Chapter 24: Tempering Tendons, Refining Bones, and Shaping the Body

Master Zhanlu was in low spirits. After a brief exchange, he instructed Chen Jiansheng to arrange Yi Fan’s accommodations. Once they left the main hall, the two walked in silence until they reached a small courtyard. There, Chen Jiansheng said, “Brother Yi, you may rest here. Tomorrow, another disciple will come to guide you and arrange your training in martial arts and swordsmanship.”

Yi Fan expressed his gratitude. Seeing that Chen was about to leave, he couldn’t help but ask, “There’s something I’d like to consult you about, Brother Chen.”

Chen Jiansheng was taken aback for a moment, then smiled, “I wouldn’t presume to be consulted, but if you have any doubts, please speak freely.”

“It’s nothing serious,” Yi Fan replied after a moment’s thought. “When I spoke just now with Master Zhanlu, after he read Senior Yan Chixia’s letter, his mood soured and his expression was troubled. May I ask why?”

He paused, then added, “If it’s because my training here for three months is unwelcome, I need not stay. I can leave the mountain at once.”

Though he wished to learn martial arts and strengthen his abilities, he did not want to provoke hostility or become entangled in others’ disputes.

Chen Jiansheng hesitated, glanced around to ensure no one was near, then said quietly, “This matter has nothing to do with you, Brother Yi. Rest assured, Master Zhanlu will not make things difficult for you. As for how much you can learn, that depends on your own comprehension.”

He paused, sighed, and continued, “Master Zhanlu has his reasons for being displeased. As a disciple, I dare not speculate. I hope you won’t take it to heart.”

Yi Fan saw that Chen was unwilling to elaborate and did not press further. Since it was unrelated to his martial studies, there was no need to worry. They agreed to meet again and Chen Jiansheng took his leave.

The courtyard was modest, built against the mountain and surrounded by trees. Though it was winter, the place was tranquil and elegant. There were two or three side rooms, all empty and quiet. Yi Fan chose one. Seeing that the bedding was fresh and the teaware clean, he guessed the place was regularly tended and meant for visiting guests.

The Gremlin, however, refused to enter. It stood in the courtyard, gazing at him with longing eyes.

Yi Fan smiled wryly and shook his head. “Fine, go on then. Just don’t cause trouble, or you’ll answer to me.”

Born wild and averse to restraint, the Gremlin had been stifled since entering this populated place. Now, with mountains and forests nearby, he decided to let it roam free.

He wasn’t worried about it causing mischief; the creature was clever enough to avoid strangers. Besides, the disciples of Sword Manor were already aware of its origins and wouldn’t trouble it without reason.

At his words, the Gremlin somersaulted in excitement, tossed aside its conical hat, leapt onto the wall, scrambled up a tree, and with a long howl vanished into the dense woods.

Leaving it to its own devices, Yi Fan entered the room, unpacked, and sat down to meditate.

The next morning, a disciple brought breakfast. Soon after, someone arrived to escort him. They walked a short distance to a square where more than a hundred people were practicing swordplay.

Under the rising sun, their shouts were as one; the sword movements were exquisite and the aura fierce. Yi Fan watched in awe, blood surging with excitement. The thought that he too could master such skills—leaping over eaves and scaling walls—filled him with impatient yearning.

He had stood there only a short while when a middle-aged Daoist approached, clasped his hands, and said, “I am Fu Xin, steward of Sword Manor’s internal affairs. Greetings, Brother Yi.”

Yi Fan quickly returned the gesture. After a polite exchange, Fu Xin said, “Master Zhanlu has explained your purpose here. I’ll be arranging matters for you.”

“Thank you, Brother Fu,” Yi Fan replied.

“No need for thanks—this is my duty. But I am curious: what martial skills do you hope to learn?”

Yi Fan was momentarily stumped. He had assumed he would simply follow whatever was arranged; could he actually choose? After a moment’s thought, he asked, “Could you tell me what martial arts Sword Manor offers, so I might choose accordingly?”

