The morning light filtered gently into Alexander’s quarters, rousing him from his restful sleep. The previous day’s training and exploration left him brimming with anticipation for what lay ahead. As he stretched and dressed, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the opportunities before him. The Murim world, with its intricate martial arts and profound knowledge of Qi, was everything he had ever dreamed of and more.
Stepping out of his quarters, he was greeted by the sight of trainees already immersed in their morning routines. The air was filled with the sounds of focused practice, the clash of weapons, and the soft hum of Qi circulation exercises. Master Li approached him, a welcoming smile on his face.
“Good morning, Alexander,” Master Li greeted. “Are you ready for another day of training?”
“Absolutely,” Alex replied, cupping his hands and bowing slightly. “I’m eager to learn more.”
“Excellent. Today, we’ll delve deeper into Qi circulation and the development of your Dantian,” Master Li said, leading Alex towards a secluded training area.
As they walked, Alex couldn’t help but notice a group of individuals clad in dark robes, their presence exuding a cold, menacing aura. These were members of the Heavenly Demon Cult, a faction known for their ruthless practices and powerful techniques. One of them, a tall and stern-looking man, caught Alex’s eye and nodded in acknowledgment.
“They’re part of the alliance too?” Alex asked, curiosity piqued.
“Yes,” Master Li confirmed. “Despite their reputation, they have united with us against the Blood Demon Cult. You’ll find that their approach to Qi manipulation is quite different, but there is much to learn from them.”
As they reached the secluded training area, Master Li began explaining the fundamentals of Qi circulation. “Qi flows through your body in pathways known as meridians. These meridians are like rivers that channel the energy from your Dantian, the core of your Qi, to every part of your body.”
Alex nodded, absorbing the information. Master Li continued, “There are two main types of meridians: the Eight Extraordinary Meridians and the Twelve Principal Meridians. The Eight Extraordinary Meridians act as reservoirs for Qi, while the Twelve Principal Meridians are associated with your internal organs.”
Master Li pointed to a diagram on a nearby scroll, illustrating the pathways. “Before you can start working with the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, you must first unlock the Twelve Principal Meridians. Each of these meridians corresponds to an internal organ and has its own unique properties. By circulating Qi through these meridians, you can enhance your physical strength and overall health.”
“So, how do I start?” Alex asked, eager to begin.
“We’ll start with a neutral Qi circulation technique,” Master Li replied. “This technique will help you familiarize yourself with the flow of Qi and prepare your meridians for more advanced techniques. Once you’ve unlocked the Twelve Principal Meridians, you can move on to the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, culminating with the Governing and Conception Vessels.”
Alex took a deep breath and closed his eyes, focusing on the sensation of Qi within him. Master Li guided him through the process, teaching him how to sense the Qi in his Dantian and direct it through the Twelve Principal Meridians.
“Feel the energy,” Master Li instructed. “Let it flow naturally. Don’t force it. Start by guiding it through the Lung Meridian.”
Alex followed the instructions, feeling a warm, tingling sensation as the Qi flowed from his Dantian through his chest and into his arms. It was a delicate balance, requiring both concentration and intuition. He continued to circulate the Qi through the remaining Principal Meridians, each one unlocking with a subtle yet profound shift in his energy flow.
“Good,” Master Li said. “Continue this practice daily. Once you have unlocked all Twelve Principal Meridians, you will be ready to move on to the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.”
As Alex practiced, he felt a profound connection to the energy within him. The Qi seemed to resonate with his very being, filling him with a sense of power and clarity. He could feel his body growing stronger, the energy more vibrant and potent.
During a break, Alex took the opportunity to speak with some of the other trainees. He approached a group of martial artists from the Heavenly Demon Cult, curious about their techniques.
“Mind if I join you?” Alex asked, cupping his hands and bowing slightly.
One of the trainees, a young woman with piercing eyes, nodded. “Of course. I’m Liu Yan.”
Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.
“Nice to meet you, Liu Yan. I’m Alex,” he replied, taking a seat beside her. “I’ve heard a lot about the Heavenly Demon Cult. Your techniques are said to be quite powerful.”
Liu Yan smirked. “They are. Our approach to Qi manipulation is intense, but effective. We focus on harnessing demonic Qi, which can be very potent in combat.”
“That sounds fascinating,” Alex said. “How do you control demonic Qi?”
