Qi Awakening In The Modern World

Chapter Five: A Strange Encounter

Balancing school and cultivating wasn't easy, but Daniel had found a rhythm. His days started early, spending an hour refining his skin before heading to class. During lunch, while others chatted or played games, he would find a quiet corner to meditate, focusing on the energy in his veins. Evenings were spent on homework, followed by more cultivation until he was too tired to continue.

He'd made noticeable progress. The faint tingling sensation in his skin had given way to a subtle but constant resilience. Every time he pressed a blade or sharp object against his arm, the result was the same—no cuts, no scratches. His skin had become a fortress.

But school was still school. By Wednesday, the week had settled into its usual routine. Daniel sat in the back row of his history class, half-listening to the teacher drone on about the American Revolution. Normal boring school.

_____

It happened during lunch. Daniel was heading toward the cafeteria when he saw a group of students gathered near the lockers. Curious, he pushed through the crowd and spotted Mark Sūn, a classmate of his, in the middle of a fight.

Mark was lean and wiry, not the kind of guy you'd expect to be in a brawl. His opponent, on the other hand, was a towering senior named Jack, who was known for his quick temper and heavy punches.

Jack's fists flew, and Mark barely managed to block the blows with his arms. He stumbled back, his expression strained but determined. The punches landed hard, and while Mark flinched with each hit, he didn't go down.

"C'mon, man," Jack growled, shoving Mark against a locker. "What's your deal? Just give me the money!"

Mark didn't respond. His face was pale, his breaths uneven, but his eyes stayed locked on Jack.

Jack's next punch hit Mark square in the chest, sending him staggering. Mark winced, clutching his ribs, but somehow he stayed upright. The blows were clearly taking a toll on him—red marks were visible on his arms and face, but they weren't as bad as they should have been.

Daniel frowned. He's tough, but something's off...

"Forget it," Mark said, his voice tight with pain. "I'm not giving you anything."

Jack sneered, clearly frustrated, and muttered something under his breath before storming off, leaving Mark to slump against the lockers.

_____

As the crowd began to disperse, Daniel stepped forward. "Mark, are you okay?"

Mark glanced up, his face pale but calm. "Yeah, I'm fine," he muttered, brushing himself off.

"Fine? You were getting pummeled out there. How are you not... worse?"

Mark hesitated, his expression guarded. Daniel noticed the faint bruises forming on Mark's arms and neck, but they weren't as severe as they should have been. It was like his body was resisting the damage, but not completely.

"It's nothing," Mark said finally, avoiding Daniel's gaze. He bent down to pick up his scattered books. "Don't worry about it."

"Mark, wait." Daniel lowered his voice. "That wasn't normal. You're not normal."

For a split second, something flickered in Mark's eyes—an emotion Daniel couldn't quite place. Fear? Frustration? But Mark quickly shook his head and tightened his grip on his books. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Before Daniel could press further, Mark turned and hurried off, disappearing into the hallway.

_____

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Daniel couldn't stop thinking about what he'd seen. Mark had taken several hard hits, yet he wasn't as injured as he should have been. The red marks on his skin didn't even seem to darken into full bruises.

Could Mark be cultivating too? The thought lingered as Daniel walked home. If Mark really was on the same path, it would explain a lot. But if that were the case, why wouldn't he admit it?

_____

That evening, as Daniel sat cross-legged in his room, focusing on the energy in his body, he couldn't shake the image of Mark standing there, bruised but not broken. If Mark was cultivating, it was clear he was only in the early stages.

Daniel exhaled slowly, letting his mind clear. He needed to focus on his own progress for now. The truth about Mark would come out eventually.