Finally, Yue Xin had the courage to say what they were there for.
She patted Yue Jie’s hand and said to Liu Shi Shi, "We are here to ask whether you can teach us a move or two to defend ourselves."
Liu Shi Shi mentally rolled her eyes at herself when she heard Yue Xin.
Thank God that it was her own imagination running wild.
She glanced at Xue Cong, Yue Jie and Yue Xin and pondered.
Apparently, they were willing to go that extra mile for Lin Xuan Qi.
Were they eyeing to be his tong fang servant?
Liu Shi Shi couldn’t help but wonder.
"I can teach you a move or two for defending yourselves." She said and shrugged.
"But the best move is to run as far as you can from danger.
"It takes a lot from you to try and fight against a full-grown man."
Xue Cong and Yue Jie nodded their heads and replied, "We know, but we don’t want to be a burden to Master Lin."
"Don’t worry. I will not run away scared this time."
Only Yue Xin was more than confident that she would be able to face danger head on.
After what happened to her father, she knew that there weren’t many options for them.
Either you get tough or have your fate decided by someone else.
Seeing how they were determined in their own ways and reasons, Liu Shi Shi didn’t mind trying to teach them a move or two.
After all, she would be the one taking care of them if something happened to the mansion.
"Then, all of you better be prepared to face some hardship. Come with me." Liu Shi Shi said and got out of her room.
"Yes, Master Liu." Xue Cong, Yue Jie and Yue Xin bowed and said.
It felt great for Liu Shi Shi to be addressed as master.
She nodded, put her hands to her back and walked slowly like an old master as she walked in the direction of the main hall.
Xue Cong, Yue Jie and Yue Xin quickly followed behind.
...
Sima Mansion.
Lin Xuan Qi and Lee He Song arrived at the Sima Mansion after an incense time of travelling in the city.
The area that the Sima Mansion was in was visibly much posher and higher end than the other parts of the city.
There were only mansions in the vicinity.
Roads in the area were well paved with huge slabs of stones compared to the other areas.
The walls of Sima Mansion were tall and had some cracks and the tiles on top looked ancient.
These walls must have been standing for ages, considering the long and prosperous history of the Sima family.
Even Lee He Song was in awe at being able to come visit the Sima Mansion.
"Stop right there!" Guards shouted at Lin Xuan Qi and Lee He Song when they approached.
Lin Xuan Qi came up to him, bowed at the guard and said, "We are here to pay a visit to my friend, young master Sima Long."
He took out some copper coins and placed them into the guard’s hand.
The guard’s lips curled into a smile when Lin Xuan Qi did that.
"Wait for a moment here, while I check with master Sima Long."
He said and went into the Sima Mansion.
Lin Xuan Qi and Lee He Song stood where they were and waited.
He couldn’t help but notice the intricate sword and protective armor plates the guards had on them.
Sima Long’s family was renowned for making and supplying Artifacts to the cultivators, and he thought that these might be some of the Artifacts they produced.
"Are those Artifacts?" Lin Xuan Qi whispered to Lee He Song.
Lee He Song shook his head and said, "Artifacts would require someone who can deal with Spiritual Qi to wield them.
"Which means that only Cultivators can do that.
"But no Cultivators would want to be a guard as compared to being in one of the sects, cultivating immortality.
"So, these are most likely like the Sima Family Five Poison Balls that Sima Long had given you previously."
Lin Xuan Qi nodded and felt sorry for bringing up the topic of immortality to Lee He Song.
He lowered his head and gave out a long sigh.
When Lee He Song saw what he did, Lee He Song gave him a smile and said, "Don’t worry. I’m resigned to my fate by now."
"Come with me." The guard came back out of the mansion and waved for them to enter.
Lin Xuan Qi and Lee He Song quickly followed behind.
Inside the mansion, it was so much different from his own.
There were so many people inside and it was bustling with activities.
Gardeners tended to the flowers and greeneries, while servant girls cleaned the surroundings.
Some servants carried food and items, scurrying around the mansion.
There were also servants who were better dressed, supervising them in their work.
It was certainly an eye opener for Lin Xuan Qi.
The guard led them deep into the mansion and headed towards an area that wasn’t as well kept as the other areas.
He could also see that there were fewer servants tending to the area.
Lin Xuan Qi took note of it and followed the guard.
Finally, they arrived at a building that looked old, which looked more worn out than the others.
"Master Lin. I thought you would never come." Sima Long who was sitting inside the hall of the building, stood up and greeted Lin Xuan Qi.
"I’m so sorry to intrude. I hope this is a good time for you." Lin Xuan Qi said.
"Anytime is a good time to meet with you." Sima Long said and glanced at his servant girls standing by the side.
They nodded and quickly got to work.
One of them led Lin Xuan Qi and Lee He Song into the hall, and another poured tea for them.
Sima Long knew how good the poetry from Lin Xuan Qi was and he wouldn’t want to miss out on being good friends with such potential to be successful in Da Qian Dynasty.
After they got seated, Lin Xuan Qi didn’t waste any time and got to business.
He held one of the soaps in his hand and glanced around.