Chapter 2: The Elegance of Ink and Brush

In the letter from the old prince Li Shancun, there are many reminders directed at Li Haoran, urging him to strive for progress in the future and not to drift aimlessly through life as he did yesterday, unaware of the direction of his life

The Anle Wang lineage is indeed pitiable; it is a shame that the young prince has already passed away. I merely happened to occupy his body and absorbed his memories... The Anle Wang lineage has effectively been severed from its roots...

But now the young prince is dead, and within his body resides a soul from another world

The method of meditation known as "Tao of the Mind" is the most gentle, yet it is also one of the most difficult states to enter. Fortunately, Li Haoran possesses a strong spirit and soon entered that mysterious state.

These accounts regarding the Yuan Qiao are derived from the method of exploring the Yuan in the book "The Elegance of Ink and Brush." After carefully recalling the content, Li Haoran began to concentrate and meditate according to the method of exploring the Yuan.

Fortunately, due to the relatively outgoing and cheerful personality of the young prince, when the two souls were compatible, Li Haoran's character underwent some changes

The place where he once lived was completely devoid of practitioners, yet stories about cultivation were as numerous as the stars in the sky. Now, possessing a mysterious cultivation method, he felt uneasy in his heart if he did not attempt it.

In the past, Li Haoran, due to his timid personality, often suffered from bullying. Coming from a poor family, he was also very self-conscious. Such a lavish lifestyle was something he could only dare to dream about.

Your Highness, having just recovered from a serious illness, you must not overexert yourself and should pay attention to your rest

It is this moment

This feeling made Li Haoran feel as if he had returned to his mother's embrace, imbued with a gentle and serene beauty that made him long for a restful sleep.

Li Haoran could not help but think, ultimately setting his sights on the two individuals.

According to the preface of this book, practicing this method requires the assistance of the ink energy contained within ancient texts and spiritual writings. By utilizing the methods recorded in the general outline, one can draw upon the essence of the myriad scriptures to cultivate a unique ink attribute and the original energy of the text within oneself

It was the day before his father's burial that Li Haoran secretly slipped out of his home and went to his friend Tang Kai's place to indulge in a lavish spree of revelry.

After finishing, Li Fu, with a gloomy expression, gave a few instructions before leaving the attic

This is akin to a beggar suddenly becoming an emperor, facing an abruptly arrived noble life, feeling both unaccustomed and somewhat at a loss.

In youth, one is carefree and unaware of troubles, while loved ones send wealth soaring into the sky

Upon opening the volume, a faint fragrance of orchids wafts in. The first thing that catches Li Haoran's eye is a series of botanical illustrations, each accompanied by a line of tiny script beneath it

We have received news from above that we must quickly eliminate Li Haoran! Pass on my orders, instruct everyone not to concern themselves with any identities, and apply relentless pressure on Li Haoran, forcing him into a desperate situation where he might touch things he should not touch

Oh? Why is the last page missing

What is this

Yet, he tossed and turned, closing his eyes for a long time but still unable to calm his excitement. The uncontrollable thrill in his heart made him feel as if he had been injected with a stimulant, rendering him completely unable to sleep

As his thoughts turned, Li Haoran mumbled to himself, placing the letter beside the intricately carved jade box, and then took out a second item from within.

Even so, Li Haoran could still feel within his soul the air of arrogance and defiance towards everything that came from the young prince.

Li Fu furrowed his brow slightly, took the bamboo tube, skillfully opened the seal, and extracted a one-foot-long strip of paper from within

I can also be considered fortunate, as I unexpectedly transformed from a nobody into a wealthy individual in this manner! It truly feels like a dream come true

This is an ancient scroll bound with silver thread, featuring a cloud pattern as the background. On the cover of the scroll, the four ancient seal characters "万毒图录" are written in a formal style with gold ink.

