In the distance, a shadow descends the waterfall, aided by the sun's rays gradually dissolving the mist enveloping the cascade, revealing the figure slowly but steadily. It's a 10-year-old boy effortlessly descending through the cascading waters, his movements a graceful display of precision and fluidity as he maneuvers through the rocks. Each step showcases his unwavering gaze fixed ahead with determination, his arms poised like wings of a falcon, harnessing the energy of the rushing waters with every fiber of his being.

In the late stages of body tempering, he exudes an aura of profound strength. His muscles are sculpted like fine jade, his skin is adorned with a faint golden hue, and his eyes radiate a transcendent clarity, embodying the pinnacle of martial perfection.

He runs towards the woman waiting for him at the foot of the waterfall. Upon reaching her, she hands him clothes.

"Change your clothes, I know they're soaked with sweat by now," the woman says to him.

He goes in another direction to change his clothes. Upon returning to the woman, he turns to his right because another figure is running towards their direction.

A ten-year-old girl moves with a litheness that defies her age. Her steps are barely audible as she traverses the terrain like a gentle breeze through foliage. Her movements are fluid, akin to a woodland sprite navigating through the labyrinth of trees with the agility of a seasoned explorer. Her senses are keen, attuned to every sound and movement in the forest, her eyes filled with the pure joy of unrestricted freedom and boundless discovery.

As the young girl approached, she greeted them.

"Good morning, Sister Yun and Madara," she said, smiling at the two.

"Good morning, Li Lu. Your timing is perfect because I have something for both of you since you're already in the late stage of body tempering."

Xiao Yun immediately retrieved the two pills from her storage ring and handed them to them.

When Madara took the pill, he marveled at it. The pill gleamed with a translucent azure hue, exuding a faint ethereal mist, and was adorned with intricate golden runes spiraling around its surface. It was his first time seeing and holding it.

"Sister Yun, what is this for?" Li Lu asked, curious.

"This is a high-grade body-tempering pill. It bestows cultivators with enhanced physical strength, accelerates cultivation progress, provides resistance to toxins, and offers potential breakthroughs to higher realms."

"So, this is the pill they were talking about. It truly is amazing to see it up close, unlike in the novels where you only read about it," Madara thought to himself.

"And it's only right to use it to get through the body-tempering realm; sit on the rocks near the waterfall," she instructed.

They followed upon hearing this.

"Don't worry, I will guide you two."

"Sit or lie down comfortably and enter a meditative state. Clear your mind of all distractions and focus solely on the pill and its energy."

"Start by circulating your Qi (life energy) throughout your body. This helps to prepare your body for the potent effects of the pill and ensures that the energy flows smoothly."

"Mentally affirm your intention to absorb and assimilate the energy of the pill for the purpose of body tempering. Visualize yourself becoming stronger, more resilient, and reaching new heights of martial prowess."

"Carefully ingest the pill, either swallowing it whole or allowing it to dissolve in your mouth, depending on the pill's properties and your cultivation level."

"Direct your attention to your Dantian, the energy center located in your lower abdomen. Visualize the pill's energy being absorbed into your Dantian and merging with your own Qi."

"Once the pill's energy is absorbed into your Dantian, begin circulating it throughout your meridians (energy pathways) and major acupoints. This helps to distribute the energy evenly throughout your body."

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

"As the pill's energy flows through your body, focus on areas that you wish to strengthen or improve. Visualize the energy penetrating your muscles, bones, and organs, reinforcing them and enhancing their functions."

"Maintain a balance between the pill's energy and your own Qi. Too much external energy can disrupt your body's natural harmony, so it's important to regulate the flow accordingly."

"Allow your body time to rest and recover after the intense energy work. This is crucial for consolidating the gains made from the pill and ensuring optimal results."

...

After a few hours...

...

"After the energy has been circulated throughout your body and you feel its effects taking hold, take a moment to integrate the experience."

...

"How does it feel to be in the early stage of the Qi Condensation Realm?" she asked the two children.

"I feel my body and mind buzzing with energy," Li Lu said to her.

