As Tae-Won returned to his quarters following the evening meal, he felt a subtle shift in his meridians. The knowledge he'd absorbed from the Jin Clan library, combined with the Qi-rich environment of the compound, had accelerated his body's adaptation far beyond his expectations.

"System, status," he whispered once safely inside his room.

[Current Realm: Body Refinement Stage 1]

[Cultivation Progress: 40.3%]

[Qi reserves: 100% of maximum capacity]

[Physical condition: 100% recovered from previous injuries]

Tae-Won's eyebrows rose in surprise. His cultivation progress had nearly doubled in a single day—from 20.3% to 40.3%. The library's texts had mentioned that progress through the Body Refinement stage typically occurred at a rate of 4-6% per week for disciples with average talent.

"System, analyze the cause of accelerated cultivation progress," he murmured, settling into a cross-legged position on the bed.

[Analysis complete. Multiple factors contributing to accelerated cultivation rate:

1. Qi-rich environment of Jin Clan compound (300% more ambient Qi than slum district)

2. Enhanced nutrient intake from Jin Clan meals (containing trace Qi-enhancing herbs)

3. Application of optimized cultivation techniques from library texts

4. Latent meridian potential previously suppressed by malnutrition and poor conditions

5. Unknown factor detected in subject's spiritual composition (classification: anomalous)]

"Unknown factor?" Tae-Won frowned. "Elaborate."

[Subject possesses unique spiritual structure inconsistent with standard cultivation models. Analysis indicates potential compatibility with advanced cultivation techniques beyond Body Refinement realm. Theoretical cultivation ceiling: undetermined.]

Tae-Won leaned back against the wall, processing this information. His imperial training had always marked him as exceptional in his previous life—but this suggested something more fundamental. Something tied to his reincarnation, perhaps, or to whatever force had brought his consciousness into this new world.

"Can you determine the source of this anomaly?" he asked.

[Negative. Insufficient data. Current hypothesis: related to subject's unique reincarnation circumstances. Recommend continuing cultivation to gather more information.]

"And the practical implications?" Tae-Won pressed, ever focused on actionable intelligence.

[Practical implications: subject can cultivate significantly faster than peers. Conservative projection: 75% faster progression through cultivation realms compared to individuals with "exceptional" talent rating. Warning: accelerated cultivation may attract unwanted attention from powerful entities able to sense cultivation anomalies.]

A thin smile crossed Tae-Won's face. This was valuable information—both the potential advantage and the associated risk. He would need to be careful about displaying his true rate of progress, at least until he better understood the political landscape and had sufficient power to protect himself.

"How soon until I can break through to Body Refinement Stage 2?" he asked.

[At current progression rate and assuming continued access to optimal cultivation conditions: estimated breakthrough in 1-2 days.]

Less than 4 days—far quicker than the weeks it would take most disciples. And that was without super specialized cultivation resources or techniques.

Tae-Won closed his eyes, mentally reviewing the basic circulation technique he'd learned from the library's manuals. It was fundamentally similar to methods he'd mastered in his previous life, but with subtle differences in energy pathways and visualization.

He began the exercise, drawing breath deeply and directing Qi through his meridians in the prescribed pattern. Immediately, he felt a difference—the energy moved more smoothly, responding to his will with greater efficiency than before.

As his Qi completed its first full circuit, Tae-Won became aware of a subtle vibration in his core. Not the familiar rhythm of his heartbeat, but something deeper—a resonance that seemed to extend beyond his physical form.

[Warning: Unusual meridian activity detected. Recommend caution.]

Tae-Won ignored the System's warning, pressing deeper into the meditation. The vibration intensified, spreading from his core to his limbs, a subtle trembling that carried no pain but rather a sense of pressure building toward release.

In his mind's eye, he visualized his meridians as glowing channels—not the thin, fragile pathways described in the basic texts, but broad rivers of light capable of carrying far more energy than his current cultivation level should allow.

"System," he thought, maintaining his meditative state. "What's happening to my meridians?"

[Analysis in progress... Unexpected development. Subject's meridians expanding at 300% of projected rate. Detecting formation of secondary channels parallel to primary meridians.]

Secondary channels? Tae-Won recalled a passage from one of the advanced texts he'd glimpsed in the library—something about how during breakthroughs cultivators could develop auxiliary meridian systems that enhanced their Qi capacity and control.

The pressure continued to build, reaching what felt like a critical threshold. With a final, focused effort, Tae-Won directed all of his awareness to his dantian—the energy center in his lower abdomen.

