Heaven rewards diligence; he fought his way through chaos to become a saint.

Tea room.

Yang Huaichuan sat on the pear wood chair opposite him, holding a celadon cup in his hands, its fine lines clearly visible.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Fang."

Ye Ci accepted the teacup from Fang Cheng and bowed in thanks.

Fang Cheng chuckled sheepishly, "Junior Brother Ye, there's no need to be so polite with me. We're brothers, after all. I remember you were very resilient when you first joined the sect. Now that you've developed internal strength, you're much more promising than me. Master should have rewarded you long ago."

Yang Huaichuan remained calm and said, "Fang Cheng, bring me my Cangjiang Zhenyue Map, then you can leave."

"Yes, Master."

Fang Cheng then took out a huge scroll about three feet wide and placed it on the table.

Yang Huaichuan took a slow, deliberate sip of tea.

Ye Ci sat upright, not drinking tea, but waiting for his master to speak.

Yang Huaichuan nodded slightly, thinking that this young man was calm and composed, and quite polite.

"According to the rules, once you've mastered one fighting style, I'll teach you a new one. According to the rules, if you reach the Inner Strength realm within a year, I should at least accept you as my personal disciple. But I haven't followed the rules. Do you know why?"

"Know."

Ye Ci looked at him calmly.

"Know?"

Yang Huaichuan looked up, his eyes full of surprise, then picked up his teacup and raised his chin:

Tell me about it.

"You're afraid I used bone-repelling fungus."

Yang Huaichuan's hand froze, and it took him a long time to put down the teacup. When he did, the bottom of the cup lightly touched the wooden table, making a soft sound that broke the silence of the quiet room.

Ye Ci's words hit the nail on the head, which instead made him suspicious and uncertain.

He predicted my prediction, so what kind of person is he now?

Yang Huaichuan glanced at the scroll on the table, then asked, "How did you guess?"

"You had previously instructed your disciples in the courtyard that they were not allowed to use anything to force them to enter the gate. That day, Senior Brother Jiang told me about the Three Treasures of the Demonic Sect."

"Since I returned, you have never asked me why the Shen family values ​​me, nor have you asked me what happened on the way... But you did ask Senior Brother Jiang if he saw me break through with his own eyes. Senior Brother Jiang told you that Junior Brother Huang saw it. As for what happened on the way, he was certainly evasive. Therefore, you became suspicious."

"Later, when Junior Brother Huang became your disciple, you asked him again, but what he said must have been different from what Junior Brother Jiang said, so you became even more suspicious. Besides, you definitely thought that kid was unreliable."

"It wasn't until you saw me practicing every day, my strength still increasing, and my swordsmanship reaching perfection, that your doubts were dispelled. Of course... now that I've just mentioned these things, you're even more suspicious, afraid that I'm doing this on purpose for you."

"Exactly the same!"

Yang Huaichuan slammed his hand on the table, his beard trembling, as if he were a celestial being.

He hadn't expected that this kid could guess what he was thinking just by looking at what he had said before and who he had asked!

This kind of thinking... is indeed different from that of ordinary people.

His gaze towards Ye Ci held a newfound appreciation: "Most martial artists are brave but lack strategy, but you... have truly impressed me!"

"A bad teacher teaches first and then you choose a good one; a good teacher chooses a good one and then you teach. A disciple can understand what his teacher does."

At this moment, Yang Huaichuan's doubts vanished. If he truly had something to hide, how could he dare to reveal his secrets so openly?

"Since you are so frank, I will accept you as my personal disciple and do my best to teach you according to your aptitude. You will be the sixth and youngest junior brother."

"Thank you, Master Xie."

Ye Ci clasped his hands in a salute, not caring about the seniority between him and Xiao Hua.

At this point, Yang Huaichuan added, "Then... why were you all so secretive about your trip to Jiaozhou?"

"Because we encountered the Gale Camp on the way, and they threatened to send their secret guards to kill us, everyone became more cautious. I told Master about it, and I'm sure he won't tell anyone."

