"Hm, Vital Breathing Technique, used to train the circulation of vital energy throughout the body, strengthening muscles, bones, organs, and more."
Feng Qi was deeply focused on his reading. He had skimmed through the other books, but chose to begin with the Vital Breathing Technique, as it seemed more fundamental than the rest. Even so, he also found the Earth Energy Meditation Method quite intriguing, gradually coming to understand both.
"Breathing is the foundation, and stretching is the stimulus that allows the body to accept external energy."
It took Feng Qi less than two hours to read and grasp the basics of the technique. Through a series of breathing exercises and stretches, however, he was unable to feel or even imagine any form of energy. The booklet made it clear that one needed to be in an open environment, preferably rich in energy. Even after changing locations, nothing changed.
"I don't understand… do I need a place with even richer energy?"
Suddenly, Feng Qi remembered that farther south there was a large hill where strong winds constantly blew, surrounded by denser forest. Beneath it lay a small lake. That should be a suitable place, he thought. He immediately set off, taking just over an hour to reach his destination. Night had already fallen—but the young man persisted.
Upon arriving, he quickly sat down in the lotus position and began practicing the breathing exercises, remaining that way for a long time.
The view was beautiful. Under the moonlight, everything seemed far more magical—even the leaves of the vegetation appeared to carry a mysterious aura. The small lake below reflected the moon, creating an incandescent glow that was breathtaking to behold.
Yet even after nearly an hour of attempts, Feng Qi felt nothing. Discouraged, he decided to simply observe the moonlight. In the sky, there was only the moon—nothing else could be seen. Darkness permeated the night sky, but it was precisely that darkness which enhanced the moon's beauty. Even amid the shadows, its glow remained strong and vivid, just like the sun during the day.
"A moonlit night is truly something beautiful to behold…"
At that moment, Feng Qi thought of his family. Many memories wandered through his mind. There was a time when he lived in Qingyao City, where he had contact with friends and relatives from his mother's side. But here, he lived completely detached—abandoned and unhappy.
When his mother died, poor Feng Qi fell into despair. He cried for days, then sank into weeks of depression. Only recently had his inner flame reignited; he decided that he wanted to cultivate and change his destiny. Once, he had read a book about Immortals—legendary figures who flew through the skies and could cleave mountains with a single strike.
Around that time, he also learned about Fortuitous Encounters: Mystic Artifacts, Sacred Pills, Divine Techniques, and Ancient Masters lying in wait. Feng Qi's heart filled with hope. To obtain an opportunity granted by the heavens, he would have to leave this village and explore the world—but how? Feng Qi was just an ordinary person. There was nothing special about him, and he possessed no advanced martial knowledge. If he dared to leave, he would simply be courting death.
There were many ferocious beasts and monsters outside. This place was, in truth, quite peaceful. It was no coincidence that a large family group had chosen to build their lives here. Beyond these surroundings, approaching Qingyao City, dangers abounded—but so did opportunities. Such was the rule of the Immortal Path.
"If I could become an Immortal, I could traverse forests, cities, sects, and empires… I could make history and become someone recognized. Power moves mountains, rivers, and seas—but power can only be gained through talent. I am nothing without talent! I can't even sense Qi!"
With his head lowered, Feng Qi remained motionless, staring at the ground—just as someone without destiny would do.
Despite everything, to ordinary people, the Immortal Path meant possessing superhuman abilities. A Body Refinement warrior alone could suppress the entire village and become its chief. At that level of cultivation, one could shatter trees with bare hands in just a few strikes, and their skin would be nearly as tough as iron—no axe or spear could injure them. Not to mention their speed. Body Refinement seemed miraculous in Feng Qi's eyes, and he dreamed of the day he might reach that realm.
Even so, he would not give up. He would continue trying, even without a master to teach him. Days passed, then weeks and months. Shortly after Feng Qi's seventeenth birthday, the village chief, Feng Zongyuan, would host a celebration to welcome his relatives and the clan patriarch, Feng Shidao—Feng Qi's grandfather.
These people, like most members of the clan, lived in Qingyao City. In truth, Feng Zongyuan was nothing more than a pawn placed by the patriarch to manage rural affairs.
