Edward Reinhart wasn't one to complain about training.

  In fact, he loved training.

  He enjoyed working and growing stronger and took it very seriously.

  But what the hell was this kind of "training"?

  Lin Tian stood perfectly still in the center of the Eastern Pavilion's inner courtyard, balancing a clay pot on his head while simultaneously maintaining a small leaf suspended in front of him using nothing but his meager Qi. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he concentrated on the dual tasks, careful not to disturb either the precariously balanced pot or the gently floating leaf.

  Edwards had done physical training, mental training, hell even spiritual training in his previous life—but never something as obscure as this.

  "Focus, Disciple Lin!" Master Zhou's voice cut through his concentration. "The leaf wobbles because your mind wobbles. Stillness without is born from stillness within."

  While Lin Tian privately found the exercise's absurdity worth complaining about, he understood its purpose. This was about practicing control over his Qi and developing his pitiful Qi core—essentially "training" his precision while expanding his pool of spiritual energy.

  The other Observational Disciples weren't faring nearly as well. Poor Liu Hui had dropped his pot at least nine times before Master Zhou finally lost patience.

  "Enough!" the elder barked at the round-faced boy. "Your foundation is too unstable for precision work. Go join Instructor Wei for physical conditioning until the midday bell."

  Liu Hui's face paled visibly as he bowed and scurried toward the adjacent training yard where Instructor Wei—a burly man with arms like tree trunks—waited with a sadistic smile. Lin Tian watched from the corner of his eye as Liu was instructed to shoulder an enormous rock while performing pushups. He could practically hear the boy's bones creaking under the weight.

  "Eyes forward, Disciple Lin," Master Zhou reminded him sharply. "Your awareness can expand without your attention wandering."

  Lin Tian immediately refocused on his own task, drawing on centuries of mental discipline from his previous life. As Emperor Reinhart, he had mastered the ability to remain perfectly composed during twelve-hour diplomatic negotiations while simultaneously planning military campaigns. Surely he could balance a pot and suspend a leaf.

  What truly gave him an advantage, however, was something far more fundamental. In Latvaria, the empire he had ruled in his past life, mana manipulation had been the cornerstone of both his personal power and his nation's military might. While Qi and mana were fundamentally different energies, their control mechanisms followed surprisingly similar principles. The precision techniques he had mastered as a beginner mage—long before becoming Emperor Reinhart—translated remarkably well to this world's Qi manipulation.

  The morning sun climbed higher as the six Observational Disciples continued their peculiar training. Only two others besides Lin Tian still maintained their pots—a quiet girl named Mei Ling whose face betrayed no strain despite the obvious difficulty, and a tall, gangly boy called Zhang Sun whose awkward frame seemed at odds with his exceptional control.

  "Interesting," Master Zhou murmured as he circled Lin Tian. "Your Qi is exceptionally weak, yet your control is remarkably precise. Almost as if..."

  The elder's voice trailed off as he stroked his beard thoughtfully. Lin Tian maintained his focus, careful not to react to the master's observations. In this world of cultivators, any unusual ability would attract attention—both beneficial and dangerous.

  "Increase the distance between yourself and the leaf by one pace," Master Zhou instructed.

  Lin Tian took a careful step backward, maintaining the leaf's position in the air. The strain on his Qi immediately doubled, causing the pot on his head to tremble slightly.

  "Interesting indeed," Master Zhou said, more to himself than to Lin Tian. "Your Qi projection extends farther than your core size would suggest possible."

  The other disciples began to steal glances at Lin Tian despite their own struggles with the exercise. He had again become the center of attention—something the original Lin Tian would have found horrifying but which Emperor Reinhart had always used to his advantage.

  After what seemed like an eternity, a bell rang in the distance, signaling the mid-morning break. Master Zhou clapped his hands once.

  "Set down your implements and rest for fifteen minutes. Drink water, but do not consume food. We resume with the second form at the next bell."

  As the disciples carefully set down their pots and released their Qi hold on the leaves, Lin Tian felt the accumulated strain wash over him. His pathetically small Qi core was nearly depleted again, and his muscles trembled from maintaining perfect posture for so long.

  "How are you still standing?" Zhang Sun asked as he collapsed onto a nearby bench, his long limbs sprawling awkwardly. "Your Qi signature is barely visible, yet you maintained perfect control throughout."

  Lin Tian moved to the water barrel and filled a ladle before responding. "Efficiency," he said simply. "Why use ten units of Qi when one will suffice?"

