The immediate reaction Xiao Ming had following the question was one of dumbfounded silence. He knew that what Master Huan had just revealed was of immense importance, and his curiosity burned brighter than ever.
Master Huan, noticing Xiao Ming's rapt attention, smiled delightfully. This was exactly the reaction he had anticipated, and he reveled in the moment, though he carefully masked his inner satisfaction.
"Hmm…" Master Huan sighed, his expression shifting to one of solemnity as he unleashed an aura of vicissitude.
His face grew serious, but inwardly, he was filled with delight—a feeling he had carefully hidden even from Xiao Ming's keen senses. He knew he held the upper hand in this exchange, and he intended to make the most of it.
"Master," Master Huan began, his voice carrying the weight of an ancient sage, "The Sacred Meridians are the sole foundation of any human cultivator.