The Spirit Hall Junior Academy sat like a crown in the heart of the city, its tall silver gates opening only for those recognized by the church. Rows of stone buildings curved around wide training fields, glistening under morning light.
Ruì Zé stood quietly at the edge of the courtyard, a new student in the brown-robed uniform of a first-year disciple.
He wasn't impressed by the grandeur.
He'd seen far greater things—in another life.
But he respected what this place represented: structure, control, knowledge. Exactly what he needed.
"New students, follow me," called a young instructor. "You'll be beginning your first guided cultivation session. Focus. Do not waste this opportunity."
Ruì Zé walked in silence with the others into a round chamber lined with spirit stones. At its center, smooth mats formed a ring beneath a glowing crystal array.
The instructor pointed. "Sit. Cross-legged. Empty your thoughts. You will begin with meditation cultivation, drawing spirit power into your dantian."
Some students looked confused.
Ruì Zé sat down with a smooth motion, already familiar with the concept.
So it begins.
---
Within Moments...
He breathed in, slowly.
At first, there was nothing. Just silence.
Then—movement.
It started faint, like threads of wind beneath his skin. Spirit power lingered in the air like invisible mist. With focus, he began to draw it inward. Not aggressively, but precisely—channeling it toward the core of his lower abdomen.
The Book of Wisdom responded gently within his consciousness, its presence calm and watchful.
The ambient spirit energy reacted to him differently than it did to the others.
For many, it was difficult to grasp. Slippery. Wild.
But Ruì Zé? He guided it like ink across parchment—patiently, steadily.
In his mind, the Book turned one of its pages, recording every motion, every fluctuation in the air.
He began to refine the gathered energy, letting it condense into his meridians. The process was slow, but sharp. Intentional. Controlled.
Around him, a few of the other students groaned or shook from strain.
Ruì Zé didn't move.
The instructor's gaze lingered on him longer than the others. "Hmm."
He's talented, the man thought. Still strange… but talented.
---
An hour later
The session ended. Most students stood shakily, grumbling about headaches or dizziness.
Ruì Zé rose calmly, eyes bright.
He hadn't just felt the spirit energy.
He had understood it.
And more importantly—he had already begun mapping how it interacted with his unique spirit structure.
The Book of Wisdom had absorbed the rhythm of the Spirit Hall method. With enough time, he could optimize his own version. A more efficient cultivation path.
But even now, as he moved his fingers experimentally, he felt something else.
A tension—not from the Book.
From within his body.
The second spirit. Still dormant. But… faintly reacting.
Was it influenced by the meditation?
He needed more data.
---
As the students filed out, Ruì Zé remained behind for a moment. The instructor gave him a brief glance.
"Ruì Zé, was it?"
"Yes."
"You adapted well. Spirit Hall doesn't often see spiritual-type spirits among orphans. Work hard—you might have some use yet."
He bowed slightly. "Thank you, Instructor."
The words didn't sting. He wasn't offended.
They simply reminded him of where he stood in the eyes of the Hall.
Uncertain. Ordinary. Overlooked.
Just how he wanted it—for now.
He stepped out into the light, feeling the soft pulse of spirit power still coiled in his chest.
This is only the beginning.