  "Because most people can't control a single unit with any precision," came another voice. Mei Ling had approached silently, her expression curious rather than competitive. "Your technique is unusual, Lin Tian. Where did you learn it?"

  Lin Tian considered his response carefully. The truth—that he had governed an empire and commanded armies in another life, mastering mana manipulation techniques that translated surprisingly well to Qi control—was obviously out of the question.

  "I developed it out of necessity," he answered truthfully, if incompletely. "When resources are limited, one must maximize their utility."

  Mei Ling's eyes narrowed slightly, but she nodded in acceptance. "Logical. Most disciples attempt to expand their Qi reserves without first mastering control. It's like having a barrel with holes—no matter how much water you pour in, most of it leaks away."

  Lin Tian's assessment of the girl rose. She had insight beyond her apparent age. "And your approach?" he inquired.

  "Balance," she replied with a slight smile. "Control and capacity must grow together, like yin and yang."

  Their conversation was interrupted by Liu Hui's return from physical conditioning. The boy looked utterly exhausted, his face flushed and his training robes soaked with sweat.

  "Water," he gasped, staggering toward the barrel. "I think Instructor Wei is trying to kill me."

  "Merely testing your limits," Master Zhou said, appearing beside them suddenly. "Those who cannot manage precision must at least develop endurance."

  Liu Hui flinched at the master's voice but bowed respectfully despite his exhaustion. "Yes, Master Zhou. I will work harder."

  The elder regarded the boy with measuring eyes. "See that you do. The Observational Disciple program is an experiment—one that will not be repeated if the participants prove unworthy."

  As Master Zhou moved away to check on the other disciples, Liu Hui collapsed next to Lin Tian, gulping water desperately.

  "I don't understand how you do it," the boy whispered. "Everyone knows your Qi core is..." He trailed off, realizing too late the potential insult in his words.

  "Underdeveloped," Lin Tian finished for him, unbothered. "Yes, it is. But cultivation isn't merely about natural talent or core size."

  Liu Hui looked skeptical but nodded respectfully. "If you say so, Senior Lin. But I've never seen anyone advance without either exceptional talent or extraordinary resources. Most of us in the lower ranks have neither."

  Lin Tian regarded the boy thoughtfully. The fatalism in his voice was typical of those who had been beaten down by hierarchical systems—something Emperor Reinhart had encountered in countless conquered territories.

  "Have you considered that there might be paths not yet explored?" Lin Tian asked quietly. "Methods not commonly taught?"

  Liu Hui's eyes widened slightly. "You mean... unorthodox techniques? But the sect prohibits—"

  "I mean approaching traditional methods from different angles," Lin Tian clarified. "Observation before action. Understanding before application."

  Before Liu Hui could respond, the bell rang again, signaling the end of their break. Master Zhou clapped his hands sharply.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  "Gather, disciples! The second form requires two persons. Find a partner of similar height."

  The six disciples quickly paired up. Lin Tian found himself standing opposite Mei Ling, who nodded to him with quiet confidence. Liu Hui was paired with a stocky boy named Wang Tao, while Zhang Sun stood beside a girl nearly as tall as himself.

  "The Balance of Twin Dragons requires synchronized movement and counterbalanced Qi flow," Master Zhou explained, demonstrating with flowing hand gestures. "One partner channels according to the Azure Dragon pattern, the other according to the White Tiger. When performed correctly, your energies will form a visible boundary between you—a line of shimmering air where opposing forces meet but do not clash."

  Lin Tian assessed the complexity of the form with interest. This was advanced energy manipulation—typically taught to Inner Sect disciples with substantial Qi reserves. For the Observational Disciples with their limited resources, it represented an immense challenge.

  What the other disciples couldn't know was that Lin Tian had immediately recognized the underlying principle. The Azure Dragon and White Tiger patterns were remarkably similar to the Twin Streams technique from Latvaria—a basic mana control exercise taught to noble children learning combat magic. The meridians—the pathways through which Qi flowed in a cultivator's body—functioned almost identically to mana circuits in his previous world.

  "Begin with the opening stance," Master Zhou instructed. "Mirror your partner precisely."

  Lin Tian and Mei Ling faced each other, mirroring their postures with careful precision. From a slight nod from Mei Ling, Lin Tian understood she had chosen the Azure Dragon pattern, leaving him with the White Tiger.

  "Commence the form. Slowly!"

  As they began the intricate sequence of movements, Lin Tian drew on his limited Qi reserves with extreme precision. The White Tiger pattern emphasized containment and focused power—ideal for his limited resources. Across from him, Mei Ling flowed through the Azure Dragon sequence with graceful efficiency, her movements subtle yet powerful.

