It took an hour to finish that one lap, and that was just the beginning of the days torture. Weight training, gymnastics, jumping rope. Every torturous exercise ever devised was demanded of me. And I was required to keep cycling my stored Qi the entire time.

Those moments when I lost concentration, or when Elder Shadow tossed a wooden ball at me in an attempt to break my focus sent the pain of muscles and bone being torn apart and rebuilt flooding to my brain. I finally did get to that point where I was releasing enough endorphins that I entered the 'zone' that exercise fanatics bragged about. Once that happened, I was able to ignore the missiles Elder Shadow lobbed at me periodically.

He refused to let me break for the day and leave for lunch until noon. Five hours of intensive workout. It left me a drenched mess of sweat, but not exhausted, I wasn't wrung out or spent as the Qi was much more efficient at removing lactic acid. The Qi that I had been cycling had gotten much more refined by the last hour and it had hastened the repair of muscle tissues exponentially. I was stronger, more flexible, and more in control of my Qi and my body.

The results were astounding, but I would never admit that, not to anyone, in case Elder Shadow decided to increase the intensity tomorrow. He released me for the day without a word, just turning and exiting the Training Hall as soon as the morning session was completed.

I wanted to collapse, spend a few moments not moving to regain my equilibrium, but was ushered out of the training arena by the person who had reserved the field next. I was planning to head back to my house; I wanted a bath before eating lunch when one of the Hall attendants directed me towards a spa.

"Elder Shadow has asked that you be treated to a massage and soak in the medicinal waters of the hot tub today. He has covered the contribution points to pay for the facilities. If you would follow me," she said.

"The Elder asked us to remind you that normal training hours are between 7 and 1. He allowed you to leave early today, but don't assume he will do so again."

All the kind thoughts I'd had for Elder Shadow when I found out he had purchased a spa treatment were obliterated with indignation when the attendant informed me of the Elder's words. It was as if he thought he had gone easy on me today.

Easy my ass. I had sweated and pushed myself past my breaking point time after time as I struggled to perform to his satisfaction. The invective that I was silently spewing at him within the safety of my mind would certainly have turned a head or two. His few simple words had ruined any appreciation I'd had for his care.

The hot tubs were designed to be used individually allowing each person to add an herb bomb that was crafted for specific purposes. Those available in the training hall were crafted to restore and rehydrate the body's cells. Qi circulation was effective in allowing the body to surpass mortal limits, but the energy and nutrients required for cell division depended on the breakdown of food.

The herb bombs could not replenish the body completely, but they were well crafted to be absorbed by the skin, similar to the way vitamin D from the Sun had a positive effect on the body. The heat of the water sped up the process, and the herb bomb that had colored the water a greenish mix of vegetation slowly cleared as absorption was completed.

The sensation was similar to bathing in Epsom salt, a tingling feeling that was both refreshing and soothing. Sore muscles that had been overworked finally loosened, the tightness in shoulder and leg muscles relaxing.

I was only able to soak for ten minutes before all medicinal herbs had been expunged. I left the water reluctantly, but once the massage began with heated oils, I dismissed that reluctance. People were tactile, we enjoyed touch, hugs, caresses. The massage was not sexual in nature, but it was sensual.

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I was enjoying the tactile nature of the massage until the masseuse determined that my muscles were nicely warmed up and began a deep tissue massage. Thumbs and elbows pressing deeply into joints and between muscle fibers. Working to remove the remaining buildup of lactic acids in muscles that my Qi had not. Separating bunched muscle groups and opening fascia to increase blood flow and vitality.

It was painful. Kinks, ligaments, and muscles that had long been trained incorrectly forced into correct paths as the fascia and tendons were aligned and the masseuse channeled Qi promote health, alignment, and proper layering. The screams of pain, yelps of disapproval, and cursing of Gods and parents filled the room as I was forced to endure this helpful ministration.

Elder Shadow was a vile and evil man, and he was the focus of much of my rants, some even garnering a chuckle from the woman torturing me.

I refused to admit how much better I felt after the massage. I was barely eighteen so the little kinks and twinges of pain that became everyday parlance for people as they aged hadn't struck yet. But that didn't mean I couldn't tell the difference. I moved with a fluidity that only the very young possessed. That almost boneless method of circumnavigating space. The limberness that was taken for granted in the very young.

I was getting ready to shower, the oils that had been used smell wonderful, but they left a film that no amount of massage could dispel. As I headed towards the showers, I was tripped. My towel snatched, and I was sent sprawling along the corridor.

Standing up and looking around, the passageway was devoid of any person. Whoever had tripped me and snatched my towel had darted into one of the adjoining rooms. I was sure whoever it was, was related to Braun or Nero, but there was nothing I could do about it since there was no one present to accuse or vent my anger on.

Ignoring the humiliation for the moment, I promised myself to be more aware. I had been stupid to forget that there were people that would like to see me fail. Braun and Nero may have had their wings clipped, but they had enough influence to stir up other Sect members.

The sound of laughter was a reminder that I had no friends, yet. And the chances were slim that I would gain any, no one wanting to draw the ire of Elder An's circle. I would discuss with Elder Cix a method to heighten my Qi perception when I discussed martial techniques with him later this evening.

I needed to keep my head down but my eyes open. At least until I had advanced my cultivation and had learned some martial techniques. I hoped that they would tire of tormenting me, eventually. Especially if I gave them few chances for their games.

Tarrah joined up with me again for lunch, the smirk, and amusement on her face proof she had known what was going to happen. I added her name to the list, placing her in the same category as Elder Shadow and consigning the pair of them to damnation.

Her laughter at my effrontery managed to restore some semblance of rationality to me and I was forced to admit to myself that I had assumed that cultivators magically increased realms and abilities by sitting in the lotus position and meditating. Sadly, that wasn't the case.

The truth was far harsher. I would have to train my body to endure the harsh conditions that I may find myself in. It was impossible to get the benefits of skin like steel by sitting and thinking it so. I would have to put in the hard work, work that Elder Shadow had already informed me would only become more intense as I progressed.

It would be grueling, but under Elder Shadow's guidance, I thought I had a more than better chance of surviving any plots and pranks that may come my way.

After lunch, Tarrah and I headed to Alchemical Hall. Elder Tye and the pill furnaces were established in close proximity to Healer Hall. The facilities were established within their own buildings, but because occasional diagnosis required rare herbs or medicines, the Sect had established an area dedicated to herbs, pills, and medicine. The overlap between the three facilities synergized well.

Alchemist crafted pills that the Sect sold or traded earning contribution points for the alchemist and wealth and status for the Sect. Elder Tye was the highest-ranking member, his talents advanced enough he could probably have sought a spot in a higher-ranked Sect.

Elder Dalis was responsible for herbs, in fact, his team was instrumental and responsible for all the plantings within the Sect and had nurtured the affinity garden that I had used to unlock my water and air elements. A terraced section of the mountain had been designated his to manage, an area that was used to grow medicinal and spirit herbs.

Along with Elder Healer Kailee who was in charge of Healer Hall, these three were the real power behind this area of the Sect. The three Elders worked well together, and there was so little strife or friction between Halls that most Sect members considered them one entity.

Today's lesson was more testing than teaching. Elder Tye planned on finding out if I had any talent with pill formation. It was better to know early so that I find a more suitable secondary profession if necessary.