"Swiftwind Camp!"

A glint of light flashed almost imperceptibly in Yang Huaichuan's eyes, before he nodded slightly.

At that moment, he secretly clicked his tongue in amazement, thinking that Ye Ci was hiding his true abilities, actually managing to escape from the Gale Camp with Master Shen.

not simple!

No wonder they all avoided the topic; they must have been afraid.

Having this mindset, it's right not to be ostentatious.

Yang Huaichuan nodded: "I really misjudged you. I thought you were just an ordinary disciple with very poor aptitude, but you have repeatedly done things that have surprised me."

As he spoke, he looked intently at Ye Ci, but the latter's gaze remained calm.

This gave Yang Shi a vague feeling that he had been seen through, so he casually took out a booklet and tossed it over.

"This footwork is called the 'Moon Chasing Step,' which emphasizes speed and agility. It is a good technique for escaping, ambushing, and entangled combat. When combined with the Baoshan Fist, it can be very effective when facing an enemy."

"Thank you, Master."

Ye Ci nodded and accepted it, feeling delighted. He had heard Xiao Hua boast about this footwork before, saying that it made one naturally invincible.

This actually gives them a bit more power to protect themselves.

"On another note, for someone of your aptitude to be able to cultivate internal strength, it's perhaps due to a bloodline that's more advantageous than ordinary people. Martial arts emphasize aptitude first, comprehension second, but there are also differences in bloodline. However, such people are rare; it's a gift from heaven, without any traceable origin, and even I cannot grasp it..."

Master Yang nodded slightly, as if pondering, and said.

Ye Ci remained calm, never expecting that Yang Shi would come up with the reason for his breakthrough even though he hadn't explained it himself.

"As your direct disciple, I will naturally consider your potential and abilities."

As Yang Shi spoke, Ye Ci's gaze involuntarily drifted to the painting on the table, and he asked:

"Master, this picture..."

Yang Huaichuan's lips curled up involuntarily as he said, "When you first entered the sect, I told you that mastering the Rock Stance could lead to the Transformation Realm... Today, I intend to pass on a superior technique to you, to fulfill my duty as your teacher. In addition..."

Upon hearing about the superior cultivation method, Ye Ci's eyes lit up, and he leaned forward slightly. However, Yang Huaichuan unexpectedly changed the subject, saying:

"As I just said, no one can control the matter of bloodline, but innate talent is still the most valued in martial arts."

"Since I started taking on disciples, I have seen many people with excellent physical constitution, but I have never had a disciple with extremely poor physical constitution who could develop internal strength in a short period of time. This is because people with poor physical constitution are naturally weaker at accumulating qi and blood than others."

"Before developing hidden strength, the influence of physical constitution is not obvious. Diligence can make up for shortcomings, and one can make steady progress. However, the transition from hidden strength to transformed strength is a watershed. Those with strong bones and abundant qi and blood can make smooth flow of internal energy and continuously refine it, making it easier to break through barriers, transform hidden strength into nothingness, and develop transformed strength. On the other hand, those with ordinary physical constitution have limited capacity for their tendons and bones to bear energy, and their qi and blood cannot support further refinement of energy. Breaking through will be extremely difficult, and they may even be trapped in hidden strength for life."

Ye Ci listened calmly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

"Even though my physical constitution is not good, with the ample tonics I have now, I may still be able to develop the Transformation Realm."

Yang Huaichuan did not answer directly, but said gently, "Your innate talent determines both the ease or difficulty of breaking through realms and the upper limit you can reach."

He paused, then raised the teacup in his hand: "This teacup, made of celadon, is covered with cracks, like someone with extremely poor constitution, destined not to become a rare treasure. But that's just appearance... In fact, the biggest problem with this teacup is that it can't hold a whole vat of water. Even if you have different bloodlines, it's just a matter of whether the tea in this cup is made from the finest spring buds or aged old leaves."

