"So you're telling me that some creepy scholar with perfect hair called you a 'resonant vessel,' showed you a mysterious object that magically connected to your qi, and then left without actually explaining anything useful?" Crooked Yang summarized after Lin Feng had recounted his meeting with Master Zhu. "That's either the beginning of an epic destiny or a very elaborate scam."

They were sitting in a quiet corner of the dining hall, keeping their voices low to avoid being overheard by other initiates. Little Rat perched beside them, methodically picking apart a steamed bun while listening with unusual intensity.

"Those aren't mutually exclusive options," Lin Feng pointed out. "Epic destinies often turn out to be elaborate scams with better marketing."

"But what was the object?" Little Rat asked, her small face scrunched in concentration. "The thing wrapped in silk?"

"He never showed me," Lin Feng admitted. "Just let me sense its qi, which felt strangely... familiar. Like something I should recognize but couldn't quite place."

"Maybe it's a fragment of your long-lost royal heritage," Crooked Yang suggested with a dramatic wave of his chopsticks. "Perhaps you're actually the emperor's missing nephew, hidden among commoners for your own protection."

Lin Feng snorted. "If I have royal blood, it's been significantly watered down by generations of very non-royal ancestry. Besides, I remember my parents quite clearly. Perfectly ordinary cloth merchants until the plague took them."

"Adopted parents," Little Rat whispered theatrically. "Secret heritage. Mysterious powers."

"You two have been listening to too many storytellers in the market," Lin Feng said, though he couldn't help smiling at their enthusiasm. "Real life is rarely so neatly plotted. More likely, I just have some unusual quirk in my qi pathways that these cultivation scholars find academically interesting."

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Stone Fist, who had been maintaining a careful distance since his defeat in the challenge ring. To Lin Feng's surprise, his former rival approached with a neutral expression rather than his usual hostility.

"Initiate Lin Feng," Stone Fist said formally. "Elder Teng requests your presence in the scripture hall immediately."

Lin Feng raised an eyebrow. "The scripture hall? I wasn't aware initiates were permitted there."

"Exceptions are being made," Stone Fist replied stiffly. "For someone with your... special talents."

The last words carried just enough emphasis to confirm Lin Feng's suspicion that rumors about his status were circulating widely among the sect's membership. He nodded and rose from his seat.

"Thank you for the message," he said with deliberate politeness. "I assume you can point me toward this scripture hall? My 'special talents' unfortunately don't include innate navigation of unfamiliar buildings."

Stone Fist's jaw tightened, but he maintained his composure. "I'm to escort you there personally."

"Even better," Lin Feng said cheerfully. "We can use the walk to discuss how your teaching sessions with Crooked Yang and Little Rat are progressing. I hear your explanations of the Eighteen Beggar Stances have been most illuminating."

As they left the dining hall, Lin Feng caught the warning glance Crooked Yang sent his way—a clear signal not to antagonize Stone Fist unnecessarily. It was good advice, and Lin Feng resolved to moderate his natural tendency toward provocative banter.

They walked in uncomfortable silence through unfamiliar corridors of the main building, climbing to the third floor—an area Lin Feng hadn't known existed until now. Finally, Stone Fist stopped before an ornately carved wooden door featuring beggars' bowls and clouds in intricate relief.

"Elder Teng awaits within," Stone Fist said. "I'm told to recommend discretion regarding whatever you see or hear inside." The formal delivery suggested he was repeating instructions verbatim.

"Understood," Lin Feng nodded. "Thank you for the escort."

Stone Fist hesitated, then added in a lower voice, "Be careful, Lin Feng. Elder Teng has... unusual interests in ancient techniques. His attention isn't always beneficial."

Before Lin Feng could respond to this unexpected warning, Stone Fist turned and walked away, leaving him alone before the imposing door. The brief moment of apparent concern from his former rival was almost as puzzling as the summons itself.

After a moment's consideration, Lin Feng knocked firmly on the door. A raspy voice immediately responded, "Enter, Initiate Lin Feng. We've been expecting you."

