After discussing Lucian's physique for some time, the atmosphere in the room suddenly changed.
His father and mother fell silent.
They exchanged a glance—serious, heavy—then nodded slightly to each other.
Lucian noticed the shift immediately.
Confused, he was about to ask why they had stopped talking—
When his father spoke.
"Lucian," he said gravely, "your physique is beyond this world's knowledge."
Lucian stiffened.
"People fear the unknown," his father continued.
"This world may look peaceful on the surface, but it is anything but.
If others learn about your physique, many will not hesitate to eliminate you."
The words hit harder than Lucian expected.
His mother stood up slowly and walked toward him.
She gently held his cheeks in her hands, her eyes filled with concern.
"Lucian," she said softly, "promise me… you will not tell anyone about your physique."
Lucian was usually calm and sharp-minded, but his excitement over cultivation and his awakening had made him overlook the dangers.
Now, reality pressed down on him.
His chest felt tight.
For a moment, he felt suffocated.
Taking a deep breath, Lucian steadied his mind.
"I promise, Mom," he said firmly.
"I won't tell anyone about it—
except those I trust with my life."
Seeing the tension on his face, his stepmother stepped forward and pulled him into a gentle embrace.
She rubbed his head softly and smiled.
"Don't worry too much," she said.
"We're all here. We won't let anyone harm you.
But you must be careful… and strong enough that no one dares to harm you."
Warmth spread through Lucian's chest.
The tightness faded.
His breathing steadied.
With renewed resolve, he spoke.
"I will become stronger."
Seeing his calm return—and the determination in his eyes—his parents felt nothing but pride.
After talking a little longer, they left the room, leaving Lucian alone.
Lucian had officially begun his Qi cultivation journey.
Qi cultivation was divided into six major realms, and each major realm was further divided into nine stages.
The first of these realms was the Qi Initiation Realm.
Lucian was currently at the third stage.
Every person was born with twelve meridians, but they remained dormant.
When a person awakened at the age of fifteen, these meridians became active for the first time—
though Qi could not flow smoothly yet.
The Qi Initiation Realm existed for one purpose:
to fully open all twelve meridians and teach the cultivator how to control Qi.
Once someone stepped into this realm, they were no longer considered a mortal.
In the early stages (1st–3rd stage), cultivators began opening their first few meridians.
Their bodies became stronger than ordinary mortals, but Qi usage remained basic.
In the middle stages (4th–6th stage), more meridians opened, Qi flowed more smoothly, and cultivators could reinforce their punches and kicks with Qi.
Basic martial techniques became far more powerful.
In the late stages (7th–9th stage), all twelve meridians were fully opened.
At this point, a cultivator could release Qi externally and perform true Qi attacks.
The Qi Initiation Realm was the first step—
but it determined the foundation of a cultivator's entire path.
Lucian walked toward the training grounds.
He wanted to test his strength.
The training grounds were lively, with many members of the clan present.
As Lucian stepped inside and wanted to enter training room—
A mocking voice suddenly rang out.