"I have an address for you; once you see him, you’ll understand everything!" said Chu Yunping softly.
He gave the address to Xie Zhinuan.
This old gentleman’s surname is Gu; it was said that he was once the top scholar of his year and served as an official in the Hanlin Academy for several years before being assigned elsewhere. After returning to the capital with a position as a second-rank official, he suddenly retired and became a recluse.
Now, Master Gu is over fifty years old...
Chu Yunping wasn’t clear on the specifics.
Xie Zhinuan, accompanied by Chunyu, had Duobao drive the carriage there.
Master Gu’s residence turned out to be in an increasingly remote area, where, eventually, not even a carriage could enter—only a narrow path remained.
Duobao hesitated.
Xie Zhinuan, however, got off the carriage and also took a long sword with her.
"..."
Duobao was somewhat surprised.
He wanted to ask whether she knew martial arts, but held back the question.
Chunyu followed behind Xie Zhinuan and said softly, "Miss, does that elderly gentleman truly live in these woods?"
"Scholars often favor seclusion in nature; we’ll see for ourselves soon enough!" said Xie Zhinuan softly.
Walking behind them, Duobao watched the master and servant converse. Xie Zhinuan’s breathing was steady, not showing any signs of panting.
But Chunyu was panting heavily.
After all, the path had turned from level ground to a mountainous one which, although clearly trodden, was not frequently traveled and was covered with moss. Fortunately, the past few days had been sunny, and the ground wasn’t slippery, making it relatively easy to walk on.
Halfway up the slope, Chunyu leaned to the side, gasping for air. Xie Zhinuan glanced at her, heard the sound of water, and looked to Duobao. "Go get some water!" she ordered.
"..."
Her command was delivered with an air of justified authority.
With lips pursed, Duobao found no reason to refuse; he took a water bottle and went to fetch water.
A few leaps and Duobao had vanished from sight, leaving Chunyu gawking in astonishment as she wiped her sweat and whispered to Xie Zhinuan, "Miss, can you do that too?"
"I guess I could; I’ve never tried!" Xie Zhinuan replied with a smile.
Indeed, she had never tried; before she had been unable to control her own martial prowess, and now she preferred not to casually reveal her skills.
Chunyu smiled warmly.
Seeing Xie Zhinuan looking so composed and unruffled made her feel a hint of envy.
She now desired to learn martial arts as well.
Xie Zhinuan fiddled with the long sword in her hand—this sword had been taken from her space. When she’d originally taken it, she drew it out and marveled at its brilliance, but had not unsheathed it since then.
She didn’t even know what it would be like to face an opponent.
After all, she dared not act rashly, since one strike could lead to lethal consequences...
Duobao returned with the water, handing the water bottle to Xie Zhinuan.
"Duobao!"
Xie Zhinuan looked at him, somewhat reluctant but called out gently.
"What would you have me do, Miss?" he asked.
Taking the water bottle, Xie Zhinuan spoke nonchalantly, "Let’s have a few bouts. If you win, I’ll let you return to your young master. If you lose, get rid of that unwilling expression; it’s uncomfortable to watch!"
"..."
Duobao was astonished, his eyes wide with disbelief as he stared at Xie Zhinuan.
He couldn’t believe she had the audacity to make such a request.
But, as the saying goes, even Buddhas compete for a single stick of incense, and people for a single breath of esteem, he accepted the challenge.
"Please enlighten me, Miss Xie!" he said.
As Duobao saluted with his fists, Xie Zhinuan had already thrust the sword toward him.
She didn’t even draw the blade, yet within three moves, Xie Zhinuan’s sword tip was already at Duobao’s throat.
Duobao hadn’t even seen how Xie Zhinuan had moved; he had just reacted instinctively with three moves...
"..." With his eyes wide, a look of terror filled them.
"You’ve lost!" said Xie Zhinuan indifferently, sheathing her sword to continue up the mountain.
Chunyu quickly took the water bottle and followed, her eyes filled with admiration and amazement.