The sky was a pure azure, and high above hung an unknown white star, radiating a gentle glow.
Deep within a bamboo forest, a small path paved with white pebbles snaked its way into the distance.
This place felt more like a secluded paradise, hidden from the rest of the world.
Qin Feng followed the path deeper into the bamboo forest.
His steps were light, as if he were afraid of disturbing the tranquility of the place.
The deeper he went, the more astounded he became.
He could feel that the Space Law here seemed different from the outside world—firmer, and also clearer.
After walking several hundred meters, a simple yet elegant courtyard appeared before him.
The courtyard was not large. It was constructed from bamboo, its walls covered in verdant vines. Above the gate hung a black wooden plaque, on which two words were written in a strong and vigorous script—Qingya Residence.
The gate was ajar, as if awaiting a guest’s arrival.
Qin Feng took a deep breath, composed himself, and walked forward to gently push the gate open.
Inside the courtyard was another world entirely.
It was a small yard with a floor of bluestone pavers. In the center stood a stone table and several stone stools.
A middle-aged man in a pure black training uniform stood with his back to him, quietly positioned beneath an old pine tree in the center of the yard, seemingly admiring its gnarled branches.
He just stood there quietly, emanating no earth-shattering aura, yet the moment Qin Feng saw his back, his breath caught in his throat.
In Qin Feng’s perception, the man before him seemed to have merged with the heavens and the earth.
He was not just a man; he was this bamboo forest, this sky, this corner of the Cosmos.
What was even more terrifying was that Qin Feng could clearly "see" the Spiritual Energy around the master’s body forming a vast and stable tide.
It rose and fell with an incomparably profound rhythm.
Each ebb and flow was like a breath of the Cosmos, each inhalation and exhalation an exchange of energy with the source of the Endless Star Sea.
This level of control over energy was completely beyond Qin Feng’s comprehension.
He knew that this man was his mentor, the Star System-level Powerhouse he had only met once upon enrollment—Yu Han.
Qin Feng composed his thoughts, suppressed his shock, and walked forward. He stopped behind Master Yu Han and bowed respectfully but not obsequiously.
"Student Qin Feng greets Master."
His voice was steady and strong, breaking the tranquility of the courtyard.
Yu Han slowly turned around.
His face was exactly as Qin Feng remembered: ordinary and resolute, yet possessing a depth that seemed capable of seeing through a person’s soul.
A faint smile appeared on Yu Han’s face, and the suffocating pressure dissipated along with it.
"There’s no need for such formalities."
He pointed to a nearby stone stool, gesturing for Qin Feng to sit.
"Master, I have come today hoping you might offer some guidance and clarify my future path of cultivation."
After sitting down, Qin Feng stated his purpose directly.
"Mm."
Yu Han nodded slightly, sizing up Qin Feng as if admiring an uncut jade.
"Squad Leader Zhou Xiong has already told me about you. Your performance, both in the newcomer’s cup and just now in the Canaan Tower, has exceeded my expectations. Very good."
Qin Feng was inwardly pleased to receive his master’s affirmation, but his expression remained calm.
Yu Han continued, "I am aware of your purpose for coming. However, talk is cheap. To truly show you the most suitable path, I need to inspect your condition myself."
He looked at Qin Feng, his expression turning serious.
"Next, I will use a special Nourishing Technique—the ’Ten-Complete Hand’—to examine your physical body’s meridians, your Spiritual Energy circulation, your spiritual Will, and your Soul Origin."
"During this process, you may see and experience bizarre illusions, and you might even relive your deepest desires and fears. But remember my words: do not resist, do not struggle. Completely open your mind and treat it as if you are having a long dream."
"When you awaken, I will naturally tell you what weapon suits you best, what killing method suits you best, and, what Nourishing Technique suits you best."
The moment Yu Han finished speaking, Qin Feng’s pupils contracted sharply, his face showing unconcealed astonishment.
"The Ten-Complete Hand?"
He couldn’t help but speak. Those three words were all too familiar to him, and all too shocking.
From the very beginning at the Extreme Martial Arts Hall, when the Sun Chan Hall Master used this ultimate technique to remove the root of his ailment and rebuild his foundation.
To later, when Squad Leader Zhou Xiong of the Ultramarines Chapter used the same technique to help him absorb the Starry Sky Giant Beast Type-II genetic Potion.
And now today, his own Star System-level mentor, Yu Han, was also going to use the same method to guide him.
This was the third time he had heard the three words, "Ten-Complete Hand."
These three names represented the three most important benefactors and guides he had encountered on his Martial Dao path.
And they all, unbelievably, had mastered the same ultimate technique!
Yu Han seemed to have anticipated his reaction, a knowing smile on his face. "It seems this isn’t your first encounter with it."
"Yes, Master."