The faint warmth in Jiang Chen's navel, the whisper of Spirit Qi, felt like a miracle. He lay on the crude straw mat, eyes closed, replaying the sensations, the sudden influx of knowledge from the Basic Cultivation Manual. The System had said he was in Body Tempering Stage 1, the very first step on a monumental journey.
"Alright, System," he murmured, pushing himself to a sitting position. "So, I've got a manual. What now? Do I just… sit here and glow?"
[A delightful image, Host, but not entirely practical for escaping your current predicament. The manual contains the most fundamental method for absorbing ambient Spirit Qi and refining it to strengthen your body. It's the groundwork for all future cultivation. Think of it as learning to walk before you can fly… or, in your case, before you can blast your enemies into oblivion.]
"Right, walking," Jiang Chen said, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "And how long until I can walk without collapsing?"
[That depends on your diligence, the density of ambient Spirit Qi, and your natural talent, which, as previously noted, is currently classified as 'Hidden.' The faster you can circulate Qi, the quicker you will progress through the Body Tempering stages. Each stage refines your physical form, strengthening bones, muscles, and meridians. It's a tedious, but essential, grind.]
Tedious grind. Just what he wanted to hear after nearly getting kicked to death. But then, he remembered Young Master Li's sneering face, the contempt in his eyes. The thought of being powerless, of being someone's disposable plaything, fueled a cold resolve within him. He wouldn't just walk; he'd sprint.
"Show me the technique again," Jiang Chen commanded, focusing his mind.
Instantly, the detailed diagrams and precise instructions of the Basic Cultivation Manual reappeared in his mind's eye. This time, he studied them with intense concentration, absorbing every nuance. The key was to guide the raw Spirit Qi from the air into his dantian – a spiritual energy center located in the lower abdomen – and then circulate it along specific meridians, like rivers flowing through his body.
He took a deep breath, mimicking the technique's rhythmic breathing. He felt the faint pull, the subtle tingling sensation as minute traces of Spirit Qi were drawn in. It was like trying to fill a bucket with a single drop of water at a time, but with each breath, the warmth in his navel solidified just a fraction.
He continued, focusing, ignoring the dull ache in his limbs and the gnawing emptiness in his stomach. Hours passed in silent concentration. The sun's light shifted, casting longer shadows across the dusty room. He repeated the cycle again and again, his focus unwavering. The System remained silent, a silent observer.
Suddenly, a faint pop resonated deep within him. It was subtle, like a bubble bursting in liquid. A new surge of warmth spread through his meridians, more distinct this time, invigorating his weary body.
[Congratulations, Host! You have successfully broken through to Body Tempering Stage 2! Your efficiency rate is… acceptable. Not phenomenal, but acceptable. Rewards: 10 System Points and Body Hardening Art (Basic).]
Jiang Chen gasped, opening his eyes wide. He felt... stronger. Not enough to lift a boulder, but a tangible improvement. His mind felt clearer, his muscles less fatigued than they should have been after hours of intense concentration.
"Stage 2?" he whispered, a thrill running through him. He'd barely cultivated for a few hours. This was incredibly fast.
[Indeed. Your rapid initial progression is likely due to the perfect integration of your soul with this new body, and perhaps a latent aptitude. The Body Hardening Art (Basic) is a complementary skill, allowing you to channel Qi to reinforce specific body parts, enhancing defense. Think of it as a temporary, invisible shield.]
The mention of System Points also caught his attention. "What are System Points for?"
[A most excellent question, Host! System Points are your currency within the Divine Martial Supreme System. They can be used for various delightful purposes: acquiring minor cultivation resources, unlocking rudimentary skills, or, if you amass enough, perhaps even spinning the Divine Fortune Wheel for truly random, potentially life-changing, or utterly useless, items. Your first 10 System Points are now available for perusal in the System Shop.]
A new tab opened in his holographic interface, showcasing a small, limited selection of items. He saw things like a "Qi Replenishing Pill (Low Grade)" for 50 points, a "Small Strength Elixir" for 30 points, and a "Basic Dagger Technique" for 20 points.
"So, I need 50 points just for one low-grade pill?" Jiang Chen frowned. "This is going to be slow."
[Patience, Host. Rome wasn't built in a day, nor were ancient cultivators forged without considerable effort. Your next mission will provide further opportunities for acquiring points, should you choose to accept it.]
Just then, a coarse voice yelled from outside his door. "Ming! Dinner! Get down here before all the scraps are gone!"
Jiang Chen's stomach rumbled violently. He hadn't realized how hungry he was. Scraps. He grimaced. He was stronger now, slightly, but still a servant. He still needed to eat. And that meant facing the other servants, and the ever-present possibility of Young Master Li.
He pushed himself up, a new determination in his eyes. He wouldn't stay a servant. He wouldn't remain weak. He would cultivate, relentlessly, until "scraps" were a distant, humiliating memory.