Night had fallen, yet the living quarters of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well remained brightly lit.
Inside Yu Qing's study, candlelight flickered across his focused profile.
Father Duan and Father Zi respectfully placed two neatly arranged lists on his desk.
One recorded twelve children whose Spirits had not yet awakened; the other listed twenty-one youths whose Spirits had already awakened.
Yu Qing picked up the lists and studied them carefully. Among the children who had awakened their Spirits, talent was generally low; most had innate Soul Power between Rank 2 and Rank 3. The only child with innate Soul Power at Rank 4 was named Duan Hong, a direct descendant of the Duan Family.
The two fathers-in-law stood to one side, looking uneasy and ashamed. Father Zi explained in a low voice, "Sect Leader… originally the Family still had a few children with slightly better talent, whose innate Soul Power reached Rank 4. However… their parents and elders were full of misgivings and ultimately decided not to migrate with us…"
Father Duan also sighed. "Yes, if only they had come too…"
Yu Qing set the lists down, no disappointment on his face; instead, he showed a gentle smile. "It's fine. With these children, it's already enough. Talent isn't everything; Acquired nurturing and personal effort are often more important."
Hearing this, the two fathers-in-law felt slightly relieved and at the same time a sense of responsibility welled up within them.
Next, Yu Qing looked at them, his expression turning solemn. "Since you two are now the head and deputy head of my sect's Radiant Hall, responsible for cultivating the congregation, your own strength must not fall behind. Today, I will impart to you the sect's core Cultivation Technique."
Father Duan and Father Zi's Spirits lifted; they straightened their backs instantly, eyes full of anticipation. The core Cultivation Technique of the Yin Yang Sect—how wondrous would it be?
Yu Qing said no more. With a slight movement of will, a gentle yet vast mental force enveloped the two men. He directly transmitted the foundational chapter and key points of the Dual Cultivation Secret Codex to them through mental force.
A moment later, the transmission was complete.
Father Zi closed his eyes to digest the information in his mind. His expression shifted from anticipation to something odd, and finally the corners of his mouth twitched. He opened his eyes, looked at Yu Qing with a complicated gaze, opened his mouth as if to speak, but did not know how to begin.
This… this Cultivation Technique… its effects sound truly astonishing, mutually beneficial, raising both partners… but the cultivation method… isn't it a bit too… too improper? What on earth is this son-in-law of his pondering all day?!
Father Duan on the other side had an even stronger reaction. His old face flushed red as if drunk, his gaze darted everywhere, and his hands did not know where to place themselves. After stammering for a long while, he finally whispered in extreme embarrassment, "That… son-in-law… this, this technique is good, but… my wife passed away from difficult childbirth when she gave birth to Xiner… I, I… how can I practice this… this Dual Cultivation method alone?"
When Yu Qing heard this, he slapped his forehead, chagrin on his face. "Look at my memory! I actually forgot about this! Please forgive me, Father-in-law."
He apologized hurriedly, then added, "But don't worry, Father-in-law. Although the Dual Cultivation method is one of the sect's core secret techniques, it's not the only path. I have another top-grade meditation method that can be practiced alone, with equally excellent results."
With that, he once again used mental force to transmit the cultivation method of the Blood Burning Meditation Method, along with its side effects, into Father Duan's mind.
Father Duan carefully comprehended this new Cultivation Technique. The more he sensed, the more astonished his expression became, yet a hint of worry also appeared. "Son-in-law… this Blood Burning Meditation Method's cultivation speed is indeed terrifying, but this side effect of burning blood energy… will it damage the Foundation? Can the body endure it in the long term?"
Yu Qing smiled calmly and comforted him, "Rest assured, Father-in-law. Xiner and Ruyi cultivated precisely this Blood Burning Meditation Method along with a slightly improved version of my Dual Cultivation method. As for its side effects…"
Before he finished speaking, he tapped lightly with a fingertip; a translucent, sparkling leaf phantom suffused with dense life force condensed at his fingertip.
"This is my first Spirit Ability—Vibrant Purple Sun Leaf," Yu Qing explained. "It can restore the human body to its optimum state in an extremely short time. Whether Soul Power is exhausted, severe injuries are suffered, blood is depleted, or the mind is fatigued, everything can be restored—more than enough to perfectly offset the side effects of the Blood Burning Meditation Method."
Looking at that leaf containing boundless vitality and sensing the heart-shaking restorative power within, Father Duan and Father Zi's last doubts vanished, replaced by utter shock and admiration.