The scripture hall proved to be a surprisingly large chamber given the compound's otherwise cramped quarters. Three walls were lined with shelves containing scrolls, bound texts, and tablet inscriptions, while the fourth featured a large window overlooking the city. The room smelled of old paper, ink, and the distinctive mustiness of aged parchment.

In the center, a large table was surrounded by three figures: Lao Wei, looking unusually formal; a tall, skeletal man with a wispy beard whom Lin Feng assumed was Elder Teng; and, most surprisingly, Mei, whose presence at what appeared to be a high-level meeting seemed significant.

On the table lay the scroll Lin Feng had discovered in the market—now unrolled to reveal densely written text interspersed with intricate diagrams of human figures in various postures.

"Ah, the fortuitous discoverer arrives," Elder Teng observed in the same raspy voice that had bid him enter. "Come closer, young Lin Feng. See what your market instincts have unearthed."

Lin Feng approached cautiously, noting the tension evident in both Lao Wei's and Mei's carefully neutral expressions. Whatever this scroll contained, it clearly held significance beyond ordinary cultivation instructions.

"This is the text I found yesterday?" he confirmed, studying the open document. The characters were written in an archaic style that made them difficult to decipher, though he could make out phrases related to energy circulation and meridian pathways.

"Indeed," Elder Teng nodded, his head moving with the precise, unsettling motion of a praying mantis. "A most remarkable discovery. Do you know what you've found, initiate?"

"A cultivation manual of some kind," Lin Feng ventured. "Though the writing style suggests considerable age."

"Not just any cultivation manual," Elder Teng corrected, a gleam of excitement in his deep-set eyes. "This appears to be a portion of the lost 'Resonant Bowl Technique'—a foundational method of the original Beggars' Sect from over three centuries ago."

Lin Feng's gaze sharpened. "The technique has significance to my... situation?"

"Remarkable perception," Elder Teng said approvingly. "Yes, this technique was specifically designed for practitioners with resonant constitutions—individuals whose meridians can adapt to and channel multiple qi types. Individuals like yourself."

"Coincidence seems increasingly implausible," Lin Feng observed, glancing at Lao Wei. "Finding this scroll the very day after beginning market training, just when I'm apparently being groomed for some special cultivation path."

"The Vagrant Cloud Path teaches us that meaningful coincidences are the universe's way of revealing hidden patterns," Lao Wei said, offering one of his characteristic non-explanations.

"Or they're the result of deliberate arrangement," Lin Feng countered. "Was the book merchant one of our sect members? Was I directed to his stall specifically?"

A moment of uncomfortable silence followed before Mei spoke. "The merchant was not affiliated with our sect, nor was your discovery orchestrated. I confirmed this thoroughly before bringing the scroll to the elders."

"Then why—"

"We believe the scroll responded to your presence," Elder Teng interrupted, leaning forward eagerly. "Certain advanced cultivation texts were historically created with awareness-imbued ink—mixtures containing the creator's own blood and qi. Such texts can sometimes... recognize compatible practitioners."

"Scrolls with personalities," Lin Feng said skeptically. "That's not at all disturbing."

"Not personality," Lao Wei clarified. "More like a qi imprint that resonates with compatible energy signatures. Similar to how you sensed Master Zhu's artifact yesterday."

Lin Feng studied the scroll more carefully, extending his perception as he'd been trained. Now that it was open, the resonance was much stronger than in the market—a subtle vibration that seemed to synchronize with his own energy rhythm.

"I can feel it," he admitted. "Like it's... harmonizing with my qi somehow."

"Exactly!" Elder Teng exclaimed with unsettling enthusiasm. "The Resonant Bowl Technique was designed to be self-selecting—revealing its secrets only to those capable of implementing them safely. The fact that you sensed this scroll among thousands of market items suggests an exceptionally strong compatibility."

"And what exactly does this technique involve?" Lin Feng asked, increasingly curious despite his lingering suspicion.

The three seniors exchanged glances before Lao Wei nodded slightly, apparently authorizing Elder Teng to continue.

