Luyan expressing a desire to learn techniques was within Yu Su's expectations.
Luyan, intelligent and observant, quickly adapted to the group's dynamics. In just a few days, he seamlessly integrated, impressing not only Yu Feng and Yumang but also venturing into hunting expeditions.
Observing Luyan's growth, Yu Su noticed a relentless ambition. Although Yu Su, too, harbored such ambitions, it struck him differently now. Maybe it was the primal glint in Luyan's eyes or his instinctive reactions, resembling a wild creature.
"I can teach you," Yu Su said.
Luyan's eyes changed, breath quickening. His upper body instinctively straightened.
Yu Su chuckled. Luyan had briefly appeared more human, but in this moment, his primal nature resurfaced. "But I have a condition: no more getting so close to me!"
Yu Su, no longer as pleased, saw Luyan's apprehension. Unbeknownst to him, Yu Su's rejection held a twinge of disappointment.
"If you can't do that, then no learning," Yu Su added.
Luyan hesitated, driven by a wild intuition. If he couldn't become stronger, he sensed Yu Su might leave him behind, eliminating any possibility of staying close.
"Okay," Luyan agreed.
Surprised, Yu Su realized the allure of becoming stronger outweighed Luyan's desire for proximity.
"You still need to open a few more acupoints before having a complete meridian. Once you do, and you can guide Qi into your Dantian, I'll teach you," Yu Su explained.
Despite getting the answer he wanted, Luyan couldn't shake a feeling of unease. The primal instinct told him that Yu Su was displeased, and it somehow concerned him.
"You're not happy?" Luyan, perceptive in his own way, asked, studying Yu Su's face for any subtle reactions.
"I'm not. Just don't get so close. Forgot what you promised?" Yu Su retorted.
With a frown, Luyan wanted to say something, even grab Yu Su's arm, but remembering the proximity condition, he felt helpless.
"Enough, rest is almost over. Let's continue our journey," Yu Su said, walking away.
Following Yu Su, Luyan attempted to stay close, but a stern look from Yu Su made him reconsider. However, as soon as Yu Su moved a few steps away, Luyan followed suit.
In the wake of Yu Feng's breakthrough, the group intensified their training. While they didn't adopt the extreme approach of staying up all night, their sleep hours remained scarce.
Yu Su, content with their efforts, reminded them to rest.
Yu Feng, exhilarated by his achievement, pledged his loyalty to Yu Su. A wise move, Yu Su thought.
"As long as you're with me, you're good. Keep cultivating and growing stronger," Yu Su advised.
With Yu Feng's success, a chain reaction occurred, and two more individuals successfully opened their acupoints. Including Yu Su himself, the group now had six members with open meridians.
Pleased with the progress after dedicated teaching, Yu Su continued to guide the group. Notably, Luyan's fervent training led to the breakthrough of his first meridian. As the invisible fire Qi filled Luyan's Dantian, Yu Su couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected discovery.
"Is Luyan a single-attribute Spiritual Root?" Yu Su wondered aloud.
While the comprehensive spirit-scanning function was yet to activate, Luyan's situation seemed akin to a single-attribute Spiritual Root.
Pleased with this revelation, Yu Su mused, "Picking up this guy might indeed turn out to be a good fortune."
In Luyan's Dantian, the pure fire Qi swirled and settled, nurturing the unexplored territory. The fiery Qi, orange and radiant, mirrored Luyan's essence.
Feeling the changes in his Dantian, Luyan opened his eyes and immediately sought Yu Su's figure, finding him right beside.
Standing backlit, Yu Su, though slender, exuded a distinct and stabilizing force. His gaze rested on Luyan, seemingly focused on him, yet the actual focal point wasn't Luyan-it was more of a trance.
Luyan's initially excited mood instantly cooled. Frowning, he disliked Yu Su's diverted attention and reached out to pull him back.
Interrupted from conversing with the All-Knowledge Spirit, Yu Su, pulled back to reality, asked, "Why are you pulling me?"
"Dantian, Qi, lit up," Luyan earnestly explained.
Yu Su congratulated him, "I know. Congratulations, you've truly guided Qi into your body now."
Luyan scrutinized Yu Su's calm expression, somewhat dissatisfied. He felt Yu Su didn't seem as happy as when Yu Feng and Yumang opened their acupoints.
"You... not happy?"
"Happy, indeed. Who said I'm not happy?"
"No smile."
"..."
Yu Su hadn't smiled initially, but prompted by Luyan, he couldn't help but chuckle. "You're quite bossy, huh, dictating whether I should smile or not. I've noticed you're quite assertive."
Satisfied to see Yu Su laugh, Luyan's mood visibly soared.
Yu Su found it increasingly amusing. Did Luyan really care whether he smiled or not? Such a straightforward fellow.
The slight displeasure Yu Su felt due to Luyan's earlier choices dissipated.
After Yu Feng and the others opened their acupoints, their attitudes toward Yu Su became even more intimate. It was evident that they were gradually centering around Yu Su, seeking his advice on many matters.
In this situation, the Yu family felt the most complex emotions.
They seemed isolated, untouched by Yu Su's attention. Those who had conflicts with Yu Da's family also distanced themselves, making the trio's emotions quite uncomfortable.
"Should we lower our heads to Yu Su? It's an opportunity for him to teach you and Yu Xiong how to get stronger," Ya Shan suggested to her husband, Yu Da.
Her reasoning was straightforward. In the current situation where everyone was getting stronger, if Yu Da and Yu Xiong didn't learn, they wouldn't be as powerful. What future would Yu Village have for them?
Yu Da frowned. He didn't want to beg Yu Su, and he couldn't lower his pride.
Hearing his parents' discussion, Yu Xiong clenched his fists in frustration. Yu Su was obviously a weakling; he could be knocked down with one punch. If it weren't for the Mountain God favoring him, how could Yu Su climb to the top?
"I disagree," Yu Da said. He couldn't bring himself to beg Yu Su; the humiliation was too much.
Ya Shan tried to persuade, "Haven't you seen that even the shaman lost? In the future, Yu Su will definitely be the next shaman. If we want to live in Yu Village, do we have to be enemies with Yu Su forever? Just a few words from him can make things difficult for us."
Her words changed Yu Da's expression. He knew Ya Shan made sense, but the thought of apologizing to Yu Su was hard to accept. Yu Su had injured Yu Xiong, embarrassed him in the village, and even caused him to lose a hand. Could this grudge be easily let go?
"Enough, no need to say more. I won't agree anyway," Yu Da gritted his teeth.
Seeing that persuasion was futile, Ya Shan stopped. In the end, she didn't genuinely want to apologize to Yu Su. If they did apologize, it wouldn't necessarily save face.