Yan began the first cycle with a narrow strand of storm energy. It touched his skin like a line of heat and entered his meridians. The method’s backlash would tear an ordinary practitioner’s channels open. In Yan, the personal harm reversed into a stronger structure before injury.
He followed the sequence without unusual difficulty. The current moved from body to foundation, then returned through the channel described in the manual. Qinghe called each phase from the sensor readings, and he adjusted his flow to match the marks.
“Body stage complete. Foundation receiving.”
Yan breathed out and let the energy pass. “I have it.”
The first cycle closed. The storm did not disrupt the perimeter. Yan’s channels held more energy than before, and he felt the difference in his control. The current no longer pressed against his direction; it turned more easily when he guided it.
He opened his eyes. “Check the markers.”
Qiao read the ground sensors from behind the safety post. The current had reached the platform and returned through the intended path. It had not discharged into the formation line. Wei checked the ridge before allowing the crew to continue.
Gu leaned over the reflective bowls. The soul trace remained stable. Qinghe compared the signal with the baseline and recorded the change. The method strengthened his ability to conduct celestial power, not just endure it.