This is a method of cultivation. Li Haoran can currently see only a small part of this memory, while the other parts seem to be obscured by mist, making him aware of their existence but unable to touch them

However, at this moment, he felt a surge of impulse in his mind, an impulse stemming from the line of text at the end of the preface of the calligraphy and ink.

Li Haoran murmured softly, sighing deeply as he spoke. Although those nearby could hear his voice, they could not discern what he was actually saying

Li Haoran was greatly shocked, and a curious thought stirred within him. That memory unfolded before his eyes like a raging torrent, causing him to tremble with excitement.

In Li Haoran's perception, he felt streams of energy that resembled the wind, flowing slowly like water, while he was enveloped by numerous currents of this energy.

Li Haoran took over this body when the young prince was struck by a stone, and he also absorbed the memories that were about to vanish from this body

However, since the Anle family relocated here, they have encountered several upheavals. Not only has the family lineage dwindled, but by the time of Li Haoran, it had already been three generations of a single heir, leading to a further decline in the family bloodline

Master Butler, please take a look

This is what is referred to as the feeling of having everything handed to you on a silver platter. In the past, I could only dream of such a life... Only in this way can I avoid being bullied and hold my head high.

... ...

His impulsiveness stems from the possibility of cultivating the elegant essence of ink and brush, thereby becoming a legendary figure. What is disheartening is that he has no choice; regardless of what the end of this method may be, he must practice the techniques contained within this book.

The congenital sealed orifices refer to the innate closure of the vital orifices. Although they exist, they are unable to absorb external vital energy, nor can they utilize it for cultivation. Therefore, individuals with such sealed orifices are also referred to as invalids

Certainly, to support a vast amount of vital energy, it is essential not only for the energy channels to be sufficiently robust but also for the practitioner to possess a sufficiently strong physical body; lacking either will result in catastrophic bodily failure.

Relax your body and mind, release your spirit, and imagine yourself in a warm ocean, with the wind blowing gently around you

Li Haoran paid no attention, stood up and stretched lazily, holding the Compendium of Ten Thousand Poisons in his hand, and casually said: "Clean up the table, and later send some food to my room, I am a bit hungry"

Who could it be

However, his mind was exceptionally clear, and he did not fall asleep as a result. He knew that this moment was the best opportunity to open his meridians. With this thought in mind, he silently recited the method of guiding the vital energy, gradually directing the vital energy enveloping his body into his meridians.

Li Fu waited until Li Haoran had walked far away before straightening up. His expression turned slightly cold as he walked directly to the table, picked up the letter left by Li Shancun and glanced at it. Then he looked at the empty jade box and said coldly, "Hmph! I knew you would come into contact with this Manual of Ten Thousand Poisons. However, just relying on this one book is not enough to put you to death..."

Now that his dreams have come true, the long-standing weakness in his character still makes him somewhat fearful, preventing him from engaging with others or going out.

One is the recently deceased Prince Wang, and the other is the steward Li Fu. Only these two individuals have had access to this catalog; the other servants have had no opportunity to come into contact with it

If it were in the past, the young prince would certainly not have cared about this letter. He would have spent his time indulging in pleasures, wandering through the fields, flirting with village maidens, and gathering friends to enjoy music and entertain women.

At this moment, Li Fu gently walked upstairs, speaking with a smile that did not reach his eyes, yet his gaze carried a hint of coldness that instilled fear in others

His mind was already clear, and everything before him seemed like a dream, making it hard for him to believe.

The sandalwood in the room is still burning, its subtle fragrance invigorating and refreshing, leaving one feeling revitalized and clear-headed

The small characters are written in an extremely elegant manner, presenting all the information regarding the names and functions of the illustrated plants.

Just as Li Haoran was getting into it, he suddenly discovered that the last page of the scroll had been torn out, and the marks suggested it had been removed not long ago

Call ... and books ...

