He was in the Ming Dynasty, and his adoptive father was Governor Cao.

Inside the Pearl-Collecting Office, in Xiao Ting's bedroom.

The candlelight flickered as the three sat around the table.

The process of "dividing the spoils" was exceptionally smooth—Xiao Ting and Fan Xiping each received a snake gallbladder, Liu Hongxiu took four extra snake eggs as compensation, Xiao Ting received the [Golden and Silver Double Palm], Liu Hongxiu received the [Soft Armor], and Fan Xiping got his wish and obtained the [Sunflower Acupuncture Technique] and the Ten Great Brewing Recipes.

As for the locked wooden box that Wan Xiangsheng left for the "enlightened one"...

Fan Xiping and Liu Hongxiu directly pushed the matter to Xiao Ting.

At this moment, all three of them focused their attention on the book "Mingyu Divine Skill 2.0".

"The glacier turns nine times, with waves upon waves, one eddy just subsiding before another is born."

The jade veins flow through secluded places like wells and tunnels, their swirling currents creating a resounding roar.

At first, it gently nourishes the meridians, then gradually it grows into the rumbling sound of ocean waves.

Layer upon layer of waves form the eye of a vortex, and the stars in the heavens all tilt westward.

After reading the general outline in a soft voice, Liu Hongxiu said admiringly, "No wonder the legendary Mingyu Divine Skill is said to become stronger the more it is used. When the skill is used, it not only does not consume internal energy, but it continues to increase... The myriad phenomena give rise to wonderful ideas, allowing the true energy in the dantian to transform into a vortex. Even without absorbing the opponent's true energy, it can tear apart the opponent's true energy. The stronger the vortex, the stronger the suction force, the thicker the skill, and the greater the power! It truly deserves to be called the 'orthodox internal martial arts, the supreme mental method'."

"This is truly eye-opening."

Fan Xiping took a swig of wine and said, "With such internal strength as a foundation, let alone the 'Indulgent Ascension Steps,' even ordinary lightness skills could probably surpass Master Shi by relying on the continuous flow of energy. The Thieves' Sect's defeat was not unjust! However, this skill has nine levels, which is probably not easy to cultivate. How to transform energy into a vortex is of utmost importance."

After the two finished speaking, they noticed that Xiao Ting remained silent, and his expression seemed a bit strange.

Liu Hongxiu asked softly, "My lord? What do you think?"

Xiao Ting opened his mouth, having read the entire manual, and had only one thought:

—You even foresaw this, fellow villager?

How similar this "Mingyu Divine Skill 2.0" is to his "Dielang Jue"!

The "Layered Waves Technique" imitates the power of the deep sea's undercurrents, which accumulate and surge layer by layer. Its core lies in "layering"—in the Sanjiao meridian of the Hand Shaoyang, true qi is layered like ocean waves, and each layer can multiply the power.

However, this "Mingyu Divine Skill" takes a different path—it transforms true qi into a "vortex seed" within the dantian. Once the vortex seed is formed, it will rotate, tear, and condense true qi on its own. With each rotation, the true qi becomes more refined, and the cold force becomes more severe.

Xiao Ting pondered carefully, and his mind became increasingly clear.

The "Layered Wave Technique" involves "layering force" within the meridians to achieve victory through instantaneous bursts of power.

The Mingyu Divine Skill involves "stacking qi" in the dantian, and is known for its long-lasting and pure nature.

Although these two are different in form, their core is the "art of controlling qi" - controlling true qi in a small space, layering it up, and transforming quantity into quality!

Moreover, the general outline of "Mingyu Divine Skill" clearly states: "A thousand layers of waves transform into a vortex eye."

This is clearly a hint that the method of overlapping waves is the starting point for condensing the vortex in the dantian!

In other words, "Mingyu Divine Skill 2.0" is the ultimate promax version of "Dielang Jue".

Xiao Ting's seven layers of inner strength—Duan Tao's seven layers of "Layered Waves Technique"—are also integrated into his instincts. Not only will they not be wasted, but they will become the best foundation for cultivating this skill!

"Wanxiangsheng, you really should become a demigod..."

Xiao Ting thought to himself, "This fellow villager even knew that I could cultivate the 'Layered Waves Technique' and specially left behind this perfectly compatible technique. Such meticulous planning is beyond the explanation of martial arts cultivation."

—I'll definitely treat him to a drink next time we meet!

He saw that the two were waiting for his opinion.

Xiao Ting composed himself and said seriously, "This technique is somewhat similar to the Overlapping Waves Technique, but the Overlapping Waves Technique is also difficult to cultivate. The barriers within it are extremely mysterious and require constant practice. It can only be understood intuitively and cannot be explained in words. He Shan and Duan Tao both spent more than thirty years cultivating it before making a breakthrough. You should directly study the Bright Jade Technique."

Fan Xiping nodded at first, then his eyes lit up: "Sir, didn't you master the 'Layered Waves Technique'? And your skill level is unparalleled?"

Xiao Ting readily agreed: "So I want to try it now and see just how much it can help!"

Fan Xiping and Liu Hongxiu exchanged a glance, their interest piqued, and began to watch intently.

Xiao Ting didn't delay any longer, and immediately sat down cross-legged, closed his eyes and concentrated.

The first step is to condense air into a vortex.

This is the most crucial and also the most difficult step.

It requires a subtle method of controlling qi to regulate the two streams of true qi, accelerate their rotation, and form a horizontal vortex. Then, based on this, it can draw in the surrounding true qi, thereby forming a vertical wind column and transforming into a "tornado"!

If you try it for the first time, it will definitely be extremely difficult!

The "2.0" version created by Wanxiangsheng has greatly increased power, but it has also become more difficult to cultivate.

Xiao Ting, however, need not worry.

