Chapter 174: Chapter 174: Chi

The morning sun cast long shadows across K’un-Lun’s training courtyard as Arthur and Ariadne completed their forms. The month of intensive training had sharpened their movements to near perfection, each strike flowing seamlessly into the next.

Lei Kung observed from the edge of the courtyard, his weathered face showing the faintest hint of approval.

“Your progress is unprecedented,” he said. “A month to achieve what takes most disciples years.”

Arthur flexed his fingers, feeling the subtle changes in his body. “The long part’s usually the conditioning, isn’t it? We came here already strong, already tested in real battles. That gave us a head start.”

“Perhaps,” Lei Kung replied, stepping forward. “But I have seen masters train here for years and still not reach your level. You two are truly gifted. Which is why I believe it’s time for you to advance to the next stage – chi.”

Arthur’s interest sharpened instantly. This was what he’d come to K’un-Lun for.

Even Ariadne straightened, eyes bright with focus. She knew whatever they were about to learn could become her edge against her enemies.

“Chi,” Lei Kung began, settling into a meditation pose, “is the life force that flows through all things. It is energy in its purest form – not just physical strength, but the essence that animates existence itself. With proper training, chi can strengthen the body, shatter stone, heal wounds, sense danger before it comes, and even project force without touch.”

He raised his hand. A soft white glow bloomed from his palm, pulsing gently like a heartbeat. “This is chi made visible. In skilled hands, it can become a weapon, a shield, or an extension of perception far beyond normal senses.”

The light faded as Lei Kung lowered his hand. “Do you have questions?”

Ariadne spoke first, her brow furrowed. “Master, why did my father never mention these powers? He told me chi could make the body stronger, help it age slower – but not this. Did he never learn manipulation before leaving K’un-Lun?”

Arthur had similar questions churning in his mind – why, except for the Iron Fist, were other chi powers never demonstrated in the MCU he remembered? If chi was this powerful, at least Davos should have fought Danny using projected chi instead of just enhanced martial arts. But he kept quiet, waiting for Lei Kung’s answer.

Lei Kung’s expression dimmed. “Your father mastered everything I teach you now. His control over chi was extraordinary. But…” His gaze drifted toward the distant mountains. “There is a truth that makes such mastery nearly useless in the outside world.”

He walked to the courtyard’s edge, gesturing to the horizon.

“Chi exists everywhere—in all living things. But on Earth, its density has been fading for centuries. Perhaps from industrialization, perhaps outside forces are involved – we do not fully know.”

He paused, letting the words sink in.”The cause matters less than the result. The world’s ambient chi has thinned to near nothing. Drawing upon it now is like trying to drink from a dry riverbed.”

He returned to face them. “K’un-Lun is different. This realm preserves the chi density of ancient times. Here, chi is abundant. You can feel it in the air, in every breath you take.”

He manifested the white light again, brighter this time, casting shadows despite the morning sun.

“Watch closely,” he instructed. The glow flared and vanished, only for him to summon it again, effortlessly. “Here, I can do this repeatedly. The chi I expend flows back into nature, and through meditation, I reclaim it within hours.”

The light faded once more.

“On Earth,” he said quietly, “a single significant use of chi – healing, projection, or heightened senses – might take months to recover. Years, if you cannot find one of the few remaining places where chi still lingers. Earth has become a spiritual wasteland.”

Ariadne’s face fell. “Then chi manipulation is useless?”

“Never,” Lei Kung said firmly. “Even without active manifestation, cultivation strengthens the body, sharpens reflexes, slows aging. These passive benefits remain, even on Earth. And if you choose to stay in K’un-Lun, all the powers of chi are yours to command.”

“But Master,” Ariadne said, her voice tightening, “we can’t stay. I have work to finish on Earth.”

Lei Kung studied her with knowing eyes. “You have your father’s resolve. But understand this – the Five you seek have centuries of experience. Even with your progress, you are not yet their equal.”

“Then I’ll keep training,” Ariadne said stubbornly. “I’ll finish what he started.”

Lei Kung sighed. “Chi will improve your chances. Even if you cannot manifest it during fights on Earth, think of it as a hidden blade – something you can use once in desperate scenarios before needing extensive recovery. As I said, recovery takes time, not that recovery is impossible.”

Arthur finally spoke. “Are there no other options? Any quicker ways to recover chi on Earth?”

He was thinking about Danny Rand and how he, as the Iron Fist, could easily use chi without suffering any of the recovery issues others faced.

Lei Kung hesitated before replying. “Not for those who live outside this realm. However…” His gaze shifted to Arthur. “With your spatial abilities, you could return here to recover. A few days in K’un-Lun would restore what might take years elsewhere.”