"The Resonant Bowl Technique is fundamentally about energy collection, purification, and redirection," Elder Teng explained, running a bony finger along one of the diagrams. "While most cultivation methods focus on generating and circulating one's own qi, this technique allows practitioners to gather ambient energy from their surroundings, refine it within their dantian, and either incorporate it into their own cultivation or project it outward for various applications."

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Like a begging bowl for energy," Lin Feng mused, the metaphor immediately clicking. "Taking in whatever is offered, whether seemingly valuable or not, and finding use for it."

"Precisely!" Elder Teng looked delighted by Lin Feng's understanding. "The philosophy perfectly embodies the Beggars' Sect approach to cultivation. Nothing wasted, everything utilized, value found where others see only refuse."

"But why is it 'lost' if it's so perfectly aligned with sect principles?" Lin Feng asked, the obvious question impossible to ignore.

Another uncomfortable silence descended until Mei surprisingly took the initiative to answer.

"The technique was deemed too dangerous for general teaching approximately two centuries ago," she explained. "While extraordinarily effective for those with suitable constitutions, it proved harmful or even fatal to those without the necessary meridian flexibility. After several tragic outcomes, the scrolls were supposedly destroyed to prevent misuse."

"Supposedly," Lin Feng repeated, focusing on the key qualifier. "Yet here one is, being sold by a random market vendor."

"Which raises important questions about whether other portions still exist," Elder Teng agreed. "This scroll contains only the introductory cultivation method—the basic circulation pattern and initial energy gathering technique. The more advanced applications would be detailed in subsequent scrolls."

Lin Feng studied the densely written text, noting the abrupt ending that indeed suggested this was merely the first part of a larger work. "And you want me to learn this technique? Despite its apparently dangerous reputation?"

"Your constitution is ideally suited to it," Elder Teng insisted. "The risks that applied to ordinary practitioners would not affect someone with your resonant meridians."

"We believe," Lao Wei qualified carefully. "While your compatibility seems clear, we would proceed with appropriate caution."

Lin Feng looked between the three seniors, reading the subtle differences in their positions. Elder Teng exuded barely contained excitement—a scholar discovering a long-sought text. Lao Wei projected cautious optimism tinged with protective concern. Mei maintained her usual composed demeanor, but Lin Feng sensed underlying reservations in her qi.

"I assume this would replace or supplement my current training?" he asked.

"Supplement initially," Lao Wei answered before Elder Teng could speak. "You would continue fundamental training with both myself and Senior Disciple Mei while adding specialized sessions to explore this technique under careful supervision."

"My supervision," Elder Teng clarified eagerly. "As the sect's scripture keeper and historical scholar, I am best positioned to interpret the text's more arcane instructions."

Lin Feng nodded slowly, weighing the opportunity against the obvious risks. On one hand, a rare technique specifically designed for his unusual constitution offered accelerated growth and potentially unique abilities. On the other hand, the technique's checkered history and Elder Teng's unsettling enthusiasm suggested significant dangers.

"May I have some time to consider this?" he asked, employing a deliberate politeness that masked his internal calculations. "It seems a significant decision that shouldn't be made hastily."

"Of course—" Lao Wei began.

"Time is a luxury we may not have," Elder Teng interrupted. "If one portion of the Resonant Bowl Technique has resurfaced, others may follow. We are likely not the only sect interested in recovering these methods."

"All the more reason to proceed carefully," Mei interjected with unusual assertiveness. "Haste in cultivation matters often leads to permanent consequences."

Elder Teng looked as if he wanted to argue further but instead composed himself with visible effort. "Perhaps a compromise. Review the scroll today, attempt the basic circulation pattern tonight, and report your experience tomorrow. This initial step carries minimal risk but will confirm your compatibility beyond doubt."

Lin Feng glanced at Lao Wei, who gave a slight nod indicating this approach was acceptable. "That seems reasonable," Lin Feng agreed. "Though I would appreciate if someone could translate some of these more archaic characters. My classical education was somewhat interrupted by the whole 'orphaned and homeless' situation."

