
Void Pulse: Ready for Use
Special Skill: Soul Resonance (external support)
─────▲─────
The floating image of all the wounds, humiliations, hunger, and those small moments when Yueqing—or anyone—extended a hand, enveloping him in the warmth of spirit. "I will change this fate," he whispered to himself.
The spiral light transformed into a raging river, and with blazing courage, Tianran leaped into the cold current. A warm sensation spread from deep within his chest, Qi coursing powerfully along his spine, animating every cell in his body.
"Now, Void Pulse… break this barrier!"
Within the visualization, the meridian paths formed a fragile crystal. "Come on, Qi," Tianran urged, pushing the Void Pulse forward. "Destroy everything that stands in my way!" Energy swept through, shattering the crystal with a blazing white light.
—
Tianran's body in the real world trembled violently. His breaths came in ragged gasps, cold sweat trickling down his temples. "Tianran, are you alright?" Yueqing's voice pierced through the darkness, her hand stroking his shoulder, soothing him. There was undeniable concern in her tone.
"Tianran! Are you alright?"
He opened his eyes, and in an instant, his pupils turned a shade of blue before returning to normal. "Yueqing," his voice trembled, "I... I just faced myself. A shadow that almost made me give up." He tried to stand tall, but his trembling was undeniable. "But... I realized, I'm not alone."
"Yueqing… I… I met myself. The one who failed, the one who almost gave up. But I realized… I'm not truly alone."
Yueqing gently stroked his cheek. "You're back. Don't scare me like that again, you know? I can't lose you."
The system panel lit up, displaying the achievements of that night:
─────[MEDITATION RESULT: BREAKTHROUGH]─────
First Meridian: 100% UNLOCKED
Void Pulse: Level 1 — Active
Soul Resonance: 22%
Effect: Spirit stable, focus increased, heavy fatigue
Bonus: Passive skill 'Inner Resolve' acquired
─────▲─────
Yueqing helped Tianran lean against the wall, her eyes full of concern. "Can that strengthen you?"
"Are you a nightmare?"
Tianran shook his head, recalling the battle in his visualization. "Not a nightmare. I fought against the shadows of my past, but I also remembered all the reasons I want to keep going. Including you." His voice was calmer, but a strong desire lay within it.
The status panel updated, brighter than before:
─────[NEW STATUS]─────
Meridian Opened: 1/12
Void Pulse: Level 1
Qi: 8% (increasing)
Physical Strength: 12/100
Survival Determination: 50%
Effects: Focus & spirit enhanced, risk of fainting reduced
Passive Skill: 'Inner Resolve' — Mental & physical endurance increases during intense training
─────▲─────
Tianran felt a warm current flowing within him, his pain gradually fading as a new surge of energy coursed through. He could sense every cell in his body as if they were dancing, radiating a sense of life. "Yueqing, I can feel it," he said, his voice trembling with hope, "This energy—I feel stronger."
Yueqing gazed at him, her eyes sparkling. "That's your power awakening. Don't hesitate, Tianran. Every step, every practice, it's all to shape you into a true warrior."
Tianran offered a faint smile, yet a flame of joy ignited in his eyes. "I hope I can live up to your expectations," he replied. "But sometimes, this pain... it's hard to forget."
"Don't worry," Yueqing replied gently, affectionately patting his shoulder, "I will always be here to help you through it all."
As they spoke, the system panel displayed a closing message, reminding Tianran of his noble purpose. The effects of this new status were palpable, yet what mattered most was Yueqing's support, which endowed him with even greater strength.
"You know," Yueqing continued, "I don't want you to feel alone. We can face all of this together."
Tianran nodded, his heart warm at Yueqing's words. "If there's a door to that dream, you're the first person I'd call. No one could ever replace you."
Yueqing smiled, looking more at ease. "Next time, let me in on your dream. I'll be there to give you a nudge if you start thinking about giving up."
Tianran chuckled softly, though it was faint, it was a sign of sincere happiness. "Alright, it's a deal. I'll be ready."
They sat in silence, enjoying the fresh night air, the lingering aroma of tea still in the air. Suddenly, Tianran broke the quiet, his voice gentle yet full of hope, "Can we do this again tomorrow? I want to learn more about Spiritual Tactics."
Yueqing looked at him with a warm smile, "Of course. Every time I see your spirit, it feels like I'm back at the beginning of my own training."
Minutes later, the evening bells chimed from the main hall of the sect—a sign that it was time for all disciples to rest. Mist began to fall slowly, shrouding the back courtyard of the kitchen. Yueqing gazed towards the fog, then turned to Tianran gently, "Don't worry, this mist only brings tranquility. We will face tomorrow's challenges with full confidence."
The system panel displayed a closing message just before Tianran fell asleep:
─────[SYSTEM NOTE]─────
Congratulations! The Host has surpassed the first threshold. Spiritual resonance indicates the potential of a Voidwright. Social support enhances training effects. Rest your body and soul before attempting the next meridian.
─────▲─────
Yueqing escorted Tianran to the dormitory, ensuring he was comfortably asleep. "Sleep well, Tianran. I will always be here to support you," she said as she tucked the blanket up to his chin and turned off the light.
Before leaving, Yueqing whispered softly into Tianran's ear, "Have a restful night, little hero."
—
In his dreams, Tianran envisioned a river of light flowing from the mountain peak into an endless abyss. He could feel warmth and hope pouring into his soul. At the riverbank, shadowy figures reached out their hands, as if inviting him to join them. "All of you," he whispered, "you won't be lost again."
He knew, it was all the hopes and faith that had once been lost—now slowly returning. With light and bold steps, he moved forward, ready to embrace the new dawn. "Tomorrow is a new day," he declared to himself, filled with determination. "I will not back down."