Time flew by, and before they knew it, it was Chi and Yu's first day of 11th class. Yu had just turned eleven, and both boys were buzzing with excitement, unable to hide their anticipation. Liora and Buddy, their beast companions, had to stay behind—they weren't allowed to attend school.
"Yu, did you hear?" Chi said, his eyes gleaming. "They start teaching actual cultivation in 11th class! I can't wait!"
Yu's grin widened, his steps quickening as they walked through the academy gates. "Yeah… but I don't even know how we're going to do it. It sounds complicated."
Chi chuckled, patting Yu's shoulder. "Don't worry. We've faced way scarier things than a few meditation poses and energy flows."
Yu's grin faltered, replaced by a serious expression. "It's not that simple, Chi. Cultivation isn't just sitting and breathing—it takes time. And if you aren't talented enough… you could die in the middle of a breakthrough."
Chi's smile wavered. He looked up at the towering academy gates, the faint hum of spiritual energy in the air sending a shiver down his spine. "Die, huh… I guess even growing stronger comes with a price."
Yu nodded quietly. "My dad said cultivation tests not just strength, but your will to survive."
Chi exhaled, his gaze firming. "Then we'll survive. No matter what it takes."
Yu blinked, then grinned again. "You're insane, you know that?"
"Maybe," Chi said, smirking as the morning light caught his eyes. "But that's what makes it fun."
Together, they stepped into the academy courtyard—the first step on their path as true cultivators.
---
The bell rang sharply, echoing through the hall. Moments later, Teacher Loch stepped into the classroom, his presence immediately commanding attention. The students straightened, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Good morning, everyone," Loch began, his deep voice steady but filled with authority. "I see only twenty of you chose cultivation as your stream this year."
He paused, scanning the eager faces. "You're probably wondering why so few decided to walk this path. The reason is simple—cultivation isn't easy. It demands more than determination. There are backlashes—both physical and spiritual. Competition is merciless, and if your talent doesn't measure up… the path can consume you."
A tense silence filled the room.
Loch continued, pacing slowly between the rows. "Most students choose other streams—science, academics, or business. Those paths are safer, and with enough wealth or influence, one can still climb high without risking their life."
He turned toward the window, sunlight tracing the sharp lines of his face. "But cultivation? Cultivation demands courage. It's for those who would rather bleed for strength than bow for comfort."
Some students gulped nervously. Chi and Yu only felt their resolve harden.
Loch smiled faintly. "Since you're here, I assume you've already made your choice. Remember—talent alone does not define a cultivator. It's the will to continue when talent fails that makes the difference."
---
The students sat cross-legged in perfect rows. The courtyard was silent, except for the faint rustle of leaves and the sound of their own heartbeat.
"Now, listen carefully," Loch said, his calm voice carrying hidden weight. "Close your eyes. Quiet your mind. Feel the air around you, the invisible energy that flows through all things. That is Qi. Be aware of it."
The students obeyed. The courtyard seemed to pause.
"Focus on a single point—an object, a sound, even the rhythm of your heartbeat. When your mind steadies, draw the Qi in. Let it fill your body. Guide it through every corner. When Qi and body move as one, you will reach the First Stage of Foundation Establishment. From there, as you refine purer Qi, you will advance further."
He paused. "Now… begin."
A suffocating silence followed.
Then—a pressure unlike anything they'd felt before.
Loch's bloodlust spread like invisible mist, coiling around the students, sharp and heavy. Hearts pounded violently. Some trembled, others gasped quietly—but none dared open their eyes. Fear forced their minds into unnatural stillness; senses sharpened to the smallest detail—the sway of grass, the pulse of air, the faint tremor of energy surrounding them.
For the first time, many students truly felt Qi.
But Chi and Yu were already far ahead. Sensing Qi came naturally to them, as if the energy itself recognized their presence. While others struggled to even feel a ripple, they drew it in and circulated it through their meridians with ease.