Something gave way.

Not a physical rupture, but a barrier breaking—like a dam constructed of paper suddenly faced with a torrent of water. Qi rushed through his system, flooding previously dormant channels and expanding his existing meridians.

A golden glow emanated from his skin, so bright he could see it through his closed eyelids. For a moment, panic flared—such a visible manifestation would surely alert the Jin Clan disciples to his abnormal cultivation.

With supreme effort, Tae-Won forced the energy inward, containing the glow within his body. The light dimmed, but the sensation of power flowing through his expanded channels remained.

[Alert: Breakthrough achieved. Current Realm: Body Refinement Stage 2]

[Cultivation Progress: 3.1% toward Body Refinement Stage 3]

[Qi reserves: 137% of previous maximum capacity]

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

[Physical condition: 100% recovered from previous injuries]

[Warning: Meridian expansion exceeds standard parameters by 82%. Recommend stabilization period before further cultivation.]

Tae-Won opened his eyes, his vision momentarily sharper than normal—able to distinguish individual dust motes floating in the moonlight that streamed through his window.

"I broke through," he whispered, flexing his fingers experimentally. His body felt lighter, more responsive, humming with energy that had been inaccessible just moments before.

This changed everything. The timeline he'd been working with assumed weeks or months at the Body Refinement stage before he could challenge even the weakest of the Jin Clan's Outer Disciples. But at this rate—

[Secondary analysis complete. Subject's current combat effectiveness equivalent to mid-to-late Body Refinement Stage 3 due to expanded meridian capacity and enhanced Qi control. Combat simulation indicates 62% success probability against average Body Refinement Stage 4 opponent.]

Tae-Won's mind raced with the implications. He was still far from being able to challenge Foundation Establishment cultivators, but this unexpected acceleration brought his plans within the realm of possibility far sooner than he'd dared hope.

He rose from the bed, moving through a series of subtle stretches to test his improved physicality. His muscles responded with newfound power and precision, and even his lingering injuries from life in the slums had all but vanished.

The door to his quarters suddenly rattled with an urgent knock.

"Young guest!" Liu Feng's voice called out, pitched high with concern. "Are you well? The night patrol sensed a Qi fluctuation from your room!"

Tae-Won froze. Of course—his breakthrough would have released a pulse of energy detectable to cultivators of sufficient strength. He'd been careless.

Thinking quickly, he disheveled his clothes and hair, then pinched his cheeks hard to bring color to his face. He stumbled to the door and pulled it open, feigning disorientation.

"What... what's happening?" he mumbled, blinking owlishly at the worried face of Liu Feng and the stern countenance of a blue-robed patrol member behind him.

"You tell us," the patrol cultivator said, his eyes narrowed with suspicion. "There was a significant energy disturbance centered on this room."

Tae-Won allowed confusion to show on his face, then gradually transitioned to embarrassment.

"I... I was trying to practice the basic cultivation technique I read about in the library," he admitted, ducking his head as if ashamed. "I must have done something wrong. Suddenly there was this rush of energy, and I felt dizzy. I'm sorry if I caused trouble."

Liu Feng's expression immediately softened with understanding, but the patrol member remained skeptical.

"What exactly were you practicing?" the man demanded.

"The Cycle of Five Breaths," Tae-Won replied promptly, naming the most basic Qi circulation exercise from the manuals. "I think I misunderstood the visualization for the third breath. Everything suddenly felt hot, and then... I'm not sure what happened."

The patrol member's suspicion gradually yielded to contempt. "Attempting cultivation techniques without proper supervision is dangerous, especially for someone with no formal training. You could have damaged your meridians permanently."

"I didn't realize," Tae-Won said, affecting chastened humility. "It won't happen again."

After a few more stern warnings, the patrol member departed, leaving Liu Feng hovering anxiously in the doorway.

"Are you really alright?" the young disciple asked. "Sometimes meridian damage doesn't show symptoms immediately."

"I feel fine now," Tae-Won assured him. "Just embarrassed. And perhaps a little hungry, after whatever happened."

Liu Feng brightened. "I can bring you something from the kitchen! It's important to replenish your energy after cultivation accidents."

"That would be kind of you," Tae-Won said with a grateful smile.

Once Liu Feng had hurried off, Tae-Won closed the door and leaned against it, his facade of humble confusion dropping away. That had been too close. He needed to be more careful with his cultivation from now on—perhaps limiting his practice to times when he could leave the compound, or finding ways to mask the energy signatures of his breakthroughs.

