Embersteel: Legend of the Warrior BlackSmith

Chapter 8: Gold Meridian, Purified Blood

Waves of information were injected into Jiang Feng's mind as he fought to stay conscious, he didn't know much about cultivation nor did he know what to do at a time like this. The only thing he could do was listen and trust the process, he knew his father was here and that there was another presence but he couldn't figure out what it was. Time slowly passed as 10 lightning spears were formed above the cultivation room, all forming a circle around the building.

The atmosphere then became like mud and was very heavy, making it hard to breathe. The 10 spears gave off a dreadful pressure, making the surroundings space tight as if ready to solidify at any moment. This feeling was very familiar to Master Jiang because he had to pass several tribulations to arrive at his cultivation.

But was it unheard of to see tribulation lightning gathering for someone who was just about to embark on their cultivation journey? One can only imagine the future hardships of cultivation as that cultivator progresses further down his path of the Dao.

"Was this the right choice?" Master Jiang questioned himself.

"The choice is no longer yours to make, whether he lives or dies will be determined by himself. It is time" The voice of the codex echoed as if to answer Master Jiang's doubts.

"The first meridian is the Ren Meridian (任脉, Rèn Mài) Also known as the Conception Vessel, it runs along the front of the body and is associated with the yin aspect of energy."

As the blue flames blazed along the body of Jiang Feng, his blood seemed to have stopped flowing, giving his body a mix of cold and hot temperatures due to the flames and the pause of his blood flow. Golden spots of light then began to gather in front of him, lighting up his face, and extending from the upper portion of his body to the lower front. Spiritual energy then mixed with these light spots as they slowly took the form of a golden meridian.

When this meridian was formed, the 10 lightning spears in the sky began to blaze with flames as the sky crackled with lightning. Roaring sounds echo, the clouds vibrate and churn, and 2 spears shake and fly across the sky, breaking the clouds apart and shattering the top of the cultivation room.

But that wasn't all, lightning spread across the remaining portion of the building, drowning those below in a pool of lightning and fire. Master Jiang formed a barrier around himself, but this wasn't the same for Feng as waves of lightning slammed into the golden meridian and himself along with it.

"This tribulation lightning presents both opportunities and challenges for you. On the positive side, successfully enduring tribulation lightning signifies a crucial advancement in cultivation, marking a pivotal moment of growth and enlightenment. Often resulting in enhanced abilities and deeper insights into the mysteries of Qi manipulation." At this moment, the voice of the codex rang once again-

"However, tribulation lightning also poses significant risks. Its immense power can overwhelm and even destroy cultivators who are not sufficiently prepared or whose foundations are not strong enough. Failed attempts at overcoming tribulation lightning can lead to severe injuries, spiritual setbacks, or even death, thus understanding of one's limits and capabilities are a must"

No screams could be heard from Jiang Feng as he was devoured by lightning, 4 other lightning spears shook and broke through the clouds, slamming into the golden meridian which showed signs of collapsing.

"Born geniuses are heaven-defying but forged geniuses are legendary. To live is to fight against heaven, to press against the will of the heavenly Daos. To die is to live in darkness, find peace in solitude, to feel no pain, to have no worries"

A tempting voice sounded in Jiang Feng's ear like a demon guiding him toward peace and a life of no pain. A (Heart Demon)

"Feng, in three days I will leave this world, I will search for your mother. You must live, you must be strong, you must help your father"

Master Jiang shouted at the top of his lungs, he didn't know if his son could hear him but he could feel the fluctuation of his vitals and knew that he was slipping away. Often the line between life and death is hope, just a spark of hope could bring a cultivator from death's doors.
"LIVE"
"LIVE"
"LIVE"
"LIVE"
A rough shout shook the clouds, and the remaining 4 lightning spears rained down, slamming into the spot where Jiang Feng and the golden meridian were. The shy shook frantically and was lit up as bright as the sun, flames washed across the sky with lightning and thunder booming and roaring.

"Du Meridian (督脉, Dū Mài) Known as the Governing Vessel, it runs along the back of the body and is associated with the yang aspect of energy. Chong Meridian (冲脉, Chōng Mài) The Penetrating Vessel, considered one of the deepest meridians, associated with blood circulation and connecting various meridians."

"I MUST LIVE"

Jiang Feng's voice echoed as spots of light formed into three meridians inside his body, shining brightly as they devoured the spiritual energy of the pond that was about to run out. The moment the Chong Meridian was formed, Jiang Feng's blood roared into action devouring the last of the spiritual pond's energy. His blood then began to rush around his body bringing life to all the cells, muscles, and organs.  His blood shone with a gentle glow that wasn't very noticeable but was there nonetheless.

Inside the pond, lightning and fire could be seen tempering a burning frame, with torn flesh and a tattered body. This was Jiang Feng who was undergoing the final phase of his tribulation and the part that would benefit him the most. As time passed, the dark clouds receded, and the clouds calmed down.

Master Jiang Long watched his son with tears in his eyes, he was a man who had killed an uncontrollable number of people and washed sects and empires in blood. But today, he was brought to tears, whether it was joy, anxiety, or that he had to leave, but today he shed tears that he hadn't since the separation of their family.