Chapter 9: Sealing the Meridians

The black-skirted woman unfurled a ribbon like a curtain of dark clouds. Layer upon layer, it flipped and flew around, instantly wrapping Mu Yuan tightly. Countless elusive streams of energy shot out from it, thin strands forming a net-like web, making Mu Yuan’s head ache fiercely!

His Greenwood Divine Radiance flashed brilliantly, swirling with vibrant emerald light, struggling several times. Yet, he couldn’t break through these surging, strange, and sinister currents swirling like water whirlpools. They resembled ocean waves rolling together, faintly echoing the Tidal Flow, but their power was vastly greater! They tugged at Mu Yuan’s form until he became unsteady; several times, he nearly lost his footing.

“Wow! Where did such a frighteningly strong lady come from? She’s not old, yet her cultivation is far higher than mine. Her zhenqi is immense, and these techniques are mysterious and unpredictable. I don’t know where they start or end—appearing and disappearing unpredictably—hard to resist!”

Mu Yuan groaned inwardly. Every time he swung the Iron Sword, the energy bursts seemed pulled by countless swirling eddies, losing accuracy and scattering. His concentrated Greenwood Divine Radiance was dragged into the surrounding vortexes, showing signs of being shattered!

After a fierce struggle for a short while, Mu Yuan was truly distressed. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and he felt stifled. Her zhenqi flowed everywhere, shifting unpredictably. He couldn’t grasp the true source of her power, rendering his attacks ineffective. “If only I had reached a decent level in the Tidal Flow, facing these ethereal and changing currents wouldn’t be so tough!”

This thought flashed through his mind. But distracted just for that instant, a silken thread of light pierced through his Greenwood Divine Radiance’s defense. It touched his body and instantly vanished.

Mu Yuan immediately felt a cold, snake-like zhenqi slithering inside him. Wherever it passed, his meridians felt weak. Panic hit him; his internal zhenqi slightly scattered. Suddenly, he heard the black-skirted woman’s light laugh. She dashed forward, leaving the beast, her slender fingers moving like someone plucking a pipa or strumming a zither. She instantly shattered Mu Yuan’s zhenqi shield and swiftly struck several critical points on his Liver Meridian with her fingertips. Then, she retracted the silk ribbon, transforming it back into a bracelet around her wrist.

The Liver Meridian was where the Longevity True Qi gathered and originated. It was the very foundation of Longevity Palace cultivation! Sealed now, his cultivation level was no different from having lost most of its power.

The black-skirted woman, bearing a smile, hauled Mu Yuan onto the beast, making him ride with her. Leaning against her softness, Mu Yuan felt dizzy with enchantment, forgetting all about the humiliation of capture instantly.

Throughout the journey, the black-skirted woman constantly teased Mu Yuan. After some conversation, Mu Yuan learned her name was Mo Xue, a disciple from the Moon Palace lineage. She had originally come down the mountain for leisure. But two days prior, a reckless young noble had inexplicably harassed her. Fury ignited, and she had pursued him all the way to this place.

Finally understanding the reason, Mu Yuan recalled the opulent carriage he’d seen and inwardly laughed. He decided not to mention it. During the uneventful travel, though his Liver Meridian was sealed, unable to channel Longevity True Qi, he could secretly cultivate his Tide True Qi. It surged within his Kidney Meridian, circulating throughout his body. Surprisingly, he made noticeable progress.

Focusing exclusively on this, ignoring the Longevity Art, Mu Yuan began to glimpse the profound subtleties of the Tidal Flow true principles. He had practiced the Longevity Art for ten years and had unconsciously regarded it as his primary cultivation method. Cultivating the Tidal Flow had merely been to bolster the Longevity True Qi. Learning cultivation techniques required innate talent, intelligence, and diligence. But another essential factor was sincerity—total dedication to the practice.

Now, immersing himself solely in the Tidal Flow, disregarding Longevity True Qi, and bolstered by his existing Second Layer of Qi Refining level and the aid of the specialized water-attuned treasure, the Green Gourd, Mu Yuan made a breakthrough. In just a few days, he advanced from the First Layer to the Second Layer of Qi Refining!

Alongside the Tidal Flow handed down by the Slovenly Daoist, came corresponding water-based Divine Abilities. Canglang Water Sword was a given. There were others too: Qi Vortex Slash, Dragon Absorbs Water, Icecold Path, and more… a compendium of all foundational water-element techniques, dating back to the ancient Five Elements Path! They were the profound creations of great Tidal Flow cultivators throughout the ages, exploring the very marvels of heaven and earth!

Fundamentally, the Longevity Art didn’t emphasize combat; its focus was on nurturing the body. Most in the Longevity Palace were figures of high moral standing who prioritized pure cultivation over combat skills when teaching juniors. Before disciples crossed past the Qi Refining Third Layer, where Qi coalesced into its primal form, they weren’t taught many Divine Abilities. Mu Yuan only had the Greenwood Divine Radiance technique, which, although profound, was quite meager equipment. The Slovenly Daoist, in his final moments, had imprinted all the spells and techniques he knew into Mu Yuan’s Sea of Consciousness. This treasure trove was vast, deep, and inexhaustible like the ocean itself.

Having reached a temporary peak in Qi refinement and needing a diversion, Mu Yuan began browsing these Divine Abilities meant for combat. He silently recited them in his mind, visualizing their application. He felt boundless wonder and joy, repeatedly rehearsing these techniques within his Sea of Consciousness, gradually learning many methods for battling opponents.

