Most precious of all, through studying and reading Ding Wen, Xu Yi's understanding of mathematics had improved by leaps and bounds.
Much of the knowledge that had once been scattered had, during his studies, connected into a whole and formed a system.
Eventually, Xu Yi realized that with the energy he had at present, he couldn't develop every branch of mathematics, nor could he make progress in several directions at once.
So he chose a specific path, began reading Ding Wen devoted to that field, and started climbing toward the higher reaches of the mountain.
At the same time, he kept trying to combine his mathematical knowledge with the Skin Appearance Sutra.
With his deep accumulation of mathematical knowledge, putting the Skin Appearance Sutra to use was as easy as turning over his hand. He created a great many cultivation arts.
All in all, this period of intense study had greatly improved him.
He had studied through the night until dawn. Just as the first light appeared, Yan Zi sat up and went outside. Before long, she returned carrying two enormous wooden tubs, both steaming hot.
One tub held rice porridge; the deeper one was piled high with plump, steaming buns.
At the smell, Xu Yi opened his eyes and smiled faintly at Yan Zi, then set to work with both hands, wolfing down his food.
Before he had finished eating, the Ruyi Pearl at his waist began to jump wildly. He opened the seal, and a long-silent voice came through in a panic. "Brother Xu, help! Help! Don't cut the connection. Meet at Wuhua Island..."
Amid the frantic cries came the sounds of explosions and shouts.
Xu Yi sprang to his feet, then suddenly fixed his gaze on Xuan Lengyan. Yan Zi said, "Young Master, there's no need to