When Qin Xu saw that Datou had only swung seventy-three times before reaching his physical limit, and waited for quite some time without any unusual phenomenon appearing, a trace of disappointment flashed in his eyes.
Sure enough, nothing in this world was perfect.
Although Datou possessed comprehension that could overshadow the entire age, his bone foundation was extremely ordinary.
He only had mortal bones.
"Alright, you can rest now."
The moment Qin Yi heard that he could rest, the breath he had been holding finally escaped. He could no longer endure it. The wooden sword slipped from his hand, and his body went limp as he collapsed toward the ground.
Old Huang flashed forward instantly and appeared beside Qin Yi.
With a swift motion of his right hand, he lifted Qin Yi up. Then with his left hand he casually tapped Qin Yi's arms, legs, and abdomen twice.
Immediately, the soreness and pain Qin Yi had felt vanished.
Aside from some weakness in his body, there was no discomfort left.
Was this also a martial artist's technique?
It was truly amazing.
Qin Yi looked at Old Huang with gratitude and admiration.
"Thank you, Grandpa Huang."
Old Huang placed Qin Yi beside the tea table, brewed a cup of Nourishing Essence Soup, and placed it in front of him.
Qin Yi leaned against the table weakly, supporting himself with both hands as he tilted the cup and drank slowly.
"Ahh… it's so delicious."
After intense exercise, the soup tasted even better.
When Qin Yi finally drained the last drop from the cup, Qin Xu said to Old Huang,
"Put Datou on the couch."
Old Huang was slightly startled, realizing something, but he did not hesitate.
In a flash, he placed Datou steadily onto the soft couch.
While Qin Yi looked confused, Qin Xu spoke.
"Datou, now I will teach you the Rejuvenation Secret Method. Listen carefully."
The moment Qin Yi heard the word rejuvenation, he immediately realized this was something meant to help him quickly recover his strength and energy.
A secret method?
A technique hidden from ordinary people?
His eyes instantly lit up with excitement.
Qin Xu began guiding him step by step.
"Follow the curve of the couch and lie on your side naturally. Clench your fists lightly—don't apply force. Bend your legs naturally, raise your knees, pull your elbows down…"
"Let your head drop naturally and allow your spine to curve until there is about a fist's distance between your elbows and knees."
As Qin Xu spoke, Datou followed his instructions perfectly.
Seeing this, Qin Xu couldn't help but sigh inwardly at Datou's astonishing comprehension once again.
"Close your eyes. Imagine you have not yet been born, still inside your mother's body…"
"Relax your body as if floating in water. Let your mind gradually calm, your awareness becoming hazy—without thought, without self…"
"Then follow me. Take a deep breath and produce sound from your abdomen…"
"With the strength of your entire lungs, let the sound be long and steady. Speak through both mouth and nose, like the deep call of an ox…"
"—hong-eng."
After Qin Xu produced the sound, Qin Yi immediately followed.
"hong-eng—"
Old Huang had already guessed what Qin Xu intended to do. When Qin Xu truly began teaching, his suspicion was confirmed.
The Young Master was indeed teaching Datou the Rejuvenation Secret Method already.
Old Huang quickly reached into his robe and pulled out a round metal disk with a gray base engraved with intricate blue patterns.
With a flick of his hand, the disk gently fell to the center of the courtyard like a feather.
Old Huang stepped forward, his palm glowing faintly blue, and pressed it onto the disk.
The blue patterns lit up instantly.
Soon, an invisible barrier about ten zhang wide enveloped the entire courtyard.
Once the barrier rose, Qin Xu's explanation of the secret method continued—but the sound was completely contained within the barrier.
Not a single word could be heard outside.
Qin Xu noticed Old Huang's actions but didn't pay attention. His focus never left Datou as he carefully observed his condition.
"Good. Take a deep breath again…"
"Follow the rhythm and repeat."
Gradually, Qin Xu reduced his guidance.
Soon, Datou could perform the technique on his own.
"Alright. Continue practicing until your vitality is fully restored."
One cycle took about ten breaths.
Qin Xu estimated Datou would need half an hour to recover.
Unexpectedly, after only fifteen minutes, Datou's body had already fully recovered.
Qin Xu was surprised.
His recovery speed was twice as fast as an ordinary mortal-bone martial artist.
It seemed Datou's mortal bones weren't entirely ordinary.
At the very least, they possessed enhanced recovery ability.
An unexpected blessing.
Fast recovery meant longer training time.
Diligence could make up for shortcomings.
This trait suited someone like Datou perfectly—someone with extraordinary comprehension but weak bone talent.
Qin Yi slowly opened his eyes.
He felt as if he had eaten a grand feast, enjoyed a luxurious spa, and had a deep refreshing sleep.
His entire body felt rebooted.
Energy and strength surged through him.
"Alright, stop slacking. Since you've recovered, continue practicing."
Qin Yi immediately jumped off the couch and bowed happily.
"Yes, Young Master!"
Why was Qin Yi smiling so happily?
Because through the Rejuvenation Secret Method, he realized something.
He had passed the test.
He no longer had to worry about being abandoned by the Young Master.
He could continue learning martial arts.
Filled with determination, Qin Yi returned to his training spot, picked up the wooden sword, and resumed.
"Seventy-four!"
Hmm?
Something about the movement still felt slightly off.
Qin Yi immediately reported this discovery to Qin Xu.
Qin Xu was slightly surprised.
Datou's body awareness was astonishing.
Such perception belonged to the domain of comprehension talent.
"From now on, if you feel something is off, adjust it yourself. You don't need to ask me."
"Yes, Young Master."
After another swing, Qin Yi made a small adjustment and continued counting.
"Seventy-four!"
"Seventy-five!"
…
"One hundred fifty-one!"
His body began to tire again.
But from experience, he knew his limit had not yet been reached.
…
"One hundred sixty-nine!"
Now he had reached his limit.
"Alright, rest for a moment."
Just like before, Qin Yi collapsed and was caught by Old Huang.
Another bowl of Nourishing Essence Soup.
Another session of the Rejuvenation Secret Method.
After recovering, he returned to practice again.
And continued counting.
(End of Chapter)