Rain during the summer solstice is worth its weight in gold. <br><br>The gentle rain pattered over the fields. The barren land exuded the earthy scent of the soil. In the south, the wheat ripened early; the new harvest had already been gathered, bundled into sheaves, and stood upright across the fields. <br><br>Farmers greeted each other over the ridges between the fields. Sesame seeds, climbing greens, and mustard greens were prepared for sowing, anticipating a harvest in late autumn. <br><br>The Li Family. <br><br>Li Tongya and Li Changhu had been eagerly counting down the days, awaiting the arrival of the summer solstice with bated breath. <br><br>As the sky turned dark gray, the two men meticulously set up an altar table and knelt before it alongside Li Xiangping. <br><br>The Mirror of Truth stood supported by its dragon-carved frame. Atop the table, the first stalk of freshly harvested wheat from the solstice graced the display alongside a variety of melons, fruits, and three cups of tea infused with the rainwater of early summer. <br><br>Exchanging glances, the three spoke in unison: <br><br>“Disciples of the Li family: Li Changhu, Li Tongya, and Li Xiangping, humbly invite the Mystical and True Method, seeking to stabilize the soul, and venerate the path through cultivation.” <br><br>“With words of merit in due time and by no means to betray faith, we shall burn the petition and entrust ourselves to the Moonlit Yin Essence.” <br><br>The Mirror of Truth shimmered with radiant hues as recurring white light flickered. Within the mirror, three white Glyph Spheres materialized and darted toward the three men. <br><br>Quickly assuming a seated posture, they followed the methods from the "Guidance Technique," channeling the Glyph Spheres and receiving the bestowed techniques. <br><br>As the three white Glyph Spheres merged into their respective Celestial Mind Nexuses, Li Chijing retracted his gaze. He sat cross-legged, took a deep breath to enter a meditative state, and focused on the luminous Moonlight Radiance swirling within his Qi Sea acupoint. He pondered: <br><br>“Thanks to the Mirror of Truth and its refining power, I have already refined eighty-one strands of Moonlight Radiance. The day of the solstice, when yang wanes and light diminishes, is the perfect opportunity to break through!” <br><br>With the daring spirit of youth, Li Chijing focused his thoughts. He formed a series of hand seals, while torrents surged within his Qi Sea acupoint. The strands of Moonlight Radiance spiraled rapidly, chasing each other in an endless dance within the acupoint. <br><br>“Ascend to the Celestial Mind Nexus and converge in unity. Through the twelve tiers of the lower tower…thus creating a surging state. Vitality rises endlessly through the twelve tiers of the upper tower, ascending through the pathway beneath the tongue…” <br><br>Li Chijing recited the method of condensing The Wheel of Mystic Horizon from "The Art of Lunar Respiration." The traces of Moonlight Radiance flowed through the twelve tiers, converging into liquid form within the Celestial Mind Nexus, then trickling back down and gathering into a clear pool within the Qi Sea acupoint. <br><br>“Rise!” <br><br>He softly exclaimed. A bright silver arc of light, like a crescent moon reflecting in the water, emerged from the clear pool. The arc shimmered like the finest translucent crescent, exceptionally beautiful. <br><br>“Twelve tiers connect to the Qi Sea, and the clear pool reveals The Wheel of Mystic Horizon.” <br><br>Marveling at the sight, Li Chijing couldn't help but praise aloud. He then activated his method to solidify The Wheel of Mystic Horizon, doing his utmost to stabilize its form. <br><br>Yet as time elapsed, The Wheel of Mystic Horizon stubbornly refused to stabilize. The translucent crescent floated gently within the pool, its glimmers flickering and erratic, as if threatening to dissipate at any moment. <br><br>By now, Li Chijing was utterly drained, struggling to maintain the shape of The Wheel of Mystic Horizon. Beads of sweat dripped from his handsome face, soaking his light blue robes. <br><br>Caught in a dilemma, a sudden surge came from the clear pool in the Qi Sea acupoint. A white Glyph Sphere soared aloft. <br><br>The spherical Glyph Sphere, perfectly rounded and glowing intensely, affixed itself to The Wheel of Mystic Horizon. Instantly, the translucent crescent stabilized, and the magic within the clear pool gradually settled. Letting out a long exhale, Li Chijing completed his work. <br><br>With the success of The Wheel of Mystic Horizon, the Moonlight Radiance in his body transformed into Moonlight Radiance magic. Li Chijing had officially stepped into the realm of the Foetal Breathing Realm! <br><br>He opened his eyes slowly and gazed at the Mirror of Truth, faintly shimmering within the lunar halo. Bowing respectfully, he expressed his gratitude: <br><br>“Bestowing celestial techniques, refining Moonlight Radiance, and perfecting The Wheel of Mystic Horizon—our Li family is profoundly grateful. Endless incense and offerings shall continue year after year.” <br><br>Though young, Li Chijing’s solemn voice resonated with an air of gravity. The boy, once sheltered under his brothers’ wings, had now become a young man. <br><br>“Chijing.” <br><br>Matthew Lee stood quietly under the moonlight, his gaze warm as he looked at his youngest son. <br><br>“Father, I have condensed The Wheel of Mystic