In the ancient building, bathed in the sky's light, dust seemed frozen, and time's passage was imperceptible.
Ren Yuanhao sat cross-legged, his eyes closed in concentration, showing no signs of slackness.
Meanwhile, Ji Xueyan, known for her exceptional self-discipline, had already risen. After tidying her clothes and hair, she stepped out and saw Ren Yuanhao sitting cross-legged, his posture identical to when he was practicing the secret manual yesterday, completely unchanged.
He was like a clay statue.
"Indeed, it's inappropriate to dismiss extraordinary effort as mere talent."
As she murmured this softly, the heavy wooden door opened, and Ji Fu, dragging her weary body, stumbled in.
"Mom~"
Ji Xueyan raised her index finger, signaling her not to disturb Ren Yuanhao. She then quickly strode over, touched Ji Fu's forehead, her expression finally shifting from worry to a faint smile. With joy, she pulled her daughter into the inner room.
"Mom, what's up with that guy?" Ji Fu had seen experts in martial arts films enter meditative states, and Ren Yuanhao's current condition seemed to match.
In reality, Ren Yuanhao's meditation was far more intense; just one night here equated to dozens of nights in the illusionary realm.
"He must have gained a profound understanding of the 'Drunken Heart Gazing Moon Step' and is diligently cultivating. Don't disturb him."
Ji Xueyan was utterly conquered by this young man, Ren Yuanhao. After a fierce battle, he was now training tirelessly without rest, and in the afternoon, he was to participate in a rescue mission. Such a dedicated and hardworking fellow always possessed a captivating aura, like the first ray of light piercing the cloud layers at dusk.
"Drunken Heart Gazing Moon Step? That's clearly a nonsensical book written by a drunkard. What good could it possibly do? I need to stop him; he's leading people astray!"
As Ji Fu was about to walk towards the door, Ji Xueyan held her hand.
"Don't go. Mom isn't trying to put you down, but I have to say this," Ji Xueyan gently tapped her daughter's nose, which was as delicate as coagulated fat. It seemed like a long time since she had made such an affectionate gesture. "Your state of understanding is different from his. To grasp what ordinary people cannot, that is true strength."
Ji Fu snorted and said, "Hmph, he's just a lecherous fellow. What's he so proud of?"
Upon hearing this, Ji Xueyan immediately understood her daughter's thoughts. "Oh? It seems my daughter is jealous. You truly like this boy, don't you?"
"I do, of course, I do. But he's a lecherous fellow, so I can only let go."
Ji Fu was filled with jealousy, her eyes fluttering. Her deep affection for Ren Yuanhao was evident to her mother.
"I inquired about his intentions last night. I think you still have a chance."
Ji Fu shook her head. "Mom, look at your daughter. Do you think my competitiveness is enough? Those three women~"
As she spoke, Ji Fu's voice gradually grew subdued. At least, in front of her mother, she didn't need to put on a facade of being quirky and fearless.
"Why isn't it enough? Those three women are indeed beautiful, and one of them is a nationally renowned esports goddess. But my daughter isn't bad either!"
At this point, Ji Fu suddenly realized the deeper meaning in her mother's words.
"Hey, that's not right. Mom means~"
"Free love. I approve. The family curse, I think it's time to break it."
The mother and daughter seemed to have made a significant decision in the inner room, while Ren Yuanhao remained in a peculiar state between 'enlightenment' and 'ignorance.' Although he had been cultivating in the illusionary realm for a very long time, this state had not yet been broken.
He stood up and felt something hit his head.
"Di di, Ren Yuanhao, are you stupid?"
Ren Yuanhao picked up the wine gourd, pulled out the stopper, and gave it a slight shake. The clear wine, sparkling like a clear spring under the moon, amounted to at least half a liter.
"Hey, hey, hey, can you be more sophisticated when you curse me? If I were an idiot, you wouldn't be much smarter, after all, birds of a feather flock together."
"Yes, yes, yes. If I hadn't thought you were foolish back then, I wouldn't have chosen you. Foolishness is your strength. Will you be a little happier if I say this?"
Ren Yuanhao couldn't be bothered to bicker with the system. He shook the wine gourd and said, "You're clearly trying to get me drunk with wine."
The system chuckled softly. The sky instantly revealed a waning moon. The surroundings were filled with bamboo as thick as an arm. Distant mountains were hidden as a dark green mountain ridge. A cold pool was shrouded in mist, appearing ethereal. The night wind rustled through the bamboo, like the sonata of a reclusive master. The bamboo shadows swayed gracefully, like dancing beauties, pure and captivating.
"Since it's called the 'Drunken Heart Gazing Moon Step,' without wine and without the moon, what will you use to comprehend it?"
The system's voice abruptly stopped with the sudden gust of wind.
The wind howled ferociously, and the spirit of wine rose high. Ren Yuanhao thought it made sense. After all, the immortal poet Li Bai created so many popular and romantic poems with the fine wine in his gourd. Why couldn't he comprehend higher-level secret manuals with these things?
The wine's influence instantly permeated his thoughts, subtly urging him on. He pried open the stopper, tilted his head back, and drank greedily.
At that moment, moonlight spilled through the swaying bamboo shadows, like countless stars, falling onto Ren Yuanhao's face, and onto the flowing jade liquid. The aroma of wine permeated the air, and his true qi surged.
Perhaps it was the alcohol numbing his cerebellum, or perhaps the intoxicating scenery numbed Ren Yuanhao's body and mind. His steps seemed to sway along with it. The true words of the secret manual shot into his pupils like bullets, and his body and steps suddenly became more unrestrained and wild!
"Drinking and dancing with a sword. I, Ren Yuanhao, have no sword, but I have a saber."
As his intent arose, the saber flew into his hand as if sensing his will.
He swayed and swung his saber amidst the bamboo shadows, the cold pool, the clear moon, and the strong wind, unrestrained and natural, his movements light and nimble. His saber glints seemed chaotic and lacked any pattern, yet they were impossible to replicate. One could never know where his next move would strike, as if bamboo leaves falling in the autumn moonlight, swept by the wind, you never knew where they would land.
It was unclear how long he was drunk, how long he danced. He only felt that his true qi was completely depleted, and his body was extremely exhausted. He took another swig of wine, and with a plop, he fell to the ground, falling into a deep sleep.
When Ren Yuanhao woke up, bright light shone through the intricate patterns of the carved ventilation windows. He stretched his limbs and checked the time, finding it was already 4 PM!
"Damn, I need to head to the Dongfang family for discussions."
Just then, the system's cheerful voice instantly sounded.
"Congratulations to the host for comprehending the new skill - Sky Blaze Gazing Moon Saber Technique!"