Chapter 33: Effects and Supplements

After initiating Spiritual Burn, Zhou Yan possessed extraordinary insight in his state of serene clarity. He closely imitated Luo Xuan’s posture, rapidly refining and correcting every detail. At last, during an adjustment of his breathing rhythm, he suddenly sensed something unusual—

As the airflow interacted with his body, his vocal cords, brushed by the breath, naturally produced the sound of a bird’s call. At the same time, all the muscles in his body underwent an extraordinary tremor. Zhou Yan immediately seized this crucial moment and immersed himself fully in the practice of the “rudimentary breathing method” he had comprehended through imitation.

His muscles, trembling in continuous cycles, seemed to be subjected to a highly efficient tempering. This process swiftly made his physique stronger and more robust.

...

[Crane’s Cry Breathing Technique (Initiated)]

After some time, a line of information appeared before Zhou Yan’s eyes. He paused slightly and quickly disengaged from the state of Spiritual Burn. Opening his left eye, he immediately saw Luo Xuan standing very close before him. The girl was less than a foot away, her cold, sword-like eyes lowered as she watched his chest and abdomen, studying the details of his breathing.

Zhou Yan’s breath faltered, and he could no longer maintain the breathing technique; it broke off. Seeing this, Luo Xuan looked up at him, her voice calm: “Self-learning a breathing technique, if you go astray, will only harm your body and bring no benefit at all...”

She paused, not waiting for Zhou Yan to speak, and continued, “However, it seems you may have found the right direction.”

As she spoke, Luo Xuan appeared to only then realize how close they stood; she turned her face slightly aside but kept her indifferent tone, as if speaking to herself: “According to the rules of Vermillion Bird Palace, breathing techniques are considered core secret arts. If the Sword Hall wishes to teach them to students, it must first report to the Lihuo Pavilion for record, and students must pass the Pavilion’s qualification exam.”

With that, she turned and walked toward the rear door of the training hall, her voice drifting back: “That exam—you’re unlikely to pass it in your current state. Anyone found to have learned a breathing technique without being examined will not only be investigated by the Lihuo Pavilion, but the Sword Hall will also be held responsible. In the future...”

“Be more careful.”

With these words, she left the martial hall.

Zhou Yan watched her departure. Then he drew a deep breath, understanding her meaning—so he’d stolen the technique, but he must not display it before outsiders, lest it invite unnecessary trouble.

It might even bring punishment on this Sword Hall.

That was something Zhou Yan absolutely could not accept. The two sisters—one innocent and sweet, the other cold-faced but kind-hearted—had taken him in. If he brought them trouble, would he not be utterly ungrateful?

“From now on, I can only practice in my own small room... Or perhaps, I could train with Luo Xuan when she practices at night...”

“And most importantly... I must become stronger as quickly as possible, until I can pass that so-called ‘exam’ Luo Xuan mentioned.”

Zhou Yan murmured softly to himself, then glanced at the clock.

It was almost ten o’clock at night.

He was a little dazed.

Had he really spent so long unconsciously practicing the breathing technique?

Cultivation was indeed addictive.

So, had it yielded results?

Zhou Yan couldn’t help but check his personal status panel and soon noticed something different.

[Attributes: Physique 9, Acuity 9, Spirit 11]
[Skills: Southern Ming Sword (Proficient), Crane’s Cry Breathing Technique (Initiated)]

Physique had increased by one!

The breathing technique had such a pronounced effect—just a short session had genuinely strengthened his body?

Zhou Yan’s expression gradually settled into calm.

No wonder masters in this world could break through the limits of the human body and unleash such terrifying combat power...

With such secret arts, all of it made sense.

Shaking his head, Zhou Yan picked up his clothes and headed into the communal bath.

*

Entering the bathroom, Zhou Yan stood beneath the showerhead and had barely rinsed himself for a few seconds when he sensed something was wrong.

His whole body was limp and weak, and from deep within him came a faint, hollow emptiness.

So hungry...

It was as if every cell in his body was crying out for energy and nourishment.

Frowning, Zhou Yan quickly considered the cause of his current state.

Was it because of the journey into the Calamity Realm?

No, nothing like this had happened last time.

Then it must be... the breathing technique?

He remembered the increase in his physique and gained a realization.

Clearly, the human body was not a “Life Engine”—it couldn’t gain extra attributes simply by absorbing rune factors.

If his body grew stronger, something must be consumed in return.

Even when building muscle in a gym, one needs to eat more meat, eggs, and dairy, drink protein powder, and some even inject banned substances.

A breathing technique that enhances the body would naturally also deplete its nutrients and energy.

Having sorted out the cause, Zhou Yan had an idea.

He quickly finished his shower, returned to his room, and changed into street clothes.

He had just stepped out when he encountered an unexpected person.

“Xiao Xuan?”

Zhou Yan looked in surprise at the beautiful girl before him and greeted her uncertainly.

Luo Xuan handed something over: “Drink this.”

He took it instinctively and examined the packet in his hand—it resembled a pouch of traditional medicine, filled with a black liquid. He looked at her curiously: “What is this?”

“A secret tonic,” the girl replied softly. “Specially made by Vermillion Bird Palace, a supplement for Fierce-rank members to replenish nutrients lost from practicing breathing techniques.”

Zhou Yan hesitated, a little embarrassed. “This must be expensive...”

“It’s provided free of charge to elite practitioners of breathing techniques,” Luo Xuan said with a gentle shake of her head.

Zhou Yan immediately noticed the flaw in her words: “It may be free, but surely there’s a limit. If you give it to me... what will you take?”

Luo Xuan paused, her face calm. “My body’s strength has already been tempered to its current limit. This tonic does little for me.”

She glanced at Zhou Yan. “For beginners, the effects of breathing techniques are very pronounced, and the need for nutrition is great. You use it first, and return the favor later.”

Afraid he would continue arguing, she turned and left.

Zhou Yan watched her departing figure, then looked down at the dark tonic in his hand, pressing his lips together without a word.

He returned to his room and closed the door securely.

Biting open the packet, he tilted his head back and downed the black liquid in one gulp.

The taste was spicy and bitter, burning his throat like strong liquor.

Zhou Yan forced himself not to gag, swallowing the liquid.

A surge of heat followed his throat and esophagus into his stomach, like a blaze igniting within, making him feel feverish all over.

His body, like a man dying of thirst tasting clear spring water, rapidly absorbed the nutrients in the tonic.

Zhou Yan immediately assumed the posture of the Crane’s Cry Breathing Technique and began to practice with focused intent.

In the small room, the continuous sound of chirping birds soon echoed.

He felt his muscles growing stronger with every unique tremor, mind growing ever calmer.

This debt of gratitude...

Just a little longer, just wait a little longer.

When he became strong enough one day...

***