108: Chapter 108 Muscles and Bones Resonate

The female Disciple who had once guided Lin Tian was named Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun. She was an ordinary Inner Sect Disciple of Zixia Peak, with cultivation around the Middle Stage of Rank 3. Her talent was decent, but not top-tier.

Lin Tian made several inquiries within the Peak before finding her near a Disciple's courtyard close to the training grounds at the back of the mountain.

After stating his purpose, Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun was visibly stunned, her face showing astonishment and disbelief.

"Let me teach you? The 'Illustration of Purple Qi Coming from the East'?" Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun blinked, looking Lin Tian up and down, her tone suspicious. "Aren't you... aren't you someone the Peak Master personally took a liking to and wanted to take as... uh, or at least teach personally? Why come to me?"

Lin Tian gave a bitter smile and shook his head, his tone tinged with helplessness and self-mockery: "It's shameful to say, but this Disciple is dull and failed to grasp the essence taught by the Peak Master, displeasing her, so she no longer teaches me personally."

"But this Disciple aspires to the Dao of martial arts and is unwilling to give up just like that, so I have presumptuously come to ask for your guidance, Senior Sister. The Peak Master has already stated that she will not interfere with a Disciple's personal cultivation and inquiries."

"The Peak Master... stopped teaching you?" Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun was even more surprised, thoughts racing in her mind. To be abandoned by the Peak Master after only a few days of personal instruction, to the point where she even said she "would not interfere"—just how poor must this Lin Tian's talent be?

Could he be... a piece of useless trash that can't be molded? However, since the Peak Master clearly stated she wouldn't interfere, teaching him privately didn't seem to go against her wishes. It's just...

Her eyes darted around. She didn't agree immediately but said to Lin Tian: "Junior Brother Lin, wait here. This matter... let me go and confirm it first." She didn't completely disbelieve Lin Tian, but when it involved the Peak Master's attitude, it was better to be cautious.

Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun left in a hurry and returned about an hour later, her expression somewhat strange.

She had indeed gone to ask some familiar attendant Disciples who had access to some inside information, and what she learned basically matched what Lin Tian had said:

This boy's talent was "mediocre," the Peak Master had taught him for several days with no progress and had become disgusted, but out of consideration for the recommendation letter and a substantial "offering," she allowed him to stay on the Peak for one year to fend for himself.

The Peak Master's attitude toward this child was almost total neglect; she didn't even want to mention him.

Having confirmed this, Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun felt settled, and her last bit of hesitation vanished.

If the Peak Master didn't care, what was wrong with her teaching him to earn some extra money?

"Junior Brother Lin, it's not that I can't teach you." Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun's face was filled with a smile again, though this smile had a bit more of a merchant's shrewdness.

"However, my cultivation time is also valuable. Guiding others, especially in a fundamental method like the 'Illustration of Purple Qi Coming from the East,' takes a lot of effort. As for the compensation..."

She held up two fingers and rubbed them together lightly.

"Please name your price, Senior Sister. As long as it is within my power, this Disciple will certainly not refuse." Lin Tian had been prepared for this.

"One thousand taels. Per month." Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun stated the price, her eyes fixed on Lin Tian.

This price was definitely an exorbitant one for an Inner Sect Disciple to teach a newcomer.

She also saw that Lin Tian had entered through a "recommendation," and heard it was recommended by Centurion Shen Lian, so she guessed he might have some wealth, which is why she opened her mouth wide.

One thousand taels? Lin Tian's brows furrowed imperceptibly. This Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun really dared to ask.

Although he had twenty thousand taels on hand, he couldn't squander it like this.

However, he was currently in urgent need of someone to guide him through this most difficult "comprehension" stage.

Without proper guidance, fumbling around on his own would only result in lower efficiency, and he might even go down the wrong path.

After pondering for a moment, Lin Tian nodded slowly: "Fine, I agree, Senior Sister. One thousand taels per month."

"But, you must teach me with all your heart."

"Don't worry, if I take someone's money, I will help them... uh, I will teach you with all my heart!" A trace of joy flashed in Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun's eyes. "Then shall we start today?"

"Yes."

For the next month, Lin Tian followed Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun and began systematic learning of the "Illustration of Purple Qi Coming from the East" in a secluded pavilion near her residence.

Although Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun was not a genius, she was, after all, an orthodox Inner Sect Disciple of Zixia Peak. She was well-versed in the introductory cultivation, Qi and blood circulation paths, key points for visualization, and common problems that might be encountered regarding the "Purple Qi Diagram."

Her explanations were not as high-level or direct to the essence as Peak Master Su Hanyan's, but they were detailed, concrete, and close to the actual level of Lin Tian as a "beginner."

Many basic keys that Peak Master Su Hanyan took for granted and glossed over with a single sentence, Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun could break down and explain in detail.

