The days following the committee's formation brought unexpected normality to Lin Feng's training routine. Despite the significant political dimensions surrounding the oversight structure, his daily schedule resumed its established pattern without immediate disruption—fundamentals with Lao Wei, manipulation with Mei, specialized technique with Elder Teng, and defensive basics with Iron Palm.

  This surprising continuity suggested the committee had determined no immediate adjustment necessary despite the complex political factors at play. The carefully balanced oversight had apparently created stable framework for his continued development, allowing progressive training to continue without factional disruption.

  "The committee's structure achieves appropriate balance," Lao Wei confirmed when Lin Feng inquired about potential schedule adjustments. "Competing interests find sufficient representation without individual dominance. Your training continues with enhanced coordination rather than restrictive modification."

  This measured response reflected practical compromise between competing security concerns and developmental priorities—acknowledging the political complexity without allowing it to dictate training progression. The sect had chosen optimized advancement over excessive caution, a pragmatic balance that prioritized cultivation progress within reasonable oversight parameters.

  Five days after the committee's formation, Lin Feng's assessment stone showed significant progress toward stabilization. The silver specks had arranged themselves into a half-circle pattern, suggesting steady advancement toward the complete circular formation that would indicate full dantian stability.

  During his weekly examination, Elder Zhang confirmed this visual assessment. "Meridian adaptation progressing appropriately," she declared after completing her diagnostic techniques. "Structural integration maintaining integrity despite accelerated expansion. Your strange bendy channels actually proving useful for once."

  Coming from Elder Zhang, this qualified acknowledgment represented high praise indeed. Lin Feng couldn't help but smile at her perpetually grumpy delivery of positive news. "So I'm on track for complete stabilization within the originally estimated timeframe?"

  "Perhaps slightly ahead," she admitted grudgingly. "Four to five days remaining rather than seven, assuming consistent practice without disruption. Though don't get cocky about it—bodies have limits, even unusual ones like yours."

  This positive medical assessment provided welcome validation of the balanced approach established by the oversight committee. By moderating Elder Teng's advancement enthusiasm while maintaining steady progression, they had apparently created optimal development conditions for Lin Feng's unique constitutional characteristics.

  On the eighth day following the committee's formation, a welcome deviation arrived in the form of a market assignment. The monthly supply gathering expedition required all available initiates, including those with specialized training schedules. Lin Feng received this news with surprising enthusiasm, eager for the change of pace after intensive indoor cultivation sessions.

  "Don't look so excited about escaping your special training," Crooked Yang teased as they prepared to depart with the market team. "Some of us would trade places with you in an instant."

  "Variety maintains sanity," Lin Feng replied. "Besides, I've spent so much time focusing on internal energy that I'm starting to forget the external world exists."

  "Poor cultivation prodigy," Crooked Yang mock-sympathized. "Burdened with special attention while the rest of us haul water and scrub floors."

  "Special attention means special scrutiny," Lin Feng pointed out. "I can't sneeze without five different masters analyzing my qi fluctuations and filing reports about my 'unusual energy dispersion patterns.'"

  Little Rat appeared beside them with her typical silent approach. "Today's market team includes Senior Disciple Iron Palm," she informed them quietly. "First time he's joined a basic supply run in months."

  Lin Feng's interest sharpened immediately. "Curious timing. Any insight on his sudden interest in grocery shopping?"

  "Rumors say he's been researching resonant cultivation recently," Little Rat replied, her voice barely above a whisper despite the general commotion of departure preparations. "Specifically, historical records of the Resonant Bowl Technique."

  This information aligned with Iron Palm's previously ambiguous factional positioning—originally aligned with the Traditionalists but potentially shifting toward Elder Teng's historical recovery emphasis. His presence on today's market expedition suggested possible interest in observing Lin Feng outside the formal training context.

  "Another observer for my growing collection," Lin Feng sighed. "Soon I'll need to start charging admission fees for the 'Watch the Resonant Cultivator' exhibition."

