Feeling for Qi

Epiphany led Xiao to the base of the colossal tree. The soft grass beneath their feet provided a comfortable cushion as they walked, and the air was filled with the scent of earth and leaves. 

They reached a spot where the roots of the tree created a natural seat, perfect for meditation.

"Sit here," Epiphany instructed, gesturing to the root seat. Xiao complied, settling himself on the sturdy roots and taking a moment to look around.

The surroundings were breathtaking. The branches of the ancient tree spread out like a vast canopy, filtering the sunlight into delicate beams that danced on the forest floor. 

The leaves rustled softly in the breeze, creating a soothing melody that blended with the distant calls of birds.

The pond beside them mirrored the serene beauty of the tree, its surface so clear that it reflected the sky and the greenery around it perfectly. 

Tiny fish darted just beneath the water's surface, their movements adding a touch of life to the tranquil scene.

Epiphany stood in front of Xiao, his expression serene yet focused. "Close your eyes, Xiao," he instructed gently. "Free your mind of everything. Let go of your worries and your thoughts."

Xiao hesitated for a moment, then closed his eyes, trying to push aside the thoughts of his father, Mei, and the mysterious realm he found himself in. 

He took a deep breath, the scent of the forest filling his lungs, and focused on the sound of the leaves rustling in the breeze.

"Today, we will focus on the mind," Epiphany continued, his voice calm and steady.

"Your physical training will come later. The warrior will teach you some basic body-strengthening exercises, but for now, you must learn to calm your mind and connect with the energies around you."

Xiao felt a pang of anxiety at the mention of physical training. He had never been particularly athletic, and the thought of rigorous exercise was daunting.

But he pushed the worry aside, concentrating instead on the task at hand.

"Imagine your mind as a still pond," Epiphany instructed. "Any thoughts or worries are like stones thrown into the water. They create ripples, disturbing the surface. Your goal is to keep the pond calm and undisturbed."

Xiao took another deep breath, trying to visualize his mind as a still pond. At first, it was difficult. His thoughts kept intruding, like pebbles causing ripples. 

He thought about his father's worried face, Mei's laughter, and the uncertainty of his situation. Each thought sent a ripple through the imaginary pond, making it hard to achieve the calm Epiphany described.

Epiphany's voice was a steady guide. "Breathe in slowly, and as you exhale, imagine the ripples smoothing out, the water becoming still again. Focus on your breathing, and let each exhale bring more calm."

Following the instructions, Xiao began to focus solely on his breathing. Inhale... exhale... each breath seemed to push his worries further away, smoothing the ripples in his mind's pond. 

Slowly, he felt a sense of peace settling over him.

The sounds of the forest around him faded into the background, and he became aware of a gentle, pulsing energy beneath him, emanating from the tree and the ground.

"Good," Epiphany said softly, noticing the change in Xiao's demeanor. "Now, maintain this state. Feel the energy around you. 

The tree, the pond, the earth—they are all connected to the river of fate. Let that energy flow through you, cleansing your mind and strengthening your spirit."

Xiao focused on the feeling of the energy. It was warm and soothing, like a gentle stream flowing through his body, washing away his fears and doubts. 

"Remember this feeling," Epiphany continued. "In times of doubt or fear, return to this place in your mind. Let the calmness of the pond and the energy of the tree ground you. This is the first step in your training."

Xiao nodded slightly, keeping his eyes closed and his mind focused. He felt a sense of accomplishment, having achieved a level of calm he hadn't thought possible.

The anxieties of the past days seemed distant, replaced by a newfound clarity and purpose.

After what felt like an eternity, Epiphany spoke again. "Now, slowly open your eyes."

Xiao did as instructed, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the light. The serene beauty of the place seemed even more vivid now, the colors brighter and the sounds clearer.

 He felt a deep sense of connection to his surroundings as if he were truly a part of this sacred place.

Epiphany sat cross-legged across from Xiao, his serene expression accentuated by the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves of the ancient tree.

"The calmness you felt was your first interaction with the Qi in your surroundings," he began, his voice calming Xiao's anxious mind. 

"This is no small feat. For most humans, it takes years, sometimes even a lifetime, to make a connection like that. The more talented you are, the quicker this connection is established."

Xiao, though overwhelmed, was eager to absorb every word. Epiphany's explanations, while profound, held a clarity that made the intricate seem almost tangible.

He asked, "Why was I able to connect with the Qi immediately?"

Epiphany chuckled softly. "You haven't connected to the Qi yet. What you felt just now could only be called a low flicker, and even then, the tree was helping you out a lot."

Xiao nodded, understanding. "Ah, I see."

Epiphany continued as if nothing had happened. "Your bloodline also plays a crucial role in this connection and the path you take," he said.

 "Mortals with a hint of yang in them, for example, have a higher success rate with techniques that align with hot or fiery energies.

Similarly, those with a yin aspect to their bloodline might find greater affinity with water or moon-related techniques. Bloodlines can significantly influence your cultivation path."

Xiao's brows furrowed in thought. "So, bloodlines can determine the kind of techniques you're more likely to succeed with?"

Epiphany nodded.

"Exactly. This is why cultivation families and ancient lineages have an advantage. These families have had cultivators among them for eons and generations, allowing them to develop sutras tailored precisely to their needs. This tailored approach enables them to break through barriers and establish connections with Qi at much faster speeds."

Xiao leaned forward, his curiosity deepening. "But what about people like me? I don't come from a lineage of cultivators."

Epiphany smiled, a hint of pride in his eyes. "That may be true, but not having a bloodline attuned to one element might not be such a bad thing. Adaptability is a necessity in cultivation. Even if it may be slower to start, it allows for a much wider array of sutras you can tap into. Your potential is not limited by the constraints of a specific lineage or elemental affinity. You have the opportunity to forge your own path, unbound by tradition."