Lin Feng had experienced many uncomfortable situations in his young life—starving on the streets, fleeing angry merchants, evading city guards, and various cultivation tortures disguised as training exercises. Yet somehow, standing in the center of the main training hall while five pairs of eyes scrutinized his every movement seemed uniquely unsettling.
The oversight committee had assembled for their first official assessment, and they were certainly taking their responsibilities seriously. Elder Teng sat with scholarly intensity, scrolls and writing implements arranged neatly before him. Lao Wei maintained his typical calm demeanor, though his eyes missed nothing. Elder Shen—whom Lin Feng recognized as the severe, tradition-bound elder who had overseen his challenge match with Stone Fist—radiated skepticism from every pore. Senior Disciple Mei's face revealed nothing, her assessment professionally neutral as always.
Most disturbing was Master Zhu of the Floating Reed Society, whose pale gray eyes seemed to see through Lin Feng's physical form directly to the qi flowing beneath. The external observer sat slightly apart from the sect representatives, his elegant dishevelment somehow making the beggars look unkempt by comparison.
"Initiate Lin Feng," Elder Shen began formally, "this committee has been formed to monitor your specialized training program, ensuring appropriate balance between various instructional approaches and maintaining alignment with sect values. You will demonstrate your current progress in each training area, beginning with basic energy circulation and proceeding through specialized techniques."
"Of course, Elder," Lin Feng replied with appropriate deference. "Though I should note I've been training for less than three weeks total. My demonstrations may lack the impressive qualities this distinguished assembly might anticipate."
"We are fully aware of your training duration," Elder Shen replied dryly. "That context will be considered in our assessment."
Lin Feng recognized the subtle rebuke for what it was—a reminder that self-deprecation could be interpreted as either false modesty or manipulative expectation management. Elder Shen clearly had little patience for either approach.
"Understood, Elder. I'll proceed with straightforward demonstration." Lin Feng moved to the center of the open space and assumed the basic meditation posture he'd been taught by Lao Wei.
For the next hour, he performed a series of increasingly complex energy exercises demonstrating his progression from fundamental circulation through perception training, external manipulation, and finally the basic collection phase of the Resonant Bowl Technique. Throughout the demonstration, the committee members observed in silence, occasionally taking notes or exchanging glances but offering neither encouragement nor criticism.
Finally, Elder Teng raised a hand to indicate completion. "Thank you, Initiate Lin Feng. The committee will now discuss our observations privately before providing assessment. Please wait outside."
Lin Feng bowed respectfully and exited the hall, finding Crooked Yang and Little Rat waiting anxiously in the corridor beyond.
"How did it go?" Crooked Yang asked immediately. "Did they look impressed or horrified?"
"Neither," Lin Feng sighed, slumping against the wall. "They maintained perfect inscrutable elder faces throughout. For all I know, they could be planning to promote me to sect leader or expel me as a dangerous anomaly."
"They're arguing now," Little Rat reported, her ear pressed against the door in blatant disregard for privacy protocols. "Elder Teng wants to accelerate your training. Elder Shen thinks the entire approach is too experimental. Lao Wei is advocating balanced progression."
"Stop eavesdropping on sect elders," Lin Feng hissed, pulling her away from the door. "That's the kind of habit that leads to mysterious disappearances in cultivation sects."
Little Rat shrugged, unconcerned. "Information is survival. Besides, they're talking about you—don't you want to know what they're saying?"
"Not if obtaining that knowledge risks your safety," Lin Feng replied firmly. "Some secrets aren't worth the cost of discovery."
"They're coming," Crooked Yang warned, grabbing Little Rat's arm. "We should disappear before they think we were spying."
The two vanished down the corridor just as the door reopened. Senior Disciple Mei emerged, her expression as unreadable as ever.
"The committee requests your return, Initiate Lin Feng," she announced formally.
Lin Feng followed her back into the hall, where the elders had rearranged themselves into a more formal configuration—a semicircle of seated figures with Master Zhu still slightly separate but now more integrated into the arrangement.
"After reviewing your demonstration and consulting previous training reports," Elder Shen began, "this committee has reached several determinations regarding your continued development."
Lin Feng maintained a respectful posture, trying not to betray his anxiety about their conclusions.
"First, your basic cultivation foundation shows acceptable development for your training duration," Shen continued. "Standard meridian structure and energy circulation appear properly established despite the accelerated timeline."
