Qin Yi entered the West Courtyard as usual, drank his Yangyuan Soup, and was about to go to the library when Qin Xu called out to him.
"Da Tou, we'll change the teaching schedule. From now on, no more morning studies. From early to late meals, your day will focus entirely on martial practice."
For the past two years, Qin Yi had been used to mornings for academics and afternoons for martial arts. This sudden shift left him puzzled.
Seeing Qin Yi's confusion, Qin Xu explained without waiting for him to ask:
"The Yuan Wu Dao is too difficult. I worried you couldn't even get started, so you trained both the literary and martial paths as a backup. But now, your Yuan Wu Dao has reached the entry level. Spending time on academics would waste your progress."
"Martial training requires focus. Continuing both disciplines now will only slow your Yuan Wu Dao development."
Qin Yi nodded in understanding, though he cast a reluctant glance at the library. He truly loved reading, and not being allowed to do so tugged at his heart.
Qin Xu noticed and smiled: "Of course, I'm not forbidding reading. Reading complements martial training—even in Yuan Wu Dao. From now on, reading will be secondary. After martial practice each day, you may read to relax and expand your knowledge."
He continued with a practical plan: "Take a few books home each day, read them, and return them the next day."
Qin Yi thought this was a good solution. While practicing Constant Meditation at home, he needed something to occupy his time. Reading was perfect.
"Understood, Master."
Qin Yi went to his room, changed clothes, and began practicing sword techniques while in a meditative state.
After half an hour, as he prepared to drink Yangyuan Soup, he noticed Huang Lao hadn't prepped it as usual.
Qin Xu explained with a smile: "From now on, the Yangyuan Powder bottle will be on the table. Pour as much as you need before practice."
Qin Yi hesitated, measuring carefully, and poured a quantity double what Huang Lao usually gave him. The soup tasted as comforting as ever.
Qin Xu observed him and asked: "You drank twice as much as before. Previously, you were always half-full?"
Qin Yi blinked, confused: "Master, Yangyuan Soup is a supplement, not food. As long as it restores consumed yuan qi, isn't that enough?"
Qin Xu shook his head, smiling: "I realize now I neglected to explain an important point. Yangyuan Soup is not just a supplement—it should nourish the body fully, ideally with a surplus, to increase innate yuan qi. More innate yuan qi gives energy, vitality, and better overall health."
He studied Qin Yi closely: "Odd… with your previous intake, your body shouldn't have been this well-nourished."
Without needing a reply, Qin Xu nodded thoughtfully: "Your root constitution is extraordinary. Perhaps I misjudged you before—this doesn't look like an ordinary bone. Only a spiritual bone behaves like this, absorbing external yuan qi when internal resources are low."
Spiritual bone… excellent.
Even though Yuan Wu Dao had low requirements for bone quality, a good root constitution reduces difficulty and increases cultivation speed. Qin Xu felt guilty for not recognizing it sooner—teaching methods should have differed based on constitution. Had he known, Qin Yi's progress would have been even faster.
"Now, Da Tou, begin practicing the Rejuvenation Secret Technique to accelerate bodily and yuan qi recovery."
Qin Yi hesitated, then spoke: "Master, after advancing in the Meditative Secret Technique, my Rejuvenation Secret Technique also improved. I can now use it while standing in meditation, fully conscious."
Qin Xu was momentarily stunned—he hadn't realized this linkage. While he himself could perform both techniques, they weren't his primary focus. Qin Yi treated them as core disciplines, refining each layer to perfection.
The synergy between these two techniques exemplified the simplicity yet depth of cultivation: the Way is simple, but not easy. Those not specializing in Yuan Wu Dao could only grasp the surface.
Despite noticing many issues, Qin Xu was pleased with his adjustments. His reflections and this experiment had led to a better teaching method.