Hu Xiaotian drew the Flexible Sword from his waist and placed its hilt in her hand. "You've memorized all the sword techniques I taught you. Keep this sword for now to defend yourself. Once we return to Eastern Liang Commandery, I'll find you a good sword that suits your hand." He had already taught Long Xiyue the Spirit Snake Nine Swords for self-defense. She was exceptionally bright and had mastered the techniques even faster than he had, but her internal arts were too weak for her swordplay to have much killing power.
Long Xiyue nodded and said with utter seriousness, "I've made up my mind. From now on, I'll study martial arts properly with you. Once I've mastered them, I can stay by your side and go on adventures with you."
Hu Xiaotian could not help feeling moved. This beautiful princess had changed so much for his sake. He said softly, "Actually, there's a shortcut to learning martial arts. I have a way to turn you into an expert in a very short time."
Long Xiyue was delighted. Brimming with eagerness, she said, "Teach me! Please, teach me!"
Hu Xiaotian leaned close to her ear and whispered a few words. Long Xiyue's lovely face instantly reddened to the tips of her ears. She curled her delicate hand into a fist and lightly thumped his chest. "You're always trying to fool me!" she chided.
Hu Xiaotian left the carriage laughing and waved to Liang Yinghao, signaling for the convoy to move out. Zhan Peng and Liang Yinghao both cupped their fists to him, then led the convoy away.
A black-beaked sparrow fluttered its wings in the sunlight and landed in Xia Changming's palm, its black beak chattering incessantly. Xia Changming listened intently. After a while, he lifted his hand slightly, and