Chapter Ten : Between Qi and mana
Kailin begins to realize that his journey in the world of “Xinghua” will not just be an opportunity to gain new powers, but a real test of how deep his willpower and adaptability go. This scientist did not recognize the sources of his original power; here, he had to learn the secrets of magic and explore innovative ways to combine his old experiences with what he would discover in this strange world. It seemed like he had to start all over again, but this time, with deeper thinking and a more comprehensive understanding.
The order, which seemed to understand his confusion, added in a calm but stern voice:
[Ding: I understand that it may be strange, host, but this is one of the major challenges you will face here. In order to excel in the world of “Xinghua,” you have to choose a path between training in martial arts or magic.]
Kailin remained silent for a moment, trying to absorb the difficult choice. He had spent his life practicing martial arts techniques and had only recently begun to open Ironing Tracks. As for magic, it was something completely new to him—mysterious, powerful, but also unfamiliar. While he pondered this, a crazy idea came to him. Why should I choose between the two? Can I use them together?
Kailin immediately addressed the question to the system, as if it were a thread of hope: "System, can I merge Mana and Qi and practice them together?”
The system hesitated for a moment before answering, as if gathering its thoughts to explain something critical:
[Ding: The idea of merging Qi and Mana is not completely impossible, but let me clarify. Qi and Mana are not just two randomly working energies. They are two opposing forces at their core, each with its own unique system. Qi is a vital internal energy that flows through specific channels inside the body and requires balance and stability to achieve the correct flow. This energy connects to the essence of the organism and supports life itself.]
The regime continued in a philosophical tone:
[As for Mana, it is an external energy derived from the environment. Freely flowing in nature, it acts as a magical force emanating from the surrounding world. Magicians attract and direct it, distinguishing it from Qi. Simply put, Qi draws its strength from the inside, while Mana draws from the outside.]
[Physically, Qi is considered a “coherent” and stable energy, while Mana is a “variable” and unstable energy that requires an external receptacle. If both energies are present together in the same body, a serious conflict will occur. The flow of Qi is based on a closed system, while Mana requires free flow. If you try to occupy the same space, it will lead to an imbalance, akin to mixing oil and water. Even if you exert great effort, the two energies will separate into distinct layers.]
[Qi represents the inner essence of beings, their struggle to balance soul and body, while Mana represents the external forces we draw from the world to transcend the boundaries of ourselves. Combining the two energies means sacrificing the essence of one of them, which makes true balance impossible.]
The system paused for a moment, as if giving Kailin a chance to absorb the words, then continued:
[In your native world, due to the laws of that reality, it is forbidden to merge Qi and Mana in the same body. These laws exist to preserve the balance of the world because the combination of the two energies can pose a threat to the natural order. But you, host, are an exceptional case. I, the system, am an entity capable of modifying natural laws and transcending boundaries. Being in the world of “Xinghua,” with its different laws, means that these boundaries have been slightly loosened. But remember, it's risky, and you will need to be cautious when trying to combine the two energies.]
Kailin felt the weight of this knowledge. It seemed like a complex puzzle, akin to understanding the fabric of the universe itself, but at the same time, he was impressed by the complexity of his own situation. Being an exception in this world was not an easy merit, he thought to himself. The system provides him rare, but risky opportunities.
"So, even my previous knowledge does not guarantee my strength here,” Kailin whispered to himself. “But maybe I can leverage this knowledge for the benefit of my future.” He realized he had to be very careful because he faced challenges ahead that he could scarcely imagine.
But his anxiety did not stop there. How can he train if Ling Tian's body, which he now inhabits, is essentially unable to use magic? With a tone mixed with bewilderment and hope, he asked the system: "System, how can I practice Mana if this body lacks magical talent?"
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The system's response appeared to hold a glimmer of hope, but accompanied by a hidden warning:
[Ding: In the store, there is an elixir called “Magic Soul Elixir.” It's a temporary solution that gives you the ability to use magic, but the price is not only in points.]
Kailin stared into the void, wondering what that meant. "The Magic Soul Elixir?" he repeated in a low voice, trying to absorb the meaning of those words. “What exactly is this elixir?”
The system explained carefully, as if narrating a forgotten legend:
[The Magic Soul Elixir is a rare liquid extracted from the essence of the Great Mana Tree, a legendary tree that retains pure, unquenchable energy. When you drink the elixir, a temporary magical heart ring will form in your heart, even if you do not have magical talent. This effect allows you to use and train Mana, but...]
The system paused for a moment, then continued:
[But this is not a miracle free of charge. If you do not use Mana correctly and do not train well, the energy will dissipate, and you will return to your previous state. Moreover, you may experience side effects such as heart palpitations or magical fatigue if you misuse the energy before the effect stabilizes.]
Kailin asked, his tone tinged with caution: "And how much does this elixir cost in store points?"
