Body Refining Technique is the most basic cultivation technique.
The more basic it is, the harder it is to discern its subtleties.
Shen Han is well aware that his abilities are not yet strong enough to ensure his safety, so it's better to reveal less about certain things.
But the Senior Sister Liu in front of him clearly has discovered something.
Otherwise, how could she immediately mention that he is practicing the Mountain and River Body Refining Skill?
Judging from yesterday, at least she doesn't seem to have any intention to harm him.
After pondering for a moment, Shen Han decided to admit it.
Firstly, the Mountain and River Body Refining Skill is just a basic body refining technique—though notoriously obscure and difficult to understand, it's merely a set of body refining skills. Moreover, many people are not aware of how wondrous this technique truly is.
Secondly, because of Liu Xilan's status—she is the Fairy of Xiaoyao Peak—if she values his talent, she might recommend him to enter Xiaoyao Immortal Mountain...
Thirdly, yesterday this Senior Sister Liu was generally kind to him.
"As Senior Sister Liu said, I indeed gained some insights from the Mountain and River Body Refining Skill, but they are very superficial."
Upon hearing Shen Han's words, Liu Xilan's eyes brightened slightly.
"Really? Could you truly understand the Mountain and River Body Refining Skill?"
As she spoke, Liu Xilan took out a book from her bosom, which was the widely circulated Mountain and River Body Refining Skill.
Though she doesn't need this body refining technique, she often studies it, wanting to explore its mysteries.
Moreover, the Honored Guest Elder of Xiaoyao Peak had said that if anyone could bring him the solution to the Mountain and River Body Refining Skill, he would teach her his secret sword techniques.
"Junior Brother Han, do you have ink and brush here? I'll grind the ink for you!"
There was a hint of joy in Liu Xilan's tone, and her originally cool demeanor seemed to become a bit charming.
She gave up her stone chair to Shen Han, inviting him to annotate her copy of the Mountain and River Body Refining Skill.
While grinding ink, Liu Xilan realized her forwardness.
Why should anyone annotate it for her for no reason?
"Junior Brother Shen, this is a specially-made pill by Xiaoyao Peak. Consuming it during cultivation significantly enhances the effects..."
Looking at the pill handed over by Liu Xilan, Shen Han smiled and accepted it with ease.
Then he began to annotate the text.
In this Shen Family, even the household servants have shown much disdain towards him.
Unexpectedly, a Fairy from Xiaoyao Peak was quite respectful to him.
Brush strokes glided smoothly as Shen Han's handwriting appeared bold.
Liu Xilan stood beside him, grinding ink while watching the handwriting under Shen Han's brush.
The most difficult part of Mountain and River Body Refining Skill lies in its obscure wording; often it is hard to understand what the sentences intend to express.
The Honored Guest Elder on Xiaoyao Peak studied it for more than ten years, yet could only grasp the first chapter.
The Honored Guest Elder's comprehension ability is top-notch at Xiaoyao Peak.
Could the annotations done by this youth, who is less than twenty years old, be erroneous?
Liu Xilan kept her gaze fixed and finally trusted Shen Han truly understood the Mountain and River Body Refining Skill after seeing all the annotations for the first chapter.
The annotations of the first chapter were even more concise than that Honored Guest Elder's understanding.
Even he struggled with several places within the first chapter that remained unresolved.
But when Shen Han wrote his annotations, he didn't pause for a moment.
After the first chapter, Shen Han's brush did not stop, continuing onwards.
Originally obscure words, under Shen Han's explanation, became straightforward and clear.
Liu Xilan attempted to cultivate body refining according to the annotations.
A momentum like mountains and rivers then flowed forth—a momentum identical to the one she had witnessed from that Honored Guest Elder.
All signs indicate that Shen Han indeed has had profound insights into the Mountain and River Body Refining Skill.
There was some doubt in Liu Xilan's eyes.
This kind of junior, and yet the Shen Family is so dismissive of him.
