Late at night, with all around silent, Iron Clothes Village was completely wrapped in wind and snow. The only sounds were the wails of the gale hurling snowflakes against the window lattice and the occasional soft crackle from the brazier.
Chen Yuan lay on his long-missed bed, now covered with thick cotton bedding. He listened to the steady snores already rising from his parents' room next door, as well as the faintly elevated voices drifting from Second Uncle's house in the distance, apparently stirred by excitement. His heart was utterly tranquil.
The warmth of home dispelled the tension of cultivation at the martial arts school and the weariness of his journey to the prefectural city.
His thoughts sank into his body. That mysterious Ancient Stone Stele was quietly suspended in his Sea of Consciousness.
On its surface, the Hundred Tide Lights shimmered brightly. It was already full.
At that moment, radiance flowed across the Tidal Stele. The ancient pattern atop the stele representing "Rising Tide" had lit up, emanating a vigorous aura of life that seemed ready to burst forth.
Should I wait until my realm is a little higher? Maybe using it two days before the County Examination would be more effective.
"No. Right now!"
Chen Yuan's gaze was resolute.
He drew a deep breath and stopped hesitating, focusing his thoughts on the Tidal Stele.
"Rising Tide!"
The silent command was issued.
In an instant, the Tidal Stele shook with a thunderous roar. All one hundred Tide Lights on its surface burst forth, transforming into a mighty, irresistible flood brimming with life. Like an undersea volcano erupting, like the moon drawing in a great tide, it surged turbulently through every limb and bone in his body.
This vital essence was incomparably pure, far surpassing the qi and blood he