Chapter 11

On that morning, there were children neatly lined up in the middle of their small village, and, as they were observed up close, they were sitting cross-legged. As you notice, the old man was standing and speaking in front of them, as if guiding them in what they were doing.

"To begin, find a tranquil spot where the energies of nature converge, aiding our practice. Wear loose attire for freedom of movement and sit comfortably, with your spine straight but relaxed."

"First, we center our minds, letting go of external distractions and turning our focus inward. Then, we initiate controlled breathing, inhaling deeply through the nose, feeling the Qi (energy) fill our abdomen, and exhaling slowly through the mouth, releasing any tension or impurities."

"Now comes the visualization stage. Picture within yourself the intricate network of meridians and energy channels, vibrant with the flow of Qi. See this energy as a pure, radiant light, moving freely throughout your body, dissolving any blockages or negativity it encounters."

"As we visualize, we also engage in specific hand gestures and movements, guiding the flow of Qi along its intended path. Each gesture carries its own significance, aiding in the purification process and amplifying the effects of our practice."

"We transition between various stances and postures, each carefully chosen to optimize the circulation of Qi and deepen our connection to the energies of the universe. Whether it's a dynamic movement or a static posture, each serves its purpose in our journey towards spiritual refinement."

While Madara is following what the old man is telling them, he starts to feel something unusual in his body; nevertheless, he ignores it and focuses more on what he is doing.

"Throughout this practice, maintain a clear intention and unwavering focus. Let your mind be like a still pond, reflecting the purity and serenity of your inner being. You may choose to recite mantras or affirmations, further aligning yourself with the energies of cleansing and renewal."

"Finally, as you conclude the practice, gradually return your awareness to the present moment. Feel the earth beneath you, grounding and anchoring you in reality. Offer a silent expression of gratitude to the universe for its support and guidance throughout your cleansing journey."

After they did what the old man told them to do, the children felt something strange in their bodies, as if they had been born anew into the world.

"You might feel a profound sense of inner peace, clarity, and revitalization. Physically, you may experience sensations of warmth and tingling as energy flows freely throughout your body. Emotionally, you may feel lighter and more balanced, while mentally, your mind feels clear and focused. Overall, the practice leaves you feeling energized, rejuvenated, and deeply connected to the universe."

After he said that, one of the children wondered why he was starting to release a strange liquid from his body, resulting in a strange smell, which caught the attention of the old man.

"That's the result of using a body cleansing technique that removes impurities from your body. So after you shower and change clothes at home, I have something else to tell you, so come back here immediately."

"Ew, it stinks!" they all said simultaneously.

And because of that, the children suddenly ran away while they were releasing a colorless liquid from their bodies. As they ran towards their respective homes, they noticed that their parents were looking at them while holding their noses with their hands.

After they showered and put on their new clothes, they immediately went to where they had performed the body cleansing technique. Upon arriving, they quickly sat cross-legged in the same spot where they had left earlier. Then Oldman Chief Bai Yun explained the importance of why they had done that and what it was for. He also explained the stages of the body-tempering realm and its significance to them.

Body tempering involves strengthening and refining their physical bodies through martial arts techniques, including the circulation of qi and the forging of tissues and bones. It's a crucial step for cultivators to increase their strength, endurance, and resilience, ultimately aiding them in reaching higher levels of cultivation and martial prowess.

Life energy, often called "qi" or "chi," is the vital force that flows through all living beings and the universe. Cultivators harness and manipulate this energy through practices like meditation and martial arts to enhance their strength, vitality, and spiritual abilities. It's the essence of life and a key element in cultivation and martial arts prowess.

"Strengthening and refining the physical body involves more than just exercise. It often incorporates a combination of physical training, meditation, and the manipulation of qi (life energy)."

After explaining the next stage in body tempering, which is qi condensation, and the advantages and disadvantages of being a cultivator, all the children fell silent in their seats, prompting Chief Bai Yun to speak again.

"There's no need to rush the process of body tempering until its late stage, and if you want to become cultivators, start your training tomorrow."

"I'm not forcing any of you to become cultivators someday. What I want is for you to follow what's in your hearts, and you can also ask your parents about this."

Upon hearing this, they immediately looked at their respective parents to see what decision they would make.

"If you have any more questions, just raise your hands," the old man said to them."

After he said this, someone raised their hand and immediately asked him.

