Sage Mode

Amidst the tranquil embrace of a mountain peak shrouded in mist, a solitary figure sat cross-legged, his long, dark hair cascading like a waterfall down his shoulders. His azure eyes mirrored the cloud-draped sky. His tattered robes whipped about in the gale.

The sun, a radiant orb in the vast expanse, bathed him in its golden warmth, casting a serene glow on the contours of his tranquil face.

As wisps of clouds danced around the mountaintop, the young boy seemed like a harmonious part of the natural spectacle, an immovable center of the swirling dance.

This young boy was naturally Zhihui.

"According to the master, the first realm of cultivation is known as Qi condensation. This realm comprises three stages: the early stage encompassing levels 1 to 3, the middle stage encompassing levels 3 to 6, and the peak stage covering levels 6 to 9."

The determining factor for one's stage is the number of opened meridians, and it seems the human body holds the potential for 36 meridians. Typically, Qi condensers at the 9th stage have around 34 to 35 meridians, with exceptionally gifted individuals reaching the maximum of 36.

"Right now, I can vaguely feel 5 meridians; guess that means I'm a 2nd level early stage Qi condensation cultivator. As for how my talent compares to others, I have no idea, but that doesn't matter right now."

"It's time to try 'that,' or Sage Mode, as the system calls it."

As he spoke, with a crackling spark sound and a warming feminine voice, a blue screen hologram with texts that only he could see appeared before him.

[ Sage Mode: { LVL 1 } { Soul skill; }

{ This remarkable skill transports its practitioner to a deep state of concentration, creating a mental sanctum where external distractions melt away, leaving only the pure essence of the task at hand. 

The mind becomes a sharp instrument, precisely honed and focused like a laser beam, extracting the essence of thoughts and enabling one to navigate the complexities of any challenge with a clarity that borders on the sublime.

The mind becomes a still, powerful oasis amid the chaos of the external world. }

{ Cost: mental energy }

{ Current time limit: 30 seconds }

{ Recommended Cooldown: 24 hours } ]

"30 seconds... it's a lot less than back on earth. Is it because of my underdeveloped brain? And as I thought, it wasn't simply because of the mutation."

"Also, system, why did you decide to call it Sage Mode?"

[ After looking through the host's memories, the system found that often the host would enter a clear-minded state after ma--]

"OK."

"Alright, let's begin."

Zhihui ceased his breathing technique. Still seated in a lotus stance, he gazed at the magical sight in front of him, admiring the world's beauty before thinking to himself.

**'Sage Mode'**

{Zhihui's POV}

'Usually, at this point, I would direct my focus on something in the environment, and the background would slowly become dismissive.

Let's try something else.

This time I drew my concentration inwards and closed my eyes.

As I closed my eyes, the chaos of the world outside began to fade away. It was as if a curtain dropped, and I was left alone on a quiet stage. The ambient noises were muted, replaced by the cadence of my own breath.

With each heartbeat, I descended further into concentration. The outside world dissolved, it was just me and my own thoughts.

The strange sensation of energy flowing through me became many times more clear. Though I couldn't see anything, It felt like an ocean, with different rivers branching off of it.

'Not enough'

'Focus'

'Good, if its like this...'

In the state of emptiness, I continued with the breathing technique.

As I inhaled and exhaled, I felt it again—the strange energy sensation moving through pathways in my body. It was as if there were invisible threads connecting every part of my being, waiting to be awakened.

With each breath, the energy intensified, and I visualized the pathways within me, envisioning the network of meridians that lay dormant.

As I concentrated, a gradual warmth spread through my body, signaling the activation of these energy channels. It was as if a dormant river began to flow, breaking through the barriers that had confined it.

And goddamn was it itchy, still, I ignored it and continued.

The process was not without its challenges; moments of resistance arose, but I persisted. The air around me seemed charged with energy as the meridians opened, and I could sense the qi circulating more freely, revitalizing every part of my being.

'7 meridans'

'9 meridians'

'10 meridians'

'12 meridians'

'It seems I'm nearing my limit. Alright, one more.

'13 meridians, good'

'4th Stage Qi Condensation'

"Now, onto the challenging part. While the system advises against going over 30 seconds of use, it's crucial for me to know my actual limit and the consequences of going past it."

Redirecting my attention from the pathways, I put all my focus into trying to keep this tranquil state, sensing myself submerging further and further into my existence.

'30 seconds'

'35 seconds'

'Staying focused has become a lot more challenging, but I haven't reached my limit yet. I can push myself further.'

'40 seconds'

'further'

'46'

'47'

'Strange...

'50 seconds'

'Weird. I can't feel myself losing focus anymore; instead, my concentration is intensifying, and I can feel a presence. There's something here; what is it?'

'54'

'58'

'1 minute'

'What's going on? Could the system be wrong? I've been here for twice the limit now.

'And there's something else here, i just can't find it.'

