Chapter 6: The power of QI

Alex lay sprawled on his bed, arms stretched out as he stared at the ornate wooden ceiling of his new world. Just as he was about to relax, a soft knock echoed from the door.

A gentle, feminine voice followed, polite yet firm.

"Young Master, may I come in?"

Alex blinked, momentarily disoriented. Even after spending the entire day wrapped in the madness of a cultivation world, the idea of being addressed as "Young Master" still made him feel like he had stumbled into a ridiculous web novel.

Still, maintaining his role, he lazily replied, "Yeah, come in."

The door creaked open, and a familiar figure entered—the same maid he had met earlier in the day. She moved with practiced grace, balancing a silver tray filled with steaming dishes. The rich aroma of roasted meat and fragrant rice filled the room, making Alex's stomach grumble in anticipation.

"Young Master, where should I place your food?" the maid inquired.

"Uh, here is fine." He gestured toward the bed, unsure where meals were typically served in this world.

The maid obeyed without hesitation, setting the tray down neatly. Then, clasping her hands in front of her, she inclined her head slightly. "Is there anything else you require, Young Master?"

Alex hesitated. His system had mentioned something about a "God Eye" ability earlier, but he hadn't tested it yet. Now seemed like the perfect chance.

("System, activate God Eye.")

The moment the command left his mind, a strange sensation surged through his left eye. A warm, tingling energy coursed through his nerves as if his vision had suddenly upgraded into high-definition. The world around him sharpened, colors became more vivid, and most shockingly—new information overlaid itself directly onto his sight.

He gawked as a translucent panel floated in front of the maid, revealing detailed stats like a character sheet from a video game.

[God Eye - Target Analyzed]

Name: Lila

Sex: Female

Race: Human

Age: 24

Bloodline: [None]

Title: Maid of Honor

Cultivation Level: 9th Level Mortal Realm

Cultivation Type: Qi Cultivation

Status: Concerned

Level: 197

Attributes:

Strength: 370

Agility: 350

Stamina: 200

Intelligence: 250

Charm: 220

Soul Strength: 250

Mental Strength: 330

Affinity:

Shadow, Wind

Skills:

Mind Shield (Protects against mental attacks)

Shadow Dance (Increases agility and speed during combat)

Shadow Step (Allows brief teleportation within a short range)

Wind Blade (Condenses air into sharp, slicing attacks)

Alex froze.

His mind screeched to a halt.

"…What?"

The words "Level 197" practically slapped him in the face. He wasn't sure how levels worked in this world yet, but considering he himself was Level 1, this disparity felt criminal.

("How the hell is the maid this strong?")

His stomach churned slightly as a horrifying thought struck him—had he unknowingly stepped into a world where even the household staff could body him effortlessly?

The maid's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Young Master? Do you need anything else?" she asked again, tilting her head slightly.

Alex swallowed hard, pushing down the urge to blurt out something stupid like "Please don't kill me." Instead, he quickly composed himself and waved a hand dismissively.

"No, that's all. You can go."

Lila nodded, her expression unreadable. "Then I shall take my leave, Young Master. Please enjoy your meal."

With that, she turned and exited the room, leaving Alex alone with a sudden existential crisis.

Still shaken by the unexpected revelation, Alex turned his attention to the food before him. The rich aroma of slow-roasted meat, perfectly spiced vegetables, and steaming rice filled his senses.

Picking up a silver fork—thankfully similar to those on Earth—he cut a piece of the tender meat and popped it into his mouth.

His eyes widened immediately.

The flavors exploded on his tongue.

The meat was impossibly soft, practically melting in his mouth, while the spices created a perfect balance between heat, sweetness, and umami. It was like the ultimate fusion of all the best flavors from Earthly cuisines, yet uniquely its own.

"Holy hell, this is amazing!"

Fueled by his hunger, Alex quickly devoured the entire meal. Every bite felt like it rejuvenated his energy, filling him with warmth. He sighed in satisfaction, rubbing his full stomach.

Feeling refreshed, Alex wandered to the large window in his room and peered outside. The sky was a deep indigo, speckled with countless stars. In the distance, a colossal mountain loomed, its peak hidden within the swirling clouds. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and fresh earth.

"Alright, System, explain something to me."

[Yes, Host?]

"What exactly is Qi?"

A brief pause. Then, the system's voice rang in his mind, launching into an in-depth explana

[ Qi (also spelled Chi or Ki) is the fundamental energy that flows through all living beings and the world itself. It is the foundation of cultivation—without Qi, there is no power.

Qi exists in many forms and can be harnessed in various ways, depending on the cultivator's techniques, affinities, and understanding.

The Core Properties of Qi:

1. Life-Force Energy – Qi sustains all living beings, promoting growth, healing, and even extending lifespan.

2. Universal Connectivity – Qi links all beings and nature, forming a web of energy that transcends time and space.

3. Dynamic Balance – It constantly flows and changes, seeking equilibrium within the body and the world.

4. Transformation – Qi can manifest physically, mentally, emotionally, or even spiritually.

Qi comes in different variations, each offering unique advantages. Some of the most common types include:

1. Heavenly Qi – The purest form of energy, drawn from celestial sources. Used in divine techniques.

2. Earth Qi – Derived from nature and the land itself. Essential for plant-based cultivation and body strengthening.

3. Yin & Yang Qi – The dual forces of the universe, representing balance. Yin is cold, shadowy, and mysterious, while Yang is fiery, bright, and aggressive.

4. Elemental Qi – Qi infused with elements like fire, water, wind, lightning, and ice.

5. Demonic Qi – A corrupt and powerful force, often associated with forbidden techniques and dark arts.]

As Alex processed all this information, his excitement grew.

"So basically, Qi is like a giant cosmic battery, and cultivators are learning to plug in and overclock it?"

[Correct.]

A grin spread across his face.

"I see… So if I play this right, I can literally cheat the entire system."

And just like that, his path to breaking reality itself began.