Training, a Half-Year Cultivation Plan

"Sister Dong'er, wake up, wake up!"

After the lesson ended, Ban Shu shook Bibi Dong, who had fallen asleep beside him. "The theory class is over; it's time for our next session."

"Is it?"

Bibi Dong woke up languidly, lifting her head in a daze. Seeing it was Ban Shu calling her, she rubbed her eyes and let out a massive stretch. "Ah~ that was such a comfortable nap."

"Sister!"

Ban Shu shook his head helplessly. Bibi Dong was perfect in every way, except for one thing: she was a complete academic failure.

She had zero interest in books. The moment she started reading, her eyelids would begin to fight each other, and she would drift off to sleep.

It was no wonder that in the future, she would be led around by the nose by someone like Yu Xiaogang, using his half-baked knowledge.

Yu Xiaogang's so-called "Ten Core Theories" were already well-documented in the Spirit Hall library.

He had merely organized and archived them, yet he had the audacity to shamelessly claim them as his own painstaking research.

As a low-level Spirit Master in his twenties, where exactly did he gather such high-level information? It wasn't hard to guess.

"Sister Dong'er, it's time to start the combat drills."

"Is it?"

Hearing this, Bibi Dong immediately perked up, rubbing her hands together and looking impatient, completely shedding the sleepy demeanor she had during the theory lesson.

Following the theory class were the newly added physical training and combat drills.

After all, neither of them had undergone systematic martial arts training before. Ban Shu was only six, and no one had taught him anything at the orphanage.

As for Bibi Dong, it went without saying; she relied entirely on her innate talent to fight, and her proudest technique was the Turtle Fist.

The combat drill took place in an exceptionally open area, vast enough that they didn't have to worry about being cramped.

As a Beast Spirit Master, Bibi Dong didn't need to use weapons, relying entirely on her physical prowess, so she mostly practiced strikes and kicks.

Qian Xunji had specifically found a trusted Spirit Master with a Spider Spirit to serve as her combat instructor.

As for Ban Shu, to his surprise, his instructor turned out to be Li Yan.

"Uncle Li?"

Looking at Li Yan, who stood before him with his arms crossed and a smile on his face, Ban Shu was somewhat taken aback. He truly hadn't expected him to be the one guiding him.

"Surprised?"

Li Yan chuckled. "Xiao Ban, your spirit is the Painted Halberd. Although it's different from my Yan Qiang, both are long-handled weapons, so I am the most suitable person to guide you."

"That makes sense."

Ban Shu nodded and summoned his Painted Halberd. "Let's begin, Uncle Li."

"Good!"

This was the first time Li Yan had summoned his spirit in front of Ban Shu. He reached out, and a crimson spear, a full two meters long, appeared in his grasp.

His spirit rings were the optimal configuration: two yellow, two purple, and three black.

"Xiao Ban, don't you dare blink!"

As he spoke, Li Yan flicked his spear, creating a flurry of blossoms, then planted his feet firmly and held the shaft level with both hands.

"Kid, watch closely!"

With that, the spear in Li Yan's hands suddenly ignited with flames. He focused his mind and began the demonstration.

In his hands, the spear danced like a burning fire dragon, perfectly coordinated with his footwork, leaving the observer dazzled.

After finishing the spear routine, Li Yan exhaled softly and raised an eyebrow at Ban Shu. "How was that? Cool, right?"

"Oh! Uncle Li is amazing!"

Ban Shu clapped his hands, offering enthusiastic praise.

Having achieved his goal of showing off, Li Yan beamed and patted Ban Shu on the head.

"Don't be discouraged. In time, you'll be just as impressive as your Uncle Li. As for now, let's stick to the basics."

"Oh, alright."

Under Li Yan's instruction, Ban Shu began the most fundamental exercises: straight thrusts, horizontal sweeps, and downward chops.

Though it was somewhat monotonous, he didn't cut corners, practicing each move with earnest focus.

Ban Shu knew that mastering these basic techniques was the foundation for the future. If he couldn't even be diligent with these, how could he ever hope to become strong?

Time ticked by, and Ban Shu continued to repeat the movements with unwavering focus, never once slacking off.

Li Yan, watching from the side, felt a sense of gratification. Not only was the boy talented, but he was also incredibly hardworking—far better than his own good-for-nothing son.

"Alright, that's enough for today."

Around eight in the evening, the training officially concluded. Qian Xunji had long since prepared a medicinal bath, which not only relieved fatigue but also helped heal hidden injuries.

After the bath, it was time for free activity. Ban Shu usually spent this time in his room meditating, striving to increase his spirit power as quickly as possible.

Perhaps it was due to the unique nature of the heaven and earth essence he was absorbing, but Ban Shu's soul power was increasing at a rapid pace.

According to his own estimates, he would be able to challenge the level twenty soul master threshold in six months at most.

A few days later, Qian Xunji summoned the two who were in the middle of their cultivation.

Looking at Ban Shu and Bibi Dong before him, he could not hide the excitement on his face: "Xiao Ban, it worked. Your method of tempering the body with Whale Glue is indeed genuine."

"That is truly wonderful, Teacher."

Ban Shu also wore an expression of surprise and excitement: "That old gentleman really didn't lie to me!"

"Indeed."

Qian Xunji nodded: "Regardless, we should properly thank that senior. It is a pity that we do not know where he is."

Bibi Dong waved her hand: "Perhaps that old gentleman simply enjoys living a carefree life, wandering the world? We had best not disturb him."

"That is true."

Qian Xunji stopped dwelling on it and took out two pieces of Whale Glue. These pieces were darker in color, indicating a higher age and better medicinal efficacy.

"These two pieces were prepared specifically for you. They are the highest quality pieces from this entire batch."

As he spoke, Qian Xunji used his Angel Flame to soften them before handing them to the two: "Consume them quickly. I will stand guard for you."

"Understood, Teacher."

The two nodded in response, consumed the Whale Glue together, and began to refine the medicinal power within.

This was Ban Shu's first time consuming Whale Glue. As soon as it entered his mouth, he felt a warm current surge into his abdomen.

The warmth gradually flowed into his limbs and bones, then slowly moved downward...

The medicinal power of this Whale Glue was potent, far beyond what the other five had consumed previously. Ban Shu's skin was now as bright red as a boiled lobster.

Bibi Dong, standing to the side, was not as extreme, but her skin was flushed and her face was covered in sweat.

Fortunately, while powerful, Whale Glue was not a volatile substance. Before long, the abnormal reactions in both of them had faded.

After the heat came a sensation of comfort, like bathing in a spring breeze. It felt very similar to the sensation he had experienced when absorbing the little flame earlier.

Before long, the two had completely digested the medicinal power of the Whale Glue.

"Not bad."

Qian Xunji looked at the two and nodded with satisfaction, officially adding Whale Glue to their list of cultivation essentials.