Chapter 7: Mao Yue Xi YanIn the past, Bai Yun Qing Ye only knew a few basic techniques of using chakra, such as walking on water or climbing trees. He was therefore very surprised by the skills that Bai Yun Ye Shan was demonstrating. Seeing Bai Yun Qing Ye's astonished look, Bai Yun Ye Shan couldn't help but smile. He said, "These are techniques that only upper-ranking shinobis master; they are usually not shared with lower-ranking shinobis." The knowledge in the ninja world is strictly controlled. In this world, one's background is often the first thing that is considered, followed by one's talent. Shinobis from prominent families are usually exposed to such chakra-related concepts at a young age. For example, Uchiha Sasuke learned the "Fireball" technique before even starting school, whereas most ordinary shinobis only master the "Three-Body Technique" by the time they graduate. Alternatively, if a shinobi has a highly placed family member with strong skills, they might have the opportunity to learn more advanced knowledge. For someone like Bai Yun Qing Ye, his family members would take the time to teach him relevant skills. For others, lower-ranking shinobis have a limited understanding, just as upper-ranking shinobis have their own knowledge.In the original story, even Naruto Uzumaki didn't understand the nature of chakra changes and how to use the "Rainbow Orb" until later in his training. Bai Yun Qing Ye picked up a branch and tried to use chakra in the same way as Bai Yun Ye Shan. However, the branch he held was merely enveloped in a layer of pale blue chakra and lacked the sharpness of Bai Yun Ye Shan's. Seeing this, Bai Yun Qing Ye looked at him with confusion.Bai Yun Ye Shan smiled and explained, "To master the changes in chakra, one must undergo training. You also need a significant amount of chakra to support these techniques. Your current chakra level is about that of a lower-ranking shinobi, which is just barely enough to start." "So, how should I train?" Bai Yun Qing Ye asked. Bai Yun Ye Shan rubbed his chin, thinking about how to explain it properly. "First, you need to find that 'sense of cutting.'" He then pulled out a weed from the ground and, with a quick motion, broke it into two, which fell to the ground. "Did you learn it?" After the demonstration, Bai Yun Ye Shan looked at Bai Yun Qing Ye seriously. Bai Yun Qing Ye blinked in confusion, as if to say, "You just told me about the 'sense of cutting' and then broke a weed? That's like saying, 'You already know what uranium is; go build a nuclear bomb!'" Bai Yun Ye Shan realized his explanation was indeed abstract. He himself went to battle at the age of twelve and learned these techniques on the field, without a good mentor to guide him. "Many things are hard to put into words; it's more of a feeling..." He suggested that Bai Yun Qing Ye practice with the weeds to find that sense of cutting; over time, he would understand. "Your sister Xi Yan learned it this way," he added as an example. Feeling that his explanation was still too vague, Bai Yun Ye Shan shared a successful training experience from his own past.Bai Yun Qing Ye frowned and started trying to break the weeds, frequently injecting chakra into them. When his chakra ran out, he would rest and continue later. This went on all afternoon. After lunch, he returned to the yard to keep practicing. Bai Yun Ye Shan, seeing his nephew's dedication, nodded with satisfaction.Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Bai Yun Qing Ye, curious about who it could be, went to answer. Standing outside was a familiar figure: Mao Yue Xi Yan, only fifteen years old and full of youthful energy. Her silky, purple hair was neatly tied back, adding to her bold appearance. She wore a mid-rank shinobi vest, having just returned from a mission. Her face beamed with a smile, her brown eyes revealing excitement. She opened the iron gate of the small yard. "It's not like it's been a long time since we last saw each other—it's only been a few days," she said. Bai Yun Ye rolled his eyes and continued to focus on his practice."Xiao Qing Ye is already fascinated by girls outside and has started to neglect his sister," she teased. Bai Yun Ye ignored her and continued with his training. Mao Yue Xi Yan walked over to see what he was doing. She had saved Bai Yun Qing Ye's life during the Nine-Tails turmoil when he was ten years old, so he took her as his apprentice to repay the favor. After she graduated from ninja school and became a mid-rank shinobi, they saw each other less often due to her missions. "Oh," she exclaimed upon seeing Bai Yun Qing Ye focusing on chakra manipulation. "Have you already started practicing the changes in chakra's nature?" "Well, I still don't quite understand the 'sense of cutting,'" Bai Yun Qing Ye replied. Mao Yue Xi Yan thought for a moment and then asked, "Did the teacher teach you this way?" Bai Yun Ye nodded, and Bai Yun Ye Shan came out of the house. Seeing Mao Yue Xi Yan's somewhat resentful expression, he asked, "Did I teach you incorrectly? I remember you learned it the same way, didn't you?" Mao Yue Xi Yan looked even more disappointed and explained, "That's why I practiced for so long." She pulled out a strand of her hair and showed it to Bai Yun Qing Ye, asking him to place his hand on it. He felt the soft, delicate skin of her wrist, reminding him of how Tian Tian's hands remained tender despite daily practice with throwing techniques. Perhaps this was what chakra was all about.Over the morning, Bai Yun Qing Ye kept trying, occasionally injecting more chakra and resting when necessary. After lunch, he continued. As the afternoon progressed, Bai Yun Ye Shan watched his nephew with approval. Suddenly, there was another knock on the door. It was Mao Yue Xi Yan again. "Xiao Qing Ye, it's been a while! I didn't expect you to stay at home today; you usually go out with your friends," she said. Bai Yun Ye continued with his practice. Mao Yue Xi Yan noticed his focus and asked if he had started practicing the changes in chakra's nature. He nodded, though he still didn't fully understand the concept. Mao Yue Xi Yan explained by touching her own hair and showed him how to feel the chakra. After some time, Bai Yun Qing Ye seemed to grasp the idea. "Your chakra strength isn't enough yet; it's better to practice with your hair," she suggested. Bai Yun Qing Ye understood and agreed.