My eyelids peeled open, welcoming the soft morning light. A cool breeze kissed my skin, chasing away the remnants of warmth from my dreams. I stretched, feeling the aches in my muscles after a day of work and meditation. The faint chirping of crickets and croaking of frogs still lingered, blending with the cheerful chorus of birds greeting the dawn.

Yesterday was an emotional rollercoaster. My feelings were too turbulent to make any progress with my meridians, especially after I accidentally punctured the layer protecting the Dragon Vein. I still don't know how it happened, despite being extremely careful.

Rising to my feet, I stretched again, feeling my bones crackle. My gaze fell upon the repaired furnace. The clay between the bricks was still damp but dry enough to use. A small smile tugged at my lips.

Stepping outside, I inhaled the fresh morning air. Dew clung to the leaves, sparkling like jewels under the sun peeking through the trees. The gurgling of water from the irrigation channels and the birdsong created a soothing morning symphony.

The cool morning breeze sent shivers across my skin, carrying the scent of damp earth and fresh leaves. I took a deep breath, savoring the clean, peaceful air. My eyes wandered to the vast rice fields stretching before the house. The waterlogged earth reflected the morning sunlight, creating a beautiful shimmer. A few farmers had already begun their day's work.

After enjoying the view for a moment, I returned inside and turned my attention back to the furnace. A small smile played on my lips. I gathered some firewood and arranged it inside, then lit it with a flame from my shroud. Orange flames danced, warming the cool morning air. I let it heat up to harden the clay.

While waiting, I prepared breakfast. I placed a cooking pot over the fire, filled it with water, and took some rice from a woven basket, rinsing it with clean water. I then placed the rice in a rattan weave and set it inside the pot above the water, letting the fire slowly heat the water to cook the rice. I did everything perfectly, just as Yurou had taught me.

The fragrant aroma of rice began to fill the air, teasing my nose. I grabbed a bowl and chopsticks from the wooden shelf and sat on the wooden floor, waiting for the rice to cook.

Suddenly, footsteps sounded from outside. My face stiffened. I could guess who it was. I quickly calmed myself, took a deep breath, and prepared to face Yurou.

The door opened, and Yurou stepped inside. She wore a simple light blue tunic, her black hair neatly tied back. A cheerful smile graced her face, her eyes sparkling under the morning sun.

The scent of fragrant rice mingled with the smell of damp earth and fresh leaves. I turned to see Yurou standing at the doorway with a cheerful smile. Her hands tightly gripped a woven basket, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Good morning, Lie Yan," she greeted cheerfully, her voice like a bird's song in the morning. "Have you had breakfast? Look what I brought." She lifted the woven basket, revealing its contents.

Inside were fresh green vegetables, thinly sliced meat, and a small bunch of colorful wildflowers. A faint, pleasant aroma tickled my nose and made my stomach rumble even more.

I pursed my lips. Her kindness might not be unconditional, but kindness was still kindness, and I wasn't used to receiving it. "Good morning, Yurou." I nodded at her, ensuring my face remained neutral, hiding my surprise at the amount of food she brought. "Thank you. Would you like to have breakfast with me?"

"Of course," Yurou replied, her smile widening. She took some vegetables from the basket and began cleaning them. "I'll help prepare breakfast."

I nodded, watching Yurou expertly clean the vegetables. Her movements were skilled and efficient, like an experienced housewife. I couldn't help but smile a little bitterly.

"So," Yurou started the conversation, her voice cheerful, "what are your plans for today?"

I looked away from Yurou, gazing at the furnace, which was starting to emit thin wisps of smoke. "I want to try making some tools from iron," I replied. "I've gathered some iron stones from the river."

Yurou stopped her movements, her eyes widening in surprise. "Iron?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity. "Where did you find it?"

I explained about the abandoned mine I found near the river, the stones containing iron ore, and my plan to smelt them into iron. Yurou listened intently, her eyes sparkling.

"Wow, that's amazing!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm contagious. "Father once told me about a blacksmith who used to live here. He misses his friend dearly. I wonder if Father intentionally let you stay here, hoping you'd try your hand at blacksmithing."

"Perhaps," I replied, not particularly concerned with the village chief's intentions. I changed the subject. "But I'm not sure if I can do it. I've never tried blacksmithing before."

