Chapter 32: Martial Physique
Huang Fengqi exhaled deeply upon hearing Elder Guo’s words, her shoulders dropping slightly in resignation. It seemed this peculiar disciple would remain beyond her reach. Still, she refused to abandon such a perfect test subject entirely. Perhaps there was another approach—although having him as her disciple would have made things easier, it could still work even if they weren’t master and disciple.
"It’s okay if you don’t want to become my disciple," she said, her voice shifting to a more conversational tone. "But I still believe you’re the ideal candidate for this opportunity." Her posture straightened as she adopted the measured cadence of someone making a compelling business proposal.
"To be honest, there’s a martial physique I’ve been researching for quite some time," she continued, leaning forward slightly. "Unlocking this particular physique requires mastering numerous techniques to the perfect level." Her eyes fixed on Xiang Yu with unmistakable interest. "I’ve heard from your master that you achieved major success in a technique in merely a week."
Li Yao’s eyes widened at this revelation, genuine surprise washing over her delicate features.
[You didn’t notice?] the empress asked within her consciousness.
[Your senior brother’s comprehension ability is truly exceptional—not inferior to yours in the slightest,] the voice elaborated, causing Li Yao’s astonishment to deepen further.
It seemed her senior brother possessed genuine genius that had somehow escaped her attention. "Is this martial physique actually real?" Li Yao mentally inquired of the empress.
[Well, it does exist in theory, but since no one has ever successfully obtained it so it’s difficult to say,] came the measured response.
"Why has no one ever managed to acquire it?" Li Yao pressed, curiosity piqued.
[The ancient manuals specify that one must master numerous techniques to unlock the physique, but they’re frustratingly vague about the exact quantity required,] the empress explained. [Many cultivators have attempted this path only to abandon it in frustration. Most eventually conclude their time is better spent on conventional cultivation rather than endlessly practicing techniques for a physique that might prove mythical.]
"I see," Li Yao thought, understanding dawning in her mind. This method hardly seemed reliable. How many years would her senior brother need to dedicate to technique mastery, with no guarantee of eventual success? The realization settled heavily upon her—her initial hope that this opportunity might elevate her senior brother appeared misplaced.
The responsibility remained hers alone. She would need to redouble her efforts, pushing her cultivation even harder to obtain that precious Rebirth Pill for him.
"With your remarkable comprehension abilities, you could master techniques at an extraordinary pace..." Huang Fengqi continued, elaborating on the potential benefits with measured enthusiasm. After completing her detailed explanation, she fixed Xiang Yu with an expectant gaze.
"So, what do you think? Does this interest you?" she asked, her voice carrying a note of hopeful anticipation.
...
Xiang Yu descended into deep contemplation, weighing the implications of Huang Fengqi’s proposal with methodical precision. If her claims about this martial physique proved legitimate, the opportunity was undeniably enticing. With his system’s exponential growth mechanism, mastering multiple techniques to perfect level seemed entirely feasible. Though he had yet to achieve perfect mastery in any discipline, he calculated that his knife technique would likely reach that threshold within a month at most.
The potential reward was extraordinary – a martial physique would fundamentally transform his cultivation journey, addressing his most critical limitation. Unlike his current mortal body, a martial physique could not lack spiritual roots. This represented a comprehensive solution – not merely an enhancement but a complete rebirth as a cultivator capable of advancing through all realms. The two-in-one package would finally place true cultivation within his grasp.
Despite the temptation, Xiang Yu maintained his strategic caution. Accepting without parameters would surrender control over his carefully constructed life. After several moments of calculated analysis, he raised his eyes to meet Huang Fengqi’s expectant gaze.
"I can agree, but with some conditions," he stated, his tone measured but resolute. Privately, he reasoned that rejection of his terms would be inconsequential – he had already identified the fundamental approach. If necessary, he could independently pursue technique mastery until unlocking the martial physique through his own efforts, albeit at a slower pace.
Huang Fengqi’s expression brightened perceptibly at his conditional acceptance. She had anticipated some form of bargaining – resources, positions, privileges – typical requests she could accommodate despite their potential complications. "Of course. What conditions do you have in mind?" she inquired, barely concealing her eagerness.
Xiang Yu spoke with deliberate clarity, enumerating his requirements: "First, complete confidentiality – no one beyond this room should know about this arrangement. Second, I maintain my status as Elder Guo’s disciple within Mountain Heart Pavilion. Third, no additional responsibilities will be assigned to me as a result of this undertaking. Fourth, I retain exclusive authority to select which techniques I’ll practice. Fifth, I train independently without external supervision or assistance. Sixth, I will not leave the pavilion for this purpose."
His expression remained resolute as he concluded: "These terms are non-negotiable and cannot be modified. If any cannot be fulfilled, I must regretfully decline this opportunity."
Huang Fengqi’s mouth fell open in undisguised astonishment. She had braced herself for extravagant demands – spirit stones, magical treasures, privileged positions – yet his requests were shockingly modest.
A smile of understanding curved her lips as realization dawned. While countless disciples craved recognition and acclaim, this peculiar young man actively shunned attention. He likely feared that acknowledgment of his genius would burden him with responsibilities and expectations he had no desire to shoulder. How refreshingly contrary to the typical cultivation mindset!
Her smile widened into genuine warmth. These conditions aligned perfectly with her own research interests – maintaining secrecy would prevent external interference with their experiment. "Deal!" she declared enthusiastically, extending her hand toward him.
Xiang Yu accepted the gesture, sealing their arrangement with a firm handshake.
From the sidelines, Li Yao observed the exchange with mixed emotions. While this avenue offered some promise, however remote, she remained committed to her own solution. The uncertain timeline of this experimental approach hardly suited her temperament – she would continue pursuing the Rebirth Pill with unwavering determination, unwilling to stake her senior brother’s future on such theoretical possibilities.
Elder Guo surveyed the scene with quiet satisfaction, pleased that a mutually beneficial arrangement had materialized from what had initially appeared to be an impasse.
"Does this mean I’ll be visiting frequently?" Huang Fengqi inquired, her tone deliberately casual.
Elder Guo snorted "Hmph! Don’t think I don’t know your true motives. You’re simply angling for more opportunities to sample our cuisine," he accused with a penetrating stare.
"What? How could you suggest such a thing?" she protested with exaggerated innocence. "I merely wish to monitor my martial nephew’s progress."