Ch. 14 - A Mouthful of Dog Food

“Bullshit,” Xu Qingshan said sternly. “You barely step outside, so where are you getting this information from? Even if we’re to impose sanctions, we need evidence. As the rulers of the Western Region, our True Martial Sacred Ground must set an example. We can't let others think we abuse our power.” Xu Qingshan was furious. He didn’t want his son turning into a spoiled brat, relying on his father's status to act recklessly. “Mom! Dad's being mean to me...” Xu Zimo said, turning to his mother with a pitiful look. “Can't you speak nicely? Why are you scolding our son?!” Wenren Yun walked up and tugged on Xu Qingshan’s ear without hesitation. “It's just a minor clan. If you're worried about our reputation, I'll personally wipe them out.” “Didn't we agree you'd give me face in public? Let go!” Xu Qingshan stood up, complaining. “What would a woman understand?” “Oh? Now you're looking down on me?” Wenren Yun's anger flared. She began to cry and shout. “So now you despise me? Back then, who was it lurking outside my house every day just to catch a glimpse of me? Don't think I didn't notice. If I hadn't seen your sincerity, would I have been with you?” “Stop it. Our son's right here. Can't we talk about this later?” Xu Qingshan quickly covered her mouth, pleading. “Don't stop me. I want to say it,” Wenren Yun slapped his hand away, her crying intensifying. “Now that you've got me, you start to despise me. Hmph, men are all pigs.” Seeing things spiral out of control, Xu Qingshan decided to take charge. He grabbed Wenren Yun's head with both hands and kissed her deeply. Instantly, Wenren Yun quieted down, and the two began kissing passionately. Xu Zimo was speechless. “Hey, you two, there's still a living person here. Can you consider my feelings?” “Get lost. What a trashy family. I'll have the Dark Legion deal with them,” Xu Qingshan waved him off impatiently without turning around. Xu Zimo then saw his mother raise her right hand slightly and wave at him. “Damn, wasn't he just talking about needing evidence and considering the sect's reputation? How did he change his tune so quickly?” Frustrated by the public display of affection, Xu Zimo left Green Mountain. “Men!” he muttered. Back at South Goose Mountain, Xu Zimo resumed his cultivation. He consumed the Ten Meridian Fruit his mother had given him, preparing to break through to the Spirit Meridian Realm. To advance, one must open the first meridian gate within the body: the Springwheel Gate. After taking the fruit, Xu Zimo felt a warm energy flow through him, settling in various parts of his body. The Springwheel Gate is located on the back of the left hand. Opening it posed no challenge for Xu Zimo. He directed energy from the mysterious bead within him. With his previous cultivation at the God Meridian Realm, he advanced effortlessly. Combining the energy from the Ten Meridian Fruit, he broke through the Springwheel Gate. He felt a sudden clarity, as if his mind had sharpened. Spiritual energy surged within him. On his left hand, a symbol of yin-yang appeared, transparent, lacking the typical black-and-white division. The symbol had a light blue outer ring and a glowing dot at its center. When he activated his power, a "bang" sounded as the meridian gate opened. A similar, larger symbol appeared a few centimeters above his hand, an external manifestation of the gate's activation. After opening the Springwheel Gate and reaching the first level of the Spirit Meridian Realm, Xu Zimo didn't stop. He continued channeling energy, pushing his cultivation further: Spirit Meridian Realm Stage One Spirit Meridian Realm Stage Two .... Spirit Meridian Realm Stage Nine! He halted just before advancing to the Meridian Forging Realm. This rapid progression gave him confidence to reach the God Meridian Realm within a year. He planned to stabilize his foundation before attempting the next breakthrough. The next morning, Lin Ruhu arrived at South Goose Mountain. With his grandfather's help, he had begun body-tempering cultivation the previous day. Xu Zimo glanced at Lin Ruhu, who still had a candy in his mouth and a runny nose. “What technique did you choose at the Scripture Vault yesterday?” he asked. “My grandfather picked the 'True Martial Sword Art' for me,” Lin Ruhu replied. “That technique doesn't suit you,” Xu Zimo shook his head. From past experience, he knew Lin Ruhu was better suited for brute-force cultivation, simple, direct, and physically intense techniques. The 'True Martial Sword Art' was too refined for him. “Should I go back and choose another?” Lin Ruhu asked. “No need. The True Martial Sacred Ground doesn't currently have a suitable imperial technique for you,” Xu Zimo said. “But I have one that fits you. You must promise not to reveal its source to anyone, not even your grandfather. Just say it was a fortunate encounter.” “Don't worry, Brother Zimo,” Lin Ruhu said firmly. Xu Zimo nodded. He trusted Lin Ruhu but wanted to be cautious. He didn't want anyone to know about his reincarnation. Xu Zimo picked up a pen and wrote extensively on a sheet of paper. Based on his past life's memories, he transcribed a technique called Strength Scripture. The creator of Strength Scripture was Grand Emperor Bao. Grand Emperor Bao was the sixth emperor of the Imperial Era and the first emperor of the Beastfolk. His true form was a brown bear with a desolate bloodline. In that era, he used his iron fists to reach the pinnacle of the heavens. He believed that nothing in the world couldn't be solved with a punch, and if one punch didn't work, then two. Eventually, he fulfilled his destiny and became an emperor. His Strength Scripture became a coveted technique for countless strength path cultivators.