Bruce sat cross-legged on the hospital bed, breathing deep but steady.
The world around him faded—the rhythmic beep of machines, the soft footsteps in the hallway, even the smell of antiseptic—until only the sound of his breath remained. Inhale. Hold. Exhale. Again.
He followed the golden mist of energy he had sensed earlier. It pulsed through his body with a bright glow and felt hot.
It curled around his muscles like a protective river that flowed and hummed with power beneath his skin. It felt… alive in its own way, and somehow, it recognized him.
He followed the flow of his which and found out something interesting. It was concentrated around his head and rib cage which was explained his fast recovery.
But he didn't try to control his chi yet because Uncle told him he has to understand his Chi first and then only try to control it.
Each persons Chi has a unique flowing method which is called Chi Circulation Path. While one try to control their Chi, they shouldn't stray from its Circulation path because it will create a fracture between the Body and Chi.
Further while studying his Chi path, he discovered there was something else. Something wrong and shouldn't be within his Chi.
Just beneath the radiant golden chi, buried deep and still was a presence. A dark one.
At first, Bruce thought it was a trick of the mind. A flicker, a shadow. But no—it was real.
Small mist of black energy with hits glowing purple, twisted and alive, thrashing like a wild animal from within a transparent, pearl-like sphere nestled near his heart.
His breath hitched but tried to reach toward it—not physically, but inwardly like same way he touched his golden chi but the moment his awareness brushed against the pearl like sphere, a surge of dread coursed through him.
The black mist didn't feel positive like the rest of his chi. It felt ominous, negative and aware.
Bruce pulled back immediately, heart racing. He opened his eyes, staring at the hospital wall with new tension in his limbs and cold sweat in his back.
'Should I tell Uncle Or Jackie?' was the first question that popped in his head, but shook his head 'They are already worried about me' he decided not to.
He trust's them and all, but this didn't feel like something he could explain right now. Not yet.
Whatever it was, the pearl held strong and wasn't moving. It stayed dormant near his heart, locked in place like a sealed chamber.
For now, he made a quiet promise to himself to figure this out on my own. I'll uncover the truth, but not until I'm stronger.
So, he returned his focus to the golden chi—the hot, strong mist that danced through him like sunlight across water.
He let it guide him again and with each meditation, he progressed on learning his Chi path and for the first time since waking up in this world, he felt truly rooted in his body.
[Leaving the Hospital]
The next morning brought good news. After a thorough final check-up, the doctor smiled and gave Bruce the all-clear.
"You're recovering remarkably well," he said, flipping through charts. "No headaches, dizziness, or pain?"
"None," he replied honestly.
The doctor looked to Uncle and Jackie. "He's clear to fly, but I recommend taking it easy for at least a few days after landing. No martial arts tournaments or rooftop jumps, alright?"
Uncle grumbled. "Aiyah!. Rooftops only for chasing demons. He stay grounded."
Jackie chuckled. "Thanks, Doc. We'll take care of him."
Bruce stood beside them, wearing a simple travel jacket and sneakers that Jackie got him. As they left the hospital, stepping into the bright California sunshine, he squinted up at the sky.
A new chapter was starting. One step closer to the life he always dreamed of.
[Flight to China]
The plane took off in the late afternoon, casting long shadows over the Pacific Ocean. The three of them sat in a row—Bruce by the window, Uncle in the middle, Jackie on the aisle.
Jackie took care of Bruce's parents house and shop, both were rental so he explained Bruce's situation to the property owners, packed all family things from their home and shop. Arranged to be shipped to China, for which Bruce was grateful
"So… what's airplane food like in this world?" Bruce asked, raising an eyebrow as the flight attendant passed by.
Uncle huffed. "Dry noodles. Cardboard dumplings. Worse than cursed rat tail stew."
"Don't worry," Jackie grinned. "I brought snacks."
He reached into his backpack and pulled out a suspiciously large stash: dried pork buns, sesame balls, fortune cookies, and a few thermoses of tea Uncle had insisted on packing.
Bruce lit up. "You guys are prepared."
"Experience," Jackie said. "We've flown through three typhoons, one cursed fog, and once shared a flight with a minor demon. Long story."
Uncle shook his head. "Aiyah! That demon was the pilot."
Bruce laughed for the first time in a while—a full, warm laugh that left his chest light.
They spent the next few hours exchanging stories.
Jackie spoke of an adventure in the Tibetan mountains, where he had to retrieve an artifact guarded by snow leopards and ancient traps.
Uncle rolled his eyes. "Aiyah! Snow leopards are kittens. Trap is old door. Jackie exaggerate."
"Still counts," Jackie defended, grinning.
Uncle then told a story about a rare jade amulet that turned out to be a disguised chi-sealing artifact. "Tried to seal me! Hah! But Uncle too clever. Used tea to reveal true nature."
"Wait, you used tea to counter a cursed amulet?" Bruce asked, wide-eyed.
"Aged twelve years. Tea very versatile."
Between stories, Bruce asked questions about Uncle's antique shop.
Jackie explained that Uncle's shop is an antique business and often sourced rare items through his network in Hong Kong. Even his parents sourced many items from Uncle
"They were good people," Jackie said quietly about Bruce's parents. "You've got that same spark." His chest tightened, but he smiled. "I'll make them proud." Bruce declared
Uncle gave him a rare approving nod.
[A Quiet Moment]
Later, while Jackie dozed off with headphones on and Uncle sipped his tea in meditative silence, Bruce looked out the window at the vast stretch of clouds below.
His fingers brushed lightly against his chest—the place where the invisible pearl sat dormant.
He could still feel it. Waiting. Watching.
But for now, he wasn't afraid.
Because alongside that darkness was the golden flow—his chi. His power. His path.
Whatever you are, he thought to the presence within him, you'll have to wait. I'm not ready yet.
But I will be.
Soon.
-----END-----
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