"Absolutely fascinating!" Elder Teng exclaimed, his bony hands fluttering with excitement as Lin Feng described his experience with the Resonant Bowl Technique. "The energy collection occurred exactly as the scroll described—a perfect resonance between practitioner and method!"
They were gathered once again in the scripture hall the following morning—Lin Feng, Elder Teng, Lao Wei, and Mei. The scroll lay open on the table between them, with Elder Teng occasionally pointing to passages that matched Lin Feng's account.
"And you experienced no adverse effects?" Lao Wei asked, his tone careful though Lin Feng could sense genuine concern beneath it. "No meridian discomfort, no energy stagnation?"
"None," Lin Feng confirmed. "If anything, I felt unusually refreshed afterward, as if the process had somehow cleaned my energy pathways."
"That's consistent with successful resonant collection," Elder Teng nodded eagerly. "The technique essentially allows your system to process and catalog various qi types, creating greater efficiency even when the gathered energy is ultimately released rather than retained."
"Like organizing a messy room," Lin Feng suggested. "Even if you don't keep everything, the process of sorting creates better order."
"An apt analogy!" Elder Teng looked delighted. "You have an intuitive grasp of these concepts, Initiate Lin Feng. This confirms my assessment of your exceptional compatibility with the Resonant Bowl method."
"The initial success is certainly promising," Lao Wei acknowledged, more measured in his enthusiasm. "Though we should proceed with appropriate caution in advancing to subsequent stages."
"Of course, of course," Elder Teng agreed hastily, though his excited demeanor suggested caution wasn't his primary concern. "But we must capitalize on this opportunity. I propose daily training sessions focused on the technique, advancing methodically through its progression as young Lin Feng masters each stage."
"While maintaining his foundational training," Lao Wei stipulated firmly.
"Naturally," Elder Teng conceded. "Though perhaps we could reduce some of the more... basic exercises to create adequate time for specialized instruction?"
Lin Feng observed this negotiation with interest, noting how each elder staked out their position while maintaining a polite front. Mei, meanwhile, remained silent, her expression revealing nothing though her qi projected subtle concern.
"I'm willing to adopt a modified schedule," Lin Feng offered, deciding to participate in the discussion rather than being merely its subject. "Perhaps condensing some repetitive physical exercises while maintaining the essential energy work with both Senior Disciple Mei and Elder Lao Wei."
"A reasonable suggestion," Lao Wei approved, seeming pleased by Lin Feng's initiative. "Elder Teng, would afternoon sessions following Mei's manipulation training be acceptable?"
Elder Teng clearly wanted more but recognized the need for compromise. "Acceptable for now, though we may need to adjust as the training advances. The later stages of the Resonant Bowl Technique require greater time commitment for proper integration."
"We'll reassess as needed," Lao Wei agreed diplomatically. "Senior Disciple Mei, do you have input regarding this arrangement?"
All eyes turned to Mei, who had remained conspicuously silent throughout the discussion. "The proposed schedule seems workable," she said carefully. "Though I recommend regular assessment of Initiate Lin Feng's meridian stability between sessions. New techniques can create accumulated stress that isn't immediately apparent."
"A prudent precaution," Lao Wei nodded. "Perhaps Elder Zhang could conduct weekly evaluations?"
"Elder Zhang is adequately qualified, I suppose," Elder Teng said with slight dismissiveness that suggested some professional rivalry with the infirmary elder. "Though I myself am quite capable of monitoring meridian conditions during our sessions."
"Multiple perspectives ensure thorough assessment," Lao Wei countered smoothly. "Now, regarding the training location—"
Their discussion of logistics continued for some time, with Lin Feng paying careful attention to the subtle power dynamics at play. It was becoming increasingly clear that his "special constitution" and this rediscovered technique had made him a valuable piece in some complex factional game within the sect's leadership.
Eventually, the meeting concluded with a structured training plan: mornings with Lao Wei focusing on fundamental energy circulation, middays with Mei developing basic manipulation techniques, and afternoons with Elder Teng advancing the Resonant Bowl method. Weekly examinations with Elder Zhang would monitor for any adverse effects, and rest days would be adjusted based on Lin Feng's condition rather than fixed in advance.
