Guidance for Lu Yun

"Xuan Zi, was that last move a little fast?"

Chen Xuan released his grip and dusted off his clothes. "Barely decent, but still far too slow.

"Your Wind Spirit Crane flies like a domesticated chicken."

Lu Yun climbed out of the pit, his hair covered in dirt, yet he did not care in the slightest.

"Then how can I make it fly unlike a chicken?"

Chen Xuan clasped his hands behind his back and spoke unhurriedly.

"Wind-type agility attackers fear loud winds and excessive commotion most.

"Look at Elder Song when she strikes. Once the Azure Shadow Divine Eagle appears, not even its shadow can be seen.

"Your Wind Spirit Crane flaps its wings, and people can hear it from half a street away.

"Isn't that practically telling your opponent that you're coming?"

Lu Yun seemed thoughtful. "So I need to suppress the fluctuations of the wind blades?"

"Not just the wind blades. You yourself must learn Wind Concealment.

"Only when you can strike without a sound and land without a trace will your Wind Spirit Crane be considered a beginner's level."

Lu Yun nodded solemnly. "This junior understands."

Seeing his sincere attitude, Chen Xuan's expression softened. "All right, that's enough training for tonight.

"Your foundation isn't bad; your path is simply too narrow.

"Go back and think it over slowly. Don't rush. Once this old man finishes handling the Zhang Family's affairs, I'll find time to teach you something real."

Lu Yun was overjoyed and hurriedly cupped his fists. "Many thanks, Xuan Zi!"

"All right, get lost and go home. This old man needs sleep too."

Early the next morning, Chen Xuan unusually did not disguise himself as an old beggar.

He changed into a neat, dark-colored robe, combed his hair perfectly smooth, and washed his face with a hot towel.

Standing before a bronze mirror, he examined himself from side to side and nodded with satisfaction.

"Now this looks more like someone accepting a disciple."

Before leaving, he took the pale blue sachet from his robe, gently clenched it in his hand, then put it away again.

"There's no need to test that girl's character. Today, I'll just see what the Zhang Family's attitude is."

Chen Xuan did not take the main entrance.

He circled around to the back street of the Zhang Residence, concealing his aura as he strolled slowly like an ordinary old man.

When he passed the bridgehead, the old man selling sugar figurines had already set up his stall, with several children chattering around it.

Chen Xuan looked over a few more times and suddenly smiled.

"This was the bridge where I tricked that little girl."

With his hands behind his back, he stood by the river and watched the water for a while before continuing toward the Zhang Residence.

The Zhang Residence was livelier than usual today.

Several servants bustled in and out of the entrance, carrying red paper and lanterns.

Chen Xuan watched from afar for a while, somewhat surprised.

"What's this for? Could that old man of the Zhang Family be celebrating a major birthday?"

As he wondered, several men who looked like stewards came out through the residence gates, discussing something in low voices.

Chen Xuan did not approach. He merely extended his hearing and listened.

"Hurry and prepare everything. In two days, it'll be Miss's birthday.

"The old master said it mustn't be too extravagant, but the proper display cannot be lacking."

"Understood, understood. Miss is turning nine this year, and she just broke through to Two-Ring.

"The old master says not to make a fuss, but he's delighted inside."

Chen Xuan understood.

Zhang Lexuan was about to celebrate her birthday. Though the Zhang Family was not holding a grand celebration, they still wanted to make things lively for their little genius.

"This is a fine day. If I can settle this before her birthday, the Zhang Family can celebrate in peace as well.

"Once they go to Shrek City, it will also count as a good connection."

He did not enter, merely standing at a distance and watching for a while.

The familiar sounds of martial training drifted faintly from within the residence again, more urgent and forceful than in the past few days.

Chen Xuan listened closely for a few breaths, satisfaction appearing in his eyes.

"She's improved compared to the last two days. Her Two-Ring foundation is quite solid.

"What a pity. The resources the Zhang Family can provide her are still too few.

"If this continues, her talent will be delayed to some extent," he murmured.

He turned and headed back, having already made up his mind.

"Tomorrow, this old man will pay them a visit. This old beggar should change identities as well."

When he returned to the courtyard residence, Lu Yun was already waiting at the entrance.

"Xuan Zi, you're back." Lu Yun came forward, carrying a food box.

"I had the kitchen make lotus leaf congee for you. Please have some while it's hot."

Chen Xuan glanced at him. "You're quite diligent, coming here so early in the morning."

Lu Yun smiled. "It's rare for you to visit. Isn't it only right that I attend to you?"

Chen Xuan did not refuse. He entered the courtyard and sat beneath an osmanthus tree.

Lu Yun opened the food box, and the fragrance of the congee mixed with the scent of osmanthus.

After taking two mouthfuls, Chen Xuan suddenly said, "The Zhang Family will have a visitor tomorrow."

Lu Yun froze. "What visitor?"

"This old man." Chen Xuan set down his bowl. "Tomorrow, I'll pay them a formal visit. You'll come with me."

Lu Yun was both shocked and delighted. "You're going to officially reveal your identity?"

"More or less." Chen Xuan nodded.

"Before accepting a disciple, her elders need to know.

"Otherwise, what would it look like if a decrepit old man suddenly took away their nine-year-old granddaughter?"

Lu Yun rubbed his hands together. "Then I'll make preparations at once. If the Zhang Family learns that Xuan Zi is personally visiting, they'll probably be terrified."

Seeing his excitement, Chen Xuan could not help laughing as he scolded, "What are you so happy about? It's not you who's taking a disciple."

"I'm happy for that girl."

Lu Yun chuckled. "Being able to enter your tutelage is a blessing cultivated over eight lifetimes."

Chen Xuan ignored him and lowered his head to continue drinking the congee.

As he drank, he continued talking to Lu Yun.

"This old man has thought it over as well. A nine-year-old girl cannot truly be separated from her parents.

"If her parents and elders are willing, I'll set aside a plot of land for them in Shrek City.

"This old man happens to have quite a few land resources on hand. Their family can move over, and they'll have someone to look after them."

After hearing this, Lu Yun showed nothing on his face and merely smiled in agreement.

"You've considered everything thoroughly.

"Children can cultivate with peace of mind when their parents are nearby."

Yet inwardly, his thoughts had already turned tumultuous.

Damn, Xuan Zi's land is in the true core district.

It's the area closest to Shrek.

Countless soul master families don't even have the chance to buy land there.

Yet he's setting aside a plot with a word, all for a newly accepted little disciple. The Zhang Family's ancestral graves must be smoking!

Even the hand holding Lu Yun's teacup trembled slightly, but he did not dare reveal too much.

He could only envy the Zhang Family's good fortune over and over in his heart.

Chen Xuan seemed not to notice his oddness and continued.

"People find it hard to leave their homeland. If the Zhang Family cannot bear to leave, there's no need to force them.

"The Zhao Family is already gone. They can live peacefully in Azure Mist City if they stay.

"It's only that this disciple will have to remain in Shrek City most of the time in the future."

At this point, he suddenly looked at Lu Yun. "If they truly do not wish to move, you'll have to put in some effort and look after them a little more."

Lu Yun immediately became serious. "Rest assured, Xuan Zi. As long as I, Lu Yun, remain in Azure Mist City, I will never let the Zhang Family suffer the slightest grievance again.

"Whoever dares target the Zhang Family, I'll take their life."

Chen Xuan smiled and nodded. "With those words from you, this old man can rest assured."

He set down the congee bowl and looked up at the sky.

"Enough. We'll speak once we meet tomorrow.

"Some things cannot be forced, but the path must still be made clear for them."