novelapdf Chapter 65 Ascending the Tower, Golden Body
Chapter 65 Ascending the Tower, Golden Body
Time flies, and two months have passed in the blink of an eye.
As November approached, the night was as dark as ink spilled onto Cuojin Mountain, and the snow on the mountaintop was reflected in the moonlight with a very faint silvery white.
The wind swept down from above, carrying pine needles and ice shards, howling as it passed through cracks in the rocks and withered trees, stirring the silence of the entire mountain into a slight tremor.
Chen Lingxi sat cross-legged on a protruding rock.
The rocky cliff hangs halfway up the mountain, shaped like an eagle's beak, protruding more than ten feet from the cliff face, with a hundred-foot abyss below.
The rock surface was roughened by wind, like sand, and covered with a thin layer of frost. The cold air seeped into his bones through his robes, but he was completely unaware.
He was looking down at the small wooden box in front of him.
There was one pure white pill left in the wooden box.
The pill was perfectly round like a pearl, pure white, with faint, flowing patterns on its surface, like clouds confined within a small space, emitting a barely perceptible radiance.
Gathering Qi Elixir.
Two months ago, he brought back three from the gilded palace of the Eastern King.
"Two months have passed, and I have already consumed two Qi Gathering Pills. Now, only this last one remains."
The azure energy in Chen Lingxi's dantian has now grown extremely powerful.
It was like a lurking green python, coiled in the very center of the dantian, its color as rich and deep as jade.
"The Qi Circulation Technique has reached its peak at the third level, and the Silver Bone Technique has also been perfected. May I ascend the tower again today? It all depends on this small elixir."
He opened his eyes and took a deep breath.
The chill of the mountaintop, mixed with the astringent scent of pine needles, filled my lungs.
Without further hesitation, he took out the wooden box from his bosom, held the last Qi-gathering pill between his fingertips, and put it into his mouth.
Upon entering the stomach, the spiritual energy ignited instantly.
Like a drop of boiling oil falling into a raging fire, or a piece of meteorite falling into a furnace, the azure python-like spiritual energy in the dantian suddenly surged and trembled wildly the moment the medicinal power entered.
Chen Lingxi felt a jolt throughout his body and immediately began to cultivate his spiritual energy, circulating it through the microcosmic orbit.
One inhale and three pauses; one exhale and five pauses.
In this strange breathing rhythm, Chen Lingxi once again controlled the spiritual energy, enveloping the pill and guiding it through the microcosmic orbit.
Until the torrent of spiritual energy was gradually gathered, refined, and incorporated into the Azure Qi.
The azure energy was like a giant python that had been starving for a long time, greedily devouring the spiritual energy surging from the medicinal power. With each gulp, it grew thicker and thicker, and with each thicker and thicker energy, it solidified into a layer.
"The gaseous green qi has begun to liquefy."
Chen Ling was overjoyed.
The originally scattered and formless spiritual energy mist gathered in the center of the dantian, becoming denser and denser, and finally condensed into a drop of water.
Then came the second drop, the third drop, and countless fine droplets of spiritual energy appeared in the dantian, colliding and merging with each other, turning into dew and mist, and then gathering from the mist into a pool of clear, green spiritual liquid.
Immediately afterwards, a very faint buzzing sound came from deep within the dantian.
The originally narrow dantian space expanded and then shattered under the expansion of this force.
It's like a silkworm cocoon being torn apart from the inside, or a river channel being opened up by the spring flood!
The original gaseous spiritual energy transformed into liquid spiritual energy.
The dantian transformed into the sea of qi.
"You've broken through the barrier."
"Circulate Qi to the fourth floor!"
Chen Ling opened her eyes.
He felt his aura becoming increasingly concentrated, and although his spiritual energy seemed to consist of only a few drops, it was much heavier than before.
"It's almost a qualitative change. Such a rich spiritual energy is enough to support my use of the Purple True Treasure Qi and the Azure Edge Technique."
Chen Ling was overjoyed.
"Moreover, the silver bones are perfected, and it is only one step away from the golden body."
On the fourth floor of the Spiritual Qi Tower, not only is the dantian transformed into the Qi Sea, but the meridians are also further expanded.
The spiritual energy surges through the meridians like a stream, nourishing the body. The bone density is continuously compacted under the repeated washing of the spiritual energy, the marrow becomes thicker and more substantial, and the internal organs also undergo subtle changes under the cleansing of this pure spiritual energy, becoming more resilient and more transparent.