Yurou smiled, her eyes twinkling as if she knew something I didn't. "I'm sure you can."

"Why are you so sure?" I asked, a bit sharply. I didn't understand why, but her unwavering faith in me was... unsettling.

Yurou stopped cleaning the vegetables, her eyes locking onto mine with intensity. "Because I believe in you. Even if you fail, even if you give up. This little village girl will always believe in you, no matter what."

I stood up, anger flaring within me. "I don't understand! Why? Why are you like this?" My breath quickened, my chest rising and falling with the surge of emotions. I didn't understand why her words pierced me so deeply, disturbing the hard-earned peace I had built. Yurou's gaze didn't waver, still radiating that inexplicable belief.

"Why?" I asked again, my voice hoarse. "Why do you believe in me so much? We've only known each other for a few days."

Yurou rose and stepped closer. The distance between us shrunk until I could feel the warmth of her breath. The faint scent of wildflowers from her hair mingled with the smell of damp earth and fresh leaves.

"Because I've made a decision," she whispered, her voice soft yet firm. "Even if this decision leads me to burn and suffer." Her eyes held unwavering conviction. "But I can feel it. Here," she placed her hand on my chest, right above my pounding heart. "I can feel your goodness, and I know I'm not wrong in choosing you."

Her slender fingers pressed gently against my skin, sending electric shocks throughout my body. I was frozen, unable to move, unable to think. Yurou's gaze locked onto mine as if she could see into my soul, uncovering all my secrets and doubts.

The warmth of Yurou's hand on my chest felt like a burning fire, not a painful one, but a warming one, igniting something within me. I wanted to pull away, to escape her piercing gaze, but my body felt like it was frozen in place.

"Yurou..." I whispered, my voice hoarse. I wanted to say something, to refuse, to explain, but the words seemed to evaporate into thin air.

Yurou smiled a soft and understanding smile. She leaned closer, the distance between us shrinking further. I could smell the wildflowers even more strongly now.

"It's okay," she whispered, her voice like a gentle breeze caressing my skin. "I understand."

She brought her face closer, and I could feel the warmth of her breath on my cheek. My heart pounded faster as if it wanted to leap out of my chest. I closed my eyes, surrendering to what was about to happen.

Then... nothing happened. When I opened my eyes, Yurou was back to preparing the food. Feeling my gaze, she gave a playful smile. "What were you expecting? Come on, this food won't cook itself."

A blush crept up my cheeks, the heat spreading to my ears. I looked away, my heart still pounding erratically, as if it might explode from within my chest.

Silence enveloped the room, broken only by the gurgling of water from the pot and the hissing of the fire in the furnace. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself.

Damn it. I let out a long sigh. Although my emotions were still in turmoil, they were now manageable. I slowly approached Yurou and helped her without saying a word.

The sun had already climbed high in the sky by the time we finished breakfast. I was still giving Yurou the cold shoulder after what happened earlier. Honestly, I had no clue how to react to her actions. With breakfast done, we headed out to the fields together.

The path to the rice paddies was bustling with more activity than usual. Villagers passed by, carrying baskets overflowing with rice seedlings and farming tools. Their chatter and laughter mixed with the chirping of birds and the gurgling of water from the irrigation channels, creating a lively morning atmosphere.

I walked beside Yurou, our footsteps falling in sync on the damp path. The scent of moist earth and fresh leaves filled the air, mingling with the faint smell of mud and sweat. The usual cheerful morning vibe felt different today. A heavy silence hung between us, thick with unspoken questions and a jumble of emotions.

Arriving at the rice paddies, we joined the gathered villagers. The village chief gave a brief rundown, explaining the rice planting process.

The villagers got to work, splitting into smaller groups. Yurou and I teamed up with Gouzi and Yuyan, carefully taking rice seedlings from woven baskets and planting them in the soft mud.

Our movements fell into a rhythm, creating a calming sense of unity. The tension in my body slowly eased, replaced by a focus on the task at hand. The aroma of damp earth and fresh leaves filled the air, soothing my troubled mind.

As the sun climbed higher, its heat began to prickle on my skin. Sweat trickled down my forehead, dampening the tunic clinging to my body. I wiped the sweat away with the back of my hand, then refocused on the rice seedlings in my grasp.

"Break time," Gouzi's voice broke the silence. He straightened up, stretching his sore muscles. "Let's continue after lunch."

