Immortal's Paradox

Chapter 6: Chapter 6: A Price for Power



Lei Chen's newfound energy was intoxicating. As he and Mao emerged from the ruins, he could feel the raw qi coursing through his veins, filling him with a sense of vitality and strength he had never known. Even the forest around him seemed sharper—each rustle of leaves, every distant animal cry was suddenly more distinct.

"Is this what cultivation feels like?" Lei muttered, staring at his hands.

"It's only the beginning," Mao said, perched comfortably on his shoulder. "Right now, you're a drop of water in a vast ocean. But with enough effort—and my guidance—you might become a storm."

"Your guidance?" Lei shot Mao a skeptical look. "So far, all you've done is insult me and watch while I almost die."

Mao flicked its tail, unfazed. "And yet, you're still alive. Coincidence? I think not."

Lei sighed, too tired to argue. As the ruins faded into the distance, the weight of his situation returned. The Qi Condensation Core was a treasure, but treasures had a way of attracting trouble.

"What's next?" Lei asked. "I can't exactly go back to the family estate. They'd just throw me back in chains."

"Smart thinking," Mao said. "The Qi Condensation Core has given you a head start, but you're still a nobody. You need strength, and that means cultivating—fast. Fortunately, I know just the place."

"Let me guess," Lei said dryly. "It's dangerous, filled with monsters, and you'll make me do all the work."

Mao's golden eyes gleamed. "You're catching on."

Lei groaned but followed Mao deeper into the forest. The cat led him to a small clearing near a bubbling stream, the air thick with natural qi.

"This is a good spot," Mao said, leaping onto a rock. "The qi here is dense enough for you to cultivate without interference, but not so strong that it'll crush you."

Lei raised an eyebrow. "And no monsters?"

Mao yawned. "Probably none that would bother with someone as insignificant as you."

"Comforting," Lei muttered, sitting cross-legged by the stream.

"Now, listen carefully," Mao said, its tone uncharacteristically serious. "The Qi Condensation Core has opened your meridians, but that's just the first step. You need to refine the qi in your body, circulate it through your channels, and stabilize your foundation. If you rush, you'll cripple yourself—or worse."

Lei nodded, taking a deep breath. He closed his eyes and focused inward, following the Nanospirit's guidance.

Beginning qi refinement process. Host energy stabilized. Circulation initiated.

As the qi moved through his body, Lei felt a warmth spread from his core, radiating outward to every limb. It was both exhilarating and terrifying, like walking a tightrope over an endless abyss.

Hours passed, the world around him fading as he immersed himself in cultivation. By the time he opened his eyes, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the forest in shadows.

"How do you feel?" Mao asked, watching him closely.

"Stronger," Lei said, flexing his fingers. "But also... hungrier?"

"That's normal," Mao said. "Your body is adapting to the changes. You'll need food—and not the scraps you're used to. Proper ingredients, rich in qi, will help you progress faster."

"Great," Lei said, standing and stretching. "And where am I supposed to find this magical food?"

Mao's ears twitched. "Oh, it's nearby. But first, you'll need to deal with some uninvited guests."

Lei froze. "What guests?"

The answer came in the form of rustling leaves and low growls. From the shadows, a pack of wolves emerged, their eyes glowing eerily in the darkness. Unlike ordinary wolves, their fur shimmered with a faint silver light, and the qi radiating from them made Lei's skin prickle.

"Spirit Wolves," Mao said casually. "They must've caught wind of the Qi Condensation Core. You've got this."

"Are you kidding me?!" Lei hissed, backing away as the wolves circled.

Threat level: Moderate. Recommend targeting alpha for disbanding of pack.

Lei scanned the pack, spotting a larger wolf at the center. Its fur was thicker, its eyes sharper, and the qi emanating from it was nearly suffocating.

"Easy for you to say," Lei muttered, summoning his energy blade.

The wolves didn't wait for an invitation. With a unified snarl, they attacked, their movements coordinated and unnervingly precise.

Lei ducked under the first wolf's leap, slashing at its flank as it sailed past. The energy blade left a glowing wound, but the wolf recovered quickly, joining the others in their assault.

"Keep moving!" Mao shouted. "If they surround you, you're dead!"

Lei didn't need to be told twice. He darted through the clearing, dodging bites and swipes while striking whenever he saw an opening. The Nanospirit's guidance kept him one step ahead, but his stamina was quickly draining.

Energy reserves at 48%. Suggest prioritizing alpha target.

Lei gritted his teeth. "Working on it!"

The alpha wolf lunged, its jaws snapping inches from Lei's arm. He retaliated with a slash to its shoulder, the blade biting deep. The wolf howled, momentarily stunned.

"Now!" Mao yelled.

Lei didn't hesitate. Channeling the last of his strength, he drove the blade into the alpha's chest. The wolf let out a final, mournful cry before collapsing in a heap.

The remaining wolves hesitated, their coordination faltering without their leader. One by one, they retreated into the forest, leaving Lei panting and bloodied in the clearing.

"Well done," Mao said, hopping down from its perch. "Though I'd give it a six out of ten for style."

Lei glared at the cat. "A little help would've been nice."

Mao shrugged. "You survived, didn't you? And now you have dinner."

Lei stared at the fallen alpha wolf. "Dinner?"

"Spirit Wolf meat is rich in qi," Mao explained. "It's not gourmet, but it'll do wonders for your cultivation. You're welcome."

Lei sighed, exhaustion washing over him. "Fine. But you're cleaning it."

Mao's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Deal."

As the night deepened, Lei prepared his first meal as a cultivator, the aroma of roasted Spirit Wolf filling the air. It wasn't the life he'd imagined for himself, but for the first time in this strange world, he felt like he was carving out a place for himself—one battle, and one sarcastic cat, at a time.


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