Chen Fan arranged for Xiao Yun's "check-up" the following afternoon. He chose a quiet, private room within a discreet, high-end clinic that Wang Gia Huy had recently invested in – a place where discretion was guaranteed. Liu Mei, relieved and hopeful, brought Xiao Yun, who, despite her usual shyness, seemed intrigued by "Uncle Chen's" mysterious arrangements.
Once they were in the room, Chen Fan calmly asked Liu Mei to wait outside, explaining that he needed to conduct some "specialized diagnostics" that required a quiet environment. Liu Mei, trusting him implicitly after Linhai's miracle, readily agreed.
Alone with Xiao Yun, Chen Fan knelt down to her level. "Hello, Xiao Yun. Uncle Chen just needs to do a little check-up to see why you sometimes feel tired. Will you let me hold your hand?"
Xiao Yun, though usually timid, looked at Chen Fan with her big, curious eyes. Perhaps sensing his gentle aura or the innate connection he had with spiritual energy, she nodded and extended her small hand.
Chen Fan gently took her wrist, placing his thumb on her pulse point. He activated his Mid-Grade Heavenly Eye Technique, peering into her delicate spiritual meridian network. He then channeled a tiny, almost imperceptible wisp of his refined spiritual qi, guiding it into her.
He saw it clearly. Xiao Yun's Innate Spiritual Body was indeed remarkable. Her spiritual roots were incredibly pure, like unblemished jade, but they were also incredibly active, constantly drawing in and subtly releasing spiritual qi. This unregulated flow was the cause of her fatigue; her body was inefficiently processing the spiritual energy it naturally attracted. It was like a delicate vase with small cracks, constantly leaking its precious contents.
"Keng! Diagnosis Confirmed: Xiao Yun's Innate Spiritual Body is causing a constant, subtle drain of spiritual essence due to inefficient spiritual qi circulation. Treatment is required to guide and stabilize her internal qi flow."
Chen Fan then applied the principles of the newly acquired Basic Spiritual Qi Guiding Art. He began to gently guide his spiritual qi through her, not to heal a wound, but to subtly re-align and strengthen her internal spiritual pathways, teaching her nascent spiritual roots to retain and circulate qi more efficiently. It was a delicate, almost meditative process. He used his own spiritual qi as a guiding beacon, showing her body the correct flow.
Xiao Yun's eyes widened slightly as a warm, comforting sensation spread through her tiny body. She felt a lightness, a gentle hum that made her instinctively close her eyes and relax. This was very different from any doctor's visit she'd ever had.
After about twenty minutes, Chen Fan withdrew his spiritual qi. He carefully examined her aura again with his Mid-Grade Heavenly Eye Technique. The flickering was still there, but it was now much less pronounced, and the overall spiritual qi in her body seemed more stable, less prone to dissipation.
"Keng! Side Quest: The Spiritual Seed - Phase 1 (Initial Guidance) completed!"
"Host has gained 100 Experience Points!"
"Host has received 'Basic Spiritual Qi Guiding Art' skill!"
"Total Experience Points: 900/2000."
"Total Spirit Stones: 45 Low-Grade." (A few were used for incidental energy boosts during cultivation)
Chen Fan then gently squeezed Xiao Yun's hand. "All done, Xiao Yun. How do you feel?"
Xiao Yun opened her eyes, a radiant smile spreading across her face. "Uncle Chen, I feel... so warm! And I'm not tired anymore!" Her voice was clearer, more energetic.
He knew this was just the first step. Her Innate Spiritual Body would require long-term guidance and possibly further resources to truly flourish. But for now, he had stabilized her condition and given her a taste of what true vitality felt like.
He called Liu Mei back into the room.
"How is she, Mr. Chen?" Liu Mei asked anxiously.
"She's fine, Ms. Liu," Chen Fan reassured her. "I've helped her body regulate its internal energy flow. She might feel a bit more energetic now. I recommend a balanced diet and regular, gentle exercise. I'll also check up on her periodically to ensure her progress." He subtly implied future visits, which would allow him to continue guiding her without raising suspicion.
Liu Mei looked at her daughter, who was now bouncing lightly on her toes, a noticeable spring in her step. "Oh, Mr. Chen! Thank you, thank you so much! I don't know how to repay you!"
"Your kindness to me is repayment enough, Ms. Liu," Chen Fan said. He felt a quiet satisfaction. This wasn't about money; it was about helping good people and perhaps, cultivating a future talent.
As he walked back to his apartment, Chen Fan mused on the Basic Spiritual Qi Guiding Art. It allowed him to subtly channel and direct spiritual qi in others, to teach their bodies to absorb and circulate qi more effectively. This wasn't a healing art in the traditional sense, but a foundational art for spiritual cultivation. It could be used to gently awaken spiritual roots, guide qi for beginners, or even subtly enhance the vitality of ordinary people. It was a powerful tool for someone building an urban cultivation empire, where discretion was key.
He knew his journey was becoming more complex. Financial power, cultivation breakthroughs, and now, the potential to nurture a prodigy. The pieces were slowly falling into place.