Lin Tian studied extremely seriously, memorizing every sentence Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun said and every detail she demonstrated, combining them with his previous memories and pondering them repeatedly.

On the surface, he still appeared "clumsy," with slow Qi and blood circulation, difficulty in concentrating his Divine Thought, and often becoming distracted or stuck during visualization.

But no one knew that behind every one of his seemingly failed attempts, the entry for the "Illustration of Purple Qi Coming from the East" on his System panel was increasing, bit by bit, at an extremely slow but unwavering speed.

0.1, 0.1, 0.2, 0.1...

Boring, slow, but full of hope.

Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun was initially a bit impatient, feeling that this money was a bit "tiring" to earn, but for the sake of the silver, she patiently corrected and demonstrated over and over. Gradually, she discovered that although Lin Tian's "Comprehension Ability" was shockingly poor, his attitude was impeccably upright. He didn't get anxious or impatient; if it didn't work once, he would do it ten times; if it didn't work ten times, he would do it a hundred times. That almost paranoid persistence made even her, the "teacher," feel moved.

Of course, moved was one thing, but the money could not be a cent less.

Thus, a full month passed.

On the last day of the month, when Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun watched Lin Tian sit cross-legged again, attempting to visualize, guide Qi, and circulate it through the major cycle, she suddenly noticed a hint of difference.

The Aura around Lin Tian was no longer as scattered and stagnant as before, but faintly had a weak, yet real and unmistakable "rhythm."

His breathing became long and deep, and a trace of extremely faint, almost imperceptible purple intent flashed across his brow.

More importantly, the trajectory of the Qi and blood circulation within his body finally... barely formed a complete, albeit extremely slow, micro-cycle that no longer collapsed halfway!

"This... it succeeded?!" Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun widened her eyes, feeling somewhat incredulous.

One month! This guy, who had been judged as "rotten wood" by the Peak Master, had actually managed to chew through the introductory essentials of the "Illustration of Purple Qi Coming from the East" under the guidance of her, a "half-baked" teacher!

Although this progress was shockingly slow, it was indeed an entry-level success!

What she didn't know was that at the very moment the Qi and blood completed that micro-cycle, the long-silent System panel in Lin Tian's mind finally underwent a clear change:

Name: Lin Tian

Realm: Rank 3 Martial Artist (Early Stage)

Martial Arts:

Illustration of Purple Qi Coming from the East (Entry Level 1/100)

It succeeded! It finally succeeded! Lin Tian was ecstatic in his heart and almost couldn't help but let out a long shout!

A month of sleeplessness, countless failures and restarts, a huge sum of one thousand taels... it was worth it!

This door leading to Dark Energy had finally been pried open by him in the most clumsy, yet most determined way!

He slowly finished his practice and opened his eyes. The light in his eyes was bright; although he was exhausted, he was filled with indescribable excitement and determination.

Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun looked at Lin Tian's appearance and knew he must have had a Breakthrough. She was amazed in her heart, but her face showed a professional smile: "Congratulations, Junior Brother Lin. It seems you have found some of the way. This month..."

"Many thanks to Senior Sister Zheng for your careful guidance over this month." Lin Tian stood up, bowed solemnly to Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun, and then took out the one thousand taels of silver notes he had prepared from his bosom and offered them with both hands. "This is this month's compensation, please accept it, Senior Sister."

Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun took it with a smile, felt the thickness, confirmed it was correct, and felt even better.

But then, she thought of next month's "business" and asked tentatively: "Junior Brother Lin's talent is... uh, persistent! Since you have already entered the door, do you still need Senior Sister to continue guiding you next month? Don't worry, the price remains the same, Senior Sister will definitely help you reach a higher level!"

Lin Tian looked at Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun's expectant eyes, smiled inwardly, shook his head, and said frankly: "I appreciate your kindness, Senior Sister. However, since I have already entered the door, I would like to try walking the rest of the path on my own. If there is anything I don't understand, I will come to ask you for guidance again."

Not learning anymore? A flash of disappointment appeared on Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun's face.

This "long-term meal ticket" was gone after just one month? But she quickly adjusted. Since the other party had entered the door, there was indeed no need to spend a high price to hire someone to watch him every day.

She nodded and said with feigned generosity: "That's fine, experiencing it yourself is also cultivation. If you have any questions in the future, feel free to ask. As long as..." She paused, her smile remaining, "As long as Junior Brother's 'sincerity' is in place, Senior Sister knows what she knows, and will certainly not hold back."

The corners of Lin Tian's mouth twitched slightly. This Senior Sister Zheng really couldn't go three sentences without talking about money.

However, taking advantage of her good mood, he quickly threw out several key questions that he had been holding back for a long time: "Senior Sister, there is indeed one thing I don't understand. After cultivating this 'Purple Qi Diagram' and condensing Internal Energy, does that mean I have stepped into Rank 4 Dark Energy?"