Unlike most, Patriarch Feng Shidao was an Immortal Cultivator at the Body Refinement Realm. It was said that his cultivation had reached the Third Layer long ago and that he was on the verge of breaking through to the Fourth. His strength far surpassed that of ordinary Body Refinement warriors.
It wasn't just the patriarch who was coming—many other relatives and acquaintances would arrive as well, including an old love of Feng Qi's.
"Li Yuhuan?!"
Feng Qi jumped in shock upon hearing the name. He was in the kitchen with other servants, who were whispering about the upcoming celebration.
"Yes, she's coming too. They say she'll arrive this afternoon," one of the servants said.
"W-Well, I heard you had a relationship with her, didn't you?" another servant asked.
"Yes… actually, she was my girlfriend before all of this."
A look of joy appeared on Feng Qi's face, but it quickly faded. He knew his status—there was little chance the clan would allow a union between him and Li Yuhuan.
"Uh… I don't want to ruin anything, but I heard she's already engaged to Feng Chen Haoran… your cousin."
The servant spoke hesitantly, knowing how deeply this would affect Feng Qi.
It did. Feng Qi's eyes widened, shock spreading across his face as his hands began to tremble. Staring at the floor, countless thoughts raced through his mind. He was almost certain Li Yuhuan would never allow such a thing—she loved him, and he loved her.
Years ago, Li Yuhuan had seen Feng Qi's condition after his father's death and often comforted him. Later, Feng Qi's family was stripped of nearly all their rights and wealth, becoming servants.
Even so, Li Yuhuan had remained steadfast in her feelings for Feng Qi. But several years had passed, and there was no guarantee she still loved him.
Feng Qi lowered his head and clenched his fists. A tear rolled down his cheek. He tried to hide it, but the others saw clearly. None of the servants dared say anything. Feng Qi might only be a servant now, but they respected one another—and besides, Feng Qi still belonged to the Feng Clan.
Without a word, Feng Qi left. The others exchanged uneasy glances, but there was nothing they could do. This was something he had to overcome alone.
The young man needed time to himself. He wandered aimlessly through the village, knowing there was nothing he could do. It was inevitable, really—after losing all his wealth and being reduced to a servant, what woman would want someone like that? Moreover, Li Yuhuan belonged to a clan as rich and prosperous as the Feng Clan, being the beloved granddaughter of the Li Clan's patriarch—but still…
"I thought I heard you say you loved me, Li Yuhuan. Why? Did you abandon me too?"
Feng Qi was deeply hurt, but there was nothing he could do—nothing but accept it.
"It's over… it's truly over for me."
He said this while staring at the sky, his eyes brimming with tears. Dried tear tracks marked his face, his expression filled with profound pain.
The sky was covered in clouds, some darker than others. It was the rainy season, and the weather would likely change soon.
He didn't care. Rain would suit his depressed state.
That day was a rest day granted by Feng Zongyuan to nearly all the servants. Most returned home; others attended to small tasks. As for those like Feng Qi—well, they stayed inside.
In his small house, lying atop a thin mattress, he stared at the uneven wooden planks above him. More tears fell.
Suddenly, his body grew warm, his heart pounding. His gaze fell upon the three booklets resting on the unsteady table, and he remembered something.
"That's right! I have to make use of this break—I have to keep going!"
He quickly grabbed the three books and followed the same path he had taken every day since they arrived, heading up the hill to practice.
Even after giving it his all, he still felt nothing. Returning home late at night, Feng Qi decided he should not lose heart over cultivation. He would continue no matter what—perhaps one day he could break these shackles.
The next day, he received a surprise.
"Li Yuhuan."
The love he had long awaited had arrived. She was breathtaking—elegant and imposing. The carriage came to a gentle stop at the entrance of the manor, and the silk curtain slowly parted. Many people crowded the street and entrance, all abuzz at the arrival of such high-status figures.
A gentle wind swept through the main street as she stepped down. Li Yuhuan wore a deep purple silk dress embroidered with golden threads that caught every ray of sunlight as if they danced. Her long sleeves flowed behind her with each step, resembling summer clouds, while her layered skirt moved with effortless grace.
