Chapter 68: Only by digesting you, Xiaofan will have a bright future (please read it later)
"Commander Pang, congratulations!"
Li Xian cupped his hands in greeting.
"Hahahaha." Pang Long laughed heartily, his expression excited. "Congratulations to you too!"
Pang Long has been making rapid progress lately, and he asked his wife about it. His wife was in a good mood at the time and told him…
He has already taken one foot into the realm of "consuming essence," and if you were to count, he could be considered half a transformed martial artist.
A pounding chest and a head full of life... these are all just a matter of time. However, individual constitutions differ, so the speed of these changes is difficult to generalize.
Some people possess several characteristics simultaneously, and their bodies undergo strange changes, granting them extraordinary power, which is truly enviable.
Some people, however, took decades to go from the initial "magic device in the palm" to "life-giving hair".
Pang Long's recent transformation is not due to innate talent, but rather to the accumulation of experience that has gradually become apparent.
"Commander Pang, what's it like?" Li Xian asked with great envy.
“Hmm…” Pang Long pondered for a moment, “I can’t quite put my finger on it, but… it’s very good.”
“Li Xian, you are better than me. You are only fifteen or sixteen years old this year, and you have enjoyed medicinal baths and fine food.”
"I will serve you faithfully, my lady. I have a real chance to become a completely transformed martial artist in the future."
Pang Long was overjoyed and greatly admired Li Xian, showering him with praise.
"It's a long way off," Li Xian said. "I'm currently circulating my Qi throughout my body, but I don't know how long I'll have to wait. Besides, even if I do circulate my Qi, I'm still a long way from reaching the Essence Absorption Realm and undergoing a complete transformation, right?"
"Um…"
Pang Long said, "Well, how should I put it?"
“I didn’t dare to speak presumptuously before, but now I think I can say something about it.”
"You said that circulating Qi throughout the body is far from the 'absorbing essence' realm, and it is indeed very far. Without the help of a benefactor, one may never reach it in a lifetime."
"But you said it's close... it is indeed very close."
Taking the opportunity, Li Xian asked for guidance, "Commander Pang, what you're saying sounds very mysterious; I don't understand."
“After circulating Qi throughout the body, you can try to achieve ‘solidifying blood and closing the orifices’,” Pang Long said, and then demonstrated it.
His pulse stopped and his pores closed.
"Once you reach this point, you're only one step away from the 'Essence Absorption Realm'."
The two extinguished the fire and headed back.
Li Xian asked, "What distance?"
“Digestion!” Pang Long said, “Strictly speaking, the realm of ‘Essence of Food’ that is transformed from clay body to 'rebirth’ has only one definition from beginning to end, which is digestion.”
"You have consumed refined soup and refined food, so you should know clearly that we are born from clay, our lives are as fragile as mud, and even if we happen to obtain the essence of heaven and earth, it is difficult to retain even a fraction of it."
“Indeed.” Li Xian nodded.
As they talked, they turned a corner and came to a lake. Pang Long cupped the lake water in his hands and said, "It's like water slipping through your fingers."
"The so-called circulation of Qi and the consolidation of blood and closure of orifices are all for the purpose of allowing the essence of heaven and earth to remain in the body for a longer period of time."
"I see." Li Xian understood, and also scooped up the water, feeling the water droplets flow through her fingers.
I am deeply aware of the cruelty of the world.
Even with countless natural treasures, they are utterly useless to a mere clay figure.
"The essence of heaven and earth, even when it dissipates, will subtly change the human body."
"It's like water flowing through a crack, but the palm remains wet."
"Over time, the clay figures gradually developed the ability to digest 'refined food'."
"Therefore... there is only one difference between the clay body and the essence-eating realm, and that is whether one can digest and absorb the essence of heaven and earth."
"If possible, even by a fraction, it would be considered as having one foot in the Essence Absorption Realm. As long as the essence treasures keep up, one will gradually step into the Essence Absorption Realm, and from then on... begin the path of transformation."
Pang Long scooped up the lake water, clenched his fingers tightly to lock the flow of water, and became more and more excited as he spoke. In the end, he struck out with his palm.
The water in his palm was sprinkled onto the lake. Each drop stirred up even larger waves, its power considerable; if it hit a person, it would surely cause great pain.
"Been taught a lesson!"
Li Xian seemed to be deep in thought.
Only today did I fully understand that the meaning of "eating essence" was actually just that.
