The morning sun cast long shadows across the Liu family's main study as Zǔ Zhòu stood before Elder Feng, carefully projecting nervous excitement while holding a collection of tattered notes and jade slips.
"Elder Feng," he began, allowing a calculated tremor in his voice. "During my recovery meditation, I've been documenting the insights from my deviation. I... I think I've discovered something significant."
The cultivation instructor's eyes narrowed. Three months had passed since Liu Wei's supposed deviation, and the boy's steady improvement had already raised questions. From Third Stage to Sixth Stage in such a short time demanded explanation.
"Show me these insights," Elder Feng commanded, his tone carefully neutral.
Zǔ Zhòu spread the materials on the desk—pages covered in formation diagrams drawn in various substances, jade slips containing cultivation theories, and most importantly, documented variations of the Liu family techniques that showed unusual modifications.
"During the deviation, I experienced... temporal distortions," he explained, touching his temple. "Past, present, and future seemed to overlap. When I recovered, I found I could perceive our family techniques differently."
He demonstrated a modified version of Raging Tiger Fist—the same movements but with subtle timing changes that multiplied efficiency. The comprehension lock prevented full execution, but the 15% improvement was visible.
"The standard form assumes linear time," Zǔ Zhòu continued, pointing to his diagrams. "But what if we cycle qi with minor temporal offsets? Not true time manipulation—that's impossible at Body Tempering—but perception shifts that create the same effect."
Elder Feng leaned forward, studying the formations. They were real, pulled from Zǔ Zhòu's vast knowledge but simplified to seem like desperate innovation rather than ancient wisdom.
"These calculations..." The elder's finger traced a particularly complex equation. "You derived this yourself?"
"I... I think so? During the deviation, I saw patterns. When I woke, I had to write them down before they faded." He let frustration color his voice. "Most of it was nonsense, but these parts seemed to work."
"Demonstrate again. Slowly."
Zǔ Zhòu moved through the modified Tiger form, deliberately adding minor imperfections to hide the technique's true sophistication. Elder Feng's eyes widened as he recognized the impossible—a Body Tempering cultivator accessing concepts that shouldn't emerge until higher realms.
"Wait here," the elder ordered, gathering the materials.
Alone, Zǔ Zhòu permitted himself a small smile. No ancient manual to verify, just a young cultivator showing unusual innovation after a near-death experience. More believable and equally effective.
The door opened to admit Liu Tiansheng, accompanied by Liu Feng. His eldest brother's presence was expected—any significant development would draw the heir's attention.
"Wei'er," his father began. "Elder Feng tells me your deviation left... lasting effects."
"Yes, Father." Zǔ Zhòu bowed, then launched into his prepared explanation. "The deviation broke something in my perception. I see cultivation differently now—not better necessarily, just... differently. These insights keep coming, especially during meditation."
Liu Tiansheng examined the notes with Core Formation spiritual sense. His expression grew increasingly thoughtful as he parsed the modified techniques.
"Temporal theory applied to Body Tempering," he murmured. "Theoretically impossible, yet..." He had Zǔ Zhòu demonstrate the modified techniques again, watching with intense focus. "The results are undeniable."
"Is it dangerous?" Zǔ Zhòu asked with calculated worry. "Sometimes during practice, I feel disconnected from normal time flow."
"All cultivation carries risk," his father replied. "But this... Elder Feng, your assessment?"
"The boy has stumbled onto something profound. These modifications push our techniques beyond their designed limits. With proper guidance..." The elder paused. "He could revolutionize our family's cultivation methods."
Liu Feng interjected, "Or he could destabilize his foundation with half-understood concepts. These insights came from a deviation—who knows what damage lurks beneath?"
"A valid concern." Liu Tiansheng turned back to his third son. "Wei'er, you'll work with Elder Feng daily. One hour supervised practice, documenting every variation, every insight. If these modifications prove stable..."
"The whole family could benefit," Liu Feng finished, his tone neutral but eyes calculating.
"Precisely. But we proceed cautiously." His father's decision was final. "Continue your regular training as well. These insights supplement, not replace, orthodox cultivation."
"Yes, Father. Thank you for this opportunity."
After they left, Elder Feng remained. "Tomorrow, we begin formal documentation. These temporal concepts... where did they really come from?"
Zǔ Zhòu let uncertainty show. "I don't know. During the deviation, I felt like I was drowning in time itself. Past lives? Future possibilities? When I woke, this knowledge was just... there."
"Hmm." The elder gathered the notes carefully. "Deviation can unlock hidden potentials. Or it can plant seeds of madness that bloom slowly. We'll watch for both."
"I understand, Elder."
"Do you? Power gained through trauma often carries hidden costs. But..." A slight smile crossed the usually stern face. "Your progress has been remarkable. From disappointment to potential genius. Don't let it corrupt you."
If only he knew. "I'll be careful, Elder Feng."
That evening, Liu Feng visited his chambers.
"Temporal insights," his eldest brother mused. "Quite convenient, these deviation gifts."
"I nearly died for them."
"True. But the timing..." Liu Feng studied him carefully. "You advance just slowly enough to be believable, show just enough struggle to seem genuine. Either you're extraordinarily lucky, or extraordinarily clever."
Zǔ Zhòu met his gaze with practiced vulnerability. "Would you prefer I be weak again? I can stop trying to improve."
"No." Liu Feng stood. "But remember, younger brother—the clan rewards strength but punishes deception. Be certain your gifts are what they appear."
After he left, Zǔ Zhòu's temporal anchor servant emerged from the shadows.
"Close call?"
"Calculated risk. Liu Feng suspects something but can't prove it. The deviation explanation holds because cultivation deviations do cause unpredictable changes." He smiled. "By the time I 'discover' the actual manual, they'll be primed to believe it."
"The observers seemed entertained by the misdirection."
"Good. Building tension toward the real revelation." He organized tomorrow's 'insights'—more temporal theory disguised as fumbling innovation. "The manual can wait. First, I establish myself as a deviation-touched genius. Then finding an ancient scripture that resonates with my condition becomes inevitable rather than suspicious."
He spent the remaining evening preparing more modified techniques, each carefully calibrated to show gradual understanding. The Liu family would document his rise, never realizing they were creating evidence of their own manipulation.
Tomorrow, Elder Feng would begin teaching Liu Wei to master concepts that Liu Wei had apparently discovered. The irony was delicious—being instructed in dumbed-down versions of techniques he could perform perfectly.
But that was the game. And Zǔ Zhòu had always enjoyed playing with his food before devouring it.