The morning light filtered through the small window of Alexander’s quarters, rousing him from a deep sleep. He felt the familiar rush of excitement as he prepared for another day in the Murim world. The previous day had been a whirlwind of introductions and initial training, and he was eager to dive deeper into the intricacies of this martial arts paradise.
As he stepped out of his quarters, he was greeted by Master Li, who was already deep in discussion with several other instructors. Master Li noticed Alex and waved him over.
“Good morning, Alexander. I trust you slept well?” Master Li asked, his tone cordial.
“Yes, Master Li. I’m ready to continue my training,” Alex replied enthusiastically, cupping his hands and bowing slightly.
“Excellent. Today, we’ll delve into the essence of Qi and its pathways,” Master Li said, leading Alex toward a large pavilion where several students were already gathered.
The pavilion was an open structure, its roof supported by ornate pillars decorated with intricate carvings. The air was filled with the murmur of students discussing their training and the occasional clash of practice weapons. Master Li guided Alex to a raised platform at the center, where an elderly man with a long, flowing beard was preparing to speak.
“This is Elder Wong,” Master Li whispered. “He will explain the fundamental concepts of Qi and its pathways.”
Elder Wong began, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of wisdom. “In the world of Murim, Qi is the essence of life. It flows through our bodies in pathways known as meridians. By circulating Qi through different meridians, we can achieve various effects—heat, cold, shadow, and more.”
Alex listened intently, absorbing every word. This was a new level of understanding, one that went beyond his previous training with mana. He felt a sense of awe at the complexity and potential of Qi manipulation.
Elder Wong continued, demonstrating with slow, deliberate movements. “These pathways are not just theoretical. They have been integrated into our martial arts over generations. Each movement, each technique, is designed to guide Qi through specific meridians to enhance its effects. This is how we achieve our supernatural feats.”
The elderly master paused, looking directly at Alex. “Young man, you seem eager to learn. Step forward and demonstrate your martial arts for us.”
Alex felt a rush of nerves but stepped onto the platform with confidence. He began with a series of basic sword movements, each strike precise and controlled. He followed this with a display of his mixed martial arts techniques, his body moving fluidly from one form to another.
When he finished, the audience murmured appreciatively. Elder Wong nodded thoughtfully. “You have a solid foundation, Alexander. But what you practice are foundational techniques. They are the building blocks upon which greater arts can be developed.”
Master Li stepped forward. “Elder Wong, Alexander has expressed interest in learning more advanced techniques related to specific types of Qi. He mentioned an interest in sun-related Qi, what we might call pure Yang Qi.”
Elder Wong raised an eyebrow. “Yang Qi is powerful and can be quite beneficial in combat. It embodies heat, light, and strength. If you wish to learn it, Alexander, you must prove your worth.”
Alex’s heart raced with anticipation. “How can I prove myself?”
“There will be a tournament in two weeks,” Elder Wong explained. “The winner will gain access to advanced training resources, including techniques for cultivating Yang Qi. You must demonstrate your potential and win this tournament.”
Alex felt a surge of excitement. “I’ll do whatever it takes to win.”
Master Li smiled. “I admire your determination. Now, let’s begin your training in earnest. First, you need to understand how to properly channel Qi.”
For the rest of the day, Alex trained intensively under Master Li’s guidance. They started with the basics of Qi flow, learning how to sense and direct the energy within his body. Master Li demonstrated how different movements and breathing techniques could influence the Qi’s path through his meridians.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
“Feel the energy,” Master Li instructed. “Let it flow naturally at first. Do not force it.”
Alex closed his eyes, focusing on the sensation of Qi within him. He felt a warm, tingling sensation as he guided the energy through his body, following the pathways Master Li had described. It was a delicate balance, one that required both concentration and intuition.
During a break, Alex took the opportunity to speak with some of the other trainees. He approached a group of martial artists who were discussing their own training experiences.
