Chapter Ten: A Blade Hidden Behind a Smile

Visualization Technique.

Xiao Nan focused his mind slightly, and the stars seemed to swirl around him, as if a river of stars had appeared. His spirit was immersed in the endless starlight, and faintly, a sliver of moonlight emerged.

The starlight surged, as though it would soon coalesce into a vast expanse, with moonlight filling the heavens.

"This Bright Moon Star Visualization Technique has always eluded me. The teacher said one must transform myriad thoughts into a single thought to truly enter its threshold and find the key.

First, one must settle, then be still, and only then find peace.

I’ve always stumbled at the stage of stilling the mind, unable to silence my thoughts.

The gifted ones in my class, like Lin Hao, have already achieved deep meditation, likely on the verge of reaching the realm where one forgets the self. Yet I’ve made no progress."

Xiao Nan felt a subtle joy in his heart. In this moment, as he focused and observed, his mind was clear and free of distractions, and he suddenly realized he had broken through the barrier of calming his mind.

Moreover, as he turned inward, it was as if he could see stars circling his body, moonlight appearing—this must mean he had reached the spiritual state of meditation.

Compared to the basic first level of spiritual cultivation, calming the mind and silencing thoughts, the second level—spiritual meditation—meant he had reached the threshold where spiritual strength could assist in forging the body and unlocking its potential.

From now on, he would begin to bid farewell to his frail physique, able to gradually strengthen himself...

Though he started late, it was better than standing still.

Thinking of Zhang Yi and Ouyang Zheng, with their incredibly powerful bodies and the strength and speed gained from breaking human limits, Xiao Nan felt a surge of excitement.

Compared to his former self, he yearned more deeply for strength.

It was a survival instinct.

Having weathered years of turmoil and bloodshed, he was used to preparing for the worst.

Just like the blood sacrifice incident this time—it was a narrow escape from death. Such situations were best avoided.

Yet in this era, no one could claim absolute safety...

Thinking of this, Xiao Nan felt a vague unease.

If the military and police discovered that the greatest benefit had fallen to him, things would become troublesome.

Those without strength had no rights.

This time, he was lucky that Zhang Xiaorou's father, Zhang Yi, appeared to resolve the crisis.

Next time, it might not be so easy.

And then, there was the expectation from his mother...

A kind of anxiety stirred from deep within his body, a feeling Xiao Nan couldn’t quite describe.

It seemed the former self’s obsessions and attachments had all settled upon him.

Whenever he recalled the faces of his mother and sister from memory, a warm feeling swept over him.

“I won’t let you down.”

Xiao Nan’s gaze was unwavering.

The unknown golden orb had been absorbed, greatly enhancing his spiritual strength, giving him confidence to grow strong quickly.

“Practicing the visualization technique in the mirror space seems to have an extraordinary effect; my mind is calmer, and the results are excellent.

I wonder if the Divine Will Forging Method can be cultivated here, and what exactly are those shifting lights in the pool?”

As soon as he thought of this, he noticed the eighty-one movements in his mind were perfectly clear, as if etched into his heart.

His curiosity about this space grew, and he was about to try the forging method.

Suddenly, a wave of unease rose from deep within his spirit.

His vision flashed, and he was out of the misty space.

Knock, knock...

A young man in his thirties, wearing glasses, with gentle eyes and a smile, slowly pushed open the door and entered the room.

...

“Hello, are you Xiao Nan?”

The man with glasses was extremely polite—even in a hospital ward, he seemed a guest, holding a fresh bouquet in his hands.

Was this a visit?

Xiao Nan was puzzled; he didn’t know this person.

Watching him, Xiao Nan’s hair stood on end, a bad premonition rising in his heart.

It was a strange feeling, but he didn’t think he was being paranoid.

The other’s expression was amiable; most people would find nothing amiss, rather, they’d feel he was gentle and courteous.

But since the golden light had entered his body, Xiao Nan’s spiritual strength had grown markedly, making his senses extremely keen; he could detect the most subtle anomalies.

The man’s smile was false; deep in his eyes, there was no warmth. Instead, they were like a hungry wolf, filled with greed.

A heavy malice...

Moreover, Xiao Nan sensed a vigorous, powerful aura from his posture and gait.

This man appeared refined and courteous, but might erupt like a volcano in the next moment, possessing formidable aggression.

Quietly assessing, Xiao Nan realized the man’s strength was considerable—stronger than the leader of the thugs he’d encountered.

Though still far inferior to Zhang Xiaorou’s father, Zhang Yi, the danger he posed was much greater.

Zhang Yi, though powerful, bore no malice toward him; because Xiao Nan had saved Zhang Xiaorou, Zhang Yi was grateful.

But this man was different.

“Who are you?”

Xiao Nan was secretly wary, his thoughts racing, as he asked without betraying emotion.

He had already guessed the visitor’s identity.

He even understood the purpose behind this visit.

Yet, on the surface, Xiao Nan played the part of a bewildered youth.

His former self was just an ordinary high school student who had barely escaped danger, injured and frightened.

He had no wish to seem abnormal.

He had underestimated the authorities’ determination to obtain the golden thread of light—he just wondered how they had pinpointed him.

Or was it merely a probe?

Xiao Nan’s gaze lowered slightly, appearing somewhat silent.

“I am Gu Junwu from the Yuanjiang Special Affairs Division of the Imperial Arbitration Bureau. There are some details I’d like to ask you about the kidnapping case today.”

Gu Junwu placed the flowers on the bedside cabinet, then slowly took out a small black booklet from his suit pocket and flashed it open.

He casually pulled up a chair and sat down in front of the bed, showing no restraint.

“Go ahead,”

Xiao Nan replied coolly, his heart vigilant.