Starting with the creation of the Immortal Clan through the compilation of the family genealogy.

Chapter 12 Withered Trees Come Back to Life, Initial Success in Qi Refining

[Daily Divination, Today's Hexagram: Very Auspicious. A divine spirit resonates within the Daoist realm; it is advisable to cultivate inner strength and refine one's constitution, resulting in a moderate fortune; avoid hasty actions and short-sighted gains.]

Today, Meng Xihong is on leave.

He sat in the courtyard early in the morning, trying to draw in the sparse spiritual energy of heaven and earth to temper his body, as he always did. However, progress was still slow. The spiritual energy was as unruly as a naughty child, and it would dissipate most of its energy just as it was about to be introduced into his meridians.

Just as he was feeling slightly anxious, he remembered the words in the divination that "avoid being impatient for quick success and instant benefits," and forcibly suppressed his thoughts to calm his mind.

A sudden change occurred!

The dormant [Immortal Bone] suddenly trembled without warning, as if its ancient consciousness, which had been dormant, had been awakened by the thin spiritual energy flowing from the outside world.

In the next instant, countless intricate and mysterious runes, shimmering with a pale blue glow, surged forth from the depths of his immortal bones. They were not chaotic, but rather, as if guided by an invisible force, they rushed into Meng Xihong's sea of ​​consciousness in an instant, spontaneously combining, arranging, and evolving!
In the blink of an eye, a dazzling scripture composed of countless flowing runes floated in the center of the sea of ​​consciousness, exuding a strong Daoist charm—"The Green Wood Guiding Technique"!
"This... is actually the inherent inheritance of the Immortal Bone? It requires the act of drawing Qi into the body to reach a certain level, or my state of mind to meet certain requirements, in order to trigger it?" Meng Xihong instantly realized, and was overjoyed but also shocked. "This [Immortal Bone] talent is probably far beyond my imagination!"

"This is truly a godsend!" This is like a pillow delivered just when you're feeling sleepy.

Not daring to be negligent, I immediately immersed all my consciousness into my sea of ​​consciousness, carefully comprehending this scripture that had manifested itself.

Upon closer inspection, one is even more astonished. This scripture is less like words and more like a series of dynamic scrolls imbued with the boundless vitality of the green wood, conveying the essence of Taoism:

It has the roots of ancient trees, gnarled and twisted, deeply embedded in the netherworld, silently drawing upon the earth's source of power;

A seed sprouts, weak yet resilient, pushing aside immense mud and rocks to greet the first ray of sunlight;
Thousands of branches and leaves stretch and sway in the wind, rain, and scorching sun, absorbing the essence of the sun and moon with each breath, tempering themselves...

Each image is lifelike, containing the most primal and pure meaning of growth, absorption, and prosperity.

Along with these images, the corresponding Qi circulation routes and methods for absorbing and refining spiritual energy were also clearly imprinted in the depths of his consciousness, as if by instinct. He didn't need to understand the words; their meaning was self-evident.

"This method...directly points to the origin of the Great Dao of Green Wood!" Meng Xihong suppressed his excitement and his consciousness returned to reality.

His gaze swept across the courtyard, finally settling on the old locust tree next to the one he had secretly smashed, now reduced to a charred stump.

This tree is ancient, having endured wind, rain, thunder, and fire. Half of it is withered and decayed, while the other half stubbornly sprouts new branches every spring, perfectly embodying the concept of life and death.

He chose this place precisely to understand the way of green wood by taking advantage of the withering, flourishing, birth, and death contained in this old locust tree.

"This is the place. By observing its cycle of withering, flourishing, life, and death, we can comprehend the cyclical nature and resilience of the Way of Green Wood."

He sat cross-legged, his palms facing the sky, and with the extraordinary spiritual sense granted by his [Immortal Bone], the colorful but elusive spiritual energy spots in the surrounding world once again became clearly visible.

This time, he abandoned all thoughts of forcibly restraining himself and completely immersed his mind in the visualization of the "Green Wood Guiding Technique".

