Chapter Thirteen: Unblocking the Meridians

“Xiao Yan, your Dou Qi became disordered when changing its circulation path; it did not follow the prescribed route in the cultivation technique. This will waste a great deal of Dou Qi and fail to achieve the desired training effect.”

Under Ning Jiuyou’s guidance, Xiao Yan tried again and again. Each time a problem arose, Ning Jiuyou patiently pointed it out and offered advice.

Finally, Xiao Yan completed the full circulation route of the “Spiritual Resonance Celestial Pivot Technique.” Yet Ning Jiuyou shook her head slightly and said, “Although you finished the cycle, the timing is inadequate. According to the requirements of this technique, completing it within the specified duration is essential to absorb the natural spiritual energy to the fullest.”

“You took too long this time, not only wasting much Dou Qi but also failing to reach the optimal training effect. Moreover, after so many attempts, your meridians must have endured considerable strain.”

“Xiao Yan, your Dou Qi stagnates here; some of your meridians are likely blocked, preventing smooth flow. This not only affects the cultivation effect but may also damage your meridians.”

Ning Jiuyou sighed softly, her eyes filled with concern. “I will now help you clear your meridians to let them recover.”

With that, she stepped beside Xiao Yan, extending her hands and slowly channeling her own Dou Qi into his body. Her gentle energy enveloped his meridians, gradually repairing the subtle damage caused by repeated attempts. At the same time, it helped unblock the previously obstructed pathways.

Inside his mind, Elder Yao teased, “Little Yan, this time it’s Jiuyou helping you clear your meridians. She really cares about you.”

Xiao Yan blushed faintly at Elder Yao’s words but was too focused to respond. He concentrated on feeling Ning Jiuyou’s Dou Qi flowing through his meridians.

After a while, as Ning Jiuyou’s Dou Qi coursed through him, Xiao Yan suddenly felt an odd itch and couldn’t help twisting his body.

Ning Jiuyou frowned and slapped his head sharply, saying, “Stop moving! If you keep it up, the meridian clearing won’t be effective, and what if something goes wrong?”

Startled by the sudden slap, Xiao Yan stared at her in disbelief. In his memory, Ning Jiuyou had always been gentle—he never expected her to raise a hand.

Ning Jiuyou found his stunned expression amusing and repeated, “Did you hear me? Don’t move!”

Xiao Yan turned his head back, lowering it sheepishly. “It just… it feels itchy.”

Ning Jiuyou paused, then explained, “That’s normal when clearing meridians. I need to unblock them one by one. I’m just using Dou Qi, not touching you. Sit still, I’ll continue.”

Embarrassed, Xiao Yan nodded and tried to remain still.

Meanwhile, Elder Yao in his ring was laughing so hard he nearly lost his breath, his voice echoing in Xiao Yan’s mind, “Little Yan, haha… your reaction is hilarious, look at Jiuyou, haha…”

Xiao Yan felt helpless, silently cursing Elder Yao, but dared not speak. He obediently sat still, letting Ning Jiuyou continue to clear his meridians.

Ning Jiuyou focused once more, carefully channeling Dou Qi into him, steadily working through the blockages. Gradually, the obstructions cleared, and Xiao Yan felt the flow of Dou Qi inside him become much smoother. His whole body relaxed noticeably.

She withdrew her Dou Qi, panting lightly, her face showing a trace of fatigue. “Alright, Xiao Yan, try cultivating the technique again. It should be fine now.”

Xiao Yan nodded, sat cross-legged again, and began circulating Dou Qi to practice the “Spiritual Resonance Celestial Pivot Technique.”

This time, he felt a clear difference. The previously problematic areas allowed Dou Qi to flow smoothly, without any stagnation or blockage.

As the Dou Qi circulated through his meridians in complete cycles, Xiao Yan vividly sensed the external spiritual energy being continuously absorbed and merging with his own Dou Qi.

Before long, he completed the full circulation route once more.

To his delight, the time taken was less than half before, and the refinement of Dou Qi had significantly improved.

As Xiao Yan stood to thank Ning Jiuyou, he noticed sweat beads covering her forehead and her complexion slightly pale.

Concerned, he quickly grabbed a clean handkerchief nearby and gently wiped her brow.

“Jiuyou, thank you. You’ve worked hard. Please don’t overexert yourself in the future; I’d feel bad otherwise.”

Ning Jiuyou was slightly startled by his concern. Looking into his caring eyes, she felt an unfamiliar emotion stirring within her.

“It’s nothing, as long as you can cultivate smoothly,” she replied softly.

At that moment, Xiao Xun’er arrived, seeking Xiao Yan. She entered the room and immediately caught sight of the intimate scene between him and Ning Jiuyou.

Xiao Xun’er’s smile froze, her eyes flashing a complex emotion, but she quickly regained composure.

Smiling, she said, “Brother Xiao Yan, I came looking for you—looks like I’m a bit late.”

Hearing Xiao Xun’er’s voice, Xiao Yan realized his actions had been inappropriate and hastily withdrew his hand.

A bit embarrassed, he said, “Xun’er, you’re here. Jiuyou just helped me clear my meridians. I saw she was tired, so I…”

“Xun’er, it was me who spent some effort clearing Xiao Yan’s meridians; he was just concerned,” Ning Jiuyou interjected with a smile.

Xiao Xun’er shook her head, smiling gently. “It’s just seeing how close you two are that makes me happy for Brother Xiao Yan.”

Though she spoke kindly, a hint of sadness lingered in her heart.

Watching Xiao Yan and Ning Jiuyou, she pondered their relationship and quietly questioned her own place in Xiao Yan’s heart.

Ning Jiuyou nodded lightly and then looked at Xiao Yan with a warm smile.

“You can cultivate now. The technique’s circulation is smooth. Practice diligently, and you will surely improve. Since Xun’er has something to discuss with you, I won’t disturb you further.”

With that, she adjusted her sleeves, bowed slightly, and prepared to return to her room.

Her steps were steady yet her slight weariness made her silhouette seem somewhat fragile.

Xiao Yan watched her retreating figure, a strange discomfort rising in his chest, as if something were lodged there.

He parted his lips, wanting to call her back, but found himself at a loss for words.