Xiang Yu charged at Li Yao with determination burning in his eyes, his weighted clothes making each step a labor of pure will. Despite his calculated approach, she effortlessly sidestepped his attack, her movements fluid like water around stone. With a casual flick of her wrist, she sent him sprawling onto the packed earth of their training ground.
Lying there, Xiang Yu felt exhaustion seeping into every fiber of his being. His muscles screamed in protest, begging for respite from this relentless punishment. Was he pushing himself too far? The weighted clothing, combined with simultaneous technique practice, extracted a brutal toll on his mortal frame.
But then, the thought of experience points flooded his mind—the precious resource his system would double tonight. Each painful collision, every humiliating defeat... all of it would transform into pure cultivation progress. The realization acted like a restorative elixir, washing away his fatigue in an instant.
Li Yao watched with puzzled fascination as her senior brother sprang back to his feet, renewed vigor evident in his stance. What strange force drove him? Most would have remained down after such punishment, yet something sparked in his eyes that burned away weakness. Whatever internal fire fueled him seemed to grow stronger with each defeat—a paradoxical phenomenon she couldn't quite comprehend.
She launched forward without warning, her sword cutting through air with lethal precision. Xiang Yu, operating on instinct rather than conscious thought, bent his upper body forward in a deep bow. The blade whistled overhead, disturbing his hair as it passed within millimeters of his scalp.
Time seemed to slow as Xiang Yu recognized the precious opening before him. Li Yao's follow-through had momentarily compromised her defensive posture. Without hesitation, he drove his knife upward from his bowed position, blade angling toward her exposed midsection.
Satisfaction bloomed in his chest as Li Yao's eyes widened slightly—he'd caught her off guard. A rare moment of genuine surprise crossed her delicate features. 'I've got her this time,' he thought, victory tantalizingly close.
The triumphant smile had barely formed on his lips when blinding pain erupted across his temple. Li Yao's serene face greeted him as his vision refocused, her gentle smile belying the devastating counterattack she'd just executed. With masterful control, she'd redirected her momentum, using her sword's hilt to strike his head with pinpoint accuracy.
"That was a nice one," she complimented, extending her hand to help him stand.
Xiang Yu accepted her assistance, breathing heavily as he rose. "Yeah, nice one," he acknowledged internally, "but I wasn't even able to touch you."
The outcome was understandable though, he reasoned. Though Li Yao refrained from using spiritual energy, her body refining cultivation likely exceeded his by at least ten layers. Every practitioner knew that beyond the tenth layer of body refining, each subsequent level brought exponential improvements in physical capabilities—strength, speed, durability, and reflexes all increased dramatically. The gap between them wasn't merely skill, but fundamental physical development.
Their sparring continued uninterrupted, a dance of attack and defense beneath the watchful mountain sky, until the familiar system notification materialized before Xiang Yu's eyes:
[Calculating Settlement]
"Let's call it a day," Xiang Yu suggested, noting the system's timing. Li Yao nodded in agreement, and they exchanged cordial goodnights before retiring to their respective quarters.
Alone in his room, Xiang Yu studied the expanded notification hovering before him:
[Calculation Complete]
[Enlightenment: Low (3/1000) (+1/1000)]
[Battle Instinct: (1/100,000)]
[Mountain Heart Scripture: 3rd Layer (20/300) (+20/300)]
[Low-grade Iron Body Technique: Beginner (50/100) (+50/100)]
[Basic Knife Technique: Major Success (120/400) (+50/400)]
[Basic Sword Technique: Minor Success (140/200)]
[Cook: 9th Grade (8/100) (+4/100)]
[Experience Points Doubled]
[Cook: 9th Grade (8/100) → 9th Grade (16/100)]
[Basic Sword Technique: Minor Success (140/200) → Intermediate (0/300)]
[Basic Knife Technique: Major Success (120/400) → Major Success (240/400)]
[Low-grade Iron Body Technique: Beginner (50/100) → Minor Success (0/200)
[Mountain Heart Scripture: 3rd Layer (20/300) → 3rd Layer (40/300)]
[Battle Instinct: (1/100,000) → (2/100,000)]
[Enlightenment: Low (3/1000) → Low (6/1000)]
[Next Settlement: 23:59:59]
...