“It’s all about balance,” Liu Yan explained. “Demonic Qi can be overwhelming, so we train to maintain a strong will and control over our emotions. It’s a double-edged sword—powerful, but dangerous if not handled correctly.”
As they talked, Alex felt a deep respect for Liu Yan and her dedication to her training. Despite their different approaches, they shared a common goal: to master the art of Qi and become stronger.
Later in the day, Master Li introduced Alex to a technique for refining his Dantian. “Now that you have a basic understanding of Qi circulation, it’s time to choose a technique with a specific affinity. This will shape your Dantian and enhance your abilities, but only after you have unlocked all your meridians.”
Alex considered his options. “What are the different affinities?”
“There are many,” Master Li replied. “Yang Qi, for example, embodies heat, light, and strength. Yin Qi, on the other hand, is associated with cold, darkness, and resilience. Each affinity has its own unique benefits and challenges. But for now, you should focus on fully unlocking your Twelve Principal Meridians.”
Master Li demonstrated the technique, guiding Alex through the process. “First, circulate the Qi through each Principal Meridian. This will help you unlock and strengthen them.”
Alex closed his eyes and focused, feeling the warmth of the neutral Qi as it flowed through him. He followed Master Li’s instructions, guiding the energy through the meridians and feeling the power build within his body.
“Good,” Master Li said. “Continue this practice daily. Once you have unlocked all Twelve Principal Meridians, you will be ready to move on to the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.”
As Alex practiced, he felt a profound connection to the energy within him. The Qi seemed to resonate with his very being, filling him with a sense of power and clarity. He could feel his body growing stronger, the energy more vibrant and potent.
During another break, Alex rejoined the members of the Heavenly Demon Cult. Liu Yan was accompanied by a few others, and their conversation was intense.
“Alex, come join us,” Liu Yan called out.
He approached the group, intrigued by their discussions. One of the other members, a young man named Wei, looked at Alex with a challenging gaze. “So, you’re the outsider trying to learn our ways. What do you think of demonic Qi?”
“It’s fascinating,” Alex replied honestly. “The concept of controlling such potent energy with willpower is impressive.”
Wei smirked. “It’s more than impressive. It’s essential. The strongest is the truth in our philosophy. To control your demons is to control the most potent form of Qi. It requires not just skill, but an unbreakable will.”
Liu Yan nodded. “The one who can master demonic Qi becomes the Heavenly Demon, the one who ascends above all others. It’s a path filled with challenges and dangers, but the rewards are unparalleled.”
Alex felt a surge of determination. “I want to learn more about this. I believe that mastering one's inner demons and having a strong will is crucial.”
Wei’s eyes glinted with approval. “Then you’ll fit in well here. But be warned, it’s not an easy path. You’ll need to prove your worth.”
“I’m ready for the challenge,” Alex said, his voice steady.
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. As he settled into his room, a system prompt appeared before his eyes:
Congratulations! You have unlocked the Tier 3 skill: Mana Flow.
Alex felt a surge of excitement and accomplishment. He had successfully unlocked a new ability, furthering his journey in mastering Qi.
He reflected on the day's events and the new path he was embarking on with the Heavenly Demon Cult. Their philosophy of strength through willpower and mastery of one's inner demons resonated with him deeply.
As Alex settled into his room, he decided to check on his friend's updates.
Before long, Lila’s response popped up. “Guess what, guys? I just completed a challenge where I had to outsmart a bunch of tricky gnomes. Totally nailed it! How about you all?”
“Nice one, Lila!” Katrina replied. “I spent the day fighting off a horde of undead. Got pretty intense, but I leveled up my archery skills!”
Victor jumped in, “You two are on fire! I just finished a survival challenge in the desert. Had to find water and fend off some nasty scorpions. I’m practically a desert expert now.”
“That’s awesome, guys!” Alex wrote back, grinning. “I’m just here unlocking meridians and learning about Qi. No biggie.”
“Just unlocking meridians, huh?” Lila teased. “Sounds like someone’s getting fancy.”
“Yeah, Alex, don’t forget us mere mortals,” Jack joked. “Next thing we know, you’ll be floating around like a monk.”
“Right? We’re all just trying to keep up,” Katrina added with a laughing emoji.
Alex laughed, feeling the warmth and camaraderie through the chat. “Thanks, everyone. Seriously, you guys motivate me. Let’s keep pushing forward together.”
As he closed the chat and lay back, his mind was filled with the events of the day and he couldn’t help but smile.
‘No wonder the Heavenly demon was always popular in manhwas’