The other villagers nodded in agreement, setting down their tools and heading towards the edge of the rice paddy. Yurou and I followed, seeking shade under a large tree.

I settled down under the tree's canopy, leaning against its sturdy trunk. I wasn't particularly tired or even hungry, but the smell of food was tempting. Yuyan opened a woven basket, revealing the lunch she had prepared.

After a short break, we resumed our work.

The afternoon sun began its descent westward, casting warm reddish-orange rays. The shadows of the trees surrounding the rice paddies lengthened, creating a peaceful twilight atmosphere. The chirping of crickets and croaking of frogs began to fill the air, blending with the calls of birds preparing to return to their nests.

The other villagers also started wrapping up their work. They gathered their tools, bundled up the remaining rice seedlings, and prepared to head back to the village. I spotted Yurou standing near the edge of the rice paddy, her black hair shimmering under the afternoon sun. She looked tired, but a faint smile still graced her face. Sensing my gaze, she gave a small wave in my direction.

I could only sigh and continue working. Soon, the task was complete.

Dusk began to blanket the village, the western horizon painted with a gradient of orange and purple hues. Villagers streamed home, carrying their farming tools and empty baskets. I walked behind them, my footsteps feeling light on the darkening path.

Glancing back, I saw Yurou walking with Yuyan and Gouzi. They seemed to be joking, their laughter faintly audible amidst the sounds of crickets and frogs. I felt relieved that Yurou wasn't bothering me for the time being.

I didn't want to go home just yet; there was something I wanted to check out. I decided to visit the shrine of Lord Daijin. I was curious to learn more about this guardian spirit of the village.

I walked towards the village's east side, following a winding path between the houses. The sounds of chatter and laughter gradually faded, replaced by the increasingly loud chirping of crickets and croaking of frogs.

I arrived at a small forest, where tall trees towered, creating a canopy that blocked most of the twilight. The air felt cooler and damp, the scent of wet earth and decaying leaves filling my nose.

In the middle of the forest, I found a small wooden building. Its roof was thatched, and its walls were adorned with simple carvings of animals and plants. In front of the building, there was a small stone altar with offerings of fruits and wildflowers.

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This must be the shrine of Lord Daijin. I stepped closer, feeling a faint yet concentrated natural energy enveloping the place. I placed my hand on the stone altar, feeling the coolness of the stone contrasting with the warmth of my body.

"Lord Daijin," I called softly, my voice barely audible amidst the sounds of crickets and frogs. "Are you here?"

Silence blanketed the forest, broken only by the rustling of wind through the leaves. I waited for a while, but there was no answer. I let out a long sigh, disappointed.

Suddenly, I felt something brush against my leg. I looked down and saw Lord Daijin sitting there, staring at me with large green eyes. His pure white fur seemed to shimmer under the faint twilight.

"You came," he said in a childlike voice. "What do you want?"

I was speechless for a moment, surprised by his sudden appearance. "Lord Daijin," I finally greeted him. "Would you mind if I examined you with my ability?"

Lord Daijin tilted his head, his large ears twitching. "Examine?" he asked in his childlike voice, confusion evident in his green eyes.

He paused for a moment as if processing my words. His tail swayed slowly, sweeping across the dry leaves on the ground. He then gave a slow nod. "Alright," he said, "But if you hurt me, there will be consequences." I smiled faintly, relieved that he agreed. "Of course not," I promised.

Lord Daijin hesitated for a moment but finally stepped forward and rubbed his head against my palm. His soft fur felt warm and comforting. I felt a faint natural energy flowing from his body.

I closed my eyes, focusing my mind. I activated my Mystic Eyes of Reason, allowing its analytical power to envelop Lord Daijin. Instantly, information flooded into my mind. I saw his body structure, the flow of energy within him, and his connection to the spirit spring.

I saw that Lord Daijin was not a pure spirit, but an ordinary cat who had developed self-awareness through his connection to the spirit spring. The concentrated natural energy in this place had seeped into his body, granting him the ability to speak and understand human language.

I also saw that Lord Daijin played a vital role in maintaining the natural balance around the village. He acted as the guardian of the spirit spring, ensuring the flow of natural energy remained stable and harmonious. His presence brought blessings to the village, ensuring bountiful harvests and a prosperous life.

