Chapter 20 - Happy Birthday~!

'Whew. It's been quite some time since I've been born into this new, probably dangerous, world. I've made great progress in terms of accumulating Yin-Yang and Neutral Qi within all my cells.' I thought to myself as I sighed out.

Currently, all of the cells within my smol body is saturated with both Yin-Yang Qi and Neutral Qi.

'All thanks to amazing effects of『Yin-Yang Cycle』working it's magic. Paired up with my focus on『Acceleration』for the past 46 weeks, the amount of Qi within my body is truly tremendous, especially for a newborn. Perhaps it's time to move on to greater accomplishments. What else in my body that could be vessels for the『Yin-Yang Cycle』I wonder...'

'Speaking of which, there is that event about 26 weeks ago...

That day, I was focusing on my cycles to put『Acceleration』into action, when suddenly, all the Yin-Yang Qi in my body that wasn't part of a cycle gave a little tremble. If I wasn't familiar with how the Qi in body usually acts, I would've missed it.

As such, I searched around for the source of the event, and noticed that in every cell of my body, there's a pair of Qi threads. Yin-Yang Qi threads. I was curious about what happened, so I tried to move the pair of Yin-Yang Qi threads, but much like the neutral Qi, it seems to be stuck in the centre of the cell, as if attached to the cell, and the cell not letting it go...'

'That's when I thought of a great idea. What if, I place a『Yin-Yang Cycle』in every single cell of my body? I would literally have an unlimited amount of Qi, for real this time. So now, with my body saturated with the only 2 types of Qi I have, I can put my plan into action.'

I began with a single cell, to experiment with it first. I willed the Yin-Yang Qi within a cell at my fingertips, just below my epithelial cells, to form a『Yin-Yang Cycle』within the cell. As the cycle began to form, all went well until the『Yin-Yang Cycle』fully formed, and gave a shook. The cell immediately burst apart as if the shock of that little 'shook' the『Yin-Yang Cycle』usually gives upon completion was too much. The Yin-Yang Qi that formed the『Yin-Yang Cycle』scattered apart, along with the Neutral Qi within the cell. The cells surrounding the 'gory' scene immediately absorbed Neutral Qi and started dividing into 2.

'Not even the Neutral Qi could do anything to help... though it's not all losses, I found out that Neutral Qi can help accelerate the division process of my cells... essentially accelerating my growth. Perhaps, that is the reason for imbuing Neutral Qi into milk to be given to babies.

At any rate, I see the possibility, it's there. But my cells seem to lack the tenacity to withstand the shock of the『Yin-Yang Cycle』forming. I need to find a way to temper my cells. ...Or maybe, I just had too much Yin-Yang Qi, so the cycle formed was a little too big for my cell to handle. Just as well, I'll move on to my 5 viscera, as they say in TCM.'

'The 5 viscera are the liver, lungs, heart, spleen, and kidneys. I've done the heart already, so I'll move on to the other 4.'

The first function of the liver is to filter the blood of the whole body, before allowing the blood to go back to the heart. It's like a pit stop on the way to the destination called the heart.

The liver also detoxifies by breaking down any potentially harmful substances, like bacteria, or byproducts of drugs.

It produces bile which is an important emulsifier that allows the body to digest fat, and substances that regulate blood clotting.

It also metabolizes nutrients so that energy can be produced, when needed.

All in all, it is a very important organ in metabolism, a set of life-sustaining chemical reactions for the body's cells to maintain its living state.

For TCM, the liver, ensures that energy and blood flow smoothly throughout the body. It also regulates bile secretion, stores blood, and is connected with the tendons, nails, and eyes.

'Improving the functions of the liver would serve me well in my whole life. Perhaps I could even reduce the amount of Pill Toxins that would result in taking inferior pills. If I ever had the need to take some... But is it the best choice for me now? Depending on the size of the organ, the『Yin-Yang Cycle』can be very large or small. The largest one so far is definitely the brain.

