87: The path of spiritual practice is fraught with difficulties at every step.

Returning to the County School's Small Courtyard, the festive atmosphere of the New Year seemed to be sealed off by the courtyard walls, rapidly dissipating.

The wind blew through the bare locust tree branches, making a mournful sound, and the air was several degrees colder than before the New Year.

Su Ming put his travel bag back in the room, changed out of his new clothes, and put back on his old, faded scholar's robe. He felt like a drop of hot oil falling into cold water: after a brief boil, it rapidly cooled and reintegrated.

He sat at his desk and opened a scroll, but his mind wandered.

"Master, are you still studying that Jade Slip?" Su Ming quietly asked in his mind.

The ring was silent, with no response.

Since before the New Year, Master had barely made a sound. Su Ming knew the old man was expending immense mental effort to decipher that incomplete Cultivation Technique, and he dared not disturb him easily.

He sighed, forcing his attention back to his books.

Days passed one by one.

Life at the County School was monotonous and routine: rising at cockcrow to recite classics; attending lectures by the Masters during the day to study political essays; and reviewing books under the oil lamp or meditating in the courtyard at night.

Su Ming's Breath Concealment Art was now almost instinctual. Walking through a crowd, he was inconspicuous, like a drop of water merging into a river. Yet, his five senses became increasingly sharp during meditation. Late at night, he could even hear the subtle sound of crickets rubbing their wings in the corner, and distinguish the smell of fermented grains carried on the wind from a distant tavern.

This clear perception of the outside world gave him a more wondrous realization of his own existence.

That night, Su Ming sat cross-legged in the courtyard as usual.

The moonlight was cold, drawing his shadow long and thin on the ground.

His mind was serene, the speck of faint light within his Dantian was being nurtured, and his entire being was in an ethereal state.

Just then, a voice, extremely hoarse, as if its owner hadn't had water in centuries, exploded in his mind.

"It's done! I finally figured it out!"

This voice carried the ecstasy of immense relief mixed with a long-suppressed irritability.

Su Ming's mind shook, and he nearly fell out of his meditation state.

"Master!" he cried out in surprise.

"Ahem, ahem..." Lin Yu quickly adjusted his tone, restoring the calm and composure of an otherworldly expert, as if the foul-mouthed fellow from a moment ago never existed. "Disciple, your Master... has made some progress in seclusion."

Lin Yu's soul body floated back and forth inside the ring, like an unlucky person who had just won a five-million lottery but dared not announce it.

He was going crazy.

For the past month, he felt he wasn't researching a Cultivation Technique but conducting a brutal archaeological excavation. The incomplete volume of the Thick Earth Art was like a quantum mechanics paper written in Oracle Bone Script, which had then been burned by fire, soaked in water, and finally chewed by a dog.

It was nonsensical and logically chaotic.

He wanted to give up countless times, but knowing Su Ming, his only hope, was relying on him, and that his own future retirement fund was still unsettled, he could only grit his teeth and continue.

He used the knowledge about dark and evil Soul Power that he dug out from the vengeful womans lamp's memories, combined with the pitiful concepts of immortality Cultivation he had read in novels, and referenced the Green Wood Longevity Art, which was sealed by a Restriction and impossible to practice, from the ring.

The three were mixed together like a pot of hodgepodge. His daily job was to pick out the edible parts from this mess and reassemble them into a dish that could be swallowed.

Just now, when he deduced the most fundamental principle of the Five Elements interaction, "Wood Conquers Earth," a flash of inspiration struck him.

He imagined the condensing power of the Thick Earth Art as the earth, and the vital energy of the Green Wood Longevity Art as a seed. How does a seed break through the soil? It needs the earth to bear it, and it needs its own strength to rise from destruction.

At that moment, the two seemingly unrelated Cultivation Technique paths miraculously connected into a most fundamental cycle in his mind.

One took the Thick Earth Art as its base, adopting its stability and tolerance (like "vast virtue carrying all things"); the other used the Green Wood Longevity Art as its guide, adopting its vitality and tenacity (like "endless life"). When combined, they formed a brand new, albeit shallow but incredibly solid, Qi Guiding Method.

Success! Although it was just a super simplified, youth version, it was usable! Safe and without side effects!

"Master, did you... succeed?" Su Ming's voice trembled with disbelief.

"Mhm," Lin Yu replied lightly, his tone steady, showing no hint of fluctuation.

He began to speak slowly in the tone of a Master imparting knowledge: "Your Master cross-referenced that incomplete volume with the Green Wood Longevity Art, discarding the dross and keeping the essence, and finally achieved enlightenment. All methods return to the source; the Great Dao shares the same origin. Although the Thick Earth Art is incomplete, its meaning of 'bearing' and 'condensing' happens to serve as the Foundation for 'vitality' and 'growth.'"

"Your Master combined the two and deduced a brand new foundational Cultivation Technique for you. The first three layers of this method are balanced and peaceful, emphasizing steady progress, making them most suitable for a beginner like you whose Foundation is not yet solid."

Su Ming felt a rush of excitement. The image of his Master in his heart had now been elevated to the level of a Divine Being.

