If this little mouse-shaped qi pouch could break through the Jade Pillow acupoint at the back of the neck and reach the head, it would be equivalent to breaking through the life-and-death threshold in Daoist qi cultivation, connecting the bridge between heaven and earth, and instantly achieving an indestructible body.

The head is the leader of the six yang meridians, and not the slightest mistake can be tolerated. For qigong practice, the head is a taboo topic.

Ethan Thompson’s Tiger Roar Golden Bell Cover and Dragon Roar Iron Shirt had also been cultivated to the head before, so now his skull was tough and hard to break with blades or bullets. But that was only a minor achievement; to move a large mass of qi and blood to the head, stimulate life potential, and unlock the shackles of the primordial spirit was a life-or-death gamble.

The so-called shackles of the primordial spirit, the bridge between heaven and earth, and the life-and-death threshold are all Daoist cultivation terms.

That bulging little mouse was a mass of qi and blood essence; wherever it traveled, that part of the body would be nourished, curing illnesses, strengthening tendons and bones, refining the diaphragm, regulating the internal organs, purifying the blood, and even vibrating the bone marrow.

This thing is called “primordial essence” or “primordial pill” in Daoist terminology. It originates from the dantian, coils around the belt vessel, and then travels throughout the body.

Very few people can cultivate this mass of primordial essence; in martial arts, such people are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. Once achieved, the qi and blood concentrate, the internal breath surges, strength becomes boundless, and one is brave and robust—striking with ghostly speed and power, far surpassing ordinary experts.

When the body reaches this level of strength, a powerful confidence arises naturally, daring to challenge heaven and earth. The spirit and momentum ascend to a new level, which is why the realm of “one punch to break the soul” appears.

Crack, crack...

Ethan Thompson moved this mass of primordial essence blood along the spine to the Jade Pillow acupoint, but it was blocked and could not go further up to reach the Baihui acupoint at the crown of the head.

The Jade Pillow is a checkpoint.

Qi and blood surged, impacting the acupoint; the skull seemed to be under tremendous force, with a sensation of splitting.

His face flushed red, hair bristling, looking terrifying—this was a sign that qi and blood had concentrated in the head and the blood vessels were engorged. If this continued, the blood vessels in the head would burst.

“Still not working.” He let out a long sigh. The mass of qi and blood at the Jade Pillow acupoint retreated back to the dantian and calmed down. Breaking through the bridge of heaven and earth, replenishing the brain with essence, is like transforming from acquired to innate—going against the natural order in Daoism. How could it be easy?

Although he hadn’t succeeded, Ethan Thompson’s expression showed no discouragement. It was as simple as eating or drinking water. From his eyes, one could see his firm confidence—he believed he would definitely succeed; it was only a matter of time.

This confidence was a momentum forged through countless battles, advancing fearlessly, unshakable and unstoppable.

Opening his eyes, he saw that it was already morning. Sunlight streamed in, and birds chirped.

Feeling a bit hungry, he walked to the center of the room and opened a cabinet. Inside was an antique jar containing pills the size of longan fruit, exuding a fragrant aroma. They were made from many precious Chinese herbs and the essence of various grains, stewed together. Eating one could guarantee a martial artist’s daily nutrition and also regulate the stomach and intestines.

This thing was called a Fasting Pill.

It had existed since ancient times. Those cultivators who retreated deep into the mountains found three meals a day troublesome, so they invented this kind of pill.

With the progress of the times, pharmaceutical technology also improved. Fasting Pills were further refined by some martial artists. Ethan Thompson’s Fasting Pills were passed down from his master, with a complex recipe and ingredients. Fortunately, he was wealthy, so it didn’t matter.

With his abilities, making money was easy. In the past, he had gone along with the organization partly to preserve his life and partly to earn money. Now that he had completely broken with the organization, that source of income was gone.

After swallowing a pill, the medicinal porridge he had set to cook in the rice cooker was also ready, giving off a delicious aroma. He drank it slowly, strolled around, then took a shower and changed clothes, feeling very relaxed. Then he went out for a walk.

This was also a health-preserving technique. For someone at his level, every movement and detail was perfect; physical maintenance depended on attention to detail.

Alternating movement and stillness, in harmony with nature, was the way to become strong and maintain physical fitness.

This neighborhood was very tranquil and upscale, with artificial hills and rivers. He had chosen to live here precisely for the environment.

He sat on a stone bench under the shade, watching the fish swimming in the river, his mind immersed in the pleasures of nature.

“Han Sha, daydreaming so early in the morning?”

A sweet and soft voice came from behind. Ethan Thompson turned his head and saw a girl in sportswear jogging by, her ponytail swinging, looking pure and healthy, with a graceful figure and a sweet face.

She was one of his neighbors. They had known each other for about three years, but he didn’t know what she did or even her name. As for how she knew his name, he had no idea. He couldn’t be bothered with such mundane matters.

However, every morning when he went for a walk, he would see her jogging. She was about twenty years old. Sometimes they would exchange a few words, but it was always just a fleeting encounter.

“Yes, just thinking about something.” Ethan Thompson nodded, greeting her casually, not wanting to chat further.