Dahe received congratulations from his barrack mates. A small gathering was held for supper where everyone gave him their well wishes. A smile crossed his lips in the firelight. He raised a glass to salute everyone and to receive their salutations in turn. A warmth passed over and through him, as he watched this gathering of people he might never have met.

The next day he began to decide on a location for his home. Dahe was elated. It had taken him dying and transmigrating, but he was finally going to be a homeowner. He realized he spent the most time between the library and the sparring grounds. He looked for a clearing that was suitably positioned. Finding one, he decided to have his house built there.

He started off by pacing off the area. He tried to imagine it in his mind. He acted as if he was entering his house, and measured how far it would take him. A simple mudroom, then a sitting room for visitors. Further in, a kitchen and dining room. An office for work, and to hold his reading materials. Then a bedroom suite. With a bedroom and bathroom, and an en suite living room. He decided to add a room for various crafts.

The weaving had gone well enough. He hadn’t felt like a genius but he was able to improve and correct mistakes. That it seemed to help him focus on energy, was a definite bonus. He had started out weaving cloth. When he asked if he could turn it in for sect credit, he was surprised by the amount he got. It turned out it was in demand to make and repair clothes.

Then he decided to try his hand at knitting. So he carved a pair of knitting needles and got to work. Using the information from his e-book collection, he was able to start off with basic beginner patterns. His first project was a scarf. Though the weather wasn’t that cold at the moment, it was an easy project to start with. He wanted to eventually have a full set. Gloves, socks, hat, sweater and scarf. His next project was socks.

Day by day, he continued to absorb energy into his brain. Normally, anyone else who had been gathering energy for the same amount of time, would have already started enhancing their bodies. Dahe continued to absorb energy into his brain. He needed to build as strong a foundation as possible, if he was one day going to be a god.

His new project was attempting to make study guides for general subjects. First he had to read and then digest the information. This helped him to thoroughly understand the knowledge that he had gained a surface level awareness of before.

Time passed, and eventually his brain filled to the brim with energy. If energy was a liquid, his brain would slosh. Now it was time to advance to the next step. He started to circulate the energy throughout his head. He had been waiting a long time for this. The brain was important, so the skull that protected the brain had to be reinforced. He continued by working on the structural integrity of his head.

Later, he began working on his sensory inputs. He imbued them with energy to help them develop. His senses began to grow sharper. His ears could pick up sounds that would’ve faded into the background. His eyesight became stronger. He could see farther away. He found he observed things that would’ve ordinarily escaped his notice.

By this time slightly more than two and half Earth years had passed for him. He had calculated that the days were longer but the year was shorter. His collection of study guides was growing, and gaining popularity. His office had more storage in it. He had received a number of shelves to hold manuals and scrolls. His home was modest but comfortable. The double wall construction helped keep his house at a comfortable temperature. Something he had seen on a construction show. The carpenters had been interested in that idea.

Dahe smiled, it was now time. He was now about to use a technique provided to him by the Goddess. He simply had to imbue energy into his inner ears, and the auditory cortex of the brain. First, what to choose. Hmm. Well, of course. What else? “Mamaaa, just killed a man . . .” goodness gracious, Dahe now had a stereo system.

It had taken a long time, but it was worth it. Dahe was finally able to use the self-hallucinatory technique Auditory version. Then a simple combination with another ability, the instant and perfect recall of all memories, past and current life. He was now able to take Auditory experiences and replay them as if he was experiencing them again. He now had a soundtrack. Dahe used the time he would’ve normally spent at the library, to make a workout mixtape.

The next day, Zao shi came over. “I see you are putting your all into the exercises today. Have you had a fortunate event?” This usually just meant that they had achieved a new level. However, Dahe answered yes anyway. Zao shi nodded, “good. Keep up the good work!” and with a clap on Dahe’s back, Zao shi walked away to give pointers to another sect member.

Dahe appreciated Zao Qi Jiao’s kind words. Ever since he had joined the third circle of The Flowing River Sect, Zao had looked out for him. Apparently now that Dahe was an official member, it was his duty to make sure Dahe didn’t get himself killed . . . easily. In fact, Zao shi was quite direct. “If you’re surrounded, make sure to take a few of those bastards with you. Make sure they don’t take the name of The Flowing River sect lightly!”

Dahe managed to keep a straight face as he promised to do the best he could. ‘If that happens, I’m out of there.’ he thought. ‘I care more about my life than the sect’s reputation.’ And yet, he couldn’t deny that he cared about the sect’s reputation, somewhat.

However, now that he was an official member of the sect, it was time to get serious about his martial arts. He began to focus more and more on his spear techniques. After consulting with Zao shi, he focused on a series of basic moves that would cover many conditions. All of the time he might’ve set aside to be idle, he would practice. Even during the time he would normally set aside for other activities. He’d even begun to carry a staff around, to practice movements on the move.

Several more months passed. His routine revolved around gathering energy while knitting or weaving, studying in the library, and practicing his martial arts. Particularly his spearmanship. And one day it seemed to pay off.

As he walked along the path from the sparring ground to the baths he heard someone call to him. “Halt there.” a deep voice murmured. Dahe stopped and looked. An ordinary man wearing casual robes, a somewhat trimmed beard and hair tied back. He knew who it was immediately. It was Fusang.