The mind sinks down, as if transforming into the roots of an old locust tree that penetrate deep into the earth, feeling the stability and inclusiveness of the thick soil... Gradually, the rich yellow spiritual energy representing "earth" is drawn in by this mind and gently seeps into the Yongquan acupoint, stabilizing the foundation of the Dao.

A spark of life sprouts in the dantian, like a seed yearning to break through the darkness... The active blue "wood" spiritual energy points immediately respond, gathering like swallows returning to their nests and surging into the dantian.

hum!
With a slight tremor in his dantian, a cool, resilient, and vibrant energy finally condensed, as thin as a hair, yet undeniably real!

Next comes the most difficult part: guiding its circulation. Although the scripture's route is known, putting it into practice is incredibly difficult. The nascent spiritual energy is weak, and guiding it with one's will is like dragging a thousand-pound weight, causing a rapid increase in mental and physical exhaustion. A severe headache strikes, and sweat pours down one's face.

Immediately afterwards, Meng Xihong quietly communicated with [Martial Arts Foundation].

hum~
At this moment, the spiritual energy of his [Martial Arts Foundation] and [Immortal Bones] resonated in a wondrous way. A bold idea arose in his mind—he would use the "Azure Wood Guiding Technique" as a foundation to create a cultivation method that suited his own body!
However, creating one's own martial arts technique is as difficult as ascending to heaven.

Maintaining visualization consumes a tremendous amount of mental energy. Guiding spiritual energy with intention is like being trapped in a viscous swamp, making every step difficult. The slightest carelessness will cause that fragile wisp of spiritual energy to dissipate, rendering all previous efforts futile.

A sharp headache struck him like needles, and sweat soaked through his thin shirt, rising in wisps of white vapor in the cold winter air.

Under the eaves, Bai held Meng Yanning, who had just been fed and was fast asleep, and looked at her husband with worry.

She could sense the strange aura emanating from him, sometimes as somber as a mountain, sometimes bursting with vitality, yet also tinged with painful perseverance.

She didn't dare to disturb them, but silently pulled the curious Meng Yanqing to her side.

Little Meng Yanqing broke free from her mother's hand, swaying curiously as she approached, clumsily scratching at the invisible yet intensely fluctuating area around Meng Xihong in the air, making babbling sounds.

At that very moment, Meng Xihong's profound understanding, bestowed upon him by the "Literary Mind and Spirit," allowed him to suddenly perceive the pure, flawless, and innate nature that his son unintentionally exuded! This thought, like a spark of inspiration, instantly illuminated the stagnation he had fallen into due to forced visualization!

"I was wrong! The Way of Green Wood is not about forcibly shaping! It is about going with the flow, about desire, about growth, about the power of life itself!"

A sudden inspiration struck him, and he completely let go of his attachment to the visualized "form," immersing his entire mind in the perception of the essence of "growth"! His intention was no longer "guidance," but transformed into a pure desire for "growth." The wisp of green wood spirit seemed to be given a soul, suddenly becoming joyful and lively, and spontaneously following the simplest and most direct route that best suited Meng Xihong's current physical state! Each cycle naturally absorbed more wood spirit energy, and the route spontaneously adjusted itself in subtle ways, becoming smoother and smoother.

Sitting alone under the locust tree, Meng Xihong's aura of pain and stagnation suddenly changed, becoming harmonious and clear, resonating in harmony with the old locust tree, the courtyard, and the wood spirit of heaven and earth.

A knowing smile appeared on his lips.

"The law cannot be followed blindly; the path must be proven by oneself. This is no longer a simple 'Green Wood Guiding Technique,' but rather a unique creation of Meng Xihong—the 'Green Wood Nourishing Body Technique'—born from the foundation of immortal bone inheritance, the soil of my martial arts physique, and the guide of [Literary Heart] comprehension."

From then on, his spiritual practice was on the right track.