Should I go for 2 small ones? Or should I go for 1 large organ to fill up with Yin-Yang Qi... Choices choices. I am super spoiled for choices. Considering that the『Yin-Yang Cycle』usually improves the base function of the organ it's present in, I should review my knowledge of the 5 viscera first. Liver and heart is done, and 3 organs left...'

The lungs' function is very simple, and yet very vital. It is to facilitate gaseous exchange, for the needs of the cells. To take in oxygen, and release carbon dioxide.

For TCM, lungs govern Qi and controlling respiration. They take in clear and expel turbid Natural Air Qi (空气), controlling disseminating and descending. Regulating the water passages.

'Not very clear, when it comes to TCM... But, interestingly, the Houtian and Xiantian version of Eastern Fantasy has merit to it. The thing is, when the Haemoglobin in the blood binds with oxygen, the actual process is essentially oxygen binding with iron. Guess what happens? Surrounded by a pool of 'water' called blood, it's the perfect environment for rust, or iron oxide, to form.

So when we breathe, we maintain our life by providing the materials for the respiration of the cells, but at the same time, we slowly die by, not the rust that is formed, which is actually harmless in small amounts. No, we die by the oxidation caused by free radicals that escape the respiration process.

Oxygen is usually O² but sometimes, it breaks down into 2O instead, and causes havoc by simply binding with anything around it, which is called oxidation. DNA, enzymes, membranes, are examples of what could be oxidised. Is it good? Definitely not. It's like tossing a firecracker into a delicate sandcastle that has protection, but the firecrackers are EVERYWHERE.

That's where the Xiantian part comes in. The babies breathe through the umbilical cord, not taking in 'Houtian air' that is 'filled with impurities'. Technically speaking it's still oxygen so I don't really see the difference... But who am I to judge. Maybe the impurities is something else.'

'Hmm. What's left. Spleen and kidney. Okay...let's see.'

The spleen plays multiple supporting roles in the body. It acts as a filter for blood as part of the immune system. Old and abnormal red blood cells are recycled in the spleen, and platelets and white blood cells are stored there. The spleen also helps fight bacteria in the blood.

But TCM also describes the Spleen as the source of 'production and mutual transformation' of Qì and blood. The Spleen distributes the water extracted from the food and distributes it to the whole of the body, especially to the Lung and Kidney, and thus assists the body's water metabolism

'So good for the vitality of the blood. Which is good for the vitality of the body, resulting in better regeneration and the like. Next.'

The kidneys' job is to filter your blood. They remove wastes, control the body's fluid balance, and keep the right levels of electrolytes. All of the blood in your body passes through them several times a day. Blood comes into the kidney, waste gets removed, and salt, water, and minerals are adjusted, if needed.

According to TCM, the Kidney is the powerhouse of the body, supplying reserve energy to any organ running low on Qi. Its partner organ is the Bladder.

'Sheesh, I didn't know that there are so many freaking organs to clean the blood, seems really important huh. But the problem is that western and traditional Chinese medicine is a little too conflicting, which is why it's very difficult to form a better, more unified system of medicine. I don't even know which one, and which part is right. Welp. Another thing to add to my bucket list.'

'Sigh. I really don't know what to choose. I guess I'll just go for all of them then. Uuuh. Liver, lungs, spleen, kidneys. So 6 more possible vessels. Let's try em all out eh?'

Done thinking, I decided to move on to actually making more of my『Yin-Yang Cycles』in all 6 places in one go. Directing my focus at the Yin-Yang Qi residing at these 6 organs, I willed with all my might and concentration.

『Gather, and Form.』

The Yin-Yang Qi at these places actually successfully gathered and formed into『Yin-Yang Cycles』and each gave a shook that actually resonated with each other, and superposed, creating a huge wave of vibration that passed through every cell in my body, tearing open holes and cracks in most of my cells.

'Uuggggggh. I feel like my whole body is being torn apart, besides from my eyes, brain and heart, the cells in those 4 organs didn't seem to have any holes, only minor cracks. Otherwise, it would probably be fatal, this superposed wave...'

The Neutral Qi in my body rapidly depleted, absorbed by the cells to repair themselves.

