Man Can Defy Heaven, Clay Embryo Yearns to Shed

The next day.

At the One Accord Manor, a piece of dark black "Essence Meat" was placed into the Great Ding for cooking.

I heard that this meat is the neck meat of a thousand-year-old tortoise, about the size of a palm, and it feels cold to the touch.

Pour in enough cold water.

The lid of the cauldron was closed, Dragoncry Charcoal was neatly arranged in a triangular pyramid shape. The charcoal was lit, and soon the water in the cauldron began to boil.

The steam carried the fishy, pungent smell of "Essence Meat".

Li Xian covered his mouth and nose and retreated dozens of feet. After a while, the stench gradually faded.

"Start transporting water!" Li Xian shouted, channeling his Qi.

Ding Hu ran out of the village and shouted, "The commander has ordered us to begin transporting water!"

"Make your movements more efficient."

The "black line" that had been arranged in advance suddenly came to life, running back and forth carrying water buckets.

The scorching sun made people look like ants.

After several trials and tribulations, Li Xian's status rose from Miscellaneous Servant to Guard, and then from Guard to a commander. Those Miscellaneous Servant who sold themselves into servitude with him remain Miscellaneous Servant to this day, some even reduced to ashes.

The Miscellaneous Servant formed a line, using their own bodies as firewood and as irrigation canals.

Seeing that everything was on track, Li Xian instructed Ding Hu to keep a close eye on things before leaving.

Inner Court.

Yet, it was a scene of peace and tranquility.

Madam Wen was dressed simply, wearing a Silkworm Silk dress, her long hair tied up and secured with a jade hairpin. Her slender figure and charming appearance required no elaborate adornment.

Inside the fishpond, fish gathered and fiercely competed for food.

Madam Wen picked up a few fish food pellets and tossed them into the pond. A colorful, exotic fish leaped high and swallowed the fish food.

The bag containing the fish feed was made of silk and inlaid with gold and jade threads.

Li Xian asked for guidance:

"Madam, isn't it quite troublesome to carry water like this every time we open the cauldron to cook Essence Food?"

Madam Wen was still feeding the fish, and she seemed to really enjoy this pastime. She could have simply scattered the fish food and let the fish in the pond eat to their hearts' content. But she would always pick up a few grains, making the fish fight over them for her.

But she heard Li Xian's words, and after a long while, she replied, "You mean, about having the Miscellaneous Servant carry water?"

Li Xian suggested, "Isn't this too inefficient? Why not dig a canal to bring the water source to the side of the village?"

Madam Wen raised an eyebrow. "You have a good idea, but it won't work."

"You're new to Martial Dao and don't know its intricacies. But I'm in a relaxed and good mood today, so it wouldn't hurt to explain it to you."

Li Xian's face lit up with joy.

Madam Wen kicked a fish that had leaped out of the pond while fighting for food back into the water. Her White Boots, embroidered with Longevity flowers and birds, got a little wet, but the water visibly washed away. The fabric of her clothes was of exceptional quality and remained unstained.

She asked, "What do you think is the most important factor in cooking a pot of Essence Food?" Her voice was melodious and pleasant.

Li Xian for a moment, "I think there are three: 'cauldron,' 'charcoal,' and 'water.'"

"When I was cooking Crab Treasure in Black River Village, it took a lot of firewood to cook one pot of Crab Treasure, enough to burn several pots. Moreover, a pot of this Essence Food required a lot of water, which had to be repeatedly poured over it."

Madam Wen said, "That's right. Back in Black River Village, although the conditions were simple, you still managed to cook an Essence Food and gained some insights."

"In this world, there are Clay Embryo, and there are Jade Embryo and Porcelain Embryo. There is charcoal, and there is Dragoncry Charcoal and Essence Incense Charcoal. Everything in this world exists in terms of quality."

"Water is the same."

"If we dig a canal to bring the river water to the village, the water will naturally be usable. But this water will be 'water Water of the Severed Source Water of the Severed Vein, ' meaning water that has strayed from the river's course."

"In the eyes of martial artists, it is slightly inferior to the source water of a river."

