Chapter 17: Calculations of Dukes and Marquis’ Schemes Fully Unfolded

After a brief hesitation, Lu Xiao shifted his thoughts slightly. The suspended black characters of the “Dragon Blood Immersion Technique” instantly transformed into a purple hue, becoming “Dragon Blood Immersion Technique +1.”

This time, the refinement drained more than half of Lu Xiao’s energy at once. It was indeed very different from ordinary refinement. This process was not merely an enhancement but also a purification, eliminating harmful elements within the technique, which explained the significant energy consumption. The sudden drain left Lu Xiao pale and somewhat weak in appearance, though it was nothing serious; a short rest would suffice for full recovery.

After closing his eyes and resting for half an hour, Lu Xiao reopened the “Dragon Blood Immersion Technique” manual. Following the first stage of refinement, the content had expanded considerably. Previously omitted cautions and details were now fully included.

“The beginning of the origin, the path of body tempering, bathing in blood to forge the soul, culminating in the union with the Dao. At dawn’s first light, regulate breath and cultivate energy, drawing forth the essence of sunlight. Feel the pure qi enter the bowels, threads moistening the bones, gathering like a spring of spiritual vitality…”

Post-refinement, the text of the “Dragon Blood Immersion Technique” was more elaborate. Two new stages, “Begin the Origin” and “Path of Body Tempering,” were added before the “Bathing in Blood to Forge the Soul” step. This clarified why it was said, “Without a dragon’s body, do not read the dragon technique.” The techniques of Dragon King Mountain complemented one another; initial forging was necessary for subsequent advancement.

“Dragon Blood Immersion” was a figurative term. The actual technique did not require real dragon blood, for dragons existed only in myths and legends within this world. No one had ever seen a living dragon. The phrase “Dragon Blood Immersion” referred to the sensation during cultivation—like being bathed in dragon’s blood, the body felt burning hot, as if scorched by the legendary dragon’s blood itself. Though challenging to practice, it granted practitioners considerable benefits.

Lu Xiao continued reading. The forging method of the “Dragon Blood Immersion Technique” differed greatly from the “Strong Qi Heart Method.” The former was purely a body-refining technique, designed to strengthen a warrior’s physical defenses. Successful cultivation greatly enhanced one’s bodily resilience. In battle, the practitioner could even manifest a layer of blood aura around their form to shield against injury.

However, the “Dragon Blood Immersion Technique” was not a foundational cultivation method. Unlike the “Strong Qi Heart Method,” it could not guide a warrior to elevate their martial realm. Since Lu Xiao had only just opened his body’s potential, his primary focus remained on advancing his martial realm.

Without reaching the proper realm, no matter how powerful the martial skills, their effectiveness was limited. A child wielding a divine weapon was of little use.

Nonetheless, the “Dragon Blood Immersion Technique” held value for him. Once he advanced further into the “Stone Moving Realm,” he could allocate time to practice it. Defensive techniques like this would significantly improve his self-preservation capabilities and further strengthen his physique.

Lu Xiao carefully stored away the manual. When the time came for earnest practice, he would refine it further, elevating it another level. Though feeling somewhat fatigued now, he was not ready to rest. Wu Shanlong was still a guest at the Marquis’s residence, and many servants had been summoned to attend him. Only once they left could Lu Xiao find a quiet moment to cultivate. Such tranquility was rare and must not be wasted.

In the eastern garden of the Marquis’s estate, the matriarch, accompanied by the first and second madams, strolled with Wu Shanlong. They eventually settled by the pond in the garden, where servants brought delicate desserts. With none of the younger generation present, their conversation was much more candid.

“Madam Lu, you should emphasize to the younger generation that they must not touch the ‘Dragon Blood Immersion Technique.’ The methods of Dragon King Mountain come with many restrictions. Without first opening the body and tempering the physique as the mountain requires, exposure to this technique can be more harmful than beneficial.”

Upon hearing this, Madam Lu nodded. She had already warned Lu Zhi and Lu Qiao, who were older, but she worried the younger ones might not keep the secret. If Lu Xiao learned about this, all their efforts would be in vain.

“In the coming period, Madam Lu, you need not restrict Lu Xiao’s cultivation any longer. The ‘Dragon Blood Immersion Technique’ can strengthen his physique, increasing his bodily resilience and temporarily boosting part of his martial strength. The value of the spiritual bones will also rise accordingly. When the time comes to extract the spiritual bones, the benefits for Xin Chen and Xin Xue will be greater. Moreover, while practicing this technique, his foundation will be forged. By the time of the Martial Sect Academy’s assessment, though his realm will have improved, his true strength will still lag behind.”

“Of course, that is not the main purpose. Given his talent and potential, he has only just opened his body in his early twenties.”

Wu Shanlong’s words laid bare his true intention for visiting: he had come specifically for Lu Xiao. The gift of the “Dragon Blood Immersion Technique” was primarily meant to enable Lu Xiao to strengthen his spiritual bones through cultivation, thereby increasing their value to Meng Xinchen and Meng Xinxue after extraction. If his sole goal had been to hinder Lu Xiao’s cultivation, he wouldn’t have bothered making the trip.

“Since Jiang Yurou has arranged this, the Lu family will comply. Just one favor, Shanlong: when you return, please remind the Meng Duke’s mansion of our needs. The Lu and Meng families must restore their alliance with some substantial concessions.”

Wu Shanlong nodded, apparently anticipating Madam Lu’s words.

“The Meng Duke will propose in court next month to resolve the impeachment against Marquis Lu. You may rest assured, Madam Lu; the Meng Duke’s mansion has agreed. It will be settled without issue.”

Hearing this, Madam Lu felt some relief. She despised Jiang Yurou, the former daughter-in-law who had embarrassed the Lu family and reduced her third son, Lu Jinghong, to his current muddled state. Yet this time, Jiang Yurou had brought some benefit to the family.

The Lu family had grown from the military, its roots firmly planted there. Their influence at court was weak, with few allies to speak on their behalf. When troubles arose, they often had no way to even learn of them. They remained ignorant of what transpired in the court or the thoughts of high-ranking officials.

If this matter could ease tensions between the two families, or even advance their relationship, it would be beneficial for the Lu family. Past grievances were already history, whether or not the Lu family wished to let go.

Madam Lu had considered many factors, weighing pros and cons. The only thing she had not considered was Lu Xiao’s own feelings. After all, they simply demanded he remove the spiritual bones, telling him to understand the bigger picture and prioritize the greater good—which meant sacrificing him.