With decades of experience in stacking waves, he was extremely skilled at manipulating his true energy. In an instant, the internal force in his dantian was compressed and rotated, forming a tiny vortex.

The vortex, which started as small as a pinhead, spun faster and faster, becoming increasingly stable! In the blink of an eye, all eight layers of true energy within the dantian transformed into a vortex!

The second step is to formally switch to repair.

With the seed of the vortex formed, Xiao Ting began to circulate it throughout his body according to the Mingyu Gong mental cultivation method.

The vortex then underwent a qualitative change, emanating a refreshing coolness, as if a cold spring was slowly rotating. The overlapping true energy gradually transformed into pale white icy true energy. This true energy was extremely pure, condensed like mercury, and moved silently, yet it accumulated an astonishing cold force in the dantian!

At this point, the first level of the Mingyu Skill was completed.

After that, it was a continuous process of strengthening the vortex, increasing the speed, and "stacking" energy!

Xiao Ting intentionally pushed his limits, directly channeling seven layers of internal energy, causing seven streams of true qi to rotate rapidly on the outside, the vortex spinning faster and faster! The true qi underwent a rapid qualitative change, from "Cold Spring" to "Frosty Spring," then to "Ice Spring," and finally to a rumbling "Glacier"...

Second floor!

the third floor!

The fourth floor!

……

The sound of waves began to emanate from his body, and the cold air grew stronger and stronger, gradually engulfing everything!

A layer of frost quickly formed within several feet of Xiao Ting!

"This is……"

Fan Xiping was taken aback. Seeing Xiao Ting's face grow paler and paler, gradually losing all color, his once radiant complexion now smooth and jade-like, Fan Xiping was deeply shaken. Hearing the sound of the ocean waves, he subconsciously murmured, "The jade veins flow like a well, swirling and roaring. At first, they gently soothe the meridians, gradually becoming the thunderous sound of the ocean waves..."

Liu Hongxiu said, enunciating each word clearly: "Ice-like skin and jade-like bones... Bright Jade Divine Skill, seventh level!"

The two looked at each other and saw the shock in each other's eyes.

The book clearly states that even those with exceptional comprehension need twenty years of arduous practice to reach the seventh level.

But this person... in the blink of an eye, has already become one.

"call……"

Xiao Ting slowly opened his eyes, his breath condensing into white mist in the air, and his eyes seemed to sparkle with ice crystals.

"My lord...you've already done it?" Fan Xiping's eyes widened.

Liu Hongxiu was also filled with disbelief. This was too fast! They hadn't even gotten started yet!

Xiao Ting raised his hand and channeled his energy; three zhang away, a white-tasseled sword was drawn from its sheath and flew into his hand.

Fan Xiping was even more surprised—at the Acquired Realm, one's true energy cannot be released more than three feet outward, yet Xiao Ting was able to break through nearly ten times that distance with the help of the seventh level of Mingyu Gong, and with such ease!

It truly lives up to its reputation as a divine skill manual!

With a thought, Xiao Ting channeled his Mingyu True Qi into the blade. With a casual flick of his wrist, the blade flashed like snow, silently slicing off a piece of the table corner. The cut was as smooth as a mirror, with a thin layer of frost forming on the edge!

Its speed and power are several times stronger than the Seven-Layer Wave Technique!

Xiao Ting was completely satisfied.

Fan Xiping clapped his hands and exclaimed, "Such power from a casual wave of the hand! Truly amazing!"

Liu Hongxiu smiled and said, "It seems that this skill is indeed destined for you, sir."

Xiao Ting said, "You don't need to rush, take your time."

Just then.

Knock knock—

Wu Zi gently knocked on the door: "My lord, Eunuch Cao has sent someone to tell you that he is waiting for you in the study."

"Okay, I'll go right away."

Xiao Ting replied, and Fan Xiping and Liu Hongxiu got up to take their leave.

Liu Hongxiu deliberately left behind the original manual, instructing, "My lord, don't rush to use the [Golden and Silver Double Absolute Palm], lest someone with ulterior motives reveal it to the Hidden Edge Pavilion. It will be safer to use it after you reach the Innate Realm... Anyway, you won't need to use it for more than a few days."

With the Azure Phosphorous Sea Serpent's gall and eggs at his disposal, it's only a matter of time before Xiao Ting breaks through to the Innate Realm.

"I know, thanks for reminding me."

Xiao Ting rose to see him off, casually saying, "Let's go for drinks at Zuiyue Tower another day."

Liu Hongxiu paused, turned back, and smiled sweetly: "When is 'another day'?"

Xiao Ting was taken aback.

In the candlelight, her peach blossom eyes curved slightly, and her gaze was captivating and alluring.

Fan Xiping chuckled to himself and wisely withdrew first.

"Then... in three days."

Xiao Ting thought for a moment: "By then, I should have broken through to the Innate Realm, which will be a good time to go to Zuiyue Tower to celebrate."

A hint of joy flashed in Liu Hongxiu's eyes, and she nodded, saying, "Alright, then Hongxiu will await your arrival, young master."

She was poised and graceful, and turned to leave.

Xiao Ting watched her figure disappear outside the door and smiled softly.

Then, calming his mind, he carefully hid the important items left by Wan Xiangsheng, such as the letter, the secret manual, and the Golden and Silver Double Palms. When it came to the calico cat, he was in a dilemma—he didn't know when or how it would wake up. Burying it underground was not appropriate. Considering that it looked like a cat, he figured no one would steal it, so he simply placed it on the bed.

He straightened his clothes and went out.

The door closed again.

Inside the wooden box, the calico cat, curled up in a ball, silently opened its eyes.

A pair of deep blue eyes, clear and bright, with starlight within.

It seemed to reflect the entire night sky.