"Chief, can I just stick to the late stage of body tempering because I feel like I'm not ready to become a cultivator?" the young boy asked.

"Of course. And as I mentioned earlier, there's no need to rush the progression from the early stage to the late stage of body tempering."

"If you don't want to become a cultivator, that's okay. It's up to you whether you want to continue," the old man said to them all while smiling.

"If you have no more questions, you may go home."

Upon hearing this, they went home to their respective houses with their parents. At a distance, two women waved to the two children.

"Madara, Li Lu, come here," Xiao Yun called out to them, and they immediately went to where she was.

"How's the early stage of the body-tempering realm?" Xiao Yun asked them.

"It feels amazing, and I feel like I gained extra strength in my body," Madara replied.

"Sister Yun, it feels like I was reborn again because of the strange sensation I felt," Li Lu answered.

"Good, we'll start our training tomorrow, okay?"

The two children simply nodded in response.

"Alright, Xiao Yun, Madara, we'll head home first," Li Mei said to them while holding Li Lu's right hand.

As they walked away, Li Lu waved to him and said, "See you tomorrow, Madara!"

After seeing that, his sister also suggested that they go home.

"Let's go home, Madara; I know you're hungry because of what you did earlier," his sister said.

He immediately responded upon hearing that, and when they arrived home, they ate.

When night came, he went to bed early in preparation for their activities the next day. The next morning, he showered and dressed in his black Hanfu attire and matching black Hanfu shoes. He hurried downstairs and saw his sister preparing their breakfast.

"You're already awake. Come, let's eat, and I know we have a lot to do today."

He quickly went to the dining area to have breakfast. After they finished, they were about to leave when they noticed someone waiting at their door.

"Good morning, Sister Yun and Madara," Li Lu said to them with a smile.

"Good morning to you too; come and follow us. I'll take both of you to a good place for training."

She immediately joined them, and after a few minutes of walking, they reached the hill where they had seen Sister Xiao Yun training her swordsmanship the other day.

He glanced around to see if anyone else was training, but no one seemed interested in becoming cultivators like them. Nevertheless, he didn't dwell on it and instead focused on where his sister, Xiao Yun, would take them.

They entered the forest, and with every step, they encountered different trees. For example, ancient trees were adorned with cascading vines and glowing flora, while mystical creatures roamed amidst the whispered secrets of the ancient groves.

After walking for some time in the forest, they reached a waterfall cascading down from towering cliffs. Its crystalline streams wove intricate patterns as they descended, while the air was filled with the harmonious melody of rushing waters and the scent of rare blossoms carried on the breeze.

"Wow, this place is stunning, Sister Xiao Yun," Li Lu marveled.

"You're absolutely right. It's the perfect spot for meditation, with such a serene backdrop." 

Madara just agreed with what he heard.

"Alright, find your spots on the rocks near the waterfalls and begin your meditation," Xiao Yun instructed.

They followed her guidance, immersing themselves in deep breathing, slow movements, and visualization to synchronize their bodies and minds. Afterward, they practiced visualization, breath control, and mindfulness to enhance their awareness of the flow of qi within their bodies and strengthen their internal energy reserves.

Later, they ventured into the forest to focus on strength training exercises like weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and martial arts drills. Their focus was on compound movements, targeting multiple muscle groups to enhance overall strength and endurance.

Incorporate stretching exercises to improve flexibility, mobility, and joint health. Focus on gentle, flowing movements to release tension, increase range of motion, and promote overall balance. Prioritize adequate rest and recovery to allow the body to recuperate and adapt to training stress.

They did this for a week or a month, and before they knew it, a year had passed.

....

After three years...

....

That morning, atop the waterfall, there was a ten-year-old boy with his upper garment removed, possessing striking onyx eyes framed by long, jet-black hair cascading down to his shoulders. While his petite yet determined stature hinted, he was doing push-ups with a large rock on his back.

999... 1000...

Dooonnggg...." (the sound of the large rock he removed from his back)

Fuck!

he said as he slowly rose from his prone position.

"Finally, I'm in the late stage of the body-tempering realm," he muttered as he wiped his right hand across his forehead, covered in sweat.

While he was stretching his body, he stopped because his sister was calling him at the bottom of the waterfall.

"Madara! I've been looking for you. Come down here; I have something for you," Xiao Yun said to him.

He simply nodded in response.