Teaching Lan Xin

Reke already had a rough draft in mind for how to train Lan Xin.

In the world of Dragon Ball, there was no training philosophy better suited for building a foundation than that of Master Roshi.

Even Reke had been training according to Master Roshi's methods all along.

"Eat well, sleep well, study well, and train well." These four mantras were what had turned Kakarot into the strongest warrior in the universe.

Reke wasn't about to ignore such an effective method just to fumble around on his own.

Although Reke wouldn't be hitting the books in this lifetime, he hadn't been idle during this period either.

He had collected many training philosophies and methods from this planet, constantly learning and absorbing them, turning the knowledge of others into his own.

The next day, as Reke was in the courtyard sensing his ki, Pat arrived with Lan Xin and his mother.

The moment they met, Lan Xin's mother pulled Lan Xin along to kneel before Reke.

"Benefactor, thank you. We will spend our entire lives repaying your kindness."

Reke's figure flickered, appearing beside the mother and son to support them before they could reach the ground.

He still couldn't get used to others kneeling to him; it felt far too awkward.

"No need for that. From now on, you'll be responsible for our daily meals, and Lan Xin will follow me to train. I don't like people kneeling to me."

"This..." Lan Xin's mother stood there at a loss. She only knew how to kneel and kowtow to show gratitude, and with Reke stopping her, she didn't know how to respond.

Noticing the mother's restraint, Reke smiled and said, "I have a large appetite; I eat about fifty portions per meal. If you really want to thank me, just cook me more delicious food from now on."

"Yes, yes, yes! I will certainly do my best."

"I still don't know what to call you?"

"My name is Uti."

Only then did Reke look Uti over, nodding to himself. At least she didn't look like she had three months ago.

"Go settle into your living quarters today. Lan Xin, start training with me tomorrow. Prepare yourself mentally."

"Understood, Master," Lan Xin said respectfully.

"Don't call me Master. Call me Brother Lei from now on."

"Go on, go on! No need for empty talk. From now on, what I say goes. No backtalk allowed."

Seeing that Lan Xin was about to say something, Reke didn't give them a chance and sent them away immediately.

"Four-Eyes, help me hire a private tutor tomorrow."

"Hm?" Pat nodded subconsciously, then looked at Reke in astonishment, wondering if he had misheard.

"A private tutor? Is there any use in learning that stuff?" Pat asked, puzzled.

"My god! Don't tell me your entire adventure squad is illiterate?"

Reke covered his forehead, looking speechless.

"We only learn how to fight and pass on experience for completing missions here. Aside from that, we teach them how to read and do simple arithmetic."

Finding out they weren't completely illiterate made Reke feel a little better.

Reke understood their situation; the social structure was just like that.

Their line of work was dangerous. Before they knew how to train their ki, their combat power relied on physical growth—either waiting for their bodies to mature or intensifying their physical training.

Physical training took up so much of their time that they had no time left for study.

Although Reke had already taught them how to train their ki, it hadn't been long enough for them to realize the importance of the mind.

Reading not only increased their wisdom but also helped them learn to purify their inner selves.

Even if Reke told them now, their habits from so many years would be hard to break; they would have to realize it for themselves.

Therefore, Reke couldn't be bothered to say much more; only children were truly malleable.

"Fine, fine. I suggest you eventually find a teacher to properly educate the children in your adventure squad as well," Reke said seriously.

In the end, Pat left, filled with confusion. Although he didn't know why Reke said that, he decided to give it a try anyway; it wouldn't cost much.

"Delicious! Uti, your skills are great! Don't just sit there, hurry up and eat." Reke dumped a plate of meatballs into his mouth, greeting them while he chewed.

Reke was quite satisfied with Uti's cooking, though it was a bit stingy—she still hadn't prepared enough food.

The way Reke ate stunned the mother and son. At his speed, if they didn't start using their chopsticks, there might really be nothing left.

"Lan Xin, I'll tell you this now: if you don't eat your fill today, you might die during training tomorrow."

Seeing their hesitation, Reke threw out a hyperbolic warning and stopped paying attention to them, focusing entirely on his battle with the food.

The two didn't dare delay any longer, especially Uti, who kept piling food onto Lan Xin's plate, terrified that if he didn't eat enough today, he would die tomorrow.

After returning, Pat announced the plan to hire a teacher for the children.

The elders were fine with it since they didn't need to attend classes, but they were filled with questions, wondering what their Leader was playing at.

The children in the squad were different; a chorus of wails erupted, and some even organized to protest to the Leader.

Unfortunately, it was of no use. Everyone who came to protest was suppressed by him, cutting off their hopes and demonstrating his resolve to push the plan through.

"Thud. Put these on."

Reke tossed the weighted gear he had commissioned onto the ground and spoke to Lan Xin.

Lan Xin looked at the equipment on the ground and bent down to pick it up without a word.

The moment he touched it, he felt a heavy weight; his body pitched forward, and he had to step his right foot out to steady himself. He exerted force throughout his entire body, struggling to strap the gear on, before looking up at Reke, who was hovering in the air.

"Start running. Keep up with my speed."

Reke drifted forward at a pace just slightly faster than Lan Xin's limit.

Lan Xin strained to take a step, his eyes locked firmly on Reke, not caring whether his body could withstand the exertion.

Only one thought remained in his mind: I must keep up.

It had to be said that this child, Lan Xin, possessed excellent willpower. Although life had not granted him a strong body, it had forged a resolute will.

This period of time felt like living in a dream for Lan Xin; not only had his mother's illness been cured, but he no longer had to scavenge for trash.

He had eaten many things he had never tasted before, worn new clothes, and slept on a soft, fluffy bed.

Everything—every single thing—had been brought to him by the boy ahead of him. Although he did not know what cultivation was, he did not care; he only knew that he had to complete Reke's tasks well.

Unwilling to wake from this beautiful dream, he had made up his mind back at the hospital: he would maintain this dream-like life, no matter what.

Following the arrangements he had made with others beforehand, Reke took Lan Xin to collect milk and began delivering it from house to house.

After finishing, he brought him to the construction site, ignoring Lan Xin's swaying, precarious frame.

He did not stand by and urge him on, wanting instead to see his self-discipline.

Lan Xin did not know how many times he had collapsed to the ground, nor did he care about the injuries he sustained; he only knew that he had to stand back up.

And so, Lan Xin continued to repeat the cycle of falling and rising.