Lewis was startled and hastily turned around, only to find a corpulent figure standing under a nearby tree, eating dates while sneering coldly.

Witnessing this, Lewis secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

The newcomer was named Lee, an internal guard who shared the duty of guarding the backyard with him. To others, Lee might appear as a peculiar-looking middle-aged man with a quirky temperament, but in Lewis's eyes, Lee possessed remarkable skills, yet willingly served as a guard for an aristocratic family, a fact that intrigued Lewis.

Lee often spoke sharply and sarcastically, displaying a somewhat snobbish demeanor, yet he treated Lewis relatively well.

"He is seriously injured, and most likely, he has already succumbed," Lee said with a strange tone after spitting out the date pit.

"Lee, Brother Lee, I..."

"Humph, do you think I am unaware? Over these seven days, you've secretly been sending him food. What benefits has he given you to make you act as if possessed by a ghost?" Lee glared fiercely at Lewis, and with a prominent cheekbone, he displayed an expression of justified anger. "If I hadn't covered for you, do you think you could have hidden it from the other mansion guards?"

"Ah... Thank you, Brother Lee," the youth scratched his head, expressing gratitude.

"You, oh you, I truly don't understand what you're thinking." Lee sighed deeply, pointing at the iron window pensively. "Why bother saving a wretch? Besides, you can't save him."

"Master Chuan is not that kind of person," Lewis said with a flushed face.

"Not that kind of person?" Lee's tone suddenly rose, and his murky eyes shot out a thick layer of mockery. "Even if he's not, what benefits do you gain by saving him? Damn it, you, this little stutterer, just can't see the bigger picture. I, Lee, am forty-eight this year, yet I am still the lapdog of an aristocratic family. Do you know why? If it weren't for me helping the wrong person and offending the wrong people years ago, you would now be addressing me as Lord Lee!"

"I..."

"In serving an aristocratic family, the key is to learn to read between the lines, discern right from wrong. If Shuro offended the Third Young Master, his death is certain. If others find out that you've been secretly giving food to Shuro and the news reaches the ears of the Third Young Master, will you even have your life? Even if you don't care for yourself, think about your little sister!"

"Brother Lee..."

"From today onwards, if you dare to send him food again, don't blame me for turning hostile. Hmph!" Annoyed, Lee kicked Lewis and swaggered out of the courtyard. Lewis, with a lowered head, followed Lee at a leisurely pace. Just before leaving the courtyard, he turned back to glance at the secret room, his gaze complex.

The courtyard, located in the deepest part of the mansion, contained nothing but the secret room and a lone ancient tree amid the pure white snow.

A ball of strange fire descended from the treetop, transforming into human form upon touching the ground.

"Tired of living, these two little internal guards, actually daring to gossip about the Third Young Master." Pang Guan muttered to himself with a dark expression.

He closed his eyes, seemingly listening to something. After a while, he opened his eyes. "He's still alive! This troublesome little stutterer!"

Staring at the secret room, Pang Guan's eyes flashed with murderous intent. With hands behind his back, he stood under the tree, uttering with resentment, "Forget it. I'll report back to the Young Master and deal with these few small fry later."

Licking his lips, Pang Guan turned into a ball of strange fire and drifted away.

In the secret room, Shuro was oblivious to everything happening in the courtyard.

At this moment, he was immersed in a wondrous state that transcended his previous experiences.

Initially, he could still hear his own breathing. Gradually, the sound of breathing faded away, replaced by the rushing flow of blood in his veins, resembling the surging waves of a mighty river. Later, even the sound of blood flowing slowed down and finally ceased.

Time became slow, then eventually came to a standstill.

The entire world quieted down, leaving only Shuro alone.

The principle of "Emptiness"!

Shuro had an epiphany, but suddenly, he realized that he couldn't open his eyes, speak, or escape this "empty" world.

Had he ultimately failed?

Enveloped by boundless emptiness, Shuro felt lost and despondent.

In the next moment, he felt himself rapidly descending, falling into an endless abyss of darkness. Soon after, he shattered into fragments, his feeble body disintegrating into powder in the strong wind.

Within the concealed chamber, Shuro remained oblivious to the occurrences in the small courtyard.