Fu Xin smiled. “Sword Manor may not be a great sect, but it is no mundane force either. We have thousands of techniques, encompassing all disciplines. But the finest among them is, naturally, swordsmanship. Every disciple who comes here must begin with the sword; it is our foundation. All else is secondary.”

He paused, gave Yi Fan a once-over, then said, “I have a suggestion, if you’re willing to hear it?”

“Oh? Please, Brother Fu, go on.”

“Although your spirit is reserved and your energy full, which tells me you’ve mastered some subtle methods, you’ve neglected martial training. Your body is frail; even if you were to learn the best techniques, it would be difficult to make progress.”

Fu Xin finished and waited, smiling.

Yi Fan was startled. Sensing that Fu Xin had a motive, he hesitated, then said, “Please, Brother Fu, instruct me. I will be deeply grateful.”

Though unsure of Fu Xin’s intent, he decided to accept for now and consider his options later.

Sure enough, once he received the promise, Fu Xin smiled. “Though swordsmanship is our core, there are other remarkable arts. For instance, ‘Tendon-Refining Technique’ not only strengthens the meridians but also nurtures the body and increases strength—perfect for you.”

Yi Fan was delighted and bowed. “Thank you, Brother Fu. Otherwise, even ten years of martial study would yield little result for me.”

Fu Xin waved a hand dismissively. “It’s nothing. As for other skills, you may choose swordsmanship and qinggong. With these three, you’ll be well protected. Since you’re only here three months, this will lay a solid foundation.”

He then led Yi Fan to the library, where he copied down the ‘Tendon-Refining Technique’ and a qinggong manual called ‘Nine Leaps in a Single Bound.’ As for swordsmanship, he had to start with the basics; more advanced techniques were beyond reach.

It took more than an hour for Fu Xin to explain the crucial points of both techniques and resolve several doubts before he departed.

Yi Fan lingered a moment, then returned to his quarters with the copied texts. He closed the window, took up the ‘Tendon-Refining Technique,’ and, following its instructions, focused his mind and circulated his qi. Soon, he felt a faint but pleasing effect.

He possessed an advantage no one else could match: as long as he had enough energy units, he could enhance both secret arts and cultivation level. Martial skills, too, were no challenge for his system.

So, he practiced ‘Nine Leaps in a Single Bound’ until proficient, then opened his system.

Sure enough, opening the interface, he saw the following martial arts listed:

...

“Divine Abilities: Minor Evil-Dispelling Talisman (Level 1), Palm Thunder (Level 1), Tendon-Refining Technique (Uninitiated) (Upgrade?), Nine Leaps in a Single Bound (Uninitiated) (Upgrade?)”

“Realm: Purity Heart Sutra (Second Level of Enlightenment)”

“Refinement: 91”

...

Last time, after refining the fox demon, he gained over a dozen energy units, but not enough to upgrade the Minor Evil-Dispelling Talisman or Palm Thunder. He didn’t force it and chose to upgrade the Tendon-Refining Technique.

A moment later, his whole body tingled with numbness and a bit of pain, but it was bearable. Soon, the strange sensation faded. When he threw a punch, his strength had clearly increased and his muscles were much firmer.

Checking the system, he saw that the Tendon-Refining Technique was now at ‘Initiate’ level, and not much energy had been consumed. Seeing he could upgrade further, he continued until reaching ‘Proficient.’

At this stage, he felt brimming with energy and limitless strength. Looking at himself, he seemed taller and leaner, with distinct muscles; his punches now stirred the air.

Pleased with these gains, Yi Fan’s joy knew no bounds.

He chose to upgrade again, but found that the energy cost was much greater. After a long while, the upgrade was complete, and the system displayed the ‘Adept’ level. He himself felt mentally exhausted, his stomach audibly protesting with hunger.

Knowing he could not continue, he stopped, stepped outside, and asked a Sword Manor disciple to prepare a meal with plenty of meat.