The path of the betrayed sky

# ** Chapter 3: The first step on the path of cultivation **

The sun was born over the mountains, illuminating the snow -covered peaks and the green valleys below. Liang Feng was sitting in an isolated clearing away from the curious glances of the mansion. He had spent the night meditating, feeling the flow of Qi in his body.

From marriage, he had avoided drawing attention, remaining discreet as he exploited his new skills. But now, he knew it was time to take the next step.

"If I'm going to survive in this world, I need to be stronger," he murmured to himself, closing his eyes.

He began to circulate IQ, following a technique that had created in his past life. It was a combination of controlled breathing and gentle movements, designed to maximize the absorption of IQ of the environment. The spiritual energy flowed into it, filling each cell of his body.

Suddenly he felt a presence behind him.

"So you are young Mei Lin's new husband," said a hoarse voice.

Liang Feng opened his eyes and turned slowly. A middle-aged man was standing a few feet away, wearing simple clothes, but with eyes that shone with an intense light. He carried a carved wooden staff with strange symbols.

- "Who are you?" Asked Liang Feng, keeping his calm, but prepared to fight.

The man laughed, a dry, rough sound.

- "I am the old master Hong, an hermit who lives in these mountains. I saw you meditating and was curious. Your technique ... It's unusual."

Liang Feng was alert. He couldn't trust anyone, but something in the presence of man seemed ... different.

- "What do you want?" He asked, keeping his voice firm.

Old Master Hong tilted his head, studying Liang Feng with a penetrating look.

"You have potential, but you're wasting your time with rudimentary techniques. If you want to survive in this world, you need a mentor."

Liang Feng hesitated. He didn't want to depend on anyone, but he knew he couldn't underestimate the knowledge of an experienced cultivator.

- "And why would you help me?" He asked suspiciously.

Old Master Hong smiled, revealing yellowish teeth.

- "Because I see in you something I haven't seen for a long time: determination. Besides, the world is changing, and we need strong cultivators to face what is coming."

Liang Feng looked at the horizon, where the clouds were beginning to accumulate. He knew the man was right. He couldn't do that alone.

"Okay," he said finally. - "But I don't trust you. If I try to betray me, I'll kill him."

Old Master Hong laughed again, but this time there was a glow of approval in his eyes.

-"Fair. Now, let's start. The first step is to strengthen your IQ core. Sit and close your eyes."

Liang Feng obeyed, feeling strangely comfortable with the presence of man. He closed his eyes and began following the instructions of old master Hong, circulating the IQ in a way that had never done before.

Spiritual energy flowed faster now, like a river that had found its course. He felt his core that IQ expand, becoming denser and more powerful.

"Well," said the old master Hong, watching with interest. -"You learn fast. But remember, the path of cultivation is long and dangerous. You will face challenges that will test your body not only, but also your mind and soul."

Liang Feng opened his eyes, feeling a new determination burn inside him.

"I know," he said. - "And I'm ready."

Old Master Hong smiled, but this time there was a shadow of worry on his face.

- "Well. Because what's coming ... will change everything."