“In bone refinement, there are specific stages…”
Although Xu Yan’s questions about bone refinement caught him off guard, Li Xuan remained completely composed.
After all, in his previous life, he was a web novel writer and had a talent for making things up. These days, after consuming chicken soup made from the Nine-Leaf Yuan Mushroom, his memory had improved, and his mind was sharper. He quickly figured out how to make up information.
“Today, as your master, I will explain the intricacies of bone refinement in detail.”
“Bone refinement is an extremely important foundation, and one must not be careless as it directly impacts the strength of one’s martial arts ability. Weak bones lead to a weak body…”
Li Xuan’s mind raced as he began to make up explanations.
He presented one theory after another, captivating Xu Yan, who nodded frequently and occasionally had moments of sudden understanding.
“So, there is so much precept to bone refinement. Fortunately, Master often reminds me to be patient and not rush through it. Otherwise, I might not grasp the intricacies and hinder my progress in learning the martial arts,” Xu Yan sighed inwardly.
“Indeed, I must follow Master’s guidance, remain patient, and cultivate wisdom!”
The more he listened, the more he realized the profound nature of the bone refinement stage. Once bone refinement was complete, his strength would undoubtedly increase several times over.
“I’ve nearly completed skin refinement. After finishing that, I must take some time to contemplate the path of bone refinement carefully. I can’t rush it!” Xu Yan made up his mind.
Li Xuan made up theories one after another, observing Xu Yan’s serious and attentive expression. He was quite satisfied and nodded approvingly, saying, “My disciple, you must remember that progressing slowly in your practice doesn’t mean you’ll always progress slowly.
“Just like building a tower, the foundation is crucial. If the foundation is weak, it won’t withstand the elements and will easily collapse. The same principle applies to the path of cultivation. Pursuing fast results in the early stages may hinder your ultimate potential, stifling your path of martial arts.”
“Throughout history, many early practitioners achieved rapid progress and seemed like geniuses, but they struggled in the later stages due to weak foundations. Some even reached their limits and made no further progress.”
Li Xuan’s intention in saying this was to console Xu Yan. Although he hadn’t sensed his qi and blood yet, it was important to establish a solid foundation in the early stages of cultivation.
Xu Yan, on the other hand, was motivated by these words. He thought, “Master is reminding me that even though I may not be as fast as ancient geniuses in my cultivation, as long as my foundation is solid, I can surpass them in the future!
“Master believes in me, and I must not disappoint him!
“I must establish a strong foundation and surpass those ancient geniuses!”
Touched by these thoughts, Xu Yan respectfully said, “Master, rest assured, I will always remember your teachings. I won’t rush and will build a solid foundation. I won’t let you down!”
Li Xuan nodded with satisfaction and said, “You understand my intentions well. I’m delighted!”
Relieved, he thought, “I’ve managed to deceive him again. Even if he doesn’t sense his qi and blood for a month or two, he should be able to remain patient. Besides, after consuming the chicken soup made from the Nine-Leaf Yuan Mushroom, my body has become stronger, and he should believe it’s due to cultivation.”
“However, deception can only work for a while. Considering this is related to cultivation, I need to plan my escape carefully. This guy has some background and influence.”
With Xu Yan’s mindset stabilized, it became easier to handle the situation. He would let Xu Yan continue his cultivation.
There was still a year to go.
“Master, you mentioned that bone refinement has different stages. Are there any specific principles to follow?” Xu Yan respectfully inquired.
Li Xuan, who had nearly forgotten about making up the stages of bone refinement, hesitated for a moment.
To make it more challenging for Xu Yan, who can’t even sense qi and blood or complete skin refinement, let’s increase the difficulty of bone refinement.
When he struggles to achieve success, he will realize that it’s due to his lack of talent. He might voluntarily decide to leave, feeling ashamed of the effort and resources I’ve invested in him…
If I give him another chance, for example, if he has children, they can try to enter the path of cultivation. This way, he might see a glimmer of hope. Even if he can’t cultivate himself, he can let his children try…
“This will reduce the chances of him discovering the truth, and I can receive the gift of apprenticeship from his future children…”
Li Xuan thought that since he had already deceived Xu Yan once, he didn’t mind doing it a second time.
Thinking ahead, after this was settled, he would successfully leave the small mountain village and hide in the Wu Kingdom. This would greatly reduce the chances of running into Xu Yan ever again.
With Xu Yan’s gift of apprenticeship, he could live a slightly better life in the Wu Kingdom.
Li Xuan adjusted his expression, adopting a serious tone, and said, “Bone refinement is divided into four stages: Iron Bone, Copper Bone, Gold Bone, and Jade Bone.”
Xu Yan’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he asked, “Are Iron Bone, Copper Bone, Gold Bone, and Jade Bone the four stages of bone refinement?”
Li Xuan shook his head and said, “Not really! These are the four stages of bone refinement, representing the limits of the martial path and one’s own strength.”
“Iron Bone is where most ordinary martial practitioners refine their bones. Their bones become as hard as iron after tempering with qi and blood. Ordinary blades cannot cut through them, but Iron Bone is just average, with a limited potential in martial arts.
“Copper Bone, on the other hand, is stronger than Iron Bone. Bones refined to the Copper Bone level are as tough as copper and won’t decay even after death. Once one achieves Copper Bone, their foundation is solid, and their potential in martial arts is higher. This can be considered above average.
“Only those who attain Gold Bone can be considered true geniuses!”
Li Xuan continued, his expression serious, “In history, every genius was a Gold Bone martial artist!”
This filled Xu Yan with excitement, and his eyes shone brightly as he asked, “Master, how can I achieve Gold Bone?”
Seeing Xu Yan’s enthusiasm, Li Xuan was at a loss for words. Did he really think he could achieve Gold Bone? This was all just made up!
He then said in a serious tone, “Calm your mind, don’t be hasty!”
“Yes, Master!” Xu Yan quickly suppressed his excitement and sat up straight.
“Once you achieve Gold Bone, even after death and burial for thousands of years, your bones will still shine like gold. They will be even tougher than steel. However, throughout history, only one in a million practitioners has achieved Gold Bone.”
Li Xuan said with a grave tone, “When I say one in a million, I mean among many geniuses, only one in a million!”
“Master, are there different levels of geniuses too?” Xu Yan asked curiously.
“Of course!” Li Xuan nodded and said, “Just like beautiful women, there are varying degrees of beauty. Geniuses are no different!”
Xu Yan suddenly understood and said, “I get it. It’s like the Spring Fragrance Pavilion in Donghe County1Xu Yan is referring to a brothel in Donghe County. The top courtesans there are already exceptionally beautiful, but the Oiran2The Queen of Flower; the top courtesan in a brothel are even more stunning!”
Li Xuan gave him an odd look, thinking, “This guy is probably from a wealthy family and has visited such places, hasn’t he?”
I’d like to go there too!
“Master, I was just making a comparison! I’ve never been there!” Xu Yan noticed Li Xuan’s strange gaze and quickly explained, feeling embarrassed.
(End of Chapter 6)
