The surge of energy faded, and I slowly came to my senses. The first thing that hit me was the stench. It was overwhelming, a foul, acrid odor that seemed to cling to my skin and permeate the air around me. My stomach churned, and I gagged, unable to hold back the wave of nausea that overtook me. I vomited, the sour bile mixing with the disgusting sludge that covered my body.

I looked down at myself, my skin slick with the dark, viscous substance that had been expelled during my breakthrough. The impurities had been forced out of my body, leaving me feeling lighter and cleaner, but the smell was unbearable. I had to get rid of it, to wash away the remnants of my old self.

Stumbling to my feet, I made my way to the bathroom, my movements still unsteady. Each step was an effort, my legs weak from the ordeal. The opulent marble bath was a stark contrast to the filth that clung to me, its pristine surfaces promising a much-needed respite from the horrors of my transformation.

I turned on the shower, the water cascading down in a powerful stream, and stepped under the spray. The hot water hit my skin, and I sighed in relief. I stood there for a moment, letting the warmth seep into my muscles, washing away the grime and the stench. The water quickly turned dark as it mixed with the impurities, swirling down the drain in a grotesque spiral.

As the water pounded against my skin, I could feel the tension begin to melt away. The heat worked its way into my muscles, soothing the aches and pains that lingered from my transformation. I watched the water turn black as it carried away the filth, the sight both repulsive and strangely satisfying.

I grabbed a bar of soap and began scrubbing my skin, working the lather into every crevice, determined to rid myself of the foul odor. I scrubbed harder, feeling the smoothness of my skin beneath the layers of grime. It was as if the impurities had taken a part of my old self with them, leaving behind a new, purer version of me.

As I washed, I couldn't help but notice the changes in my body. My skin was smoother, almost radiant, the roughness and imperfections gone. It felt strange, unfamiliar, yet invigorating. I moved my hands over my arms, feeling the firmness of my muscles. They seemed more defined, stronger than before. The water cascaded over my body, the steam rising around me, creating a soothing cocoon.

I continued to scrub, moving down to my chest and abdomen, marveling at the transformation. The impurities had been expelled, and my body felt renewed, revitalized. I worked the soap into a thick lather, covering every inch of my skin, determined to cleanse myself completely. The sensation of the soap and water against my skin was both comforting and exhilarating, a reminder of the changes I had undergone.

I tilted my head back, letting the water cascade over my face, washing away the remnants of the sludge. My hair felt softer, cleaner, as I worked the shampoo through it, the suds forming thick, luxurious bubbles. The scent of the soap and shampoo filled the air, a fresh, invigorating aroma that helped to dispel the lingering stench of the impurities.

As I rinsed off, I caught sight of my reflection in the polished marble tiles. The person staring back at me was almost unrecognizable. My eyes seemed brighter, my features more defined. There was a glow to my skin, a vitality that hadn't been there before. I touched my face, running my fingers over my cheekbones, feeling the smoothness of my skin.

I stepped back under the spray, letting the water rinse away the last of the soap and shampoo. I felt clean, truly clean, for the first time in what seemed like forever. The stench of the impurities was gone, replaced by the fresh, invigorating scent of the soap and the steam. The air in the bathroom felt crisp and pure, a stark contrast to the foul odor that had clung to me moments before.

As I stood there, relishing the sensation of being clean, I felt a surge of confidence. The changes in my body were more than just physical. I could feel the Chi flowing within me, a source of strength and power that was now a part of me. I clenched my fists, feeling the energy coursing through my veins, and punched the marble tile in front of me.

The impact was powerful, a sharp crack echoing through the bathroom. I looked down in amazement to see a fissure running through the tile, a testament to the strength I now possessed. My knuckles were unscathed, not even a hint of pain. The realization of my newfound power filled me with a sense of awe.

I took a deep breath, feeling the Chi coalesce above my navel, a bright, pulsing light that radiated warmth and strength. The path of cultivation was open to me, and I had taken my first step. I was at the bottom of the ladder, the Mortal-Origin realm, but it was a beginning. The impurities had been expelled, and my body was now a vessel for the Chi, ready to be nurtured and strengthened.

I turned off the shower and stepped out, reaching for a towel. The air felt cool against my damp skin, a stark contrast to the warmth of the shower. I dried myself off, taking a moment to admire the changes in my body. My skin was smooth and radiant, my muscles more defined. I felt lighter, stronger, a sense of vitality coursing through me.

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As I wrapped the towel around my waist, I looked at the cracked tile one more time. It was a reminder of the power I now possessed, a symbol of the transformation I had undergone. The fissure in the marble was a testament to the strength I had gained, a physical manifestation of the changes within me.