As they left the scripture hall, Lao Wei held Lin Feng back momentarily, allowing Elder Teng to move ahead out of earshot.
"A word of advice," the older beggar said quietly. "Elder Teng's enthusiasm for historical techniques occasionally outpaces his patience for proper progression. If you feel pressured to advance faster than is comfortable, you have my permission to cite 'conflicting instructions' from your other teachers."
"Using sect hierarchy to create beneficial confusion," Lin Feng nodded, understanding the strategy. "A very Beggars' Sect approach to the problem."
"Indeed," Lao Wei agreed with a slight smile. "Sometimes the wisest path winds between competing interests rather than aligning fully with any."
"Speaking of interests," Lin Feng ventured, seizing the opportunity for clarity, "it might help me navigate these complexities if I understood the broader context. What exactly makes this rediscovered technique so significant to Elder Teng and others?"
Lao Wei considered the question carefully before responding. "The Beggars' Sect, like any organization with history, contains different perspectives on its proper direction. Some, like Elder Teng, believe we should reclaim lost knowledge and power, returning to a time when our sect wielded greater influence in the cultivation world. Others prefer our current position—less prominent but more independent, focused on survival and adaptation rather than prominence."
"And where do you stand in this philosophical divide?" Lin Feng asked directly.
"I believe the sect's strength lies in its flexibility," Lao Wei replied. "Neither clinging to past glories nor rejecting historical knowledge, but selecting what best serves our present needs and future growth."
"A middle path," Lin Feng observed. "Though in my limited experience, middle paths often receive attacks from both extremes."
"Perceptive," Lao Wei acknowledged with a faint smile. "Now you understand why caution and balance are so essential in your training. You represent potential support for multiple visions of the sect's future."
This confirmed Lin Feng's growing suspicion that his "special constitution" had made him not just a cultivation curiosity but a political asset in ongoing factional struggles. It was both flattering and concerning to realize how quickly he had become entangled in these high-level machinations.
"Thank you for the context," he said sincerely. "It's helpful to know which game I'm actually playing, even if I didn't choose to enter it."
"Few of us choose our initial circumstances," Lao Wei replied philosophically. "The Vagrant Cloud Path teaches that true choice lies not in avoiding complexity but in navigating it with awareness."
With that typically cryptic parting wisdom, Lao Wei departed, leaving Lin Feng to contemplate his increasingly complicated position within the sect's hierarchy.
---
"So now you're getting special training from three different teachers, each with their own agenda regarding your mysterious talents," Crooked Yang summarized during their midday meal. "If this were a market opera, you'd be the contested inheritance that distant relatives are fighting over."
"Thank you for that colorful and slightly disturbing analogy," Lin Feng replied, picking at his rice. "Though it's not entirely inaccurate. I appear to have become a resource rather than merely a student."
"That's how the sect works with promising talents," Little Rat observed matter-of-factly. "Find what makes them special, develop it intensively, then direct it toward sect interests."
"Your insights into organizational dynamics remain surprisingly sophisticated for someone your age," Lin Feng noted. "Sometimes I forget you're actually a child and not a miniature spymaster in disguise."
Little Rat shrugged. "When you're small, people talk like you're not there. You learn things."
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"Well, whatever factional game is being played, at least the training itself seems genuinely beneficial," Lin Feng continued. "The Resonant Bowl Technique feels... right somehow. Like it's designed specifically for how my energy naturally flows."
"Because it literally was," Crooked Yang pointed out. "That's the whole point of this 'resonant constitution' business, isn't it? You're built different."
"Built different," Lin Feng repeated with a wry smile. "A delightfully concise way of describing what everyone else explains with elaborate technical terminology and mystical overtones."
Their conversation paused as Stone Fist approached their table—a now familiar occurrence that had evolved from hostile to merely awkward over the past few days. The larger boy had been scrupulously fulfilling his obligation to teach Crooked Yang and Little Rat, maintaining formal correctness if not warmth in their interactions.
"Initiate Lin Feng," he said with a stiff bow. "Elder Teng asked me to inform you that your afternoon session will take place in the west courtyard rather than the scripture hall. Something about 'practical space requirements' for today's instruction."
