The martial arts ground was merely a clearing carved out of the deep mountains.
In truth, the entire mountain, dense with vegetation and riddled with complex terrain, was part of the martial arts ground. Given the range of the Projection Technique, even a clearing several football fields wide would still be nowhere near enough.
This place was instead used to teach beginners and provide a place to rest.
Under the blazing sun, several children practiced their basic skills under the guidance of their uncles, while even more children... ran around playing. In a shaded awning at the corner, some people were playing games on their phones, with several enormous instrument cases set beside them.
Clearly, no one had neglected their leisure and entertainment either.
Now that An Ding had brought Little An over, no one was the slightest bit nervous. Other than looking up and calling out, "Grandfather," they did not even rise from their seats. Those who remembered An Ran, on the other hand, were far more excited. They exchanged greetings, crowded around him to pinch and ruffle him, treating him like the beloved darling of the family.
"Enough. What are you all chattering about?"
An Ding snorted, though there was no real anger on his face. "I usually tell you brats to work hard on your fundamentals, but every one of you just goes through the motions. Today, I'll broaden your horizons.
Spread out. Let's all see what A Ran can do."
As he spoke, he gave the youth a push forward.
Amid the dispersing crowd, An Ran, who had been responding shyly to his relatives' teasing and greetings, lowered his head and drew his sword. Parting Sorrow gave a soft cry, its lingering note spreading outward and unexpectedly triggering a series of faint resonances. Who knew how