Coming from the traditionalist elder, this qualified approval represented significant acknowledgment.
"Second, your compatibility with the Resonant Bowl Technique has been confirmed through multiple independent assessments," Elder Teng added, unable to completely hide his satisfaction at this validation. "The specialized circulation patterns are integrating successfully with your meridian system, though continued monitoring remains necessary."
"Third, your dantian exhibits signs of accelerated expansion requiring appropriate consolidation periods between advancement stages," Lao Wei contributed. "Elder Zhang's stability assessment is hereby incorporated into your official training protocol, with advancement contingent upon demonstrable stabilization as measured by the provided monitoring tool."
This formalized the cautious approach Lin Feng had already been advocating, effectively shutting down Elder Teng's push for rapid progression regardless of physical readiness.
"Fourth, your training schedule will maintain its current structure—fundamental circulation with Elder Lao Wei, external manipulation with Senior Disciple Mei, and specialized technique development with Elder Teng—with weekly medical assessment by Elder Zhang," Shen continued. "This committee will convene monthly for progress evaluation unless circumstances warrant more frequent review."
"Finally," Master Zhu spoke for the first time, his cultured voice carrying subtle authority, "your unique constitution presents significant research opportunity beyond standard sect training outcomes. The Floating Reed Society requests periodic specialized assessment to document your developmental patterns for scholarly purposes."
This last stipulation caught Lin Feng by surprise, though he maintained a neutral expression. The external organization's continuing interest suggested dimensions to his "unique constitution" that extended beyond the sect's immediate training concerns.
"Do you understand and accept these determinations, Initiate Lin Feng?" Elder Shen asked formally.
"I understand and accept, Elder," Lin Feng replied with appropriate humility. "May I ask a question for clarification?"
The elders exchanged glances before Shen nodded permission.
"The specialized assessment requested by the Floating Reed Society," Lin Feng began carefully, "what would this entail specifically, and how might it affect my regular training schedule?"
Master Zhu smiled approvingly at the direct question. "Primarily energy pattern documentation through non-invasive observation techniques. Minimal time commitment—perhaps one session monthly coinciding with committee evaluation. No interference with established training protocols."
"Thank you for the clarification, Master Zhu," Lin Feng bowed slightly. "I have no objection to contributing to scholarly understanding of cultivation development."
"Excellent," Elder Shen declared. "Then we are in agreement. You may continue your training as scheduled, beginning immediately with Elder Lao Wei's morning session."
With another respectful bow, Lin Feng accepted his dismissal, leaving the committee to whatever additional discussions might follow his departure. He found Lao Wei waiting in the corridor outside, apparently having exited separately during the formal closure.
"An impressive performance," the elder observed as they walked toward their usual training area. "Both in demonstration and diplomatic navigation."
"Thank you, Elder," Lin Feng replied. "Though I must admit, being a subject of formal committee oversight is somewhat unnerving."
"A natural response," Lao Wei nodded. "Few initiates receive such concentrated attention from sect leadership. The experience can be either constraining or liberating, depending on one's perspective."
"How could multiple layers of oversight possibly be liberating?" Lin Feng asked skeptically.
"Because formal structures often provide clearer boundaries than informal influence," Lao Wei explained. "The committee's establishment actually protects you from excessive pressure from any single faction. Elder Teng, for instance, can no longer accelerate your training unilaterally, regardless of his enthusiasm."
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"A bureaucratic shield against zealous advancement," Lin Feng realized. "Clever institutional design."
"The Beggars' Sect has survived for centuries through such balanced governance," Lao Wei confirmed. "We may appear disorganized to outsiders, but our internal structures maintain essential equilibrium despite periodic factional shifts."
They reached their training area and settled into their usual positions. Today's lesson would focus on identifying energy patterns in complex objects—items combining multiple materials or containing layered components.
"Before we begin," Lin Feng ventured, "may I ask about the Floating Reed Society's continuing interest? Master Zhu's involvement seems unusually direct for an external organization."
Lao Wei considered the question carefully before responding. "The Floating Reed Society specializes in documenting unusual cultivation phenomena—rare constitutions, unique techniques, exceptional talent manifestations. Their archives contain centuries of such observations, forming the most comprehensive repository of cultivation research outside the imperial libraries."