  Where the other pairs struggled with coordination and synchronization, Lin Tian and Mei Ling moved as if they had practiced together for years. Their opposing Qi patterns extended toward each other, creating exactly the shimmering boundary Master Zhou had described—a hair-thin line of distorted air between their outstretched hands.

  Master Zhou stopped his pacing to observe them, his expression revealing nothing. But Lin Tian could sense the elder's surprise and interest.

  "Hold the final position," the master instructed everyone, though his eyes remained fixed on Lin Tian and Mei Ling. "Maintain the boundary."

  The strain on Lin Tian's depleted core intensified with each passing second. Across from him, he could see Mei Ling's subtle signs of exertion—a slight tension around her eyes, a barely perceptible tremor in her extended fingers. Yet neither wavered, maintaining the perfect boundary between their opposing energies.

  Around them, the other pairs struggled visibly. Liu Hui and Wang Tao had already broken their formation twice, earning sharp corrections from Master Zhou. Zhang Sun and his partner maintained a rough approximation of the boundary, but it flickered unstably like a candle in the wind.

  After what seemed an eternity, Master Zhou finally clapped. "Release. Slowly."

  Lin Tian and Mei Ling withdrew their energies with careful control, maintaining eye contact throughout the process. As they completed the closing movements of the form, Lin Tian felt his knees threatening to buckle. His Qi core was completely drained, and only centuries of mental discipline kept him standing.

  "Disciple Lin, Disciple Mei," Master Zhou addressed them directly. "Remain here. The rest of you, proceed to the resource hall for basic Qi replenishment techniques with Instructor Li."

  As the other four disciples bowed and departed, Lin Tian and Mei Ling stood at attention before Master Zhou, neither allowing their exhaustion to show.

  The elder circled them slowly, his ancient eyes assessing them with penetrating intensity. "Explain to me how two disciples with below-average Qi reserves performed an Inner Sect technique perfectly on their first attempt."

  Lin Tian remained silent, allowing Mei Ling to speak first if she chose. The girl's composure impressed him—another quality reminiscent of his former imperial court.

  "Observation, Master," Mei Ling finally answered. "I have watched Inner Sect disciples practice this form from a distance. The movements are complex but follow logical patterns based on natural opposition."

  Master Zhou nodded slightly before turning to Lin Tian. "And you, Disciple Lin? How does the sect's acknowledged weakest cultivator manage such precise Qi manipulation?"

  Lin Tian met the elder's gaze steadily. "Economy of movement. Precision of application. The White Tiger pattern emphasizes conservation and focus—ideal for limited reserves."

  "That explains competence, not excellence," Master Zhou pressed. "Your boundary line was perfect—something even talented Inner Sect disciples require weeks to achieve."

  Lin Tian considered his response carefully. Too much revealed could be dangerous, too little might squander an opportunity for advancement.

  "I understood the principle behind the technique," he finally said. "Two opposing forces meeting at perfect equilibrium. In nature, such boundaries exist everywhere—where water meets air, where fire meets earth. I simply visualized that natural boundary and shaped my Qi to emulate it."

  Master Zhou's eyes widened fractionally. "Conceptual understanding driving physical manifestation," he murmured. "Most cultivators require years to grasp such principles."

  The master studied Lin Tian with renewed intensity. "There is something unusual about your technique... a precision I've rarely seen in disciples twice your advancement. Your Qi flows through your meridians with unusual efficiency."

  Lin Tian maintained his composed expression, though inwardly he felt a spike of concern. The last thing he needed was excessive scrutiny of his techniques.

  "Perhaps it is simply that I have had to make the most of very little, Master Zhou," Lin Tian offered carefully. "When one cannot rely on power, one must perfect precision."

  The elder seemed to accept this explanation, nodding slowly. "A valuable lesson many disciples never learn. They chase greater power without mastering what they already possess." He fell silent for several long moments, assessing them both with renewed interest. Finally, he seemed to reach a decision.

  "Both of you will begin specialized training tomorrow at dawn. Before the Eastern Pavilion, be at the Crescent Moon Spring instead." With that pronouncement, he turned and strode away, leaving them standing in the courtyard.

  When the master was out of earshot, Mei Ling turned to Lin Tian with genuine curiosity. "How did you really do that? Your Qi core is barely developed, yet your control exceeds disciples years ahead of you."

  Lin Tian allowed himself a small smile. "As I said—understanding before application. Most cultivators focus on power without comprehending the principles they manipulate."

