I stared at the twenty-eight Qi Gathering Pills scattered across the floor, each one glowing with faint green energy. My heart raced with anticipation. These little miracles represented my fastest path to power—to being strong enough to protect Isabelle.
"Foundation Establishment," I whispered, picking up the first pill between my fingers.
I settled into a cross-legged position in the center of the room, taking deep breaths to steady myself. Without hesitation, I placed the pill on my tongue and swallowed.
The effect was immediate. Searing heat spread from my core to my extremities as the concentrated qi flooded my meridians. I clenched my jaw against the pain, forcing myself to regulate my breathing as the energy circulated through my body.
"Focus," I muttered, directing the flow with my mind.