"Thank you, Stone Fist," Lin Feng replied with equal formality. "Your consistent reliability in message delivery is noted and appreciated."
A flicker of something—perhaps surprise at the genuine compliment—crossed Stone Fist's face before his expression returned to careful neutrality. "It's nothing. Just following instructions."
As he turned to leave, Lin Feng added, "By the way, Little Rat mentioned that your explanation of the Twisting Vine stance was particularly helpful. Your teaching skills seem well-developed."
Stone Fist paused, clearly uncertain how to respond to continued positivity from his former rival. "The Twisting Vine is... not complicated. Anyone could explain it."
"Yet explanations vary in clarity," Lin Feng persisted. "Effective teaching requires understanding beyond mere execution—something not everyone possesses."
After another moment of visible internal struggle, Stone Fist managed a gruff, "Thanks," before walking away with somewhat less rigid posture than before.
"What was that about?" Crooked Yang asked once Stone Fist was out of earshot. "Are you trying to befriend him now?"
"Not exactly," Lin Feng replied. "But maintaining enemies requires energy I'd rather direct elsewhere. Besides, he warned me about Elder Teng yesterday—an unexpected courtesy that deserves acknowledgment."
"Strategic social engineering," Little Rat observed approvingly. "Turn rivals neutral, neutrals into allies."
"You really need age-appropriate interests," Lin Feng told her. "Collecting pretty rocks or chasing butterflies, perhaps, rather than analyzing manipulation tactics."
"Boring," Little Rat declared, returning to her meal with dismissive finality.
After finishing their food, they separated for afternoon duties—Crooked Yang to water-fetching, Little Rat to whatever mysterious activities occupied her free time, and Lin Feng to his newly scheduled training with Elder Teng.
The west courtyard proved smaller than the main training areas but more private, enclosed by high walls and thick vegetation that prevented casual observation. Elder Teng awaited on a raised platform at the center, the scroll open beside him along with several unfamiliar objects arranged in a semicircle.
"Ah, Initiate Lin Feng!" the elder called as Lin Feng approached. "Punctual—excellent. Today we advance to the next stage of the Resonant Bowl Technique: selective retention and targeted release."
Lin Feng eyed the objects warily—a stone bowl filled with water, a small brazier containing glowing coals, a pot of soil sprouting a single seedling, and a feather suspended from a thin thread.
"The classic four elements," he observed. "Earth, fire, water, and air. I assume these relate to different energy types?"
"Very good!" Elder Teng looked pleased by the deduction. "Yes, these represent the fundamental qi varieties found in nature. Before attempting to collect and sort energy directly from the environment, we'll practice with these purified sources."
Lin Feng settled into the cross-legged position opposite the elder. "I thought we were progressing methodically through the scroll's instructions. This seems like a significant jump from basic collection to elemental manipulation."
"Merely a practical application of principles you've already grasped," Elder Teng assured him with a dismissive wave. "Your natural affinity for the technique suggests we can advance somewhat faster than the traditional progression."
Lin Feng recalled Lao Wei's warning about Elder Teng's impatience for proper progression. "With respect, Elder, might it be prudent to master the fundamental collection process before attempting selective retention? Yesterday was my first attempt at the basic technique."
Elder Teng's enthusiasm dimmed slightly, his expression sharpening. "Are you questioning my instructional judgment, Initiate?"
"Not questioning, Elder, merely seeking clarification," Lin Feng replied carefully. "My other teachers have emphasized thorough mastery of basics before advancement. I'm trying to reconcile potentially conflicting approaches."
This strategic invocation of "other teachers" had the intended effect. Elder Teng's posture relaxed slightly as he recalculated his position.
"Your caution is commendable if somewhat unnecessary," he conceded. "Perhaps we can compromise. Today we'll continue practicing the basic collection while introducing the concept of elemental differentiation—observing rather than manipulating the distinct energy types."
"That sounds like a wise progression," Lin Feng agreed, relief hidden beneath respectful deference.
They began with the standard breathing pattern and visualization from the previous night's practice. As before, Lin Feng felt ambient qi gradually flowing into his dantian, forming the bowl-shaped collection point described in the scroll. This time, however, Elder Teng guided him to focus on identifying distinct energy signatures within the gathered qi.