"Of course not." Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun shook her head and explained, "You must first reach the Peak of Rank 3, which is the 'Muscle and Bone Resonation' Realm, and Cultivate Bright Energy to the limit of your current physique. Only then can you use this as a Foundation to invoke Internal Energy, thoroughly connect the inside and outside, and officially step into Rank 4."

"Muscle and Bone Resonation?" Lin Tian asked.

"Yes. Rank 1, Rank 2, and Rank 3 are collectively called the 'Three Realms of Bright Energy,' which Cultivate the muscles, bones, skin, and membranes, and the strength of Qi and blood manifested externally. When your muscles, bones, skin, and membranes are tempered to the limit, your Qi and blood circulate smoothly without obstruction, and your strength reaches every subtle corner of your body. Between thoughts, your whole body's bones and muscles resonate, emitting crisp sounds like popping beans or the collision of metal, this is 'Muscle and Bone Resonation,' meaning you have stood at the Peak of Rank 3, with nowhere further to go. You are only one step away from peeking into the mysteries of Dark Energy." Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun explained in detail.

"Then what is the use of this trace of Internal Energy I condensed while cultivating the 'Purple Qi Diagram' now?" Lin Tian was puzzled.

"You have just entered the door now, and the trace of Internal Energy you condensed is extremely weak and cannot be stored in the Dantian or specific acupoints for a long time."

Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun said patiently, "It will spontaneously merge into your muscles, bones, skin, and membranes, in turn nourishing and tempering your physical Foundation, making your 'Bright Energy' Foundation more solid and powerful. This is a mutually reinforcing process. Internal Energy helps you reach 'Muscle and Bone Resonation' faster, and a solid Bright Energy Foundation lays a solid Foundation for you to store and use more powerful Internal Energy in the future. After you reach 'Muscle and Bone Resonation,' Internal Energy will begin to truly condense and store in your body. At that time, you can try to impact the Rank 4 barrier."

In order to let Lin Tian understand more intuitively, Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun suddenly took a step forward, and her right hand, fast as lightning, lightly rested on Lin Tian's shoulder.

Lin Tian only felt a slight numbness in his shoulder, as if he had been pricked very quickly by a cold, thin needle. It didn't hurt, but a strange power that was soft, condensed, and yet carried penetrability instantly passed through his skin and flesh, invading deep into his shoulder Meridians, making the hair on half of his body stand up involuntarily, and even his Qi and blood circulation appeared to have a slight, extremely short, stagnation!

"This is the power of Internal Energy." Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun withdrew her hand and said indifferently, "I only used a negligible trace just now. A true Dark Energy Martial Artist, with Internal Energy erupting, can penetrate the body to hurt people, hitting through mountains to strike an ox. When you fight against a Bright Energy Martial Artist, the opponent might be able to withstand your punch and kick strength, but they can hardly resist the pervasive penetration and destruction of Internal Energy. Bright Energy hurts the outside, Dark Energy... hurts the inside."

Lin Tian felt a chill in his heart and instantly understood the crux of it. So that's how it was! The terrible thing about Dark Energy lies in its penetrability and destruction to the inside! This is completely a higher-level way of attacking!

"I understand, thank you for clarifying, Senior Sister!" Lin Tian thanked her sincerely.

"Alright, the path has been pointed out to you. The rest depends on your own good fortune. Practice slowly, and first practice until 'Muscle and Bone Resonation' before talking about anything else." After Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun finished speaking, as if to give Lin Tian a more intuitive impression, she stood in place, took a slight breath, and then her body shook slightly.

"Pop, pop, pop—!"

A series of dense, crisp, like New Year firecrackers, and also like the collision of gold and stone, sounded from her bones and joints one after another, instantly connecting into one piece!

Her entire Aura also changed accordingly, like a sharp sword about to be drawn, its sharp edge appearing.

"This is 'Muscle and Bone Resonation'." Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun stopped, waved to Lin Tian, "I'm leaving, Junior Brother, Cultivate well." After saying that, she turned around and left gracefully, leaving behind a thoughtful Lin Tian.

Looking at Junior Sister Zheng Xiaoyun's departing back, Lin Tian clenched his fists, his eyes burning with intense fighting spirit.

Muscle and Bone Resonation... Purple Qi Diagram... Dark Energy!

The path was clear, and the rest was to measure and conquer it step by step with sweat and time!

He turned and returned to the secluded small courtyard, closed the slightly mottled courtyard door behind him, and cut off the noise and possible gazes from the outside world.

In the quiet room, Lin Tian sat cross-legged, his mind calm.

"Next, it's time for some slow, grinding work. 'Illustration of Purple Qi Coming from the East', add points!"

He concentrated his mind on the newly appeared "Illustration of Purple Qi Coming from the East (Entry Level 1/100)" entry and began tireless visualization, circulation, and tempering.