Chu Yan continued to circulate his energy in the medicinal bath. If anyone were to witness him, they would surely be astonished. Not only had he always been a mere first-level mortal with a single star in his life force, considered an exceptional waste, but he had also never received any proper instruction. Logically, his energy circulation should have been quite clumsy. Yet, unexpectedly, Chu Yan's energy flowed effortlessly, and he even possessed a unique set of techniques.
However, any discerning observer would quickly recognize the simplicity of this technique; it was merely a first-tier Yellow-grade technique. To an ordinary person, practicing such a technique would be a waste of time, even for a genius.
Nonetheless, Chu Yan was not impatient. He moved methodically, continuing his practice.
"The Celestial Star Absorption Technique! This is the method my mother left for me, advising that if I ever opened the Nine Heavens Mystic Tower, I should avoid becoming overly ambitious and simply cultivate according to this manual. Although I don’t understand why she didn’t leave me a more advanced technique, I will follow her words."
The Celestial Star Absorption Technique emphasizes a natural progression, a slow and steady flow. While it may not cause an explosive increase in strength, it subtly nourishes every meridian in his body, which is highly beneficial for Chu Yan at this stage.
"Now that I’ve opened the Nine Heavens Mystic Tower, I can cultivate, and my strength is even slightly above that of ordinary clan disciples. However, when faced with someone like Qin Feng from a prominent family, relying solely on brute force is a bit inadequate. It seems it's time to cultivate a martial skill." Chu Yan thought to himself; only with powerful martial skills could a cultivator unleash their true potential.
Regarding martial skills, disciples of the Liu family typically chose from the Martial Skill Pavilion, and Liu Tianfeng had long approved Chu Yan's unrestricted access. However, Chu Yan had not done so, for the reason was simple: he looked down on the Liu family's martial skills. Over the years, he had prepared a plethora of martial techniques, waiting for the opportunity to cultivate after opening the Nine Heavens Mystic Tower.
In the medicinal bath, Chu Yan took out several martial skill manuals, each radiating a faint glow. If outsiders were to see them, they would be shocked, for among them were several extraordinary martial skills that surpassed the Heavenly grade, rare treasures in the Changlong Kingdom.
Yet in Chu Yan's hands, these martial skills seemed ordinary as he sifted through them, shaking his head at most.
"Although these martial skills are of high rank, my current life force and realm are insufficient. If I rush into practicing them, it would negatively impact my cultivation, resulting in more harm than good. I’ll have to select a lower-tier martial skill first."
Chu Yan extended his hand over the manuals, sensing for one that resonated with him. Unfortunately, the lowest level among them was still Earth-grade, requiring at least the Dust Realm to cultivate. Chu Yan's energy simply couldn't awaken them.
"How embarrassing!"
He sighed in frustration, but just then, his eyes lit up as they landed on a book exuding a faint soul light.
"The Soul Capture Technique?" Chu Yan was captivated; this was indeed a martial skill without a specific tier, perfectly suited to his current stage.
"This is it!" Chu Yan decided to start with the Soul Capture Technique.
This technique was unique; it allowed practitioners to form a strong soul light to attack by transforming energy into form. Most importantly, it had no requirements for cultivation level, making it relatively straightforward. As long as one's energy was sufficiently powerful, they could unleash a strike capable of devastating mountains and splitting the earth. However, if one's energy was insufficient, the attack would be nothing but a feeble display.
Understanding the technique's potential, Chu Yan couldn't help but smile.
"What a ferocious martial skill! The creator of this technique must have been a brute who only understood raw power. Anyone else would likely avoid cultivating such a useless skill… But I possess the Nine Heavens Mystic Tower, and I have more than others—what I have in abundance is energy. With ten years spent nurturing the Nine Heavens Mystic Tower, my inner energy rivals that of an ordinary Dust Realm expert, making this martial skill a treasure in my hands."
Satisfied, Chu Yan nodded and began to circulate the technique, mobilizing the energy within him.
Before long, his energy reached a certain level. He raised his hand, and the medicinal liquid in the tub began to swirl, forming a vortex that gathered in the palm of his hand, transforming into a powerful projectile.
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"Boom!"
With a powerful strike, he shattered the wall ten meters away, completely demolishing half of the room!
Peering through the large hole, Chu Yan felt a wave of embarrassment. He had only intended to test the technique, yet he nearly destroyed the house!
However, soon after, he couldn’t help but laugh excitedly. This technique would surely allow him to defeat Qin Feng!
"But the energy consumption of the Soul Capture Technique is indeed substantial. Just one strike consumed most of my energy. I can’t afford to use it lightly in the future; I should practice some simpler martial skills for self-defense instead." Chu Yan lay back in the tub, unconcerned about the hole in the wall, enjoying the cool breeze of the open-air bath, and before he knew it, the night passed.
