Li Muyun

Looking at the woman before him, Chen Han's mouth twitched. "Such a coincidence? Isn't this plot a bit too..."

Walking gracefully toward him was a delicate young woman, her eyes shimmering as if filled with tears; it was none other than Li Muyun, whom he had saved earlier that day.

But thankfully, none of those cliché, melodramatic scenarios where we can't recognize each other or face life-and-death struggles have occurred.

Everything was just right, unfolding naturally.

Chen Han was naturally pleased, and he felt a sense of relief; he was glad he had stepped in at the time.

He was no saint, nor did he possess any lofty virtues; he would hesitate when faced with difficult situations, and he would naturally be happy when things turned out for the better.

"Benefactor, do you still remember this humble woman?"

Li Muyun was gentle and simple by nature. Seeing her savior from earlier that day right before her, her almond-shaped eyes were filled with gratitude.

"Naturally, I remember."

Chen Han maintained a calm demeanor, a perfectly measured smile on his lips, leaving a deep and favorable impression on Li Muyun.

"When we parted ways, Benefactor left in such a hurry. I have been thinking about how I might repay you."

"Miss, you are too kind. Squire Li has already given me a position and arranged for my family to move into the inner city. I am very grateful; being able to save you was my good fortune."

Li Muyun looked at the man before her, feeling that he was truly extraordinary—far better than those boorish martial artists who would only shout and holler once they had too much to drink.

"Benefactor, please don't be so formal. Come inside with me; I shall take you to see my father."

Following her gratitude came a deep sense of enthusiasm, which left even Chen Han feeling a bit embarrassed.

He followed behind Li Muyun, who would look back and smile from time to time, her eyes sparkling as she eagerly introduced things and chatted with him.

This made Chen Han think that this young woman was truly naive and adorable.

Before long, the two arrived at the main hall one after the other.

Upon seeing Chen Han, Squire Li quickly stood up with a smile, his eyes full of appreciation. "Nephew Chen Han, I never expected that in just a few days, you would give me such a big surprise."

"It is only what I should do."

"Master, please accept your disciple's bow!"

At this moment, Li Mubai stepped forward, his face full of excitement as he knelt on both knees and bowed to the ground.

At this moment, he didn't care who else might teach him martial arts; he only wanted to take Chen Han as his master.

To enter the Dark Force realm at such a young age, to see injustice and draw his blade to help—this was the kind of person he had dreamed of becoming over these past few days and for his future.

Chen Han was stunned, then looked at Squire Li. "Am I not here to be a teacher?"

A teacher and a master were different; a teacher was only responsible for taking money to do a job, whereas a master was far more troublesome—requiring tea ceremonies, apprenticeship fees, and visits during festivals. It was equivalent to taking on a successor to one's legacy, almost like taking on a son.

Squire Li kicked Li Mubai in the backside, annoyed. "You silly boy, he is only here to be your teacher, not to take you as a disciple."

"Ah? Is that so?"

Li Mubai was stunned, feeling somewhat disappointed.

Having grown up surrounded by music, chess, calligraphy, painting, etiquette, and military strategy, he really didn't know much about the ways of martial artists, but he understood the difference between a teacher and a master.

"Don't worry. Since I have accepted your father's silver, I will naturally do my best to instruct you. As long as you are persistent and work hard enough, I guarantee that within two years, an ordinary Bright Force martial artist will absolutely be unable to do anything to you."

Li Mubai's eyes erupted with joyful light. "Really? Even a Bright Force martial artist won't be able to handle me?"

"Your foundation is good, and besides, I was once a Dark Force martial artist myself; I naturally have enough confidence."

Chen Han's words were not baseless. In the path of martial arts, one's foundation is paramount, followed by persistence, and then the resources for training.

As long as one possesses all three, breaking through to the Bright Force realm is as easy as turning one's hand.

Even the Dark Force and Transformation Force realms would only be a matter of time.

"I understand, Teacher!"

Squire Li looked at his son with gratification.

It was as if he could see a future where his son could stand on his own two feet, control his own destiny in these chaotic times, and protect his loved ones.

Squire Li secretly slipped fifty taels of silver to Chen Han in private to thank him for saving his daughter earlier that day.

Chen Han accepted it without standing on ceremony.

"In martial arts, whether it is my Chen Family's Mountain Breaking Fist or other miscellaneous secret techniques, what matters is always the unity of waist and stance!"

Inside the Li Mansion courtyard, Chen Han demonstrated a half-horse stance for Li Mubai. His legs were steady like pine and cypress, his gaze sharp like a falcon.

"The waist is the foundation of your physique, your fist techniques, your leg techniques, and indeed all martial arts. You must use your waist to generate power, drive your entire body, and finally, execute your means of attack!"

"Hah!"

With a light shout from Chen Han, bang!

He stepped forward and slammed a punch into the wooden stake in front of him. This punch used only thirty percent of his strength, yet it sent wood chips flying from the stake.

The speed was so fast it left a faint afterimage, startling Li Mubai who stood beside him.

"Understand now? To practice martial arts, you must first train the waist."

Li Mubai's eyes shone bright. "I understand, Teacher."

As he spoke, he didn't wait for Chen Han to give further instructions, impatiently dropping into a deep horse stance.

Chen Han nodded in satisfaction; Li Mubai was two years his junior, just over eighteen, and had a very easygoing personality.

"Lower your center of gravity, keep your back straight, extend your arms... steady yourself, don't let your legs shake."

In less than ten minutes, Li Mubai was drenched in sweat, groaning in misery.

He gritted his teeth, using every ounce of strength to hold on, but after only a few breaths, he collapsed onto the ground.

"Not bad. For someone from a scholarly family, lasting this long on your first attempt is rare. Rest for a hundred breaths, then continue."

Chen Han praised him.

Just then, a lotus-like, graceful figure approached, carrying a bowl in each hand. The bowls were steaming, appearing freshly prepared.

She placed one bowl on the stone table, signaling her younger brother to drink, and handed the other to Chen Han with both hands, her voice crisp and clear. "Benefactor, this is the lotus root soup I specifically ordered the kitchen to make."

Chen Han was still looking at a nearby tree with a thoughtful expression, thinking to himself that this tree was truly a tree.

It wasn't until Li Muyun called out to him that he feigned a delayed reaction.

"Hm, my thanks to the young lady."

Li Muyun observed his small movements, a secret smile forming in her heart.

"Benefactor, do you think I could follow you and practice martial arts as well?"

"Hm?"

Chen Han looked at the young woman with some surprise, then gave her a serious, up-and-down inspection. His direct gaze caused her cheeks to flush, and she shyly averted her eyes.

"Young lady, forgive my bluntness. For men, as long as their foundation is sound, they can practice martial arts. But for women, it requires a broad frame and sturdy build. Clearly, you are not suited for it. It is best not to harbor thoughts of practicing martial arts, or you might harm your health."

Chen Han said earnestly.

"Ah, is that so?"

Li Muyun blinked, not discouraged in the slightest. She had known this for a long time. After a moment of thought, she asked, "Then if I encounter evildoers in the future, what should I do? Are there any practical martial arts moves for self-defense?"

"Hmm..." Chen Han thought seriously for a moment before saying, "Naturally, there are."

"What are they?"

"The lower three paths!"

The implication was clear: a kick to the crotch!

Upon hearing this, Li Muyun's face blossomed into a smile, her slender hand covering her lips.

Chen Han, however, was not joking. "This move is unexpected and highly effective against men, but unless it is a last resort in a specific situation, you must never use it... otherwise, your life may be at risk."