At this precise moment, he found himself immersed in an unprecedented and marvelous state of consciousness. Initially, he could still perceive the sound of his own breath. Gradually, however, the inhalations faded away, replaced by the rhythmic coursing of blood through his veins, akin to the surging waves of a river in tumult. Subsequently, even the sounds of the flowing blood became unhurried, static, and eventually ceased altogether.

Time became languid, ultimately coming to a standstill. The entire world embraced tranquility, leaving only Shuro in solitary contemplation.

The "Void" technique! Shuro had a realization, yet, he suddenly discovered an incapacity to open his eyes, speak, or extricate himself from this "void" realm.

Had he, in the end, met with failure? Enshrouded by boundless emptiness, confusion and desolation gripped his heart.

In the next moment, he sensed himself rapidly plummeting, descending into an infinite abyss of profound darkness. Shortly thereafter, he fragmented into pieces, his feeble form dispersing into fragments in the gusty wind.

...

Time quietly slipped away as evening approached. If there were a second person within the secret chamber, they would witness a peculiar scene:

A youth lay on a stone couch, curled into a ball, as if in slumber yet not quite, resembling an infant in amniotic fluid—serene and tranquil. He existed in a mysterious and enigmatic state, devoid of audible breaths from mouth or nose, only the occasional gentle rise and fall of his abdomen.

Had the mansion lord been present, he would have undoubtedly been astonished. At this moment, Shuro embodied the coveted state that every half-step into the Dissipated Realm aspired to: a transformation from posterior to prior breathing, also known as fetal respiration. Mastering fetal respiration eliminated the need for oral or nasal breathing, marking a significant milestone in spiritual perception, emblematic of the Dissipated Realm.

Apart from fetal respiration, a strange fragrance emanated from Shuro's body, neither overpowering nor faint, inducing a sense of profound tranquility.

Even his skin took on an ethereal translucence, as soft and delicate as that of a newborn. Although his entire form had become considerably leaner, there was no jarring impression. Instead, anyone beholding Shuro would involuntarily conjure the phrase "ethereal grace."

As dusk descended, a tinge of residual glow passed through the iron window, caressing the youth's cheek. Sensing something, the young man furrowed his brow ever so slightly.

Shuro once again felt his own existence. Not only could he sense himself, but he also extended his perception beyond his own being. Despite closed eyes, changes in the sky outside the iron window, every blade of grass, every movement and stillness, permeated his consciousness with remarkable clarity—profound and wondrous. Yet, he remained unable to escape the "void" world, a state of anxious impotence.

Nine deaths for a second life! Having experienced nine deaths, where was that thread of vitality now?

Shuro roared within his heart.

Could this "Nine Deaths and One Life Technique" truly be unattainable? Just an ancient jest? No! This cultivation method could be perfected!

Shuro felt a glimmer of vitality but couldn't locate it. Before long, the twilight dimmed, and dusk arrived.

As day and night interchanged, it also marked the convergence of yin and yang in the cosmos. It was at this juncture that many cultivators of immortal and Daoist traditions comprehended profound principles, broke through constraints, and ascended to a higher realm.

Mysteriously, Shuro sensed a thread of vitality.

He turned his "gaze" and saw, amid the dry roots in the courtyard and beneath the thick snow, a tender shoot was bravely growing against the cold wind and dense snowfall. To sprout in deep winter was a violation of natural laws, yet this miraculous event unfolded before Shuro's eyes.

A chord in his heart was struck as Shuro gazed at the tender shoot unyieldingly growing amidst snow and ice. An unprecedented sense of emotion gradually evolved into profound enlightenment.

Nine deaths for a second life! That thread of vitality was not bestowed; it was earned through one's determination!

Much like that sprout beneath the snow, aware of the frigid weather and heavy snow, yet still daring to defy the natural order!

The so-called vitality persisted as long as one had unwavering faith.

In a sudden revelation, Shuro's mental barriers shattered, and the conviction for survival surged forth, akin to a playful yet fierce tiger and a rampant flood, swiftly filling his entire being.

"Swoosh!" Shuro heard a long-lost sound—the brisk flow of blood through his veins. Shortly after, the circulation of vital energy, the exchange of breath through pores, and even the sounds of respiration between mouth and nose became distinct.

In an instant, a warmth emanated from Shuro's abdomen, as if a flame had ignited within his lower dantian. Additionally, a pure, fragrant liquid, white as jade, surged from the base of Shuro's tongue and flowed downward.

