Qi Refining Techniques

Jo Yuan stood among the probation disciples, his mind racing. Today was the day they would choose a technique to step into the qi refining realm and hopefully become outer disciples of the MoonShadow Sect. His heart beat faster as Elder Li approached with a stern look, her robes fluttering like shadows in the evening light.

"You have three choices," Elder Li announced, her voice firm yet calm. "Each technique is connected to the moon's power, as the moon guides our sect."

The disciples around Jo Yuan stirred with excitement. Three techniques, all tied to the moon. The first was Silver Moon Breath, a technique focused on drawing the moon's soft light into one's core. The second, Crescent Blade Qi, was more aggressive, using the moon's sharp and hidden edge to enhance one's attacks. The third, Dark Moon Cloak, concealed the user in shadows, making them elusive and hard to detect.

Jo Yuan thought deeply. His spiritual root was tied to blood, a secret he could not tell anyone—not even Shen or Wu, his closest friends. Blood was about life and vitality, but also secrecy and control. Would any of these techniques match his hidden power? His root was strong but strange, and none of the techniques directly referenced blood. Still, the moon was mysterious, just like his blood spiritual root. Perhaps, he thought, there was a deeper connection between the moon and blood than appeared on the surface.

He glanced at Shen and Wu. Shen's sharp gaze fell on the Crescent Blade Qi, while Wu seemed drawn to the Dark Moon Cloak. Jo Yuan finally made his decision. He chose Silver Moon Breath, thinking its softer, more balanced nature might help him maintain control over his secret power.

Elder Li watched each of them carefully. She stepped up to Jo Yuan first. "The Silver Moon Breath is about balance. You must absorb the moonlight slowly, steady your breath, and let it sink into your core like water filling a cup. Do not rush. Your strength will come from your patience."

To Shen, she gave different advice. "The Crescent Blade Qi is aggressive, sharp. You must be ready to strike with precision. The moon has hidden edges; your attacks must be sudden and quick. Let your qi sharpen your body like a blade."

And to Wu, Elder Li spoke softly. "The Dark Moon Cloak hides you, protects you. Become one with the shadows. Your qi will flow like dark mist, unnoticed but always present. Patience is your ally."

Each disciple nodded, focusing on their own path. Jo Yuan felt Elder Li's eyes linger on him for a moment longer, as if she sensed something deeper within him. He swallowed his unease and turned inward, following her instructions.

Qi refining, Jo Yuan learned, wasn't about immediate power but transformation. He breathed slowly, feeling the cold light of the moon trickle into his body. The qi didn't just enter him—it moved through his spiritual root, like water flowing through a filter, becoming something unique to him. His blood spiritual root, though a secret, altered the moon's qi in ways he couldn't fully understand yet. He could feel it—strong, yet quiet, flowing through his meridians, settling into his dantian, a small pool of power gathering there.

Each disciple refined qi differently. Shen's qi became sharp and fierce, like the edge of a sword. Wu's qi flowed like shadows, slippery and hard to grasp. But Jo Yuan's qi was calm, almost serene, with an underlying force that made it feel alive, like blood coursing through veins.

Elder Li had said that while the techniques were different, all disciples reached the same end: refining qi to strengthen their bodies and minds. Yet, the attributes of their qi reflected their chosen path. Shen's qi sharpened his senses, making him quick and deadly. Wu's qi made her movements subtle, almost invisible. And Jo Yuan—he felt his qi give him control, a quiet power that he could direct as he wished.

The process of refining qi was slow, requiring constant focus. Jo Yuan guided the moonlight into his body, letting it move through his meridians, merging with his spiritual root, and settling in his dantian. It was like weaving a net of energy inside him, one thread at a time. He could see Shen moving his hands in sharp motions, feeling the blade-like energy form within him. Wu, standing still, seemed to fade into the background as her qi cloaked her in shadows.

For Jo Yuan, it felt more fluid, a steady rhythm as he inhaled and exhaled, feeling the qi gather in his core. He knew that each breath was a step toward becoming stronger. His blood spiritual root, though hidden, guided the qi in ways that no one else could see.

In the end, the techniques led them all to the same goal: refined qi, stored in their dantian. But how they got there—and the power they gained—was different for each of them. As Jo Yuan finished his first session of refining, he could feel the moon's energy within him, alive, just like the blood in his veins. And though no one else knew, he sensed that his path, while similar, would lead him to a power unique to his bloodline (blood spiritual root).