Chapter 2: Chapter 2: The Awakening of Power
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Xiao Yan sat in a cross-legged position in the middle of his room, his small hands resting on his knees. His breathing was slow and steady as he focused inward, trying to sense the immense energy now flowing through him.
His dantian, which had always been a weak, empty reservoir, was now a vast pool of power. The Tenfold Cultivation System, the strange force that had awakened within him, was now fully activated, and the change was undeniable. The energy within him surged and pulsed, flowing in a rhythm that felt both alien and familiar.
"Focus, Xiao Yan," the calm, omnipresent voice of the system resonated in his mind. "Concentrate on your core. The energy must be channeled properly."
Xiao Yan nodded, closing his eyes tighter. He could feel it now—the energy was like a river inside of him, a torrent of Dou Qi that threatened to overflow. But with the system guiding him, he could control it, harness it. His tiny body trembled with the effort, but a deep sense of calmness settled in his heart.
He could do this.
"Dou Qi flowing smoothly. Cultivation accelerated by ten times. First breakthrough approaching."
Xiao Yan gasped inwardly as the energy surged, his veins burning with the intensity of it. His cultivation, which would have taken years to reach this point in his previous life, was happening in a matter of moments. The Tenfold Cultivation System was speeding everything up. His progress, once slow and steady, was now rapid and overwhelming. The sensation of growth, of becoming stronger with every breath, was addictive.
He could feel his Dou Qi gathering at a fast pace, building pressure in his dantian. The system had promised him that his cultivation speed would increase tenfold, but to experience it firsthand was something entirely different. His body was still small, fragile, but already it was adapting to the sudden influx of power. Xiao Yan's senses sharpened. The room around him, the sounds from outside, the faintest movements in the air—everything was now clear to him.
"Cultivation breakthrough successful. First Dou Qi realm achieved."
A warmth spread through Xiao Yan's body, and he could feel a gentle surge of power course through his limbs. He was no longer a child with no cultivation—he had reached the first level of the Dou Qi realm. This was only the beginning.
A sense of satisfaction filled his chest as the energy settled. Xiao Yan exhaled slowly, his heart racing from the rapid increase in strength. It was exhilarating, yet he knew this was just the first step. There was so much more to accomplish.
He opened his eyes, taking in the familiar sights of his room. The Xiao Clan's residence was calm, peaceful, but Xiao Yan knew that peace wouldn't last long. The world of cultivation was filled with dangers, challenges, and enemies. If he wanted to protect his loved ones and rise to the top, he couldn't afford to waste time.
Suddenly, he was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Xiao Yan, are you awake?" A familiar voice called through the door.
It was his father, Xiao Zhan.
Xiao Yan's lips curved into a small smile. His father was a kind man, strong in his own right, but he had no idea about the change that had come over his son. How could he? No one could possibly understand the power Xiao Yan now held.
He opened the door, revealing Xiao Zhan's towering figure. His father was a strong cultivator, well-respected in the Xiao Clan, but he was also a busy man. Despite that, he always made time for his son.
"Father," Xiao Yan greeted, his voice sounding strange in his own ears. The voice of a child, yet with a deep understanding and maturity.
Xiao Zhan's gaze softened as he looked at his son. "How are you feeling, Xiao Yan? You've been meditating for hours. You should take a break."
Xiao Yan nodded but didn't speak right away. He was still adjusting to the strange blend of being a child, yet possessing the mind of a much older cultivator. His past self had always been alone—he had made enemies, lost friends, and fought for survival. Now, he was given a second chance, and he wasn't about to waste it.
"I'm fine, father," Xiao Yan finally replied, his words measured. "I feel... strong."
Xiao Zhan raised an eyebrow at that. "Strong? You've barely begun your cultivation. Your body is still too young to handle the full weight of cultivation. Don't rush things."
Xiao Yan couldn't help but smile slightly at the words. His father was kind, but Xiao Zhan had no idea that his son's body was no longer that of a mere child. It was already adapting, growing stronger by the day. His cultivation would surpass what anyone thought was possible for someone his age.
"I understand, Father. I'll be careful," Xiao Yan replied, even though he knew his cultivation journey would be much faster than his father could comprehend.
Xiao Zhan nodded, his gaze softening. "Good. The Xiao Clan has many challenges ahead. Don't forget your place. Stay humble."
Xiao Yan's mind flashed to the memories of his previous life—the betrayal, the struggles, and the eventual rise to power. His father's words rang true, and he nodded solemnly.
"I won't forget, Father."
As Xiao Zhan left, Xiao Yan turned back to his room, closing the door softly. He sat back down in his meditation position. He had a long road ahead, and the first breakthrough was just the beginning. But now, with the Tenfold Cultivation System and his past memories, the future seemed endless.
The energy inside his dantian was still growing, and he could feel that with each passing moment, his strength would increase tenfold. The pain, the struggle—he would go through it all. He would rise, faster than anyone expected. This time, he would make sure that nothing could stand in his way.
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End of Chapter 2
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