I stood there for a moment, feeling the Chi flow through me, a constant source of energy and vitality. The journey ahead was still uncertain, filled with challenges and dangers, but I was no longer the broken, helpless man I had been. I was a cultivator, and I had taken my first step on the path to true power.

As I stood before the window, looking out over the vast expanse of the garden, the fluffy white towel wrapped around my waist, I let out a long breath. The tranquility of the scene was a stark contrast to the turmoil I had just experienced. The greenery stretched out before me, vibrant and lush, a testament to the careful tending it received. The early morning sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the manicured lawns and the blooming flowers. The serene beauty was calming, a balm to my restless mind.

Lost in the moment, I barely registered the sound of the door latch clicking. It wasn't until the door swung open that I turned, surprised. Li Mei stood there, framed in the doorway, her eyes widening in shock. She had probably come to check on me, perhaps curious about the aftermath of my breakthrough.

As I turned to face her, the towel that had been precariously hitched around my waist loosened and fell to the floor, pooling around my feet in a soft heap. I stood there, completely exposed, the cool air brushing against my skin. Li Mei's reaction was immediate and intense. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and her eyes widened even further.

For a moment, she was frozen, staring at me in a mixture of shock and embarrassment. Then, with a small, high-pitched squeak, she spun around on her heel, her long hair whipping through the air. She practically fled from the room, closing the door behind her with a definitive click.

I couldn't help but smirk at her reaction. Despite her usual demeanor of control and authority, she had been utterly flustered by the sight of me. It was clear that she had never been with a man before, at least not in such an intimate context. Her innocence in that moment was almost endearing.

As I reached down to retrieve the towel, I couldn't help but reflect on the absurdity of the situation. Here I was, a man who had just taken his first steps on the path of cultivation, standing naked in a lavish manor, with a powerful and beautiful woman fleeing from the mere sight of me. The contrast between the spiritual journey I was embarking on and the mundane awkwardness of this moment was almost laughable.

I wrapped the towel back around my waist and secured it more tightly this time. Despite the embarrassment, I found myself feeling a strange sense of satisfaction. Li Mei's reaction had shown a side of her that was vulnerable, human. It was a stark contrast to the stern, composed figure she usually presented.

I had to admit, there was something refreshing about seeing her like that. It reminded me that, despite her power and status, she was still a person with her own insecurities and emotions.

As I pondered these thoughts, I couldn't help but think about my own situation. My marriage to Brenda was a sham, a paper marriage that had never been consummated. We had been nothing more than strangers living under the same roof, bound by a piece of paper and nothing else. The thought of Brenda made my smirk fade. The memory of the years of disdain and cruelty I had endured at her hands was still fresh, and the idea of calling that a marriage felt like a bitter joke.

Yet, here in this manor, with Li Mei, I felt something different. Despite the awkwardness and the stark differences in our backgrounds, there was a sense of connection, however tenuous it might be. I had seen glimpses of her kindness, her strength, and now, her vulnerability. It made me curious about her, about the layers beneath the surface.

The room had grown quiet again, the sounds of the garden outside filling the silence. I took a deep breath and decided to dress properly. I couldn't stay wrapped in a towel forever, especially with Li Mei around. As I dressed, I found myself thinking about the journey ahead. The path of cultivation was long and arduous, filled with unknown challenges. But I was determined to face it head-on, to see where it would lead me.

Once I was dressed, I left my room and made my way down the hallway. The manor was quiet, the soft sounds of servants going about their duties the only noise. I wondered where Li Mei had gone, if she was still flustered from our encounter.

As I descended the grand staircase, I caught sight of her in the sitting room. She was speaking with one of her attendants, her usual composed demeanor back in place. But when she glanced up and saw me, a faint blush colored her cheeks again, and she quickly looked away.

I approached her, trying to keep my expression neutral. "Good morning, Li Mei," I said, my voice calm.

She nodded, her eyes still avoiding mine. "Good morning, David," she replied, her tone more formal than usual.

There was a moment of awkward silence between us. I cleared my throat, trying to break the tension. "Thank you for all your help. I truly appreciate it."

Her eyes flicked to mine for a brief second before looking away again. "It was nothing," she said softly. "You needed assistance, and I provided it. That's all."

I nodded, sensing that she didn't want to dwell on the earlier incident. "If there's anything I can do to repay your kindness, please let me know."

Li Mei looked at me then, her gaze steady. "Just focus on your recovery and your cultivation. That's all I ask."

I gave her a small smile, feeling a sense of gratitude. "I will."

As I left the sitting room and walked out into the garden, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for what lay ahead.