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True fire meeting true water, achieving alchemy within the human body!

"Boom!" The primal true fire and true water collided, not merging but tightly entwining. Above Shuro's dantian, they converged into a vortex of water and fire.

A warm and exceedingly pleasant sensation emanated from the vortex, spreading throughout Shuro's entire being. Feeling weightless, he sensed as if he could ascend like a feather, unable to contain a contented hum.

This sensation seemed familiar yet distant. With joy, Shuro realized that he had obtained vitality from death, symbolizing a rebirth. In a certain sense, the former him was dead, and the present him resembled a newborn infant.

The constitution of a newborn was pure, with heightened spiritual awareness and boundless potential!

"I've exchanged nine deaths for a new life, not only shedding my old self but also obtaining the great medicine within the human body—the true fire and true water."

At this moment, Shuro gradually comprehended the true essence of the "Nine Deaths and One Life Technique."

As the night deepened, the secret chamber became pitch-black, yet suddenly, a bolt of lightning tore through the darkness.

This lightning originated from Shuro's open eyes, flashing with ethereal electricity—a sign that would typically only manifest for those above the half-step into the Dissipated Realm. However, in this instance, it symbolized the integration of the true fire and true water within Shuro's body.

Moonlight streamed into the secret chamber, enveloping Shuro. His once-shed hair grew visibly, and his formerly emaciated physique gradually filled out.

All of this occurred due to the rapid rotation of the water and fire vortex within him, which stimulated the flow of Qi and primordial essence, activating latent energies within Shuro's body for repair and strengthening.

Muscles vibrated, blood surged, and the internal organs emitted a resonant "rumble," signifying an unprecedented level of activity.

Shuro understood that he was undergoing the first stage of the Foundation Establishment, the initial step into Foundation Building. It was a phase where the true fire and true water began to unlock his latent potential.

Time elapsed indeterminably. The rotation of the water and fire vortex grew increasingly full, and Shuro sensed an indescribable sensation of saturation within his body, a sense of fullness and expansion.

Radiant light sparkled in his eyes, and Shuro exhaled a long breath. He could hear the friction of air, akin to the bellows in a blacksmith's forge.

Between his arms, an infinite strength seemed to dwell. Glancing at the stone couch, he thoughtlessly threw a punch.

Never had he imagined that his punch could be so swift. In the air, he left behind a series of afterimages, and in the blink of an eye, the punch collided with the stone couch, its speed no less than that of the formidable Pang Guan on the day in the Azure Cloud Hall. The force within the punch surpassed even Shuro's imagination.

Crack! Shuro had already retracted his fist just as it touched the stone couch, yet a crack appeared on the side of the couch, rapidly expanding in all directions.

"Boom!" A thunderous sound echoed as the one-foot-thick stone couch split into pieces.

Although mentally prepared, witnessing the fragmented stones strewn across the ground left Shuro in astonishment.

Swiftly, surprise transformed into a joy that filled Shuro's heart like a brimming lake.

The act of breaking stone tablets is indeed the symbol of the Small Ethereal Realm! Shuro had just stepped into the first stage of Foundation Building, and his strength already rivaled that of practitioners in the Small Ethereal Realm of the martial world. The Small Ethereal Realm was the standard of top-notch experts in the Tang Dynasty, possessing a strength equivalent to five thousand kilograms. Compared to Shuro's previous Small Elixir Realm, he had surpassed two realms, saving him at least thirty years of arduous cultivation.

"This marks the genuine distinction between the arts of the immortals and the martial studies of alchemy!" Shuro murmured, his gaze falling upon the scattered food containers and dishes, warmth reflecting in his eyes.

Since being confined in the secret chamber, he had not consumed a meal for a full ten days. Only now did he feel hunger.

Thankfully, due to the frigid weather, the rice, noodles, and dishes delivered by Xiao Jieba had not spoiled after being left for several days.

Shuro's eyes gleamed green as he lunged toward the food containers.

...

Outside the secret chamber, stars and the moon were absent. Unbeknownst to when, the sky had begun to drizzle snow.

A not particularly tall figure stealthily entered the small courtyard, quietly approaching the secret chamber.

Ten steps away from the secret chamber, in front of a withered tree, Lewis suddenly halted. Holding a key, he fixed his gaze on the iron door of the secret chamber, hesitating.

