The victory over Roric sent ripples through Ironclad Village. While most cultivators dismissed it as a fluke, a lucky shot from a desperate youth, a few discerning eyes—like Elder Jian's—held a flicker of something more. Eric, however, focused on his own path. The spiritual stones from the Stonehide Grizzly core had transformed their meager existence. Lena had new, warm clothes, and their meals were no longer a grim calculation of scarcity. Elara's face, though still bearing the marks of a hard life, held a touch more peace.
Eric's training sessions, now aided by the Dragon Spirit, were a world apart. He still frequented the Cultivation Hall, going through the motions of basic exercises, but his true progress occurred in the quiet solitude of their hut, late at night, or in secluded corners of the Spirit Hunting Grounds.
One evening, as the last rays of sun dipped below the distant mountains, Eric found himself in a particularly secluded glade, practicing the Scales of Purity technique. His spiritual energy flowed smoothly, transforming his physical body with each cycle. He felt his bones strengthening, his muscles tightening, a subtle resilience forming beneath his skin.
"Your progress is remarkable, Eric," the Dragon Spirit's voice resonated in his mind, a deep hum of approval. "The purity of your Qi, infused with my essence, allows for an accelerated assimilation of the scripture."
"It feels... incredible," Eric thought back, his focus unwavering. "Like I'm finally understanding what cultivation truly means. But what about techniques? When can I learn to use the Claws of Might or the Breath of the Azure?"
"Soon," the Dragon Spirit replied. "But first, you must solidify your foundation. A swift building crumbles easily. However, there is something else I wish to impart tonight. Something more subtle, yet equally vital."
"What is it?" Eric inquired, intrigued.
"Spiritual sense," the Dragon Spirit explained. "The ability to perceive spiritual energy beyond mere sight or sound. To extend your consciousness, to feel the flow of Qi in your surroundings, to detect hidden presences."
"I can do that already, to a small extent," Eric countered, recalling his enhanced senses.
"That is merely a heightened awareness due to your current state of Dragon Qi Infusion," the Dragon Spirit corrected him gently. "True spiritual sense is akin to a new organ, a sixth sense. It allows you to 'see' the world through spiritual energy. It is essential for discerning weaknesses in opponents, locating hidden treasures, and even communicating across distances."
"How do I learn it?" Eric asked, his interest piqued.
"Focus your mind, not on outward perception, but inward. Extend your consciousness like a ripple in a pond. Do not force it; allow it to unfurl naturally," the Dragon Spirit instructed. "You will feel a connection to the Qi around you. It will feel like an extension of yourself."
Eric closed his eyes, concentrating. He felt the familiar flow of his own spiritual energy, then tried to push beyond his physical form. At first, there was nothing but a faint buzzing sensation. He pushed harder, straining, but the Dragon Spirit's gentle voice reminded him: "Relax, Eric. Do not force. Allow."
He relaxed his mind, letting go of the tension. He imagined his consciousness expanding, like a soft mist radiating outwards. Slowly, subtly, he felt it. A delicate web of energy, intertwining with everything around him. He could feel the spiritual essence of the trees, a faint vitality. He could sense the small, scurrying creatures beneath the earth, their Qi signatures like tiny sparks.
"I... I feel it," he whispered, awe in his voice. "It's like seeing with my mind."
"Indeed," the Dragon Spirit affirmed. "Practice this daily. It will become sharper, more expansive. It will be invaluable in your journey."
Suddenly, the Dragon Spirit's tone shifted. "Hold. There is a presence. Faint, but approaching. It is a human."
Eric snapped open his eyes, his spiritual sense, though nascent, already providing clarity. He could feel a distinct spiritual signature approaching the glade, a familiar one.
"It's Elder Jian," Eric said, surprised.
"Indeed. He possesses a keen spiritual sense himself. He has been observing you, young one. Perhaps your 'luck' has piqued his curiosity."
A moment later, Elder Jian emerged from the treeline, his gaze sharp, his face unreadable. He carried a small, leather-bound scroll.
"Eric," Elder Jian said, his voice calm, yet carrying an undercurrent of scrutiny. "I thought I might find you out here. Alone."
Eric rose, bowing respectfully. "Elder Jian. I was just... meditating."
"So I see," Elder Jian replied, his eyes sweeping over Eric, lingering for a moment on his chest, where his Dantian resided. "Your spiritual energy, young one... it feels different. Not stronger in volume, perhaps, but... purer. Like a river purified at its source."