Being cast into such a remote, humble place is one thing, but the Imperial Family's small scheming meant they intended to sacrifice him to force a resolution.
Liu Xilan presumed she wouldn't claim her judgment as great, yet she knew that diving into the Mountain and River Body Refining Skill to this extent was anything but simple.
During her contemplation, Shen Han had already written to the third chapter.
The further one gets into the Mountain and River Body Refining Skill, the more obscure it becomes.
Sometimes, it even feels as if the characters are ones the original author invented.
Yet, despite the obscurity, Shen Han still wrote out the annotations.
Even someone like Liu Xilan—a gifted Sword Cultivator—however junior, could easily understand.
In less than half a two-hour period, apart from the final chapter of the Mountain and River Body Refining Skill, all other annotations were completed.
Setting down the brush, Shen Han looked towards Liu Xilan at his side.
Only to find her still staring blankly at the spot where he had last written.
This appearance was somewhat adorable.
"Senior Sister Liu, I have not gained insights into the final chapter, but the annotations for other chapters are done. Could you examine them?"
Handing over the Mountain and River Body Refining Skill, Liu Xilan accepted it as if receiving a priceless treasure.
At this moment, Liu Xilan's mind was still somewhat bewildered.
When she asked Shen Han to do the annotations, great expectations she did not have.
Receiving explanation for even a paragraph, or a sentence, she would've considered the journey worthwhile.
Upon returning to Xiaoyao Peak, she might use it as leverage to gain some benefits from the Honored Guest Elder.
But who would have thought that Shen Han would annotate almost the entire book...
Furthermore, upon trying to practice, the mountains and rivers momentum followed, clearly not just random annotations.
"Senior Sister Liu, is there anything amiss?"
Noticing Liu Xilan's somewhat dazed demeanor, Shen Han prompted her again.
Coming to her senses, Liu Xilan's expression grew complex.
After hesitating for a while, Liu Xilan decided she should explain the matter from yesterday.
"Junior Brother Han, yesterday the Bone Tempering Pill we gave you..."
"I understand, the Imperial Family arranged a marriage, and naturally wants a plausible reason for annulment.
I, being an unpopular member of the Shen Family, was the most suitable sacrifice in the eyes of others."
Liu Xilan nodded slightly; a youth who could comprehend Mountain and River Body Refining Skill naturally understood the reason behind this.
"Before coming, they said Shen Han of the Shen Family was uneducated, unaccomplished, and discarded by the Shen Family.
If you were sacrificed this time, though your meridians and bones would be shattered, at least you've been promised sustenance thereafter..."
While speaking, Liu Xilan took out another pill and a book, placing them on the stone table.
"This Bone Healing Pill paired with this health secret will allow some recovery from meridian and bone fractures, enough at least to lead a normal life.
Fortunately, Junior Brother Shen withstood the tempering of the Bone Tempering Pill, so these items are unnecessary now, but they're here as a reserve."
Liu Xilan's words had deeper implications.
Although Shen Han avoided this crisis, the Shen and Su Families probably wouldn't easily give up on annulling the marriage.
"By the way, I recently acquired an Ancient Book on Nameless Sword Formulas. Given your remarkable insight, whenever you have time, feel free to peruse.
If you gain any insights, Junior Brother Han, please do not hesitate to share them."
Liu Xilan brought out an Ancient Book, also placing it on the stone table.
After ensuring she had left nothing behind, Liu Xilan took the annotated Mountain and River Body Refining Skill and retraced her way back.
Shen Han, knowing proper manners, guided Liu Xilan past the muddy path.
Beyond the bamboo forest, Shen Fu was unexpectedly still waiting there.
"Xilan Sister, why did you come out so late..."
Her little mouth slightly pouted, Shen Fu pretended to be unhappy, hoping to leverage this to build rapport.
However, Liu Xilan showed little interest in conversing further with her.
Her words quickly redirected the topic.
"Younger sister, why is the Shen Family so dismissive of Shen Han?
He is the direct grandson of the Marquis from the Shen Family, how could this be..."