The forest greeted him like an old friend.
Birds chirped in hidden perches, branches swayed to the rhythm of a gentle breeze, and sunlight trickled through gaps in the canopy above.
Ashen walked silently, his robes brushing against the undergrowth, one hand trailing the bark of nearby trees.
The blindfold around his eyes fluttered slightly, though it did nothing to hide the subtle shimmer of power beginning to awaken within him.
Each step felt lighter than the last.
"It's flowing better," he murmured under his breath. "The Qi... it responds."
He could feel it now, pulsing gently through his limbs like warm water under the skin.
It was the effect of two physiques resonating within him: the Balanced Mortal Vessel, a sturdy frame that enhanced strength, speed, and durability—and now, the recently synchronized Dawnroot Vessel, a cultivation-oriented physique focused on refining Qi absorption, meridian purity, and long-term breakthrough potential.
He found a quiet patch of grass beneath an old willow tree and sat cross-legged.
[Qi Circulation Technique: Basic Form Initiated] [Sync: 89% | Efficiency: Moderate]
Ashen inhaled. Then exhaled.
His breathing slowed until it matched the gentle rustling of leaves above.
The air around him shifted. A stillness settled, as though the forest itself paused to listen.
Golden filaments of light flickered around his arms, wrists, and spine—Qi, visualized.
He guided it with intent, sending it through each meridian, unlocking blocked passages, compressing the gathered energy into his dantian.
Then—
[Qi Density Threshold Reached]
[Minor Realm Breakthrough: Qi Foundation – Stage 1, First Quartile]
A faint hum resonated through his bones. His spine straightened on its own.
His muscles felt denser, more responsive. His mind—clearer.
Ashen opened his eyes slowly.
"So this is the first step."
A blue notification window appeared.
[New Toggle Unlocked: Stat View Mode]
[You may now switch between Raw Stats and Boosted Stats based on external/internal modifiers.]
He flipped the panel.
ACX System – User Status: Ashen
Level: 3
Unused Stat Points: 4
Raw Stats:
Strength: 5.6
Agility: 6.1
Endurance: 5.4
Vitality: 5.3
Perception: 6.0
Intelligence: 5.0
Willpower: 5.2
Boosted Stats (With Physiques + Organs Active):
Strength: 6.8
Agility: 7.9
Endurance: 7.1
Vitality: 7.0
Perception: 7.3
Intelligence: 5.3
Willpower: 6.0
He stared at the numbers.
"Not bad. Not enough yet either."
He noticed the small blinking icon next to his stat points.
[Note: Each level grants 2 points. You currently have 4 unallocated. Recommend caution before assigning until combat roles are better defined.]
Ashen closed the tab.
"I'll invest later."
He stood, testing the new responsiveness of his body. His movements were smoother, faster, cleaner. Like his limbs were being guided by silk threads instead of muscle and bone.
He turned to leave the clearing—and froze.
A whisper of movement to the left.
Without thinking, his body shifted.
A wolf leapt from the underbrush, fangs bared, claws raised. Ashen sidestepped, used the trunk of a nearby tree to leap into the air, twisting mid-spin, and drove his heel down into the beast's neck.
A sickening crack.
The wolf hit the ground, unmoving.
He landed silently, heart calm.
[You have slain a Tier-1 Beast: Forest Stalker] [EXP Gained: 38] [Progress to Level 4: 42%]
Ashen bent down, observing the creature.
"Different species huh, Better than the boars."
He pulled a nearby stick—hardened from drying earlier—and began to scrape at the fur.
It worked for a moment, but snapped under pressure.
"Tch."
He looked at his hand.
"Still got these."
He dug his nails into the beast's hide. Blood seeped out as he carefully extracted the fur and cut around the bones.
Pain etched through his fingers, but he kept going.
His enhanced physique dulled most of it. His fingers bled slightly, but healed quickly—thanks to the Heart of the Eternal Duelist.
When the dissection was complete, he returned to his old campfire spot.
The coals were cold. He reignited them using bark and friction from a sharpened stick, pressing and spinning rapidly until the flame sparked to life.
His palm tore during the process—again.
"I'm durable. Not invincible," he muttered.
He skewered the meat using sharpened twigs, then propped them above the flame.
As they cooked, he sat again and resumed his Qi Circulation technique.
It flowed easier. Smoother. With less resistance.
His cultivation base grew—slowly, but steadily. After one hour, he reached Second Quartile of the First Realm.
The smell of overcooked meat pulled him from meditation.
He opened one eye.
"Burnt. Guess I still can't multitask."
He ate quietly.
After, he returned to the grass and cultivated for four more hours.
The moon rose high.
His breath slowed.
The world quieted.
And Ashen slipped into sleep beneath the stars—his body still warm from the gathered Qi.
Tomorrow, he would hunt again.
But tonight, he rested.