An utterly incomprehensible, incomplete Cultivation Technique, and another Cultivation Technique sealed by a Restriction and impossible to practice—in the old man's hands, they could actually be merged into a brand new one!

What heaven-shaking, earth-shattering means this was!

"However," Lin Yu changed the subject, maintaining his tradition of pouring cold water on excitement, "you must remember clearly that what your Master deduced is only the first three layers, reaching only the Early Stage of Qi Refining. Its greatest purpose is to allow you to safely step onto the path of Cultivation and forge a body and Meridians capable of holding Spiritual Qi."

"Although the Foundation of this method is solid, there is no path forward afterward. When you eventually gain true Immortal Fate, join a Sect, and obtain a more profound Legacy, you can switch to another method at any time. At that point, your solid Foundation will only make your progress easier, without any hindrance."

What Lin Yu was thinking was: this thing is just a beginner's driving manual. It teaches you how to shift gears and press the gas pedal, ensuring you don't drive the car into a ditch. As for whether you want to drive a Ferrari or a fighter jet later, that's your business. Just don't shake me, the old driver, to death.

"Disciple understands! Thank you, Master, for this recreating grace!" Su Ming was so excited he was about to kneel and kowtow.

"Alright, alright, stop with these formalities." Lin Yu stopped him in time. "The path of Cultivation is full of obstacles. Now that the Cultivation Technique is solved, a new problem has arisen."

"Please instruct me, Master!" Su Ming immediately sat up straight.

"For the Cultivation Technique to operate, it requires guiding Qi through the Meridians and opening the Acupoints. The route your Master deduced avoids all dangerous areas, but the location of some critical Acupoints must be extremely precise." Lin Yu's voice deepened. "A slight deviation will lead to a huge mistake. At best, the Spiritual Qi will become chaotic; at worst, your Meridians will snap, turning you into a cripple."

"Your Master is currently only a remnant soul, and my perception of the human body's structure is ultimately separated by a layer. I cannot guide you with Divine Thought and pinpoint the locations for you like a true Master."

Su Ming's heart immediately rose to his throat.

"Then... what should we do?"

Lin Yu slowly said, "Your Master knows the names of those Acupoints, such as 'Qi Sea,' 'Guanyuan,' and 'Shenque'... but just knowing the names is useless; you must accurately find their positions in your body."

Su Ming listened to these unfamiliar terms, his brow tightly furrowed.

He remained silent for a moment, then a thought suddenly flashed through his mind.

"Master! Disciple might have a solution!"

"Oh? Tell me about it." Lin Yu feigned curiosity.

Su Ming's eyes lit up. He said, "In our County School, we have a Medical Officer Chen! He manages the school's pharmacy and is responsible for treating sick students. A physician must be proficient in the human body's Meridians and Acupoints! I will go ask him for guidance!"

Lin Yu nodded in satisfaction inside the ring.

The youngster is teachable! He has learned to proactively seek solutions instead of waiting for me to spoon-feed him. My self-cultivation as a gold-medal bodyguard has improved another notch.

Yet, he said aloud, "Hmm, this method might be worth a try. However, you must prepare a good excuse. Medical Legacies are always kept secret. For a student focused on the Imperial Examinations, rashly inquiring about Meridians and Acupoints might arouse suspicion."

"Disciple understands." Su Ming nodded heavily. "Disciple will use the excuse of... regulating my family members' health and studying the path of wellness to probe first."

"Acceptable." Lin Yu was concise.

The next morning, Su Ming woke up especially early, tidied himself up neatly, and carrying a small bag of dried bamboo shoots from home, knocked on the medical officer's courtyard gate in the County School's back area.

The door was opened by a Medicine Boy, who looked at him sleepily.

"Scholar Su, coming so early, are you feeling unwell?"

"Not at all." Su Ming smiled gently. "I came to pay my respects to Medical Officer Chen; I have some questions about maintaining health."

The Medicine Boy led him inside.

The medical officer's courtyard was filled with a rich smell of herbal medicine, which made one feel bitter just smelling it. Various medicinal materials were drying in the courtyard, and strings of air-dried herbs hung under the eaves.

A thin, middle-aged man wearing a gray gown and sporting a goatee was sitting in the hall, carefully weighing medicinal ingredients with a small scale.

This man was Medical Officer Chen of the County School.

"Medical Officer Chen." Su Ming stepped forward and respectfully bowed.

Medical Officer Chen lifted his eyelids, glanced at him, and recognizing the most famous Scholar Su in the school, forced a professional smile onto his face.

"Ah, Scholar Su. Sit. May I ask what important matter brings you to this old man?" His voice was unhurried, carrying the calmness developed from years of dealing with medicinal herbs.

"I wouldn't dare." Su Ming placed the bag of dried bamboo shoots beside the table. "These are some wild goods produced by my family; please accept them as a small token of respect. I came here to ask for guidance on one matter."

Medical Officer Chen glanced at the dried bamboo shoots but said nothing, only replying, "Speak freely."

