Rayen Wu sat cross-legged in Lab 7B, posture immaculate by sect standards. In his mind, however, a thousand variables danced. Inside his dantian, a flickering ember spun with a rhythm both unstable and brilliant—his newly formed Ember Core, born not through centuries of cultivation, but a bowl of quantum-enhanced soup.
:: Core diagnostics complete. Formation method: alchemical catalysis. Status: Unstable. Recommendation: Immediate stabilization. ::
"Immediate, huh? Like it's a software update."
:: Incorrect. You are experiencing volatile energy fluctuation within critical internal systems. Immediate action prevents internal combustion. ::
"See? That sounds like a software update."
He inhaled sharply, focusing. Through the open ventilation panels of Lab 7B, spirit-rich air wafted in from the herb gardens below. Threads of ambient Qi drifted into the room like golden pollen.
He drew them inward.
Rayen visualized the ember at his center—a nucleus of swirling, alchemical fire—and guided the energy toward it. Q.E.D.'s voice layered instructions over his focus.
:: Begin stabilization sequence. Breathing pattern Theta-3. Rotate core clockwise at 12 RPM. Pulse Qi in harmonic intervals—4.2 seconds. Maintain until thermal equilibrium achieved. ::
He followed the rhythm: inhale, pulse, rotate. It was like tuning a nuclear reactor via deep-breathing meditation. His Ember Core pulsed in time, like a miniature sun syncing with cosmic breath.
Each pulse stabilized the core, reinforcing the fragile lattice of condensed spiritual energy around it. Meridians once scorched now soothed. Microfractures along his spine mended as alchemical warmth flowed outward.
Rayen winced occasionally, but he held the rhythm. Data-guided cultivation—precise, scalable, rational.
After nearly two hours, the glow from his skin dimmed, but the heat within had settled.
:: Core status: 61% stability. Upgrade complete. Congruent with Foundation Establishment, Layer 1. Side effects: manageable. ::
Rayen exhaled and stretched. "Nice. I can now glow on purpose."
He stood to gather notes when the door slammed open. Elder Fan entered, robes half-burned, hair frizzed from volatile concoctions. She squinted at him.
"You're glowing," she said flatly.
"I calibrated my Ember Core."
Fan stared. "You advanced through soup and then stabilized through what looked like interpretive dance plus math."
Rayen shrugged. "You say 'dance,' I say applied waveform resonance."
She rubbed her temples. "You're a menace. A talented menace. The Inner Sect Trials are in a month. If you're still standing by then, I'll sponsor your entry."
Rayen perked up. "Will there be an alchemy division?"
Fan narrowed her eyes. "No. But there is a combat portion."
Rayen paled slightly. "Of course there is."
She pointed a singed finger at him. "Try not to vaporize anyone. Or yourself."
As she turned to leave, Rayen glanced back at his furnace. The cauldron still shimmered faintly from residual alchemical feedback.
:: Energy reserves sufficient. Recommend short rest and recalibration of meridian paths. ::
Rayen nodded. "First nap. Then we reinvent combat like we did alchemy."
He sat on the edge of the lab bench, eyes heavy but mind racing. Somewhere in his chest, the ember spun like a tiny star, stabilized but hungry.
Progress was progress. Foundation Establishment wasn't just a milestone; it was the first checkpoint in a much bigger equation.
**[Rayen Wu – Cultivator Status Sheet]**
• Cultivation Stage: Foundation Establishment – Layer 1 (Ember Core: Semi-Stable)
• Core Stability: 61%
• Martial Techniques:
• Ember Pulse Palm (refined)
• Thermal Weave Breathing (custom method)
• Alchemy Affinity: High
• Pill Formulas Mastered:
• High-tier Body Refinement Pill
• Ember Spark Draught
• Soup of Enlightenment (banned in sect dining hall)
• Notable Items: Quantum Entangled Drive (Q.E.D.), Lab 7B Access