But that wasn't what I was looking for. I continued to observe his body, and finally, a faint red thread appeared in my vision. Just as I thought. Lord Daijin had an open reincarnation meridian.

After a while, I deactivated my Mystic Eyes of Reason. I opened my eyes and looked at Lord Daijin, my heart filled with respect and admiration.

"Thank you, Lord Daijin," I said sincerely. "I have learned a lot from you."

Lord Daijin meowed softly, his tail swaying gently. He then turned and walked towards the stone altar, jumped onto it, and sat gracefully.

I nodded slowly, meeting Lord Daijin's green gaze. "I will return," I promised.

Turning away, I left the shrine of Lord Daijin, walking among the towering trees. The faint twilight pierced through the gaps in the leaves, creating patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor. The sounds of crickets and frogs grew louder, accompanying my slow footsteps.

My mind was still filled with the information I had received from Lord Daijin. His open reincarnation meridian, connection to the spirit spring, and role as the village's guardian. It all felt so extraordinary, so far removed from the ordinary life I had lived before.

I arrived at the edge of the forest, seeing the darkened houses of the village. Thin smoke rose from chimneys, carrying the delicious aroma of cooking. Chatter and laughter were faintly audible, creating a peaceful evening atmosphere.

I walked towards my home, the small hut that now felt even more cramped. I opened the door and stepped inside, greeted by darkness and silence. I lit a fire in the fireplace, feeling its comforting warmth.

I sat near the fire, gazing at the dancing flames. Shadows flickered on the walls, creating illusions of movement. I closed my eyes, letting my mind wander.

The cool night breeze whispered through the cracks in the wooden walls, sending shivers down my skin. The scent of damp earth and decaying leaves filled the air, a familiar aroma of nights in this village. As I opened my eyes, an impenetrable darkness greeted me, the silhouettes of furniture barely visible.

I glanced towards the door. Silence. The chirping of crickets and croaking of frogs that had been so loud moments ago had vanished, replaced by the eerie stillness of the night. He wouldn't come at this hour, would he? Hmm...

My gaze shifted to the furnace in the corner. The embers that had once danced within had died, leaving behind the blackened clay amongst the stones. It seemed ready for use. Tomorrow, if time allowed, I would try smelting the iron ore I had gathered.

My eyelids fluttered closed once more. I let myself sink into the darkness, feeling my spiritual senses sharpen. The image of the red threads on Daijin's body surfaced in my mind. I yearned to compare them to my reincarnation meridians, but the Mystic Eyes of Reason couldn't reveal my own body. Perhaps a reflection could be the solution...

Finding a mirror in this village was unlikely, so I'd try the water's surface tomorrow. For now, I focused on my spiritual senses, exploring if I could locate my reincarnation meridians using Daijin's as a reference.

My brow furrowed. Lord Daijin's reincarnation Meridian felt... different. Stronger, more complex, and radiating a far more menacing aura. Could it be because he was the guardian spirit of the Dragon Vein? Or perhaps because he hadn't opened his meridians willingly, but rather had them forced open upon accepting the role of protector?

Regardless, I needed to find my meridians for comparison. I concentrated, feeling the flow of energy within my body. Faintly, I could sense them, like delicate threads intricately woven, connected to my physical form and... something else? Was it my soul? No, "spirit body" was a more accurate term.

My fingers twitched, tracing the invisible pathways within. I felt a subtle vibration, like a gentle stream flowing. The more I focused, the clearer they became. These threads connected to every part of me, from head to toe, forming a complex and beautiful network.

Suddenly, I sensed something else. Something linked to the reincarnation meridians, yet existing outside my physical body. I focused on this sensation, and slowly, an image began to form in my mind. It was my spirit body, a faint energy form mirroring my own.

Like two sides of the same coin, I felt a strong connection between my physical and spiritual bodies. The reincarnation meridians were the bridge, allowing energy to flow between them.

A faint smile graced my lips. Finally, I found all three meridians: the mortal meridians, the spirit meridians, and the reincarnation meridians. Now, I just needed to open them.

However, I knew this wouldn't be easy. Opening the reincarnation meridians was different from opening the mortal ones. I couldn't directly use Chakra, the life energy flowing within me. It had to be done gradually, using my spiritual energy to accustom the meridians to the flow of energy, then slowly introducing Chakra into the mix.

