Zhao Lingxi started Bai Xuelan's cultivation method the next morning.
They used the private training courtyard behind the East Pavilion, the same one where Lan Yue and Zhao Lingxi had sparred. Bai Xuelan arrived at dawn carrying a leather journal and enough measuring instruments to fill a small laboratory.
"Sit in the center," Bai Xuelan instructed. "Cross legged. Palms on your knees. Close your eyes."
Zhao Lingxi obeyed.
"Standard cultivation focuses energy through the twelve primary meridians. Forget all of that. Your energy doesn't want to be funneled. It wants to spread." Bai Xuelan circled her slowly, voice calm and precise. "Instead of pulling spiritual energy inward, I want you to push it outward. Let it flow into your muscles, your bones, your skin. Every part of your body equally. Like water filling a cup from every direction at once."
Zhao Lingxi inhaled deeply.