“Mind if I join you?” Alex asked, cupping his hands and bowing slightly.
A young woman from the Mount Hua Sect nodded. “Of course. I’m Mei Lin.”
“Nice to meet you, Mei Lin. I’m Alex,” he replied, taking a seat on a nearby rock.
“What do you think of our world so far?” asked another trainee, a tall man from the Shaolin Temple named Kai.
“It’s incredible,” Alex said, his enthusiasm evident. “The level of skill and knowledge here is beyond anything I’ve seen. I’m eager to learn as much as I can.”
Mei Lin smiled. “You have a good attitude. The path of a martial artist is one of constant learning and growth. Tell us about your training background.”
Alex explained his experience with mixed martial arts and sword arts, as well as his recent focus on Qi manipulation. The trainees listened with interest, offering their own insights and advice.
“You’re in the right place,” Kai said. “With dedication and the right guidance, you’ll achieve great things here.”
Mei Lin chuckled. “Kai’s always so serious. Don’t let him scare you off. We like to have fun too, you know.”
Alex laughed, feeling at ease. “I’ll remember that. Thanks for the advice, both of you.”
Jihoon, who had been listening nearby, joined the conversation with a broad grin. “Hey Alex, you still owe me a sparring session! How about now?”
“Sure thing, Jihoon. Let’s go,” Alex replied, standing up and stretching.
As they walked toward the training area, Jihoon kept up a steady stream of chatter. “You know, I’ve always wanted to meet someone from the West. I bet your martial arts are totally different from ours.”
“They are, but the basics are pretty similar,” Alex said. “It’s all about discipline and practice, no matter where you’re from.”
Jihoon nodded enthusiastically. “That’s true. But here in Murim, we have Qi. I bet that’s something new for you, huh?”
“Definitely,” Alex agreed. “The concept of Qi is fascinating. It’s like discovering a whole new dimension to martial arts.”
They arrived at the sparring area and took their positions. Jihoon’s style was unpredictable, a mix of agility and cunning that kept Alex on his toes. They exchanged blows, each testing the other’s limits, but it was clear that Jihoon was holding back to gauge Alex’s abilities.
“You’re good, Alex,” Jihoon said, slightly out of breath. “But you’ve got a lot to learn about Qi.”
Alex grinned, wiping sweat from his brow. “That’s why I’m here. To learn from the best.”
As the sun began to set, Master Li gathered the trainees for a final session. They practiced synchronizing their Qi with their martial movements, each technique becoming more fluid and powerful.
“You have all done well today,” Master Li said, his voice carrying a note of pride. “Remember, the path of the martial artist is one of discipline and perseverance. Keep refining your skills, and you will be ready for the tournament.”
Alex felt a sense of accomplishment as he headed back to his quarters. The day had been filled with new knowledge and experiences, each one bringing him closer to his goal. He opened the tutorial chat to update his friends.
“Today was amazing. I learned about Qi pathways and how to channel Qi for different effects. I also found out that I need to win a tournament in two weeks to access advanced training resources. I’m determined to do it,” he typed.
“Alright! Show them your moves, Karate Kid!” Katrina replied, her message filled with encouragement despite the joking tone.
“Yeah, show them what you’re made of,” Lila added.
Alex smiled, feeling the support of his friends despite the distance. He closed the chat and lay back, his mind filled with the events of the day. The path ahead was long and filled with challenges, but he was ready.
As he settled into his room for the night, Alex reflected on the incredible opportunity before him. The Murim world was a place of wonder and endless potential. With the guidance of his instructors and the support of his friends, he was confident he could rise to the occasion.
Tomorrow would bring more training and more discoveries, and Alex couldn’t wait to see what lay ahead. The journey continued, and he was ready for whatever came next.
Skill Level Up:
Mixed Martial Arts Level 50->55
Sword Arts Level 52->57
Mana Channeling Level 48->53
Mana Sensitivity 44->50
Mana Control Level 3->6