Breathing Technique

Ran took a deep breath of the crisp morning air as he approached the small cottage on the edge of Lorencia Village. Today was his first cultivation training session with Uncle Meng, the legendary martial arts master. 

Ran knocked politely on the wooden door. "Uncle Meng, I've arrived for my lesson."

"Come in, come in," said Uncle Meng warmly as he opened the door. The white-bearded old man had a gleam of excitement in his eyes. "Today we begin your journey on the long road of cultivation."

Ran bowed respectfully. "Yes Master, I am ready and eager to learn."

Uncle Meng stroked his long beard thoughtfully. "Good, a student's attitude is important. But tell me, what do you hope to gain from cultivation?" 

Ran pondered for a moment. "I want to grow stronger to help the village, go on adventures, and gain a deeper understanding of the world and myself."

Uncle Meng nodded approvingly. "Noble goals. Always remember the responsibilities that come with strength. Now, let's begin with the most basic but profound technique - breathing."

"Breathing?" Ran asked, surprised.

"Yes, proper breath control is the foundation of cultivation," explained Uncle Meng. "It circulates spiritual energy, stabilizes the mind, and unifies body and spirit. Now sit cross-legged and close your eyes."

Ran sat down in the middle of the cozy living room and assumed the meditative position, back straight and eyes closed. 

"Breathe deeply from your diaphragm," instructed Uncle Meng. "Imagine each inhale gathering energy from the world around you. Visualize each exhale expelling impurities from within. Find your natural rhythm."

Ran focused on slowing his breath, breathing deeply from his abdomen. As he filled his lungs, he pictured pure energy flowing in. As he exhaled, he released all tensions. 

"Very good," said Uncle Meng. "Continue this for one hour to train your breath control." The master quietly observed Ran, occasionally reminding him to relax his muscles or straighten his back. 

The deep rhythmic breathing induced a calm, serene state in Ran's mind. Time seemed to pass quickly, and soon Uncle Meng said "Alright, that will do for today."

Ran opened his eyes, feeling energized and at peace. The simple breathing technique produced surprising results.

Uncle Meng smiled knowingly. "With regular practice, you will reap great benefits from breath control. It is the vital foundation upon which we build all other skills."

Ran nodded, but a question formed in his mind. This breathing method seemed eerily familiar, like something he mastered in a past life. Then suddenly, it dawned on him - this was exactly like the breath control technique from the MMORPG he played on Earth! 

Just like in the game, breathing here cirulated internal energy. This meant his cultivation training would progress similar to the game system. With this knowledge, Ran could rapidly gain power in this world.

Ran maintained an impassive face, not wanting Uncle Meng to know about his revelation yet. There were still mysteries to uncover about this place, but at least now he had a basic understanding. 

"Thank you for the lesson, Master," Ran said respectfully. "I look forward to continuing my training."

Uncle Meng beamed. "You have great potential my boy. With enough dedication, you will go far on the cultivation path."

Ran nodded and smiled. With his knowledge from Earth and some experimentation, he would soon unlock deeper secrets of this world's mystical arts. His adventures were just beginning.