A wave of euphoria washed over Xiang Yu as his enlightenment doubled, the sensation even more intense than the previous night. The rush of expanded comprehension flooded his consciousness, bringing with it subtle insights that sharpened his understanding of cultivation principles. Each doubling seemed to intensify the pleasurable sensation, as if his mind was being remolded into something greater than its original design.
"I could definitely get addicted to this," he thought, savoring the lingering mental clarity. His attention focused on the enlightenment stat, noting with satisfaction that it had increased by one point before the doubling effect. What had triggered this natural growth? He hadn't specifically trained comprehension today, not that he knew how to. After a moment's reflection, realization dawned—he had attempted to study the mid-grade Phantom Footwork technique Li Yao had given him.
Though the technique hadn't appeared in his status screen, suggesting he couldn't yet effectively practice it, the mere act of studying advanced material seemed to stretch his comprehension capabilities. This discovery opened intriguing possibilities—perhaps he could accelerate his enlightenment growth by regularly exposing himself to techniques beyond his current level, even if actual mastery remained temporarily beyond reach.
Shifting his analysis to the Mountain Heart Scripture, he noted the impressive twenty-point increase. Accounting for the three points already present before today's training, he'd gained seventeen new points. Five had transferred from his knife technique through the established conversion mechanism, but the remaining twelve—those had come purely from training with weighted clothing. The evidence confirmed his theory that weight training directly contributed to body refining progress.
His knife technique had improved dramatically—fifty entire points in a single day. The weighted clothing had transformed standard practice into accelerated advancement. Even more remarkable was his newly acquired Iron Body Technique, which had also gained fifty points before doubling to achieve Minor Success in just one day's practice. Such rapid mastery of a low-grade technique suggested his comprehension ability was functioning at peak efficiency.
With his knife technique already at 240 points out of 400, it would certainly breakthrough after tomorrow's reset. This realization shaped his training strategy for the coming day—he would focus exclusively on swordsmanship since it had just reset to intermediate stage. Of course, this singular focus wouldn't prevent him from simultaneously practicing Iron Body, attempting the mid-grade movement technique, and continuing his Mountain Heart Scripture cultivation. The beauty of his training regimen lay in its layered efficiency—multiple techniques advancing through complementary movements.
Examining his cooking skill, Xiang Yu noted it had advanced to 16 points. Though he couldn't immediately identify tangible improvements, certain culinary knowledge had materialized in his mind—flavor combinations, temperature control techniques, presentation principles. The true extent of his progress would only reveal itself when he prepared tomorrow's meals.
Just as he prepared to dismiss the status screen, an unfamiliar stat caught his attention. [Battle Instinct] had appeared—an entirely new attribute he hadn't possessed before. Unlike his other stats, this one displayed no distinct levels, merely a single progression bar with the staggering cap of 100,000 points. Did this represent pure combat intuition? The ability to instinctively choose optimal actions during confrontation without conscious calculation?
A grin spread across his face as he contemplated the implications. Without level thresholds to reset progress, this stat would compound continuously through his system's doubling function. Though the current value seemed minuscule compared to its potential maximum, exponential growth guaranteed rapid advancement once momentum built. Even now, having doubled from one to two, he couldn't perceive any tangible difference in his capabilities.
"I'll test it properly tomorrow," he thought as exhaustion finally claimed him, his body sinking into the simple bed. Despite the day's grueling exertion, satisfaction permeated his consciousness as he drifted toward sleep.