  "At least this one's being subtle about it," Crooked Yang observed as Iron Palm organized the departure groups with efficient authority, giving no indication of special interest in Lin Feng's assignment.

  The initiates were divided into teams with specific purchasing responsibilities—food staples, medicinal herbs, cloth and sewing supplies, and miscellaneous household necessities. Lin Feng found himself assigned to the medicinal herbs team alongside Little Rat and three other initiates, with Iron Palm himself as their supervising senior disciple.

  "Coincidental assignment," Little Rat murmured as they set off toward the city's main market district. "Very convenient for observation purposes."

  "Perhaps," Lin Feng whispered back. "Or legitimately prioritizing herb quality assessment given my recent training in qi perception. Not everything is necessarily political calculation."

  Little Rat's skeptical expression suggested she found this optimistic interpretation unconvincing, but she didn't argue the point further as they approached the city gates.

  The market district bustled with midday activity—merchants hawking wares, customers haggling over prices, street performers attempting to earn coins from the crowd, and the general chaotic energy of commerce in full swing. After weeks of controlled cultivation environments, the sensory bombardment felt simultaneously overwhelming and refreshing to Lin Feng.

  With his enhanced perception, he now noticed energy patterns that had previously escaped his awareness—the distinctive qi signatures of different crowd segments, the influence of merchant emotions on their wares' energy, the subtle interplay between ambient environmental qi and the concentrated human activity. The market revealed itself as an extraordinary tapestry of interwoven energies far more complex than the controlled samples he'd been studying.

  "Stay focused," Iron Palm instructed as the group navigated toward the herb sellers' section. "Identifying quality medicinal ingredients requires disciplined perception. Market distractions can obscure subtle energy signatures."

  Lin Feng recognized the guidance as both practically useful and potentially evaluative—an opportunity to demonstrate his perception abilities in a chaotic real-world environment rather than controlled training conditions. He centered his awareness, allowing the market's general cacophony to fade into background while focusing specifically on the qi patterns of herbs and medicinal materials as they approached the relevant stalls.

  Their purchasing assignment included twenty different medicinal ingredients needed for sect infirmary restocking. Iron Palm distributed the list among team members, assigning Lin Feng the most perception-intensive items—rare roots whose quality could only be accurately assessed through energy reading rather than visual inspection.

  "Senior Disciple Mei mentioned your unusual perception sensitivity," Iron Palm explained with careful neutrality. "These particular herbs require precisely such discernment to avoid wasting sect resources on inferior specimens."

  "I'll do my best," Lin Feng replied with appropriate humility. "Though my perception training remains in early stages compared to more experienced disciples."

  Iron Palm's expression revealed nothing as he nodded acknowledgment. "Apply what you've learned. Results matter more than experience duration."

  As the team dispersed to their assigned purchases, Lin Feng found himself at a stall specializing in rare medicinal roots. The merchant—a sharp-eyed woman with the weathered hands of someone who harvested her own stock—watched him with professional assessment as he studied her wares.

  "Looking for something specific, young cultivator?" she inquired, accurately identifying his status despite his initiate's clothing. "I have items not displayed for those with particular needs."

  "Ghost Root and Silver Thistle," Lin Feng replied, naming two of his assigned herbs. "Highest quality available, if you have them."

  The merchant's eyebrows rose slightly at his directness. "Uncommon requests for one so young. Both ingredients for advanced meridian treatments, yes? Your master must have significant trust in your selection ability."

  Rather than correcting her assumption about his status, Lin Feng simply nodded. "Quality assessment is today's practical examination," he replied, which was essentially true if not in the formal sense she might interpret.

  With a knowing smile, the merchant reached beneath her counter and produced two cloth-wrapped bundles. "I reserve my best specimens for serious practitioners," she explained, unwrapping the packages to reveal gnarled root structures—one pale white with veined patterns, the other silvery gray with slight iridescence.

