Chapter Twelve: Only a Tenth as Fierce as the Wind-chasing Maiden

Turning the pages of the yellowed tome, it seemed as though a gentle breeze swept by.

“To take the forms of the five beasts, forging the true spiritual bones.”

A single, simple sentence encapsulated the essence of the Five Beast Body Tempering.

Anle continued perusing, skimming through the records. The tome contained not only written descriptions, but also illustrated techniques.

The Five Beast Body Tempering Art was divided into five sections: Tiger, Deer, Bear, Ape, and Bird. Each of the five beasts encompassed its own set of techniques, totaling fifty-four forms—thirteen for Tiger, nine for Deer, nine for Bear, ten for Ape, and thirteen for Bird.

Each illustration was accompanied by explanations, and there were additional sections on the interplay and opposition of the techniques.

Having read through the entire tome, Anle found every illustration vivid and lifelike, capturing both the form and spirit of each animal.

Returning to the first page, he began again in earnest. With almost no foundation in martial arts, he naturally had to start from the very beginning.

The first stage of martial body tempering was the awakening of Qi and blood.

The blood within the human body flowed ceaselessly, forming the basis of all human strength. This circulation was driven by a nameless force—a treasure hidden within the human frame.

Tempering the body and refining Qi and blood meant strengthening this force, granting a person supreme power, with the ability to split mountains and sever rivers!

Anle read with rapt fascination. The methods for refining the mind and those for tempering the body were two distinct paths, yet there were reasons to cultivate both together. A powerful mind naturally aided the circulation of Qi and blood, making it easier to awaken this force.

Yet in practice, most cultivators first awakened Qi and blood, sensed its circulation, and then used that to temper their minds and enter meditation.

This was known as the method of introspective meditation—a mainstream approach to cultivating both mind and body.

Anle, however, had already achieved meditation, so he had no need to follow the path of introspective meditation. Instead, he needed to use the power of his mind to reverse and awaken Qi and blood.

“Tiger training: all four limbs on the ground, three forward throws, two backward throws, extend the waist, turn the feet skyward, return to walking on all fours, seven times each forward and backward…”

Anle studied the textual annotations, contemplating the illustrated movements.

Thanks to his Dao Fruit of "Cultivation Genius," enhanced by three strands of temporal energy, Anle's comprehension had improved greatly. Though he no longer had the additional boost from the "Sword Dancer," understanding was no longer a struggle.

He finished his study, engraved the details in his mind, and began practicing the Tiger Form of the Five Beast Body Tempering within his room.

He lowered his body, crouching like a tiger ready to pounce, four limbs on the floor. Following the illustrated movements, he corrected his posture bit by bit, striving to make each position as perfect as possible.

Thirteen Tiger Forms—Anle practiced each one meticulously. With the support of the Cultivation Genius Dao Fruit, his mind was clear, and aided by the subtle power of his meditative mind, he was able to finely adjust and control the tension in his muscles, the twist of his arms—down to the precise bend of each finger!

“Huff, hiss, huff, hiss…”

As Anle practiced the Tiger Form, his breath followed a rhythmic pattern, reminiscent of a tiger’s breathing, quite different from the basic breathing exercises he had purchased at the bookshop—here, he truly mimicked the tiger's respiration.

His muscles, skin, and bones stretched with each movement, sending waves of soreness and pain through his body.

Soon, he was drenched in sweat, his clothes soaked.

Panting heavily, he managed to finish all thirteen Tiger Forms. Anle felt the blood within him surge faster, as if Qi was rising, propelling his blood through his veins!

The room was too cramped, but Anle persisted, practicing the Tiger Form tirelessly, supplementing it with the power of his mind, correcting every mistake.

Unbeknownst to him, night had deepened, growing so dark that one could not see their hand before their face.

Yet inside, Anle panted fiercely, his eyes shining bright as moonlight.

After countless practice rounds, he sensed a distinct flow of energy rising within—his mind could even control this stream, driving his blood to circulate rapidly, generating strength!

“When Qi arises, blood moves!”

“The first stage of body tempering—awakened Qi and blood. Achieved!”

In the darkness, Anle let out a satisfied chuckle, savoring the powerful energy emanating from within. At this moment, he felt he could take on a tenth of the famed girl who chased the wind!

With the Dao Fruit's blessing, even cultivation seemed less daunting.

He lit the lamp.

The room brightened. Anle moved the table and chairs back into place, frowning slightly. “The room is too small—I can’t stretch out. I need a larger place.”