At the same time, all but a pair thread of Yin-Yang Qi in every cell moved towards the 6 new『Yin-Yang Cycles』i just made.

'Whew. That was unpleasant. But I guess the benefits are great. Now my all my cells are stronger now. And, I just made a lot of new『Yin-Yang Cycles』in my body, woohoo~ What's a little pain if the benefits are great? I now have a total of... 10 cycles now.

But I really need to be more careful when experimenting. The『Yin-Yang Cycle』is gud stuff, but at the same time, not much is known about it. A single misstep might mean buh bye for me. I think I should focus my attention on using『Acceleration』for now, to ensure I don't run out of Neutral Qi.'

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'Whew. I now have extra threads of Neutral Qi in my whole body. Since now all of my Yin-Yang Qi is being pulled away, now's the perfect time to experiment on making a『Yin-Yang Cycle』in a cell.'

As I proceeded to do just that, the cell actually managed to withstand the shock caused by the formation of the『Yin-Yang Cycle』in the centre of the cell.

'Great! It worked. I knew that the previous amount was too much. But I really need a way to strengthen my cells. If I try to do it all in one go, the resulting shock would probably be even greater than before, with the number of cells in a baby body. I might even just explode like in some gore movie or something.

Even now, I can see that the cell is barely holding on, due to the pressure the『Yin-Yang Cycle』applies to the cell. Neutral Qi gathering towards the cell at my right index finger is solid proof of strain on the cell, just like how it happened with my eyes and brain.

My heart was an interesting case, since I had plenty of Neutral Qi sticking around beforehand, and the increase of Yin and Yang Qi in the『Yin-Yang Cycle』was very gradual.

At any rate, the possible benefits of completing the『Yin-Yang Cycles』for all my cells all in one go is intriguing. The vibration wave might dislodge and loosen up anything that is stuck in my body. But I need to properly make sure all of the cells are strengthened enough to the point where they can handle the shock, or I'll just quake myself apart, especially when I grow older, since I would have more cells, and I would have to redo the『Yin-Yang Cycle』formation for every new cell...

...I do have a few ideas, but I think it would be better when I can start to walk and move around alone...

Hee hee hee~ I'm getting kinda excited for the future prospects. I can see why some people can get addicted to cultivation, especially when you can see and feel every improvement you make!'

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While a certain baby was happily lost in the excitement of her own world, a chipper mom was happily skipping to her destinations, excited for the once-in-a-lifetime event happening today.

'Today marks the first year that has passed since I gave birth to Yan Yan! I'm so excited for her~! I hope she likes her birthday present...' An Xin happily thought as she hummed to herself, preparing a feast for her daughter.

"How are you doing? Do you need help?" Wei Bai whispered as he suddenly hugged An Xin from behind and kissed her ear.

"Mhm~ No, but would you mind making the longevity noodles? Make them thinner and shorter so Yan Yan can actually finish it in one go. I don't know if she'll know or not though... I've haven't fed her a lot of solid foods, since I only wanted to feed her foods with natural Qi for when she's a baby. I can hunt for meat, but the vegetables are a lot harder to get, since most of them are used in spirit cooking..." An Xin worried as she mixed the red food colouring with vinegar thoroughly.

"En. It should be fine. Our daughter became pampered little princess because of you, but she has been very considerate, hasn't she?" Wei Bai muttered as he went to wash his hands and knead the dough.

"Humph~ It's not my fault, Yan Yan is just sooooo cute~! I couldn't help but want only the best for her..." An Xin pouted as she used her water Qi to manipulate the colouring liquid to swirl and coat around the 3 eggs.

"Yan'er is indeed very cute, but so are you. Which is why, I also prepared a present for you, for your hard work of giving birth to our lovely daughter." Wei Bai softly whispered in An Xin's ears.

An Xin blushed crimson red right to her ears, looking like a freshly riped peach.

"You're still so very smooth~ Don't tell you've been going around teasing and flirting with maidens while you went out on jobs?" An Xin punched Wei Bai quite hard in the ribs with a shy smile.

"Oooff! No! Not at all. I swear upon my Cultivation Foundation that I did no such thing, lest I be struck by lightning if I lied." Wei Bai swore as he coughed.