He had already decided that if Shuro was still alive, he would secretly release him.

Although Shuro had a notorious reputation within the Second Mansion, in Lewis's heart, he would forever be the person who emerged from the crowd on a winter day, silently pulling out all his money to help him—an unforgettable benefactor.

Lewis, born in an ordinary family, was simple and straightforward in temperament. The more straightforward a person, the more they understood the importance of gratitude.

When he reached the front of the secret chamber, a sudden recollection of Lee's words echoed in his mind. He could disregard himself, but he couldn't ignore his sister. If he released Shuro, it would undoubtedly lead to enormous trouble. He didn't care about his own life, but if he died, how would his ten-year-old sister survive alone?

Lewis didn't notice that not far behind him, someone was crouching against the wall, coldly watching him.

Seeing Lewis come to a stop, Lee inwardly sighed in relief.

He had a soft rope concealed in his sleeve, prepared for Lewis. He quite liked this straightforward and somewhat taciturn youth; he could see his own shadow from his younger days in Lewis. They shared the same straightforward simplicity. Therefore, Lee occasionally looked out for Lewis. However, if Lewis didn't know what was good for him and insisted on rescuing Shuro, Lee would unhesitatingly bind him and present him to the mansion lord.

Retreating, Lee thought Lewis was giving up, but suddenly, Lewis briskly resumed his steps, heading toward the secret chamber.

Lee's eyes revealed regret and ruthlessness, holding the soft rope, preparing to step forward. Just then, a thought struck him, and he abruptly turned his gaze to the side.

A peculiar flame descended from the sky, transforming into a humanoid figure upon landing.

"Looks like I guessed right. This little waste wants to secretly release a repeat offender!" Lewis's body trembled violently when he saw Pang Guan. As he turned his head in fear, his face turned ashen, and cold sweat poured down, his legs shaking.

In the York family, almost everyone knew Pang Guan. Not because of his title as a cultivator of the Tianxuan Hand or his status as a lackey under the Third Young Master but because of his extreme cruelty. Before submitting to the Third Young Master, he was the leader of the Yanshan Thirteen Bandits, committing all kinds of atrocities. Although he restrained himself after surrendering to the York family, the leopard can't change its spots easily. Who would believe that he could truly reform?

"It seems you also know who I am." Pang Guan's eyes revealed a hint of interest.

During his time as a notorious bandit, what he enjoyed most was watching others tremble with fear in front of him. Each time, he felt an indescribable excitement. He liked to slowly torment these weak "lambs" until they begged for mercy and trembled with fear from beginning to end. This was the greatest pleasure of his life.

After submitting to the Third Young Master, he rarely had the chance to indulge in such pleasure. Therefore, when he saw the stuttering youth exuding fear from every pore, Pang Guan began to feel excited.

"Pang Guan will give you a chance. As long as you swallow this key, Pang Guan will no longer pursue the matter." Towering over the pale-faced Lewis, Pang Guan's lips curled upwards.

Lewis was dumbfounded. He lowered his head, looking at the key the size of a fist in his hand. His body suddenly shivered, and tears streamed down his face.

"Hahaha..." Pang Guan enjoyed the expression of terror on the young man's face, tilting his head back in hearty laughter.

"If you are unwilling to swallow it, I'll have to resort to other means. Do you prefer being skinned, flattened like a pancake, and slowly dried, or would you rather have me tear your flesh into pieces, pull apart your intestines, and throw them to the wilderness for the dogs?"

"Humph! Who allowed you to oppose the Third Young Master? At such a young age, with a promising future, you dare to go against my family's young master for a hopeless fellow. Ignorant!"

Pang Guan laughed brazenly. Before him, the young man had already sat on the ground, tears streaming down his face, immersed in despair.

Pang Guan lifted Lewis with a smirk, closely admiring the terrified youth. He grinned maliciously, "By the way, I wonder if you have any other siblings. It's better if you don't. Otherwise... hehe, I guarantee their fate will be a hundred times worse than yours. Of course, if you're willing to swallow the key, I might consider showing mercy."

Lewis shuddered, his face filled with despair. After a moment, he closed his eyes and raised the key to his mouth.

The key was as long as an adult's fist. Swallowing it would only result in piercing the trachea, leading to a painful death.

