Another year

As I told you yesterday, from today on you will focus on trying to sense the qi in your surroundings. But that doesn't mean we'll neglect your physical training. I'll give you a routine that you must follow every day before anything else," said Selene.

The routine consisted of basic physical training: push-ups, sit-ups, running...

Adam wasted no time and started immediately. He knew it would be easier to sense his surroundings when all the pores of his body were open, allowing for better circulation of qi.

Focusing intently, Adam tried to perceive the qi around him. He simulated the act of cultivation; the qi entered through the pores of his body, but once it reached his dantian, still undeveloped, it disappeared, causing no change in his body.

Though he lacked talent, Selene had explained that, like any human being, he had a dantian, but for some reason, his was not fully developed. Perhaps the energy meant for its formation had been absorbed by another part of his body.

Wanting to help, Selene began gathering the qi from the surroundings near Adam, varying its intensity and simulating what it would feel like if someone moved around him.

Adam tried to concentrate, but it was very difficult. He had to pay attention to the variations of qi around his entire body and distinguish between natural currents and those caused by a strike or technique.

Hours passed, and Adam made no progress.

"Don't get discouraged. These are your first steps on the martial path. It won't be easy due to your blindness, but this foundation will be useful even if you solve your condition someday," said Selene, encouraging him.

Adam didn't respond, but he disliked the feeling of not improving. That frustration soon turned into obsession.

Thus, the days went by. Adam constantly tried to sense the qi in his surroundings until it became as natural as breathing. He did it while eating, training, bathing, and even while sleeping.

This routine extended for a year, and Adam was about to turn seven.

One morning, Adam and Selene were in the training field. Adam was following his usual routine.

"You've made a lot of progress this past year," Selene acknowledged.

"It's frustrating. It took me so long," Adam complained.

"On the path of cultivation, patience is one of the most important virtues. At the higher stages, there are those who spend thousands of years in seclusion, cultivating without pause, just to try advancing to the next stage... if they ever succeed."

"Aren't they worried about spending the last years of their life cultivating?" Adam asked.

"Yes, they are. But death is the greatest challenge for all living beings, and as cultivators, we continuously fight against it by extending our lifespan. That's our nature."

Adam nodded, memorizing every word as if it were an absolute truth.

Noticing his impatience, Selene changed the topic.

"Well, leaving that aside, why don't we see how much you've improved this past year?"

"Yes!" Adam replied excitedly.

The two stood facing each other, separated by just a few steps.

"Are you ready?" Selene asked, with a slight teasing smile.

"I've never been more ready," Adam replied, barely containing his excitement.

It was the first time he was going to fight someone. Although he had been beaten in his time with the Blackthorne family, this time he believed he could defend himself.

"On the count of three."

"3... 2... 1... Now!" Selene counted.

Adam hurried to sense his surroundings, absorbing the qi, and almost as if by magic, he felt what must have been a strike coming from behind.

"Fast!" was the only thought Adam managed before being hit.

"Argh! At least give me a chance," Adam complained.

"Humph, did you think it would be easy with me? This is for the sake of your training," Selene said with a half-smile.

"But I must say, I'm surprised you were able to sense my strike. My technique is far more refined than that of a mere mortal cultivator. The qi my strikes carry should be almost undetectable," she added, impressed by his progress.

Adam felt better after hearing her words, but he wasn't satisfied and wanted to keep improving.

"Let's continue," Adam said, focused.

Selene raised an eyebrow at his determination and couldn't help but think that Adam was some kind of training maniac. Or was it her fault? She wasn't sure.

"If that's what you want, here I come."

Selene continued striking Adam over the next few hours. Though she didn't hit him hard, not wanting to hurt him, she intended for him to grow accustomed to being struck.

"Looks like that's all for today," Selene said, looking at an exhausted Adam.

"Yeah..."

Selene went to prepare the bath, and Adam got into the tub. He no longer cared if Selene saw him naked. The fact that he couldn't see her helped him feel less embarrassed.

Selene didn't give it much thought either, even though it was the first time she had seen a man—or in this case, a boy—naked. She simply didn't have that kind of thought toward him.

"So, how did you feel today?" Selene asked.

Adam replied while absorbing the qi from the bath:

"My whole body hurts, but it's nothing I'm not used to."

"By the way, I feel something strange in the water. Did you add a new spiritual herb?" Adam asked.

"No, I didn't do anything. It should be as usual," Selene said with a frown as she approached the tub to see what it could be.

When she placed her hands on the water, they were grabbed by Adam, who had caught her off guard, and he pulled her toward him.

Splash!

Selene couldn't believe it—she had been tricked.

"H-how dare you?" Selene stammered, soaked.

"It's not fair that only I get to bathe in these spiritual herbs, which, as far as I know, must be worth a fortune. Besides, how long has it been since you bathed? You should set an example as a master," Adam said, sounding like an adult.

"B-but this isn't r-right," Selene said, still processing what had happened.

"Do you hate the idea of being near me?" Adam asked, seemingly hurt.

"N-no, it's not that. It's just that... a master and her disciple doing this is... improper."

"Improper?" Adam asked, having never been taught about adult matters.

Selene wanted to bury her head in the ground at his question. She thought about it but didn't know how to refuse without hurting his feelings or embarrassing herself even more. So, she came to a conclusion.

'He can't even see me; it'll be fine,' Selene thought.

"O-okay," Selene said, without changing out of her wet tunic, which left little to the imagination.

"I knew you'd agree, Master. You're the best!"

They were only inches apart, but only Selene seemed to be aware of it.

'Isn't he just seven years old? How can he be so well-developed?' Selene knew Adam was growing faster than normal, but she hadn't fully realized it until she was this close.

Soon, they finished bathing, and Adam went to his bed.

"Master," Adam called, knowing Selene would keep an eye on him all night.

"What is it?" Selene asked.

"Thank you for everything you've taught me."

"There's no need to thank me. It's my duty as your master."

"Good night," Adam said, knowing what Selene was like.

"Good night, Adam," Selene replied.