Wang Yue noticed Zhang Xiaofan's disappointment and realized he had taken all the boy's treasures. Even so, the boy still called him Second Uncle with such sincerity. Though they had become senior brothers, Zhang Xiaofan hadn't changed the way he addressed him.
Wang Yue had come to admire this junior, too. He walked over and quietly said to Zhang Xiaofan, "Xiaofan, my Tai Chi Guardian has two formation cores. Once you've activated the Heart-Calming Art, try placing a core in each guardian. Run one technique through your lower dantian and the other through your middle dantian at the same time. That should help you progress faster."
Zhang Xiaofan was a clever boy, though he wasn't much good with words. Hearing Wang Yue, he quickly looked up at him. When he saw the encouragement in Wang Yue's eyes, he understood that Wang Yue had already discovered his secret.
Wang Yue didn't look away. He met Zhang Xiaofan's gaze and said earnestly, "I can sense two techniques running inside you. I think Master would notice, too, if he paid a little attention. I don't know what happened to you, but you don't need to hide this from him. Master is fiercely protective of his disciples. He took you in, and as long as you don't betray the sect, he'll protect you."
Zhang Xiaofan opened his mouth, looking troubled. "But... but I promised to keep it secret!"
Seeing that Zhang Xiaofan was still torn, Wang Yue said seriously, "All you have to do is tell Master honestly that you once learned another technique. As long as you don't betray Qingyun Sect, Master won't mind."
Zhang Xiaofan had been weighed down by this for years, quietly practicing day after day. Encouraged by Wang Yue, he asked uncertainly, "Really?"
Wang Yue nodded and said with