MUMA Chapter 5

It had been over half a month since Li Xuan had accepted Xu Yan as his disciple and taught him the made up cultivation method.

 

During this half-month period, it was the most comfortable time Li Xuan had experienced since his arrival in this world. He had a disciple to attend to his needs every day, and he didn’t have to cook, feed chickens, or tend to crops.

 

Every day, he either slept or leisurely wandered around the village, lounging in his chair.

 

There was only one piece of Nine-Leaf Yuan Mushroom left, and once he stewed it today, it would be gone. Li Xuan marveled at the rarity of this precious medicinal herb; its effects were truly remarkable. Over the past half-month, he could clearly feel the changes in his body.

 

His spirit had improved, his vision had become sharper, his body had grown stronger, and his strength had increased.

 

“Should I stew Thousand-Year Mountain Ginseng tomorrow? Would it be too nourishing?” Li Xuan lay in his chair, pondering.

 

“Thousand-Year Mountain Ginseng is different; should I save it for later?” He glanced sideways at Xu Yan, who was practicing stances, feeling somewhat puzzled.

 

“It’s been half a month already; how can he remain so composed? His calm and patient temperament is good, but unfortunately, he’s not very smart.”

 

“Nevertheless, it’s better this way. The more composed he is, the more advantageous it is for me. But it’s been half a month, and he hasn’t made any progress in his cultivation or even asked any questions.” Li Xuan was quite surprised.

 

“When it’s time for dinner, I’ll ask him if he has any questions, fulfilling my duty as his master.”

 

“Let me think about how to make up something plausible and how to reassure Xu Yan and encourage him to persevere…”

 

…

 

“I’ve finally achieved mastery in skin refinement!”

 

As Xu Yan continued his cultivation, he felt a surge of energy throughout his body, and his skin tense up and then relaxed. At this moment, he sensed a significant improvement.

 

Mastery in skin refinement!

 

“My master was right; cultivation cannot be rushed, and it requires a balance of work and rest.”

 

“I spend time cooking, feeding chickens, tending to crops, and even hunting for wild animals every day. It may seem like I have less time for cultivation, but with this balance, my state of mind is completely different, and I’m progressing faster and more effortlessly!”

 

“My master’s cultivation level is truly remarkable!”

 

Xu Yan was filled with admiration.

 

“My master is indeed a hermit with profound knowledge. His guidance and even the smallest hints have been invaluable to me.”

 

He glanced at Li Xuan, who was lying in his chair, and envy welled up in Xu Yan’s eyes.

 

“When will I reach my master’s level? He may seem ordinary, even unremarkable, but that’s what makes a true expert.”

 

“Perhaps this is what my master meant by ‘returning to simplicity’ and ‘approaching the Dao¹Dao; a way, road or the path.'”

 

“I must remain grounded and, one day, become as strong as my master!”

 

Xu Yan encouraged himself with these thoughts.

 

“In less than twenty days, I’ve achieved mastery in skin refinement. I’m just one step away from perfection, and in another three to five days, I can start bone refinement.”

 

“After I achieve mastery in skin refinement, I’ll ask my master for guidance on bone refinement.”

 

“My master mentioned that ancient geniuses achieved mastery in skin refinement in five days. I may not be as talented, but completing skin refinement in less than a month should still be acceptable, right?”

 

Xu Yan checked the time; it was time to prepare dinner.

 

So, he stopped his practice, went to the chicken coop, caught a chicken, and prepared it with Nine-Leaf Elemental Ginseng.

 

There was only one piece of Nine-Leaf Yuan Mushroom left, and while slaughtering the chicken, Xu Yan had a sudden idea.

 

“My master said that after achieving mastery in skin refinement, ordinary weapons can hardly harm me. I should test it out. I’ll make a gentle cut and see.”

 

Xu Yan held a knife and lightly scratched his arm. He was a martial artist who had achieved mastery in skin refinement, so he wasn’t an ordinary person. He didn’t use his energy or apply much force, just the strength of an ordinary person.

 

The blade passed over his arm, leaving a faint white mark that quickly disappeared.

 

“Is this the defense of mastery in skin refinement?”

 

Xu Yan was excited. Although he didn’t use much force, he had easily opened the chicken’s body. A simple scratch from an ordinary person would have torn flesh and caused an injury, but there was no trace of harm on his skin.

 

“Just as my master said, after achieving mastery in skin refinement, ordinary weapons can hardly harm me!”

 

Xu Yan was full of anticipation for the upcoming bone refinement and even organ refinement.

 

…

 

“In these days, you’ve been able to remain calm and composed in your practice, which pleases me,” Li Xuan remarked during their meal.

 

“Master, I understand. I will definitely avoid impatience and maintain composure,” Xu Yan replied respectfully.

 

In his heart, he felt fortunate that he hadn’t rushed things and had remained composed. This had left a good impression on his master.

 

“In cultivation, persistence, unwavering will, and steadfastness are essential. Impatience and seeking quick success are unwise. Remember that,” Li Xuan advised.

 

“Yes, Master. I will remember your teachings,” Xu Yan nodded solemnly.

 

However, in his heart, he thought, “I’ve achieved mastery in skin refinement, and my master is probably worried that I might rush into bone refinement without a solid foundation.”

 

“Even if I achieve mastery in skin refinement, I should still build a solid foundation before moving on to bone refinement. I mustn’t let my increased strength make me forget the importance of staying grounded.”

 

Xu Yan reminded himself not to become arrogant due to his improved abilities.

 

Unaware that Xu Yan had already sensed his own qi and blood and had achieved mastery in skin refinement, Li Xuan breathed a sigh of relief when he saw how his disciple responded.

 

“This disciple may not be the sharpest, but he’s an honest person. It’s a pity I’m not really a reclusive master; otherwise, having such a respectful and sensible disciple would be a gratifying experience.”

 

Li Xuan sighed inwardly.

 

He then said, “I know you must have accumulated some questions during your cultivation. I can now answer them for you.”

 

Xu Yan’s spirits lifted, and he looked excited. “Master, I’m about to begin bone refinement, so I have some questions about it. You advised me not to rush, to remain composed, and now, I hope you can answer my questions. This will help calm my impatience and deepen my understanding of bone refinement.”

 

The more Xu Yan thought about it, the more he felt that every word his master spoke had profound meaning and was a valuable lesson.

 

“Master, I have no doubts about the skin refinement method, but I would like to ask about bone refinement. Is there anything special about infusing qi and blood into the bones and constantly tempering them? How do I know when bone refinement is complete?”

 

…

 

Xu Yan’s questions about bone refinement took Li Xuan by surprise. He had prepared some made up bullshit related to qi and blood perception and skin refinement, but he hadn’t anticipated questions about bone refinement.

 

(End of Chapter 5)

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  Dao; a way, road or the path