"Notice how some energies feel warm and active, similar to fire," the elder instructed. "Others flow and adapt like water. Some remain steady and nurturing like earth, while others feel light and changeable like air. These fundamental patterns exist in all environmental energy."
Lin Feng found he could indeed distinguish these basic categories within the collected qi, though the variations within each type seemed more numerous and complex than Elder Teng's simplified description suggested.
"I can identify the patterns," he confirmed after several cycles of collection and observation. "Though there seem to be many subdivisions and combinations beyond the four basic types."
"Astute observation!" Elder Teng nodded approvingly. "The four elements are merely conceptual frameworks for understanding energy types that actually exist on a complex spectrum. As your discernment improves, you'll recognize increasingly subtle variations."
They continued practicing for nearly two hours, with Lin Feng gradually developing more refined perception of the energy qualities. By the session's end, he could reliably identify dozens of distinct signatures within the ambient qi, categorizing them by their dominant elemental characteristics while noting their unique subtleties.
"Remarkable progress," Elder Teng declared as they concluded the practice. "Your perceptual sensitivity exceeds expectations. I believe we can begin selective retention tomorrow without compromising developmental integrity."
Lin Feng recognized the compromise for what it was—a one-day delay rather than the weeks of foundational practice the scroll likely recommended. Still, the elder's enthusiasm was difficult to resist, especially given how natural the technique felt.
"I look forward to advancing under your guidance, Elder Teng," he replied diplomatically. "Though I should mention that Elder Zhang is scheduled to evaluate my meridian condition tomorrow morning."
"Ah yes, the 'multiple perspectives' approach," Elder Teng said with poorly concealed irritation. "Well, inform me of her assessment. I'm certain she'll find your channels in excellent condition, perfectly suited for continued advancement."
As Lin Feng left the west courtyard, he considered the session's developments with mixed feelings. On one hand, his affinity for the Resonant Bowl Technique continued to prove remarkably strong, suggesting genuine compatibility between his constitution and this specialized method. On the other hand, Elder Teng's eagerness to accelerate the training raised legitimate concerns about potential risks—concerns shared by multiple people who had warned him to proceed cautiously.
Perhaps most troubling was his own growing enthusiasm for the technique, which made objective risk assessment increasingly difficult. The ability to gather, identify, and potentially utilize ambient energy from his surroundings represented a significant advantage in cultivation progress—one that appealed strongly to his pragmatic nature.
"The most dangerous trap is the one you want to step into," he murmured to himself, recalling a street saying about confidence schemes. The question was whether his resonance with the technique represented genuine compatibility or merely the seductive appeal of accelerated power.
Lost in these thoughts, Lin Feng nearly collided with a senior disciple turning a corner—the same Iron Palm Chen who had warned him about drawing attention after his victory over Stone Fist.
"Careful, Initiate," Iron Palm cautioned, stepping aside with the fluid movement of advanced training. "Deep contemplation is better practiced in stationary positions."
"My apologies, Senior Disciple," Lin Feng replied with a respectful bow. "Cultivation considerations temporarily overwhelmed spatial awareness."
Iron Palm studied him with calculating intensity, much as he had during their previous brief encounter. "I hear you've begun specialized training with Elder Teng. The Resonant Bowl Technique has resurfaced after generations of absence."
The statement contained no explicit question, yet clearly invited response. Lin Feng chose his words carefully, conscious of potential factional implications.
"I'm fortunate to receive instruction from multiple qualified teachers," he said neutrally. "Each offering valuable perspectives on cultivation development."
"Diplomatic," Iron Palm noted with a hint of approval. "Though diplomacy sometimes becomes difficult when competing interests require decisive alignment."
"Perhaps true alignment transcends apparent competition," Lin Feng suggested. "Different approaches may ultimately serve compatible goals."
Iron Palm's eyebrows rose slightly. "Philosophical for one so young. Yet practical experience often reveals incompatibilities that theory cannot reconcile." He glanced around, confirming they were alone, then continued in a lower voice. "The Outer Hall meets tonight. Your name will be discussed."
Lin Feng maintained a neutral expression despite his surprise at this unexpected information. The "Outer Hall" presumably referred to some leadership council within the sect—one that apparently considered his training significant enough to warrant formal discussion.