"Take this opportunity to break through to the golden body."
Without hesitation, Chen Lingxi practiced the fifth form of the Seven Forms of Ceasefire on this mountain.
[The Jade-Severing Strike]!
The phrase "断玉" (duàn yù) is derived from the idea that "jade, though hard, can be broken."
This method of circulating qi and blood is extremely unique. It emphasizes concentrating all the qi and blood in the body into one point, just like striking jade with a hammer. The force must be precise to the millimeter. Too much force will shatter the jade, and too little force will render it ineffective.
He obtained the complete method of the last three of the Seven Forms of Ceasefire in the process of Chejue Evolution. He has been studying it every day for the past two months and has already mastered the route of transporting qi and blood in the Broken Jade Formation. Now, it is as natural as water flowing into a channel.
Begin in a horse stance with your waist lowered. Clench your right fist tightly, with the knuckles pointing upwards, and fully mobilize the Qi and blood in your back, chest, and abdomen.
The silver marrow surged like a tide within the bone cavity, emitting a low, resonant sound like a deep urn.
After the Silver Bone is perfected, the Silver Marrow deep within the bones is as thick as mercury. To go further, the Silver Marrow must be pressed layer by layer into the deepest part of the bone marrow, and the essence of Qi and blood contained in the Silver Marrow must be continuously tempered and concentrated, just like repeatedly calcining a pot of molten iron to burn away impurities and leave behind the purest gold essence.
The iron essence seeps into the bone marrow, and the bones gradually change from silvery-white to pale gold; this is the threshold to a golden body.
Chen Lingxi unleashed the nine variations of the Broken Jade Stance, one by one.
With each strike, the silver marrow deep within the bones condenses a little more, the silver light becomes more subdued, and a very faint layer of gold quietly emerges from the deepest part of the bone marrow.
After an unknown amount of time, when the final punch of the ninth variation was unleashed, Chen Lingxi's bones suddenly creaked.
The sound was as if a thousand-pound bronze bell was buried inside his body, and now it was struck by a giant log. The sound waves emanated from the depths of his bones, passed through his flesh, and spread far and wide in the night sky, causing the rubble on the cliff to tumble down.
[Golden Body]!
Moreover, breaking through to the Golden Body signifies minor success!
With the help of his powerful physique from the fourth level of Qi cultivation, Chen Lingxi broke through from the Silver Bone Perfection to the Golden Body, and then stepped into the Minor Completion of the Golden Body!
When one has achieved minor mastery of the Golden Body, the light emanating from the bones throughout the body changes from silvery-white to a very pale golden yellow when practicing the exercises, like the first rays of dawn.
The silver marrow begins to transform into "golden soup".
"This is the initial stage of the Golden Body."
Chen Lingxi stood amidst the mountains, trying to circulate his qi and blood. The golden broth surged within his bone cavity, and then a thick golden light shield began to appear around him.
"Golden Body Shield".
"A sign of achieving minor success in the Golden Body."
Chen Lingxi murmured these four words, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes.
The reason why a Golden Body Warrior can fight against hundreds of armored soldiers is because of this Golden Body Aura.
Ordinary swords and blades striking the protective barrier are like striking a bronze bell; the force rebounds, injuring both the enemy and the user.
Even the penetrating force of a Silver Bone Realm cultivator striking the protective barrier would be like a mud ox sinking into the sea, barely causing any ripples.
"Moreover, my golden body shield is so thick and heavy... even ordinary people who have achieved the Great Perfection of the Golden Body may not have a physique like mine."
Chen Lingxi's gaze gradually calmed down. She glanced at the sky; the night was almost over, and a faint ray of sunlight was faintly visible on the eastern mountain ridge.
Dawn was breaking.
He was no longer a drug-testing slave to be slaughtered at will.
Chen Ling turned around, stepped down the mountain, her steps as steady as ever.
-
December 6th.
The Marquis of Baosu's residence was already bustling with activity before dawn.
There are only seven days left until Consort Chun arrives.
The servants in the west courtyard hurried along, some carrying red lacquered food boxes toward the east courtyard, some carrying newly cut curtains and running quickly, and some carrying gilded screens and sweating profusely.
