The morning mist still clung to the training grounds, but Li Shen's mind was clearer than ever. The previous day's awakening had left his body sore, yet his spirit was electrified. The hidden subsystem pulsed faintly in his mind, a gentle reminder: progress waits for no one.
Meridian Opening… the first true step beyond mere Qi Gathering, Li Shen thought. Can I really open my meridians properly? Will the system help me, or am I still destined to fail?
He closed his eyes and focused on the flow of Qi within him. Every breath drew in energy from the environment, every movement spread it through his veins. He visualized his meridians as narrow channels, blocked by countless impurities. Slowly, deliberately, he began to harmonize and cleanse them, the system giving real-time feedback.
Ding…
[Qi detected: flow improving. Meridian Opening progress: 5%]
Li Shen's heart skipped a beat. Progress. Even if small, it was progress. He remembered Earth—how discipline and observation could accelerate mastery. Unlike others, he wasn't relying on instinct alone; he analyzed, adjusted, and corrected every movement.
Hours passed. Sweat soaked his robes. Pain clawed through his body. Still, Li Shen persisted.
Will I ever reach the next stage? Or is this struggle endless? he asked himself silently, rhetorical words that echoed his fear.
Ding…
[Meridian Opening progress: 25% – Minor breakthrough imminent]
A surge of warmth spread through his dantian. Qi moved smoothly along his main meridians, like a river finally unblocked after years of drought. He opened his eyes, feeling the energy resonate within him.
[Meridian Opening Stage I Complete – +10 Ledger Points][Current Rating: 45/100]
Li Shen inhaled sharply, a grin tugging at his lips. Even with such a small step, the system recognizes me… maybe this world isn't as impossible as I thought.
As he continued his practice, a new notification appeared in his mind:
[Hidden Quest Detected: "Trial of the Silent Stream" – Test your Qi circulation in natural terrain. Reward: +20 Ledger Points, Secret Technique Unlock.]
His eyes widened. A hidden quest so early? This could accelerate his progress far beyond normal disciples.
Could this really be for me? Am I ready to face it? Li Shen asked himself, though the answer felt instinctive. I must try. I cannot waste this opportunity.
Without hesitation, he left the training ground and moved toward the forest near the sect's boundary. Streams of Qi flowed more freely here, and the system guided him:
[Objective: Harmonize Qi along the river, avoid disruption, complete in three cycles.]
Li Shen's Earth-born logic came into play—observing patterns, measuring his breathing, adjusting his movements. Slowly, Qi moved in perfect rhythm through his body. He felt every blockage dissolve, every meridian pulse with new life.
By evening, after completing the three cycles:
[Hidden Quest Complete – +20 Ledger Points][Secret Technique Unlocked: Flowing River Palm][Current Rating: 75/100]
Li Shen's chest heaved. Sweat and mud streaked his face, but his eyes shone with determination. For the first time, he felt that the path ahead—though long—was not impossible.
From 12… to 75… perhaps one day, I really can become Immortal. I will not remain weak. Not now, not ever.
The sun dipped behind the mountains, casting golden light on the forest. Li Shen stood at the riverbank, Qi flowing like living energy around him, ready for the trials that awaited.