After witnessing the Blade Intent and Sword Intent of her three senior brothers today, Su Tao’er seemed a bit lost because she had not yet grasped the realization within them. Even after the three senior brothers demonstrated for her individually, she had not made the slightest progress, which left her quite frustrated.
But Si Yan felt it was a good thing. It would not be good if things were too smooth for this girl; she needed to grow through sudden enlightenment. If a genius never had to work hard, they would eventually become a mediocre person. It was good to give her some setbacks.
As her teacher, Si Yan was naturally explaining things to Su Tao’er the whole time. Moreover, Si Yan quite enjoyed this feeling. When Su Tao’er encountered difficulties, she became especially cautious and more dependent on Si Yan. Almost since the afternoon, even after the lessons ended, she had not returned to her own room. Instead, she stayed by Si Yan’s side, listening carefully to the mysteries of the craft.
Si Yan was naturally overjoyed. This girl had been avoiding him earlier today, but by now, she was not only proactively bringing him tea and water but also flattering him by massaging his back. The feeling of those slender, jade-like hands kneading his shoulders was truly a wonderful experience!
Furthermore, Su Tao’er was a young lady from a prestigious family; she had never served anyone before. Thus, the jerky movements of her kneading his shoulders held a unique charm. However, under Si Yan’s explanation, Su Tao’er had gained a general understanding.
“Master, if I comprehend Sword Intent, can I merge the first three forms into a single move?”
Si Yan nodded and said, “Of course. And merging three forms is only a minor achievement. As long as your cultivation and strength are sufficient, merging six forms into one is not difficult. Sword techniques are static, but Sword Intent is ever-changing.”
With enough understanding of Sword Intent, one could evolve their own sword moves. This was why, back when Bai Lan and Mo Junheng were traveling the world, no one could tell from their sword techniques that they shared the same master. Otherwise, the world of the cultivation world would have long been in chaos.
Seeing that Si Yan had finished the tea in his cup, Su Tao’er hurried over and leaned down to pour more. Her movements were cautious, for fear of spilling the tea. As for Si Yan, he stared at her chest, which became particularly prominent as she leaned over, as if it were feeling the call of gravity, with the front slightly protruding.
Si Yan suddenly felt an unbearable itch in his heart. ‘No… I can’t. That would be a crime! Besides, where could I find a legitimate reason to lay a hand on her here? If I touch her, this disciple might really never be able to marry! No… wait, if she can’t marry, she can marry her master. Don’t I understand the principle of not letting fertile water flow into someone else’s field?’
At this thought, Si Yan’s heart fell into a fierce struggle, like a cat scratching at him. But this did not last long before he immediately thought, ‘I cannot stay in this realm for much longer. I will leave sooner or later. Whether it’s these disciples or this girl Tao’er, I cannot accompany them for long.’
‘Yes, as a teacher, I cannot lose my conscience. But… but if I could provide some affection secretly without hurting anyone…’
Su Tao’er seemed to sense something. She suddenly felt a bit uneasy, but when she looked up, her master’s expression was indifferent. He looked like an old monk in meditation, full of the dignity of an elder. She scratched her head and dismissed it as her own delusion.
‘Why is Master always so serious?’ Su Tao’er couldn’t help but sigh.
However, her master was so powerful and quite handsome; why wasn’t there a woman by his side? Logically speaking, there should be someone like a Master’s Wife. If a Master’s Wife were here, Su Tao’er would not be overthinking things all day just because her master disciplined her that day. Besides, those shameful Sect Rules would probably be handled by a Master’s Wife instead, right?
Thinking of this, Su Tao’er suddenly saw Bai Lan sitting opposite her, embroidering. Bai Lan noticed his junior sister’s gaze, looked up, and smiled. “Do you like it too, Junior Sister?”
Su Tao’er quickly looked away and explained flusteredly, “No, no…”
But even so, Su Tao’er still felt some embarrassment she could not let go of. She thought silently, ‘It seems the reason Master remains unmarried to this day must be related to Senior Brother Bai… Besides, when Senior Brother Bai wore women’s clothes last time, he even called me a little slut!’
Nightfall arrived, and it was time for dinner. A fine drizzle continued through the night, and the temperature dropped significantly.
Yuling prepared hotpot, burning charcoal underneath to boil the steaming broth and food. The vegetables were grown by Yuling himself in the courtyard. Besides green vegetables and tofu, there was meat from hunting in the mountains, along with essential condiments like minced garlic, chili oil, soy sauce, and vinegar. From the first pot, everyone ate with great relish.
It was still raining outside the pavilion, but inside, Si Yan and his disciples were eating hotpot. This kind of taste and experience was wonderful. Although he did not know where his eldest disciple had gone, it did not matter if he did not see him. That man had a big mouth and was always around; Si Yan felt uneasy around him. With four people eating, it was quite peaceful.
Among them, Su Tao’er had a good appetite and went for seconds of rice several times. Although she did not know what kind of meat it was or the unfamiliar flavor, she did not care. As long as it tasted good, she stuffed it into her mouth.
Si Yan watched with satisfaction, thinking, ‘This girl is only 16, in the prime of her youth. If she eats more, surely there’s room for growth… But this chest is already quite impressive. Her future is limitless, truly limitless!’
However, at that moment, his gaze accidentally fell upon the precious sword Su Tao’er had placed in the corner. He hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Tao’er, how long has your sword been with you?”
Su Tao’er was startled, then replied, “Master, my father gave it to me when I was 12. It has been four years now.”
Si Yan looked thoughtful. Seeing the Tiansheng Kingdom Runic Seal on it, it was clearly a royal item or bestowed by royalty. He then said, “This sword is quite extraordinary, but it had a previous owner. Therefore, it is no longer suitable for you. Using it will make it harder for you to comprehend Sword Intent. Let your master forge one for you personally.”
Hearing this, Su Tao’er was naturally very happy. She said joyfully, “Yes, yes! Thank you, Master! Master is the best to Tao’er!”
Si Yan nodded indifferently, but his gaze remained on his young disciple, and then he gave a faint smile.