Tae-Won flowed through the basic Cloud Steps in the pre-dawn light, his qi circulation growing smoother with each repetition. After days of practice, these fundamental movements were revealing subtle insights he'd missed before.
[System Notice: Cloud Steps practice in progress]
[System Notice: Movement efficiency: 89.3%]
[System Notice: Basic qi circulation stable]
[System Notice: Current Realm - Disciple Realm (Flow Stage)]
He transitioned into the Horse Stance, feeling how his qi settled into increasingly refined pathways. There was still so far to go, but something felt different today - as if he stood at the edge of a deeper understanding.
[System Notice: Horse Stance stability increasing]
[System Notice: Foundation examination in progress]
[System Notice: Breakthrough approaching]
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In the council chamber of the Jin clan, seven elders sat around the low table, their faces lit by flickering lanterns.
"Let us address the upcoming examination," Elder Wei began, unfurling a scroll. "Young Master Kae-Won continues to demonstrate why he's called the Crown Dragon of our generation. His recent breakthrough to Body Refinement Realm's Iron Skin stage is remarkable for his age."
Murmurs of approval rippled through the chamber. Just yesterday, the first son had shattered three layers of stone tiles with a casual palm strike, his body hardened through advanced cultivation techniques.
"And Young Mistress Mi-Cha," Elder Liu added with clear pride. "Third in line, yet already approaching Body Refinement Realm herself. Her mastery of the Wind Blade form has cracked training dummies reinforced for Adept Realm practitioners."
"Both will represent us well in the main division," Elder Chen agreed. "Though Jin-Ho's progress at the peak of Adept Realm remains... consistent with expectations."
The air in the chamber grew heavier as Elder Chen continued, "Now, regarding the youngest son's... unique situation."
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Through the chamber's window, they could see Tae-Won in the outer courtyard, still practicing his basic forms as dusk approached. His older siblings had finished their advanced technique training hours ago.
"To think the youngest lingers at the Disciple Realm, practicing servant's techniques while his siblings have already refined their bodies to iron," Elder Liu said, shaking his head. "The gap between them grows wider by the day."
Elder Hong sat quietly, his weathered hands wrapped around a cup of cooling tea. "His qi circulation shows unusual properties," he said finally. "The fundamentals he practices... there is depth there that many of us have overlooked."
"Depth?" Elder Liu scoffed. "Kae-Won can shatter stones with a touch. Mi-Cha's Wind Blade can cut steel. Even Jin-Ho can at least manifest basic force projection. Meanwhile, the youngest son plays with basic forms."
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In the courtyard, something shifted in Tae-Won's practice. The countless repetitions had worn smooth channels through his meridians, like a river finally breaking through to a deeper course.
[System Notice: Basic Mastery Complete!]
[System Notice: Martial Beginner has risen to Advanced]
[System Notice: You may now add Advanced Techniques to Flowing River Path]
[System Notice: Current Realm - Disciple Realm (Control Stage)]
[System Notice: Breakthrough detected...]
[System Notice: Adept Realm approaching]
[System Notice: Foundation has reached optimal efficiency]
The notifications flashed as Tae-Won maintained his stance, feeling the changes rippling through his meridians. He was still far behind his siblings in raw power, but his path was beginning to reveal its own strength.
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Back in the council chamber, Elder Hong placed a small jade slip on the table. "These are the measurements of his qi output during basic stances. Note the stability. The consistency."
"Consistency won't stop Kae-Won's Iron Palm technique," Elder Chen retorted. "Or Mi-Cha's Wind Blade. The gap in their cultivation realms is simply too vast."
"I request one month," Hong stated, rising from his seat. "Let him continue on this path until the examination. I will personally take responsibility for the outcome."
The first drops of rain began to fall as the council chamber grew quiet. Below, Tae-Won adjusted his stance slightly, incorporating the wet ground into his practice. In the distance, the sharp crack of breaking stone tiles announced Kae-Won's evening training.
[System Notice: New cultivation insights gained]
[System Notice: Flowing River Path - Advanced Integration available]
[System Notice: Disciple Realm Harmonization stage approaching]
[System Notice: Hidden potential developing...]
The council's decision would wait until morning. But in the growing darkness, Tae-Won's basic forms were evolving into something more - each movement a small step toward bridging the vast gap between himself and his siblings.
Current Status:
* Cultivation: Disciple Realm (Control Stage)
* Technique: Flowing River Path (Advanced Integration unlocked)
* Basic Mastery: Complete
* Next Breakthrough: Adept Realm