Cultivation Technique

Su Xuan arrived at the office.

Emma had already brewed the tea and was waiting for Su Xuan to return.

Su Xuan took off his military uniform, and Emma casually accepted it. Having taken care of Su Xuan for many years, she was already highly experienced.

"Emma, arrange something for Li Yiming and Zhang Feng later. I told them to come see me shortly."

Su Xuan rubbed his head. To be honest, he had been feeling incredibly refreshed lately. Dual Cultivation with Gu Yuena had indeed been remarkably effective; his cultivation had soared as though riding a rocket. It seemed he would have to continue the battle tonight, all for a better tomorrow.

However, Su Xuan had another headache. There were no protective measures involved—what if she got pregnant? But Su Xuan possessed the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon bloodline, while Gu Yuena possessed the Dragon God bloodline. Their offspring would inevitably be very difficult to conceive, so there was no need to worry too much about that.

Su Xuan shifted his attention back to the two Silver Medal recipients he would be meeting shortly—Zhang Feng and Li Yiming.

In truth, Li Yiming's merits had barely almost reached the threshold for a Gold Medal. However, after giving it some thought and discussing it with Emma, Su Xuan felt that if someone like Li Yiming received a Gold Medal, such immense honor might bring many unhealthy tendencies into the military. In the end, they chose to cancel it. After all, a Gold Medal required not only outstanding and distinguished military achievements, but also someone who could serve as a true role model for all Spirit Hall soldiers. Someone like him could not possibly be qualified.

Of course, if Li Yiming could break those bad habits and earn further merit, there would certainly be a place for him among the Gold Medal recipients.

Speaking of Li Yiming, Su Xuan thought once more of that black-robed lich. It was an intelligent lifeform from the Undead World.

And it was alive!

Su Xuan narrowed his eyes. This was definitely an extremely useful individual. If he could pry some crucial intelligence from that black-robed lich's mouth, their understanding of the coming battles and the enemies they would face would undoubtedly deepen considerably.

Su Xuan recalled all the cultivation techniques and spells he possessed: the Soul Searching Technique, the Mind Reading Technique...

Su Xuan tapped rhythmically on the desk. Perhaps he should interrogate that fellow personally.

Su Xuan picked up his cup and took another sip of tea. Emma's tea-making skills were as flawless as ever, the fragrance lingering in the air.

Su Xuan reviewed documents. Before long—

Knock, knock, knock.

A series of knocks sounded at the door.

Su Xuan knew that today's two main guests had likely arrived—Zhang Feng and Li Yiming.

"Come in."

Emma pushed open the door and entered. Then she silently moved behind Su Xuan, becoming a shadow-like presence that blended into his silhouette without the slightest sense of incongruity.

Su Xuan could feel that over the past few years, it had become increasingly difficult for him to be without Emma. This capable and considerate maid had spent even more time by his side than Gu Yuena or Bibi Dong.

A personal secretary like this—beautiful, capable, considerate, and loyal—was someone one could never find a second of even with a lantern, yet he had somehow encountered her.

Su Xuan could not help glancing at Emma behind him. Emma answered with a gentle smile. Su Xuan nodded, then looked toward the two Silver Medal recipients who had reached his desk.

"Li Yiming, Zhang Feng."

"Present, Commander."

The two immediately gave a military salute. Spirit Hall's military discipline was exceptionally strict. Subordinates saluting their superiors was an absolute requirement, and anyone who defied it had paid the price. After several such incidents, they had become obedient little soldiers, no longer daring to run wild as they once had.

Su Xuan was quite amiable, though. Smiling, he said softly, "No need for such formality. You are Silver Medal recipients. According to the rights and privileges granted to Silver Medal recipients, you are qualified to forgo saluting."

"You are the Supreme Commander, sir! We must salute you."

Su Xuan had nothing much to say to these two brats who had been disciplined so many times. Perhaps he really had trained them too harshly in the past.

"Sit down first."

Su Xuan lowered his hand, signaling for the two to take their seats.

Emma thoughtfully stepped forward, preparing to pour tea for the two Silver Medal recipients.

This only made them panic even more. They hurriedly waved their hands and said there was no need; they had hands and feet of their own and did not need to trouble the young lady.

Emma smiled helplessly and stepped back, once again hiding in Su Xuan's shadow.

Su Xuan was rather speechless. Why are they so afraid of me? I only set them up a few times, drilled them a few extra times, and had Elder Ju get "intimate" with them a few times. Other people would never even get the chance to spar with a Titled Douluo, yet they got to have a Titled Douluo elder serve as their Sparring Partner every day. Instead of thanking me, they fear me this much. They really don't know gratitude.

Su Xuan curled his lips. At most, Elder Ju had healing abilities, so he could injure them, heal them, then injure them again. But this kind of training made them stronger at an extraordinary pace. Though the psychological trauma might have been...

"Ahem. I called you here today because there is something important."

Su Xuan looked at the two sitting rigidly upright, his expression solemn and serious.

Cultivation techniques—the possibility of surpassing the planar limits of Douluo—this was unquestionably a truly major matter.

Li Yiming and Zhang Feng also turned serious. "Your Highness, please speak. As soldiers, if there is anything we can help with, we will absolutely do our duty without hesitation."

Li Yiming even patted his chest. For someone like him, loyalty and gratitude were instincts carved into his bones.

Although Li Yiming found his days sparring with Chrysanthemum Douluo unbearably miserable—

He knew that his formidable combat ability today was inseparable from Chrysanthemum Douluo's guidance.

Moreover, he had seriously violated military discipline and should have been kicked out long ago. It was Su Xuan who had recognized his talent and kept him, even specifically asking Chrysanthemum Douluo to help improve his strength.

Deep down, he was actually intensely grateful to Su Xuan.

Su Xuan nodded. "It is not actually anything difficult. I hope you can describe in detail the opportunity and experience behind your breakthroughs in cultivation techniques. This is very important."

Li Yiming thought for a moment, then said troubledly, "Commander, I'm not really sure either. It was just..."

Li Yiming gestured with both hands in the air. "It was like—whoosh. I suddenly felt as if I had broken through some kind of shackle, and then my body felt incredibly comfortable. That was when I knew I must have broken through."

Su Xuan covered his face with one hand and said to Emma, "I suddenly feel that deciding on nine years of compulsory education back then was truly necessary."

Li Yiming's old face reddened.

Emma covered her mouth and chuckled.

Zhang Feng could not stand this embarrassing teammate any longer. He shoved Li Yiming aside and began scientifically analyzing the reasons for his own breakthrough.

Su Xuan rested his chin on his hand and listened attentively, nodding from time to time.

Zhang Feng took a breath and drank a sip of tea. "That was roughly how it happened."

Su Xuan nodded. "Good. Everything you told me today is important. Also, your Silver Medal rewards will arrive tomorrow, so you can look forward to them. Emma, see them out."

Emma escorted the two away.

Su Xuan murmured, "A life-or-death crisis..."