  Lin Feng extended his perception as he'd been trained, examining the qi signatures of both specimens. The Ghost Root pulsed with subtle vitality belying its spectral appearance, its energy pattern showing the clean, focused signature of properly harvested and preserved medicinal material. The Silver Thistle radiated cool, stable energy with the characteristic resonant properties needed for meridian expansion treatments.

  "Excellent quality," he confirmed, genuine appreciation in his voice. "Properly harvested at peak potency and correctly preserved. Your reputation is clearly well-deserved."

  The merchant's professional mask softened slightly at this specific, knowledgeable assessment. "Few your age recognize such qualities. Most focus only on appearance or rely on crude testing methods."

  "My instructors emphasize energy perception over physical characteristics," Lin Feng explained, maintaining his deliberate ambiguity about his actual status. "Appearance can be misleading; qi cannot."

  "Wise teaching," the merchant nodded approvingly. "Though such discernment usually commands premium pricing."

  What followed was a good-natured but intensive haggling session, with Lin Feng employing both market skills from his street days and cultivation knowledge from his recent training. The merchant clearly enjoyed the exchange, gradually reducing her initial exorbitant price to something merely expensive rather than highway robbery.

  As they finalized the transaction, Lin Feng sensed a disturbance in the market's energy pattern—a concentrated spike of hostile intent directed specifically toward their location. He turned casually, maintaining conversation with the merchant while scanning the crowd with both physical and qi perception.

  Three figures stood out immediately—cultivation practitioners based on their energy signatures, though not wearing any identifying sect markings. Their focused attention and positioned triangulation around the herb stall suggested deliberate surveillance rather than coincidental presence.

  Lin Feng completed his purchase without revealing his awareness, thanking the merchant while carefully placing the valuable herbs in his assigned pouch. As he moved to rejoin his team members, he noted the watchers adjusting their positions to maintain observation distance.

  Little Rat materialized beside him with uncanny timing. "Three watchers," she murmured without preamble. "Following since we entered the herb section. Not Beggars' Sect."

  "I noticed," Lin Feng confirmed quietly. "Any identification?"

  "Golden Lotus Sect by the stance patterns," Little Rat replied. "Attempting to appear civilian but training shows in their movement."

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  The Golden Lotus Sect—wealthy, prestigious, and historical rivals of the Beggars' Sect despite their supposed cooperation in the broader cultivation world. Lin Feng recalled their previous attempt to clear beggars from "their" territory, an incident that had occurred shortly after his arrival.

  "Iron Palm is aware," Little Rat continued, nodding subtly toward their supervising senior disciple, who was conducting his own purchase with apparent casualness while maintaining perfect positioning to observe both Lin Feng and the watching Golden Lotus disciples.

  "Interesting," Lin Feng mused. "Are they watching me specifically or our group generally?"

  "You," Little Rat confirmed without hesitation. "They adjusted focus when you separated for individual purchases. Others received minimal attention."

  This targeted interest raised concerning questions. Lin Feng had no previous interaction with the Golden Lotus Sect apart from the general territorial dispute that had occurred before his challenge match with Stone Fist. Their specific interest in him personally suggested information flow between sects—knowledge of his "resonant constitution" or specialized training perhaps spreading beyond the Beggars' Sect's internal circles.

  "Let's complete our assignments without acknowledgment," Lin Feng decided. "No reason to escalate without understanding their intentions."

  Little Rat nodded agreement before vanishing back into the crowd with her remarkable stealth abilities. Lin Feng continued to his next purchase—Sun Ginseng, another perception-intensive herb on his assignment list. Throughout this transaction, he maintained awareness of the Golden Lotus observers, noting their continued adjustment to his movements.

  By the time the team had completed their assigned purchases and regrouped for departure, the watchers had maintained their surveillance without direct approach. Iron Palm organized their return formation with subtle defensive positioning that confirmed his awareness of the situation—placing Lin Feng in the protected center while arranging more experienced initiates on the perimeter.