A luminous table showing the price appeared:
[Ding: The Magic Soul Elixir is available at a price of 2,500 points.]
Kailin was taken aback by the price. It was a more reasonable amount than he had expected, but still a challenge. The system tolerates me, he thought, because such an element—if the experts of the “Xinghua” world knew that I had it—they would start a world war for it. He understood that this opportunity was not something to be underestimated.
Kailin took a moment to absorb these facts, then realized he needed a safe shelter. It was the middle of the night, and the monsters in this world became more active and dangerous with the coming of darkness. He set off into the forest, looking for a cave or a hidden spot where he could take shelter, his steps silent on the ground, trying not to make any sound. He knew that a broken branch or any sudden movement could attract the attention of a predatory beast.
Amidst the dense shadows and mysterious sounds, Kailin moved with extreme caution. His eyes were attuned to every movement, and his ears picked up the slightest whispers in the night. The world around him seemed full of dangers, but Kailin felt a determination igniting inside him. Whatever the challenges, he was ready to face them, using his old knowledge and what he might discover on his new journey.
This is not just an adventure, he thought. It's a new beginning, a real test of what I'm capable of in this strange world.
Of course, I will complete the chapter by adding more in-depth details and scenes that enhance the atmosphere surrounding Kailin and build his tension and challenges in this new world:
Kailin continued to maneuver through the forest, breathing deeply and quietly, concentrating on every step. The cold wind that blew between the trees carried with it a subtle smell of dampness and decaying leaves, which intensified the feeling that he was surrounded by a living, watching world. The tangled branches on both sides of the path seemed like dark arms stretched out to block him from any hope of escape, and he heard the rustling of leaves and a whispering breeze above them, as if the forest itself was observing his steps.
Every part of his mind was attentive and alert. The world of “Xinghua” was not easy; it was a wild realm that imposed merciless challenges on its newcomers. As he walked, Kailin began to think about the monsters of the night. The system had previously stated that these monsters became more ferocious and powerful as darkness fell, utilizing the surrounding magical energy to enhance their strength. It would be foolish for me to encounter any creature in my current state, he thought to himself, passing by a massive tree with tangled protruding roots, more like a giant creature guarding its territory.
He finally glimpsed a small cave ahead, and his heartbeat quickened, but he held back his enthusiasm. It was unwise to enter without checking it first. He lowered his body into a defensive position, slowly creeping toward the entrance to the cave, and began to listen carefully, trying to catch any internal sounds. The air escaping from the cave was cool but bore no pungent smell indicating the presence of a resident creature, such as goblins or wild wolves.
Cautiously, Kailin entered the cave. The pale moonlight reflected off the stone walls, providing just enough visibility for him to assess the interior. The walls were adorned with small green crystals that glowed faintly, pulsing with a subtle magical energy. These crystals emitted enough light for Kailin to confirm that nothing lurked in the dark corners, making the place appear relatively safe.
Kailin sat on the stone floor, his back propped against the cave wall. His thoughts were still occupied with what the system had said about Qi and Mana. Philosophically and scientifically, the idea seemed logical... but can I really go beyond the laws of the universe? He knew that legends always warned against tampering with nature and balance. But this was not his native world, and these were not familiar laws.
[Ding: A reminder, dear host: now is a good time to rest, but do not forget to remain on standby. Night monsters can smell and sense you. Try to calm yourself and smooth out any fluctuations in your energy.]
Kailin smiled bitterly. "Thanks for the reminder, system.” He took a deep breath, attempting to calm his thoughts. He closed his eyes, relaxed slightly, but kept his consciousness fully alert. He began to recall memories of his old training—breathing exercises he had learned while opening the Qi pathways in his body. Although he couldn't feel Qi like he did in his previous world, focusing on his breathing helped to calm his body and mind.
In this temporary stillness, Kailin began to plan his next steps. I need to quickly collect points to get the Magic Soul Elixir, he thought, his mind searching for effective ways to achieve this. The tasks available to him required both courage and caution. Collecting magical herbs might be straightforward, but facing magical creatures or protecting a caravan were risky endeavors. Every step must be carefully calculated, and every decision could mean the difference between life and death.
Deep down, however, there was a mysterious passion for discovering the extremes of what he could achieve. If I could combine Qi and Mana, if I could attain a balance that no one else has reached before, I would be able to transcend the boundaries of both worlds.
He slowly opened his eyes, and the pale blue light from the crystals illuminated his face. Somewhere outside the cave, he heard the howl of a distant wolf. Kailin took another deep breath, feeling resolute and determined. The world of "Xinghua" had set him enormous challenges, but in his heart, there was an unquenchable spark—an unwavering belief that he was capable of making his own destiny.
He whispered to himself, filled with conviction: “I will not merely be a player in the laws of this world. I'll be the one to change the rules