The Metal-Apertured Heart

Duanmu Ren put in a lot of effort to teach Fang Qi's entrustment, but also to expand his own influence and even establish his own faction. He solemnly said, "Metal Virtue cannot be simply reduced to swords, Geng Xin, and killing; that would be falling into Lower Vehicle."

"Gold is associated with change."

"Those who follow the will of Heaven shall obey its mandate."

"Reform means change and alteration."

"Gold, though hard, is precious because it can be broken."

"If it cannot be reformed, it will only be a stubborn rock."

"If reform cannot be maintained, then it is a waste of precious gold."

Therefore, those who cultivate the Metal Virtue refine their form without losing their essence, and reform the old without losing their fundamental nature.

Fang Qi tried hard to write it down and vaguely grasped its meaning.

Duanmu Ren paused for a moment, then continued, "Gold has five phases, and it can change and transform."

"Gold is born from the earth, hidden in mountains and rocks; its essence is contained within, its sharpness is not outward, it is simple and natural, this is called [Unworked Metal]."

"As the Daoist scriptures say, when the uncarved block is dispersed, it becomes vessels."

"Though all objects are different, they are all made of the same metal."

"[Unworked Metal] emerges from the mountain and enters the furnace, undergoing tempering in the fire, changing its form and substance, thus revealing the waxing and waning of its metallic essence."

"The metal element is not yet fully developed; its sharpness is concealed, its subtlety is exquisite, and it can be used for hairpins, needles, and hooks. This is called [Xin Metal]."

"Neither flourishing nor declining, combining strength and gentleness, judging with impartiality, thus forming a standard and measuring tool; this is called [Dui Metal]."

"When the metal element is excessive, its strength and vigor are outwardly expressed, and its sharpness is difficult to conceal. It can be used to forge weapons such as swords, spears, and axes; this is called [Geng Metal]."

"When things reach their peak, they change; their form is like water, adapting to whatever it is, thus flowing and ever-changing, this is called [Carefree Metal]."

"[Unworked Metal] is in hiding, nurturing, and consolidating."

"[Xin Metal] represents refinement, gentleness, and skill."

"[Dui Metal] in terms of flattening, breaking, and cutting."

"[Geng Metal] represents strength, sharpness, and forcefulness."

"[Carefree Metal] is in the flow, transformation, and change."

Fang Qi was quite shocked after hearing this, but also had doubts and trepidation. "Can I... also make judgments?!"

The imagery of [Dui Metal] is used in judgment and adjudication.

Fang Qi came from a poor background with a tragic past and had never received a proper education, so he inevitably felt somewhat inferior and felt that he did not quite fit the image of [Dui Metal].

Duanmu Ren chuckled upon hearing this and reminded him, "Wasn't it a good thing you severed the family of your enemy?!"

Fang Qi listened in silence for a moment, then shook his head and said, "That's because they went too far, and I couldn't tolerate it any longer..."

Having been tempered in the crucible of military life, his thinking was quite orthodox and conservative. He paused before adding, "Their crimes should be judged by the law. Me... too."

Duanmu Ren knew Fang Qi's background, so he wasn't surprised to hear these words. He could only sigh inwardly at the mindset of the lower classes and knew that it could only be changed slowly, "The law has always upheld rule and order, not fairness and justice."

"The foundation of law enforcement is not morality, but violence."

"Since the law didn't protect you and your parents, it shouldn't protect your enemies either."

"Therefore, your use of violence to seek revenge is not a provocation against the law, but rather a necessary supplement."

"Moreover, since ancient times, blood revenge has had an inherent sense of justice and aligns with the basic moral values of the vast majority of people."

Fang Qi nodded silently, seemingly lost in thought.

"Next, let's talk about the [Dui Metal] lineage." Duanmu Ren didn't say much more and continued, "Dui means joy."

"The virtue of [Dui Metal] is [sharpening and balancing], which is beneficial for upholding righteousness and adhering to the principles of Heaven and the people."

"Heaven, in order to restrain and punish, uses punishment to punish the guilty."

"For humans, it means upholding righteousness and integrity, and deciding between life and death."

"Dui represents a lake, which nourishes and gives birth to all things; yang energy resides in the center."

"Use words to distinguish right from wrong and truth from falsehood."

"For destruction, punishment is used; killing is carried out with restraint."

"In your future spiritual practice, you must also align yourself with the auspicious Manifestation."

"To hear without being misled, to speak with integrity, to kill with restraint, and to make decisions without selfishness—this is the true path of [Dui Metal]."

This time, Fang Qi was a little confused and looked at Duanmu Ren, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.

Duanmu Ren had anticipated this, and seeing this, he comforted him, saying, "Since you haven't yet entered the Daoist path of cultivation, it's perfectly normal for these Daoist theories to seem profound and incomprehensible."