  "And where did you gain this understanding?" she pressed, her intelligent eyes studying him intently. "No offense intended, but the Lin Tian I've heard about could barely circulate Qi through a single meridian cycle."

  Lin Tian chose his words carefully. "Let's just say I recently gained some... insights into the nature of energy flow. The meridians in our bodies are pathways, not unlike rivers channeling water. If you understand how water naturally flows, you can guide it with minimal force."

  Mei Ling seemed unconvinced but didn't press further. "There's more to you than appears, Lin Tian. The stories about 'Trash Lin' seem increasingly inaccurate."

  "Perceptions change," Lin Tian replied mildly. "Yesterday's failure becomes today's curiosity, and perhaps tomorrow's success."

  "And what of the day after tomorrow?" she asked with unexpected directness.

  Lin Tian's smile deepened slightly. Emperor Reinhart would have appreciated her boldness. "That depends on what opportunities present themselves—and how we choose to seize them."

  As they walked toward the resource hall to rejoin the others, Lin Tian's mind was already calculating his next steps. The parallels between Latvarian mana manipulation and this world's Qi cultivation offered him an unexpected advantage—one he would need to exploit carefully to avoid unwanted scrutiny.

  His meridians—weak and underdeveloped as they were in this frail body—responded to his mental commands with an efficiency the original Lin Tian had never achieved. The techniques he had mastered as a beginner mage in Latvaria, focused on precision and control rather than raw power, were proving invaluable in his current circumstances.

  As they reached the resource hall, Lin Tian resolved to expand his knowledge of this world's cultivation systems while continuing to adapt his previous life's techniques to his current body's limitations. The specialized training Master Zhou had arranged would provide an ideal opportunity to further refine his approach.

  The original Lin Tian might have been dismissed as trash, but Edward Reinhart—a conqueror of nations and slayer of gods—saw this world of cultivation as simply another realm to master. One unusual training session at a time.

  "I know you're there, Tae Won," Master Zhou said without turning, his eyes still fixed on the path where Lin Tian and Mei Ling had disappeared.

  A tall figure stepped out from behind a nearby pillar, clucking his tongue in mock disappointment. "Oh my, oh my! Your senses are quite sharp despite your old age, Master Zhou."

  The elder finally turned, his expression stern yet tinged with familiar exasperation. "We're only a century apart, you old fool."

  Tae Won laughed heartily, his elegant robes fluttering as he approached. "Haha! I know. I merely said that to annoy you, old man."

  "Again with the 'old man' nonsense," Zhou grumbled. "You're acting like you're young either. You're a bastard well over five hundred years old, using body refinement techniques to look young."

  "Alright, alright, relax," Tae Won held up his hands in surrender before his expression turned more serious. "But those two... more specifically that boy Lin. Isn't he unusually gifted at precision work?"

  Master Zhou nodded slowly, stroking his beard. "So you've noticed as well. Yes, it's quite ridiculous how good he is at Qi precision and refinement. His reserves and core are underdeveloped and small, but that's what makes it so perplexing. Someone who hasn't even broken through to Qi Condensation II somehow has the precision of a core disciple. It's mind-boggling."

  Tae Won leaned against a pillar, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Well, the rumors about him being a cultivation disgrace might be just that—rumors."

  "That could be," Zhou agreed, "but given his previous record, he was never this good at precision—not even close. It's as if he's been..."

  "You think he's been 'enlightened'?" Tae Won finished, a rare serious expression crossing his face.

  Master Zhou let out a soft chuckle. "Ha! You beat me to it. But it's far too early to tell. He could have experienced enlightenment, but it's best to observe for now."

  The two elders stood in contemplative silence for a moment, both considering the implications of a disciple experiencing sudden enlightenment at such a young age and low cultivation level.

  "The Crescent Moon Spring, eh?" Tae Won finally remarked with a knowing smile. "Planning to test the depths of his abilities?"

  "Perhaps," Zhou replied enigmatically. "Or perhaps just to see if what we witnessed today was merely a fortunate coincidence."

  Tae Won pushed himself away from the pillar with a graceful motion. "Well, I look forward to hearing how your little experiment turns out. That boy... there's something familiar about his Qi manipulation technique."

  "Familiar how?" Zhou asked sharply.

  "I can't quite place it," Tae Won admitted. "But I've lived long enough to recognize when something unusual presents itself. Keep a close eye on him, old friend."

  With that, Tae Won departed with a casual wave, leaving Master Zhou alone in the courtyard, his thoughts turning to the peculiar talent that had suddenly emerged in the sect's most unlikely disciple.