First Legendary Dragon: Starting With The Limitless System
Chapter 159: Ninefold Body Refinement Scripture

She paused briefly, eyes reflecting a deep sorrow as she continued in a quieter voice. "I've personally known talented youths who attempted both paths simultaneously. Many burned themselves out, their foundations collapsing tragically. Even those who succeeded and reached the peak of the Ninth Tier couldn't break through to the next grade, and those who attempted died trying to merge both paths."

Orion listened attentively, absorbing each word carefully. Yet, despite the gravity of her warnings, his resolve didn't waver.

He gently placed his hand over Selene's reassuringly. His tone was warm, filled with confidence. "Grandma, I truly appreciate your concern. But remember—I've already shared with both of you the nature of my lineage. I possess the Human Emperor Lineage. Walking both the Mage and Warrior paths isn't just something I can do—it's something I must do."

Eldric and Selene both stiffened slightly, their gazes flickering with deep contemplation. They clearly recalled Orion's revelations about his unique bloodline—a lineage that stood at the absolute pinnacle of human potential, capable of achieving feats others could only dream of.

Eldric sighed, leaning back into his chair as he regarded Orion thoughtfully. "The Human Emperor Lineage, hmm... If anyone could walk this impossible path successfully, it would be you. And not like there hasn't been precedent for it. Many suspect Sir Dawn to be someone who walked both paths."

Selene's eyes softened, her worries slowly transforming into acceptance. "Very well, dear," she finally conceded, her gentle smile reappearing. "If your mind is truly made up, we will support you wholeheartedly."

Orion's expression brightened immediately, his smile conveying slight excitement and gratitude. "Thank you, Grandma. Grandpa. Your support truly means everything to me."

Selene gently smiled and reached toward her storage ring to take out a delicate, jade-bound manual. She carefully placed it in front of Orion, her eyes filled with gentle warmth. "This manual, called the Ninefold Body Refinement Scripture, details the foundational method for cultivating one's physique using mana."

"It has nine distinct levels, each corresponding directly to the nine tiers of the mage path. You must refine your entire body first, then gradually hone each internal component—skin, muscles, tendons, bones, and even the marrow. Mastering each stage is crucial before progressing to the next."

Orion held the manual with an excited expression, feeling the weight in his palm. "Thank you, Grandma. I'll study it thoroughly."

Eldric chuckled lightly, watching Orion's eagerness. "Go slowly, brat. Patience is as crucial as perseverance. Overexertion can lead to irreparable damage, especially in the physique path."

Orion nodded seriously. "I understand, Grandpa. I won't rush this."

Dinner concluded peacefully afterward, the earlier tension fading into comfortable conversation. Once the plates were cleared and goodnights exchanged, Orion quietly excused himself, heading straight to his room.

Inside his elegantly decorated room, Orion gently placed the manual onto his study desk, carefully opening its delicate cover. The pages were beautifully inscribed with flowing runic letters, illuminated faintly by shimmering traces of mana. He meticulously read each instruction, internalizing every subtle detail.

'…This seems quite hard. It needs me to have good control over my mana so I can flow it through my entire body, not only my mana channels. But with my nine mana channels, it would be much easier,' he analyzed while reading.

[This might be quite painful, Master, since it's your first time and refining the body is generally a painful process.]

He shook his head, 'I'll cross that bridge when I get there.'

Taking a deep breath, Orion closed his eyes and sat cross-legged in the center of his dimly lit room. A serene silence enveloped the chamber, interrupted only by Orion's steady breathing.

He gently opened the first page of the manual titled Ninefold Body Refinement Scripture. After once again verifying the things he had read, he began channeling his mana, guiding it methodically through his nine primal mana channels.

Mana flowed effortlessly through him, smoothly at first, coursing gently like a tranquil stream. Gradually, it began spreading throughout his entire physique, penetrating beyond his mana channels, seeping deeply into every fiber of his body.

Initially, it felt comforting—like the warmth of sunlight filtering through trees on a calm morning. Yet, soon enough, a steadily intensifying heat began to bloom beneath his skin. It started mildly, a subtle tingling that quickly transformed into a steadily rising burn.

Orion grimaced faintly, keeping himself centered and calm as instructed by the manual. 'Pain is part of the refinement,' he reminded himself silently, controlling his breathing steadily.

The sensation grew progressively intense, feeling akin to molten metal coursing through his veins. His heartbeat quickened involuntarily, each thump sending pulses of intense warmth rippling outward, systematically burning away deeply embedded impurities.

Sweat glistened upon Orion's forehead, streaming gently down his temples as he endured, eyes tightly shut. Yet he didn't flinch, because he had already endured pain far greater than this twice before.

But the heat continued to increase, as this wasn't merely a physical refinement—it also tested his mental fortitude and perseverance to their utmost limits.

Mana continuously surged through him, methodically cleansing and enhancing every part of his body—skin, muscles, bones—each undergoing a subtle yet powerful transformation. His muscles tightened and quivered slightly under the relentless pressure, each fiber seemingly strengthening under the burning mana's assault.

After an hour, the intense pain gradually began subsiding, replaced by an overwhelming wave of fatigue. Recognizing the signal of his body's limit, Orion slowly withdrew his mana, the scorching sensation receding steadily, replaced with soothing relief.

Finally opening his eyes, Orion exhaled deeply, feeling profoundly exhausted yet oddly revitalized. Sweat drenched his body, yet beneath the fatigue was clear improvement in his physique.

Standing carefully, he flexed his hand experimentally, immediately noticing the subtle yet tangible increase in strength.

"Impressive," Orion murmured appreciatively, admiring the manual in his hands. 'I haven't even reached the peak of the first level, yet I already feel a slight increase in physical strength. The physique refining path is really something else.'

Lumi's cheerful voice chimed happily, materializing brightly in front of him.

[You did amazing, Master! Your physique feels slightly stronger and purer already! Just imagine your potential once you reach the ninth level of refinement. (≧∇≦)]

Orion smiled faintly, shaking his head gently at her enthusiasm. 'Yes, but it's definitely more demanding than expected. It will be a long and painful road to master this.'

[You're definitely capable, Master! You're already far ahead of other awakeners on their first session.]

Orion nodded with a smile at her attempt to cheer him up as he carefully set aside the manual and sat down at the study table once more.

He decided to rest his body and shift his attention back to the Fire Apprentice Spellbook, eager to further explore his magical prowess.

He opened the spellbook, gently flipping through its beautifully illustrated pages, carefully selecting three new spells: Flame Dart, Cinder Trail, and Searing Touch.

'Alright, I will learn three more Tier 1 spells before turning my focus to other elements. I should learn a few at least,' he thoughtfully said.

[Indeed, Master. Those can help you lay down a solid foundation for understanding the Fire element and the workings of spells more thoroughly. And more spells will also help you with the Tower of Myths.]

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