The years within the hidden valley flowed like the gentle stream that meandered through its heart. For Tian Chen, each day was a lesson, and Lia, his ethereal tutor, was a wellspring of ancient wisdom. Her patience was boundless, her understanding of the Dao profound, and under her tutelage, Tian Chen's progress was nothing short of extraordinary.
One crisp morning, as the mist still clung to the lower reaches of the valley, Lia stood before Tian Chen near the base of the towering Shenmu. Ling Hua, now a mischievous child, played nearby, her laughter echoing through the trees as Baihu playfully chased after a group of evolved, sentient squirrels.
"Today, Tian Chen," Lia began, her voice carrying a gentle warmth, "we will focus on the manipulation of spiritual energy with greater precision. You have grasped the fundamentals of the "Omni-Flow Breathing Technique," allowing you to draw in and refine vast amounts of Qi. Now, we must channel that energy with intent and control."
Tian Chen nodded, closing his eyes and entering a meditative state. He focused on his dantian, the core of his spiritual energy, feeling the swirling vortex of his Omniversal Dao within. Following Lia's guidance, he began to guide a stream of refined Qi along a specific meridian pathway, one that corresponded to a technique she called "Focused Energy Lance."
As the Qi flowed, Lia instructed, "Imagine the energy as a physical lance, Tian Chen. It must be sharp, concentrated, and capable of piercing through any resistance. Do not let it disperse. Maintain focus."
Tian Chen visualized the lance, its tip shimmering with condensed spiritual energy. He felt the resistance within his meridians, the subtle tremors as he forced the Qi to flow with the required intensity. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, but he held his concentration.
"Now," Lia continued, "release it. Aim for that rock formation." She gestured towards a large boulder some distance away.
With a sharp exhale, Tian Chen unleashed the "Focused Energy Lance." A beam of pure, multi-hued energy shot forth from his fingertips, striking the boulder with a resounding impact. A visible scorch mark appeared on the surface, but the rock remained intact.
Lia observed calmly. "A good first attempt, Tian Chen. You channeled the energy effectively, but it lacked the final degree of focus. Remember, the Omniversal Dao allows you to draw upon the strengths of all elements. Consider the piercing power of wind, the unwavering aim of light."
Tian Chen closed his eyes again, contemplating Lia's words. He recalled Baihu's precise control over gusts of wind and the focused intensity of the light that sometimes emanated from the Shenmu's leaves. He adjusted his visualization, imagining the energy lance infused with the sharpness of the wind and the unwavering direction of light.
He tried again. This time, when he unleashed the "Focused Energy Lance," the beam of energy was thinner, more concentrated, and shone with an almost blinding intensity. It struck the boulder with a sharp crack, and a small chunk of rock broke away, tumbling to the ground.
"Excellent!" Lia praised, a smile gracing her ethereal features. "You are learning to harness the versatility of your Omniversal Dao. Now, let us work on a defensive technique. We will begin with the "Omni-Shield," a versatile barrier that adapts to the nature of the incoming attack."
And so, the day continued, filled with Lia's patient guidance and Tian Chen's diligent efforts. Each skill and technique was carefully explained, demonstrated, and practiced, with Lia constantly reminding him to draw upon the vast potential of his unique Dao and Physique. The hidden valley echoed with the sounds of their training, the whispers of the wind carrying the echoes of a young man's journey towards invincibility under the tutelage of a World Tree spirit.