Dawn painted the compound walls gold as Tae-Won finished his morning practice of the Flowing River Path. His muscles burned from maintaining the basic stances, but each day brought small improvements. The simple movements were becoming more natural, his qi flowing steady and clean through each form.

[System Notice: Flowing River Path practice session completed]

[System Notice: Movement efficiency increased by 2%]

[System Notice: Basic qi circulation stability improved]

He wiped the sweat from his brow, considering his progress. The technique was still purely fundamental - nothing like the powerful arts his clan was known for. But there was something satisfying about feeling his qi flow smoothly through the simple movements, like a stream gradually wearing down rocks in its path.

A knock at his door interrupted his thoughts.

"Young Master Jin," a servant's voice called. "Elder Hong requests your presence at the outer courtyard."

Tae-Won's heart skipped. Elder Hong was the clan's combat instructor, known for his harsh methods and even harsher judgments.

"I'll be there shortly," he replied, keeping his voice steady.

As he made his way to the outer courtyard, he spotted two younger disciples practicing nearby. They paused their training to watch him pass, whispering to each other. The outer courtyard was filled with new disciples running through basic training exercises - the same ones Tae-Won had once failed at repeatedly.

Elder Hong stood in the courtyard's center, his weathered face unreadable. "Ah, the returned young master," Elder Hong said, his voice dry as autumn leaves. "I heard interesting tales about your progress."

Tae-Won bowed respectfully. "Elder Hong."

"Show me the basic Mountain Stands Sky stance," the elder commanded without preamble.

The stance was one of the clan's fundamental poses. Tae-Won assumed the position, applying the Flowing River Path's principles. His qi circulated naturally through the stance, making the simple position more stable and efficient than most would expect.

Elder Hong circled him slowly. "Your qi flow is... different," he noted. "Not incorrect, but not our traditional method either."

"I created a technique called the Flowing River Path, Elder," Tae-Won explained, maintaining the stance. "It combines the basic Cloud Steps footwork with Iron Body stability and Gentle Breeze breathing methods. Nothing advanced - just fundamental techniques from the outer library woven together."

Elder Hong's eyebrows rose slightly. "Show me."

Tae-Won moved through the first form. His qi flowed like water finding its natural course, each basic movement flowing into the next. The Cloud Steps' light footwork kept him balanced, while the Iron Body method provided stability. His breathing, following the Gentle Breeze pattern, kept his qi circulation steady and efficient.

"See how the qi flows in a continuous circuit?" Tae-Won demonstrated, performing another basic movement. "Like a stream, it follows the path of least resistance while gradually wearing away obstacles. No profound transformations or complex patterns - just the basics refined through constant practice."

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The elder watched intently as Tae-Won showed how each fundamental technique complemented the others. The movements were simple enough that even new disciples could recognize them, but there was an unusual fluidity to their execution.

"Interesting," Elder Hong said finally. "You've taken servant-level techniques and found new depths in them. Why this approach?"

"I realized I needed to build from the ground up, Elder," Tae-Won replied honestly. "These basic techniques are simple, but they work. The Flowing River Path just helps them work together more efficiently."

"Maintain the stance again," the elder ordered, then turned to the practicing disciples. "Watch his qi circulation. Notice how it reinforces the basic position."

Minutes passed. Sweat began to bead on Tae-Won's forehead. The stance wasn't particularly difficult with his improved circulation, but maintaining perfect form required constant attention.

[System Notice: Basic stance mastery increasing]

[System Notice: New insight - Foundation stability techniques unlocked]

[System Notice: Fundamental movement principles deepening]

"Enough," Elder Hong said finally. "Your approach... it's purely foundational, isn't it?"

"Yes, Elder. Every aspect of the Flowing River Path returns to the basics."

"Very well. You may join the morning basic training sessions. Your foundation-focused method might prove instructive to the others."

"Thank you, Elder." Tae-Won bowed, genuinely pleased. This was perfect - a chance to refine his technique further while helping others understand the value of fundamentals.

[System Notice: New Training Option Unlocked - Morning Basic Sessions]

[System Notice: Technique refinement opportunity discovered]

[System Notice: Teaching basic principles will reinforce understanding]

As he took his place among the basic training group, Tae-Won felt a quiet satisfaction. His path wasn't about flashy techniques or profound mysteries - it was about mastering the fundamentals that everyone else rushed to move beyond.

The morning passed in a cycle of basic exercises. Each simple movement was a chance to refine his technique further, to find new depths in what others considered elementary. He felt his qi responding to each motion, the Flowing River Path growing stronger through endless repetition of the basics.

[System Notice: Training Session Completed]

[System Notice: Flowing River Path foundations strengthening]

[System Notice: New milestone - Basic movement mastery approaching]

That night, back in his quarters, Tae-Won reviewed what he'd learned. The clan's basic movements, when refined through continuous practice, revealed surprising depth. He began documenting his observations, noting how fundamental principles could be pushed far beyond their usual limits.

He pulled out a worn brush and blank scroll, beginning to document his discoveries. The Flowing River Path wasn't about finding shortcuts to power - it was about seeing how far the basics could truly go.

[System Notice: Technical manuscript creation begun]

[System Notice: Basic principle insights recorded]

[System Notice: New Quest Available - Perfect the Fundamentals]

Tomorrow would bring another day of basic training. His path was clear - not to rush toward advanced techniques, but to perfect the foundation that everyone else saw as merely a stepping stone. After all, a river's power comes not from its surface, but from its depth.