"I'm honored by such attention, though uncertain what response would be appropriate," he replied carefully.
"No response is required," Iron Palm clarified. "This is merely information you might find... contextually valuable. Decisions made at higher levels often affect training priorities."
With that cryptic advisory, Iron Palm continued on his way, leaving Lin Feng to ponder this latest development in the increasingly complex political landscape surrounding his cultivation.
---
"The Outer Hall is the secondary governing council of the sect," Little Rat explained later that evening, her voice barely above a whisper despite their relative privacy in a corner of the dormitory. "They manage practical operations while the Inner Hall handles core philosophical and succession matters."
"And how exactly does a child your age know the governance structure of a secretive martial arts sect?" Lin Feng asked, equal parts impressed and disturbed by her apparently encyclopedic knowledge of organizational details.
Little Rat shrugged. "People talk around children. Also, I sometimes hide in ceiling spaces during meetings."
"Of course you do," Lin Feng sighed. "Remind me never to underestimate your terrifying information network. So what does it mean that they're discussing me?"
"Depends who's bringing your name forward," she replied thoughtfully. "Elder Teng sits on the Outer Hall, as does Lao Wei. They represent different faction interests."
"I gathered as much," Lin Feng nodded. "Teng seems eager to restore old techniques and presumably old glories, while Lao Wei advocates a more balanced, adaptive approach."
"Simplified but accurate," Little Rat confirmed. "There's also the Traditionalist faction led by Elder Shen, who believes the sect should focus exclusively on survival skills and practical begging techniques rather than advanced cultivation."
"And where does Iron Palm Chen fit in this factional landscape?" Lin Feng asked, recalling the senior disciple's cryptic warning.
"Complicated," Little Rat frowned. "He was originally aligned with the Traditionalists, but rumors suggest he's been cultivating some unusual techniques lately. Might be shifting allegiance."
"To Teng's historical recovery faction?"
"Possibly," she shrugged again. "Or forming his own sub-faction. Power dynamics are always evolving."
Lin Feng absorbed this information, mapping the political landscape against his own developing position. "So my training in this rediscovered technique potentially strengthens Elder Teng's faction, which explains his enthusiasm and Lao Wei's cautious counterbalance."
"And explains why others are watching you," Little Rat added. "You're becoming a valuable piece on the board."
"I prefer to think of myself as a player rather than a piece," Lin Feng corrected. "Though admittedly one with limited information and restricted movement options at present."
"Smart perspective," Little Rat approved. "Stay aware but not aligned until necessary. Maximum flexibility."
Their conversation ended as other initiates began returning to the dormitory for evening rest. Lin Feng retreated to his sleeping mat, mind churning with the day's developments and their implications.
The pattern was becoming clearer—his unusual constitution had made him valuable to multiple factions within the sect, each with their own vision for how his abilities should be developed and directed. Elder Teng saw him as validation for recovering historical techniques, while Lao Wei seemed to value his potential while advocating balanced development. Meanwhile, other factions observed from the periphery, assessing how his emergence might shift existing power dynamics.
It was simultaneously flattering and concerning to realize how quickly he had become entangled in high-level sect politics. Three weeks ago, he had been an anonymous street orphan focused solely on daily survival. Now he was apparently a topic of discussion in formal governance councils, receiving specialized training in rare techniques, and navigating factional interests beyond his full comprehension.
As he drifted toward sleep, Lin Feng resolved to continue his strategy of cautious engagement—accepting the valuable training offered while avoiding premature alignment with any particular faction. Like the Resonant Bowl Technique itself, he would gather what was offered, assess its nature and value, and make deliberate choices about what to retain and what to release.
For now, the technique remained his primary focus—mastering its principles while heeding the warnings to progress carefully. Tomorrow's evaluation with Elder Zhang would hopefully provide objective assessment of how the practice was affecting his meridian system, offering some factual grounding amid the swirling currents of sect politics and personal ambition.
His last conscious thought before sleep claimed him was a wry acknowledgment that the Beggars' Sect was proving to be a far more complex and politically sophisticated organization than its humble appearance suggested—truly embodying its core philosophy that true value often hid beneath unpromising exteriors.