The memory of the fierce battle with the bandits lingered in Joshua's mind like a haunting melody, each clang of steel and scream of pain echoing through his thoughts.
He knew that his victory was not solely due to his innate talent but to the rigorous training he had undergone in the mystical arts of martial arts and immortal cultivation. And yet, it was the cold steel of his gun that had ended the lives of those men, not the graceful dance of his fists and feet.
This realization gnawed at him, fueling his resolve to become untouchable in combat.
He reflected on the limitations of his current abilities.
While his spirit was strong and his understanding of the Tri Body Training Manual deepened, he knew that the path of martial arts and immortal cultivation was vast and full of unexplored depths. He had only just begun to tap into the power that lay dormant within him. There was so much more to learn, so much more power to claim. He thought of the ancient texts that spoke of people who could manipulate the very fabric of the world with their power, bending reality to their will. That was the kind of strength he craved, the power that would allow him to stand tall against any foe, armed or otherwise.
Joshua knew that to achieve such heights, he needed to push beyond his current training. He needed to integrate the modern world's technology with the Di and Immortal Worlds knowledge of superpowers.
His thoughts turned to the potential of his Qi and Qi structure on how it could interact with his firearm, enhancing its already formidable capabilities. He pondered over the possibility of creating a hybrid fighting style, one that merged the precision of bullets with the might of Qi. It was a tricky concept, one that could either elevate him to unprecedented heights or lead to his downfall.
The only problem is most superpowers don't have that much on range weapons, the reason is being early stage you have limited Qi and its properties of not being able to far.
There are instances of martial artists using bows and arrows, but that is if they are are made with qi structure and special ores that preserve Qi very well and not everyone can afford such extravagant expenses.
But Joshua is considered rich and can afford to mess around.
After countless hours of tinkering and forging in his bunker, surrounded by the faint glow of the Qi-infused forge, Joshua had created something truly unique.
The pistol, once a normal weapon of the modern world, now bore the intricate patterns of ancient Qi structures along its barrel and frame, each line and curve designed to harness and amplify the power of his Qi.
The weapon was a fusion of two worlds, a symbol of his determination to conquer both the mortal and the immortal realms.
The next challenge was the ammunition.
Bullets, so small and seemingly insignificant, required meticulous attention. Each one had to be infused with a precise amount of Qi to maintain their structural integrity and enhance their destructive potential.
It was a tedious process that tested his patience and skill. Yet, with each successful reforge, he could feel the power contained within them, waiting to be unleashed.
Days turned into weeks as he crafted his new arsenal.
Each bullet was a tiny masterpiece, a symphony of Qi and metal. The process was exhausting, but the end result was nothing short of exhilarating.
When he fired the first refined bullet, the difference was immediately apparent. It didn't just fly; it streaked through the air with the grace of a comet, leaving a trail of rippling energy in its wake.
The impact was explosive, the power contained within the small projectile magnified a hundredfold.
The reactions of his Qi-infused bullets were unpredictable at first, but with each test, Joshua grew more adept at controlling the volatile energy.
He practiced day and night, his mind and body in sync with the pistol in his hand. The gunfire echoed through the bunker, the sound of his newfound strength and the symphony of his determination.
Each reforge Qi structure bullet was a testament to his perseverance. The intricate patterns glowed faintly, pulsating with the power of his own Qi. As he loaded the chamber, he could feel the energy humming against his fingertips, eager to be released. He took aim at the makeshift targets, his breathing slow and controlled, and squeezed the trigger.
The sound of the shot was muffled by the enchantments on the bunker walls, but the impact was undeniable.
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The bullet tore through the paper target, leaving a perfect hole, surrounded by a smoldering ring of Qi residue.
It was a beautiful and terrifying sight, a clear indication that his experiments had paid off. But with each successful shot, the reality of his new weapon's cost dawned on him. Each bullet required hours of focus, and his Qi reserves were not infinite.
The act of forging Qi into bullets was a delicate dance, one that could not be rushed. The metal had to be heated to just the right temperature, and the Qi had to be channeled with precision to avoid an explosion of deadly energy.
It was a time-consuming process, and the limitations weighed heavily on him. If he were to face a true enemy, the luxury of crafting bullets one by one would be a liability.
Joshua sat back on his stool, wiping the sweat from his brow. He stared at the pile of bullets before him, each one a small victory in his quest for power. But he knew that he needed to produce them more efficiently if he was to stand a chance in the cutthroat world of immortal cultivation.
His thoughts drifted to the possibility of automating the process, perhaps using machines from his own world to expedite the creation of these deadly projectiles.