  "Maintain normal appearance," Iron Palm instructed quietly as they began moving toward the market exit. "No acknowledgment of observation. Standard protocol for rival sect interest."

  They had nearly reached the market boundary when the situation escalated. Three additional Golden Lotus disciples appeared ahead, deliberately positioning to intercept their path. Unlike the observers, these new arrivals made no pretense of civilian disguise, wearing the distinctive pale blue outer robes that marked junior disciples of their sect.

  "Beggars' Sect," the apparent leader called out, his tone carrying deliberate condescension. "A moment of your time, if you can spare it from your... collection activities."

  Iron Palm stepped forward, his posture casual but his qi tightly controlled in preparation for potential conflict. "Golden Lotus disciples," he acknowledged with minimal courtesy. "We are on official sect business. Whatever communication you wish to convey should follow proper protocols through respective sect administrations."

  "Normally, yes," the Golden Lotus disciple agreed with false pleasantness. "But our business today concerns unusual circumstances that might benefit from more... direct discussion."

  His gaze shifted deliberately to Lin Feng, confirming the targeted nature of their interest. "Specifically, we wished to extend an invitation to your new initiate with the unusual constitution. Our sect elders have expressed interest in his unique qualities and would welcome an opportunity for formal assessment."

  The bold approach—essentially attempting to recruit a member of another sect in public—represented significant breach of cultivation world etiquette. Iron Palm's expression remained neutral, but his qi projected controlled indignation at the provocation.

  "Your sect elders have unusual recruiting methods," he observed coolly. "Attempted poaching violates three separate inter-sect agreements established during the Harmonization Conclave."

  "Not poaching," the Golden Lotus disciple countered smoothly. "Merely extending optional opportunity for comprehensive evaluation by our medical specialists. The young man's condition might benefit from our sect's extensive diagnostic resources."

  Lin Feng recognized the calculated insult within the seemingly concerned offer—implying the Beggars' Sect lacked sufficient medical capability to properly assess or develop his potential. Iron Palm clearly caught the same implication, his qi briefly flaring before returning to disciplined control.

  "Your concern is noted but unnecessary," Iron Palm replied with impressive restraint. "Our initiate receives comprehensive evaluation from multiple qualified specialists, including external consultants when appropriate."

  The reference to "external consultants" likely indicated Master Zhu's involvement, suggesting the Golden Lotus Sect might already know about the Floating Reed Society's interest. This complex information exchange between supposedly separate organizations confirmed Lin Feng's growing suspicion that his "special constitution" had significance beyond the Beggars' Sect's internal politics.

  "Of course," the Golden Lotus disciple nodded with exaggerated understanding. "Though our resources remain available should limitations become apparent. The young man's potential deserves optimal development, regardless of current affiliation."

  This continued implication of the Beggars' Sect's inadequacy pushed the exchange dangerously close to direct insult. Market observers had begun noticing the confrontation, civilian shoppers creating distance while cultivation-aware merchants watched with professional interest.

  Before Iron Palm could respond to this latest provocation, Lin Feng decided direct intervention might defuse the escalating tension. Stepping forward—though remaining behind Iron Palm's protective positioning—he addressed the Golden Lotus disciples directly.

  "I appreciate your sect's interest in my medical welfare," he said with deliberate politeness that nonetheless carried subtle irony. "However, my current diagnostic regimen includes assessment by Elder Zhang, whose reputation in meridian medicine spans five provinces. Additionally, Master Zhu of the Floating Reed Society provides specialized constitutional evaluation based on historical documentation of similar cases. Between these distinguished experts, my development appears well-guided despite our sect's humble circumstances."

  The strategic name-dropping achieved its intended effect. The Golden Lotus disciples' expressions shifted from condescending confidence to uncertain recalculation at the mention of both Elder Zhang's widely respected medical expertise and Master Zhu's scholarly authority. The transparent recruitment attempt had clearly been predicated on the assumption that the Beggars' Sect lacked high-level cultivation resources.