Li Xian asked in bewilderment, "Does that mean that water carried by hand by a Miscellaneous Servant is not considered Water of the Severed Vein?" He admitted that his cultivation was insufficient to see the difference.

"Not only does it not count, but its quality is even higher." Madam Wen tapped her fingers lightly and said calmly, "Using people as a channel is naturally better than using wood. Of all things in the world, only human power can defy the will of Heaven."

Although Li Xian didn't understand, he silently made a note of it. After thinking about it again, he realized it made a lot of sense.

Li Xian came out of the Inner Court at midday.

The weather in June is like a furnace.

The amount of charcoal consumed has decreased, but the demand for water has increased. Thousands of Miscellaneous Servant are extremely busy, and several are already panting from exhaustion.

Li Xian, in his role as commander, was ultimately benevolent.

Seeing that some of the Miscellaneous Servant were struggling, he sent them off to rest, replacing them with Guard, euphemistically calling it "training."

The Guard possessed Inner Qi, making water transport a piece of cake for them.

In this way, casualties were greatly reduced. The Miscellaneous Servant who got a rest were also relieved. When filling the "water line" again, they wouldn't be worked to death.

"Steward Luo, the madam is preparing Essence Food; as the Menial Steward, you should be at the forefront of such an important task."

Li Xian's attention was drawn to Luo Fang's swaggering and noisy demeanor.

I had almost forgotten about this person.

"Oh dear, Commander... Commander, I... I've already taken the lead, haven't I? If I don't keep an eye on these wretches for a moment, they'll start slacking off." Luo Fang was both afraid and terrified.

"When I said 'leading the way,' I meant you should also go and fetch water," Li Xian said calmly.

"This... this isn't a good idea," Luo Fang retorted, forcing a smile. "If I go to fetch water, they'll be left unsupervised, won't they fall into complete chaos?"

"Is it so hard to find someone to discipline them?" Li Xian glanced around. "Bi Hao, you'd better step forward."

Luo Fang's nephew Bi Hao, scrambled over, bowing and scraping, saying, "Commander Li, Commander Li, you called me!" He kowtowed and worshipped as if he were a god, showing even greater loyalty than he had to his Maternal Uncle.

"I was thinking of having your Maternal Uncle transport water, but since he's gone, there's no one to manage it. I'm thinking of you, since you've inherited your Maternal Uncle's True Disciple. How about you take over the management?" Li Xian said.

"Yes, yes!" Bi Hao was moved to tears. At this moment, he wished he could stab Luo Fang twice to show his loyalty to Li Xian and make him take a second look at him.

"I will not show favoritism! Commander Li, you can rest assured that you have entrusted this task to me!"

"I know you are kind-hearted and know your limits."

Bi Hao was so badly injured that his head was bleeding.

Luo Fang, standing to the side, looked grim and replied tremblingly, "Commander Li... this seems to be against the rules. I... I'm from the Servant Quarters, I... I shouldn't be under the Guard' jurisdiction."

"Bullshit!" Bi Hao. "Commander Li has spoken, and you dare to argue back!? You have some nerve!" He launched a flying kick.

He snatched the whip and swung it at Luo Fang.

"You're leading the way, why aren't you hurrying to fetch water!" Bi Hao roared.

"You ungrateful wretch!" Luo Fang was furious.

"I've tolerated you for too long, you dog Luo Fang! How dare you disrespect the commander! Today, I sever all ties with you!" Bi Hao said loudly, brandishing his whip and aiming it at Luo Fang.

Li Xian had no time to watch the uncle and nephew fight. Having vented his anger, he found a quiet place to practice martial arts.

Although the Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword has its flaws, it is undoubtedly the highest level of martial arts that Li Xian has ever encountered.

This Swordsmanship was separated from the Jade-Joined Sword Moves, so it seems to be incomplete, with some moves having gaps.

"The essence of this Swordsmanship lies in its fierce and powerful nature."

"Although the name contains the word 'setting sun,' it doesn't refer to the sun about to disappear at dusk. It's more like the scorching sun high in the sky at noon, baking the earth."

"The sun is only broken, never Perfection, hence it is called the setting sun."

