Chapter 28: Preparations Before Laying the Cards on the Table
In the training grounds, Guang Ling first pointed out some minor flaws in Han Li's movements, then adjusted the difficulty of his shooting exercises while closely analyzing his fundamentals.
"Hmm, not bad. I can see these three months haven't been wasted."
Guang Ling nodded in satisfaction Han Li's learning speed was much better than expected.
Of course, both of them knew that this was largely due to Han Li's superior spiritual power, which far exceeded that of the average person even surpassing what Guang Ling himself had at his age. But that was part of Han Li's talent and fortune; there was no reason not to take full advantage of it.
Following Tang Hao's stubborn philosophy insisting on forging a divine weapon using only mundane iron would be utterly foolish, a complete misunderstanding of priorities.
"Your spiritual power helps you master the basics quickly, but don't rely on it completely," Guang Ling advised. "You should also train your eyes, your instincts, and most importantly, your intuition. A great archer's intuition is sometimes more reliable than any other sense."
"I can't teach you that, though. It's something you have to develop on your own. Maybe one day, you'll release an arrow and just know. So far, I've only entered that state twice." Guang Ling's tone was serious, but there was also a hint of nostalgia.
"Yes, Teacher. I'll keep that in mind."
Han Li nodded thoughtfully. He had heard similar stories in his past life about snipers who, when in the zone, could outperform even precise aiming techniques. But that wasn't something relevant to him just yet. He had only been training for three months and was still building his foundation. It was best to focus on the present rather than chase after distant ideals.
For the rest of the session, Guang Ling continued to guide Han Li while subtly integrating combat strategy into his training. Han Li listened intently, nodding frequently. Having a master who was at the absolute peak in his field, personally breaking down his experience and spoon feeding it to him, was infinitely better than fumbling through theory on his own.
Guang Ling was equally satisfied with Han Li's learning speed. He wasn't a particularly patient man, but his disciple was quick witted, picking up concepts rapidly and even extrapolating on them. The rapid progress gave Guang Ling a rare sense of pride teaching someone as talented as Han Li was a true pleasure.
Moreover, as he taught, Guang Ling refined his own combat framework and theories. Han Li often proposed unconventional tactics many of them rather underhanded but that didn't stop Guang Ling from secretly incorporating them into his own strategies.
Yes, if properly prepared, he could definitely take on three opponents of the same level. He might not win outright, but if he landed a sneak attack first, he definitely wouldn't lose. Especially against ground based martial souls like the Clear Sky Hammer… Guang Ling's fingers itched just thinking about it.
Meanwhile, the modified versions of the two broadcast gymnastics routines that Guang Ling and Qing Luan had taken from Han Li were finally taking shape. The movements hadn't changed too drastically, but they had become sharper and more martial in nature.
While they were still unsuitable for direct combat, incorporating soul power circulation routes had made the exercises much more robust. After testing them personally, they found them significantly superior to the previous body strengthening techniques they had been using.
Ultimately, the two routines were not ranked against each other. One was better suited for beginners, while the other was more advanced. Overall, everyone was satisfied with the outcome. Guang Ling and Qing Luan even declared their intention to continue refining the technique, hoping to derive even stronger body training methods. Han Li simply nodded in agreement.
And just like that, two months flew by.
Han Li successfully broke through to Rank 16, much to Guang Ling's delight. This was what it meant to have a good teacher! His disciple's cultivation speed was even faster than that damn brat Bibi Dong's.
After that, Guang Ling stopped overseeing Han Li's training daily. Instead, he checked in once every week or two, engaging in intense archery duels with his student while correcting any flaws in his practice. Meanwhile, his affiliated families continued supporting Han Li's growth.
Freed from the grueling basic training, Han Li now had time for extracurricular studies. His cultural lessons were also restructured, shifting from fixed lectures to independent reading with periodic assessments. This reduced his workload significantly, making his future plans easier to implement.
In the study, Han Li set down the book in his hands, stretched lazily, and grinned as he examined the notes he had compiled. Finally, it was complete.
Glancing at the towering stack of books beside him piled so high it was nearly taller than he was Han Li shook his head in exasperation.
He didn't mind reading, but when reading became work, when he had to sift through specific texts for particular data, the joy of learning quickly turned into a burden. Even though he wasn't a real six year old, this process had been mentally exhausting.
Fortunately, he had persisted, and the results were worth it.
Yes, he had been researching whale glue.
By meticulously cross referencing different sources, he compiled data and extracted key conclusions.
No single text explicitly stated that whale glue could enhance the body. However, by analyzing later developments and applying a reasonable degree of extrapolation, he had found strong supporting evidence.
With his prior theories on martial soul development and the real success of Xiu'er's transformation, even a mere hypothesis would be taken seriously.
As for whether this would benefit his enemies? Please. He wasn't an idiot.
He would discuss the matter with Guang Ling first, securing as much high quality whale glue as possible before officially reporting the discovery.
And Bibi Dong?
Even if Qian Daoliu did notify her immediately, she would already be playing catch up. Any high year specimens she acquired would barely be enough to support her so called Golden Generation, let alone for her to hoard. Besides, she had too many subordinates keeping it all for herself would be impractical.
Moreover, she was no fool. She would likely suppress the information, ensuring it didn't spread.
A head start meant everything.
As long as Han Li secured the greatest benefits and accelerated his growth, everything else was secondary.
After sitting at his desk for a while longer, mentally rehearsing his pitch, Han Li finally stood up and left the study. He headed straight for his teacher's residence.
Guang Ling had confirmed earlier that he would be home today, so there was no need to send a prior message.
As expected, Han Li found him in the pavilion, enjoying a drink.
Qing Luan was there too, but that didn't disrupt Han Li's plan. He had intended to inform his shibo about this as well.
"Oh? Little Li, what brings you here? Have you finished your training?"
Guang Ling turned to look at his unusually self disciplined disciple, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. By his usual schedule, Han Li should be reading at this hour.
"Yes, I've completed it. Even if I hadn't, I would've made up for it later don't worry, Teacher." Han Li grinned as he approached. He glanced around, ensuring no one else was nearby, then retrieved a folded sheet of paper from his wristband.
His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper.
"Teacher, shibo, I think I've discovered a huge secret in my studies. The kind that could shake the entire spirit master world. Interested in hearing about it?"
Han Li waved the paper playfully, his expression pure and innocent.
Guang Ling and Qing Luan exchanged glances, then turned their attention back to the boy, now thoroughly intrigued.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/johanssen