"I will assist with translation," Mei offered unexpectedly. "Elder Teng and Lao Wei have administrative matters to discuss regarding this discovery. With their permission, I can work with Initiate Lin Feng this afternoon to ensure proper understanding."

After receiving nodded approval from both elders, Mei carefully rolled the scroll and gestured for Lin Feng to follow her. They left the scripture hall in silence, walking to a small side room furnished with a simple table and cushions.

Only when the door was securely closed did Mei speak, her voice pitched low despite their privacy. "Be wary, Lin Feng. This situation is more complex than it appears."

"Isn't everything in this sect?" he replied with a wry smile. "I'm beginning to think 'complexity' is your primary export."

"This is not a matter for humor," Mei cautioned, unrolling the scroll on the table. "The Resonant Bowl Technique's history is... contested. Some believe it was banned not for safety reasons but because of factional conflicts within the sect leadership of that era."

"Political suppression disguised as safety concerns?" Lin Feng surmised. "That seems depressingly plausible."

"The truth is likely somewhere between the official history and the conspiracy theories," Mei said. "What matters now is understanding the technique sufficiently to assess its genuine risks and benefits."

They spent the next several hours painstakingly translating the ancient text, with Mei proving surprisingly patient in explaining obscure terminology and cultivation concepts beyond Lin Feng's current education. The technique itself, once deciphered, seemed deceptively simple in its initial stages.

"So I gather ambient qi using this breathing pattern while visualizing my dantian as an empty bowl," Lin Feng summarized as they neared completion. "The energy collects in the 'bowl' where I can examine, sort, and either absorb or reject it based on compatibility."

"Correct," Mei confirmed. "Though the text emphasizes the importance of maintaining mental detachment during the sorting process. Any emotional reaction to particular energy types can disrupt the assessment."

"Empty mind, empty bowl," Lin Feng nodded. "Poetically consistent, at least."

"The poem referenced here—'Empty vessel gathers all dew, discerns by nature not by view'—is actually a coded instruction," Mei explained. "It reminds practitioners to rely on natural resonance rather than preconceived notions about which energies are 'beneficial' or 'harmful.'"

Lin Feng studied one particular diagram that showed energy circulation pathways different from those he'd been taught in his basic training. "These meridian routes don't match the standard patterns."

"Because they're designed specifically for resonant constitutions," Mei confirmed. "Your unusual meridian structure allows for these variant pathways that would be impossible or dangerous for typical cultivators."

"Lucky me," Lin Feng murmured. "Born with special pipes."

Mei almost smiled at his irreverence—almost, but not quite. "Your attitude masks genuine concerns. Ask what you really wish to know."

Lin Feng appreciated her directness. "Why is Elder Teng so eager for me to begin this technique immediately? And why did you intervene to slow the process?"

Mei considered her response carefully. "Elder Teng is a scholar first, instructor second. His enthusiasm for rediscovered knowledge sometimes... outpaces his concern for practitioner well-being."

"And your concern?"

"Is primarily for stable development," she replied diplomatically. "Cultivation foundations must be solid before adding complex variables. You've been training only two weeks."

"True," Lin Feng acknowledged. "Though according to everyone's assessment, my progress has been unusually rapid."

"Progress and readiness are not always aligned," Mei said. "There is also the matter of sect politics to consider."

"Ah, the inevitable factional interests," Lin Feng nodded. "Let me guess—Elder Teng's enthusiasm relates to how this discovery might elevate his position or influence?"

"Perceptive," Mei acknowledged. "The rediscovery of lost techniques, particularly by scholars within one's guided circle, can significantly affect standing among sect leadership."

"And Lao Wei's position?"

"Is more complex," Mei said carefully. "He genuinely believes in your compatibility with this method, but also advocates for balanced development rather than specialized focus too early."

"And your position, Senior Disciple Mei?" Lin Feng asked directly. "Where do you stand in this fascinating web of interests?"

For the first time, Mei seemed genuinely uncertain how to respond. "My role is to ensure proper instruction regardless of which path is chosen," she finally said, though Lin Feng sensed this was only a partial truth.

"Diplomatically evasive," he observed. "But I appreciate the translation assistance regardless of your motivations."

