In a realm veiled from Silak's world, where the air hummed with ancient magic and the scent of a thousand unseen blossoms hung heavy, a shocking and miraculous event unfolded.
Within the heart of this primeval forest, nestled amongst the colossal, luminous petals of a flower of unimaginable size, lay a little girl in peaceful slumber. The blossom, a vibrant mix of amethyst and gold, pulsed with a soft, ethereal light, casting gentle shadows that danced across her serene face.
If someone were to see her, they would find no resemblance to a newborn babe; her form possessed the developed features of a two-year-old toddler, her limbs curled in a tranquil fetal position.
A cascade of vibrant emerald hair, as lustrous as polished jade, enveloped most of her small body, creating a natural blanket against the cool forest air. Around her delicate wrist, an unusual bracelet shimmered with an otherworldly glow. This very accessory, held a significance that would send tremors of disbelief through Silak's world.
For it was the exact same artifact he had witnessed within the sterile confines of the Advance Soul Research Laboratory, a silent companion to his cherished ring and the enigmatic black book.
How long she would remain in this peaceful slumber, nurtured and protected by the ancient magic of the forest, was a question that time alone would answer. The fate that intertwined her with Silak and his world remained an unwritten chapter.
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Xianzhou Continent – Year 2993 of the Cycle of Qi (CQ)
The next day dawned with a palpable sense of anticipation in the small tribal village nestled beside the ancient forest. Silak awoke before the sun had fully rose above the horizon, an irrepressible excitement bubbling within him.
Not only had they successfully gathered the final supplementary ingredients for his Qi Gathering bath potion, a feat achieved through his own unexpected ingenuity the previous day, but today also marked the beginning of his official cultivation of Qi. The culmination of years of focused study and latent potential was finally at hand.
Meanwhile, his parents, Rajah Bayani and Iskra, were already waiting for him in the tranquil expanse of their backyard. The rising sun cast long shadows from the ancient trees that bordered their property, painting the scene in hues of gold and amber.
Their presence showed the momentous nature of the occasion for their youngest son. Whispers had already begun to circulate within the tribe, tales of the six-year-old who possessed an understanding far beyond his years. No one in their tribe's history had ever shown the potential to progress into the Qi Gathering stage at such a young age.
The term "cultivation genius" felt inadequate to describe such a marvel. However, despite their soaring hopes and expectations, Bayani and Iskra consciously tempered their anticipation, knowing that the initial Qi Gathering stage was where many promising aspirants faltered, their progress often slow and arduous.
Silak emerged from their modest dwelling, his excitement radiating from him in palpable waves. In these fleeting moments, his youthful exuberance shone through, momentarily eclipsing the mature demeanor he often carried. "Good morning, Father and Mother!" he greeted them cheerfully, his wide smile illuminating his face.
"We hope you had a good rest last night, son," Iskra replied, her voice filled with a warmth that mirrored the rising sun. She gestured towards a steaming pot emitting fragrant herbal aromas. "The bath potion is almost ready."
"Here's the wooden bath that we specifically made for you to use," Bayani said, his hand resting proudly on the rim of a large, round wooden barrel. It stood approximately a meter in height, with a circumference that spoke of ample space for the young cultivator. The wood gleamed with a fresh sheen, a testament to Bayani's careful craftsmanship.
"I'm ready," Silak announced, shedding his simple tunic. His small frame, though lean, held a surprising resilience honed through years of diligent physical training.
"Give me a few more minutes; this should be done in a while," Iskra said, turning from the bubbling potion to address her husband and son.
"Why don't you explain a few things first to Silak while waiting?" she suggested to Bayani, a knowing glint in her eyes.
"Okay. Come here, son," Bayani beckoned Silak towards a set of intricately carved wooden tables and chairs nestled in the cool shade of a sprawling mango tree. The air here was still and peaceful, the perfect setting for imparting crucial knowledge.
As they settled into their seats, Bayani continued, "Let your mother complete her preparations. For the meantime, why don't we go through what you know so far about the Qi Gathering stage?"
Silak closed his eyes for a moment, accessing the vast repository of knowledge he had diligently absorbed from the tribe's small library. "Hmm. I remember that it is the foundational step in harnessing the very energy of the world around us. Qi Gathering is the stage where we learn to perceive and draw external Qi through our meridians, with the ultimate goal of accumulating enough of this energy to transform our physical bodies and break through our inherent limitations."
"That is absolutely correct. You must always keep in mind that there are two critical aspects to success in the Qi Gathering stage," Bayani emphasized, his voice taking on a more serious tone.
"First and foremost, before you can even begin to gather Qi, you must develop the ability to perceive and sense its subtle presence in the environment. It is like learning to see the invisible. Second, external factors play a significant role. An environment rich in Qi, and aids such as specially prepared potions and pills, can greatly accelerate your progress during this stage."
"With the generous gift from Senior Gahumdagat, we were fortunately able to address the second part quite effectively," Bayani said, nodding towards the steaming pot. "However, the first part – the ability to sense and perceive Qi – will primarily depend on your innate talent and potential. Every individual's sensitivity to Qi differs."
He placed a reassuring hand on Silak's shoulder. "It is totally normal for most cultivators to spend days, even weeks, without feeling any tangible results. So, you don't have to feel pressured, nor should you rush the process. What you need above all else is unwavering focus and the ability to not let the initial lack of immediate progress affect your emotions or determination. Do you understand?" Bayani asked, his gaze meeting Silak's.
Silak listened intently, absorbing his father's wisdom and gentle reminders. "I understand, Father. Rest assured, I will be diligent and patient in my cultivation."
"Alright, the bath potion is ready!" Iskra's cheerful voice echoed across the yard, beckoning her husband and son to return.
"Sounds like we're good to start. Come on," Bayani said, rising to his feet. He walked back towards the large barrel, his anticipation evident in his stride, followed closely by Silak.
Silak paused at the edge of the wooden tub, taking a few deep breaths to clear his mind and quell the fluttering of nervousness in his stomach. He slowly lowered himself into the barrel. The clear and pristine water, drawn fresh from the nearby Whispering Falls, sent a jolt of invigorating coldness through him, instantly sharpening his focus. His mother carefully began to add the bath potion, drop by precious drop, into the water.
Sss… Tss…
The sound of the potent liquid meeting the cool water hissed softly, releasing a fragrant cloud of herbal steam that enveloped Silak, marking the true beginning of his cultivation journey.