Lee sighed from behind the wall. Truly foolish! For a hopeless illegitimate son, he offended the most promising genius of a prestigious family. In the end, he not only gained nothing but also ended up ruining himself. You, young man, are truly the biggest fool in the entire capital!

After giving Lewis a final glance, Lee suppressed his emotions and stealthily began to retreat.

Just two steps away, Lee inexplicably stopped.

Although he had greatly declined in cultivation and had been hiding in the York family for many years, his intuition from the days of being in the Small Ethereal Realm remained. His heart raced as Lee suddenly turned around, gazing at a figure that had quietly entered the courtyard.

A half-naked young man, with fair and radiant skin emitting a jade-like luster, appeared. Despite being slightly shorter and leaner than Pang Guan, his body exuded well-defined muscles, suggesting extraordinary explosive power. His temperament was peculiar, ethereal yet brimming with vitality.

The youth raised his head, his gaze icy. "Release him, you dog slave!"

Lee trembled all over, wearing an expression as if he had seen a ghost.

Lewis, on the other hand, was somewhat bewildered, feeling as if he were in a dream.

Amidst the falling snow, Shuro stood tall. He was half a head shorter than Pang Guan, and his figure appeared somewhat slender. When he silently appeared by Pang Guan's side, no one noticed.

Shuro... How did he come out? Could it be that the door to the secret chamber wasn't locked?

For a moment, the same thought crossed the minds of Lee and the others.

Pang Guan was the first to come to his senses. He sneered disdainfully, casually releasing Lewis. Frictioning his fists, he said, "Oh, it turns out to be Young Master Shuro. What wind has blown you here? I forgot; you live here. Humph! Instead of obediently staying inside and waiting to die, you actually ran out to seek death!"

Lee looked at Shuro with mixed feelings, realizing that something was amiss.

"Hahaha, tonight is truly interesting. I never expected to encounter a master of the Great Elixir Realm in the inner guard. How amusing," Pang Guan burst into prolonged laughter, casting a glance towards Lee with a hint of murderous intent.

Lee's face changed drastically. After a moment of hesitation, he stepped out from behind the wall, carefully watching Pang Guan beneath the withered tree.

Once a top-notch expert in the Small Ethereal Realm, Lee was now far from being Pang Guan's match, who had descended to the Great Elixir Realm. Pang Guan's strange temperament, mercilessness, and joy in killing were well-known to Lee. Sensing the unreserved cruelty in Pang Guan's eyes, Lee regretted and, in his frustration, even blamed Shuro.

But at this moment, Lee was taken aback and shook his head with a wry smile.

He saw Shuro suddenly take a step forward, extending his fist towards Pang Guan.

"Take this punch!"

His punch was weak and lacked strength, appearing sluggish. To Lewis's eyes, it was full of flaws. Moreover, before Shuro started, he even issued a warning, sounding so inexperienced that it was laughable.

Pang Guan was also stunned. From his elevated position, he looked at Shuro with disdain, his mouth curving into a cruel smile. He leisurely extended his hand toward Shuro's fist, not bothering to pay close attention.

In the midst of the snowfall, with the night veiled in mist, Pang Guan failed to perceive the fleeting electric spark in Shuro's eyes.

At the moment of the impending collision between their fists, Shuro no longer concealed his strength. His face remained calm as water, yet his eyes seemed to burn with a fierce fire.

The vortex of water and fire within his body accelerated, and an unparalleled force surged through his meridians towards his fist.

At the moment of impact, Shuro heard a buzzing resonance within his body. Qi and blood surged like dragons, and the blood seemed to boil, attempting to break free from the constraints of the blood vessels. This made Shuro's already powerful punch even more explosive.

Crack!

The sound of bones shattering echoed.

In an instant, Pang Guan's right arm shortened at a speed almost imperceptible to the naked eye, from palm to elbow and then to shoulder, all crushed into pieces!

Blood sprayed high into the air, staining the white snow beneath.

Lewis rubbed his eyes, unable to believe it.

Lee took two steps back, gaping. His already prominent cheekbones became even more protruded, resembling a fat stork choking on something.

Pang Guan stood still, staring blankly at his shoulder covered in bloody flesh. Only when the overwhelming pain engulfed him did he come to grips with reality.

With a strange cry, beads of sweat formed on Pang Guan's forehead. He looked at Shuro with a gaze filled with fear, while staggering backward. His shoulders twitched, his face devoid of any trace of color.