Chapter 57: Opening Meridians in Public

Dawn had just broken, the world still shrouded in a hazy light. As usual, the constables lined up in the third division’s courtyard, awaiting roll call. Yet, unlike before, more than half of their ranks were absent today—including the late Captain Ma, Sun Ying, and several others.

However, neither Shang Lu nor Captain Niu showed the slightest hint of surprise. The missing men had been dispatched under their orders to search for Yuan Guilong and his associates in the nearby towns and had not yet returned.

With roll call concluded, Captain Niu cast a stern glance over those present and addressed them with his customary severity: “Today’s task remains the same—continue searching for any trace of Yuan Guilong and the rest. Keep your spirits up. The sooner we find a clue, the sooner we can close this case and avoid another scolding.”

The constables murmured a lazy assent. Captain Niu did not demand a louder response, but simply wiped the sweat from his brow and grumbled, “This damned weather is getting more stifling by the day. I wouldn’t be surprised if a heavy rainstorm were brewing.”

Indeed, the weather had been strange of late—far more than just oppressively hot. Ever since Shang Lu had awakened the Liver God’s Effigy, he’d occasionally witnessed strange black-red vapors being neutralized and expelled by the effigy. At first, he thought these vapors were remnants of violent blood energy. But after observing for two days, Shang Lu realized that the black-red vapors seemed to be connected to the stifling weather itself.

This curious weather was subtly influencing people's emotions, making them irritable and quick-tempered without their notice. Shang Lu could not say why these vapors were present in the oppressive heat. Was it because of the secret realm on Yunhua Mountain? Perhaps the shaman-official’s investigation there would provide an answer. Yet, after two or three days, there had been no word from the official. Had he gotten lost in the strange fog and not emerged? Or perhaps he had made a discovery and hurried back to the county’s shamanic institute to summon reinforcements?

Shang Lu could not control the shaman-official’s affairs, but the opportunity to be promoted to Chief Constable was something he had to seize. So, after roll call, he sought out Captain Niu, who was preparing to slip home and idle away the morning. With a respectful bow, Shang Lu said, “Captain Niu, I have a favor to ask of you.”

Captain Niu adopted a friendly air, smiling and shaking his head. “There’s no need for such formality between us, calling me ‘Captain’ and yourself ‘your subordinate.’ I’m only a few years older than you. Let’s not stand on ceremony—just call me ‘Brother Niu.’”

He was different from Captain Ma: he did not fear Shang Lu vying for his position, nor was he interested in Shang Lu’s opportunities or in joining the shamanic institute.

Captain Niu understood well that fate was crucial in such matters. Without the right fate, even if one gained something, it might bring nothing but disaster. As for the shamanic institute, it was full of scions from noble families or those with extraordinary talent. For someone as ordinary as himself, in both background and ability, it would be better to stay in Luoshui County as a captain, living a relaxed and contented life.

With this mindset, Captain Niu bore no hostility toward Shang Lu; on the contrary, he was inclined to befriend him. After all, Shang Lu was young and full of potential. Even if he never entered the shamanic institute, his future achievements were sure to surpass his own. Should Shang Lu become successful one day and remember him, the benefits would be endless.

“Brother Niu,” Shang Lu replied, following his cue.

“Ah, that’s more like it.” Captain Niu nodded with satisfaction and said with a smile, “So, little brother, what do you need from me? Speak freely. As long as it’s within my power, I won’t refuse.”

“These past few days of cultivation, I’ve felt my blood energy growing ever more abundant, as if something is about to break through a dam—”

Captain Niu slapped his thigh in excitement. “Well, congratulations, little brother! You’re about to open your meridians!”

Shang Lu lied without the slightest change in expression, his face utterly sincere. “That’s what I thought as well. I was planning to attempt the breakthrough at home, but considering my lack of experience, I wondered if I could do it here, with you beside me. If anything goes wrong, you could correct me in time.”

“No problem at all.” Captain Niu agreed readily, completely unaware that he had just been chosen by Shang Lu as the witness to his “breakthrough.”

The other witnesses would be the bailiffs in the third division’s courtyard as well.

Enthusiastic as ever, Captain Niu truly believed Shang Lu lacked experience in opening meridians and proceeded to pour out all his own knowledge on the subject.

Shang Lu listened intently, comparing Captain Niu’s advice to the Internal Classic’s Diagram of Organ Refinement, and the insights of that former Qi Refinement master. He soon realized that Captain Niu’s experience was quite useful—by avoiding the pitfalls Captain Niu described, he could save himself many mistakes.

When Captain Niu finished his instruction, Shang Lu began to practice the Five Beasts Vitality Technique in the barracks. In the eyes of the others, his cultivation was still at the peak of Bone Cleansing, so naturally, before attempting a breakthrough, he would need to practice the Five Beasts Technique to stir his blood energy, and then guide it with the Internal Classic’s method to open the meridians.

While he trained, Shang Lu deliberately made a commotion, drawing the attention of many in the courtyard. They crowded around the barracks, eager to watch.

At first, Captain Niu lounged in his chair, relaxed and at ease, occasionally commenting, “The form and spirit are both present—impressive power. I hadn’t realized Shang Lu had mastered the Five Beasts Technique to perfection. Truly gifted!”

Just as Shang Lu finished a set, a crisp ‘crack’ rang out from his body.

Captain Niu sat up a little straighter, surprise flickering across his face. “Already starting the breakthrough? Not practicing the Five Beasts Technique a few more times? Ah, youth is always impatient.”

“Captain Niu, is it a bad time to attempt the breakthrough?” one of the bailiffs outside the barracks couldn’t help but ask.

By now, everyone realized that Shang Lu was not just training—he was opening his meridians. It was rare to witness such an event in public, so the crowd grew, with even some clerks from the sixth office coming to watch.

With more spectators, Captain Niu’s desire to show off his knowledge grew. He shared his wisdom: “Before attempting a breakthrough, you must prepare thoroughly. It’s best to practice energy-cultivating techniques several times, to rouse all your blood energy. Only then can you open multiple meridians in one go.”

Another bailiff asked, “So does that mean Captain Shang is going to fail his breakthrough?”

Captain Niu shook his head. “Failure is unlikely. He’s already opened one meridian, but he’ll probably lack the strength to open more. Don’t expect too much—”

No sooner had he finished speaking than a series of crisp ‘crack’ sounds echoed from Shang Lu, one after another.

“Hm?!” Captain Niu’s eyes widened, and he sat bolt upright.

Hadn’t he just said it was unlikely to open more than one meridian? How was Shang Lu accomplishing so many at once? This was truly beyond expectation!

Amid his astonishment, Captain Niu also noticed something odd: the ‘crack’ of Shang Lu’s breakthrough did not seem to come from the Ren and Du meridians…