Mei studied him with that penetrating gaze that seemed to see beyond his casual demeanor. "You are cautious but intrigued. You will attempt the technique tonight despite the risks."

It wasn't a question, and Lin Feng didn't bother denying it. "Knowledge is power, especially in my precarious position. Better to understand what everyone finds so interesting about my supposedly special constitution."

"A rational approach," Mei nodded. "But heed this advisory: if you experience any sensation of burning, crushing, or meridian rupture during the practice, terminate immediately. Some risks are not worth gaining knowledge."

"Burning, crushing, rupture. A delightful list of possibilities to look forward to," Lin Feng remarked. "Any other terrifying symptoms I should watch for? Spontaneous combustion? Transformation into a toad?"

"Your humor deflects genuine concern," Mei observed with her typical insight. "The technique is likely safe for your constitution, but certainty is impossible without attempt."

"The story of my entire cultivation experience thus far," Lin Feng sighed. "Probably fine, possibly disastrous, definitely worth trying because the alternative is remaining ignorant and powerless."

As they finished their translation work, Lin Feng carefully memorized the key circulation patterns and visualization techniques. The scroll itself would remain in the scripture hall, but he now had the essential knowledge to attempt the basic practice.

"Thank you for your assistance, Senior Disciple Mei," he said formally as they prepared to leave. "Your expertise has been invaluable."

"Caution serves the long path," she replied with equal formality. "Remember this when ambition whispers for speed."

---

That night, Lin Feng waited until the dormitory had fallen silent, his fellow initiates deep in sleep after another exhausting day of training. Even Crooked Yang and Little Rat, curious as they were about his meeting with the elders, had eventually succumbed to fatigue.

Silently, Lin Feng slipped from his sleeping mat—the slightly improved one he'd earned through his challenge victory—and made his way to a small alcove near the washrooms where he could practice undisturbed. Privacy was nearly impossible in the communal living arrangements, but late-night trips to relieve oneself were common enough that his movement wouldn't raise suspicions.

Settling into a cross-legged position, Lin Feng closed his eyes and began the specialized breathing pattern described in the scroll. Six shallow breaths followed by one deep inhalation, held for a count of eight, then released in a controlled stream while visualizing a hollow vessel in his lower dantian.

The first cycle produced no noticeable effect beyond the typical calm that meditation induced. The second and third cycles similarly yielded only standard results. But as he began the fourth repetition, Lin Feng felt something subtly different—a faint tingling sensation around his dantian, as if the air itself were responding to his breath in new ways.

Encouraged, he continued with increased focus, maintaining the precise rhythm while deepening his visualization of the empty bowl. By the seventh cycle, the tingling had intensified and expanded, now running along certain meridian pathways—not the standard routes he'd been taught, but the variant paths shown in the scroll's diagrams.

Then, during the ninth cycle, it happened. As he held the deep inhalation, Lin Feng suddenly sensed ambient qi from his surroundings flowing into his body like invisible streams of water seeking the lowest point. The sensation was both foreign and strangely familiar—as if he had always possessed this ability but had never consciously activated it.

The energy pooled in his dantian, forming exactly the bowl-shaped collection he had been visualizing. Within this energetic vessel, Lin Feng could perceive distinct qualities in the gathered qi—some portions felt warm and vibrant, others cool and stable, some sharp and erratic, others smooth and flowing.

As the scroll had instructed, he maintained emotional detachment while observing these variations, neither preferring nor rejecting any particular type. The energy seemed to respond to this neutral attention by settling into natural affinities—compatible types gravitating toward each other, incompatible types maintaining separation within the bowl.

Lin Feng found the process fascinatingly similar to his market training with Mei—observing without judgment, perceiving inherent qualities rather than imposed values. The parallel suggested a philosophical consistency in the Beggars' Sect approach that transcended specific techniques.

After maintaining the energy collection for the prescribed duration, Lin Feng began the release phase—gradually dispersing the gathered qi back into his surroundings rather than absorbing it. As a first attempt, the scroll had emphasized observation over integration, recommending practitioners become familiar with the collection and sorting process before attempting to incorporate external energies.

