Chapter 13 : The First Breath of Power
Tian Heng stood in the center of the glittering cavern, his mind quickly processing the options provided by the core and Lilith's brief comment about the "heart crystals." Direct etheric guidance across this long distance seemed hopelessly inefficient for the time being. Physically transporting the crystals required tools and strength he didn't yet possess, and it carried the risk of damaging the source.
The third option remained, and it was the most logical given the current circumstances: personal training here, in this energy-charged space. Increasing his personal power and affinity for the ether was the key step that would eventually open other doors. His growing proficiency would allow him to channel the ether more effectively, or perhaps grant him the power to extract and transport the crystals in the future. It was an investment of time for a massive acceleration in growth in the long run.
He made his decision. He turned to Lilith, who was still watching him with that searing crimson gaze. He didn't explain his plan or reasoning but issued a succinct order, his tone cold and neutral:
"I will train here for a while. Stand guard."
Lilith's expression didn't change much, but a flash of hidden satisfaction or perhaps a distorted understanding of the meaning of "guard" appeared in her eyes for a moment. She gave a slight nod and spoke in her deep voice, carrying a faint echo:
"As you command, my lord. No creature or shadow will dare disturb your meditation."
Then, quietly, she moved toward the cavern's entrance, where they had come from, and stood there like a dark statue, her eyes scanning the shadows outside with her demonic senses, unseen by Tian Heng, but her primary focus remained on him.
With an unexpected but seemingly effective guard in place, Tian Heng moved toward one of the largest pulsating crystals in the center of the cavern, the one Lilith had pointed to. The energy emanating from it was particularly powerful. He found a flat spot on the cold, rocky ground a few meters away and sat in a lotus position, preparing to begin the "Etheric Breathing Technique of Nine Cycles."
The moment he began regulating his breath and focusing his mind to sense the surrounding ether, the difference was immense. It was no longer like searching for a whisper in a storm; it was more like standing beneath a waterfall of pure energy. He could feel the ether pressing against his skin, seeping through the air he breathed, vibrating in the stones around him. It was alive, pulsing, and incredibly rich.
When he started applying the technique to draw the ether into his body, he no longer had to "search" for it. The energy flowed to him easily, as if he had opened a small dam into an ocean. The energy flooded through his narrow internal pathways, unaccustomed to such a flow, and he felt a sharp, almost painful tingling as he struggled to maintain control and guide the powerful current through the nine cycles of the technique. It required much more mental focus than it had in the main hall, not because the ether was scarce, but because of its overwhelming abundance.
But with the pain came results. For the first time, he felt a real, tangible change occurring inside his body with every cycle he completed. He felt a noticeable warmth spreading from his dantian (lower energy center), a warmth that didn't dissipate as quickly as before, but instead remained glowing faintly. His senses felt slightly sharper, and the chronic fatigue that had always plagued him had lessened just a little. Most importantly, he felt his connection to the ether itself growing, becoming deeper and more intimate, as if a thin veil was slowly lifting, revealing a new world of sensation.
After what he estimated to be an hour of intense training, Tian Heng stopped, breathing deeply and assessing the results.
[Core, monitor my internal ether levels and the changes in affinity. Report any anomalies.]
The reply came quickly:
[Internal ether levels showed a 1.8% increase. A measurable increase in base affinity by 0.03%. No harmful anomalies detected. Warning: Internal energy pathways show slight strain due to the high flow. Regular rest periods recommended.]
A 0.03% increase in affinity in just one hour! That was more than he had perhaps achieved in the past two weeks combined. It was still slow by the standards of legendary geniuses, but for him, it was a tremendous leap. At this rate, he might reach the level of an "Ether Gatherer" in a few weeks or months, not years.
Tian Heng opened his eyes. He looked at the pulsating crystals around him, the source of this new power. Then, he cast a brief glance toward the entrance of the cavern, where Lilith stood motionless, a loyal and unsettling guardian at the same time.
He had found the source. He had found the method. He had found protection (temporary and perilous). The true foundation for building his power, and thus the future of the Origin Vault, had finally been laid here, in this glittering cavern deep within the forgotten earth. The path was still long, but for the first time, the way ahead seemed clear and possible. He closed his eyes again, ready for another training session, making use of every second in the presence of the Ether Heart.