"And my 'resonant constitution' qualifies as sufficiently unusual to warrant their scholarly attention?"
"Apparently so," Lao Wei nodded. "Though I suspect their interest extends beyond mere academic documentation."
"In what way?"
"The Society occasionally identifies individuals for potential recruitment—those whose unique characteristics align with their specialized cultivation paths," Lao Wei explained. "Master Zhu's personal involvement suggests you may have been categorized as a recruitment prospect, not merely a research subject."
This revelation added yet another layer of complexity to Lin Feng's already complicated position. Not only was he navigating internal sect politics, but he potentially represented a valuable asset that external organizations sought to cultivate for their own purposes.
"Would such recruitment be compatible with Beggars' Sect membership?" he asked, trying to understand the potential future implications.
"Traditionally, no," Lao Wei admitted. "Sect affiliations are typically exclusive. However, research exchange agreements occasionally permit limited dual cultivation under specific circumstances. Your situation may qualify given the unusual factors involved."
"So I might eventually be expected to divide my cultivation development between two different organizations with potentially competing interests," Lin Feng summarized. "That sounds remarkably complicated even by sect politics standards."
"A bridge to be crossed if reached," Lao Wei advised philosophically. "For now, focus on your immediate development rather than potential future complications. Sufficient progress brings expanded options regardless of organizational affiliations."
This pragmatic guidance was characteristically Lao Wei—acknowledging complexity while emphasizing practical next steps rather than becoming paralyzed by long-term uncertainties. Lin Feng appreciated the balanced perspective, even as he filed away this new information about potential Floating Reed Society recruitment for future consideration.
---
The remainder of the day continued with Lin Feng's established training schedule—morning fundamentals with Lao Wei, midday manipulation with Mei, and afternoon specialized technique with Elder Teng. The committee's formalization of this structure had seemingly intensified each instructor's focus, as if the official oversight had raised the stakes of their respective contributions.
Mei's manipulation training had advanced to influencing multiple objects simultaneously—projecting different qi qualities to affect separate targets based on their individual resonances. The exercise required split attention and precise energy control, stretching Lin Feng's capabilities in new directions.
"Differential projection represents advanced manipulation," Mei explained as Lin Feng struggled to simultaneously warm water while cooling a stone. "Most cultivators can project single-quality energy effectively, but few develop the mental separation necessary for simultaneous varied influence."
"It feels like trying to write different characters with each hand simultaneously," Lin Feng observed, maintaining fragile concentration on both targets. "Possible but profoundly unnatural."
"Initially, yes," Mei acknowledged. "With practice, the separation becomes instinctive—like breathing while walking, two different rhythms managed unconsciously."
By the session's end, Lin Feng could maintain dual influence for nearly a minute before losing separate control and having his projected energies bleed together. Mei seemed satisfied with this progress, noting that even this limited capability exceeded typical expectations for his training duration.
"The committee's assessment was accurate," she observed as they concluded. "Your foundational development proceeds at accelerated pace despite the emphasis on specialized techniques. Unusual constitution indeed."
Coming from the typically reserved Mei, this approximated effusive praise. Lin Feng accepted the compliment with appropriate gratitude, though he privately credited her precise instruction more than his supposed natural talent for his rapid progress.
---
Elder Teng's afternoon session demonstrated the influence of the committee's formal structure. Gone was the barely contained enthusiasm pushing for accelerated advancement, replaced by more measured instruction that emphasized thorough understanding of current principles before introducing new concepts.
"Today we'll refine your energy collection sensitivity," the elder announced as they settled into their positions in the west courtyard. "The effectiveness of selective retention depends on precise discernment during the gathering phase. Minor variations in gathered qi can significantly affect compatibility assessment."
They spent the session practicing increasingly subtle distinction between similar energy types—differentiating between qi from various tree species, identifying minute variations in mineral energies, and recognizing the distinctive signatures of different weather conditions as they affected ambient qi.
By the day's end, Lin Feng's perception had sharpened considerably, allowing him to detect nuances that had previously escaped his notice. The environmental energy flowing into his dantian through the Resonant Bowl Technique now appeared as a complex spectrum rather than broad categories, revealing intricate patterns that would eventually guide selective retention decisions.
As they concluded, Elder Teng examined Lin Feng's assessment stone, noting the silver specks' arrangement with scholarly interest.