But how could a machine imbue Qi into metal? The concept was alien to the technology he knew, yet he was not one to shy away from a challenge.
He recalled the lessons of master Ye Tie, who had once spoken of the deep connections between Qi and the natural elements. If he could somehow harness the essence of these elements in a mechanical form, perhaps he could solve his dilemma.
Joshua decided to seek out Mister Ouyang Ling, a renowned blacksmith of the village in the Immortal World. Known for his years of crafting he didn't believe Mister Ouyang Ling would not have heard something like this, maybe he would discover that he was a hidden master or something.
If anyone could bridge the gap between his world's technology and the mystical arts of the Immortal World, maybe it would be him.
The next day, after bidding farewell to his master Hu Bin and the other martial disciples, Joshua teleporte to the Immortal World.
He had to find a way to harness the power of machines to create his Qi bullets more efficiently. The journey to the village was peaceful, the serene beauty of the land a stark contrast to the chaos of his thoughts.
As he approached the village, he could see the smoke rising from Mister Ouyang Ling's forge, a beacon of industry amidst the tranquil surroundings.
Upon reaching the forge, he was greeted by the rhythmic clanging of metal on metal. Mister Ouyang Ling, an old, muscular man with a stern expression, was hammering away at a glowing piece of iron.
His eyes, sharp despite his age, noticed the newcomer and he stopped his work, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"What brings you to my humble forge, young one?" Mister Ouyang Ling's voice was gruff but not unkind.
Joshua took a deep breath, steeling himself for the proposal he was about to make.
"I seek your wisdom, Mister Ouyang. I wish to imbue Qi into tools, so they may perform tasks of their own accord, without the need for constant input from a person."
Mister Ouyang Ling's eyes lit up with curiosity. He had never heard of such a thing, but the spark of innovation in the young man's voice was undeniable.
"Ah, you wish to give life to the lifeless," he murmured, stroking his beard. "A challenging endeavor indeed, but not without merit."
Joshua nodded eagerly, explaining his vision for the Qi-infused automatic machines.
"But," Mister Ouyang Ling interrupted, raising a finger, "there is a technique you should know of, one that might serve your purpose. It is called [Blood and Spirit Attachment] a method used at the Foundation Realm where you bind a part of your soul to an object, making it your spirit weapon."
Joshua's eyes widened with intrigue.
"How does it work?"
Mister Ouyang Ling's expression grew solemn.
"It's a delicate and dangerous process, young one. You must imbue your soul essence into an object of your choosing, be it a weapon or a tool. The bond formed is as strong as the will of the practitioner, and over time, the object will absorb your Qi and gain a semblance of life. But," he cautioned.
"it comes at a cost. Part of your soul will be forever tied to that weapon. If it is destroyed, you will feel the pain of its loss as if a piece of you has been torn away. And the act of attachment is no small feat; it will leave you weakened for a significant period, requiring rest and isolation to recover fully."
Joshua listened intently, the gravity of the technique weighing heavily on his mind.
"What about the development of the spirit weapon's intelligence?" he asked, eager for more information.
Mister Ouyang Ling sighed, his eyes reflecting the flickering flames of the forge.
"The process is akin to raising a child. It requires patience and understanding. Over time, as your soul and the weapon meld together, it will begin to develop a rudimentary consciousness. This can take more than a century. And remember, the more of your soul you give, the stronger the bond, but also the greater the risk to your soul."
Joshua nodded thoughtfully, mulling over the information.
"But if I were to create a spirit weapon now, while I am still in the early stages of Qi training, would it not be weaker?"
"No" Mister Ouyang Ling said, stroking his beard.
"The strength of the spirit weapon is directly related to time and realm. At your current stage of Qi cultivation is all about training or strengthening your soul but not able to use it." he added with a gleam in his eye, "only at foundation realm you may able to use and shape your soul."
Joshua felt his heart sink.
The possibility of creating such a weapon was tantalizing, but the reality of his current limitations was a harsh reminder of the long road ahead. He knew he had to focus on his training before attempting such an advanced technique.
He turned to Mister Ouyang Ling, "Thank you for your guidance, but it seems I need to focus on improving my realm before I can even consider the Blood and Spirit Attachment."
The blacksmith nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
"The path of cultivation is a marathon, not a sprint," he said.
"Your journey will be filled with trials and tribulations, but with dedication and perseverance, you will reach new heights."
Joshua took his words to heart, understanding that rushing his training would only lead to failure. He decided to return to the Tri Body Hall to intensify his practice, aiming to reach the Foundation Realm as soon as possible. As he left the forge, the clanging of metal and the roar of the furnace fading behind him, he felt a renewed sense of purpose.
