gh still strained, carried a weight that hadn't been there moments before-

koto, your meridians were shattered. Even if... even if we could find the

different time, a different life. Back then, naysayers had surrounded him, doubting

ing, "but I am not. There are ways to rebuild what

ower. Without a proper foundation, cultivation is impossible. The sect'

will write me off as a failure. But I don't need their help." He clenched his fists,

rried an unshakable certainty, one born not from arrogance, but from deep, unyielding experien

ickered in Makoto's heart. He nodded. "Thank you, Yuna. I'll n

-

at cross-legged on the wooden bed. His body was weak, his dantian empty, and his m

he foundation of cultivation itself. Even now, with nothing but his soul and knowledge, he could sense th

led Sou

essing the full depth of his abilities. Yet, the strength of his soul remained unparal

least what little of it he could muster. His body protested, wea

. Strengthen the body.

hing exercise he had created eons ago. The modern world knew it as the "Basic Qi Gathering Technique,"

rew in minute traces of energy from the air, converting it into warmth that se

ife within his dantian-a flicker of energy no stronger

-

lexion had improved slightly. He opened his eyes, meeting her gaze. She pau

she said, setting the bo

will take time, but I can a

You're stubborn, Makoto. I suppose that's a g

tubbornness is often

ad. "Well, eat. You'll need your st

he was grateful. But he couldn't afford to let her know everything-not yet. The tr

: rebuild his strength and recl

-

nce waking. The cool night air bit at his skin, but he relished it. Above him, the stars stret

fists, his res

t I will rise again. This w