Ethan stared at the chat screen with a racing heart. This was a golden opportunity—if he could acquire a cultivation technique, his progress would be much faster. But he also knew that in the cultivation world, nothing was given for free.
???: "I can give you a basic-level cultivation technique. It's called the Breath of Soul Technique. With this, you can absorb Qi faster and stabilize the foundation of your cultivation."
Ethan: "What's the catch?"
???: "I need a Black Wolf Fang. If you have one, I will trade."
Ethan immediately opened his inventory. He still had a Black Wolf Fang from a previous battle. Without hesitation, he typed a response.
Ethan: "I have one. How do I trade?"
A notification appeared.
[The 'Cloud Seeker' Chat Group member wants to trade with you.] [Black Wolf Fang] ↔ [Breath of Soul Technique] [Confirm?] [Yes] [No]
Without thinking twice, Ethan clicked [Yes]. In an instant, the wolf fang vanished from his inventory, replaced by an ancient scroll with glowing text on its surface.
[You have obtained the Breath of Soul Technique.]
Ethan immediately opened the scroll. As soon as he read it, the information about the technique flooded into his mind.
[Breath of Soul Technique]
A basic-level cultivation technique that allows the user to absorb Qi from the environment more efficiently. It has three stages:
Basic – Allows the user to absorb Qi faster from the air. Intermediate – Allows the user to draw Qi from external sources such as Spirit Stones. Advanced – Allows the user to convert Qi into usable energy to strengthen the body and enhance attacks.
Ethan sighed deeply.
"Finally, I have a cultivation technique!"
Without wasting any time, he immediately sat cross-legged and began to try the Breath of Soul Technique. He closed his eyes and followed the instructions in the scroll. He slowed his breath, allowing air to flow into his lungs, then exhaled steadily.
At first, nothing happened. But after a few minutes, he started to feel something different. The air around him felt heavier, as if filled with invisible energy particles.
Qi.
Ethan tried to draw the energy into his body. It felt like sucking water through a straw, but much harder. However, little by little, he began to feel a warm flow of energy entering his body, gathering in the center of his being—the Dantian.
[Congratulations! You have successfully absorbed Qi using the Breath of Soul Technique.]
[Qi +5]
Ethan smiled in satisfaction.
"This... is amazing!"
He could feel the power flowing through his body, even though it was still small. But this was just the beginning. If he kept practicing, he could grow stronger, faster, and perhaps one day reach the peak of this world.
However, he knew that cultivation wasn't just about absorbing Qi. He needed combat techniques, experience, and, of course—strength to survive.
As he opened his eyes, the sun began to set on the horizon.
With his resolve burning brighter, Ethan stood up.
"This is just the first step. I will keep moving forward."
His adventure had just begun.