The forest was quiet but not peaceful.
Ethan sat cross-legged near a flickering campfire, sweat glistening on his brow. In his hands, he crushed fresh-picked herbs Soulmint, Frostleaf Orchid, and Seven-Spike Root into a thick medicinal paste. Their scent rose into the air, earthy and sharp.
Elena leaned against a tree, arms crossed, watching him.
"You're moving too quickly. Your body's not ready for another surge," she warned.
I don't care.
His voice was low, determined.
If I don't break through now, I'll be nothing more than a target.
She stepped forward and dropped a scroll beside him. Then at least understand what you're aiming for.
He hesitated before unrolling it. The parchment was old, edges singed by time. It bore a winding path drawn in gold ink, spiraling upward like a staircase to the heavens. Each turn on the path was marked with strange symbols nothing he recognized.
What is this?
he asked.
The journey every cultivator must take,
she said softly.
Most people only dream of reaching the first few steps. You might be one of the rare ones who can ascend further.
He traced his finger along the spiral.
How many levels are there?
"Thirteen stages of cultivation"
She answered.
Each one harder than the last.
And at the end is something beyond mortality. Beyond what most minds can grasp.
Ethan frowned.
And where am I now?
She studied him carefully.
You've just left the base of the spiral.
Your foundation is stronger than most your body's been refined naturally through pain, pressure, and will.
But you've barely begun.
He clenched his jaw.
What lies at the top?
She didn't answer,
Instead, she knelt beside him and dipped her finger in the herbal paste. When the time comes, you'll feel the pull like gravity, but in reverse. Every step will demand more. More of your energy. More of your soul. More of your choices.
Is it worth it?
he asked.
Elena looked up at the stars
It has to be.
He needs to grow strong
Ethan applied the paste to his meridians, feeling a cold sting race through his body. He bit down hard, holding back a groan.
Elena placed two silver needles at key pressure points on his back. These will stabilize your Qi as you channel it.
He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
For the next hour, nothing existed except the rhythm of his breath, the burn of spiritual herbs in his veins, and the pulse of something deep within him something ancient, waiting to awaken.
And then he felt it.
A flicker of something vast. Like standing at the edge of a mountain and knowing the sky itself could be conquered.
A drop of blood ran from his nose.
He smiled
I'm ready.
But as he opened his eyes, a shadow moved in the trees. A ripple of Qi hostile, sharp pierced the air.
Elena stood, blades already drawn.
Looks like someone doesn't want you to take that first step.