Path of the Eternal

Chapter 2: First Step on the Path

The night was cold, but Jin Wei's heart burned like a flame.

Sitting cross-legged in his small, worn-out room on the outskirts of the Azure Cloud Sect's outer disciples' quarters, he stared intently at the glowing screen hovering before him.

> [System Quest: Break through to Body Tempering 2nd Layer within 10 days. Reward: Hidden Feature Unlock.]

The timer beside it counted down in glowing red —

> [Time Remaining: 9 days, 23 hours, 16 minutes]

Jin Wei took a deep breath.

This was real. The system was not a dream or illusion. For the first time in his life, his body felt alive, like rivers of unseen energy flowed beneath his skin.

---

Understanding Cultivation – The First Lesson

"System," Jin Wei whispered. "Explain the Body Tempering Realm to me."

> [Body Tempering Realm is the first step in cultivation, designed to strengthen the host's muscles, bones, and meridians to prepare for Qi flow. It consists of 9 layers. Each layer exponentially increases physical strength, speed, durability, and stamina.]

> [Warning: Host's body has minor internal injuries. Recommend using Body Tempering Manual to guide Qi flow and repair.]

Jin Wei clenched his fists. So that was why he always felt weak and exhausted… even when other outer disciples easily advanced to the Qi Gathering Realm, his damaged body kept him trapped.

But now, with the system's help, he had a way forward.

> [Would Host like to access "Body Tempering Manual – Heaven-grade"?]

Heaven-grade!

His eyes widened. Such manuals were legendary, usually kept secret by major sects and clans, reserved for top talents and core disciples.

"Access it," Jin Wei said firmly.

In front of him, a glowing scroll appeared, filled with golden characters that floated in the air.

---

Heaven-Grade Body Tempering Manual – First Chapter

> "The body is the vessel of the spirit. Tempering it is to forge a weapon capable of containing the infinite. Begin with breathing. Inhale the Qi of Heaven and Earth, let it flow through your meridians, and channel it to your bones, muscles, and skin. Flow must be balanced and continuous..."

As Jin Wei read, understanding flowed into his mind, as if an ancient master was whispering secrets into his ears.

> [System Notice: First-time comprehension bonus applied. Host will comprehend 20% faster.]

Sitting still, Jin Wei closed his eyes and followed the technique.

---

First Attempt to Cultivate

He inhaled deeply, trying to sense the Qi in the air.

Nothing.

He frowned, but then a soft ding echoed in his mind.

> [System Guidance Mode Activated. Guiding Host to sense natural Qi.]

A thin silver thread of energy appeared in his vision, leading from the air into his chest.

Jin Wei's eyes widened in awe. "So this is Qi…"

Following the system's guide, he inhaled again — this time, a cool, refreshing stream of energy entered his body, and he could feel it moving through him like water in a dry riverbed.

But the moment it reached his muscles — pain erupted.

"Agh!" He clutched his arm, his veins bulging.

> [Host's meridians are partially blocked and fragile. Beginning automatic Qi flow adjustment.]

The stream of Qi slowed, becoming gentle like a soft stream. The pain subsided slightly, and Jin Wei gritted his teeth, continuing to guide it.

Minute by minute, hour by hour, he persisted, sweat soaking his clothes.

---

Breakthrough: First Layer to Second Layer

By dawn, as the first rays of sunlight pierced through his broken window, a sudden warmth flooded his body.

> [Ding! Congratulations! Host has broken through to Body Tempering 2nd Layer!]

> [Reward Unlocked: Hidden Feature – Basic System Shop.]

Jin Wei's eyes snapped open, glowing faintly with blue light before returning to normal.

He stood up, stunned. His body felt lighter, stronger. His hands clenched into fists, and he could hear his own bones crack slightly — not from weakness, but from newly gained strength.

> [Host's current strength: Able to lift 300 kg. Speed increased by 30%. Stamina increased.]

Jin Wei laughed softly, a sound filled with relief and hope.

"I did it…"

---

System Shop Introduction

> [System Shop now available. Low-tier items unlocked.]

Curious, Jin Wei willed the shop to open. A transparent screen appeared before him, displaying several items:

> Low-tier Qi Recovery Pill (5 points)

Basic Sword Technique (10 points)

Basic Body Reinforcement Pill (8 points)

Mystery Box (15 points)

His eyes lit up, but then he realized — he had 0 points.

> [Note: Points can be earned by completing quests, defeating enemies, or discovering hidden treasures.]

"So I need to work for it… fair enough." Jin Wei smiled wryly.

---

A New Day, A New Rival

As Jin Wei stepped outside, his body felt full of life, a stark contrast to his old frail self.

But as soon as he reached the training grounds, whispers followed him.

"Is that Jin Wei? Still trying?"

"He's just wasting space in the sect…"

Jin Wei ignored them, heading toward the training post.

Suddenly, a figure blocked his path.

It was Luo Feng, again, but this time with a mocking smile.

"Well, well… heard you were beating on that post like a mad dog last night. Finally realized you'll never get anywhere?" Luo Feng sneered.

Jin Wei's eyes stayed calm, but inside, something had shifted.

---

First Real Challenge

Luo Feng stepped closer, towering over Jin Wei.

"You know what, how about we make a deal? Get on your knees now, admit you're trash, and I'll give you a low-grade Qi pill — might help you get to 1st layer before you die of shame."

Jin Wei's fists clenched. The old him would have lowered his head.

But now...

> [System Quest: Defend your pride – Refuse to kneel before Luo Feng. Reward: 5 points.]

Jin Wei smirked.

"No need for your pity, Luo Feng. Why don't you save that pill for when you're begging me later?"

Gasps echoed around them. No one had heard Jin Wei speak like that before.

Luo Feng's face darkened.

"You want to die that badly? Fine!"

He stepped forward, palm glowing with Qi.