The sun had barely risen when Liang Chen stepped into the small courtyard behind his apartment.
Today was dedicated to training.
Not pills, not errands, not helping anyone — just him, his body, and the faint ember of spiritual energy that pulsed in his dantian.
"Every muscle, every thought, every breath… it can be honed," he murmured quietly. "The body is the first tool of cultivation, and I will master it."
He started with simple stretches, feeling the warmth in his limbs respond. The ember in his dantian throbbed faintly, following his focus like a loyal companion.
After warming up, he moved to punches, kicks, and spins, carefully channeling the energy through his arms and legs.
Each strike felt slightly stronger than the last. Each movement flowed smoother, faster, sharper. His body seemed lighter, more responsive. Liang Chen closed his eyes and imagined the energy like water, flowing through channels in his muscles, bones, and joints.
"Control the energy, and it will enhance the body. Rush it, and it burns useless," he whispered.
After an hour of basic movements, he grabbed a wooden sword. He practiced stances, swings, and blocks, the ember of his dantian amplifying subtle speed and precision. Each strike was a test — not against another person, but against his own limits.
"Even the simplest motion can teach the greatest lesson," he thought. "Perfection lies in repetition, and power is born from discipline."
He paused briefly, wiping sweat from his brow, and let his eyes roam the alley. In the distance, he could feel the faint presence of others — ordinary people unaware of the spiritual energy coursing through the world. He smiled faintly. "Soon, they will see… but first, I must be ready."
Next, he focused on meditation.
Sitting cross-legged, he closed his eyes and guided the ember in his dantian. He pushed it gently through his chest, arms, and legs, letting it spread evenly, feeling the pulse sync with his heartbeat.
The warmth extended to his fingers and toes, and his reflexes sharpened almost immediately.
Then came the real test. He grabbed a small stack of bricks — his makeshift training dummies — and moved through a sequence of strikes and kicks.
The energy in his limbs enhanced his speed, precision, and timing. A brick that would have merely cracked now shattered cleanly. His movements flowed like water, yet each strike carried weight and control.
"Strength without control is chaos. Control without strength is hollow," he muttered to himself. "The balance is mine to master."
By evening, Liang Chen's muscles ached pleasantly, his body had warmed to the rhythm of energy, and his mind felt sharper than ever. He looked out at the city lights, feeling a surge of quiet determination.
"Step by step, motion by motion… I am awakening not just the body, but the spirit," he whispered. "Soon, this ember will blaze, and nothing will stand in my way."
Chapter Ending Quote:
"The body is the first temple of power. Discipline is its cornerstone, and patience its foundation."