Helpless Maiden

A few days later.

"Junior disciple, practicing so early?" Wen Cai said.

"Yeah, I've been in a bad mood lately, so I figured I'd relax with some exercise. Starting today, I'm going to get up early to train again," Yang Xuan replied.

"Junior disciple, Master agreed, and Wen Cai is happy to train with us too!" Qiu Sheng said excitedly, jogging over.

Just then, Yang Xuan saw Uncle Nine walking over slowly, a sheepish expression on his face.

"Master, there's no need to be embarrassed. Just consider it your disciple showing filial piety," Yang Xuan said.

"Are you alright now?" Uncle Nine asked with concern.

"Master, I rested for a few days and I'm fine now," Yang Xuan responded.

"Master, Qiu Sheng, Wen Cai, let's begin. Because you're all getting older, especially Master. But National Arts can circulate blood essence. Even if you don't achieve much in the end, it's fine. Just consider it strengthening your bodies," Yang Xuan said.

And so, the first day was entirely spent Yang Xuan popularizing knowledge about National Arts, its principles, and so on, for Uncle Nine and the others.

As the sun set, Wen Cai was already drowsy. Qiu Sheng and Uncle Nine, on the other hand, listened very attentively. Thus, the days passed one by one.

Although the progress of the three was not fast, Uncle Nine was still the fastest. Perhaps it was due to the spiritual energy within him, but his progress at his age was considered quite good. Of course, Wen Cai's body had just recovered and wasn't in the best condition, plus he wasn't very focused, so his progress was the slowest.

After practicing every day, Yang Xuan would review the martial arts he had practiced before. As Uncle Nine and the others gradually accepted Yang Xuan's miraculous abilities, Yang Xuan also took time each day to practice telekinesis with a shot put. Although there wasn't much progress, persistence was key.

"Master, I've looked at that Feng Shui Master's corpse controlling technique, and I've learned it too. Look..." Yang Xuan trailed off.

"A-Xuan, you must know that everything has two sides. This world is not very peaceful right now, with zombies and ghosts appearing endlessly and warlords fighting. Learning more isn't a bad thing. Oh, and in a while, your martial uncle will visit again. He's quite knowledgeable about corpse controlling techniques," Uncle Nine said.

Uncle Nine added, "Do you know about Qiu Sheng's situation?"

"Master, are you talking about that ghost that appeared recently?" Yang Xuan asked.

"You know the answer already. Your senses are so strong, and you've mastered ghost-catching spells. You knew about it long ago, so why didn't you catch it?" Uncle Nine asked, confused.

"Master, even before that female ghost appeared, I already knew. I even subtly let her know that as long as she didn't harm Qiu Sheng's body, I wouldn't interfere. After all, Qiu Sheng is an adult now, and some decisions are his own to make," Yang Xuan stated his position.

Yang Xuan was powerful, learned quickly, and was very filial. Uncle Nine decided to consider Yang Xuan's opinion. "Alright, this wicked creature. If it harms Qiu Sheng even a little, I'll deal with it."

It was likely that Uncle Nine would never have the chance to catch Xiao Yu. After all, with Qiu Sheng practicing National Arts, his blood essence had increased, and a mere female ghost would be unable to harm his fundamental being.

"Tingting, why are you here?" Yang Xuan asked in surprise as Ren Tingting entered. Shouldn't she be at home guarding the spirit tablet?

"At home, besides the servants, it's just me. I thought it would be livelier here at the mortuary," Ren Tingting said with a dejected expression.

Looking at this young girl who had lost all her relatives, Yang Xuan gradually felt less guilty about killing the Feng Shui Master.

Pity welled up in his heart, and he couldn't help but embrace Ren Tingting. "It's okay. If you don't have your family, you still have me, Uncle Nine, Qiu Sheng, and Wen Cai. We are all your friends."

Ren Tingting's eyes widened, and tears began to flow uncontrollably. After the shock, she slowly raised her hands and hugged Yang Xuan tightly.

Yang Xuan's feelings were complicated. Because of Natasha, his heart considered Natasha his girlfriend. Limited by the monogamous system of the main world, his inner defenses were now slightly loosening.

"Cough, cough," a coughing sound came from behind.

The two quickly separated. Ren Tingting, who had been weeping moments before, instantly blushed. Yang Xuan appeared calm on the surface, but his heart rate also accelerated.

Uncle Nine walked over slowly, glanced at Yang Xuan, and said to Ren Tingting, "Come visit more often when you have time."

Uncle Nine had originally intended to ask Yang Xuan about National Arts. Although he hadn't been practicing for long, his body clearly felt much stronger and he could eat more than before. No wonder his disciples were such big eaters. When he arrived, he discovered the two youngsters embracing. Uncle Nine assumed that with Yang Xuan's abilities, he would have sensed him, so he didn't hide and came out directly. To ease the awkwardness, he could only pretend to cough. What he didn't expect was that Yang Xuan was too preoccupied to sense him; he was busy comforting the young lady.

There was no other option. He'd just take a walk and go back. He'd ask his disciple when he had time; there was no rush. He couldn't just stay there and embarrass himself.

"Tingting, just now I..." Yang Xuan felt a bit embarrassed recalling it.

Ren Tingting interrupted, "Brother Xuan, after spending so much time together, don't you have any feelings for me?"

"Tingting, who wouldn't like a beautiful young lady like you? Unfortunately, I already have a fiancée," Yang Xuan lied helplessly.

"Ah, it's okay, Brother Xuan. I have several stepmothers," Ren Tingting said, relieved.

Although Ren Tingting studied and lived in the provincial capital, she hadn't been exposed to too many Western ideas. Deep down, she was still a traditional Hua country woman.

Yang Xuan felt a hundred percent pleased. After all, what man doesn't like being liked by women? The more women who liked him, the more it proved his excellence. However, despite his pleasure, if he married Ren Tingting, how would he arrange things in the future? It was about marrying a wife, not keeping a pet; there had to be a proper arrangement. He hadn't even settled things with Natasha in the main world, and bringing Ren Tingting along would definitely ruin things with Natasha.

Forget it, let nature take its course. Thinking too hard now wouldn't help. It was better to take things one step at a time.

"Tingting, to be honest, you know my strength is quite formidable, right? If nothing unexpected happens, I estimate I can live for over 200 years. But what about you?" Yang Xuan confessed.

When Ren Tingting heard this, it felt as if an invisible chasm had opened between them. Suddenly, she seemed to recall something. "Brother Xuan, lately I've noticed Uncle Nine getting more energetic, and Qiu Sheng and Wen Cai also seem different, full of vigor. Is there some secret to longevity?"

This girl wasn't stupid. "Tingting, another benefit of practicing National Arts is that it slows down aging. The earlier you start practicing, the younger you'll look when you're old," Yang Xuan tempted her.

"Ah, that's great! Then I'll definitely practice diligently. However, for the next few days, I want to properly arrange my business. Tomorrow, I'll have all the shopkeepers from my family's businesses come to a meeting at home. Brother Xuan, you'll come with me. You just need to show off a little to keep them in line. After all, I'm too young, and my prestige isn't high. I'm afraid these shopkeepers will agree on the surface but secretly act contrary to my wishes."