But the risks came with undeniable rewards. He moved to the small mirror hanging on the wall, studying his reflection. The change was subtle but unmistakable—his previously sallow complexion now held a healthy glow, and his eyes seemed somehow clearer, more focused.

"System, what are the observable physical changes associated with my breakthrough?" he asked softly.

[Physical changes include: 12% increase in muscle density, 7% improvement in bone density, enhanced cellular regeneration (currently repairing any remaining tissue damage), improved sensory acuity (particularly vision and hearing), and optimized internal organ function. External appearance changes are minimal but include improved skin tone and posture alignment.]

Tae-Won nodded, satisfied. The changes were significant enough to benefit him but subtle enough to escape casual observation. Those who had seen him before might notice he looked healthier, but would likely attribute it to better food and rest at the Jin Clan compound rather than a cultivation breakthrough.

A soft knock announced Liu Feng's return. The young disciple had brought a tray with rice, dried meat, and a steaming cup of herbal tea.

"Instructor Min says this tea helps stabilize Qi flow after disruptions," Liu Feng explained as Tae-Won accepted the tray. "You should rest after eating. No more cultivation attempts tonight."

"Thank you for your concern," Tae-Won said, genuinely appreciative of the boy's kindness, if amused by his fussing. "I'll be more careful in the future."

After Liu Feng departed, Tae-Won ate the food slowly, savoring each bite as his enhanced senses detected subtle flavors previously beyond his perception. The tea was bitter but left a pleasant warmth spreading through his meridians, gently soothing the lingering energy fluctuations from his breakthrough.

As he ate, he contemplated the implications of his accelerated cultivation. His original plan had been cautious—observe the Jin Clan for three days, refuse their offer politely but firmly, then retreat to the slums with the children to build strength gradually while seeking entry to the Heavenly Cloud Martial Academy.

But with his cultivation progressing at this rate, more aggressive options became viable. The Academy's entrance trials were only a month away—with dedicated practice and proper resources, he might be able to reach Body Refinement Stage 4 or even 5 by then, putting him well above the typical qualifying level for common applicants.

That would require resources beyond what scavenging in the slums could provide, however. He would need Qi-enhancing herbs, proper cultivation manuals, and a safe place to practice without interruption.

Tae-Won's eyes narrowed as he considered a new possibility. Perhaps the Jin Clan's offer deserved more consideration than he'd initially given it. Not as a long-term commitment, but as a stepping stone—a source of resources and training that could accelerate his progress toward his true goals.

It would be risky. The Jin Clan wouldn't take kindly to a disciple abandoning them after receiving their resources and training. But if he timed his departure correctly—perhaps coinciding with the Academy's entrance trials—he might be able to secure their protection before the Jin Clan could retaliate effectively.

He set aside the empty tray, his mind working through contingencies and alternatives. The children complicated matters. He couldn't simply abandon them—not just for moral reasons, but because they represented a valuable asset: eyes and ears in places he couldn't reach, loyal followers who could form the foundation of his future power base.

His night excursion to the abandoned temple would need to wait. After his breakthrough and the subsequent disturbance, the compound's patrols would be more vigilant. Attempting to leave now would be unnecessarily risky.

Instead, Tae-Won settled into a meditative posture, careful to keep his Qi circulation minimal and controlled. He needed to fully integrate the changes to his meridians before pushing further.

"System, prioritize the stabilization of my expanded meridian system," he instructed. "Alert me if there are any signs of instability or energy fluctuations that might be detected externally."

[Stabilization protocol initiated. Estimated completion time: 4 hours.]

Four hours of enforced inactivity—not ideal, but necessary. Tae-Won allowed his consciousness to settle into a state of heightened awareness while his body remained motionless, a technique he had mastered in his previous life during long war councils and diplomatic negotiations.

As his expanded meridians gradually stabilized, Tae-Won continued refining his plans. His breakthrough changed everything—accelerating his timeline while also increasing the risks. The Jin Clan would be far more reluctant to let him go if they discovered his true potential.

Yet with greater power came greater options. And in this world, as in his last, power was the only currency that truly mattered in the end. Tae-Won smiled faintly in the darkness, feeling the steady pulse of Qi through his strengthened channels.

Soon, very soon, he would begin his ascent. And this time, there would be no gods or heroes to stand in his way.