Mo Xue’s steed was an unknown species. Its speed was incredible. When it raced at full tilt, Mu Yuan felt the cutting wind on his face, sharp as knives. After a day of travel, they arrived at a city and settled into an inn.

Mu Yuan grew quite envious of the beast. Having spent several days together, he’d become somewhat familiar with Mo Xue. During their meal, he asked, “Sister Mo, what kind of mount is that? I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Mo Xue ate very little and soon seemed full. Cultivators like them naturally had very low requirements for food since ancient times; the concept of “absorbing energy” existed. Neither had reached that level yet, but filled with abundant zhenqi, they had a constant source of natural energy. Hearing Mu Yuan, she chuckled lightly, “This steed is called a Dragon Rhinoceros. Thick-skinned, tough, and resilient, it has excellent stamina. Moreover, it possesses draconic traits. While it cannot soar on clouds and mist, its speed far surpasses even the finest of legendary warhorses.”

Hearing this, Mu Yuan felt even more envy. “Then, Sister, where did you capture it? When I get a chance, I’d like to find one myself, just for fun.”

Mo Xue’s eyes sparkled, as clear as autumn water, making Mu Yuan’s heartbeat quicken. Seeing her smiling, playful gaze fixed on his dazed expression made his heart race chaotically. He hurriedly lowered his head. She chased a guy all this way just because he teased her! If I keep staring at her like this… goodness knows what torture or even death I might get this time, he fretted inwardly.

Seeing Mu Yuan look away, Mo Xue gave a soft, amused laugh. “Little Mu, why aren’t you looking anymore? Is my face so ugly it scares you?”

Mu Yuan forced a dry laugh, thinking that if someone like her was ugly, there were no beauties left in the world. But he knew that beneath Mo Xue’s outwardly seductive and frivolous appearance was someone formidable. He quickly fumbled, “Let’s… let’s talk about the Dragon Rhinoceros!”

Mo Xue sighed softly. “This Dragon Rhinoceros was a gift from my master. I couldn’t possibly catch one myself. Dragon Rhinoceroses possess immense strength and are fiercely violent. Don’t be fooled by its gentleness now. An untamed wild Dragon Rhinoceros, once enraged, could attack with terrifying power. With your and my current skills combined, we likely couldn’t stop it!”

“So powerful?” Mu Yuan was astonished. He was about to speak further when a handsome young man entered through the door. Dressed in opulent robes with gold-trimmed edges, he looked refined. Flipping open a folding fan with a casual flick of his wrist, he exuded an air of easy charm.

This guy is handsome alright. Even the legendary heartthrobs like Pan An or Song Yu probably only looked this good. Walking through a busy street, he’d definitely draw the attention of all the young women. Wouldn’t be surprised if they started fighting over him! Mu Yuan thought silently. The man had crimson lips and white teeth, sharp eyebrows, and star-like eyes—handsome yet carrying a hint of upright bearing that easily generated goodwill. Women would flock, men would feel inadequate.

However, upon seeing this man, Mo Xue’s delicate eyebrows shot up. A dense aura of killing intent erupted from her instantly, startling Mu Yuan. Could this be the young noble she’s been chasing? Poor guy, he whispered a prayer in his mind. Just as he suspected, Mo Xue rose from her seat. With her fingers held together like a sword (Sword Finger), she struck straight toward the man’s Zhongji acupoint in the center of his chest without uttering a word!

The nobleman was clearly skilled in martial arts. The moment he stepped into the inn and spotted Mo Xue, he knew it was bad news. As Mo Xue attacked, he pushed off strongly with both feet, swinging his folded fan. Retreating swiftly, he blocked Mo Xue’s Sword Finger strike!

“Good reaction speed! But too bad, his internal energy cultivation is far inferior to Mo Xue’s Heavenly Heart zhenqi,” Mu Yuan assessed instantly, reaching a cold conclusion.

The Moon Palace practiced the Heavenly Heart Moonlight Mind Art. Its Heavenly Heart zhenqi, pure like the moon, was focused on attack. When unleashed, the zhenqi surged torrentially, imposing like the moon in the sky, its radiance scattering like molten silver, seeping into every gap, making resistance impossible!

The dashing noble reacted swiftly. He shouted loudly, probably calling for help. Immediately, four furious shouts rang out! Four powerful, thick, palm forces smashed through the window lattices, compressing the air with explosive cracking sounds, heading straight for Mo Xue’s entire body!

“Oh wow, all experts! Even if they aren’t quite Gai Tiancheng’s level, they’re pretty close! Who exactly is this noble to have such powerful martial artists as bodyguards?” Mu Yuan was shocked, instantly realizing that Mo Xue absolutely could not withstand the combined assault of these four. He urgently channeled his Tide True Qi, attempting to break through the sealed pathways of his Liver Meridian!

Mo Xue’s cultivation level was only slightly higher than Mu Yuan’s. While her intricate technique played a part in his capture days earlier, Mu Yuan’s lack of combat experience and severely limited defensive techniques—only the Greenwood Divine Radiance, relentlessly suppressed by Mo Xue’s ribbon—had been major factors.

But these four palm strikes were formidable, combined with terrifying coordination! They struck simultaneously at all his vital acupoints, even blocking any path for retreat! They were forcing a direct power contest against Mo Xue!