  "The Floating Reed Society's involvement is... unexpected," the lead disciple acknowledged, his tone losing some of its previous arrogance. "Though our sect's medical division maintains research exchange agreements that might provide complementary insights."

  "I'll inform my instructors of your generous offer," Lin Feng replied diplomatically. "I'm certain they'll consider it alongside existing development protocols."

  This polite but firm dismissal left the Golden Lotus disciples with limited face-saving options. After a moment of visible deliberation, their leader offered a stiff bow that maintained minimal courtesy while conceding the immediate confrontation.

  "We look forward to observing your progress from appropriate distance," he said, the thinly veiled threat clear in his phrasing. "Unusual constitutions often produce unexpected outcomes requiring... flexible responses."

  With that parting implication of continued interest, the Golden Lotus disciples withdrew, melting into the market crowd with practiced efficiency. The observing trio similarly disappeared, their surveillance apparently concluded following the direct approach failure.

  "Well handled," Iron Palm commented once they had resumed their journey back to the compound. "Your response maintained sect dignity while avoiding unnecessary escalation. Few initiates demonstrate such political acumen."

  "Three years of street negotiation translates surprisingly well to sect politics," Lin Feng replied with a self-deprecating smile. "Though I admit I didn't anticipate becoming a recruitment target quite so quickly."

  "Your unique constitution has apparently attracted broader attention than we initially anticipated," Iron Palm observed, his tone carefully neutral despite the significant implications. "The committee will need to reassess security protocols regarding your training."

  The remainder of their return journey proceeded without further incident, though Lin Feng noted Iron Palm maintained heightened vigilance throughout. Upon reaching the compound, the senior disciple immediately reported the market confrontation to sect leadership, triggering an emergency committee meeting that excluded Lin Feng himself—a somewhat ironic development given that he was the subject of the discussion.

  While the committee deliberated, Lin Feng shared the encounter with Crooked Yang and Little Rat, detailing the Golden Lotus Sect's unusual recruiting approach and its potential implications.

  "Direct market confrontation breaks traditional protocols," Little Rat noted with her typical analytical precision. "Suggests either desperation or calculated provocation."

  "Or both," Crooked Yang suggested. "Maybe they wanted to see how our sect would respond to pressure regarding your training. Testing boundaries before planning something bigger."

  "That's unsettlingly plausible," Lin Feng acknowledged. "Though it also confirms the value of the oversight committee's formation. Having formalized my training structure makes it harder for outside groups to claim inadequate development resources."

  "Politics upon politics," Crooked Yang sighed. "And all because you have weird meridians that can do special energy tricks. Cultivation society is exhaustingly complicated."

  "Says the boy who memorized seventeen different begging techniques for specific demographic targets," Lin Feng teased. "Your 'pitiful orphan with hidden potential' routine for wealthy merchant wives is practically performance art."

  "That's practical complexity," Crooked Yang defended with dignity. "Entirely different from all this factional maneuvering and inter-sect rivalry nonsense."

  Their friendly debate was interrupted by the arrival of Lao Wei, who summoned Lin Feng to join the reconvened committee meeting—an unprecedented invitation for an initiate to participate in high-level sect deliberations. His friends' expressions shifted from amusement to appropriate awe at this extraordinary development.

  "Try not to accidentally spark a sect war while you're in there," Crooked Yang called after him as he followed Lao Wei toward the main building. "Some of us prefer our cultivation without dramatic political complications!"

  The committee had assembled in the same formation as their previous assessment session, though the atmosphere carried greater tension than before. Elder Shen's normally severe expression had deepened into something approaching genuine concern, while Elder Teng radiated barely contained indignation at the Golden Lotus Sect's presumption. Master Zhu maintained his typical enigmatic composure, though Lin Feng detected heightened alertness in his seemingly relaxed posture.

  "Initiate Lin Feng," Elder Shen began formally once he had taken his assigned position, "Senior Disciple Iron Palm has reported today's market confrontation with Golden Lotus Sect representatives. We require your direct account of the exchange to assess appropriate response measures."

