Han Chen smiled, then turned to Qing Lin, stroked her head, and spoke earnestly.
"Oh, Qing Lin, there are a few more things I need to tell you. These concern the prosperity of our lineage."
Seeing how serious Han Chen was, Qing Lin nodded.
"Mm-hmm, I'm listening, Master. Go ahead."
"First, never use your real name or show your true face out in the world, no matter whom you meet. That's how you keep your identity safe."
"Why? Isn't that lying?"
Han Chen grew anxious at her words and immediately crouched down.
"How could you call that lying? Think about it. When you venture out into the world, you're bound to make enemies.
What if someone searching for you tracks down your friends or lover because you used your real name?"
Qing Lin pressed a finger to her chin and thought it over, finding his words quite reasonable.
"That does seem to make sense. I understand, Master."
Seeing her nod, Han Chen smiled like a teacher pleased with a promising pupil.
"Very good. Also, never go chasing excitement out there. It's dangerous, understand?
Your master isn't skilled at fighting and killing, and I can't handle powerful enemies. So don't go sticking your nose into every commotion. It's easy to get dragged into trouble that way."
Hearing Han Chen's second requirement, she recalled how he had blasted away the thugs who had bullied her with one hand,
then casually trapped Xiao Ding and his companions. No matter how she looked at it, he hardly seemed unskilled at fighting and killing.
"But Master, you were clearly very powerful before. None of those people were a match for you. I don't think they could even fight back.
It seemed like you could kill them with a flick of your hand. How are you unskilled at fighting and killing?"
Han Chen froze, then coughed awkwardly twice, his gaze wandering.
"What nonsense are you talking about? It's not as though I'm some old demon who kills for sport. How could I possibly kill them? I was only teaching them a lesson."
"Is that so?"
Qing Lin scratched her little head. She felt that Han Chen's laughter back then hadn't sounded fake.
"Of course! What else do you take your master for?"
"Oh, I understand."
Han Chen nodded.
"Good. There's one more thing: if you encounter anything that feels wrong, you must run. This is the most important point. When I have time, I'll refine a flying boat for you to use when fleeing."
"Things that feel wrong? What sort of things do you mean, Master?"
Faced with these theories she had never even heard of, Qing Lin fully displayed the qualities of an eager little student, asking whenever she didn't understand.
"Things that feel wrong... Let me think..."
At Qing Lin's question, Han Chen stroked his chin in thought before speaking slowly.
"Something like... seeing a group forming a team to explore a secret realm, or someone suddenly asking for your help.
Oh, and if someone offends you, then stands in a crowd spouting trash talk, run as fast as you can when you meet someone like that. Understand?"
Seeing Han Chen's solemn expression, Qing Lin nodded like she was pounding garlic.
"Don't worry, Master. I'll remember every word. If any of those things happen, I'll run immediately."
Seeing that Qing Lin had truly taken his words to heart, Han Chen smiled and waved his hand, once again putting on the disguise that had originally belonged to Xiao Yan. He looked at Qing Lin and said,
"As long as you remember. You usually won't encounter situations like that. Oh, we left in such a hurry that I didn't get you any clothes. When we reach Desert City, I'll take you to buy some and have a proper bath. Such a pretty girl shouldn't look like this."
Qing Lin nodded bashfully, then held the Azure Essence Sword Art in her hands and sat on the bed to read.
Though her body was still weak, the pills sustained her, so simply reading a book was no problem.
After a while, Qing Lin raised her head to look at Xiao Cha, a little embarrassed.
"Master, what does this say? I can't read it."
Xiao Cha then remembered that Qing Lin had spent all these years wandering and had never had a chance to learn to read. The few characters she recognized were probably ones she had picked up by sight.
So Xiao Cha stood up and sat beside Qing Lin, took the Azure Essence Sword Art from her, and held her in his arms. As he touched her thin little arm, he felt a faint pang of emotion.
"Here, I'll teach you. Look at this character..."
Feeling Xiao Cha so close, Qing Lin's pretty face flushed red as she worked hard to recognize the characters. Whenever she didn't understand something, she asked him.
Time flew by as the two studied the characters. By the time they realized it, they had already reached Desert City.
"We're already in Desert City? Time really does fly. Come on, let's get you somewhere you can have a good rest."
Qing Lin nodded, put away the Azure Essence Sword Art, and followed Xiao Cha.
The two left the Flying Post Station. Qing Lin gazed curiously at the shops around them, which were hardly bustling. Though this was also a small city, its sights were still beyond anything Stone Desert City could offer.
"It's so pretty."
"Pretty, isn't it? I'll take you to the Imperial Capital later. It's even prettier there."
As he spoke, Xiao Cha led Qing Lin into a shop and took out a bag of gold coins.
"Shopkeeper, tidy my little sister up for me."
The shopkeeper's eyes lit up at the gold coins in Xiao Cha's hand. Then he looked at the filthy Qing Lin as though she were a rare treasure.
To him, Qing Lin wasn't dirty at all-she was a fairy. Raising his arm, he called toward the back.
"Xiao Lan, come quickly! We've got a big customer. Take this little girl for a bath."
"Coming! Come with me, little sister."
After the shopkeeper's shout, a girl in her teens emerged from the back. She showed no disdain for the filthy Qing Lin, instead gently taking her hand and leading her toward the rear.
"Master..."
As she was led away, Qing Lin instinctively glanced back at Xiao Cha, lingering fear in her eyes.
"Go on. Your teacher's right here. If anything happens, shout, and I'll come save you."
Qing Lin nodded and went into the back courtyard.
Some time later, when she emerged again, her appearance had completely changed. All the grime had been washed away,
and she wore a slightly oversized white garment of coarse cloth. Her glossy black hair was tied up, and her porcelain-doll face was rosy against its fair skin. Together with her large, round eyes, she looked especially adorable.
Qing Lin stood there rather shyly, looking at Xiao Cha.
"Master, I'm ready."
Seeing how adorable the little beggar from earlier actually was, the shopkeeper couldn't help clicking his tongue in wonder. Then he spoke to the girl who had followed her out.
"Xiao Lan, how did the measurements go? Do we have anything ready-made?"
The girl named Xiao Lan nodded.
"Father, I measured her. There are a few outfits that should fit. Shall I bring them out?"
"Quickly, quickly! Bring out everything this young lady can wear. Please wait a moment, you two."
Soon, brightly colored dresses and outfits were brought out one after another. Some were simple, others lavish, but all looked exquisite on Qing Lin.
Delighted to be wearing new clothes, Qing Lin kept twirling in front of Xiao Cha.
"Master, does this one look nice?"
"Yes."
"What about this one?"
"Yes."
Seeing Xiao Cha do nothing but smile and nod, Qing Lin couldn't help pouting.
"Master~"
Xiao Cha burst out laughing at her expression.
"Shopkeeper, I'll take them all. Wrap up everything except the one she's wearing."
Before you continue