Several stewards stood under the veranda, holding booklets in their hands, counting and scolding people at the same time, each one louder than the last.
"These kumquats are misaligned! Move them half a foot to the left, then another foot to the left... no, too many!"
"Place the rosewood table and chairs in the storeroom on soft felt before moving them; be careful not to scratch yourselves!"
"The curtains in the main hall of the East Courtyard need to be re-hung. The pattern of the fabric from yesterday is wrong. What will happen if the Imperial Concubine sees it?"
The entire Marquis's mansion was like a pot of water that was about to boil, with noisy activity everywhere, except for the main courtyard of the west wing where Lin Longyue lived, which was relatively quiet.
As Chen Lingxi came out of the courtyard, she met Liu Zhu carrying a stack of newly cut plain silk as she walked from the other end of the veranda.
Today she wore a pale yellow cotton jacket with white fox fur trim around the cuffs, which made her face appear even whiter.
Seeing Chen Lingxi emerge from the side gate, she stopped and nodded slightly to him as a greeting.
"Are you going to report to the government office today?" she asked.
Chen Lingxi responded.
Liu Zhu hesitated for a moment, then suddenly asked, "I'm also going to do some shopping later, why don't we go together?"
Chen Lingxi was taken aback and said, "I'm afraid that won't work. It's almost time. If we miss the appointed time, we'll be punished."
Liu Zhu said no more, only instructing him to "go early and come back early," before carrying the plain silk towards the east courtyard.
Chen Ling watched her walk away, then strode towards the side gate.
In December, the north wind in Yuanjiang Prefecture was as sharp as a knife.
Chen Lingxi walked through the market at a leisurely pace.
After walking for a long time, passing through several streets, and turning into Liujie Alley, we were not far from the government office.
But right now.
A sharp whooshing sound came from behind Chen Lingxi!
The sound came very quickly, the horseshoes clattering on the bluestone slabs, a rapid, rhythmic beat like drumbeats.
"Um?"
Chen Lingxi frowned.
He could discern the clattering of armor plates clashing together amidst the sound of horses' hooves, as well as a very light and deep breath.
The long, drawn-out breath was like that of a galloping beast; seemingly calm, yet containing an extremely strong fluctuation of vital energy.
He subtly stepped aside, turned his head slightly, and caught a glimpse of the person out of the corner of his eye.
A chestnut horse was galloping from the other end of the long street.
The horse was tall, more than a head taller than ordinary military horses, with snow-white hooves and mane that fluttered like a flag in the north wind.
A man sat astride a horse, a sword at his waist, clad in silver armor and a silver helmet, the armor plates rustling in the north wind. His face was covered by a helmet, revealing only his eyes.
Those eyes were extremely sharp, gleaming with a cold, eerie light in the shadows.
Chen Lingxi suddenly sensed something.
"They're coming for me!"
The newcomer's gaze accurately swept over the sparse pedestrians on the street and landed on him, and immediately blood and qi surged beneath his armor!
A faint silver light emanated from beneath the man's arm armor!
Penetrating force!
"A figure of silver bones." Chen Lingxi's expression remained unchanged.
The man approached with incredible speed. When his horse was just a few steps away from Chen Lingxi, it suddenly reared up and neighed. Its front hooves made two empty stomps in the air before crashing heavily onto the bluestone slab, sending shards of ice flying everywhere.
At the same time, the silver-armored man on horseback took advantage of the situation and leaned down, his back arched like a bow, his right arm suddenly extended, his five fingers forming a claw, and the bone-piercing force swirling at his fingertips burst forth, transforming into a silvery claw shadow that grabbed at his shoulder and neck.
This claw strike, seemingly casual, was actually incredibly fast.
Before the pedestrians around could react, they felt a gust of wind sweep past them, making their skin sting.
Chen Lingxi feigned panic, seemingly instinctively dodging to the side.
Her body seemed to lag behind her consciousness by a beat. Her right shoulder was grazed by the man's claws, and her indigo robe was ripped open at the shoulder with a tear, sending cotton fibers flying everywhere.
At the same time, he staggered back a few steps, his back hitting the stone wall on the side of the street. He groaned, his head tilted to the side, and as if he had been knocked unconscious by a penetrating force, his body slumped to the ground, motionless.
It looks like she's fainted.
The silver-armored man was somewhat surprised to have succeeded with his claw.
