At dawn, Sanhartha rose as usual and made his way toward the secluded valley behind the academy.
Mist still clung lightly to the ground. Sitting cross-legged upon a smooth stone, he began circulating the Three Treasures Refining Visualization Technique. His breathing was steady, his soul power flowing evenly through his body.
After some time, he opened his eyes.
The difference was clear.
Compared to before absorbing his first soul ring, his recovery after cultivation was far faster. There was no lingering soreness, no stiffness in his muscles. His body felt firm yet relaxed, as though tension and release had reached a better balance.
This was good news.
Sanhartha exhaled slowly and glanced toward the rising sun.
It seems the change within me has settled.
After ending his practice, he returned to the dormitory, freshened up, and headed to the cafeteria. As he ate breakfast, his thoughts turned once more to the plan he had been considering.
Massage.
As far as he knew, the Douluo Continent had no such profession. Soul masters trained relentlessly, endured injuries, and relied mainly on rest, medicine, or the assistance of auxiliary and healing-type soul masters to recover. Those methods were effective for acute wounds and exhaustion, but few paid attention to long-term fatigue, accumulated strain, or the subtle imbalance left behind by repeated training.
That neglected space was exactly where his idea belonged.
After finishing his meal, Sanhartha went to find his homeroom teacher, Qin Nan.
Qin Nan was seated in the classroom, quietly reading. Sanhartha approached and spoke respectfully.
"Teacher Qin, may I have a moment?"
Qin Nan closed his book and looked up. "What is it, Sanhartha?"
"I wish to ask for your guidance on a personal matter," Sanhartha said calmly. "It concerns a way for me to support myself without affecting my studies or disrupting the academy."
Qin Nan raised an eyebrow slightly. "Speak."
Sanhartha explained slowly and clearly. He spoke about the physical strain soul masters endured through long-term training and combat. He mentioned how auxiliary and healing soul masters were invaluable in treating injuries and restoring strength, yet their abilities were often reserved for serious situations.
"Many minor strains," Sanhartha continued, "are left untreated. Over time, they accumulate and affect training efficiency."
Qin Nan nodded thoughtfully. "That's true. Healing soul masters are not always available, and it would be wasteful to rely on them for minor discomfort."
Sanhartha inclined his head. "What I propose is not a replacement for healing or auxiliary abilities, but a complementary method—manual techniques that help the body relax, ease fatigue, and recover more efficiently between training sessions."
Qin Nan leaned back slightly, folding his arms. "In other words, a method to maintain the body, rather than repair it after damage has already occurred."
"Yes," Sanhartha replied. "Exactly."
Qin Nan studied him for a moment, then let out a quiet chuckle. "Your thinking is surprisingly mature for your age. But theory alone is not enough."
"I understand," Sanhartha said. "That is why I hope you will allow me to demonstrate first."
After a brief pause, Qin Nan nodded. "Very well. I'm curious."
Sanhartha moved behind him and began carefully. His movements were controlled and measured, relying on rhythm, pressure, and warmth rather than any visible use of soul power. He worked slowly, focusing on the shoulders and upper back.
At first, Qin Nan felt only mild relaxation.
Then the tension he had grown accustomed to over the years began to ease. A deep warmth spread through his muscles, not overwhelming, but steady and comforting. His breathing unconsciously slowed.
After a short while, Sanhartha withdrew his hands.
Qin Nan straightened and rolled his shoulders. His expression shifted slightly, surprise flickering in his eyes.
"…Interesting," he murmured.
Qin nan stood, stretched once, and laughed softly. "This doesn't feel like healing, but the body feels lighter. As if something that had been weighing it down has been removed."
He looked at Sanhartha with renewed interest. "Very well. I see the value in this."
Sanhartha bowed slightly. "Thank you, Teacher."
"I'll speak to the academy director," Qin Nan said. "As long as this is done properly and doesn't interfere with cultivation or discipline, there's no reason it can't be allowed."
Sanhartha allowed himself a faint smile.
"Thank you for your guidance, Teacher Qin."
As he left the classroom, his steps were light.
The path ahead was beginning to take shape—quietly, but steadily.