As he spoke, he looked out the window: "The path of martial arts is just like this. Your aptitude is too poor; even if you reach the Transformation Realm, you won't be able to advance any further."

Ye Ci froze, then suddenly realized something: "What's above the Transformation Realm?"

"Embracing the Dan Strength".

Yang Huaichuan put down his teacup, his fingertips gently tracing the cracks on the rim, his tone becoming more somber:

"Your current internal strength is now at the next level, which is the transformation strength. Internal strength is hidden within and can penetrate bones to transmit power. Transformation strength can break through and then rebuild, turning the internal strength into nothingness, merging it into the fist technique, and returning it to nature. Every move you make contains power, but you cannot see the trace of the power."

"The Embracing the Dan Strength is completely different from the previous two. The Embracing the Dan Strength focuses on the word 'condensation,' condensing all the body's energy, blood, and even spirit and will into the dantian. Once formed, the energy is inexhaustible, allowing one to control the energy and fly through the air, and to injure enemies from a distance. Lifespan will also increase significantly, making one incomparable to ordinary martial artists."

Upon hearing that his lifespan had greatly increased, Ye Ci's breath hitched slightly.

Yang Huaichuan's tone was tinged with helplessness: "Those with poor aptitude and weak constitution cannot sustain it with their qi and blood. If they forcibly attempt to break through to the Core Formation stage, at best their dantian will shatter and they will become crippled, and at worst they will die without any way back."

Ye Ci remained silent, understanding what Yang Huaichuan had said.

The teacup analogy just now revealed the limitations of one's physical constitution. A celadon cup covered with cracks, even if carefully repaired, cannot hold a vat of water. Just like his physical constitution, even with the help of tonics and the luck to step into the Transformation Realm, it is difficult to bear the weight of the Embracing Core Realm.

After a moment, he raised his eyes, his gaze still calm, but now filled with earnestness: "Master, do you have a method for cultivating the Dan Jin (Embracing the Core)? If I am fortunate enough to cultivate the Hua Jin (Transformation Core), I would like to give it a try..."

"I won't let you try it."

Yang Huaichuan looked at him, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes, and gently shook his head: "If I'm not mistaken, the pinnacle of your life is Dark Force. Transformation Force depends on fate. My judgment on this point has always been very accurate."

"Considering your past diligence in cultivation and your high level of comprehension, as your master, I must fulfill my duty and have decided to pass on another skill to you. If you master it well, you will be able to fight against those with Transformation Realm even if you are only at the Hidden Realm level. This can be considered as your master fulfilling your regret in this life."

After saying that, he picked up the scroll.

As you unroll the scroll, the dark gold and azure ink of the Cangjiang Zhenyue painting immediately come to mind, as if it possesses a tremendous weight.

Looking up, one sees the mighty river rolling in from the horizon, with no source and no destination in sight.

A huge rock sits in the middle of the river, dark black like iron, unmoving, like the seal of the Heavenly Emperor to guard the world.

Ye Ci stared at it, lost in thought. Before him was the deep, heavy river, with waves crashing against him, splashing up white foam and making a sound that shook the heavens, but in the end, it flowed around the rocks and returned to calm.

He was so engrossed in the illusion that he couldn't pull himself out, and he didn't know how much time had passed before he suddenly woke up.

To his surprise, he discovered that the bright moon hung high in the sky outside the window next to him, its light like mercury spilling onto the ground.

Yang Huaichuan was right beside him, holding a teacup, leisurely strolling around the room.

At the same time, a line of text appeared on the void panel.

[Supernatural Power: Mountain Embracing Seal, First Level (1/5000)]

Supernatural powers?

Ye Ci's heart pounded as he looked at the new handwriting.

What exactly did Master Yang pass on to me?

He subconsciously exerted his strength and felt his palm sink, as if he were holding a mountain, with a sense of unbreakable solidity.

But then he felt his bones cracking and his meridians tingling slightly. His strength was no longer light and flowing, but turned into a heavy torrent like a boulder falling off a cliff.