As the last of the gathered qi dispersed, Lin Feng took inventory of his condition. No burning sensation, no crushing pressure, no feeling of meridian damage. In fact, he felt unusually refreshed—as if the practice had somehow cleaned his energy pathways rather than taxing them.

"Interesting," he murmured to himself. "Definitely not harmful, at least in this preliminary form."

He was about to return to his sleeping mat when a soft voice nearly caused him to jump out of his skin.

"Successful attempt?" Little Rat asked from the shadows, her small form barely visible in the dim light.

"How long have you been watching?" Lin Feng demanded in a whisper.

"Since you left your mat," she replied matter-of-factly. "You're not as sneaky as you think."

"Coming from the sect's resident infiltration expert, I'll take that as professional criticism rather than personal failure," Lin Feng sighed. "Yes, it was successful. No explosions, no meridian ruptures, no transformation into amphibious wildlife."

"Good," Little Rat nodded seriously. "Crooked Yang was worried. He said Elder Teng has a reputation for using initiates as experimental subjects."

This confirmed the warning Stone Fist had given earlier. "Experimental in what way?"

Little Rat shrugged her thin shoulders. "Testing ancient techniques, trying unusual herb combinations. Nothing deadly, but some ended up in the infirmary for weeks."

"Delightful," Lin Feng muttered. "Though this particular experiment seems relatively benign so far."

"What did it feel like?" Little Rat asked, childlike curiosity overcoming her usual reticence.

"Like... becoming a temporary collection point for wandering energy," Lin Feng tried to explain. "Gathering ambient qi, sorting it by natural affinity, then releasing it back to the environment."

"Useful?" she prompted.

"Potentially very useful," Lin Feng confirmed. "If I can eventually learn to retain compatible energies rather than just observing and releasing them, it could significantly accelerate cultivation progress."

Little Rat's expression turned unusually serious. "Be careful, Lin Feng. Special attention isn't always good attention in the sect."

"So I'm gathering," he replied. "Though it seems I have accumulated a surprising number of people concerned for my wellbeing—you, Crooked Yang, even Stone Fist offered a warning today."

"Stone Fist?" Little Rat looked surprised. "That's unexpected."

"Indeed," Lin Feng agreed. "Apparently defeating someone respectfully earns more goodwill than anticipated. Or perhaps he simply doesn't want Elder Teng claiming his revenge by proxy."

They returned to the sleeping area, moving silently to avoid waking others. As Lin Feng settled back onto his mat, Little Rat whispered one final observation from her nearby position.

"The elders are watching you closely. Not just Lao Wei and Teng—others too. Important ones who never notice initiates."

"Wonderful," Lin Feng whispered back. "Nothing builds confidence like being scrutinized by powerful people with unclear motives."

"It means opportunity," Little Rat countered pragmatically. "But also danger."

"The universal condition of life in the Beggars' Sect, it seems," Lin Feng observed. "Now get some sleep, little spy. Tomorrow promises to be yet another day of fascinating political machinations disguised as cultivation training."

As Little Rat's breathing soon settled into the rhythm of sleep, Lin Feng remained awake, contemplating the successful technique attempt and its implications. The Resonant Bowl method felt natural to him, almost intuitive once he understood the basic principle. More importantly, it aligned with his developing philosophy—finding value in what others discarded, recognizing quality independent of appearance or source.

Whether by coincidence or design, he seemed well-matched to both the technique and the sect's fundamental approach. The question was whether this alignment served his interests or merely made him a more useful tool for others' ambitions.

Tomorrow he would report his successful attempt to Elder Teng and Lao Wei, likely committing himself to this specialized training path. But he would proceed with the caution advised by Mei, Stone Fist, and Little Rat—accepting the knowledge offered while remaining alert to the politics surrounding it.

After all, in a sect that taught the value of emptiness, the most important space to protect was the one between accepting a gift and surrendering autonomy. Like the resonant bowl itself, Lin Feng would gather what was offered, but the choice of what to retain and what to release would remain firmly his own.