The wind shifted late in the morning.
A colder breeze than usual, slipping through the trees, brushing against the walls of their small cottage. Not enough to bring snow, but a reminder: winter would come early this year.
Yuhao stood by the open window, sipping tea slowly. His shirt clung slightly to his back—sweat from the post-dawn breathing sequence. It wasn't exertion. It was discipline. Every cycle of breath moved qi through him with intent, not force.
He closed the window and turned to the stove.
---
Huo Yun'er was reading again—an old book on natural medicine he'd copied from the town library using the system's projection skill. She had a blanket over her knees, one hand tracing herbs on the page.
"You finished it already?" he asked.
She shook her head. "Just reviewing the parts about cold-based injuries."
Yuhao glanced at her hands. They'd stopped shaking the week before. Her spirit power was still weak, but her internal injuries had nearly healed.
"You'll be able to refine the next tonic by yourself," he said.
"I want to. I don't like sitting around all day."
"You're not," he said simply. "You're learning."
That made her pause. "Still."
He nodded once. "We'll take the next batch of herbs tomorrow. If your channels hold steady, we can begin light stimulation."
She didn't smile. Just gave a small, satisfied nod.
---
After lunch, Yuhao stepped out again.
Today wasn't for herbs or errands.
He walked northeast, past the hills and through the dense line of fir trees behind the house.
He stopped at a small glade—one he'd cleared weeks ago. A circle of bare earth surrounded by short-cut grass and a ring of stones. In the center stood a single post, waist-high, marked with dozens of thin lines.
This was his testing ground.
No one came here.
Not even birds.
He took off his outer cloak and began.
---
The first drill was basic: flow acceleration. Increase qi speed along the second meridian circuit, directing force to the fingertips, then retract and reset.
> [Breath Flow: Balanced]
[Pulse Stability: Optimal]
[Circulation Rate: 82% Efficiency]
[Note: Left shoulder node slightly obstructed – Cold Qi Residue Detected]
He paused. Focused internal energy around the node. Breathed into it.
> [Clearing Minor Blockage… Complete.]
He exhaled slowly and resumed.
---
The second drill was mental resistance training.
He sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and activated the lowest-grade simulation the system allowed: Illusory Cold Zone – Tier 1. A mental image of subzero temperature wrapped around his mind. Fake—but not weak.
He allowed the sensation to soak in.
Hands grew numb first. Then the back of his neck. His core temperature didn't drop—this was all illusion—but the mind didn't care. It panicked anyway.
Yuhao didn't move.
He timed his breath to the flow of pressure.
One cycle.
Two.
Twelve.
> [Tier 1 Cold Resistance Simulation: Completed – Mental Fortitude Increased +0.02%]
[Note: Repeat sessions daily to reach 5% minimum requirement for Tianmeng Ice Silkworm Exposure]
He opened his eyes.
Took in the normal, crisp air.
And stood.
---
Back at home, Yun'er had lit the stove and started boiling roots.
Yuhao stepped in and poured water over his wrists to cool down from training.
"North wind's stronger," she said without looking at him.
He nodded. "The cold's coming."
She stirred the pot with slow, careful motions. "You'll need thicker clothes if you're going to keep practicing out there."
"I have the foxhide cloak."
"It's old."
"It'll hold for now."
She sighed. "Let me reinforce the inner lining this week."
"Alright."
---
They ate simply that night—rice, broth, a handful of boiled greens.
Afterward, Yun'er practiced her hand movements with the wooden tools he'd carved. He sat across from her, guiding corrections with small gestures. No talking unless needed.
After her session, she sat back, slightly out of breath.
Yuhao handed her a warm cloth.
"You recovered faster than expected," he said.
"I still can't use my spirit power."
"You will. In time."
She looked down at her fingers. "It feels like I'm doing nothing."
"You're living," he said. "That's more than enough."
---
Later that night, he stared at the stars outside his window.
The system pinged softly.
> [Body Cultivation Progress: 4.2%]
[Cold Resistance: 1.3%]
[Mental Pressure Resistance: 0.7%]
[Preparation for Tianmeng Ice Silkworm Encounter: 14% Complete]
[Next Step Recommended: Fusion of Ice Dragon Bloodline – Delayed by User]
He nodded.
Not yet.
When Yun'er was safe. Fully healed. Capable of defending herself even a little.
Then he would go.