Li Bufan had just dressed neatly and cleaned up the mess from his training when familiar footsteps sounded outside the courtyard gate.
Li Ping'an came in with his schoolbag slung over his shoulder, his little face rosy from the cold wind. Seeing Li Bufan standing in the room full of energy, his eyes lit up. "Brother, you're back?"
"Mm, I'm back." Li Bufan smiled and rubbed his younger brother's head. "Your brother has been on duty at Lin Manor these past few days and hasn't been able to cook properly for you. Take these copper coins."
He counted out another hundred copper coins and stuffed them into Ping'an's hand. "Your brother still has to report for duty at the manor, and I may be quite busy. If you're hungry after school, buy yourself something at the street corner like before. Don't try to save money—you're at the age when you need to grow. Remember, go straight home. Don't linger outside to play."
Ping'an gripped the coins and nodded hard. "Mm! Don't worry, Brother! I know the way now, and I know which noodle shop is cheap and tasty! I'll definitely go straight home and review my lessons!" After everything that had happened before, little Ping'an seemed to have grown much more sensible.
Seeing his brother's obedient appearance, Li Bufan felt gratified. After giving him a few more reminders, he turned and left, heading for Lin Manor once again.
The setting sun stretched his shadow long. By now, his injuries had fully healed, his cultivation had advanced, and his heart brimmed with anticipation for cultivating the Basic Saber Technique.
But he had not let excitement go to his head. He knew full well that the way of weapons was no trifling matter. Without guidance, it was all too easy to go