The training started the next day in Tony's private gym.
Sam taught Tony the basic breathing technique.
He told Tony to close his eyes, feel the energy in the air, and pull it deep into his chest.
Sam thought it would take weeks for Tony to feel the Qi. Most people needed a long time just to understand the concept.
But Tony was not most people. He was a genius. His brain was used to solving the hardest problems in the world.
In just two hours, the air around Tony began to hum.
Sam watched in surprise. Tony's body was like a sponge. He understood the flow of energy perfectly.
He was a true prodigy.
Suddenly, a soft light appeared around Tony's hands.
But it wasn't pink like Sam's cherry blossoms.
It was a bright, electric blue. It looked exactly like the glow of the new arc reactor in his chest.
Tony opened his eyes and looked at his glowing hands.
"Well, look at that,"
Tony smiled, turning his hands over.
"I match my own battery."
"Your Qi mixed with the energy of the reactor,"
Sam said, nodding in approval.
"You are already much stronger, Tony. Your body is changing from the inside out."
Tony stood up. He felt amazing. He didn't feel tired, and his back didn't hurt.
He felt like he could run a marathon and then build three new suits.
Then, a sudden spark lit up in his eyes. He remembered the second part of Sam's lesson.
"Sam, you are the best teacher in the world,"
Tony said, walking quickly toward the door.
"But I have to go now. I have some very important... homework to do."
"Homework?"
Sam asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Ohhhh! Right, the second part."
Tony didn't even wait for Sam to answer. He ran out of the gym, yelling for his driver to get the car ready.
Sam stood there for a second, and then he started laughing. He laughed so hard his stomach hurt.
The great Iron Man, the smartest guy in the room, was running home like a teenager in love.
Later that night, Sam finally went back to the quiet mansion he shared with Natasha.
He walked into their bedroom. The lights were low.
Natasha was sitting on the edge of the large bed. She was wearing a soft, dark silk robe. She looked beautiful, but her eyes looked a little sad.
"You finally came home,"
Natasha said softly.
Sam walked over and sat next to her.
"Tony was a fast learner. I had to make sure he was doing it right before I left."
Natasha leaned her head on his strong shoulder.
"You have been so busy working with Stark lately. The fights, the government, the lab... I feel like I haven't seen my boyfriend in weeks."
She looked up at him, her eyes turning warm and hungry.
"I felt lonely, Sam,"
She whispered, her fingers gently tracing the edge of his shirt.
"I think it is time for you to spoil me. I want to dual cultivate with my man."
Sam felt his pink Qi react instantly to her touch. The energy in the room grew warm and sweet.
She wasn't the cold Black Widow right now.
She was just his woman, asking for his time and his love.
Sam smirked. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close.
"I am always ready to serve my lady,"
Sam said, leaning in to kiss her.
The kiss started soft, but it quickly grew deep and hungry.
Natasha's dark silk robe fell to the floor. Sam carried her to the large bed.
The room was quiet, but the air was humming with their combined energy.
This was not just physical love. It was the true art of Dual Cultivation.
Sam was already at the Foundation Establishment Stage. His Qi was no longer just a mist; it was a deep, warm pond of liquid power.
Natasha was still in the Qi Gathering Stage.
Her energy was sharp and clear, but it was like a small stream compared to Sam's pond.
Because Sam was a whole stage above her, dual cultivating with him was like a cheat code for Natasha.
His massive, warm "Yang" energy easily flowed into her body, expanding her pathways and making her stronger much faster than she could ever do alone.
As they moved together, Sam guided his pink Qi. He pushed it into Natasha, wrapping around her cool, sharp "Yin" energy.
Natasha closed her eyes and let out a soft sigh. She could feel her tiredness melting away.
Every time Sam touched her, a wave of pure power washed through her bones and muscles.
She didn't feel like a lonely spy anymore. She felt safe. She felt loved and protected by the man holding her.
Sam was careful. He didn't want to give her too much energy at once, or it would hurt her. He gave her just enough to push her limits.
Their breathing matched perfectly. Inhale. Exhale. The scent of cherry blossoms filled the bedroom. A faint pink light began to glow from both of their bodies, lighting up the dark room.
The energy kept building and building. It was like a beautiful storm inside them.
When they finally reached the climax of their lovemaking, the storm broke.
Natasha gasped loudly, her back arching. Her eyes snapped open, glowing with a bright, pure light.
A sudden burst of wind blew through the closed bedroom, rustling the curtains.
At that exact moment, Natasha's small stream of Qi exploded into a rushing river.
The energy rushed through her entire body, cleaning every cell and making her skin glow like white jade.
She fell back onto the pillows, breathing heavily. She was sweating, but she felt lighter than air.
"Sam..."
She whispered, her voice full of shock and joy.
"I feel it. The energy... it's so much bigger now."
Sam smiled down at her, stroking her wet red hair. He could feel her new power.
"You did it, Nat,"
Sam said softly, kissing her forehead.
"You just reached the very peak of the Qi Gathering Stage. One more step, and you will be in the Foundation Establishment Stage with me."
Natasha smiled a beautiful, genuine smile.
She curled up against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat.
She had wanted to be spoiled, and Sam had given her exactly what she needed—love, peace, and a massive jump in power.