Chapter 49: Refining Strength into the Marrow

Words : 1184 Updated : Sep 22nd, 2025

Chapter 49 of "I am a Late Bloomer in the Immortal World" kicks off with: Aside from the acupoint and meridian diagrams, the upper-left corner of the silver parchment bore... Continue reading!

Aside from the acupoint and meridian diagrams, the upper-left corner of the silver parchment bore several lines of small characters, with the first line clearly stating the name of the manual—"Marrow Refining Sutra." "When your grandmaster left, he had already accepted his fate," Dan Wu Ju said, holding the now split ancestral plaque in his hands. "He told me to only open it after breaking into Qi Perception…" "But I was too slow-witted—reaching old age without ever breaking through." A faint sigh escaped his lips as he gazed down at the parchment. Had it not been for accepting Wei Tu as his disciple, this manual might have remained sealed forever. "Take this Marrow Refining Sutra, but remember—never reveal it lightly." Dan Wu Ju placed the silver parchment into Wei Tu’s hands, his tone carrying an unmistakable sense of caution. "I understand, Master." Wei Tu nodded solemnly. The Tiger and Crane Twin Form Fist was already considered a rare martial treasure, even within Qingfeng Prefecture. This Marrow Refining Sutra, however, contained methods for honing internal energy—a technique leading directly to the Xiantian Realm. Without question, this was a priceless treasure. If leaked… Not only would he be targeted, but the entire Dan Family would also be in danger. "Master, are you… not planning to read it?" Wei Tu couldn’t help but feel surprised. Dan Wu Ju had handed over such a precious manual without even glancing at its contents—a gesture that was incredibly rare among martial masters. "What’s the point? Without internal energy, reading the Marrow Refining Sutra would only add to my frustration." Dan Wu Ju shook his head. External cultivators refine their bone marrow to nurture Xiantian energy—that was the key to stepping into Xiantian Realm. But the prerequisite was reaching Qi Perception Realm. Without internal energy, the marrow is untouchable—how could one refine it? Even if he read the manual, it would be useless. Hearing this, Wei Tu did not press further. He hesitated for a moment before making up his mind, then cupped his hands and declared: "If a descendant of the Dan Family ever reaches Qi Perception, I will pass on this Marrow Refining Sutra, just as you have given it to me today." "I will not hoard it for myself." A teacher’s kindness is as deep as a mountain. Martial masters who freely shared their true teachings were rare. Many instructors treated their students as mere apprentices, only passing down true techniques in old age—if at all. Wei Tu understood how valuable Dan Wu Ju’s trust was. If Dan Wu Ju had wanted, he could have forced him into a written contract, ensuring that Wei Tu would protect the Dan Family’s descendants for generations. Such agreements were not unheard of. Violating them would have made survival in both the martial world and the bureaucracy impossible. "There’s no need to force an oath," Dan Wu Ju chuckled, shaking his head. "When your grandmaster gave me this manual, he asked for nothing in return." "How could I demand such a promise from you?" Despite his words, his heart told a different story. Had Wei Tu not proven his character over the past two years, he would have never received this inheritance so easily. When Dan Wu Ju first met him, he was cautious—especially after seeing Wei Tu’s ambition. But time reveals a man’s true nature. Two years had been enough for Dan Wu Ju to see that Wei Tu was worthy. Tucking the Marrow Refining Sutra close to his chest, Wei Tu supported Dan Wu Ju back to the sitting hall. The two chatted idly for a while. "A few days ago, Yan Gong sent a letter—his new concubine is about to give birth." "The child’s position in the womb is pointed, and she craves sour foods… It’s likely a boy." Dan Wu Ju chuckled, clearly pleased. His son's lineage continuing was a weight off his shoulders. —No matter how dear a grandson is, he isn't the same as a direct heir. "Congratulations, Master. I’ll have Xinghua prepare a gift, and I’ll personally visit Yan Gong in Qingfeng Prefecture to congratulate him." Wei Tu smiled in response. "Word from the County Office says you recently commissioned a set of refined armor. Is something major happening?" After a bit more small talk, Dan Wu Ju turned the conversation toward the pressing matter at hand. He studied Wei Tu’s expression and seemed to reach his own conclusion. Pausing for a moment, he continued, "Military matters are sensitive. You don’t have to explain." "But before you leave, take a few sturdy war bows from my storage." "And take my gold-backed mountain-splitting blade as well." "Having armor without a proper weapon won’t do." Good weapons were costly. His own gold-backed mountain-splitting blade alone was worth at least one hundred taels of silver—a fortune. Dan Wu Ju could already guess that Wei Tu had emptied his savings just to forge that armor. "Thank you, Master." Wei Tu sighed inwardly, bowing in deep gratitude. —He owed his master more than he could ever repay. That afternoon. When Wei Tu departed from the Dan estate, he was far heavier laden than when he arrived. At his waist hung a gold-backed blade, and three bows were strapped to his back. Each served a distinct purpose—a foot archer’s bow, a cavalry bow, and a five-stone war bow for long-range kills. The first two were somewhat common, but the last… War bows with such high draw weight were exceedingly rare. By Wei Tu’s estimation, this five-stone bow alone could be exchanged for two fine warhorses like his Qingcang horse. Upon returning home to Qingmu County, Wei Tu carefully wrapped the weapons in oiled cloth, secured them with silk cord, and stored them in his wardrobe for safekeeping. Only after completing these precautions did he finally turn his attention to the inheritance from Golden Blade Warrior Shi Ming—the Marrow Refining Sutra. "This really does look like a legendary martial scripture..." "Breathing techniques… Refining essence into energy… Strength refining into marrow…" Wei Tu scanned through the contents, marveling at its complexity. The Marrow Refining Sutra was divided into three sections— Breathwork Chapter Essence Refinement Chapter Marrow Infusion Chapter The first two chapters were foundational, akin to internal martial arts, serving to cultivate internal energy. But the final chapter was its true essence—guiding the practitioner to refine strength into the marrow and awaken a Xiantian energy core—the key to the Xiantian Realm. "I wonder… How long will it take me to reach the Xiantian Realm?" Wei Tu pondered silently, then began practicing the breathing techniques from the sutra’s first chapter. Time passed swiftly... From afternoon until deep into the night. Finally, he felt his internal energy circulating through his meridians, flowing in alignment with the sutra’s prescribed pathways. Over and over again. Through internal visualization, he saw his initial wisp of internal energy gradually grow—expanding into a second, then a third… As his body underwent this transformation, new golden text slowly emerged within his Late Bloomer Destiny: "Marrow Refining Sutra (1/100): Fifteen cycles per day, thirty years to completion."

Chapter 49: Refining Strength into the Marrow

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