Wandering Swordsman |

The bookworm smiled slightly, patted Shen Mo on the shoulder, and said firmly, "Brother Shen, don't be discouraged. I will first teach you an internal energy cultivation method that can alleviate the effects of the poison on you."

After listening, Shen Mo remained silent for a moment. He gazed at the bookworm, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He parted his lips slightly, not immediately offering his thanks, but slowly asking, "If I learn this internal energy cultivation technique, will it be able to temporarily suppress the toxins and clear my meridians?"

Seeing this, the bookworm's eyes revealed a hint of curiosity. He nodded slightly and asked, "Brother Shen, do you perhaps know martial arts?"

Shen Mo nodded, indicating that he knew an internal energy technique called "Tiger-Breaking Heart Method," but because of the toxins in his body, he could not feel his internal energy, so he could not use "Tiger-Breaking Heart Method."

Upon hearing this, the bookworm smiled and explained, "Although the 'Tiger-Breaking Heart Method' is suitable for beginners, its level is indeed relatively low. If one can cultivate a more profound internal skill, one can naturally break through the meridians blocked by toxins." After saying this, the bookworm stood up and paced around the cave, as if he were thinking about something.

"Besides teaching you an internal skill that can temporarily suppress the spread of toxins," the bookworm stopped and turned to face Shen Mo, his eyes revealing a hint of seriousness, "I also plan to teach you an even more advanced internal skill, so that you won't be affected by the toxins in your body when using martial arts. But before that, I'd like to see what kind of external martial arts you've learned."

Shen Mo's heart stirred. He knew this was a rare opportunity. If he could learn more advanced internal skills, perhaps he could find a glimmer of hope in his current desperate situation. So, he stood up, straightened his clothes, then bent down and casually picked up a straw, preparing to demonstrate his external skills. His movements seemed casual, yet they revealed a composure and confidence honed through long training.

Shen Mo closed his eyes, trying to concentrate. Although the toxins in his body made it difficult for him to sense his internal energy, he still tried his best to recall the movements he had practiced before. He slowly raised his hand, which was tightly gripping the straw, and began to mimic those familiar moves. Each movement was full of power and beauty, as if he were transforming his past memories into tangible strength. His figure moved freely in the confined space. The insignificant straw in his hand seemed to transform into the sharpest blade, each swing accompanied by the sound of air being cut.

As Shen Mo's swordplay unfolded, a hint of surprise flashed in the Bookworm's eyes. Because the Bookworm knew all the martial arts classics collected in Ghost Valley by heart, the moves Shen Mo was showing were clearly Luo Wangchen's famous sword technique, "Heavenly Gang Sword Art".

"Brother Shen, please stop." The bookworm suddenly interrupted Shen Mo's actions, his tone urgent. "You said earlier that you met a middle-aged swordsman when you were a beggar and became his disciple. What is your master's name?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Mo answered without hesitation, "Brother Shu, my master's full name is Luo Wangchen."

As soon as he finished speaking, Shen Mo suddenly recalled that Ouyang Song had also recognized the "Heavenly Gang Sword Manual," which was why he had asked him about Luo Wangchen. So he pressed on, "Could it be that Brother Shu knows my master?"

The bookworm shook his head and explained, "Brother Shen, of course I don't know your master. But you don't know this, my name is 'Bookworm.' Since I have this title, I naturally know a little about the affairs of the martial world. If I can't even recognize Master Luo's 'Heavenly Gang Sword Manual,' then I would be too unworthy of the name 'Bookworm.'"

After a moment of silence, the bookworm continued, "I've read two internal cultivation manuals that are quite suitable for you right now. One is called 'Moonlit Night Divine Skill,' an internal cultivation method from the Western Regions of unknown origin, but its power far surpasses that of 'Tiger-Breaking Heart Method.' The other is the strongest internal cultivation method of the Huashan Sect, 'Purple Cloud True Qi.' Although this internal cultivation method is a closely guarded secret of the Huashan Sect, if you learn it and are recognized by the Huashan Sect disciples, as long as you say you're from Ghost Valley, they won't make things difficult for you."

Shen Mo was shocked upon hearing this. Just what was the true strength of Guigu? It even included the Huashan Sect's strongest internal energy technique, "Purple Cloud True Qi." After pondering for a moment, to avoid unnecessary trouble in the future, he decided to choose "Moonlit Night Divine Skill."

"Brother Shu, I would like to choose the 'Moonlit Night Divine Skill'," Shen Mo said sincerely.

The bookworm nodded in approval of Shen Mo's decision to abandon a prestigious internal energy cultivation technique from a renowned sect and instead choose one of unknown origin. He admired Shen Mo's character. "In addition, I will teach you another internal energy cultivation technique called the 'Turtle Breathing Technique,' which can help you suppress the poison in your body."

Upon hearing this, Shen Mo repeatedly expressed his gratitude, his thanks evident in his words.

"Now, let's begin." The bookworm's voice was deep and powerful.

......

Two days passed in the blink of an eye, and night fell over the mountains and forests. The campfire burned even brighter inside the cave, illuminating the figures of Shen Mo and the Bookworm. For the past two days, the atmosphere inside the cave had been both tense and expectant; every breath and every movement felt like a dialogue with fate.

Under the meticulous guidance of the bookworm, Shen Mo had fully mastered the "Turtle Breathing Technique" and the "Moonlit Night Divine Skill," and even the "Heavenly Gang Sword Technique" had been thoroughly understood and mastered under the bookworm's instruction. His movements had become more fluid and natural, each move containing an indescribable power, as if every sword strike could pierce through the darkness and illuminate the path ahead.

The bookworm was greatly shocked by Shen Mo's amazing comprehension and speed of learning martial arts.

He gazed at Shen Mo, his eyes revealing a complex expression—a mixture of admiration and surprise. As a well-read scholar who had studied countless martial arts manuals, the bookworm had heard of numerous geniuses, but someone like Shen Mo was extremely rare. This made him inwardly marvel at Shen Mo's extraordinary talent; possessing the Heavenly Martial Body, this physique not only made his cultivation twice as effective but also endowed him with potential beyond that of ordinary people.

The bookworm's voice was deep and powerful, as if it carried some kind of magic: "Brother Shen, your talent for the Heavenly Martial Body is truly astonishing. The martial arts I taught you might take most people several years or even decades to master, but you only took two days."

Shen Mo smiled slightly. Although he didn't understand what the bookworm meant by the Heavenly Martial Body, he still humbly said, "Brother Shu, you flatter me. If it weren't for your guidance, I'm afraid I would still be wandering in confusion."

At this moment, the bookworm's gaze deepened, and he slowly said, "However, Brother Shen, you should also know that although the 'Turtle Breathing Technique' can temporarily relieve your physical fatigue, it can only suppress the toxins from taking root in your dantian, and cannot completely remove them. Unless you use a spiritual medicine, it will be difficult to solve this problem easily."

Shen Mo nodded, indicating his understanding. He closed his eyes, sensing the state within his body. As his mastery of the "Turtle Breathing Technique" deepened, he could now clearly perceive the presence of the toxins. It was like a lurking tumor, ready to erupt at any moment, but now he had a weapon to fight it. He knew this was only the first step, and the road ahead was long, but he was no longer afraid.