After sending Wang Gensheng home, Qin Yi walked back alone, opening his game panel in his mind as he strolled.
He discovered that today's archery practice not only increased his archery proficiency but also boosted his basic sword skill. One practice session, two skill improvements.
"Impressive," he murmured, admiring Master Qin even more. He resolved to pay extra attention to the third rule of their agreement and to always train multiple skills simultaneously whenever possible.
Why was he so keen on increasing skill proficiency? Because of the rewards from leveling up. He now understood that the warm, beneficial energy felt after skill upgrades was essentially the essence of nourishing energy—the same as in the "Yang Yuan Soup" he'd experienced.
He knew from Master Qin that this energy benefited all living beings and could never harm them. Even if absorbed in excess, it would integrate with innate energy, stored until the body needed it for growth or healing. For martial artists, such energy was essential for cultivation.
The rewards grew exponentially: from level 0 to 1, the energy was ten times that of a single soup serving; from level 1 to 2, a hundredfold; each level multiplied the previous reward by ten.
Moreover, once a skill was learned and recorded in the game panel, it could never be forgotten or degrade—a truly satisfying process.
Shortly after, a visitor arrived at Qin An's home.
"Uncle Ding, so late… why are you here?"
Qin An welcomed Qin Ding in. Qin Ding waved away formalities. "I've told you, we're family. No need for all this politeness."
Qin An signaled Qing Niang, who served tea before taking Dàshān to another room.
Once alone, Qin An offered tea to Qin Ding. "Next time, just send word. There's no need for you to come to a junior's house…"
Qin Ding smiled. "I couldn't disturb you while you were busy during the day. After dinner, I visited each home personally."
"Uncle Ding, what's the matter?"
"It's almost been two years… and there's a change. This year, children won't be sent to Linlin Pier. The Hou Mansion will send someone directly to our village."
Qin An realized the change concerned Dàshān's training. The difference this year: the Master himself was in their village, making the instructors humble enough to come directly.
Qin Ding laughed, relieved. "Those arrogant fellows would never come here otherwise. Only because of the Master."
"Has the date changed?" Qin An asked.
"No, still the end of the month. With the Master around, no one dares alter the schedule."
Time was nearer than Qin An had realized—less than twenty days. Seeing Qin An's worry, Qin Ding advised, "Spend time with Dàshān. You might not see him for at least six years, maybe forever."
"Thank you, Uncle Ding," Qin An replied.
After Qin Ding left, Qing Niang asked about the visit. Qin An explained: the location of pickup had changed; Dàshān would now be collected directly from the village.
"Could Dàshān refuse?" Qing Niang asked cautiously.
Qin An froze, then stared at her. "Don't even think such thoughts. If the village elders hear this, you'll be in trouble."
Qing Niang shivered, then admitted softly, "I was only speaking privately…"
"Even privately, you shouldn't say it."
Frustrated, Qing Niang blurted out: "I still don't understand—what's so great about becoming a martial artist? From what I've heard, those who go to the training camp and don't become martial artists return after six years. But those who do? They're sent to the battlefield as soldiers."
"And how many from our village return alive?" Qin An's voice was stern, his eyes blazing.
"Those who do survive… how many come back unscathed?"
"Exactly. Why aim for such a path if it leads to death or injury?"
"Martial arts is for those who want it. We don't have to pursue it…"
"Finished?" Qin An's gaze bore into her. "Foolish!"
(End of Chapter)