"One, the art of disguise. This is a martial art, not a mask, but a technique that uses martial arts, even external skills, to disguise oneself as various people.
Two, Cloud-Piercing Sixteen Steps. This is a Qinggong, not quite as remarkable as leaving no trace on snow, but close.
Three, Azure Cloud Sword. This swordsmanship requires diligent study. While it may not grant mastery of the world, it should be sufficient for self-preservation.
Four, Sonic Kill. This is a Qin technique. This Qin can easily bewilder the mind, but it is best used sparingly."
After finishing, the old woman paused and looked at everyone.
Several people were greatly shocked. They hadn't expected the old woman to know so many things. Yun Xiao and Wanwan couldn't help but recall the night she was drugged.
If Ding Hao Wen hadn't drugged her, they might not have been able to defeat her, and they wouldn't have had this encounter today.
Liu Xing and Jing Yun considered for a moment and spoke first. They weren't particularly interested in martial arts but were very intrigued by the art of disguise, as their activities had been inconvenient recently.
Prince Shangguan had already seen them. If they ventured into the capital recklessly, it would surely attract his attention and cause trouble for their master. Therefore, learning the art of disguise would make things much easier.
"Old woman, let us learn the art of disguise," Liu Xing and Jing Yun said in unison.
Su Mo Chen's eyes sparkled brightly, and he stared at the old woman with inexplicable excitement. He hadn't expected to get such an opportunity today. His greatest wish was not to be bullied, and he immediately called out, following behind Liu Xing and the others.
"Old woman, I want to learn the Azure Cloud Sword technique."
On the side, Wanwan also laughed excitedly. She didn't want to learn any martial arts but most wanted to learn the Qin.
She remembered the last time her master said he wanted to listen to the Qin, but neither she nor her master could play. Now was a good opportunity. She could learn it and then play for her master.
"Old woman, I'll learn the Qin."
The old woman didn't speak but looked at Yun Xiao, who had been silent the whole time. Yun Xiao thought seriously for a long time and finally concluded that she had nothing to learn. Why? Because generally, martial arts are practiced from childhood.
She was already so old, her bones were hardened. If she wanted to practice martial arts, it would likely take a very long time and be exhausting. Intuitively, she shook her head repeatedly.
"Old woman, there's nothing for me to learn."
As soon as she finished speaking, several gazes fixed on her. The most disappointed was the old woman, who walked up to Yun Xiao with an unrefusable air.
"Do you always expect others to protect you? At least you should be able to protect yourself. How about this, you will learn the Cloud-Piercing Sixteen Steps. This is a Qinggong, which will at least make it easier for you to escape."
What kind of talk was this? Yun Xiao muttered. What did she mean, "easier to escape"? She wasn't that desperate. However, what the old woman said had some reason to it, so she decided to learn a Qinggong.
"Alright, then I'll learn a Qinggong."
"Also, learn the Qin with Wanwan."
"Ah," Yun Xiao cried out. Everyone else learned one thing, but she had to learn two, which would be even more exhausting. Since Wanwan was learning the Qin, there would be someone to play it later.
"Isn't everyone learning one thing? Why do I have to learn two?"
"Because I owe you the most, so you have to learn two things."
The old woman said with self-satisfaction. Everyone understood. Yes, if it weren't for their master, how would they have thought of saving the old woman? So, the old woman's reasoning was not wrong.
However, she added, "Your hands and Wanwan's hands are alike, slender and flexible, suitable for playing the Qin."
If she weren't suited for playing the Qin, she wouldn't have let her learn it. The Qin isn't something you can learn if you want to; it requires talent and a pair of hands suitable for playing. Some people are born with a connection to the Qin.
Some people, even after ten years of hard work, are not as good as those who have a natural connection. In just one year, she saw that these two were suited to learn Sonic Kill.
Hands for playing the Qin? Yun Xiao and Wanwan both extended their hands and looked carefully. They were slender like spring onions, with delicate fingertips. They looked quite beautiful, but whether they were suitable for playing the Qin, they couldn't tell.
At this point, the old woman spoke very seriously, "Alright, it's decided. Now go eat, and practice will begin from Yin Shi tomorrow."
"Yin Shi."
Several people cried out at the same time, especially Yun Xiao, who was utterly unwilling. Since she had transmigrated to ancient times, she had always stayed in the palace, eating and sleeping well, and had become accustomed to it. She had never woken up so early. She had a dejected look on her face.
The second was Su Mo Chen. Since his sister had left him money, he hadn't even resorted to stealing. He had been so idle lately that he was practically overflowing with oil, sleeping until noon every day. Now, having to wake up at Yin Shi, he felt like it would kill him.
Looking up, the old woman had already left, leaving only them behind. Yun Xiao immediately composed herself and made up her mind. Since the old woman was serious about teaching them, they should study diligently.
"Alright, everyone study hard and don't let the old woman's efforts go to waste. If you are going to learn, learn to the best of your ability. If anyone cannot do well, they should not learn now."
"Yes," several people responded in unison, their faces solemn, and they made a resolution in their hearts.
The first day at the Su Residence began.
Wanwan personally recruited three or four strong maids and two housekeepers.
Two maids were responsible for kitchen chores, as with so many people eating, one person couldn't handle everything.
The other two maids cleaned the courtyard, and the two housekeepers were responsible for tending to some potted plants. The goal wasn't luxury or expense but to make the residence greener.
Yun Xiao and Wanwan arranged their residence, the Chenxiang Courtyard. Liu Xing and Jing Yun cleared the weeds in the courtyard. Su Mo Chen was responsible for purchasing some food, as everyone would be dedicating themselves to practicing martial arts from now on, so everything that needed to be prepared was prepared.
By evening, everyone was as tired as an ox. Food tasted delicious, and water tasted sweet.
After eating their fill, they sat on the porch chatting. A group of young people talked freely and uninhibitedly. Even Liu Xing and Jing Yun were at ease in front of their master. This was a life they had never imagined and felt even more heartwarming.
The moonlight was clear, and peach blossoms fluttered down.
The courtyard next door was planted with several peach trees. Their flowering season was ending, and the last hint of fragrance lingered in the air.
Everyone felt refreshed and invigorated. Looking at the sky, the sky was beautiful; looking at the land, the land was vast. It was truly a happy time. However, after chatting for a short while, they heard a cold voice from the stone steps.
"Don't forget about Yin Shi tomorrow."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone scattered immediately. If they didn't sleep now, when would they? They had to wake up at Yin Shi. Could they still get up if they continued chatting now? Since they had agreed to study diligently, they could not slack off.
In the blink of an eye, the courtyard was empty, leaving only scattered red petals.
A person on the porch smiled enchantingly, having rarely relaxed their mood. These children were truly lovable. Staying with them eased much of their pain.
Especially Yun Xiao, she was such an understanding little girl. If fate allowed, she would stay by their side forever, but her fate was uncertain.