"Crescent formation," he observed. "Approximately thirty percent progression toward complete stability. Consistent with typical adaptation timeline for resonant techniques."
"Elder Zhang estimated full stabilization might require seven to ten days of consistent practice at current intensity," Lin Feng mentioned, somewhat surprised by Elder Teng's matter-of-fact acknowledgment of the timeline.
"A reasonable projection," the elder agreed without his previous impatience. "Foundational stability creates more efficient advancement in subsequent stages. Short-term patience yields long-term acceleration."
This balanced perspective represented significant moderation of Elder Teng's previous approach. Whether due to the committee's formal oversight or his own reconsideration after the morning's demonstration, the elder had clearly adjusted his instructional philosophy to better align with the sect's consensus position.
"Thank you for your guidance, Elder Teng," Lin Feng said sincerely as they concluded. "Your knowledge of the Resonant Bowl Technique's historical application provides invaluable context for my practice."
The elder accepted this acknowledgment with evident satisfaction. "The technique's rediscovery represents significant opportunity for both individual advancement and sect knowledge recovery. Your compatibility allows practical implementation of principles previously constrained to theoretical study."
As Lin Feng left the training session, he reflected on how the committee's formation had seemingly moderated factional tensions rather than exacerbating them. Each instructor now operated within clearly defined parameters, reducing competitive pressure while maintaining their respective contributions to his overall development.
Perhaps this was the true purpose behind the oversight structure—not merely monitoring his unusual training, but creating institutional boundaries that prevented any single faction from dominating his development. If so, it represented sophisticated governance design that balanced competing interests while protecting his cultivation progress from political interference.
---
That evening, Lin Feng used the assessment stone during his meditation, carefully tracking the silver specks' arrangement to establish daily progression patterns. After an hour of quiet cultivation, integrating the day's various lessons while practicing the basic Resonant Bowl collection, he examined the stone to find the specks had shifted slightly—still in crescent formation but marginally more defined than the previous evening.
"Documenting stability metrics?" a familiar voice inquired from nearby.
Lin Feng opened his eyes to find Master Zhu seated across from him, appearing with the same unsettling silence that Little Rat often employed. Unlike their previous formal meeting, the Floating Reed Society representative had approached him privately, outside the official committee context.
"Master Zhu," Lin Feng acknowledged with mild surprise. "Yes, Elder Zhang recommended daily monitoring to track consolidation progress."
"A prudent approach," Master Zhu nodded approvingly. "Few initiates display such methodical attention to foundational stability. Most rush toward power manifestations without adequate structural development."
"Three years of street survival teaches the value of solid foundations," Lin Feng replied. "Shaky structures inevitably collapse at inconvenient moments."
Master Zhu's eyes crinkled with genuine amusement. "Life wisdom applied to cultivation practice—a refreshing perspective. The Floating Reed Society values such practical philosophy over abstract theorizing."
Lin Feng recognized the opening for what it was—the beginning of indirect recruitment exploration. Deciding direct inquiry would be more productive than circling the subject, he addressed it explicitly.
"Elder Lao Wei mentioned the Society occasionally recruits individuals with unusual cultivation characteristics. Is my 'resonant constitution' being evaluated for such consideration?"
Rather than taking offense at this directness, Master Zhu seemed pleased by it. "Perceptive and forthright—additional qualities we value. Yes, your constitutional profile aligns with specialized cultivation paths the Society has documented but rarely encounters in practice. Your compatibility with the Resonant Bowl Technique further suggests potential for advanced applications we've studied theoretically but seldom implemented."
"What would such recruitment entail?" Lin Feng asked practically. "I've only recently joined the Beggars' Sect. Abandoning their investment in my training seems discourteous at minimum."
"The Society's interest need not conflict with your current affiliation," Master Zhu assured him. "We maintain research exchange agreements with several cultivation organizations, including limited dual-cultivation arrangements for particularly compatible individuals."
"So I could potentially learn from both traditions simultaneously?"
"With appropriate coordination and specialized focus areas, yes," Master Zhu confirmed. "The Beggars' Sect's Vagrant Cloud Path provides excellent foundational training compatible with our more specialized research interests. The combination could prove synergistic rather than conflicting."
Lin Feng considered this possibility carefully. On one hand, access to multiple cultivation traditions represented significant opportunity for accelerated development. On the other hand, navigating the political complexities of dual affiliation would require exceptional diplomatic skill.
