Teaching Two Children

Standing at the entrance of "Isshin Dojo," Liu Ziyun looked at the brand-new signboard and felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction. This small Martial Arts Hall was barely opened by him using all his savings, plus the huge sum of money that Kisuke Urahara had advanced.

[Next, it's time to recruit students.] He thought to himself, [I need to get those two kids here first.]

He entered the specially made Gigai, Kisuke Urahara had created according to his requirements, making a version that was slightly different from his original appearance and could perfectly conceal his Reiatsu. Now, he looked like an ordinary middle-aged martial artist, showing no trace of Soul Reaper.

He went to see Ryūken Ishida first.

The Ishida Family mansion remained solemn and grand. When Liu Ziyun appeared at the door, Ryūken Ishida personally came out to greet him. The two sat down in the living room, where a maid served them tea.

Liu Ziyun to the chase. "I've temporarily set up Martial Arts Hall in the World of the Living. Why don't you two families send your children there to learn for a while?"

Ryūken Ishida adjusted his glasses, a thoughtful gesture in his movements. He didn't answer immediately, but instead asked, "We Quincy primarily use bows and arrows. So, is this necessary?"

Liu Ziyun looked at him, a hint of helplessness in his eyes. "You Quincy primarily use bows and arrows, don't you need to deal with close-quarters combat opponents?"

Ryūken Ishida paused for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. But the child is too young, so I'll have Ye Hui come along, is that alright?"

Liu Ziyun his hand. "Sure. It's better for the mother to be with such a young child. Besides, I'm not good at taking care of children. I can only teach them some martial arts. As for the rest, your family will have to take care of them."

Ryūken Ishida nodded. "Okay. I'll arrange it."

After leaving the Ishida Family, Liu Ziyun went to the Kurosaki Family.

Isshin Kurosaki was sunbathing in the yard when he saw Liu Ziyun. He quickly stood up and said, "Mr. Liu? What brings you here?"

Liu Ziyun sat down opposite him and got straight to the point. "I've temporarily set up Martial Arts Hall in the World of the Living. How about sending your Ichigo while?"

Isshin Kurosaki scratched his head, a hint of hesitation in his gesture. "But the child is still so young. What can a child this young learn?"

Liu Ziyun explained, "We'll start by learning some basic martial arts. As we grow older, we can learn kendo and other things."

Isshin Kurosaki, then said, "Alright. I'll have Masaki come along."

Liu Ziyun nodded. "It's up to you. If you trust the child, let them do it themselves; if you don't, have someone accompany them. I don't mind."

Isshin Kurosaki gave an awkward smile.

Actually, neither of them fully trusted Liu Ziyun. Having his wife accompany them was partly to take care of the children, but also partly to keep an eye on them, fearing Liu Ziyun might tamper with the children.

Liu Ziyun obviously saw through it. But he didn't point it out; instead, he took out two Talisman from his pocket and handed them to the two men respectively.

"Take these two Talisman with you." His expression turned serious. "These Talisman are similar to the ones that saved Kaien and Du before. The main difference is that Kaien and his group are Soul Reaper, while your family members are Quincy, which is why they are different."

He paused, then continued, "These two Talisman are a backup plan to revive them if we couldn't save them after that incident. Whether you use them or not is up to you to discuss when you get back. You can also ask Kaien and Kisuke."

Ryūken Ishida took the Talisman and examined it carefully. The Talisman was as thin as a cicada's wing, with a pale golden light flowing across its surface. The intricate patterns seemed to have a life of their own, flowing slowly in his palm.

"How do I use this Talisman?" he asked. "What are its functions?"

Liu Ziyun explained, "In times of crisis, this Talisman can seal a portion of their flesh and soul, creating a 'Life Pearl' hidden within their bodies. If their bodies are destroyed, the sealed flesh and soul within the Life Pearl can be used to reconstruct their bodies and restore their souls, thus reviving them."

He paused, then continued, "If their bodies aren't destroyed, we can repair them and use the power of my Zanpakuto to break the seal, allowing their souls to return to their bodies and revive them. This is one of the abilities of my Zanpakuto."