“Tomorrow, after returning from painting at the Lin Estate, I’ll visit the agency and find a bigger courtyard.”

He rose, drew water, bathed away his exhaustion, then sat cross-legged on the bed. Instead of sleeping, he took up a book, holding it under the lamp to read.

Cultivation was important, but the imperial examinations were crucial—the key to rising above and gaining a broader view.

To enter the ranks of top scholars, reading was indispensable. Diligence breeds mastery, but neglect leads to waste. If he failed for lack of preparation, the regret would be bitter indeed.

The night deepened, the candle flickered.

The voice of the young man reciting his studies echoed through the silent darkness, lingering in the air.

…

…

The next day.

Anle awoke after a brief nap, practiced the thirteen Tiger Forms several times in his cramped room until sweat and energy flowed anew, then tidied up and donned a blue robe before heading out.

A new day—his mind was clear and refreshed, ready once more to absorb the energy of the ages, eager and impatient.

With greetings from the innkeeper and the staff, Anle left the inn.

Today, a gentle rain fell from the sky—a spring rain, as was common in these parts. Yet spring rain, soft as oil, was pleasing nonetheless.

Under the oil-paper umbrella gifted by the innkeeper, Anle strolled along the bustling main street. Even the spring rain could not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowds in Lin’an.

Stepping across the flagstone road, he arrived at the edge of West Lake.

Pines lined the mountains with layers of emerald, the moon dotted the waves with a single pearl.

West Lake in spring rain was even more lively—the poetic atmosphere deepened. Scholars and poets, umbrellas raised, wandered along the causeway, reciting verses, admiring the scenery, gazing at the flower boats that sang day and night, their eyes full of longing, hoping to glimpse the beauties aboard.

Anle, following the crowds, could easily be counted among these literati.

He was well-acquainted with the banks of West Lake, finding his old spot. In fact, he could have gone up to the Tower of Lakeview—before, he lacked the money, but now, with ten coins of spirit currency, he could afford it.

But there was no need. He leaned against the white jade railing beside the lake, waiting quietly.

A familiar sound sliced through the air.

From the misty rain overhead, an exquisite woman in white robes and a veil arrived, riding her sword.

The sword’s brilliance cut cleanly through the chaotic spring rain.

She was none other than the number one courtesan of the lake, the sword immortal of the fallen dust, Lady Yunrou.

Anle, umbrella in hand, stood silently, his gaze piercing the fine rain as he watched this peerless woman.

Why had this eighteen-year-old, who had already formed her inner core, fallen from grace?

Anle still could not fathom it.

Yet he was grateful to the lady sword immortal—for her dazzling presence on West Lake enabled him to quietly harvest strands of temporal energy.

Thinking thus, Anle’s mind stirred, and he drew a strand of temporal energy from Yunrou as she flew by.

With her face half-hidden by a veil, Yunrou’s lashes trembled as she glanced at the crowd, her gaze meeting Anle’s.

It was not that she sensed Anle harvesting energy from her, but rather that she noticed the subtle, surging Qi and blood within him, and the concentrated power of his mind.

A cultivator—barely awakened Qi and blood, somewhat weak.

Yet the overflowing mind power was quite refined, indicating a high-level method of mind refinement. To possess such a technique, his background must be exceptional.

She nodded slightly, landing on a flower boat. Several scholars nearby thought the immortal was greeting them, and grew excited, their voices rising as they chanted verse.

Anle was momentarily surprised, recognizing that Yunrou was acknowledging him—their first true exchange.

He smiled, nodding in return, quietly drawing another strand of temporal energy from her.

Alas, both strands were gray, not gold—unable to condense a Dao Fruit.

Yunrou did not engage further, soon disappearing into the flower boat.

Anle, having gathered his energy for the day, did not linger.

In truth, there were dozens of flower boats on West Lake, and cultivators often came by—but unlike these idle poets, they did not crowd the causeway, feigning elegance.

In the prosperous, decadent city of Lin’an, there was a place called the "Flower Pavilion" dedicated to entertaining cultivators—a frequent haunt. Many flower boats on West Lake were, in fact, owned by the Flower Pavilion.

Umbrella raised, Anle passed through the figures on the bustling street, heading toward the Lin Estate.

He had only walked a few steps when a voice called out from afar.

Turning in surprise, Anle saw a familiar figure striding through the throng.

Sword at his waist, clad in black.

It was none other than Huang Xian, the constable who had brought him to the Lin Estate.