The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight streamed in, Chu Yan felt a soreness all over his body. However, when he clenched his fist, a faint glow shimmered in the air, wrapping around his wrist to form a luminous ring.
Looking at the glow on his fist, he smiled with satisfaction.
"After a night in the medicinal bath, though the medicinal properties stung, my consumed energy has fully recovered."
A gust of cold wind passed, causing Chu Yan to shiver. Upon seeing the large hole in the wall, he couldn’t help but smile wryly, "Thank goodness it’s summer; if it were winter, I would have frozen to death last night."
"Ah!"
Bao'er had come early to bring Chu Yan a change of clothes, but upon reaching the doorway, she saw the big hole in the wall and let out a sharp scream!
"Young Master!"
As she pushed the door open and saw Chu Yan unscathed, she sighed in relief, though her face flushed with embarrassment, and she quickly turned away.
"Bao'er? What’s the matter? Did my impressive physique frighten you?"
"Not at all! I was worried about you. I saw the big hole in the wall and thought the Qin family had attacked you last night," she said, still facing away from Chu Yan.
"Haha, don’t worry; I made that hole myself."
"You made it?" Bao'er was filled with doubt. "Aren’t you supposed to be a waste? How could you make such a big hole in the wall?"
"Who dares call me a waste? You're asking for a beating!" Chu Yan had finished changing into the clothes Bao'er had brought and gave her a fierce look.
"Young Master, I’m sorry!" Bao'er quickly begged for forgiveness.
"Haha, just teasing you. With how obedient you are, how could I bear to hit you?" Chu Yan ruffled Bao'er’s hair, feeling a strange warmth toward her.
"But Young Master, this hole really is your doing?" Bao'er still seemed skeptical. Although yesterday Chu Yan had been impressive, even driving away Qin Feng, the Liu family’s houses were built with glazed tiles and reinforced with dark iron. Even an ordinary sixth-level Dust Realm expert couldn't directly create a hole like that.
"Of course, it was me! If it had been the Qin family, would I still be alive to talk to you?"
Chu Yan glanced outside; due to his upcoming wedding, the Liu family was bustling with activity. Early in the morning, the servants were already busy, and the windows were adorned with red flowers and auspicious characters.
Seeing these decorations, Chu Yan couldn’t help but feel a bit nostalgic.
"I’m really going to get married. It’s just a pity… Mother, I can't have you here to oversee my wedding. But don’t worry, I’ve opened the Nine Heavens Mystic Tower, and it won’t be long before I bring your daughter-in-law to rescue you. You must wait for me!" Chu Yan looked up; even during the day, he could still distinctly see the position of that one guiding star.
Chu Yan had always known that his mother was not dead; she was waiting for him on that distant continent.
The incident of the big hole in Chu Yan's room caused quite a stir in the Liu family. Hearing about it, Liu Tianfeng came early to check on him.
Seeing that Chu Yan was unharmed, Liu Tianfeng finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Chu Xianzi!"
"Liu Uncle!" Chu Yan greeted with a polite smile.
"Are you alright?" Liu Tianfeng glanced at the large hole in the room.
"Of course, I’m fine. Liu Uncle, look at me; I’m as lively as can be," Chu Yan said, knowing exactly what Liu Tianfeng was concerned about, and shook his head with a smile.
Liu Tianfeng nodded in relief. "That's good. Are you getting used to living in the Liu family? If there’s anything uncomfortable, just let me know, and I’ll have someone fix it."
"It’s quite comfortable; you don’t need to trouble yourself, Liu Uncle. Besides, I won’t be here for too long, will I?" Chu Yan replied with a smile.
Liu Tianfeng was taken aback but quickly understood the implication behind Chu Yan's words. "You little rascal! But you’re right. After three days, when you marry Qingcheng, I’ll gift you a residence from the Liu family, and you two can move in together."
"Thank you, Liu Uncle!"
Liu Tianfeng nodded, hesitating for a moment before asking, "Chu Xianzi, I heard you had a verbal altercation with the Third Young Master of the Qin family yesterday?"
"This matter? Don’t worry, Liu Uncle. If the Qin family comes looking for trouble, I will handle it myself and won’t drag the Liu family into it."
"That’s not what I meant. Although the Qin family is currently favored in the Changlong Kingdom, our Liu family is not afraid of them. You’ll be marrying Qingcheng in three days; you are one of us now. If the Qin family dares to cause trouble, just let me know, and I’ll back you up."
A warm current flowed through Chu Yan, and he felt an increased fondness for Liu Tianfeng. To be honest, he initially thought Liu Tianfeng would withdraw from the marriage upon learning he was a waste. After all, Liu Qingcheng had excellent potential and was destined to join a major sect. Even without Chu Yan’s backing, the Liu family could still thrive in the small Changlong Kingdom. Yet Liu Tianfeng had remained steadfast about the marriage, which touched Chu Yan deeply.