"Eldest Young Master, would you let me check your pulse, to make sure nothing went wrong with your Qi circulation and left any hidden problems?"
Dou Xiaowen still had his doubts. As he had just told Heiwa, the more formidable a martial art, the more intricacies it contained.
Correspondingly, it was harder to learn, let alone master and practice with any real proficiency.
Leaving everything else aside, of the seven or eight men in his courtyard who had practiced the Subduing Tiger Stance for several months, only Heiwa had barely managed to grasp Qi Sensation and nourish his sinews and bones.
Working hard in secret, then stunning everyone-this feels pretty good.
Outwardly unruffled, Lu Sui chuckled.
"Sorry for the trouble, Uncle Wen."
Dou Xiaowen stepped closer, tucked his tobacco pipe back into his waistband, and took Lu Sui's wrist as though checking his pulse like a physician.
"Hiss!"
The corner of Lu Sui's eye twitched. He felt a faint sting, as though a needle had pricked him.
An exceedingly fine thread of Qi seemed to race through his body.
It traveled from his wrist to his shoulders, followed his spine vertebra by vertebra, and finally settled three inches below his navel.
The entire process took roughly four or five breaths, ending in the blink of an eye.
"Eldest Young Master, you truly have extraordinary talent."
Dou Xiaowen's expression shifted, first to surprise, then gradually to solemnity.
"In just five days, your Qi has grown as thick as a thumb. You've already reached minor attainment in breath cultivation!"
Beside them, Heiwa stared, dumbstruck. The eldest young master had already mastered the "Turtle-Snake Stance"?
When he had first begun learning from Master Dou, he had practiced the Subduing Tiger Stance for five days straight and figured out nothing beyond dizziness, blurred vision, and weak thighs.
Only later, after Dou Xiaowen offered the pointer that "the stance is dead, but the person is alive," had Heiwa slowly worked out some "feel for the stance."
"Just luck, just luck."
Lu Sui offered a couple of modest words, then asked eagerly:
"Uncle Wen, can I start learning the 'moving exercise' and practicing the stance now?"
With the diligent little turtle helping him, his training over these five days had naturally been several times more efficient than an ordinary person's.
Having Dou Xiaowen personally certify his outstanding martial talent made Lu Sui even more motivated.
Since the "Turtle-Snake Stance" consisted of two sets of exercises, there ought to be a little snake besides the diligent little turtle.
Perhaps he could "awaken" it again?
"Don't rush, Eldest Young Master."
Dou Xiaowen steadied himself. He truly had not expected Lu Sui to master Turtle-Breathing Tuna in five days. Such progress was simply inconceivable.
Qi as thick as a thumb required at least a hundred rounds or so of guiding the Qi Sensation through the entire body.
And there could not be the slightest mistake...
Spending several months on this step was perfectly normal.
"Eldest Young Master, though your Qi is robust and flows throughout your body, and your legs have gradually gained strength so that you can walk, your sinews and bones are frail, and your Qi and blood are weak. Strenuous exercise is unsuitable.
"We should continue to focus on the 'still exercise'..."
Lu Sui nodded as he listened, finding Uncle Wen's words reasonable.
Having only just recovered from being crippled, immediately setting his sights on competing in an athletics meet really was rushing things.
"Take things slowly, and they'll come together; haste makes results hard to achieve."
Lu Sui was all about taking advice.
"Then tell me, Uncle Wen, how should I train next?"
Dou Xiaowen cast Heiwa a sidelong glance.
"Heiwa, keep an eye on these good-for-nothings and make them train properly. Anyone who slacks off gets no food."
Then he led Lu Sui slowly into the room.
"Right away, Master Dou!"
Watching the thick cloth curtain fall, Heiwa slowly straightened his back.
One day, I'll learn the real martial arts taught behind a curtain too!
Gripping the teapot in his hand, Heiwa turned toward the men in the courtyard and barked:
"Stand steady, all of you! If anyone tries to shirk, don't blame me for showing no mercy!"
Inside the room.
Dou Xiaowen pressed his thumb over the pipe bowl, extinguishing the hissing tobacco, and asked:
"Eldest Young Master, have you felt any discomfort while diligently practicing Turtle-Breathing Tuna these past few days?"
Lu Sui shook his head.