Li Xian, through his own understanding, comprehended the essence of swordsmanship. With each strike, he sought slowness and stability.

[You comprehend the essence of swordsmanship, practice Swordsmanship, and your Proficiency by 2.]

[You practice your swordplay under the sun, honing your skills; Proficiency +2]

Li Xian reversed the sword's edge and unleashed a move called "Suspended Sun Standing," pointing the sword straight upwards and thrusting it towards the sun in the sky.

Suddenly, he felt a flash of red light at the tip of the sword, followed by a surge of heat that traveled down the sword and into Li Xian's body.

He was sweating profusely in an instant.

There was a burning sensation, as if my meridians were being scorched.

[Suspended Sun Standing, the sword draws forth brilliant light, yet there is no Yin Sword to assist, violating the taboo of sword techniques, Proficiency +12]

Li Xian drank several mouthfuls of cold water.

The burning sensation inside his body was hard to dispel. Looking around, he saw a pool of shimmering green water. Without hesitation, he jumped into the pool.

I stayed in the cool river water for a good fifteen minutes before I felt a little better and climbed ashore.

But I still felt a burning sensation in my chest.

"Good heavens, this is truly Higher Vehicle Swordsmanship; it really can't be learned casually!"

"The move 'Suspended Sun Standing' just now used to draw in the Solar Radiance. If the Yin Sword were to join her now, she could use a corresponding sword move to neutralize the Solar Radiance, which would actually be beneficial to both of them."

"But without the combined power of the Yin Sword, I naturally cannot resolve this, so I can only jump into the lake. Even so, I feel a burning pain in my heart and a searing pain in my abdomen."

Li Xian suffered a great loss.

He is destined to Heaven Rewards Diligence Fate Frame; as long as the method is correct, even if he repeats the simplest moves forever, his swordsmanship will definitely improve.

There's no need to risk using dangerous techniques just to be fast.

Just now, [Suspended Sun Standing], although it instantly increased his Proficiency by [12] points, it also made him soak in the lake for a long time.

The wound has reopened.

Li Xian's back was just starting to scab over.

He held a long sword and twirled it.

This incident made him realize that he had underestimated "martial arts".

Previously, Li Xian had mostly practiced Basic Martial Arts. These martial arts focused on techniques and methods of circulating internal energy. Practicing them could increase Inner Qi and enhance strength.

But learning too many subjects can become monotonous.

Having encountered the [Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword] today, I've come to realize that the path of martial arts is far more complex than this.

While practicing Higher Vehicle martial arts, one's body will also be influenced by the martial arts, becoming stronger.

Like the "Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword," it is practiced under the scorching sun, drawing in the essence of the Solar Radiance to strengthen one's yang energy.

When yang energy is abundant, the body becomes strong, making it difficult for Yin Qi to approach, and evil spirits will avoid it.

But Li Xian felt that it wasn't all good news.

When the yang energy is too strong, he cannot control it, and his mind becomes filled with distracting thoughts. Moreover, if it goes too far, the internal fire becomes too strong, which in turn evaporates his Qi and Blood.

Madam Wen intentionally intercepted this Swordsmanship.

They taught most of it, but deliberately omitted how to expel the yang energy from the body.

In this way, excessive practice of Swordsmanship can lead to an overabundance of yang energy, which can evaporate Qi and Blood. However, neglecting Swordsmanship altogether can also deplete Qi and Blood due to the inherent characteristics of the Swordsmanship.

The same applies to advancing and retreating.

He was firmly controlled by his wife...

"But... if I rely on the Heaven Rewards Diligence's and cultivate the first level to its Peak Mastery, then go back to examine and fill in the gaps and deficiencies, perhaps I can break free from the invisible constraints."

"The lady is spreading the Dharma... her things are really hard to take."

Li Xian sighed softly.

[The Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword]

[Proficiency: 788/1000 (Initiation)]

It takes one night and two days to simmer, because it is summer and the process of simmering a pot of Essence Soup needs to be faster.

That evening, the Essence Food was about to be taken out of the cauldron.

Li Xian was in high spirits, his Fate Frame revealed...

[Innate Fetal-Washing Diagram]

[Proficiency: 1/81]