Li Yi sat in a high spot, watching the first rays of the rising sun, feeling the life force of the world stirring. He had been observing the elders of Stone Village, including Shi Yunfeng, who would meditate each morning to absorb the energy of the heavens and earth. After two days of watching, Li Yi decided to try it himself in a quiet spot, and to his surprise, he felt a surge of energy enter his body as the sun's rays warmed him.
However, perhaps due to his lack of knowledge, he wasn't sure how to absorb the energy effectively. The energy circled through his body but left again. He wondered if there was a method to store it within himself—he was certain it would benefit him greatly. Unfortunately, neither he nor anyone in the village had any method of cultivating such energy. The practice of meditating to absorb the energy from the heavens was something passed down through generations, but it was limited to only doing so at sunrise. He thought perhaps he should try meditating under the moonlight to see what effect that might have.
Meanwhile, Stone Linhu led the hunting team into the mountains, each member carrying a small wooden board inscribed with words, a method derived from Shi Yunfeng's studies. The book they had found provided detailed information about the behaviors, habits, and weaknesses of the savage beasts of the Great Wasteland. It also included advice on plants that could attract certain beasts and the types of traps that could be set. The team’s purpose was not only to hunt but also to verify the accuracy of the book's information.
Back in the village, Li Yi drank a large bowl of beast bone powder mixed with various herbs. He could feel his power increasing, but the rate of progress was slowing. Though it was still fast, it was approaching its limit. The Strong Bone Strengthening Pills he had taken earlier had solidified his foundation, but even with that, the increase in strength was slowing. On the other hand, Shi Hao was progressing at a rapid pace—though he was still building his foundation, his growth surpassed Li Yi’s.
After finishing his beast milk, Li Yi went to a secluded spot to exercise, hoping to speed up the absorption of the medicine. Shi Hao joined him, and over the past few days, they had grown close, their bond deepened by the use of the items. While they weren't quite life-and-death companions, their relationship was certainly one of mutual trust and support.
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As evening approached, the hunting team returned, bringing an unexpected bounty. Where they had once been fortunate to bring back one beast with savage blood, this time they had seven! Among them was a beast with the blood of a Pi Xiu, a mythical creature known for its strength and ferocity.
"This was the easiest hunt of my life," one of the hunters said, amazed by the results. "We mixed a couple of herbs together, and the beast just ate it right up."
The hunters couldn’t believe how easy it had been. Previously, every hunt had been a life-threatening endeavor, but now, with just a mix of herbs and fruits, they had captured a large number of beasts without any struggle. The entire village erupted in celebration.
Shi Yunfeng and the other elders were especially pleased. Without the book, they would never have known how easy it could be to hunt. They were filled with even greater gratitude towards Li Yi, realizing that this one book had brought immense benefit to their village.
As the hunting team celebrated, the beasts were slaughtered, their blood used in a ritual to honor the spirits. Despite the fact that the spirits hadn't absorbed any blood for years, the villagers still made their offerings, understanding that honoring the spirits was important, regardless of whether they received the blood.
Shi Yunfeng then called for all the children to be brought forward to undergo another medicinal bath, one that would be even more intense than the last. The bath would contain more beast blood and less water, enhancing its effect. The children, of course, tried to avoid it, but their fathers had used the same methods on them in the past. Soon enough, they were all brought to the medicinal bath.
As the children cried and struggled, Li Yi, seeing Shi Hao in the bath, decided to join him. The moment he stepped into the bath, the intense pain hit him like needles stabbing his body. At first, he couldn't bear it, but soon his body became numb. Shi Hao, who was happy to see him join, wobbled around in the bath, unable to stay still. Li Yi, seeing his struggle, took his hands and helped him sit calmly in the bath.
The second medicinal bath was brutal, but it was a necessary process for the children and Li Yi to enhance their strength, pushing them closer to their physical limits.