This son-in-law of theirs not only possessed heaven-defying strength but also had unfathomable ability in creating Cultivation Techniques and solving cultivation problems! Once again, the two felt endlessly fortunate about their original choice.
The two fathers-in-law, carrying their newly obtained Cultivation Techniques, left the study filled with excitement and drive, eager to return and begin cultivating.
After seeing the two off, Yu Qing returned to his desk and once more let his gaze fall on the two rolls of names. His expression turned utterly focused as he began to design tailor-made training plans for these children.
For those whose Spirits have yet to Awaken, what medicinal dishes will build a solid Foundation? After Awakening, which medicinal baths can unlock potential? Given different Spirits and different levels of innate Soul Power, which meditation methods should be paired? Every step must be meticulously planned to form a set of effective rules.
He worked through the entire night.
It was not until the next morning, as the first light appeared, that Yu Qing set down his brush and exhaled. On the desk sat a thick stack of paper covered in writing.
It recorded in detail everything from medicinal-dish formulas and bath procedures to meditation choices and periodic assessment standards. A preliminary system for training low-level Disciples of the Yin Yang Sect now existed in rough form.
'Finally done...' Yu Qing rubbed his throbbing temples. Next came the mountains of herbs these plans would require.
He lifted his brush again and drew up a long list naming dozens of ingredients and the huge quantities needed.
Looking at it, he frowned. So many herbs, several of them rare—no nearby town could supply them. He would have to send someone to a major city like Heaven Dou City, and he himself could not be away for long.
In a flash of thought, the perfect candidate came to mind.
List in hand, he headed straight for the courtyard where Dugu Bo lived.
In the yard, Dugu Bo was carefully feeding his treasured poisonous plants a homemade 'nutrient solution,' filling the air with a strange odor.
Yu Qing pushed the gate open without ceremony and walked in.
Without raising his head, Dugu Bo grumbled, 'You never visit unless you want something. Out with it—what favor do you need this time?'
Yu Qing chuckled and stepped closer. 'Senior Dugu, your Wisdom Eye sees everything. I do have a small favor to ask.'
'Spit it out!' Dugu Bo rolled his eyes; he knew Yu Qing's tricks too well.
'Heh, I'd like you to make a trip to Heaven Dou City and buy some herbs for me. The list is long and the varieties mixed; I'm not sure where to get them all in one go. After thinking it over, only a knowledgeable Senior like you can handle it safely.' As he spoke he handed over the lengthy list.
Dugu Bo set down his tools, skimmed the list, and raised an eyebrow. 'This much? Are you opening an apothecary?' The quantities far exceeded his expectations.
'It's all to train the children in the sect,' Yu Qing said with a smile. 'Thank you, Senior Dugu.'
Dugu Bo snorted and flicked the list. 'I'll run the errand, but stop calling me "Old Man Dugu" in front of Yan Yan! The little girl is copying you now.'
Embarrassed, Yu Qing rubbed his nose and quickly promised, 'Yes, yes, my fault! I won't do it again in front of Yan Yan. I'll protect your esteemed image!'
Only then did Dugu Bo grunt in satisfaction and stow the list. 'Good. I'll head to Heaven Dou City and bring everything back soon. Now—where's the money?' He held out his hand.
Yu Qing was ready; he took a heavy pouch from his spirit tool and placed it in Dugu Bo's palm. 'Five hundred gold coins. Is that enough? If not, pay the difference first and I'll reimburse you when you return.'
Dugu Bo hefted the pouch, checked the list again, and estimated. 'Mm... that should do. Fine, leave it to me.'
Without further delay he went inside to pack, then flashed away as a blur of green, speeding off toward Heaven Dou City.
With Dugu Bo gone, Yu Qing felt the load on his shoulders lighten. Back at his quarters he happened to see little Dugu Yan rubbing her eyes and stumbling out of her room.
'Teacher...' the little girl called softly.
Yu Qing smiled gently and picked her up. 'Yan Yan is awake? Come, Teacher will introduce you to some new friends.'
As his first disciple, her future was limitless; she must not grow up isolated. Letting her join the other children early to build friendships and her own network was an essential part of her training.
Cradling little Dugu Yan, Yu Qing walked toward the living area where children were already doing morning exercises or playing. The rising sun stretched their shadows long, filling the scene with warmth.
Ãdvåñçé çhàptêr àvàilàble óñ pàtreøn (Gk31)