"I feel stronger, more focused, and ready to take on new challenges," Madara replied while looking at his body.

"Good, but let's call it a day for now. It's getting late, and I'm sure you're both hungry," she said to the two children.

The two children quickly agreed, feeling the onset of hunger. They followed Xiao Yun out of the forest. Upon reaching the exit, Li Lu parted ways with them to head home. Before leaving, she told her that they would continue their training the next day.

After that, they headed home for dinner. Xiao Yun reminded him to go to sleep early because they still had work to do the next day.

"So, this is what being a cultivator is like. It feels good because it improves physical and mental strength."

"I still have training tomorrow, so let's get some sleep."Madara remarked while lying down.

The next morning, after breakfast, the three of them headed to the waterfall for training. When they reached the waterfall, they were told that they would be guided to absorb and release qi in their bodies.

"Before we begin, do you have any questions for me?" Xiao Yun asked the two children.

"Sister Yun, where did you get the pills you gave us?" Li Lu asked her.

"I bought them in Jin Yang Town (Golden Sun Town), and they cost 1 silver coin."

...

(10 copper coins suffice for the basic needs of a week).

100 copper coins = 1 silver coin

100 silver coins = 1 gold coin

...

"I'm sorry, Sister Yun, if we don't have anything to give you in return for what you spent on us."

"Don't worry about it. I saved up for those for both of you to have a quick breakthrough in body tempering."

Does that mean there are other ways aside from taking the pill?" Madara asked her.

"Yes, there are. Like the training and meditation you did, it takes a long time before you have a breakthrough. Remember, it took you three years of training just to reach the late stage of body tempering."

"And there's a reason why I bought the pills: Four days from now, there will be a gathering of young cultivators in Jin Yang Town because someone will be scanning your spirit root, bone marrow, and bloodline (if you have)."

"Someone will be scanning, Sister Yun?" Li Lu asked inquisitively.

"Yes, and they'll use the Divine Eye Mirror, which is available in every town and city," she explained.

Divine Eye Mirror: is a circular mirror inscribed with ancient symbols and infused with divine power. When a cultivator gazes into the mirror, they can see the spiritual roots and bone marrow of other cultivators reflected in its surface. The mirror reveals the color, shape, and quality of these attributes, allowing for accurate assessment.

"You're probably wondering why we don't have it in our small village. It's because we're not under any empire's jurisdiction."

"Sister Yun, what are Dantian and Meridian? I always heard you mention them when we both had our breakthrough," Li Lu asked her.

"Good question, because it's related to what we're going to do later."

"Dantian" refers to the concept of energy centers within the body, particularly in the context of martial arts and cultivation practices. Cultivators focus on refining and harnessing the energy within their bodies, often referred to as "qi" or "spiritual energy." The dantian serves as a focal point for this energy cultivation. There are typically three major Dantian points:

"Lower Dantian (Xia Dantian): Located in the lower abdomen, it is associated with the body's physical energy and vitality. Cultivators often focus on building a strong foundation of energy here, which serves as the basis for further cultivation."

"Middle Dantian (Zhong Dantian): Situated in the chest area, it is linked to emotions, consciousness, and spiritual energy. Cultivators aim to refine their mental and spiritual strength in this Dantian."

"Upper Dantian (Shang Dantian): Found in the forehead or between the eyebrows, it is related to wisdom, perception, and higher consciousness. Cultivators seek to open and expand their awareness and spiritual insight in this dantian."

"Meridian" refers to the pathways or channels through which qi, or vital energy, flows within the body. Cultivators often train to open and refine their meridians to facilitate the smooth flow of qi throughout their bodies. By doing so, they can enhance their physical strength, spiritual power, and martial arts prowess."

"Cultivators may also encounter blockages or disruptions in their meridians, which can hinder their progress and require special techniques or remedies to overcome. Meridians are typically depicted as interconnected pathways that traverse the body, linking various organs, tissues, and energy centers, such as the Dantian points. Each meridian is associated with specific functions and corresponds to different aspects of health and vitality."

"If both of you have no more questions, let's start your training."