Every day, he merely got things started, letting the "Turtle-Snake Stance" see his efforts, and then the diligent little turtle would keep practicing as though pumped full of chicken blood.
Every round of breathing, every instance of guiding Qi, was smooth and unobstructed, without a single flaw to be found.
Over time, even this body had grown accustomed to it.
Dou Xiaowen said:
"Would you practice Turtle-Breathing Tuna once before me, Eldest Young Master?"
He did not suspect Lu Sui of lying. The Qi coiled in his lower abdomen was unmistakable, genuinely as thick as a thumb.
Besides, the eldest young master having discarded his crutches was clear proof.
It was simply that reaching minor attainment in five days was too hard for Dou Xiaowen to believe. He had to witness it himself to confirm it.
"All right."
Lu Sui readily agreed. He tightened his chest and abdomen slightly, pressed his tongue to his palate, and held the breath at the tip of his nose.
As though swallowing hot water, he guided the Qi downward bit by bit, then circulated it outward, spreading it through his limbs and bones.
[Seeing you face a test with composure, "Turtle-Snake Stance" felt deep admiration!] [Determined to hone itself and advance further...]
Lu Sui steadied his breathing, not allowing the flickering words to disturb his mind.
"He entered a meditative state so quickly! The hardest part of still exercises is 'entering meditation'!"
Dou Xiaowen's eyes shone as though shooting brilliant rays, his heart surging with excitement.
The eldest young master has studied for only five days, yet his Turtle-Breathing Tuna is already close to minor attainment... And look how naturally he breathes, how steadily he circulates Qi. He's practically an old hand!
Half an incense stick's worth of time passed.
At last, the breath Lu Sui held loosened slightly. The smoothly circulating Qi also slowed, becoming sluggish and intermittent.
He had reached his limit.
Lu Sui opened his eyes and looked at Dou Xiaowen.
"Uncle Wen, did I pass?"
"You've grasped the essentials of breath cultivation deeply, Eldest Young Master. It's just... there are still some areas that need honing."
After pondering for a long while, Dou Xiaowen squeezed out that simple sentence.
He knew well that the eldest young master loved the new and tired of the old. If he praised him too much, he feared he would soon lose interest in the "Turtle-Snake Stance."
Lu Sui's eyes lit up, and he asked:
"Please teach me, Uncle Wen. Point out my shortcomings!"
"Er..."
Dou Xiaowen was momentarily lost for words. The "Turtle-Snake Stance" was merely an art he used to preserve his health, extend his lifespan, and ward off illness, not his signature skill.
Thus, his mastery of it was not particularly profound.
Moreover, Lu Sui was quite proficient at Turtle-Breathing Tuna, making him difficult to fob off.
"Eldest Young Master, please sit here a moment."
Dou Xiaowen turned and entered the inner room. Before long, he emerged holding a thread-bound booklet.
"This is the original text of the 'Turtle-Snake Stance.' It contains Qi circulation diagrams and numerous key points.
"You can refer to it as you practice, Eldest Young Master, to avoid making mistakes or straying down the wrong path."
Lu Sui took it, opened it, and skimmed a few pages.
The booklet combined illustrations and text. Most depicted small figures practicing, either seated or reclining in different postures, with fine lines marking the directions of Qi circulation.
Is this a legendary 'secret martial arts manual'?
Lu Sui closed the booklet and carefully put it away.
"Thank you, Uncle Wen."
"Master Dou, everyone's finished training..."
Seeing the thick cloth curtain lift and Dou Xiaowen hurry out, Heiwa wanted to approach and claim credit, only to be shoved aside.
"Out of the way! Keep your wits about you and attend to the eldest young master's instructions. Serve his tea and water and look after him properly! I'm going to the outer study. I'll be back soon!"
Dou Xiaowen showed none of his usual composure. He strode as though flying, the hem of his long robe stirring a gust of wind.
In a flash, he passed through the corridors and passageways, heading straight for the outer study.
The outer study was where Lu Yulin received male visitors and handled business.
Ordinary visitors had to announce themselves first or submit a visiting card, and could only be shown in once Lu Yulin gave his approval.
But Dou Xiaowen was the Lu household's chief steward. Everyone, high and low, recognized his face, so naturally he passed through unhindered.
Striding briskly to the door, he addressed the servant:
"Tell the master that Dou Er has come to pay his respects."