But he didn't think much of it. He just snorted and arched his back like a swooping eagle, leaping down from the horse and grabbing Chen Lingxi's waist, pulling him across the saddle.
The few pedestrians scattered on the street then realized what was happening, and a commotion ensued.
After leaving the long street, the horses did not head towards the city gate, but instead turned into a quiet alley and headed west along the alley.
Chen Lingxi originally intended to make a move here, but suddenly realized that this road led to the Yuanjiang River, and he had some guesses in his mind.
Sure enough, after about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the horses rounded a patch of withered reeds, and a house appeared ahead.
Above the gate of the courtyard hangs a stone plaque with the four characters "Qingjiang Bieyuan" engraved on it.
Chen Lingxi sneered inwardly.
"It really is Yang Zhuri."
-
And in front of the bathhouse at Qingjiang Villa.
The pool water still had a faint turquoise hue, and the layer of white mist on the surface was thicker than it had been a few months ago.
The eight bronze lamps by the pond had their blue flames flickering silently.
Yang Zhuri stood by the pond.
He wasn't wearing a brocade robe today, but only a plain white undergarment, the collar slightly open, revealing a small patch of jade-white skin at his collarbone.
His hands were exceptionally beautiful, with long, slender fingers, well-proportioned joints, and fingertips as smooth as pearls, just like a noble young master who had never touched the warmth of spring water.
But at this moment, those hands were holding a dagger.
Before him stood two people, a boy and a girl.
The boy lay on the stone slab by the pool, the back of his head resting on the groove carved out of the edge of the stone to draw blood into the pool. His neck was tilted back in an extremely unnatural arc, his Adam's apple protruding high, as if an invisible hand was choking him.
He was about fifteen or sixteen years old. His face was covered with talismans. His eyes were open, but there was no longer any spirit in them. His pupils were severely dilated.
The boy stared at the cold moon in the night sky, his eyes unmoving.
The girl curled up beside him.
She was even younger, about thirteen or fourteen years old, and extremely thin. Her wrists were so thin they looked like two withered branches, as if they would break at the slightest touch.
She curled up on the stone slab, her legs drawn up to her chest, her hands wrapped around her knees, burying her face between them.
Her hair was supposed to be braided, but the red ribbon had come loose at some point, with half of it hanging on the ends of her hair and the other half lying in the bloodstains on the stone slab.
Her face was also covered with cinnabar talismans, but her fingers suddenly twitched. Her small, purple hand, frozen to the touch, slowly slid down from her knee, as if she were groping for something.
Until she touched the corner of the boy's clothes, her fingertips trembled slightly when they touched the rough gray cloth, and then she grabbed it.
"elder brother……"
The girl called out.
Yang Zhuri looked down at the girl, his peach blossom eyes showing no emotion.
The girl's eyes suddenly moved. She seemed to see Yang Zhuri, the dagger in his hand that was as thin as ice, the dark cloud pattern embroidered on his inner robe, and his handsome face that was almost unreal.
She stared for a long time, and it seemed as if she exerted a great deal of effort to part her lips slightly, revealing two rows of small teeth inside. The teeth were stained with blood, turning the gaps between them a pale red.
"grown ups……"
"Can you spare us?"
She asked.
Those hazy, gray eyes stared at Yang Zhuri, the faint light in them trembling slightly.
Her hand was still tightly gripping the boy's clothes.
That boy was probably her brother.
"I...we still have a younger sister." Her voice suddenly grew louder, her tone trembling with an urgent, almost pleading tone, as if trying to prove that she was not something that could be killed at will.
"She's only five years old. Her parents are dead, and we're the only ones who can take care of her... Sir, please let us go home?"
As she spoke, a very soft sob suddenly escaped her throat. She desperately suppressed the sob, refusing to let it escape, probably out of fear that Yang Zhuri would find it annoying.
She simply looked up at Yang Zhuri with her hazy, gray eyes, her lips moving as if waiting for an answer.
Yang Zhuri was slightly taken aback.
He lowered his head and looked at her face again and again.
Then, he suddenly burst into laughter.
The girl's eyes moved again.
Yang Zhuri's laughter subsided, and he tilted his head, saying softly, "There's no going back."
"You are nothing but seasonings. When the great medicine arrives, I will send you back, and then I will not be able to enjoy it."
"Blame him if you want..."
"What was that servant's name again...?"
"Chen Lingxi".