"Once you Qi Ingestion and verify it through Cultivation Method, it will not be difficult to understand."

"For now, just knowing the general outline is enough."

Fang Qi a sigh of relief and asked, "When will I Qi Ingestion and enter its path?!"

"There's no rush," Duanmu Ren explained. "Before one can enter the Qi Ingestion, one still needs to Meridian Opening and Qi Gathering."

"There are many sects that Meridian Opening Method; I'll take you to choose one later."

"As for Qi Gathering... we'll have to see which Immortal Foundation you choose to cultivate before we can decide."

Fang Qi had only read a few Daoist scriptures and had some understanding of the Purple Mansion Golden Core Dao. He was somewhat surprised to hear this. "You're already considering [Foundation Establishment]?"

"That's the advantage of being born into a sect," Duanmu Ren explained. "For example, our eldest brother cultivates [Kan Water], loves fishing, and decided early on to cultivate [Old Man by the Stream], so he went to gather the suitable [Clear Qi Above the River], Dao Path has been smooth. Now he's only one step away from [Foundation Establishment]."

"Take Senior Sister Hua for example. She cultivates the [Yi Wood] as her foundation, inheriting the [Lesser Yang] of the [Yang Spring], and entered the Dao by consuming the [Fragrance of a Hundred Flowers]. Now she doesn't know which Immortal Foundation to cultivate, making her Dao Path more difficult."

"And then there's Xiao Hu... you've met her before, you should call her Senior Sister. She cultivates [Fu Water], and has also comprehended sword intent and entered the Sword Dao. She also takes [Mystic Thunder Sunken Marsh Qi] to enter the Dao, and with her extraordinary Fate, I'm afraid her Dao Path is far-reaching. I dare not make any rash statements."

Fang Qi listened and silently made a mental note, then glanced at Duanmu Ren: "Then... what about Senior Brother Duanmu?!"

"Me?!" Duanmu Ren chuckled and slowly said, "I cultivate the [High Shaman] lineage, and entered the Dao by absorbing the [Resentment of the Myriad People]. Originally, I was supposed to cultivate [Drink the People's Blood]. But I felt it wasn't good, so I changed it myself. I don't know if it will be a blessing or a curse."

Fang Qi followed Duanmu Ren to the library, and after only one glance, he selected the [Geng White Sharp and Fierce Meridian Charging Method].

It is said that a martial arts saint created it, using the sharp energy of Geng Metal to forcibly break through the blocked meridians.

It's a quick fix, but also a life-or-death gamble.

If it succeeds, it succeeds; if it fails, it's death.

Duanmu Ren offered a few words of advice.

Fang Qi, however, felt that he was a good fit for this Meridian Opening Method, so he insisted on not changing it.

Back at his lodgings, Fang Qi carefully read the [Geng White Sharp and Fierce Meridian Charging Method] and, feeling that he had not misunderstood it, took out a fine steel longsword that had been broken into several pieces.

This sword is considered a divine weapon in the mortal realm.

In the world of cultivation, it's not even as good as the worst magical Law Artifact.

The martial saint who wrote the [Geng White Sharp and Fierce Meridian Charging Method] had reached the limit of mortal Martial Dao, but he was frustrated by not having come into contact with cultivation methods. So he took a different approach, broke many divine weapons in the mortal martial arts world, absorbed the sharp energy of Geng Metal in them, and forcibly opened up all the meridians in his body.

He can actually be considered a prodigy.

Following the [Geng White Sharp and Fierce Meridian Charging Method], Fang Qi used a broken sword to cut open his palm, staining the sword with blood, and drawing upon the sharp, metallic energy within to open the Lung Meridian of Hand- Greater Yin.

The sharp energy of Geng Metal can easily break through the mortal body.

Entering Shaoshang, passing Yuji, going through Taiyuan, and arriving at Jingqu, four acupoints are broken open in succession.

Four large holes were torn open on Fang Qi's arm.

The wound was so deep that bone was visible, and blood was flowing profusely.

Fang Qi was in so much pain that his veins bulged and sweat poured down his forehead, but when he looked down, instead of groaning or screaming, he laughed until tears streamed down his face, "Physical pain is ultimately shallow and dull; how can it compare to heartache?"

When I was young and naive, I watched helplessly as my parents were beaten to death.

He rushed forward to fight back desperately, but because he was weak and powerless, he was easily pinned to the ground and trampled underfoot by his enemy, making him appear so ridiculous and powerless.

For the next eighteen years, that scene would reappear in Fang Qi's mind day and night, like a sharp sword piercing his heart a thousand times.

That was true, heart-wrenching pain.

Fang Qi's heart was already riddled with holes.