Isshin Kurosaki had heard Kaien Shiba describe the resurrection process before, so he wasn't particularly surprised. However, Ryūken Ishida, although he knew that Liu Ziyun saved Kaien Shiba and his wife, didn't know the specifics of how they were brought back to life. Therefore, he was greatly astonished to hear about this method of resuscitation.

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but was interrupted by Liu Ziyun.

"Your parents are Pure-Blood Quincy, so there's no need to worry so much." Liu Ziyun looked at him, his eyes filled with reassurance. "The treatment last time has already helped them recover. As long as they aren't harmed by Hollows again, there won't be any problems."

Ryūken Ishida paused for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, I understand."

Liu Ziyun stood up and clapped his hands. "By the way, I'm in debt from opening this shop. So, you need to pay tuition. Also, please recommend a few more students to me."

Ryūken Ishida and Isshin Kurosaki stared at him with exasperated expressions, but they still agreed.

Liu Ziyun satisfaction, then waved his hand. "Alright, you can go back now. I don't have the money to treat you two to a meal here."

He kicked the two out, and they stood at the door looking at each other in bewilderment.

The next day.

Liu Ziyun sat at the entrance of the Martial Arts Hall, gazing at the empty street, pondering the matter of student recruitment.

[The Martial Arts Hall is open, but how am I going to recruit students?] He lamented inwardly. [If all else fails, I'll just have to get Ryūken Ishida to give me more tuition. After all, his family is a wealthy and powerful family.]

Just then, a burst of laughter and chatter came from afar.

Liu Ziyun up and saw two women walking towards him, each leading a little boy and chatting happily. The one on the left was Masaki Kurosaki, leading a little boy with orange hair, who was naturally Ichigo Kurosaki. The one on the right was Kanae Ishida, leading a little boy wearing glasses, who was Uryū Ishida.

Liu Ziyun quickly stood up to greet them, "Welcome, ladies, and your son!"

When Masaki Kurosaki and Kanae Ishida saw him, they quickly led the child forward.

Masaki Kurosaki gave a slight bow, a gentle smile on her face, "Mr. Liu, there's no need to be so polite. I hope you'll continue to take care of Ichigo in the future."

Kanae Ishida quickly replied, "Mr. Liu, I'll be counting on you for the future of Uryū."

Liu Ziyun waved his hand, a kind smile spreading across his face, "No trouble at all, no trouble at all. It's the least I can do."

As he spoke, he looked at the two children with a smile.

Ichigo Kurosaki and Uryū Ishida both felt a little nervous when they saw this unfamiliar uncle looking at them. They instinctively hugged their mother's legs and hid behind her.

Seeing that the child was a little scared, Masaki Kurosaki and Kanae Ishida quickly smiled and introduced Liu Ziyun to the child.

Liu Ziyun wasn't in a hurry; he simply smiled and led the group into the Martial Arts Hall.

Although the Martial Arts Hall school is not large, it is clean and tidy. The training room is covered with brand-new tatami mats, various training equipment is hung on the walls, and several wooden dummy stands are placed in the corner.

Liu Ziyun gave a brief introduction to the Martial Arts Hall, then said to the group, "Here, we start with the 'Eighth Set of Radio Calisthenics' every day. Don't underestimate this exercise; it's good for your health and the movements are simple. After that, there are other martial arts, such as Tai Chi, Tongbei Boxing, Wing Chun, and Military Boxing. You can only learn these after you've mastered the Radio Calisthenics."

Masaki Kurosaki asked curiously, "What's the difference between these martial arts?"

Liu Ziyun nodded and explained, "The main difference is their function. Some are primarily for physical exercise, some for self-defense, and some for combat. For the two children, I recommend learning Tai Chi. This style of martial arts is balanced and gentle, not focused on violence, and its characteristic is 'using minimal force to overcome great strength.' It's very suitable for both the elderly and children."

He paused, then looked at the two women. "You two ladies can also learn from this. It's good for your health."

Masaki Kurosaki and Kanae Ishida exchanged a glance, then nodded simultaneously.

And so, Liu Ziyun began his first day of teaching.

He first led the two adults and two children through the Eighth Set of Radio Calisthenics in the training room. The familiar music echoed in the Martial Arts Hall, and although the four of them were still a bit clumsy, they were serious and focused.

