Chapter Four: The Devouring Physique

Inside the small cabin, the ethereal image of an elderly man stood suspended in the air. He gently stroked his beard, smiling as he gazed at the youth before him.

“Boy, you may call me Elder Mu.”

Facing the apparition of this aged master, the young man could not help but feel a tinge of fear. To possess a soul form was proof enough of extraordinary strength. This was his first time encountering such a powerful being directly, and the sense of unfamiliarity mixed with awe made his heart pound.

“Elder Mu…”

Snapping out of his daze, the boy fell silent, but the tightness of his clenched fists betrayed his inner turmoil.

“Heh, boy, don’t be so nervous. Tell me, do you wish to grow stronger?”

The inscrutable look on Elder Mu’s face kindled a flame in Ye Cheng’s eyes, banishing his fear. His young face brimmed with longing as he asked, “Can you make me stronger?”

“Heh, though I am no longer what I once was, I can certainly guide you,” the old man said with a faint smile, then abruptly changed his tone, “But first, give me a reason to help you.”

“Uh…”

The old man’s words doused the fire in Ye Cheng’s heart like a bucket of cold water. He realized he had nothing to offer that would compel this elder to assist him, and a bitter smile crept onto his lips.

Watching the boy’s inner struggle, Elder Mu’s smile only deepened.

But what he said next sent a surge of joy through Ye Cheng’s heart.

“If you are willing to become my apprentice, then perhaps I’ll consider it.”

…

Ye Cheng hurriedly leapt from the wooden plank bed, dropped to one knee, and called out sincerely, “Master, please accept my respect as your disciple!”

With a legendary master before him, only a fool would hesitate to seize the opportunity, and Ye Cheng was not such a fool.

“Rise,” Elder Mu said, a hint of pride flickering across his face as he glanced at the disciple he had so easily won over.

“What a promising seedling—good thing I found him first.”

“Master, if I may ask, how do you plan to help me grow stronger?” Ye Cheng rubbed his hands together, his young face lifted in anticipation.

Elder Mu was momentarily taken aback, then laughed, “Why, are you doubting my abilities, boy?”

“No, of course not. It’s just… my body has a few small issues,” Ye Cheng waved his hands, hastening to explain.

“Small issues? You’re quite the sly one. If it were just a small problem, your own elders wouldn’t be so helpless. Heh, don’t forget—I’ve been with you for years. Do you think I wouldn’t know?” Elder Mu flicked the boy on the forehead, chiding him with a smile.

Despite his soul state, it was clear the old man could interact with the physical world.

Ye Cheng winced, rubbing the spot where the old man had rapped him. He’d forgotten this mysterious elder had been concealed within the jade pendant, close by his side for years.

Seeing the boy’s disgruntled expression, Elder Mu continued, “As for your problem, not even your elders—or anyone in this small corner of the world—could discern the true cause. After all, those born with a Devouring Constitution are exceedingly rare, even throughout the continent’s history.”

“Devouring Constitution? Master, are you saying that’s what caused my condition?” Ye Cheng’s brows shot up, excitement evident in his voice. Years of confusion pressed for an answer—anyone in his place would feel their emotions surge.

“Yes.”

Elder Mu nodded, and Ye Cheng’s brows furrowed as he pressed on, nervously, “What kind of constitution is it?” The old man’s next words would decide his fate, and anxiety gnawed at Ye Cheng’s heart.

Stroking his white beard, Elder Mu narrowed his eyes and said, “It is a useless body.”

The words struck Ye Cheng like a blow, draining all hope from his young face. His years of fruitless effort finally made sense, and bitterness welled up in his heart.

But then the old man continued, catching Ye Cheng off guard.

“Why the long face? I haven’t finished.”

Seeing Elder Mu’s teasing grin, Ye Cheng’s mouth twitched. Realizing he’d been played, he could only spread his hands helplessly, “Master, could you not joke about this? My fate hangs upon your words!”

“Enough, I won’t tease you further. Back to the matter at hand,” Elder Mu said, waving his hand as his expression grew solemn. “In truth, the Devouring Constitution is both a useless body and a divine one.”

Noticing Ye Cheng’s confusion, Elder Mu floated in midair, stroking his beard as he explained, “Cultivation begins with refining the body’s blood and energy—the realm of Blood Qi. At this stage, only a small amount of spiritual energy can be drawn from the world to temper one’s flesh, gradually awakening latent potential, so that blood and energy flow without end. Once the body grows accustomed to spiritual energy and it can no longer stimulate further blood energy, the practitioner uses himself as a conduit, drawing even more spiritual energy for his own use. This is the Yuan Realm, where spiritual energy becomes an offensive force.

“As for why the Devouring Constitution is deemed useless, it’s because it requires an immense amount of energy. Before reaching the Yuan Realm, a practitioner can only draw a trifling amount of energy from the world—hardly enough to nourish such a body. Thus, in these early stages, the Devouring Constitution does not help; in fact, it hinders progress. Cultivators with this constitution find the beginning of their journey the hardest. Yet, if they can break through to the Yuan Realm, they are reborn—their bodies mature, and the power to devour emerges.”

…

After a moment’s pause, Elder Mu glanced at the solemn-faced Ye Cheng and went on, “You are precisely at the initial stage of this constitution.”

Ye Cheng listened, and his heart gradually cleared. Elder Mu’s words revealed the truth of his plight. No wonder he always sensed spiritual energy during cultivation, yet could never condense his bloodline—it wasn’t that his body was flawed, but rather that the energy he absorbed was insufficient to awaken his potential.

A thought struck Ye Cheng. Since this mysterious master was aware of his condition yet still took him as a disciple, he must have a solution.

“You’re quite sharp, little one,” Elder Mu chuckled, reading Ye Cheng’s thoughts. “Rest assured, since I’ve accepted you, I certainly have a way.”

Joy flooded Ye Cheng’s face. “What is it?”

“Ahem…” Elder Mu coughed, feigning mystery. “You’ll find out tomorrow. I’m a bit tired after all this talking—time to rest.” With that, his spectral figure shimmered, dissolving into countless motes of light that drifted back into the jade pendant.

“Another with the Devouring Constitution… I wonder if this boy can walk the path to the end,” the old man mused to himself as he faded away.

“Uh…”

Watching Elder Mu vanish in the blink of an eye, Ye Cheng could only sigh.

In the darkness of the small cabin, the boy tightened his fists.