The sun hung low in the horizon, painting the evening sky in hues of gold and crimson. The forest basked in the fading light, its serene beauty a stark contrast to the turbulence in Riu Xian’s heart. Leaning against the tree, he contemplated his newfound path when the sound of a sudden woosh startled him.


    In an instant, Riu Xian sprang to his feet. His eyes widened as he saw a figure descending gracefully from the skies, her robes fluttering in the evening breeze. It was a young woman, her presence commanding yet strangely calming. He instinctively clasped his hands and bowed deeply.


    "Senior, I am—"


    The woman raised a hand to stop him. Her voice was clear and authoritative. "I am Xiao Ming, a disciple of the Azure Immortal Sect. You were severely injured, yet I saw you meditating to recover. You seemed unable to heal yourself, and then you suddenly switched techniques. What was that strange method? Is it a family technique?"


    Riu Xian hesitated, carefully choosing his words. "Senior, I am merely a low-level Qi Refining stage cultivator. The technique… I stumbled upon it by chance, and today was my first time attempting it."


    Xiao Ming’s eyes narrowed as she studied him. Her tone remained firm yet curious. "You unblocked ten percent of your meridians today. Normally, such a feat would take years for a cultivator at your level. You are unique to have achieved this in one go."


    Riu Xian lowered his gaze humbly. "Senior, I am but a novice. How could someone like me warrant your attention?"


    Xiao Ming smiled faintly. "Humility suits you, but do not feign ignorance. I believe your body has a special constitution. That would explain why your meridians were so thoroughly blocked. Ordinary Qi-gathering methods would never have worked on you."Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    She gestured for him to sit. "Now, sit in a meditative position and regulate your energy. Let me examine your body."


    Obeying her instructions, Riu Xian sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and focused on his breathing. Xiao Ming stepped closer and placed her hands on his back, her Qi flowing into his body. Warmth spread through him as she examined his meridians and dantian.


    Hours passed, the sun giving way to the moonlight. Finally, Xiao Ming withdrew her hands and stepped back, her expression contemplative. "Your constitution remains a mystery even to me. It is unlike anything I have encountered. What I can tell you is this—your secret technique alone will not suffice to unblock your meridians fully. You will require specific resources, rare and powerful ones."


    Riu Xian opened his eyes, his curiosity evident. "Senior, how will I know what kind of constitution I have?"


    "You will understand as your cultivation advances," she replied. Her tone turned serious. "But you must tread carefully. If word spreads of your special body, others will covet it for themselves. To protect you, I will place restrictions on your body. No one below Nascent Soul Fifth Stage will be able to sense your constitution."


    Riu Xian’s eyes widened in awe. "Senior, you are a Nascent Soul level cultivator?"


    Xiao Ming chuckled lightly. "Perhaps I am. Perhaps I am not."


    She then added, "However, the meridians you have unblocked will still draw attention. Low-level cultivators will notice and suspect that you have acquired treasures or a powerful technique. Unfortunately, I cannot conceal this. You must be cautious within your sect and avoid unnecessary conflicts."


    Before Riu Xian could respond, a loud growl erupted from his stomach. Embarrassed, he lowered his head, but Xiao Ming burst into laughter.


    "Even great cultivators cannot escape hunger," she teased, producing a small pouch from her robe. From it, she withdrew several glistening fruits, their vibrant hues radiating faint spiritual energy. "These are spirit fruits. They will replenish your strength."


    Riu Xian accepted them with gratitude, his voice sincere. "Thank you, Senior."