Chapter 2: Understanding the Manual
In a simple wooden hut.
The manual felt heavier in Qing Chen’s hands than its size suggested. Bound in simple brown leather with golden embroidery along the edges, the title gleamed softly in the dim light: "Path of Energy: A Beginner's Guide to Cultivation Basics."
It was the first tangible step toward a life he had never imagined—a chance to escape the chains of servitude and rise above the mortal constraints of his new world. As Qing Chen opened the manual, the faint smell of parchment wafted up, mingling with the earthy scent of the Herb Valley.
He turned the first page carefully, his eyes scanning the ornate script:
“To those who seek the path of immortality: Know that the journey begins not with strength, but with understanding. Energy is the lifeblood of the world, the thread that binds the heavens, earth, and all living beings. To cultivate it is to forge your destiny.”
Qing Chen leaned against the wall.
“Energy flows through everything,” he read aloud, his voice barely a whisper. “To harness it, one must first sense it.”
The next passage caught his attention, its words bold and almost reverent:
“Begin by calming your mind. Sit where the wind stirs and the earth feels alive beneath you. Close your eyes and let your breath guide you. The energy, known as Qi, exists everywhere—in the rustling leaves, the rushing rivers, and the stillness of the moonlight. It is there, waiting for you to notice it.”
He glanced up from the manual, his mind racing. It sounded poetic, even mystical, but the instructions were surprisingly practical. Closing the book, he placed it beside him and crossed his legs, mimicking the meditative pose sketched in one of the diagrams.
“Calm my mind,” Qing Chen muttered, taking a deep breath. The Herb Valley was quiet, save for the rustle of the wind against the tall grass. Slowly, he began to focus on the rhythm of his breathing. In... and out...
The manual had described Qi as a presence, a sensation that could be felt when one truly opened their awareness. But for someone like Qing Chen, who had never known the mysteries of this world, it felt intangible, like trying to grasp the wind.
Minutes passed. His back ached slightly, and the faint sounds of Bai Zian and Feng Liang chatting in the huts across him distracted him.
“Don’t overthink it,” the manual had warned in its Common Mistakes section. “Qi will not come to those who force it. Begin by sensing your breath. Feel its flow, and you will find the rhythm of Qi.”
Qing Chen exhaled slowly, letting his shoulders relax. This time, he focused only on the air entering and leaving his body. A strange warmth began to creep into his chest—faint, but unmistakable. His eyes snapped open, startled, only to find that the feeling vanished as quickly as it had come.
Stolen story; please report.
“Don’t lose focus,” he scolded himself, clutching the manual again. He flipped to the next section:
“Once Qi has been sensed, draw it inward. Imagine it as a gentle stream, flowing through the meridians of your body. Direct it toward your Dantian, the reservoir of energy below your navel. This is the first step in refining energy.”
He reread the paragraph several times, his brow furrowed.
“Stream, huh?” Qing Chen muttered. He closed his eyes once more, recalling the warmth he had felt. Slowly, with patience he hadn’t known he possessed, he searched for that elusive sensation again.
This time, it came more clearly—a faint ripple beneath the surface of his consciousness. It wasn’t just warmth; it was movement, like the first stirrings of a breeze on a still day.
“Good,” he whispered to himself, daring not to lose focus. He imagined the ripple as a stream, guiding it downward toward the spot the manual had described. It wasn’t perfect—several times the sensation faded entirely, and he had to start over. But with every attempt, the process became slightly easier, the flow more natural.
Hours passed like minutes. By the time Qing Chen opened his eyes again, the sun had dipped low on the horizon, painting the valley in hues of orange and gold. He felt... different. His body seemed lighter, his mind clearer. Though he had only just begun, the feeling of success brought a faint smile to his lips.
Qing Chen came outside to stretch and breathe the fresh air.
Bai Zian approached him, tossing a small pebble in the air. “Still trying that Qi sensing thing?” he teased. “I gave up after five minutes. This cultivation stuff isn’t for everyone.”
Qing Chen held up the manual, its leather cover now smudged with dirt. “Maybe it’s not,” he said, his voice steady. “But I wanted to check my limits.”
Ding!
[Path of Energy: A Beginner's Guide to Cultivation Basics. (1/10)]
[Harmony Points: 01]
Huh! Qing Chen ignored the prompt that had appeared in front of him and tried controlling his facial features.
“Here, you did not come out the whole evening, so I collected your share as well.” Bai Zian thought that Qing Chen was confused looking at the extra basket over his shoulder and explained to him.
“Thanks for taking over my shift for today.” Qing Chen cupped his hand as he had learned from many novels. Bai Zian was kind enough to take care of his herbs, even if he had some other motives. Qing Chen had a newfound respect for Bai Zian in his heart.
“Where is Feng Liang?” Qing Chen inquired about his other colleague. Qing Chen could not help it, as it was an old problem he had; he liked to inquire about others' well-being.
“Even I don’t know. Last I saw him, he was also cultivating, but I don’t know where he went.”
“I am here.” Feng Liang was coming from the side of the forest in the valley, covered in dirt and twigs. But the light in his eyes was shining brightly. When Qing Chen first met him, he had a kind of distinctive atmosphere surrounding him, but now that atmosphere was nowhere to be found.
“Feng Liang, you look quite happy. Did you stumble upon some treasure that could change your future?”
“....” Feng Liang, who was brimming with positivity, his expression suddenly hardened, and he glanced at Qing Chen with cold eyes. Bai Zian also saw that Feng Liang had stopped smiling. He could not help but think that Qing Chen might have hit the bull’s eye.
“I am joking. No need to be so serious all of a sudden.” Qing Chen tried to soothe the situation. He had only arrived in this place; he did not know the dos and don’ts.
“Feng Liang, Master has called you to his manor.” Just when Bai Zian and Qing Chen thought that Feng Liang was about to say something, Zhao Ling’s voice came from behind, and instantly the heavy atmosphere dissolved.
“Senior Brother!” Bai Zian, Feng Liang, and Qing Chen all bowed when they saw that Zhao Ling had arrived.
“Relax. I am just here to fetch Feng Liang on the orders of Master.”
Why is the Valley Master suddenly looking for Feng Liang? Qing Chen and Bai Zian both looked into each other’s eyes and saw the same question."