Each individual's capacity for the primordial aperture varies, as does its location, which consequently affects the speed of a martial artist's cultivation and will further influence their future path in martial arts

However, the cultivation of the ink and aura of writing differs; to practice it, one must possess innate openings. Otherwise, cultivation is not possible. Moreover, it does not concern itself with the capacity and location of the primordial openings; as long as one has texts capable of absorbing the ink and aura of writing, unlimited growth can be achieved

The Anle lineage descends from the former dynasty's surrendering king, Li Xunkong. Due to Li Xunkong's status as a great Confucian scholar of the previous dynasty, with countless disciples, the emperors of the Jiuding Dynasty granted a special pardon for the death penalty imposed on this lineage. They also conferred hereditary titles of nobility and bestowed upon them the peaceful and tranquil Anle Valley as their homeland

As soon as Li Fu's voice fell, a man dressed in black hurriedly approached from downstairs. Upon seeing Li Fu, he knelt on one knee and presented a bamboo tube, about the length of a thumb, with both hands.

This method of exploration, I do not know whether it will be effective or not! Forget it, I will give it a try for now and see if I am cut out for this!

Li Haoran looked at the line of text on the golden silk patterned paper with a smile that was neither fully a smile nor a frown, the corners of his mouth slowly curling into a hint of a smile, and a glimmer of nostalgic light flickering in his eyes

Lying on the bed, Li Haoran smiled and mumbled, his eyes filled with brilliance

This method is peculiar yet highly enticing. To practice it, one must meet a specific condition: only those whose innate energy channels are closed can cultivate it

After a long while, Li Haoran finally opened his eyes, drenched in sweat. His heart was still filled with impulse, yet it was also tinged with a sense of loss.

I am indeed a body with innate sealed orifices; could it be that there is a hidden intention of heaven in this?

The elegant strokes of the brush and ink represent a memory that suddenly emerged, a memory whose origin is unknown, yet it is deeply imprinted in Li Haoran's mind

Li Haoran's eyes shimmered with four colors; after a moment of contemplation, he ultimately decided to employ the methods outlined in the book to ascertain whether he possessed the Yuan Qiao.

In an instant, Li Haoran's thoughts became lively, and he couldn't help but think: "If I could cultivate with books, wouldn't I no longer have to fear anyone! If anyone dares to bully me, I will beat them fiercely, no matter how many come..."

It is precisely because of this that Li Haoran is able to handle such a life with ease; otherwise, based on his previous character and insights, he would likely have been exposed within a few days

It was the memories from the young prince that gradually made Li Haoran familiar with this family, and he began to exude a sense of authority as the master.

The Yuan Aperture is the cavity for storing and expelling vital energy. To embark on the path of cultivation, one must open the Yuan Aperture, perceive the vital energy that drifts between heaven and earth, and absorb and refine it through special methods, transforming it into one's own energy

He felt a subtle unease about Li Fu, as if Li Fu harbored ill intentions towards him. Reluctant to stay longer with Li Fu, he took the opportunity to leave the pavilion.

Otherwise, the old prince would not have left such words of advice.

After waking up, Li Haoran, with the assistance of a maid, washed for quite a while before finally removing the stains and odors from his body. At this moment, he had changed into a luxurious brocade outfit and was sitting in the pavilion of the royal residence, gazing at the relics of the late prince.

At this moment, the souls of the two individuals were in harmony, indistinguishable from one another, which gave Li Haoran a feeling that was both familiar and strange

About half an hour later, Li Haoran sat cross-legged on the bed, resting his chin on his hands, and said with a hint of anticipation and excitement: "I wonder if this so-called brush and ink aura is truly effective"

Upon returning to his room, Li Haoran did not immediately go to sleep. Instead, after the maid brought him food, he indulged in a hearty meal before finally going to bed

Li Haoran's mind was racing with thoughts, and he trembled slightly with excitement. However, he was not a reckless person; before understanding the matter of cultivation, he did not dare to practice recklessly.

He did not know why, but at that moment, his mind was remarkably clear. Just as he was savoring the royal life from the memories of the young prince, a sudden stream of clarity surged into his mind, followed by a profound memory manifesting within his soul