Summon of the Bloodline

In Zhen Chen's mind, faint golden particles floated around him, shimmering in the air.

"Is this... spiritual energy?"

The tiny golden specks were scattered everywhere, drifting gently toward a small pond nearby. They danced on the leaves of plants, floated in the air, and shimmered on the surface of the water, creating a mesmerizing scene.

Zhen Chen focused his mind, drawing the golden energy toward him. He inhaled slowly, and the golden particles flowed into his lungs.

As he continued to breathe deeply, the golden energy filled his lungs and gradually spread through his bloodstream. It flowed through his veins, reaching his heart, where a thin golden layer formed on the heart's walls. The energy continued to circulate, infusing his organs and body with a warm, glowing light. His lungs shone brightly, while his heart remained faintly golden.

Zhen Chen concentrated his spiritual awareness on his heart, trying to speed up his blood circulation. The faster his blood flowed, the quicker the golden energy spread, forming thin golden layers within his veins.

After a long period of meditation, Zhen Chen shifted his focus to his skin. He tried to sense the energy through his pores, spreading his awareness across his body. At first, he felt a slight itch on the back of his hand. The itch gradually turned into warmth, and soon, golden energy began to seep through his skin, dissolving beneath it.

Zhen Chen felt a surge of joy. He focused on absorbing energy through his entire body.

"Absorbing energy from the air is too slow. If I can absorb it through my skin, it'll be much faster."

Time passed unnoticed. When Zhen Chen opened his eyes, he saw the sun setting between the mountains.

"Ah... is it already sunset? I didn't even notice how much time had passed. It went by so quickly."

Zhen Chen stood up slowly. His body felt light and full of energy, but his head was slightly dizzy.

Just then, a young monk's voice came from behind.

"Good morning, young one. You were so absorbed in your meditation that I didn't want to disturb you. Please, have some breakfast."

Zhen Chen turned around, confused.

"Morning? Did I meditate through the entire night?"

The young monk smiled and nodded, placing a bowl of rice porridge and some stir-fried vegetables in front of him.

"The sun just rose... Your spiritual energy is impressive, young one. You truly have exceptional talent."

Zhen Chen was startled.

"I need to go find some herbs. Please excuse me."

As Zhen Chen prepared to leave, the monk stopped him.

"Young one, please eat first. This meal will benefit you."

Zhen Chen hesitated but sat back down. He ate the porridge, savoring its fragrant aroma.

"This is delicious!"

The monk explained, "This rice is made from grains infused with spiritual energy. The vegetables are the same. It's not easy to find such food outside."

Zhen Chen nodded, then suddenly remembered something.

"I need to go into the forest to find herbs, but it might be dangerous... Do you have anything that could help me?"

The monk asked, "What kind of help are you looking for?"

Zhen Chen thought carefully before replying.

"Something like protective talismans or tools that cultivators use... Do you have anything like that?"

The monk shook his head apologetically.

"I'm afraid I don't have any high-level talismans or weapons. But if you can wait a while, I might be able to get something suitable for you from an acquaintance."

Zhen Chen eagerly nodded.

"Just one thing would be enough."

The monk took out his phone and sent a message.

"Please wait a moment, young one."

As Zhen Chen waited, the monk explained a bit about the world of cultivation.

"In the world of cultivation, most divide the stages in various ways. Anyone who can sense spiritual energy can begin cultivating. When you purify and strengthen your body with spiritual energy, you surpass the limits of a normal human body and form a foundation for further cultivation. This is the most basic stage, known as the Foundation Establishment Stage."

"Your current stage," the monk added.

"At this stage, you need to gather and purify energy, creating a space within your body to store it. Most cultivators form this storage in one of two places: below the navel or directly in the center of the chest."

"There are many methods of cultivation, so the specifics aren't strictly defined. Once you open your energy storage, you reach the Energy Gathering Stage."

Zhen Chen pondered where to open his energy storage.

"Below the navel, about four fingers' width? Or directly in the center of the chest? What if I open both...?" 🤔