The Xu Hour, third quarter.
The night was deep, yet far from quiet.
The torrential rain filled Shu Prefecture City with crackling, splashing clamor.
Especially within Chunhe Garden, where the trees and flowers grew thick.
Rain drummed noisily against the bluestone paths and the roof tiles beneath the eaves.
Though it did not affect Chen Yi, Xiao Die, Xiao Wuge, and Pei Guanli found it difficult to sleep.
Xiao Wuge in particular, having only today taken his first steps onto the Martial Path at the Training Ground.
After dinner, he had come thumping over, his face brimming with excitement as he said he could not sleep.
There was no helping it.
Chen Yi could only listen as he recounted his Martial Path cultivation.
For instance, Second Uncle Xiao Xuanshuo had taught him stake training—not Great Spear Stance Cultivation, but a set of stake training called [Little Yellow Court].
Although Xiao Wuge had not revealed the specific mnemonics or methods of the stance, Chen Yi had deduced the general effects of [Little Yellow Court Cultivation] from just a few scattered words.
It seemed to be a stake training method focused on cultivating innate qi before Xiao Wuge established his foundation and tempered his body.
Once Chen Yi understood, he did not ask further, only telling Xiao Wuge to cultivate diligently.
Talking and laughing, they unknowingly reached the Xu Hour.
Only then did Chen Yi have Xiao Die take Xiao Wuge away to rest.
After extinguishing the oil lamp, he changed into a set of night clothes, found a rain cape to drape over himself, and quietly left Chunhe Garden.
Following the muddy mountain path, he left the Marquis's mansion and detoured first to the residence on Chuanxi Street.
Only after Zhang Dabao disguised him did he head to Kanning Street.
Fortunately,