Novels2Search
Betrayal of the Chosen
Chapter 12: Dawn of Cultivation

Chapter 12: Dawn of Cultivation

The first hints of dawn painted the sky with hues of lavender and gold. Inside the barn, the gentle rustling of animals awakened Orion from his slumber. His sleep had been restful, dreams filled with memories of past battles, lessons learned, and the art of cultivation he'd once mastered.

Sitting up, he closed his eyes and breathed deeply, feeling the flow of the world around him. The gentle breeze, the chirping of early birds, the distant murmur of a stream — everything pulsated with life, with energy.

To those unfamiliar with the world of cultivation, it was an arcane art, mystical and elusive. But to Orion, it was as fundamental as breathing. Cultivation was the art of drawing energy from the world and channeling it into one's own body. It was about becoming one with nature, understanding its rhythm, its heartbeat, and syncing it with one's own.

The foundation of cultivation lay in understanding oneself — the intricate design of one's body, the flow of blood, the rhythm of the heart, the density of the bones. The more familiar a cultivator was with their own body, the more effectively they could infuse energy into it.

Orion's initial focus was on his bones — the skeletal framework that held him, protected him. Infusing energy into the bones made them unyielding, able to withstand great stress without fracturing. It was the most basic form of cultivation, yet also one of the most crucial.

In his prime, Orion could cultivate effortlessly, drawing vast amounts of energy and infusing it perfectly. But now, starting from scratch, he had to rely on his vast reservoir of knowledge and experience. The energy he felt around him was like a gentle stream, and he had to guide it, mold it, make it a part of him.

Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

He began by grounding himself, feeling every part of his body, starting from his toes, moving upwards. As he visualized each bone, he channeled the energy towards it, letting it wrap around and seep into the very marrow.

Hours seemed to pass as he sat there, immersed in the process. The world around him faded away, leaving only him and the flow of energy. He could feel his bones absorbing the energy, becoming denser, stronger.

But cultivation, especially after a long hiatus, wasn't without its challenges. Several times, he felt the energy waver, lose its course. But each time, he gently guided it back, relying on his vast experience. It was a dance, a delicate balance between control and surrender.

As the sun rose higher, its golden rays filtering into the barn, Orion could feel a tangible difference. His bones felt more robust, more resilient. While it was just the beginning, just a mere 1% of the full potential of bone cultivation, it was a start.

Opening his eyes, the world seemed sharper, more vivid. Every rustle of the leaves, every chirp of the birds felt magnified, a testament to the energy he'd infused into himself.

He rose, feeling a newfound strength in his step, a solidity in his stance. While he was far from the peak of his powers, this morning's cultivation had rekindled a flame, a desire to reclaim what was once his.

The villagers, going about their morning routines, cast curious glances his way, sensing a change, an aura of power that wasn't there the previous day.

Orion knew this was just the beginning. With each day, with each session of cultivation, he'd grow stronger, inching closer to his former glory. But for now, he was content. The journey of a thousand miles began with a single step, and he'd taken his first step this dawn.

Feeling invigorated, he made his way to the village center, ready to embrace the day, his heart filled with gratitude and hope. The path of cultivation lay ahead, and Orion, with his vast experience and renewed determination, was ready to walk it once more.