[Name: Xiang Yu]
[Realm: Body Refining 3rd Layer]
[Species: Human]
[Spiritual Root: null]
[Enlightenment: Low (6/1000)]
[Battle Instinct: (2/100,000)]
[Professions: Cook: 9th Grade (16/100)]
[Techniques: Low-grade Iron Body Technique: Minor Success (0/200); Basic Knife Technique: Major Success (240/400); Basic Sword Technique: Intermediate (0/300)]
[Scriptures: Mountain Heart Scripture: 3rd Layer (52/300)]
[System Function: Double Exp (Cooldown: 24hrs)]
The mountain dawn painted the training ground in hues of gold and amber as Xiang Yu and Li Yao faced each other, their silhouettes sharp against the rising sun. As always, both disciples had risen with the first light, drawn to their daily ritual of combat with unwavering dedication.
Xiang Yu adjusted his grip on the sword, its weight now familiar in his hands. As he moved through his forms, he noticed something different—a subtle shift in his awareness. His movements flowed with newfound fluidity, each stance transitioning into the next with improved precision. More remarkably, he found himself anticipating Li Yao's attacks moments before they came, his body reacting to signals his conscious mind barely registered.
Li Yao lunged forward, her blade tracing a deadly arc through the morning air. Xiang Yu pivoted, his body responding to some primal instinct rather than calculated thought. He avoided the main force of her strike—a feat that would have been impossible just days ago.
Though he still couldn't match her overwhelming skill and physical superiority, Li Yao couldn't help but notice the changes in her senior brother's combat awareness. His movements contained fewer openings, his reactions came faster, and occasionally, his eyes would track her intended strikes before she executed them. His improvement wasn't in raw power or speed, but in the fundamental understanding of combat itself.
"He's reading my movements," she realized with a flash of pride, even as she exploited a minor opening to sweep his legs from beneath him.
Xiang Yu landed hard on his back but rose immediately, a satisfied smile playing across his lips. The Battle Instinct stat was proving its worth already. Though still in its infancy at merely two points, it granted him insights that technique mastery alone couldn't provide. He understood now why Li Yao could overwhelm his Major Success knife technique with her beginner-level sword skills.
Still, the potential thrilled him. With sufficient growth in this attribute, he might eventually compensate for differences in technique level or even cultivation base. The thought energized him as he resumed his stance, ready for another exchange.
Their training continued uninterrupted, the rhythmic clash of weapons punctuating the morning quiet as the sun climbed higher. Only when it reached its zenith did they finally pause, both acknowledging the arrival of lunchtime with unspoken agreement.
In the pavilion kitchen, Xiang Yu moved with practiced efficiency, his hands dancing between ingredients with remarkable precision. Each slice, each seasoning, each adjustment of heat reflected his growing mastery of culinary arts. Li Yao watched in undisguised amazement—her senior brother worked with the confidence and skill of a professional chef, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
The enticing aromas had barely begun to permeate the pavilion when Elder Guo appeared, accompanied once again by Huang Fengqi.
"This time I must eat a lot," Fengqi declared without preamble. "I missed last night's portion."
Elder Guo snorted dismissively. "So what if you missed? Since when were you entitled to our food?"
"Hmph, since when was it your food?" she countered before turning toward Xiang Yu with a winning smile. "Martial nephew, you don't mind, right?"
Xiang Yu responded with warm hospitality. "Of course not. I even prepared an extra portion for you."
"I knew my martial nephew would agree," Fengqi beamed triumphantly. "You're so nice. Don't become grumpy like your master in the future."
"Who are you calling grumpy—" Elder Guo began, his bushy eyebrows drawing together in annoyance. But as the fragrant steam wafted toward him, his protest dissolved into appreciative silence. All four settled around the table, anticipation building as they awaited Xiang Yu's culinary creation.
When he finally served the meal, conversation ceased entirely. Each bite commanded complete attention, the flavors more nuanced and harmonious than ever before. Fengqi savored each mouthful with growing amazement—his cooking had been exceptional previously, but today's meal transcended even those standards. Had his skills truly advanced so dramatically overnight?