I took a deep breath, feeling my spiritual energy gather within. I directed it towards the reincarnation meridians, letting it flow gently like water seeping into dry soil. I felt a slight resistance as if the meridians were hesitant to accept this foreign energy.

But I persisted. I continued to channel my spiritual energy, patiently and carefully. Gradually, the resistance began to fade. The reincarnation meridians started to open, accepting my spiritual energy like a flower blooming under the sun's rays.

Warmth spread through me like the morning sun touching my skin. The reincarnation meridians pulsed gently, resonating with my spiritual energy. I could feel it, like a door slowly creaking open, revealing the hidden potential within.

Slowly, I began to introduce Chakra into the flow. I did it cautiously, like mixing two different liquids, ensuring they blended seamlessly. I felt a slight tension as if the reincarnation meridians were still adjusting to this new energy.

However, the tension soon subsided. My Chakra and spiritual energy began to flow together, creating a powerful and harmonious current. I felt immense strength surging within me, like a raging river.

Opening my eyes, the world seemed different. The colors were brighter, the sounds sharper, and I could sense the energy around me with greater clarity. I looked at my hands, and I could see a faint aura surrounding them, evidence of the energy I had just awakened. It now mixed automatically within my body.

My smile widened. I had successfully opened all my meridians. I took a deep breath, feeling the cool night air fill my lungs. The energy around me pulsed, like the heartbeat of the world. I could feel it, calling to me, inviting me to join in the cosmic dance.

Now, I could begin Cultivation and start drawing natural energy into my body, but the Sun Scripture had shown me that path. I desired something more, a path less traveled. I needed to create pseudo-meridians as the foundation for a stronger Dantian. I didn't want to just use the area below my navel as the standard Dantian location, but also my heart as the core nexus and my forehead to open the wisdom core. This way, I would have three distinct energy pools.

I focused on my spirit body, feeling its faint form. I envisioned threads of energy, like fine silk, weaving around it, forming an intricate network.

I started carefully, directing my spiritual energy to form these threads. I felt a slight resistance as if my spirit body wasn't accustomed to such direct manipulation. But I persevered, patiently and diligently, shaping and strengthening the pseudo-meridians.

Slowly, the network began to take shape. I felt a subtle flow of energy within my spirit body, like a newly formed stream. I smiled. This was the first step.

Next, I turned my attention to three points in my body: the area below my navel, my heart, and my forehead. These were the locations where I would build my three Dantians, three pools of energy that would empower me.

I began with the Lower Dantian, visualizing a small sphere of energy slowly rotating. I directed energy from the pseudo-meridians into the sphere, feeling it grow and pulsate with power, forming the Energy Core, focused on generating new energy, currently only holding Chakra.

Then, I moved to my heart, forming the Middle Dantian. I felt warmth spreading in my chest, like a small fire igniting. This would be my Nexus Core, the center of my emotions and strength, focused on articulating energy throughout my body and spirit body.

Finally, I focused on my forehead, forming the Upper Dantian. I felt a cool and refreshing sensation, like morning dew. This would be my Wisdom Core, the center of my thoughts and knowledge, dedicated to holding spiritual energy.

Cold sweat began to bead on my forehead. My body felt hot, like a burning ember within. I knew I had pushed myself too far, forcing the creation of this foundation in one night.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the raging flow of energy within me. I had to stop, at least for now. The foundation had been laid, but building upon it required time and patience.

I could feel the three Dantians pulsing in unison. The foundation was set, but not truly built, as I needed Qi, a combination of Chakra and refined natural energy, to form a proper foundation.

I returned to the hut, stepping carefully so as not to disrupt the fragile balance of energy within me. I lay down on the bed, feeling the heat of my body slowly subside.

I closed my eyes, visualizing the three Dantians and the pseudo-meridians I had formed. I needed to plan my next steps carefully. I required more pseudo-meridians to connect the three Dantians, forming a complex and efficient network.

However, I couldn't be careless. Each pseudo-meridian had to be placed with precision, considering the flow of energy and the function of each Dantian. The slightest mistake could lead to imbalance, even damage to my body.

I spent the rest of the night contemplating and visualizing the ideal network of pseudo-meridians. I imagined it like an intricate spiderweb, perfectly connecting the 13 main meridians and the three Dantians, allowing energy to flow smoothly and harmoniously.