Chapter 9: Chapter 9: The Initial Experience of Cultivating the Body
Zhang Hao stood by the window of his study, his gaze traversing the courtyard and settling on the distant horizon. Ever since the mysterious little boy appeared, his life had undergone subtle changes. The boy told him that the path of cultivation begins with the cultivation of the body, the most fundamental phase and a crucial step.
Closing his eyes, Zhang Hao adjusted his breathing according to the boy's guidance, feeling his heartbeat and the flow of blood. His body gradually relaxed, and his consciousness focused. He felt an unprecedented tranquility, as if the whole world had nothing to do with him, leaving only his breath and heartbeat.
As time passed, Zhang Hao began to feel changes in his body. His muscles became firmer, and his bones harder. He felt his strength slowly increasing, a small increment but enough to surprise him.
"Is this real? Have I truly begun the path of cultivation?" Zhang Hao's heart was filled with doubt and excitement.
He walked into the courtyard and began practicing basic punches and steps. Each punch, each kick, he could feel the flow of power, a sensation he had never experienced before.
As his cultivation deepened, Zhang Hao began to more noticeably feel changes in his body. His senses became sharper; he could see farther and hear finer sounds. His reaction speed also increased, and even in intense sword dances, he could easily dodge every attack.
"Minister Bi Gan, your recent progress is truly astonishing," a palace martial arts instructor praised after a sparring session.
Zhang Hao smiled modestly, "I am just striving to improve myself."
He knew these changes were only the first step on the path of cultivation, but he could already feel the joy and sense of achievement it brought.
During a cultivation session, Zhang Hao felt a warm current flowing within him, the initial awakening of internal energy. Following the boy's guidance, he tried to guide this warm current, making it circulate within his body.
"Concentrate, feel this power, and make it a part of you," the boy's voice echoed in his ear.
Zhang Hao closed his eyes, his consciousness completely immersed in this power. He felt as if his body was being reshaped, each breath carrying strength.
In a late-night cultivation session, Zhang Hao saw the boy alone in the courtyard, his movements light and swift, each movement carrying an uncanny power.
"What are you doing?" Zhang Hao asked curiously.
The boy turned around, a smile in his eyes, "I am cultivating, just like you."
Zhang Hao felt a stir in his heart, realizing the boy's cultivation might far exceed his own, but he did not ask more, just observed silently.
After weeks of hard work, Zhang Hao finally made a breakthrough in his cultivation. His body became stronger, and his strength and speed significantly improved. He began to sense more internal energy, not enough to compare with true cultivators but enough to draw attention in the palace.
"Minister Bi Gan, your transformation is truly astonishing," King Zhou noticed Zhang Hao's change during a banquet.
Zhang Hao bowed respectfully, "Thank you, Your Majesty, I will continue to work hard."
He knew his path of cultivation was still long, but he had taken a solid first step.
As night fell and the palace lights gradually brightened, Zhang Hao received unprecedented praise at King Zhou's banquet. His body had become stronger through cultivation, and his strength and speed had significantly improved. However, behind this glory, a hint of vigilance flashed in Daji's eyes.
After the banquet, Daji returned to her palace alone. Standing by the window, the moonlight bathed her, coating her figure with a silver halo. Daji's heart was filled with doubts; Zhang Hao's transformation made her uneasy. She knew Zhang Hao was more than an ordinary court official; he harbored unknown secrets.
"Bi Gan's change is too sudden; his power grows too quickly," Daji muttered to herself, her eyes flashing with determination, "I must find out what he is cultivating."
Daji decided to personally investigate Zhang Hao's secrets. She changed into a set of night clothes and silently left her palace. Like a ghost, she traversed the palace, eventually arriving outside Zhang Hao's study. Peering through the window, she saw Zhang Hao sitting at his desk, an ancient book in hand, his brow furrowed as if studying something.
Daji gently pushed open the window, her movements light and soundless. She entered the study and stood behind Zhang Hao, asking softly, "Minister Bi Gan, what are you studying?"
Zhang Hao was startled by Daji's sudden appearance. He turned to see her standing behind him and quickly regained his composure, smilingly responding, "Lady Daji, I am just studying some ancient texts, hoping to provide useful advice for His Majesty."
A hint of doubt flashed in Daji's eyes as she approached Zhang Hao, her graceful figure moving like a dance, her gaze falling on the ancient book in his hand. She reached out and gently touched the pages, "Do these ancient books hide any secrets?"
Zhang Hao's heart tightened, knowing Daji's intelligence and cunning. He had to be cautious, "Lady Daji, these are just ordinary ancient books, no special secrets."
Daji's gaze lingered on Zhang Hao's face for a moment, her eyes like deep lakes, seeming to see through to the soul. Then she lightly smiled, "Minister Bi Gan, you are always so mysterious. However, I believe you will make more contributions to His Majesty."
Daji left the study, but her eyes still held a trace of doubt. She decided to continue observing Zhang Hao until she uncovered his secrets.
Zhang Hao watched Daji's retreating figure, letting out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. He knew Daji's suspicion was only the beginning; he had to be more careful, not allowing her to discover his true secrets.