After finishing his Radio Calisthenics, Liu Ziyun demonstrated Tai Chi again. His movements were slow and fluid, like flowing clouds and water, and each move contained a certain indescribable charm.

Masaki Kurosaki and Kanae Ishida were mesmerized. They had never imagined that a seemingly simple set of boxing techniques could produce such beauty.

Then, Liu Ziyun began to teach the group Tai Chi moves one by one.

"The opening movement... Wild horses part their manes to the left and right... White cranes spread their wings..."

His voice was gentle and patient as he corrected their movements again and again. The two children, though young, studied very diligently. Ichigo Kurosaki, in particular, had bright, sparkling eyes, intently watching Liu Ziyun's every move.

Several hours passed quickly.

Liu Ziyun clapped his hands. "Alright, that's enough for today. You can practice more when you have time at home."

Masaki Kurosaki and Kanae Ishida nodded in unison. "Yes, Mr. Liu."

Liu Ziyun the group away from the Martial Arts Hall, watching their figures disappear at the end of the street.

He stood at the doorway and let out a long sigh.

[Sigh, this is a bit boring.] He thought to himself, [It's because I miss Xiao Lielie and Isane-chan's first day. I'll find some time to go back and get intimate with them. Hehe...]

As he pondered this, that signature, somewhat lewd smile crept onto his face.

In the days that followed, Liu Ziyun began a regular teaching life.

Every morning, Masaki Kurosaki and Kanae Ishida would bring their children to the Martial Arts Hall on time. Liu Ziyun first lead them in doing Radio Calisthenics, and then teach them Tai Chi. Sometimes, he would also teach them other martial arts, but all of them were mainly for physical fitness.

The two children learned very quickly. Although Ichigo Kurosaki was mischievous, he had a natural love for martial arts. He was always very serious when he practiced, and his eyes were bright and sparkling, as if they were shining. Uryū Ishida was much more composed. He always practiced silently, over and over again, until his movements were perfectly correct.

Masaki Kurosaki and Kanae Ishida also learned a lot. Their health gradually improved, and their complexions became better. Sometimes, they would introduce some friends to learn at the Martial Arts Hall.

Gradually, more and more people joined the Martial Arts Hall.

However, Liu Ziyun noticed that most of the people who came were older. Some came to improve their health, some to pass the time, and others were sent by their families to "exercise."

Younger children, however, rarely come.

Liu Ziyun inquired and learned that many people had gone to learn Judo, Taekwondo and the like. In their eyes, those were the "authentic" martial arts, while Tai Chi was just something old men and women did in the morning.

Upon learning of this result, Liu Ziyun scoffed at it.

[They're all a bunch of short-sighted people.] He sighed inwardly. [Oh well, I'll teach Ichigo some real skills later, then let him fight those little brats. He'll get used to it after a while.]

He looked at Ichigo Kurosaki, who was practicing diligently, and a meaningful smile appeared on his lips.

[Ichigo, grow up quickly. When you grow up, go and beat those little kids who learn Judo and Taekwondo to a pulp.]

Ichigo Kurosaki seemed to sense something, looked up, and gave him an innocent smile.

Liu Ziyun smiled too.

That smile held expectation, longing, and an indescribable tenderness.

As evening fell, Liu Ziyun away the last batch of students and sat alone at the entrance of the Martial Arts Hall, gazing at the setting sun.

Two figures appeared in his mind—one as aloof as frost, the other as gentle as water.

[Xiao Lielie, Isane-chan...] He thought silently to himself, [I'll go back to see you after I'm done with this.]

He took a deep breath, stood up, and walked into the Martial Arts Hall.

In the underground training room in the backyard, he sat cross-legged and closed his eyes.

The Blade Zen begins.

In his Inner World, Life-Taker and Tulu quietly awaited him.

Their faces wore an indescribable expression.

That expression contained expectation, worry, and a deep sense of pity.

Liu Ziyun did not notice any of this.

He was simply immersed in cultivation, feeling the increasingly powerful force within his body.

Unbeknownst to him, in the distant Soul Society, an even greater storm was brewing.

Little did he know that in the distant future, a destiny awaited him.

All he knew was that from this day forward, he would take root in this World of the Living.