Only those who possess the qualifications of "Edible Treasure" can obtain it.
Only then can one truly embark on the long journey of martial arts in pursuit of complete transformation.
...
...
Early November.
The cold wave has passed, and warmth is on its way.
Although the ice and snow had not melted, some of the strong and healthy guards were already able to wear short clothes.
Based on past weather patterns, the weather will likely get even colder.
It won't be until the end of January or the beginning of February that the weather in Qingning County will truly warm up and the ice and snow will begin to melt.
That noon, Li Xian prepared his long sword and swung it a few times on the spot.
He hadn't officially started practicing the Great Luo Sword Technique, but he had already grasped the basics, and his casual swings were quite graceful.
"Uncle Li... Uncle Li?"
Suddenly, a voice called out.
Looking around, he saw that it was Bi Hao who had come looking for him.
"You're looking for me?" Li Xian asked in surprise.
Ever since he became a B-level nurse, Bi Hao and his nephew have avoided him like the plague. It was really strange that they took the initiative to seek him out this time.
In truth, the two uncles and nephews were being petty and judging others by their own standards. Although Li Xian was not a gentleman, he was broad-minded. It was true that he had a grudge against Luo Fang, and given the opportunity, he would definitely kill him.
If he had the ability, he would not hesitate to dismiss Luo Fang. But he disdained to resort to underhanded tactics or make things difficult for him.
He would be better off using that energy to practice swordsmanship or boxing.
Bi Hao knelt down with a thud, thinking to himself, "Uncle Li is truly a master, a real genius. Oh dear, if I had realized this sooner, how could I have dared to offend this master?"
"What do you want with me?" Li Xian sheathed his sword.
"Sir," Bi Hao said nervously, "I came to see you because...because..."
“Someone outside is looking for you, so I immediately relayed the message. I went to the manor's main courtyard first, but didn't see you. Then I went to your residence and inquired around before finding out that you were here. That's why I'm so anxious to see you. I don't know if I've disturbed you. If you don't want to see me, I'll help you send them away.”
His explanation was clearly the result of countless rehearsals in his mind.
"Someone's looking for me?" Li Xian was delighted. "Could it be my younger brother?"
“No…no,” Bi Hao said. “It’s a couple, sir. Will you see them or not? I will serve you without complaint.”
Because of Li Xian, Bi Hao missed out on the opportunity to become a guard. He was extremely jealous and resentful of Li Xian, feeling unconvinced, confused, and bewildered. He was also insulted and beaten by his cousin, which tormented him until he became increasingly thin.
However…
When Li Xian was promoted to Grade B, his mentality completely changed. His confusion, bewilderment, and resentment turned into complete understanding and submission. He dared to talk back when his uncle insulted him, and although he was beaten by his uncle, he was still his uncle and nephew. Could his uncle really kill him?
He ate well, slept well, and understood everything. He no longer hated Li Xian; instead, he treated him like a superior person and tried his best to please him.
Today I heard that someone has come looking for Li Xian.
Overjoyed, they treated him with great hospitality and rushed over without hesitation.
"A couple?" Li Xian asked. "Could it be Liu Wang and his wife?"
"Yes, yes, the woman's surname is Liu, and the man's surname is Wang. You know them, sir?" Bi Hao nodded repeatedly.
"Take me to them," Li Xian said. "If you cause any more trouble, I'll kill you on the spot!"
Bi Hao said in a panic, "Sir, I was blind before and misjudged you. I was stupid and not human. Now I see myself clearly and I can see your true identity. How dare I play tricks on you?"
"I only hope that this matter can settle the previous grudges. Oh, talking about grudges is too much. How could a lowly person like me have any grudges against a great man like you? That's too much of an overstatement. *slaps face*"
As he spoke, he slapped himself several times.
"That's enough," Li Xian said, stopping them.
"Grandpa, it's right there." Upon reaching the outside of the village, Bi Hao pointed to a large tree.
Sure enough, Mr. and Mrs. Liu were waiting under the tree.
Li Xian walked quickly over and called out, "Aunt Liu, Uncle Wang, are you feeling any better?"
"Wow! Little Fairy, you've grown so tall! You're much taller than your Uncle Wang!" Aunt Liu exclaimed in surprise.
Immediately afterward, his expression tightened, and he said, "Little Fairy, there is something I need to tell you."
"Your Xiaofan has done so well! He picked flowers during the winter exam!"
(End of this chapter)
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