Acupoint Opening

A couple of hours later, as the sun tilted toward the horizon, Ranav sat beneath the familiar Ashoka tree, his usual place for training and meditation. Though his eyes were closed in apparent tranquility, his mind was anything but still. Guided by Jessica's instructions, he was painstakingly locating the acupoints within his body, preparing for the next stage of his Mana Body Training.

Jessica's voice echoed in his mind, calm yet filled with authority.

"I found several books on Mana Body Training in Kuldeep's collection. They vary in methods and philosophies, but they all helped me piece together the nature of the training manual you're following. Besides that, you had a time in your past life when you were fascinated by Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. You read books like 'The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic', 'Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion', and 'The Web That Has No Weaver'."

Ranav smirked at the memory. "I did, didn't I?"

Jessica continued, unfazed. "These books helped me map out 361 classical acupoints in your body. Interestingly, the nine major acupoints described in your current training manual align with these ancient teachings. I've combined all the knowledge I could gather to create a complete acupoint channel within you. Once fully activated, your mana will flow freely, strengthening your body over time. Each acupoint will act as a secondary mana core, allowing you to store more energy than ever before."

She paused, then went on.

"The first acupoint you must open is located just below your navel. This is your dantian, the core of your energy and vitality. Right now, your mana sits there in a static state, but once the acupoint channel is fully opened, it will circulate throughout your body, reinforcing your strength and endurance."

"The next vital point is at the base of your neck. Unlocking this acupoint will enhance your overall energy levels and activate latent physical power within your body."

"At the crown of your head lies another crucial acupoint, often referred to as the 'Gateway to the Heavens.' It plays an essential role in spiritual growth, enlightenment, and attunement to higher cosmic energies."

"Between your eyebrows is an acupoint connected to mental clarity and perception. This is the very spot you use to access your spiritual universe. Opening this will refine your awareness and sharpen your magical abilities."

"Another important acupoint is found within the inner ear region. This point is deeply linked to spiritual energy and magic, acting as a bridge between your physical form and magical forces."

"In the upper back, between your shoulder blades, lies an acupoint that governs the flow of mana through your body, significantly boosting your physical strength."

"Between your thumb and index finger is another key acupoint. This one is particularly crucial for external mana manipulation, allowing you to refine your control over magical techniques and spells."

"Further down, near the lumbar region of your spine, is an acupoint associated with physical resilience. Activating it will bolster your defensive abilities and enhance the force behind your attacks."

"Finally, an important acupoint resides just below the knee. This one is vital for stamina and endurance, ensuring that your energy remains stable even in prolonged combat or intense training sessions."

Jessica let that information settle before she continued, her tone turning serious.

"I'll guide you through finding all 361 acupoints, but there's something important you must remember… once the Acupoint Opening process begins, you must not stop the mana flow until you complete the full circuit and return to your dantian. Interrupting the process midway could result in severe backlash… crippling your body or even killing you. Your mana will surge through your acupoints like a flood, and if it halts abruptly, the internal energy imbalance could shatter your dantian."

Ranav frowned. "No pressure, huh?"

Jessica ignored his sarcasm. "That's why we need a high-level mana source to fuel this process. Your current mana reserves are too limited for the amount needed to activate the acupoints. Natural mana absorption isn't fast enough; excess mana is usually expelled naturally before it even reaches the dantian to protect your body from overload. However, Mana Crystals and special herbs can bypass this limitation by introducing concentrated energy directly into your system."

"I found a rare herb in Kuldeep Krushna's collection… Lifespring Clover. This plant is almost mythical, appearing only by pure chance. It can heal critical injuries of humans and even revive dying flora on a large scale. Consuming it should provide enough energy to sustain you through the entire Acupoint Opening process."

Ranav took a deep breath. "Alright. No questions. Let's get this over with before sunset. Mom will worry if I'm late."

Jessica's voice softened. "One last warning… the pain will be excruciating. You must not lose consciousness. If you do, the mana will rampage inside you without control, and I don't even want to think about the consequences."

Ranav clenched his fists. "I'll manage."

Jessica retrieved a small glass bottle from their shared storage space and floated it toward him. Ranav caught it midair and raised an eyebrow. "Wait… you can access the storage space on your own?"

"I discovered that ability yesterday while sorting through the items," she admitted. "Now stop stalling and consume the Lifespring Clover."

Ranav uncorked the bottle and carefully extracted the clover. Its four golden-green, heart-shaped leaves pulsed with a tranquil aura. He felt peaceful like never before. Even the plants around him seemed to absorb its vitality, standing taller and greener.

"Quick, eat it before the energy disperses!" Jessica urged.

Without hesitation, Ranav swallowed the clover.

A sudden chill spread through his veins, making his hair stand on end. Then, without warning, searing heat erupted in his belly, as if his intestines were being burned from the inside out.

"Now! Channel the energy into your dantian and begin the process!" Jessica shouted.

Ranav gritted his teeth and forced the surging energy downward, guiding it into his dantian. Immediately, his entire body ignited with intense heat. The mana raced along the pathways Jessica had mapped, carving through his acupoints like molten lava.

His muscles twitched violently. A deep, primal pain erupted in his bones as black, tar-like impurities seeped from his pores. His skin peeled away in thin flakes, only to regenerate moments later. His hair fell out completely, though his scalp was already producing new strands at an agonizingly slow pace.

Jessica's voice remained steady. "Keep going! You've opened several acupoints… don't stop now!"

Ranav felt his body transforming. Each opened acupoint became a miniature mana vortex, absorbing and refining energy. As he returned to his dantian after completing the cycle, the excess mana began to spread to every cell in his body. The pain escalated to an unbearable threshold, forcing him to his feet.

Suddenly, a mysterious energy surged into his heart, causing it to glow ominously.

From his chest, obsidian-colored scales burst forth, spreading rapidly across his skin. The scales had a pearlescent sheen, reflecting hues of green and violet like the aurora borealis. Their surfaces were etched with faint runic inscriptions, as if imbued with celestial power. Slowly his whole body was covered with scales.

His eyes changed and became silver pools of starlight, swirling with cosmic energy.

The pain reached its peak, and Ranav roared in agony.

The sound was deafening, like a thunderclap exploding from his throat. Birds plummeted from the trees, lesser beasts collapsed, trembling. Even powerful creatures far in the Doon Valley turned in alarm, sensing a new, terrifying presence.

Then, just as suddenly as it began, the pain vanished. Ranav's body went limp. With one final breath, he collapsed, unconscious.