Chapter 104 Chi?

Words : 1031 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Noah stepped into the dojo, his boots barely making a sound against the polished wooden floor. The space was nearly empty, save for Master Anng's assistant tidying up some training equipment. Noah dipped his head in greeting but didn't stop, his focus set on the meditation room at the far end. He noticed the assistant had his hands raised but dropped them and let him go. He wondered what that was about but didn't dig too deep about it. He found Master Anng seated in perfect stillness, his posture relaxed yet unwavering, as if he had become part of the room itself. The older man's breath was so steady it was almost imperceptible. Noah cleared his throat. "Master Anng," he said, keeping his voice measured. "I think I've made some significant progress since our last general class." The master's eyes fluttered open, studying Noah with that ever-present, unreadable gaze. But there was something else there—a slight amusement, maybe even expectation. Noah immediately caught on and smirked. "I know what you're thinking. That I'm trying to leverage extra lesson time when there are other students who don't get the same opportunity." He crossed his arms. "But I checked the military academy handbook. Nowhere does it say it's prohibited." Master Anng exhaled through his nose, a ghost of a smile forming at the corners of his lips. "I never complained that a student of mine took time to seek extra training or knowledge." Noah grinned. "Good. Then let me show you what I've learned." Master Anng gestured for him to proceed. Noah dropped into a seated stance mirroring the master's, his back straight, hands resting on his lap. For minutes, he remained still, his breathing controlled, his focus unwavering. Master Anng watched, a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes. He was waiting for something. Then Noah exhaled slowly, his fingers clasping together before parting in a deliberate motion. His breath remained steady as an almost invisible force began to take shape between his hands. Faint ripples, like heat distortion, shimmered in the air. Subtle—but undeniable. Noah opened his eyes to find Master Anng staring, his expression frozen in disbelief. "Well?" Noah asked, barely hiding his satisfaction. Instead of answering immediately, Master Anng simply studied him, as if reassessing everything he thought he knew.@@@@ Noah took that as permission to continue. "At first, moving this energy was frustrating. I could barely get it past my chest before it resisted—aching muscles, backlash, the whole thing. But then I stopped forcing it. Instead, I guided it, like channeling water through blockades." He flexed his fingers slightly, the energy flickering in response before dissipating entirely. Master Anng let out a slow breath, shaking his head in pure amazement. "This... is remarkable. In all my years serving in the military—both on the field and as an instructor—I've never seen a display of chi like this from someone your age." A beat of silence passed before his gaze sharpened. "Have you told anyone else about this?" Noah shook his head. "No. I only figured it out last night, alone in my room." A lie, of course. He had unlocked it in his void domain, but that was a detail his master didn't need to know. Master Anng studied him for a long moment before nodding. "And what does it feel like?" Noah tilted his head, considering. "It's hard to explain. When I let it flow naturally, it feels like warm water massaging my skin. But the second I try to push it—even a little—it pushes back. Hard." Master Anng made a thoughtful sound. "Hmmm. I hadn't planned on teaching you how to move this energy this year. Simply circulating it naturally already strengthens the body—sharper senses, improved health, resilience. But now..." His fingers tapped against his knee. "I may have to reconsider." Noah straightened, listening intently. "You must learn to master it," Master Anng continued. "Chi is not a beast to be tamed, but neither should you let it rule you. If you allow it to dictate the flow completely, you will always be at its mercy. Control is necessary." His gaze sharpened. "Not through force, but through understanding." Noah nodded. 'Makes sense. If I just let it do what it wants, then I'll never actually be in command of my own power.' "I want you to practice guiding your Chi with more intent," Master Anng instructed. "See how far you can move it, how much you can store, and most importantly, how it reacts when you attempt to use it in different ways." Noah hummed in thought. "So you're saying I should push myself?" "To an extent." Master Anng's expression turned stern. "Do not let arrogance tempt you into overextending. Your body is still adjusting. Push too hard, and the backlash will be devastating." 'Right. Like the muscle cramps from before—only worse.' Noah committed the warning to memory. He had no interest in learning firsthand just how bad the consequences could get. Master Anng gave a firm nod, then leaned back slightly. "One more thing." Noah tilted his head. "The next time you enter this dojo," Master Anng said, his voice carrying that undeniable weight of expectation, "do so in proper kimono." Noah blinked. It took a second for the words to fully register. 'Ah.' He was still in his standard uniform. Noah barely stopped himself from grimacing. He should've known better. Every student had an assigned kimono for training, stored in the changing room. He just... hadn't thought about it. Master Anng's gaze remained expectant. Noah let out a slow breath before nodding. "Understood, Master Anng." He bowed respectfully before turning on his heel and making his way out. As he stepped through the dojo doors, he caught sight of the assistant still standing near the entrance. The man's disapproving look said everything. 'Yeah, yeah, I get it. Should've changed.' Noah quickened his pace, opting to avoid a lecture. He had something more important to do. He needed to find Sophie Reign. He owed her an apology for running off yesterday.

Chapter 104 Chi?

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