As soon as Bai Xiao closed his eyes, he found himself once more inside that mysterious space. He stepped closer to the glowing bead, curiosity burning in his heart. When he reached out and touched it, the bead stirred—and suddenly, an ancient book floated out, slowly spinning in midair.
Bai Xiao caught the book and read the title aloud:
"Hmm! Body Refinement Realm Technique? What kind of technique is this…"
He opened the book, scanning the pages with growing fascination.
"Body refinement is divided into nine known realms: three dedicated to bones, three to muscles and internal organs, and three to blood. But legend speaks of a hidden realm beyond them all—one that tempers the meridians themselves."
Bai Xiao paused, eyebrows furrowing.
"So it's like the martial path, with the first realm being Martial Apprentice and the ninth, the God of War… but this has a tenth realm."
He read further, and his eyes widened in shock.
"What?! This cultivation method doesn't rely on blood qi, but directly uses spiritual energy to refine the body!"
A grin spread across Bai Xiao's face as laughter bubbled up from his chest.
"Hahaha! Thanks to this technique, I won't have to live like a useless waste anymore. I too can walk the path of a martial artist!"
Memorizing the technique carefully, he stepped out of the mysterious space.
When Bai Xiao opened his eyes again, he heard a voice from outside his room:
"Bai Xiao, Li Ming has come to see you."
His mother had called him. Bai Xiao rose from his bed and walked toward the living room, where he saw Li Ming—slightly chubby, cheerful—sitting at the dining table, chatting with his mother and eating happily.
"Haha, aunty, no one can cook like you," Li Ming said between bites.
"Little Li, don't be shy—eat more!" his mother said warmly.
Bai Xiao approached, shaking his head.
"Fatty, why are you here?"
Li Ming turned to face him, smiling.
"I came to check on you, brother Bai, and also to offer you a place in my father's company if you want it."
"No, Fatty, you don't need to worry about me," Bai Xiao replied, his tone calm but firm. "You know how my family's situation is. Since my sister joined the Great Martial Hall, things got a bit better. But I… I still want to try."
Hearing this, Li Ming frowned.
"Brother Bai, I've told you many times—don't call me Fatty! My name is Li Ming! But if you ever change your mind, the offer still stands."
Just then, Bai Xiao's mother, Xiao Liu, spoke gently:
"Little Bai, maybe you should listen to Little Li. At least you'd have a stable future."
"No, mother," Bai Xiao said, bowing his head respectfully. "I want to try, just once."
Li Ming chuckled, giving Bai Xiao a thumbs-up.
"Haha! Brother, I believe in you. You'll definitely become a great martial artist!"
Bai Xiao nodded, determination flashing in his eyes.
"Yes. I will."
After chatting a little longer, Li Ming stood up.
"Okay, Brother Bai. Best of luck on your path. And if you change your mind, don't hesitate to call me."
"I will, Brother Li," Bai Xiao replied.
When Li Ming left, Bai Xiao returned to his room and sat cross-legged on his bed, ready to practice the technique.
"My entire future depends on this now…"
Closing his eyes, he calmed his breathing, and began sensing the spiritual energy around him. Slowly, he saw shimmering white and golden particles drifting through the air.
"So this is spiritual energy… It's always here, but only ancient relics let us see it."
Following the technique's guidance, Bai Xiao drew the spiritual energy into his body.
"Aaaahhh! It hurts so much…" he gritted his teeth as searing pain spread through his bones.
Time passed. As the night deepened, the spiritual energy continued to flow, gradually transforming his body. By dawn, when Bai Xiao finally opened his eyes, he felt a difference deep within.
"In just one night, I've reached the peak of the first level of body refinement!"
But when he looked down, he realized his bed sheets were soaked in sweat, and foul-smelling black impurities clung to his skin. Disgusted, he rushed into the bathroom to wash.
After washing up, Bai Xiao got dressed and headed toward the living room. When he arrived, he saw his father sitting on the sofa, reading the morning newspaper.
Hearing Bai Xiao's footsteps, Father Bai lowered the paper and spoke:
"Bai Xiao, come here. Sit with me."
Bai Xiao walked over and sat down beside him.
Father Bai looked at his son with a calm, serious yet gentle expression.
"Bai Xiao, if you truly wish to become a martial artist, I will support you. And even if you don't, I will still support you. All your mother and I can do is stand by your side. Which path you choose to walk… that's something only you can decide for yourself."
Bai Xiao met his father's gaze and nodded firmly.
"Dad, don't worry. I understand, and I'll remember your words."