  Lin Feng provided a detailed recounting of the incident, including the preliminary surveillance and the specific language used during the confrontation itself. The committee members listened with focused attention, occasionally exchanging glances at particularly significant details.

  "Your response was well-calibrated," Elder Shen acknowledged when Lin Feng concluded his report. "Maintaining sect dignity while avoiding provocative escalation. The committee recognizes your diplomatic handling of a potentially volatile situation."

  "Thank you, Elder," Lin Feng replied with appropriate humility. "I attempted to balance courtesy with appropriate boundary maintenance."

  "The Golden Lotus Sect's approach represents serious breach of inter-sect protocols," Elder Teng interjected, unable to contain his outrage. "Attempted recruitment of another sect's member without prior administrative communication violates both written agreements and traditional courtesies."

  "While true, their violation creates potential opportunity," Master Zhu observed thoughtfully. "By breaking protocol first, they've provided justification for accelerated countermeasures that might otherwise appear excessive."

  Elder Shen nodded agreement. "This committee has reached several determinations regarding adjusted security protocols for Initiate Lin Feng's continuing development. As the subject of these measures, your input is appropriate before finalization."

  Lin Feng maintained respectful attention, though inwardly he noted the irony of being consulted about security protocols designed to restrict his own movements and interactions.

  "First, market expeditions will no longer include your participation until further notice," Elder Shen continued. "Essential supplies will be acquired by other initiates to minimize exposure to potential confrontation scenarios."

  "Second," Lao Wei added, "your training schedule will adjust to incorporate basic defensive techniques alongside current developmental focus areas. While advanced combat training remains premature given your foundation priorities, fundamental protection methods are now deemed necessary."

  "Third," Elder Teng contributed, "your specialized technique practice will temporarily relocate from the west courtyard to indoor facilities with enhanced privacy features. The Resonant Bowl Technique's distinctive energy patterns apparently remain detectable to sufficiently sensitive observers even at considerable distance."

  "Finally," Master Zhu concluded, "the Floating Reed Society offers enhanced protective oversight during any required external movements. While the Beggars' Sect maintains primary security responsibility, our organization's neutral position in traditional sect rivalries provides complementary protection layers without appearing provocatively defensive."

  Lin Feng absorbed these security enhancements with mixed feelings. While the protective intentions were reasonable given the demonstrated external interest, the restrictions would significantly limit his interaction with the broader world beyond the sect compound. After years of street freedom despite its dangers, such confinement—however well-intentioned—represented uncomfortable constraint.

  "I appreciate the committee's concern for my security," he acknowledged carefully. "Though I would respectfully suggest that complete isolation from market activities might hinder certain aspects of my development, particularly regarding practical application of perception techniques in complex environments."

  Elder Shen's expression remained severe, but Lin Feng detected faint approval in his qi at this reasoned objection rather than emotional resistance.

  "A valid consideration," the elder conceded. "Perhaps modified market exposure under enhanced protective supervision rather than complete restriction. Controlled application opportunities with appropriate security measures."

  "The Society could facilitate specialized training excursions," Master Zhu suggested. "Environments selected for both practical application value and defensible configurations, with multiple protective layers disguised as ordinary instructional accompaniment."

  This compromise approach—restricted but not eliminated external activities—represented reasonable balance between security concerns and developmental needs. Lin Feng expressed appropriate gratitude for the committee's willingness to consider his perspective despite their obvious protective priorities.

  The meeting concluded with formalized adjustment to his training schedule, incorporating basic defensive techniques under Iron Palm's personal instruction—a significant assignment for a senior disciple with numerous other responsibilities. This allocation of high-level resources further confirmed the sect's valuation of his development despite the complications his unique constitution had introduced.

  As Lin Feng left the meeting, he found Lao Wei walking alongside him, the elder's expression thoughtful.