The meal concluded in reverent silence, empty plates testament to its quality. Though everyone secretly wished for seconds, every morsel had been consumed. They exchanged slightly embarrassed glances, none willing to voice their desire for more, silently consoling themselves with thoughts of the evening meal to come.
... 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎
As Xiang Yu and Li Yao returned to their training ground, a satisfied warmth lingered in Xiang Yu's chest. The subtle differences in his cooking hadn't gone unnoticed—even he could perceive the enhanced harmony of flavors, the improved texture, the more precise balance of seasonings. His cooking skill was advancing steadily, perhaps one day reaching heights where he might prepare spiritual foods that nourished cultivation directly. Of course, that possibility remained distant without spiritual roots, but the path was becoming clearer.
They resumed their positions across from each other, swords raised in practiced stances. Li Yao moved first, her blade cutting through air with lethal grace. Xiang Yu responded, his movements increasingly refined as the sword became an extension of his will rather than a mere tool in his hands. Each exchange built upon the foundations of the last, his technique growing more polished with every strike and parry.
A surge of confidence warmed his chest as his instincts guided a particularly smooth counter-maneuver. At this pace, true invincibility felt like an achievable goal rather than a distant fantasy. The thought had barely formed when Li Yao's blade found an opening, sending him sprawling onto the packed earth once again.
"First, I need to get up," he thought wryly, pushing himself from the ground with renewed determination. He reclaimed his stance, sword raised and ready to continue despite the growing collection of bruises beneath his training clothes.
They practiced relentlessly throughout the afternoon, the sun tracing its arc across the azure sky as their blades clashed in rhythmic harmony. Only when twilight painted the mountain in deepening purple did they pause, acknowledging dinner time with unspoken agreement.
The evening meal passed swiftly, both disciples focused more on replenishing energy than savoring flavors. Without lingering, they returned immediately to their training ground, utilizing every precious moment of remaining daylight before continuing under the silver glow of moonlight.
As midnight approached, they finally sheathed their weapons, exchanging respectful goodnights before retiring to their separate quarters.
In her private chamber, Li Yao settled into the lotus position, her back perfectly straight as spiritual energy began circulating through her meridians. Since breaking through to Core Formation, she no longer required sleep—a luxury that transformed her cultivation regimen entirely. While daylight hours were dedicated to body refinement and sparring with her senior brother, these quiet night hours allowed uninterrupted advancement of her realm and mastery of spell techniques.
Her lips curved into a satisfied smile as energy pulsed through her core. Even this limited cultivation time was more than sufficient given her extraordinary talent. Within a month—perhaps sooner—she would achieve her goal and finally retrieve the Rebirth Pill for her senior brother. The thought fueled her determination as she guided spiritual energy through increasingly complex paths within her body.
Meanwhile, in his humble dwelling, Xiang Yu lay on his simple bed, focused entirely on the system notification hovering before his eyes:
[Calculating Settlement]
[Calculation Complete]
[Enlightenment: Low (6/1000)]
[Battle Instinct: (2/100,000)]
[Mountain Heart Scripture: 3rd Layer (72/300) (+32/300)]
[Low-grade Iron Body Technique: Minor Success (50/200) (+50/200)]
[Basic Knife Technique: Major Success (240/400)]
[Basic Sword Technique: Intermediate (100/300) (+100/300)]
[Cook: 9th Grade (20/100) (+4/100)]
[Experience Points Doubled]
[Cook: 9th Grade (20/100) → 9th Grade (40/100)]
[Basic Sword Technique: Intermediate (100/300) → Intermediate (200/300)]
[Basic Knife Technique: Major Success (240/400) → Completion (0/500)]
[Low-grade Iron Body Technique: Minor Success (50/200) → Minor Success (100/200)]
[Mountain Heart Scripture: 3rd Layer (72/300) → 3rd Layer (144/300)]
[Battle Instinct: (2/100,000) → (4/100,000)]
[Enlightenment: Low (6/1000) → Low (12/1000)]
[Next Settlement: 23:59:59]
...