Su Ming carefully chose his words and began, "Medical Officer, having studied in the school for a long time, I occasionally feel my energy lacking. I heard that in the medical arts, there are health methods involving massaging Acupoints and regulating Qi and blood, which can make a person sharp-eared, keen-eyed, and vigorous in spirit. I am quite drawn to this and wish to learn some rudimentary methods for my parents at home, to fulfill my filial duty to them."

These words were impeccable, stating his purpose while raising the banner of "filial piety."

After listening, Medical Officer Chen put down the small scale in his hand and took a sip from his teacup.

"It is truly rare for Scholar Su to possess such filial devotion." He said unhurriedly, "However, the path of wellness is not achieved overnight. What you mentioned about massaging Acupoints is true. For example, for a headache, one can press the Taiyang Acupoint; for stomach discomfort, one can apply moxibustion to Zusanli; for restlessness, one can rub the Neiguan Acupoint. These are all methods known even to women and children."

He mentioned a few of the most common Acupoints and then stopped.

Su Ming listened quietly, waiting for him to continue.

However, there was no continuation.

Medical Officer Chen changed his tone and said earnestly, "Scholar Su, you are a seed of scholarship with a bright future. Your main profession is the writings of the sages and achieving fame in the Imperial Examinations. The Path of Medicine is vast and profound, like a boundless ocean; one cannot grasp its basics without exhausting a lifetime of effort. I advise you not to be distracted by such 'minor skills' and delay your proper career path."

He picked up his teacup, making a gesture to see him out.

"If you truly feel your energy is lacking, this old man can prescribe you a formula to soothe the mind and nourish the brain. Just take it regularly."

Su Ming's heart sank.

He understood.

Medical Officer Chen was subtly refusing him. The other party was not only unwilling to teach him in depth but even regarded his inquiries about Acupoints as neglecting his proper duties.

Those so-called Legacy barriers were thicker and higher than he had imagined.

"Thank you for your guidance, Medical Officer. I... have been enlightened." Su Ming stood up, bowed again, his expression betraying no emotion.

He turned and walked out of the Small Courtyard. The morning sun shone on him, but he felt no warmth at all.

The Medicine Boy saw him to the door, looked at his retreating figure, and muttered softly, "Another one trying to steal knowledge... Medical Officer Chen's skills aren't that easy to learn."

Returning to his own Small Courtyard, Su Ming closed the door, and the calm expression on his face finally crumbled.

"Master, this path is blocked." His voice was slightly dejected.

"As expected." Lin Yu's voice was quite calm. "Disciple, you must remember that in this world, any skill that allows someone to secure a livelihood is their bread and butter. Why would they teach it to you for free?"

Lin Yu, however, was complaining internally: This old fogey, his thinking is too rigid! Doesn't he understand knowledge payment? Start a training class! My Disciple is such a promising talent; wouldn't it be great to take him as a final Disciple to support you in your old age? Truly lacking any business acumen!

Su Ming remained silent.

He leaned against the door panel, looking at the old locust tree in the courtyard.

"Then what... should we do?"

The Cultivation Technique was right in front of him, yet he couldn't Cultivate because of this final step. This feeling was more tormenting than having no Cultivation Technique at all.

The ring was silent for a moment.

Lin Yu seemed to be deep in thought.

After a good while, he finally spoke, his voice carrying the determination of someone burning their bridges.

"If the Righteous Path is blocked, then we'll take the side door."

Su Ming leaned against the door panel. The morning sunlight filtered through the window lattice, casting mottled blocks of light at his feet, but it couldn't dispel the gloom in his heart.

"Side door?" He repeated subconsciously, a hint of confusion rising in his heart.

"Exactly." Lin Yu's voice was decisive. "Since we cannot learn from the living, we must seek it from inanimate objects! Books are the oldest vessels for knowledge."

"Books?" Su Ming was startled. "But Medical Officer Chen said..."

Lin Yu interrupted him, "What you are looking for is not profound medical theory or some peerless secret formula, but merely a basic, universally available diagram of the human body's Meridians and Acupoints! The secret manuals and proven formulas treasured by major medical halls and aristocratic families, passed down through generations—those are naturally out of our reach."

Lin Yu's voice gradually rose, carrying a kind of guiding excitement: "Such things might be considered crude and worthless, or even erroneous, in the eyes of true medical experts, but for us, as long as it can mark the approximate locations of those major Acupoints, it's enough! Your Master has ways to verify the rest!"

Su Ming's eyes brightened.

"Master means..."

"Two places!" Lin Yu said decisively. "First, go find Xu Qing! His used book stall has items from all walks of life; you might just dig up some unexpected treasure, even if it's just an illustrated introductory medical book!"

"Second, the County School's Library Tower! Ancient people often had the habit of recording wellness methods, strange tales, and unusual events in novels and notes. There might be a few phrases, or even simple diagrams, hidden there!"

"Right! Xu Qing! The Library Tower!" Su Ming suddenly stood straight. His frustration vanished, replaced by the eagerness of having a clear goal. "Disciple will go now!"

He acted almost immediately, pushing open the courtyard gate and walking out.