'73 seconds'

'80'

'85'

'90'

'Hmm, either the system is wrong or maybe because I'm focusing inward instead, it's different?'

'93'

'97'

'But what on earth is this creepy sensation that I feel... like something is watching me?'

'99'-

"How long are we going to sit here in silence?"

"We've been waiting for quite a while now."

In the depths of my focus, I unexpectedly heard a voice—simmilar to mine but filled with madness.

"Wh-who are you?"

"You?" 

"No, you mean, who are we?"

The voice continued, echoing in the space of my thoughts, as if coming from all directions.

'Fuck, I see now; I'm already suffering the consequences.'

"You must be the sick bastard who mutilated that baldy's body."

"No,"

"It's, we must be the sick bastards who mutilated that baldy's body."

"Are you unknown variable 353?"

"Are we unknown variable 353?"

"ANSWER ME!"

"We are one and the same; whatever I know, we know."

"No, I don't know who or what you are, but we are not the same."

"Why don't we ask our new friend?"

As the voice resonated, I became aware of something else.

'looks like, or should I say feel like, a futuristic Rubix cube? I can't sense anything, but at the same time, I can...discern it. This space is really weird.

Suspended in the inky blackness was a compact, futuristic cube adorned with intricate symbols on its surface, radiating a majestic aura. However, its otherworldly beauty was marred by a significant crack on its surface.

"Is that the system?"

"Yes, our new friend."

"So beautiful yet so sad."

"Shut up already, goddamnit. I swear, even if it takes thousands of years, sooner or later I will get rid of you."

"Why would we get rid of us?"

"Anyway, we made a new friend! And what do we think of the new world? We think it's amazing, right?

We can't believe that we are actually living a brand new life! one with humans that have supernatural abilities, and we are now one of them! It's amazing, right? Just thinking about it gets us excited, right?

"Yes, yes, yes, with these powers, we can kill more! The stronger we become, the more we could kill!"

The maniacal voice would unexpectedly swing from wild laughter to tearful sobs to incoherent ramblings.

The more we should kill!

The more we would kill! 

"HAHAHA"

"KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL!"

"However."

"We need to be stronger."

"Smarter."

"To make that a reality, collaboration is essential. To attain the cherished freedom we desire, mutual assistance is a must. We must support one another. Time is slipping away, and our friend is in a race against it".

"HAHAHAHA"

Echoing with madness, it was the most deranged laughter I had ever heard.

"What the hell is wrong with you?"

"It looks like time is up!"

"We'll talk again soon."

In that moment, my senses returned, and the magical world unfolded before me again. Despite the brisk breeze against my face, I could hear my heart pounding.

Fear? No, excitement.

Though it was a frightening experience, it fueled my determination.

This wasn't the end, unlike on results day, there was hope.

I knew the curse might persist in this life and the chance of another personality within me. But that changes nothing. I'll do what I've always done—the only thing I can do.

I'll keep doing my best.

Cognitive Disabilities? I'll become so intelligent that it's like a drop in an ocean.

Dealing with a fucked-up, batshit-crazy, troublesome second personality? Once I've handled him, he might just become a good partner.

A fresh round of poker with a new set of cards, improved ones. Now, all that's left is to play them to the best of my ability.

"HEHEHEHE"

"WHAT IS LOVE?! OH BABY, DON'T HURT ME, DON'T HURT ME, NO MORE!"

Suddenly, a laugh I knew very well resounded behind me, along with a putrid stench that I knew all too well.

****

Behind me stood an elderly man adorned in weathered gray fabrics, garments that had been through the rivers of time.

"Hohoho"

"You're like this again. Did something good happen?" He scratched his long white beard as he inquired. 

"Master! Hehe, see for yourself!"

I concentrated on the energy flowing through my recently opened meridians, guiding it towards my palms. Their glow intensified, turning a deeper shade of gray.

"Hmm? 4th level, middle stage? This quick?!" The elderly man offered a subtle smile as he inquired.

"Yes, and if I had some cultivation resources, I could have reached peak stage," I responded in a discouraged manner.

*sigh*

"You're right. If your master had some cultivation resources, your master would have long reached the peak of this universe." Looking away from his disciple, he let out a profound sigh, wearing a countenance marked by numerous regrets as he spoke.

*sigh*

"Not only did he leave his only disciple on top of a mountain with no food for almost three days, but he could not even spare one of his many cultivation treasures to his talented disciple, heavens! How can a master be so heartless?"

"Yes, that master intended to impart his martial arts techniques to his humble disciple. Unfortunately, his cold heart prevailed in the end. sigh"

"Are there really others with such a terrible master? How fortunate I am to have a benevolent and generous teacher."

"Hmph"

Fixing his gaze on the boundless blue sky ahead, his sharp gray eyes held a myriad of experiences within them; his face was wrinkled and weathered but his eyes spoke of a lifetime of experience.

In a solemn tone, he spoke: "While you're still a bit young, it shouldn't be of too much concern.

"You will now begin learning my martial arts."