  "The Golden Lotus Sect's interest introduces new dimensions to your training considerations," Lao Wei observed. "Their approach suggests information leakage beyond expected channels."

  "Someone told them about my 'special constitution,'" Lin Feng agreed. "Though whether deliberately or inadvertently remains unclear."

  "The cultivation world maintains complex intelligence networks despite supposed sect independence," Lao Wei acknowledged. "Information about unusual developments rarely remains completely contained regardless of security measures."

  "Still, direct recruitment attempt seems unexpectedly bold," Lin Feng noted. "Almost as if they wanted to provoke response rather than actually succeed."

  Lao Wei nodded approval at this insight. "Indeed. Their approach virtually guaranteed rejection while establishing clear record of interest. A positioning move rather than genuine recruitment attempt."

  "But positioning for what purpose?" Lin Feng wondered. "What benefit comes from publicly declaring interest in another sect's initiate?"

  "Perhaps establishing prior claim in case of future affiliation changes," Lao Wei suggested. "Or creating pretext for continued observation under guise of medical concern. Political positioning often serves multiple contingent purposes rather than single direct objectives."

  This complex calculation representing yet another layer of the increasingly intricate situation surrounding Lin Feng's cultivation development. What had begun as simple training in an unusual technique had expanded into multi-sect political maneuvering with implications beyond his current understanding.

  "Focus on your immediate development rather than external political complications," Lao Wei advised, accurately reading Lin Feng's overwhelmed expression. "Security measures will manage external factors while you concentrate on cultivation progress. Your responsibility remains mastering techniques rather than navigating sect politics."

  This pragmatic guidance provided welcome perspective—reminding Lin Feng that despite the swirling political currents, his primary task remained straightforward: developing his cultivation abilities through dedicated practice and careful progression. The committee would manage broader implications while he focused on foundational advancement.

  "Thank you, Elder Lao Wei," he said sincerely. "Your balanced perspective continues to provide valuable guidance amid increasingly complex circumstances."

  As he returned to the dormitory to prepare for evening meditation, Lin Feng considered how dramatically his situation had evolved in just three weeks. From anonymous street orphan to specialized cultivation subject with multi-sect interest and dedicated security protocols—the transformation seemed almost implausibly swift.

  Yet beneath this extraordinary development lay a simple reality he recognized from street survival: value attracted attention, attention created competition, and competition required protection. His "resonant constitution" represented value in the cultivation world's economy, generating predictable consequences despite the seemingly exotic context.

  Using Elder Zhang's assessment stone during his evening meditation, Lin Feng noted the silver specks had advanced to nearly seven-eighths circular formation—substantial progress toward complete stability. Within days, he would likely achieve full dantian consolidation, enabling advancement to the selective retention phase of the Resonant Bowl Technique despite the security complications.

  Progress continued despite politics—a reassuring constant amid swirling uncertainties. Whatever factional maneuvering surrounded his development, the cultivation path itself remained clear: practice, refine, consolidate, advance. This fundamental simplicity provided stable foundation despite the complex superstructure being constructed around his training.

  As he concluded his meditation, Lin Feng resolved to maintain this focused perspective regardless of further political complications. The Beggars' Sect, the Floating Reed Society, and now the Golden Lotus Sect might all have their own agendas regarding his development, but his personal responsibility remained unchanged—mastering techniques that resonated with his unique constitution while building the foundation for whatever path eventually emerged from these intersecting influences.

  The Vagrant Cloud Path taught that value could be found in all circumstances when approached with appropriate perspective. Perhaps these political complications, despite their inherent challenges, offered opportunity for accelerated development that isolation might have prevented. Like the Resonant Bowl Technique itself, gathering diverse influences might ultimately prove more beneficial than limited but uncontested progression.

  With this philosophically satisfying interpretation, Lin Feng prepared for sleep, his dreams filled with swirling patterns of competing energies that somehow formed perfect harmony despite their apparent contradictions—a symbolic representation of the path he now navigated with increasingly confident steps.