They had practiced secretly before, guided by the instincts their bonds with Liora and Buddy had awakened. Their Qi flowed in perfect rhythm with their breathing, stable and harmonious, until—
"Chi. Yu."
Loch's voice broke the silence. The two opened their eyes as his shadow loomed before them.
"You two," he said quietly, gaze sharp and unreadable, "wait in the classroom."
The other students exchanged glances, unsure whether to envy or pity them.
Hours passed. Classes changed, lunch came and went, yet Chi and Yu remained seated, motionless. Loch had subtly released his intent—a silent command pressing down like invisible chains. It wasn't enough to hurt, but moving—or even speaking—felt like defying a mountain.
---
When Loch finally returned, calm yet commanding, he said, "Come with me to the cultivation grounds."
Chi and Yu quietly followed, curiosity and unease mingling in their hearts.
"I understand your confusion," Loch continued. "I've already informed your parents that you'll be returning late. I only kept you in the classroom because I sensed you were about to step into the Foundation Establishment stage. And I know—you and your parents don't want the center of attention. That's why I waited until everyone else had left."
Chi's eyes widened slightly. Yu's fingers clenched instinctively. Anticipation flickered across his face.
"Step carefully," Loch warned. "Foundation Establishment is not just a stage—it's a test of body, mind, and spirit. One misstep could have serious consequences."
---
The world seemed to hold its breath as Chi and Yu stood at the center of the empty cultivation grounds. The distant rustle of leaves and the faint whisper of wind vanished, leaving only their own heartbeat and the subtle hum of Qi saturating the air.
A sudden pressure descended—not heavy, but undeniable—a weight pressing against body and mind alike. This was raw, primordial energy, infinite, yet demanding perfect control. Muscles tensed, breaths deepened, senses expanded.
Chi closed his eyes. Qi flowed like rivers of invisible energy, swirling, probing, testing him. He summoned his life force to meet it, letting it coil through his body. Every cell, every nerve, trembled as if awakening from a timeless sleep.
Yu's jaw tightened. His spirit buzzed in harmony with the Qi. "Chi… it's alive," he whispered. "It's like it's watching me."
Chi didn't reply. His aura tightened like a coiled spring as he circulated the Qi. It pushed back, resisted, challenged him—but he commanded it. The sensation was thrilling, dangerous, intoxicating. His consciousness expanded, brushing against invisible currents that flowed like veins through the grounds.
The earth beneath them shimmered faintly as Qi responded to their presence. Invisible waves rolled outward, vibrating the air. Their bodies moved with precision—muscles shifting, limbs aligning—mind focused yet free, as if the energy had become a part of them.
Yu mirrored him, exuding calm ferocity. The Qi pressed and swirled, amplifying his resolve. His aura radiated quiet intensity—a presence impossible to ignore, even without flames or storms—pure, raw cultivation power.
Moments stretched into eternity. Time bent as the world seemed to watch, holding its breath while two young cultivators wrestled with forces far beyond comprehension. Pressure intensified—almost unbearable—yet they persevered.
Finally, the first breakthrough came. Chi's body tensed, then relaxed, a faint invisible aura shimmering around him. Yu exhaled sharply, a low hum resonating from his chest, a similar aura radiating outward. Unseen, but unmistakable—they had entered Foundation Establishment.
Chi opened his eyes, a slow smile tugging at his lips. "So… this is it. The first stage."
Yu let out a sharp breath. The Qi still danced around him. "It's… insane. Feels like the world itself is inside me."
Loch's voice cut through the charged silence. Calm, but heavy with authority: "You've taken your first step. From now on, your bodies and spirits are no longer the same. Respect this power, and control it—or it will consume you."
Chi and Yu exchanged a glance. Excitement, awe, and determination sparkled in their eyes. This was only the beginning—the point of no return. The path ahead was dangerous, unpredictable, exhilarating. For the first time, both understood what it truly meant to step beyond mortal limits.
NEXT CHAPTER: THINGS THAT THEY CAN DO NOW