The Heavens above them sounded out with bright lightning and loud thunder.

"See? The Heavens agreed, and know I did no such thing. The Heavens are always watching." Wei Bai defended himself.

"Humph. You better thank the heavens for backing you up, if not, well, the consequences would've been yours to shoulder." An Xin turned her face away, hiding her happy smile from his sight.

"Sigh. The lengths I go to, to prove my innocence... Why don't you just give me your trust?" Wei Bai sighed as he started stretching out the dough into noodles.

"Because men are promiscuous. Look at your 1st to 3rd Uncles, they all have concubines besides their wife. Even my 1st and 2nd Uncle is the same. Is it not enough to have 1 wife? Like the 1st Ancestor?" An Xin puffed up her cheeks and questioned with fake anger as she dried the eggs by removing the water along with her Qi, leaving behind a beautiful crimson shine.

"Well... I"m not taking any. Not now not ever. Are you happy enough?" Wei Bai informed as he carefully checked whether he broke the noodles or not.

"Hehehe~ It's one of the reasons why I still love you so much~!" An Xin whispered in his ears as she hugged him.

Wei Bai only silently blushed as he placed the noodles in a metal sieve and dropped it into the beef bone broth An Xin prepared beforehand.

"I also want some of this good soup." said Wei Bai as he sipped from a ladle.

"No need to rush, it's our dinner. I hope Yan Yan likes the gift we prepared for her..." An Xin murmured as she took out a red package from her spatial ring.

"She will. I'll go get Yan'er." Wei Bai assured as he grabbed the hot boiling metal pot with his fire Qi, making sure it kept boiling, and carried it back to their courtyard.

"En. Wait for me." An Xin replied as she grabbed the bowl the red eggs were in.

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"Yan'er, we have a surprise for you." Dad suddenly called out as he came back into the bedroom, where I was left on the bed.

'Hmm? A surprise? I wonder what it was?' I thought after surprised by the sudden appearance of dad.

'Whew. Luckily, he didn't just come in, otherwise, he would probably be shocked by the fact his newborn daughter is doing push-ups, sit-ups and squats on the jade bed... It would have been hilarious, but also awkward. Very much so.' I humorously thought.

Dad came into the bedroom and gently carried me back out into the courtyard outside the living room. Mom was waiting at the large and smooth stone table with a pot and 4 bowls, as well as utensils.

"How are you, Yan Yan? Have you been lonely without mommy?" Mom asked in baby-talk after leaving the ladle in the pot.

"Auuu~" I cried out.

'I myself doesn't even know what that means... Was I lonely? Uuuhh. Maybe? But I was more excited at the prospect of finally being left alone for the first time. Mommy's great, but I need to treasure my opportunities, you know?'

"Is that so? Well, let me show you the surprise~! Tada~!" Mom excitedly brought out a red package out of thin air.

'Whoooooooaa!!! Is that what I think it is??? A Spatial Ring! Damn, that's some great shet! I never expected to see one in action so early!' I excitedly thought with my eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Happy Birthday~! Congratulations on finally becoming 2 years old! And also thank you for being born as our daughter!" mom happily congratulated as she handed the package to me.

"Aiii~!" I happily cried out.

I pretend to fumble with the package while slowly but surely opening the package.

"Here, let me open that for you." Dad said from behind me.

He placed me down on the stone table in front of mom and opened the package for me, bringing out the present within.

"Auu~?" I questioned as I leaned my head to the side.

'A black pelt?" I thought as I grabbed the fur.

The fur opened up and became a stretched out piece of cloth with the paws stretching out at both ends.

"Auuu!" I excitedly cried out.

'A scarf! 😆 It looks very nice and comfortable~!'

'Auu Aii!'

"Thank You!" I happily thanked...

Mom and Dad suddenly paused while staring at me. Mom dropped the red egg she was peeling and Dad dropped the noodle sieve he was holding back into the pot, both of their jaws dropped.

'...😳...Hui Yan, Hui Yan. You really fucked up this time...'