Arthur caught the deliberate omission—the subtle hesitation that hinted at another truth. The Iron Fist could recover chi quickly anywhere. Maybe being the Iron Fist increased one’s affinity or drew chi more naturally toward them.

He wasn’t sure—and perhaps he never would be. That knowledge wasn’t meant for outsiders. He had searched through K’un-Lun’s library countless times, yet found nothing written about the Iron Fist. That silence said everything.

Arthur knew the reason. They could master every technique here, but they could never be the Iron Fist. The Iron Fist was K’un-Lun’s sacred protector – never meant for outsiders. Lei Kung wouldn’t even entertain that path with temporary disciples like them.

Arthur respected their traditions and didn’t press the topic. But that didn’t mean he was giving up on finding another way.

“Now,” Lei Kung said, moving to the center of the courtyard, “let us begin your training in earnest. First, you must learn to sense chi before you can manipulate it.”

—

Five days later, Arthur moved through the morning forms, chi flowing through his meridians like warm honey. It pooled at his dantian, below his navel—contained, potent, and steady.

“Your stance has improved,” a voice said.

Arthur didn’t open his eyes. “Thank you, Davos. Though I suspect you didn’t come here just to compliment me.”

“I’ve been watching you,” Davos said, circling him. “You advance too quickly. It’s unnatural.”

“Or maybe I’m just gifted,” Arthur said, flowing seamlessly into the next movement.

“No one learns that quickly without cheating.” Davos’s fists clenched. “I challenge you. Again.”

Arthur opened his eyes, meeting the boy’s determined glare. “We’ve done this before. You lost.”

“That was before. I was unprepared for your… unconventional methods.” His tone made the word sound like dishonorable. “This time will be different.”

Arthur considered refusing. There was little to gain from another fight—yet a small part of him wondered if this might make things interesting.

“Very well.”

They took their positions. Davos attacked first—faster, sharper, clearly improved since their last fight. But compared to Arthur, it was nothing.

Arthur was ready. The muscle memory he’d temporarily suppressed had returned, now integrated with K’un-Lun’s teachings. He didn’t just react anymore—he flowed, reading Davos’s patterns before the boy even completed them.

They traded blows, Arthur letting Davos land a few hits for pride’s sake. But when he finally ended it—pinning the boy in a firm joint lock—it was clean and respectful.

“You’ve improved,” Arthur said, helping him up. “Your footwork’s solid.”

“This isn’t over,” Davos hissed. “I’ll train harder. I’ll surpass you. And when the next Iron Fist is chosen, I’ll make sure you never even get the chance to try! You’ll never become the Iron Fist! That is mine!”

The words echoed across the courtyard.

Arthur’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Iron Fist? That’s an interesting title.”

Davos paled, realizing what he’d said. Around them, the watching students began to retreat, their whispers fading into silence. Even the morning birds seemed to stop singing.

“I… that’s not—” Davos started.

“Davos.” Lei Kung’s voice cut through the air like a blade. The Thunderer stood at the entrance, his tone calm but commanding. “Return to your quarters.”

The boy bowed stiffly and ran off without a word.

Arthur turned to Lei Kung, thoughtful. “Iron Fist,” he repeated softly. “That’s the first I’ve heard of that title. Not even your library mentions it.”

Ariadne appeared beside him, having heard the commotion. Her gaze flicked between them, tense and curious.

Lei Kung’s expression was unreadable. “Some knowledge carries great responsibility. Some secrets exist for good reason.”

“Of course,” Arthur said easily. “We’re guests here. Your secrets are your own.”

The tension in Lei Kung’s shoulders eased slightly. “Your discretion is appreciated.”

As the master departed and the crowd began to disperse, Ariadne leaned closer to Arthur.

“Is the Iron Fist really that important to K’un-Lun?” she asked quietly.

“Very,” Arthur replied.

“So I’ll have to fight the Hand without it then. Still, I feel chi is powerful enough.”

“Maybe,” Arthur said. “I’ll figure something out.”

“Okay,” she sighed. “But let’s forget about the Iron Fist. It’s clearly sacred to them. I can’t just take something that important—it’d make me the villain.”

Arthur smirked. “You talk like I’m the villain here. But I do like the sound of that. Maybe we should do something villainous anyway.”

Before she could retort, he snapped his fingers. Ariadne instantly transformed into a familiar furious cat, hissing and flailing as Arthur scooped her up and rubbed her furry face playfully.

As she swatted at him, Arthur chuckled—but behind the laughter, his thoughts turned serious. He always needed an excuse to act badly—some justification. But K’un-Lun had shown him nothing but respect. He had no reason, no excuse, to steal the Iron Fist from them.

Still, the thought lingered. Even just for the chi recovery alone, the temptation was real.

As the morning light washed over the courtyard, Arthur exhaled slowly and made up his mind. He would find another way.

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