Although Lu Yulin treated people generously and showed particular respect for trusted confidants such as Dou Xiaowen, the distinction between superior and subordinate could not be confused. The proper rules still had to be observed.
"The master has some leisure today and is reading. Chief Steward Dou, please allow me to announce you."
The servant smiled and bowed, then stood outside the door, drew a breath, and called:
"Master, Chief Steward Dou says he's come to pay his respects!"
"Let him come in himself."
Lu Yulin's voice came from inside the outer study.
"Chief Steward Dou, please."
The servant hurriedly pushed one side of the door open, and Dou Xiaowen strode in.
The outer study had a central room flanked by two side rooms. Upon entering, one immediately saw a large hanging scroll on the opposite wall, depicting mountains and countless ravines wreathed in mist, with a vast, untamed quality.
Below it stood a long, narrow table bearing a table screen and a pair of porcelain vases.
A square eight-person table stood in the center, with grand armchairs on either side, clearly where Lu Yulin entertained his guests.
Dou Xiaowen lifted the hem of his robe and stepped over the threshold, then turned with his hands held respectfully before him to face the window in the eastern side room, lowering his head.
"Master."
The large painting table in the eastern side room stood beside the window. Writing implements were laid out across it-a Duan inkstone, a brush rest, and paperweights, all of the finest quality.
Lu Yulin stood before the table without raising his head.
"Unless it's a festival or the New Year, I rarely see you leave your courtyard. You've dumped every household matter, great and small, onto Fusheng and settled into a life of ease. We might as well make him chief steward."
Dou Xiaowen smiled.
"If Fusheng's abilities weren't still a little short of the mark, I'd love to retire early and sleep on a warm kang with my sweetheart in my arms."
Lu Yulin finished his final stroke, its sharp edge seeming about to pierce the paper.
He looked it over twice, quite satisfied, before raising his head.
"Is that health-preserving art of yours really so miraculous? You're in your sixties, yet you can still get it up?"
Dou Xiaowen said smugly:
"Have you forgotten, Master? A few years back, when I escorted goods with you and we passed through the Eight Great Hutongs, I tamed several women as ravenous as wolves and tigers until they were utterly obedient. In the end, they didn't even charge me."
Lu Yulin shook his head.
"If that blasted health-preserving art weren't so slow to practice, with such sluggish progress, I'd have learned it too... You never visit a temple without a reason. Usually, A Bing comes to this study the most, and you the least. Some chief steward you are."
Dou Xiaowen's expression turned serious.
"Master, I've brought good news this time."
Lu Yulin furrowed his brows, his hands behind his back.
"What good news could there be? Zhan'ao was ambushed, that last surviving bastard from the Wind and Sand Saber is still stirring up trouble outside, and several managers in the Ganzi Gang won't behave either..."
Dou Xiaowen hurriedly replied:
"The eldest young master is a one-in-ten-thousand martial genius."
"..."
Lu Yulin fell silent.
Had anyone else dared make such a joke, he would long since have ordered the household guards to drag them away and beat them crippled with clubs.
As Lu Sui's father, how could he not know what his son was like?
He spent every day among powder and rouge and opera circles, had a temperament softer than a woman's, and could not even endure stance training...
What part of him had anything to do with the words "martial genius"?
Lu Yulin sighed.
"Don't joke, Master Dou. I'm already perfectly satisfied that Zhan'ao has come around and agreed to learn martial arts from you. I don't ask that he amount to anything in it. Strengthening his body will do."
Dou Xiaowen said gravely:
"Master, I'm not spouting nonsense to make sport of you. In just five days, the eldest young master has gained an initial grasp of Turtle-Breathing Tuna. He can now walk without crutches."
Lu Yulin's eyes widened. For a moment, he showed a rare loss of composure.
"Truly?"
"I saw it with my own eyes. There's no mistaking it."
Dou Xiaowen replied.
"If I remember correctly, Turtle-Breathing Tuna is a still exercise. To gain an initial grasp, you have to catch the Qi Sensation and circulate it through a full circuit... He managed that in five days? Hahaha!"
Knowing Dou Xiaowen would not deceive him, Lu Yulin burst into laughter.
"As the saying goes, a son takes after his father. It's true indeed.
"Outstanding martial talent-Zhan'ao takes after me in that!"