Horizon.” <br><br>Li Chijing stood and smiled at his father, gently extending his left palm. A milky white magic glimmered faintly in his hand. <br><br>“The first step of cultivation is called Primal Breath Meditation. To attain the Foetal Breathing Realm, six wheels must be condensed, known as The Wheel of Mystic Horizon, The Wheel of Brilliant Illumination, The Wheel of Circulation, The Wheel of Verdant Origin, The Wheel of Jade Capital, and The Wheel of Primordial Spirit. Among these, The Wheel of Mystic Horizon is the gateway to the path.” <br><br>“Excellent, excellent.” Matthew Lee’s jubilance surged with pride. <br><br>Dispersing the magic from his palm, Li Chijing seated himself cross-legged again, consolidating his cultivation. <br><br>———— <br><br>“What marvelous techniques!” <br><br>Li Xiangping was the first to open his eyes. Stretching with a smile, he stood and grabbed the teapot on the table, taking a hearty swig. <br><br>“I acquired the Art of Lunar Respiration and a technique called the Water-Avoidance Method.” <br><br>Before he could finish speaking, Li Tongya emerged from his meditation. Raising an eyebrow, he spoke contentedly: <br><br>“I received a technique called the Exorcism Method.” <br><br>The two chatted for a while before Li Changhu finally opened his eyes. Seeing his three younger brothers watching him expectantly, he sighed helplessly: <br><br>“The technique is called the Garment-Cleansing Method.” <br><br>After the three elder brothers completed their meditations, Li Chijing, who had been holding back his excitement, finally exclaimed: <br><br>“I have already condensed The Wheel of Mystic Horizon!” <br><br>“So soon?” <br><br>Li Xiangping cried out in astonishment, tilting his head in disbelief. <br><br>“It’s all thanks to the power of the Mirror of Truth,” Li Chijing replied earnestly, glancing at the altar. <br><br>“This artifact naturally condenses Moonlight Radiance, making the refinement of Lunar Energy Force incredibly efficient.” <br><br>Only then did the others realize the truth. Li Changhu patted Li Chijing on the head with a laugh: <br><br>“I’ve heard that the human body has Spiritual Nexuses, and one can sense them through the flow of magic. Chijing, can you take a look for us?” <br><br>Secretly, Li Changhu suspected his own aptitude for cultivation as he had struggled during the channeling process, unlike his younger brothers. <br><br>Scanning his brothers, Li Chijing placed his left hand on Li Xiangping’s shoulder, closing his eyes to search for the Spiritual Nexus. <br><br>“Energy rises and falls, breathing unceasing, like fish leaping…” <br><br>Reciting the descriptions from the breathing techniques, Li Chijing sent his magic coursing through Li Xiangping’s meridians. <br><br>After the duration of an incense stick’s burning, he opened his eyes in shock, mumbling: <br><br>“There’s nothing…” <br><br>He froze momentarily, hurriedly placing his hand on his other two brothers’ shoulders and probing with his magic. <br><br>“Nothing—how can there be nothing?!” <br><br>Li Chijing’s face turned pale. He sat cross-legged on the spot, closing his eyes to meditate. As his magic circulated through his entire body, he confirmed the absence of the so-called Spiritual Nexus. <br><br>“The Art of Lunar Respiration clearly states that a Spiritual Nexus is the foundation of the grand path. Without one, no celestial technique or mystical method can take effect…” <br><br>“This…this…” <br><br>Li Chijing’s mind wavered uncontrollably, unable to sustain his meditation. His lips trembled as he turned to Matthew Lee, who was steeping tea leaves, and softly murmured: <br><br>“Father!” <br><br>“You were right—the Mirror of Truth is indeed the cause of our family’s future demise.” <br><br>“If a true cultivator were to discover this artifact, not only would we face utter annihilation, our souls captured by others, but every village in the Li Jing Village region and the entire Gu Li Path would be reduced to ashes.” <br><br>“I have already perfected The Wheel of Mystic Horizon. My magic flows throughout my body. Unless I abandon my cultivation, other energy practitioners would be unable to sense the presence of my Spiritual Nexus.” <br><br>Startling to his feet, Li Chijing solemnly reminded: <br><br>“For the disciples of the Li family, unless the Seed of Arcane Pearl Glyph has successfully formed into The Wheel of Mystic Horizon, we must never flaunt it!” <br><br>“Indeed.” <br><br>Matthew Lee sipped his tea, his expression grave as he scanned the group. <br><br>“Back then, when Chijing began cultivation, I thought it was merely due to his extraordinary gifts. Han Wenxu once mentioned that those born with a Spiritual Nexus are one in a thousand miles. Perhaps Chijing is that one.” <br><br>He chuckled wryly, continuing: <br><br>“But now, it seems this Mirror of Truth is an extraordinary celestial artifact. It turns decay into brilliance. With this Glyph Sphere, even mere mortals can glimpse the immortal path.” <br><br>The group felt a mix of relief and apprehension, silently looking at their father. <br><br>“Go on. Continue your cultivation. I’ll head to the fields,” Matthew Lee said after a moment’s pause. <br><br>“Yes.” <br><br>The group naturally nodded in agreement, each returning to their rooms to cultivate. <br><br>Matthew Lee respectfully retrieved the Mirror of Truth, tidied up the altar, and then headed to the fields with his hands clasped behind his back.)