As the sun rose and set, he sat there day after day, and the wisp of spiritual energy grew stronger and stronger, transforming into a stable stream of emerald green energy that nourished his physical body and repaired his hidden injuries.

"The seasons change, autumn brings harvest and winter brings storage. More than half a year has quietly passed since Meng Xihong created his own unique 'Qingmu Health Preservation Formula'."

On this day, Meng Xihong sat quietly under the old locust tree. The ever-growing emerald green spiritual energy within his body had filled his dantian, surging endlessly, reaching an unprecedented level of saturation, like a full cup that could no longer hold even a fraction more.

Suddenly, a mysterious premonition seized him!

next moment--

"boom--!"

It was as if an invisible shackle within my body had been violently broken by a torrent of boundless life force!

Meng Xihong's whole body trembled violently! Every pore on his body opened instantly! An aura far purer, more refined, and full of vitality than before, like a river thawing in early spring, burst forth from his body!
Centered on him, an invisible wave of energy gently swept across the courtyard!

The old locust tree that had kept him company in his solitary sitting had several seemingly withered twigs on its gnarled branches that, when this breath of life-filled air swept by, visibly swelled up with tiny, tender green buds the size of rice grains.

Dead trees...come back to life!

At the same time, an indescribable sense of clarity, originating from the very source of life, swept through Meng Xihong's entire body!

It was as if years of accumulated grime had been completely washed away, and every cell was cheering and jumping for joy, full of unprecedented vitality.

My mind was as clear as if it had been washed by an icy spring, and my five senses were so sharp that I could detect the trajectory of a withered leaf falling several feet away.

Furthermore, a warm and powerful current surged from the dantian to the limbs and bones, eventually converging at the ancestral aperture between the eyebrows, nourishing the intangible spirit!
Extend lifespan by decades! A complete transformation!

Qi Refining Stage... First Level! Success!
Meng Xihong slowly opened his eyes. Deep within his dark eyes, there seemed to be two deep pools, clear to the bottom, yet also brimming with vitality, with a faint glimmer of emerald light flashing by.

He lowered his head and opened his palm. His skin seemed more supple and firm, and the lines on his palm appeared clearer and deeper.

A surge of power flowed through his body. This power contained not only the condensed and explosive force of martial arts internal energy, but also the inexhaustible vitality of the green wood spiritual energy!

He stood up, his movements light and fluid, without the slightest hesitation. He walked to the locust tree where new shoots had sprouted from the withered branches, his fingertips gently brushing against the tender green buds, feeling the faint yet incredibly tenacious life force contained within them.

Aloof and otherworldly? Perhaps not.

But at this moment, his aura was gentle and restrained, his eyes were deep and peaceful, and his every move exuded a unique charm that harmonized with heaven and earth.

He was no longer the ordinary martial artist who only knew how to throw punches and act as a constable.

Under the eaves, Bai Shi held Meng Yanning, who had woken up at some unknown time, and looked at him with surprise and disbelief, looking at the new buds on the withered branches.

Meng Yanqing broke free from her mother's hand, ran over, hugged Meng Xihong's leg, looked up at him, and called out in a childish voice, "Daddy! Liang! Xiangxiang!"

Children have the most acute senses. He sensed the comforting, refreshing scent emanating from his father, like a forest after the rain, and the faint, subtle fragrance of budding vegetation.

Meng Xihong bent down, picked up his son, and lifted him high in the air. The little guy let out an excited squeal and waved his little hands in the air.

Meng Xihong's gaze passed over his son's joyful little face and fell on Bai Shi, who was holding her daughter, her eyes filled with tears but also with pride and joy.

Refining Qi to the first level can extend one's lifespan by several decades.

This means he has more time to protect this family, to strengthen this family, and to pursue the ultimate path of immortality!

Even a dead tree can bloom again in spring.

And the Meng family, this sapling that has just taken root in Wufeng County, will eventually... grow into a towering tree under the nourishment of the Immortal Martial Fusion!
(End of this chapter)