Eric's heart thumped. Had he been too careless? He tried to project an aura of innocent confusion. "I don't know what you mean, Elder. I've just been training harder, I suppose. Trying to catch up."
Elder Jian let out a soft sigh. "Catch up? Eric, your victory over Roric was not merely luck. Your movements were precise, your strikes imbued with a refined power that belies your cultivation stage. You seemed to anticipate his every move. This is not the work of simple training." He paused, his gaze softening slightly. "Tell me, Eric, has something... unusual happened to you?"
Eric hesitated. The Dragon Spirit remained silent, allowing Eric to make his own choice. This was a critical moment. Elder Jian was an elder, a figure of authority and respect. But revealing the Dragon Spirit, a legendary existence, could bring unforeseen consequences. He decided on a partial truth.
"Elder," Eric began, choosing his words carefully. "After my last duel, the one where I almost died... something changed. It's hard to explain. It was like... a burst of insight. A feeling of connection to spiritual energy that I never had before. It unlocked something within me."
Elder Jian listened intently, his eyes never leaving Eric's face. "A burst of insight, you say? A spiritual awakening of sorts?" He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Such events are rare, bordering on legend. Some cultivators achieve enlightenment through extreme hardship, a brush with death can sometimes trigger unforeseen potential."
"Yes," Eric affirmed, seizing on the explanation. "That's exactly it, Elder. I felt like I was meant to give up, but then... something just clicked. And now, when I train, I feel a clearer path. My body feels more... receptive."
Elder Jian nodded slowly. "Receptive indeed. I've been watching your progression. Your Qi Condensation Stage has barely increased, but the quality of your Qi, your physical resilience, your subtle control... it's as if you're cultivating a higher-tier technique, but without the usual indicators of such a profound increase in spiritual energy volume."
He held out the scroll. "This is an ancient text, rarely taught now. It focuses on the internal refinement of spiritual energy, on body tempering, and on developing what is called a 'Qi Sense'. It's not a combat technique, but it lays a deep foundation for future cultivation. I believe it might resonate with whatever 'awakening' you've experienced."
Eric took the scroll, his fingers brushing against the ancient parchment. "Thank you, Elder. I'll study it carefully."
"Do so," Elder Jian said, his gaze still probing. "And Eric... if you ever feel overwhelmed by this new path, if you need guidance... my door is always open. Some powers, once awakened, can be difficult to control without proper mentorship." He paused, a subtle hint of a question in his eyes. "You understand what I'm saying?"
Eric met his gaze, understanding the unspoken implication. Elder Jian suspected there was more, but he was offering a lifeline, not an inquisition. "I understand, Elder. And thank you. Your guidance would be invaluable."
"Good," Elder Jian said, a small, knowing smile finally touching his lips. "The path of cultivation is long, young one. And sometimes, the greatest strength lies not in the loudest display of power, but in the quietest, most profound foundation. Keep cultivating. Keep observing. And remember, the village needs strong cultivators. True strength, not just flashy techniques."
With that, Elder Jian turned and walked back into the deepening twilight, leaving Eric alone in the glade.
"He is perceptive," the Dragon Spirit remarked. "He senses the quality of your Qi, even if he cannot comprehend its origin. His caution is a wise move. Cultivation is a realm of power, and power attracts both admiration and envy."
"He suspects something, doesn't he?" Eric thought, clutching the scroll.
"Indeed. But his suspicions are currently guided by curiosity and a desire to nurture potential. He offers you a discreet avenue for growth, a cover for your true cultivation," the Dragon Spirit explained. "The ancient text he gave you, while not of my lineage, teaches principles of internal refinement that will complement the Scales of Purity. It will make your disguise more convincing."
"So, I should study this too?" Eric asked, looking at the scroll.
"Yes. It will accelerate your understanding of foundational spiritual control, making your journey with the Azure Dragon Scripture even smoother. And it will provide a plausible explanation for your rapid internal growth, should others question it further," the Dragon Spirit confirmed. "Now, let us resume. Tonight, we delve deeper into the Scales of Purity. Tomorrow, when you are ready, we will begin the techniques of the Claws of Might."
Eric nodded, a new sense of purpose filling him. Elder Jian's visit, far from being a setback, had solidified his plan. He would continue to cultivate secretly, honing the Dragon Spirit's teachings, while publicly utilizing the Elder's guidance as a smokescreen. The world would see Eric, the boy who got lucky and was now trying hard. They wouldn't see the dragon awakening within.
He unfolded the ancient scroll, its parchment smelling faintly of dust and forgotten wisdom.