The Secret of Stance Training?

The group traveled to the training institute.

Xu Yuan surveyed his surroundings, finding them virtually identical to Sun Rong's courtyard.

There were six dormitories, each housing eight people. Xu Yuan and Sun Rong were assigned to the same room, designated as "Ding."

The next moment, Li Shan and Wang Huan, alerted by the commotion, emerged from one of the rooms. Seeing two familiar faces, they were clearly surprised.

"Brother Xu, you've broken through?"

Li Shan blinked in surprise, then excitedly approached and punched Xu Yuan's shoulder. "I knew you could do it!"

Wang Huan's eyes flickered as he noticed Feng Xiao carrying luggage behind them.

Had Master Feng helped these two carry their luggage as well?

Was there something special about them?

Upon hearing that both had broken through last night, he relaxed once more.

He figured Master Feng had simply helped them out of a whim.

Wang Huan mused internally, a smile appearing on his face, projecting an image of warmth and helpfulness.

Xu Yuan smiled back at Li Shan and then cupped his hands towards Feng Xiao, "Thank you for seeing us off this time, Master Feng."

Seeing this, Tian Yang quickly followed suit, cupping his hands in thanks.

Feng Xiao nodded slowly and said plainly, "Thinking that you were all from the same back courtyard, I told them to try and place you in the same dormitory."

Naturally, everyone thanked him again.

A moment later, the two entered the room. Though not large, it contained only four bunk beds, so it wasn't cramped and was much tidier than the outer courtyard.

The two lower bunks closest to the inside had already been taken. Xu Yuan asked Tian Yang, who was beside him, "Do you want a top or bottom bunk?"

"You pick first, Brother Yuan. I'm fine with either."

Tian Yang had the good sense to do so, especially since Xu Yuan had saved his life.

Xu Yuan nodded and without delay, chose a lower bunk slightly further inside. The ones closest to the door were easily disturbed by the increasingly cold weather and the opening and closing of the door.

Tian Yang, being quick-witted, chose the upper bunk above Xu Yuan.

Feng Xiao observed this and slowly explained:

"The family has expanded the proportion of students learning martial arts from the recruits and laborers, so they've added a few more beds. Next month, after assignments are made, the accommodation will be better."

"Therefore, your learning progress next month is very important, as it will affect your future living standards and environment."

"Thank you for your guidance, Master Feng." The group thanked him in unison.

Xu Yuan placed his luggage on the bed. Before he could even unpack, he stood up and said to Feng Xiao, "Master Feng, I'll leave my things here for now. Let's head to the registration office."

The man had gone out of his way to come here and explain things; it would be inappropriate to keep him waiting.

"That's right," Feng Xiao agreed, nodding. He naturally understood Xu Yuan's thoughts and couldn't help but admire the young man's thoughtfulness once again.

Afterward, Li Shan and Wang Huan remained in the dormitory while Xu Yuan and Sun Rong followed Feng Xiao to the registration office.

"This small stone forest on the left is specifically for practicing the Thunderclap Fist technique... The plum blossom piles in that corner are best for practicing stance techniques."

"And this quiet room here is for concentrating the mind and nourishing the spirit, which can be used to refine Blood Essence and break through cultivation."

Feng Xiao continued to introduce the surrounding facilities as they walked, then admonished them:

"You all need to put in the effort. You're not just competing with the laborers anymore; there's also that group of Martial Students. They have better physical foundations and thicker family backgrounds than you."

He then revealed a bit more information to the two: "At the end of next month, you'll have an assessment. If you can break through to the Second Meridian Realm and master the Thunderclap Fist, you can choose your own assignment, with a six-month timeframe."

"Breaking through the Second Meridian takes four months, and advancing the martial skill takes three months. If you don't achieve either... you'll be randomly assigned."

"Currently, the Shangyang Family and the Bai Family are like fire and water, constantly vying for resources, and have already engaged in conflict in many places."

Feng Xiao's expression turned grave as he warned the two:

"Therefore, this opportunity to choose your assignment is extremely important. Even if you can't achieve both, you must succeed in at least one!"

"Otherwise, if you're sent to the front lines when the situation is dire, it will truly be a matter of survival."

These words could be considered heartfelt advice.

Xu Yuan naturally understood the implications and bowed deeply to Feng Xiao, "Thank you for your guidance, Master Feng."

Perhaps he would have understood these things in the future without Feng Xiao's words, but it would have involved many detours and wasted a lot of time.

Now that the man had brought it up, his path forward was clear, and he felt indebted for this kindness.

Tian Yang listened beside him, his expression gradually becoming serious as he also respectfully bowed to Feng Xiao.

Before this, his respect for Feng Xiao was mostly due to his strength and status, with a significant portion of fear involved.

But now, his respect held a more genuine emotion.

Xu Yuan knew that Feng Xiao's words were meant to build goodwill, as their breakthrough to Martial Artist had demonstrated their value, prompting Feng Xiao's willingness to offer such advice.

However, this was understandable; there was no such thing as kindness that appeared out of nowhere in this world.

"Xu Yuan, you only neared breakthrough at the end of the month, which indicates average Aptitude. However, you don't need to worry too much."

Feng Xiao continued, "Next, you can focus on Thunderclap Fist. Once you've mastered it to a minor degree, actively choose suitable errands to earn some money. After buying some precious medicine, there's still hope for the Second Meridian."

"Oh?"

Hearing this, Xu Yuan's expression shifted.

"There are also precious medicines that can improve aptitude?"

Feng Xiao was taken aback and shot him an exasperated look. "Aptitude is innate, how can it be changed? Even if there were such things, they are not treasures we can get our hands on."

"What I mean is, once you become a Martial Artist, you can buy Blood Activating Pills. These can be used to increase your Blood Essence foundation, thereby increasing the chance of breakthrough."

"After all, you've had weak bodies since childhood and need these nourishing Blood Essence medicines the most to solidify your foundation, otherwise, you won't go far."

So that's how it is.

Xu Yuan suddenly understood. As expected, things that could improve aptitude were rare treasures everywhere.

"Right, I remember telling you long ago that practicing Stone Platform Stance Practice needs to be used with Meridian Nourishing Soup,"

Feng Xiao suddenly seemed to recall something and said, "Although the initial breakthroughs in Stone Platform Stance Practice are fast, it actually depletes the body's potential significantly. The further you go, the slower the speed will become, and you might even get stuck at a certain realm."

"That's why I told you to drink Meridian Nourishing Soup as much as possible; it can offer some protection."

The two were instantly shocked. The Stance Practice had such hidden drawbacks?

After reacting, Xu Yuan could understand. Shangyang Family wasn't a charity, so they naturally wouldn't offer any top-tier Stance Practice secret methods.

What they taught these Martial Students and Laborers would only be a quick-completion version. As long as it could quickly form combat power, even if it squeezed their potential, it would align with the current needs and interests of the Shangyang Family.

Tian Yang didn't think that deeply. He only felt a chill in his heart.

So, the reason he could quickly master the Stance Practice was by exhausting his own potential?

What should he do in the future?

Seeing his dejected expression, Feng Xiao snorted, "Enough, don't act like you're dying. You became a Martial Artist from a mere laborer, aren't you satisfied?"

Xu Yuan, however, felt indifferent.

For others, this Stance Practice might make them unable to advance further after reaching a certain level.

But for him, as long as his skills kept breaking through, his aptitude could continue to improve.

What bottleneck?

If I can't break through, it must be because my aptitude isn't high enough!

So I'm different from them, I'm cheating! Xu Yuan thought to himself.