"This seems like a decision best considered after more substantial progression in my current training," he said finally. "Without firm foundation in one tradition, attempting to incorporate another might create confusion rather than enhancement."
Master Zhu nodded approvingly. "A measured response. The Society values careful decision-making over impulsive commitment. For now, consider my presence as educational observation rather than immediate recruitment. Specialized assessment will document your development while providing insights that may benefit your current training regardless of future affiliation decisions."
"That seems reasonable," Lin Feng agreed. "Though I admit curiosity about the Society's particular interest in resonant constitutions. What makes this characteristic so significant from your research perspective?"
Master Zhu seemed to weigh how much information to reveal before responding. "Traditional cultivation paths require practitioners to develop along established energy channels determined by inborn constitutions—fire-aligned individuals cultivate fire-enhancement techniques, water-aligned follow water-dominant methods, and so forth. Resonant constitutions transcend these limitations, allowing adaptation to multiple energy types through constitutional flexibility."
"Making me a generalist rather than a specialist," Lin Feng surmised.
"Initially, perhaps," Master Zhu acknowledged. "But at advanced levels, the ability to integrate multiple energy types creates unique synergistic possibilities impossible for single-alignment cultivators. Combinations rather than limitations become your defining characteristic."
"Like the Resonant Bowl Technique's ability to gather diverse energies rather than generating only internal power," Lin Feng noted, seeing the connection.
"Precisely. The technique and your constitution mirror each other perfectly—both designed for adaptability rather than specialization." Master Zhu studied Lin Feng with those unsettling pale eyes. "The Society has documented seven prior instances of resonant cultivators throughout recorded history. Each developed unique integration methods that transcended traditional cultivation boundaries in remarkable ways."
The implication was clear—Master Zhu believed Lin Feng might eventually join this rarefied historical company, developing cultivation approaches that extended beyond conventional methodologies. It was simultaneously flattering and somewhat alarming to be viewed through such an exceptional lens.
"Seven instances in how many centuries?" Lin Feng asked, attempting to place his supposed rarity in proper context.
"Approximately five centuries of systematic documentation," Master Zhu replied. "Though historical records suggest similar constitutional patterns in earlier periods, verified through recovered texts and artifact analysis."
"So extremely rare but not entirely unique," Lin Feng concluded, finding this perspective more grounding than concepts of unprecedented special status.
"Rare enough to warrant dedicated research attention," Master Zhu confirmed. "Common enough to establish developmental patterns worth monitoring."
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of several initiates returning to the dormitory for evening rest. Master Zhu rose smoothly to his feet, suggesting they would continue such discussions during formal assessment sessions.
"Consider my observations supplementary rather than competitive with your current instruction," he advised as he prepared to leave. "Multiple perspectives often reveal insights single traditions might overlook."
After Master Zhu's departure, Lin Feng found himself contemplating this unexpected private conversation and its implications. The Floating Reed Society's interest clearly extended beyond casual scholarly documentation, focusing specifically on his resonant constitution's long-term cultivation potential. This external perspective added yet another dimension to his already complex position within the sect's internal politics.
Yet despite these compounding complications, Lin Feng found himself genuinely intrigued by the possibilities Master Zhu had outlined. The concept of transcending traditional cultivation boundaries through constitutional flexibility aligned with his practical street-developed philosophy—finding value in adaptation rather than rigid specialization.
As other initiates settled onto their sleeping mats around him, Lin Feng returned the assessment stone to its protective pouch and prepared for rest. Tomorrow would bring continued training under the newly established committee structure, with each instructor contributing their specialized knowledge to his overall development.
For now, he would focus on mastering current techniques and stabilizing his expanding dantian while remaining aware of the broader political currents surrounding his unusual constitutional characteristics. Knowledge remained his most valuable asset in navigating these complex waters—understanding not just cultivation techniques but also the motivations and interests of those guiding his development.
The Resonant Bowl Technique taught that value could be found in all energy types when properly understood and integrated. Perhaps the same principle applied to the various influences surrounding his cultivation path—each offering potential benefit when approached with appropriate discernment and selectivity.
With this philosophically satisfying symmetry in mind, Lin Feng finally drifted toward sleep, his dreams filled with swirling patterns of diverse energies gathering into harmonious combinations that transcended their individual limitations through perfect resonance.