A shimmering jade sash encircled her waist, accentuating her slender, elegant posture. Every ornament she wore—small jade earrings, a delicate golden necklace—reflected light with restrained opulence. In her hair, intricately crafted golden hairpins held strands of black hair that swayed gently, revealing an air of nobility and refinement.
Despite the fatigue of a long journey, her presence was unmistakable. Each step seemed to measure the city itself, her lofty gaze surveying the world around her. Passersby moved aside—some murmured her name, others simply admired the grandeur of one who bowed to no one, as if the very aura of her clan preceded her.
Li Yuhuan stopped at the entrance of the street where Feng Qi stood watching. A nearly imperceptible smile played on her lips, but her eyes conveyed disdain and superiority, making it clear that the world he now belonged to was no longer enough to reach her.
This was the difference between Feng Qi and Li Yuhuan. Even her carriage was made of a material resembling Spiritual Jade—or perhaps it truly was Spiritual Jade. Such wealth was uncommon even for clans like Li and Feng, yet it was enough to suggest what had happened.
"This is Young Master Feng Chen Haoran!"
Feng Chen Haoran stepped down from the same carriage as Li Yuhuan, his movements firm and filled with arrogance. His slender body and flawless posture exuded confidence, as though the entire world should bow before him.
Sunlight struck his hair, which gleamed like golden flames, reflecting hues of orange and red, giving him an almost supernatural aura. His deep, sharp eyes swept over the crowd with silent disdain, each glance conveying the subtle pleasure of superiority.
His attire befitted an heir of a powerful clan: white silk embroidered with gold and jade accents, long sleeves fluttering in the breeze, and an ornate sash cinched at his waist. Every jewel, every strand of gold in his hair emphasized his elevated status and recent acceptance into the sect.
The crowd parted—some whispering in admiration, others bowing discreetly. Feng Chen Haoran smiled faintly, satisfied with the effect of his presence. Yet his eyes did not find Feng Qi, and a faint trace of impatience flickered through his perfect composure.
There wasn't just one carriage—there were many. Behind them, relatives, friends, and entire families emerged, each stepping down from their own carriage, all dressed in clothes that ten servants couldn't afford in ten years. Judging by their appearance, it was as if they were attending an imperial ball. They all radiated extravagance, making the villagers nervous in the presence of so many powerful figures.
Even so, the village itself was not shabby. On the contrary, it was well maintained. The houses, though modest, were spacious, beautiful, and solidly built. The streets were orderly and clean, and even the people were well dressed. Feng Zongyuan was a capable administrator.
When nearly all the carriages had emptied, the final one arrived, and tension spread across the faces of everyone nearby.
Each carriage reflected the power and wealth of its occupant, but the last emanated something different—deep, intimidating, impossible to ignore.
The curtain opened, and Feng Shidao, the patriarch of the Feng Clan, stepped out. His presence was immediate and overwhelming. Without raising his voice, the surroundings seemed to fall silent. His steps were firm and deliberate, every movement carrying the might of a warrior who had just broken through to the Fourth Layer of Body Refinement. His aura pulsed like an invisible wave, causing the air itself to tremble faintly.
Feng Shidao's eyes swept across the square, the street, and the entrance with a cold, assessing gaze. Ordinary people shrank back in fear; wealthy and influential leaders stood rigid, tension evident in their shoulders. Everyone knew they stood before someone whose newly acquired power could annihilate soldiers and merchants with a single motion.
The heavy silence lingered for several seconds, broken only by the rustle of curtains and the soft snort of horses. Feng Shidao said nothing—he didn't need to. The hierarchy was clear and unquestionable. His gaze passed once more over subordinates and rivals alike, and a small smile appeared on his lips—not one of kindness, but of satisfaction, knowing the Feng Clan still commanded absolute respect.
The crowd kept its distance, fully aware that this man was more than wealth or title—he was condensed strength, discipline, experience, and raw power made flesh.
As Feng Qi looked at this man, countless memories resurfaced. In his heart, there was only killing intent. He wanted revenge. He wanted every one of them to pay for what they had done.