Chapter Thirteen: The Path of Cultivation Begins Within

A sharp smack echoed in the cramped, shadowy alley as a foot suddenly stepped into a small puddle, sending murky water splashing. A figure concealed beneath a black cloak emerged. The alley cats, disturbed from their meal in the corner, scattered in every direction.

The figure moved deeper into the alley, stopping before a section of wall and pressing a token against it. With a rumbling sound, the wall slid open on both sides, revealing a quiet passage descending below. The figure stepped inside, and the wall sealed shut behind him.

Candles lined the walls of the passage, casting a dim yellow glow. Stone steps paved with sturdy blue bricks led downward. The figure walked straight to a door, where he waited in silence. Soon the door opened, and a man dressed in black stepped out, fastening a ghostly mask onto his face.

Peering through the barely open door, one could see a naked woman lying on a jade bed, fresh blood streaming down like red snakes, trickling along the smooth stone.

The cloaked figure bowed slightly. "Imperial Commander."

The man addressed as "Imperial Commander" asked, "What news?"

The cloaked figure replied, "According to our spies, Liu Ji was previously killed outside South King City, but somehow he has come back to life! Moreover, he appears lively and energetic, nothing like someone whose heart was pierced!"

The Imperial Commander said, "And after that?"

The cloaked figure let out a mocking laugh. "Afterwards, Liu Ji still frequents the brothels and wanders the city, behaving just as he did before—a typical wastrel!"

He asked, "Imperial Commander, should we send someone to find another opportunity to eliminate Liu Ji? No matter how useless he is, I still feel leaving him alive is a menace!"

The Imperial Commander waved his hand dismissively. "Since Liu Ji is so carefree and content, let him live a while longer. Besides, Liu Heng likely already suspects us after the previous assassination attempt. There’s no way we can act again."

He continued as he walked, "If Liu Heng discovers it was us, it could bring unpredictable consequences for the empire’s grand plan."

"Understood," the cloaked figure bowed again.

The Imperial Commander suddenly seemed to recall something. "If I’m not mistaken, in a month’s time South King City will host its martial arts tournament?"

"Yes, Imperial Commander," the cloaked figure sneered. "Liu Heng presumes to hold a tournament to recruit skilled fighters and expand the Southern Tiger Cavalry. I can’t imagine what he’s thinking! South King City is but a tiny speck—what quality could he possibly find?"

The Imperial Commander said, "Have your people keep a close watch. This is a perfect opportunity to test the strength of the Southern Tiger Cavalry. That boy... he’s clever."

"Yes!" the cloaked figure nodded once more.

...

"You want to practice martial arts?" In the study, Liu Heng, busy with paperwork, looked up in surprise at Liu Ji, his brows furrowing. "Why are you suddenly interested in training?"

Liu Ji responded with some exasperation, "You really don’t care about your son at all, do you? I was attacked in the city today—almost lost my life!"

"Ahem!" Liu Heng cleared his throat. "If you wish to train, I won’t stop you. In fact, I’m free tomorrow—how about I teach you myself?"

Liu Ji nodded. "No problem!"

Liu Heng nodded in return. He rose, took a thick book from the shelf, and handed it to Liu Ji. "This is a diagram of the human meridian system. Study it well tonight—memorize it thoroughly!"

"Alright." Liu Ji accepted the book and was about to leave, but turned back. "Father, do we have any rare or ancient medicinal herbs in our estate? Or perhaps some precious animals?"

Since this world had monsters and demons, as well as warriors who strengthen themselves through cultivation, it stood to reason that spiritual herbs and beasts existed.

He wondered if he could obtain such items and extract attributes from them—if only he could gain some of the spiritual energy that was still at zero.

That would be ideal.

"What do you need those for?"

"I feel my body is too weak, so I want to supplement my health. Otherwise, if I die of illness someday, it would be unfortunate!"

"...I'll have someone send some to your room later," Liu Heng decided after thinking for a moment. "But use them sparingly—don’t waste them!"

"Thank you, Father!" Liu Ji rejoiced inwardly. Having connections was truly a blessing. Rare spiritual herbs and beasts that were difficult to find outside were readily available to him. Thinking back to his earlier worries about improving his attributes, he realized how foolish he’d been...

How incredibly insightful!

From now on, he’d have to make good use of his status as the prince. With that, he turned and left.

Watching Liu Ji’s departing figure, Liu Heng’s brows knitted slightly. Hands clasped behind his back, he paced the room, finally sighing, "Very well, let him do as he wishes."

...

After closing the door, Liu Ji lay on his bed and opened the hefty book. The first page bore several ancient characters:

"Diagram of Human Meridians!"

It read: "The path of cultivation begins within. The spiritual energy of heaven and earth is wild and untamed; if one recklessly channels it through the body, at best the meridians will be gravely injured, at worst one will die and descend to the underworld!"

This sentence made it clear to Liu Ji the dangers of absorbing spiritual energy into the body without proper preparation. He was shocked—he had been considering beginning cultivation right away. Fortunately, he hadn’t rushed into it.

Otherwise, he would have lost his life!

He continued reading: "Only when the internal organs and meridians are strong enough to withstand spiritual energy can one further cultivate and strengthen the body."

This was easy enough to understand.

For example, if a country faced war, no matter how powerful its military, if its transportation infrastructure was terrible,

so terrible that even cars and tanks couldn’t move,

then no matter how strong the army, it would only be beaten by others. Without transportation, tanks, planes, artillery, and soldiers would become a chaotic mess, unable to function!

But if the country’s transportation was highly developed and efficient, combined with powerful military strength, then its combat ability could be fully realized!

It would become a true war machine!

Cultivation was similar. If one’s internal organs and meridians couldn’t withstand the wild energy, how could one train or fight? The enemy might not even have to kill you; the rampaging energy inside your own body would leave you half dead. That would be a truly humiliating way to die.

However, Liu Ji knew without thinking that allowing spiritual energy to flow through the body’s meridians for the first time was extremely difficult and dangerous.

A single mistake could be fatal!

He shook his head and continued reading:

"The human body contains twelve main meridians, two great vessels, and three hundred ninety-seven acupoints, namely the Lung Meridian of the Hand Taiyin, the Large Intestine Meridian of the Hand Yangming, the Pericardium Meridian of the Hand Jueyin..."

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