Suddenly, fine cracks silently appeared on the bluestone slab beneath his feet.

"Snap—"

Yang Huaichuan dropped the teacup in his hand, completely stunned.

"I only showed you this visualization diagram once, so you could memorize it and practice it repeatedly in the future, perhaps then you could grasp some of its true meaning. But you... you've already mastered it? That can't be! This isn't an ordinary technique! This... doesn't make sense..."

Ye Ci closed his eyes and quietly dissipated the power of the Embracing Mountain Seal, because just a moment ago, he felt his blood and energy being rapidly depleted.

It cannot be maintained for long because the muscles and tendons are stretched very strongly and the bones swell. If you force yourself to maintain it, it will definitely damage your limbs and bones.

Along with this, I felt an inexplicable surge of energy, at least several times stronger than usual.

"Master, this technique does have some merit, but with my internal strength, it seems I can't maintain it for long."

"That's right. I'm passing this technique on to you as a trump card, so use it with caution."

Yang Huaichuan was surprised, but also thought to himself, "What a pity." Such a person with such comprehension had extremely poor aptitude. Although aptitude can be improved later in life, the price is too high.

It's better to find a disciple with excellent innate talent and comprehension than to train such a disciple who is acquired through hard work.

Yang Huaichuan pondered for a moment and said, "In the coming period, you should focus on consolidating your qi and blood and refining your internal strength. If you don't have a strong body, you'll collapse before you can use this technique too vigorously. So, you should seize the time to practice more."

"Yes, Master."

Ye Ci felt a mixture of joy and sorrow.

The good news is that the panel indicates this technique is called a supernatural power, but the bad news is that activating this supernatural power can harm one's body.

After using it just once, I felt a little uncomfortable. If I practice the "Embracing Mountain Seal" every day, it may affect my daily blood and qi circulation.

As a result, he even has difficulty accumulating proficiency using his cheat system.

However, after thinking about it carefully, Ye Ci felt relieved. He should focus on breaking through to the Transformation Realm. Once he had mastered the Transformation Realm, he could then hone his proficiency in the "Embracing Mountain Seal".

"Your master saw that you could not reach the Transformation Realm, so he passed on this seal technique to you. If it is truly fate that you will master the Transformation Realm, this Embracing Mountain Seal will be even more powerful. If you comprehend it carefully, one day you will be a top master among the Transformation Realm masters."

Yang Huaichuan explained in detail again, then, feeling a bit tired, said:

"It's getting late, let's go back to the Shen residence to rest."

"This disciple takes his leave."

Ye Ci clasped his hands in a fist salute, preparing to get up and leave.

"etc."

Yang Huaichuan called out to him again: "Old Master Shen hasn't hosted a banquet for me yet. Have you forgotten what you said before? I want to drink the fine wine from Wan Hua Lou."

Ye Ci stood there, stunned: "Master, with your true abilities, would you really care about a banquet?"

"Why wouldn't I care? The disciple I taught is a retainer of their family, and I even passed on my most treasured martial arts techniques. Isn't that giving the Shen family a great deal of face...?"

Yang Huaichuan blew his beard and glared: "Besides, we earn our living through our own abilities, we're not robbing him."

Ye Ci replied, "Then shall I buy the fine wine for you?"

Yang Huaichuan waved his hand: "Okay."

Ye Ci smiled and took his leave.

Now he was certain that Yang Huaichuan was no ordinary person, and that he had lied about being a former head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) for some reason.

……

Dark as ink.

A cool breeze blew through the streets and alleys of the county town paved with bluestone slabs, making a soft, mournful sound.

Ye Ci walked alone.

On the way back to the Shen family home, in what is considered an affluent area, which should be the quietest place at night, a dark mass of people had gathered.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

P.S.: Tomorrow is Tuesday, so I'm begging you all to help me follow along. If you have any monthly tickets or recommendation tickets, please vote for me.

Grateful.