Recesses of the Heart

7

That evening, as Lan Zhan said, the training grounds were empty. I told him I'd help him train so he actually accepted my offer. We warmed up with a spar. I was a lot stronger than him now so I held back to make sure I didn't hurt him and to keep it fair. Being Baoshan's grandson and disciple, she knows all the swordsmanship from each of the sects, their weaknesses and their strengths, and she has her own style to top it. She taught me all of this and I was going to teach Lan Zhan.

"What I am going to share to you is something that Baoshan and I only know," I said to him, "I know you know each sect has their own styles, strengths, and weaknesses. Baoshan knows them all and has told me about them all. I know how to counter each sect's swords and attacks, and I know how they are valuable. I will teach you the same. You know your own sects style and its strengths and weaknesses. So we can skip past that one. Is there one that you wish to start with?"

"How about Yunmeng?" He asked, "why not start there?"

I smiled, "alright," I replied, "the Jiang sect's style is known to be swift and fierce. While you rely on strength and power, the Jiang sect rely on speed and agility," Suibian let out a soft moan in my hand. As it knew what we were doing. So I lifted it up to speak to it gently, "I know you don't like to use their style, but it's just for demonstration and training."

"You seem to have a deep connection with your sword," Lan Zhan said.

"Like in my last life, Suibian has a spirit. I found out that I am the only one who it will allow to draw from its sheathe. Now as an immortal, I can sense its own power and even discomfort," I told him, "Suibian doesn't like using the Jiang Sect sword style. We actually have our own style because it just doesn't agree with the other styles either. We have to use them though to blend in."

"Wei Ying is indeed very talented," he praises.

"Aya! Lan Zhan, no need to praise. It's too much," I told him.

"I will always praise you," he argued.

I sighed and decided to move on, "watch closely," I said and began to play out the Jiang Sect sword routine.

Lan Zhan joined in the second time through the routine. He caught on quick. He actually did really well on doing the other sects as well. Even the Nie sect, who is known for using sabers instead of swords, he managed to understand just fine.

"I think we should stop here and come again tomorrow," Lan Zhan said, "it's getting closer to curfew."

I nodded, "alright," I said, "are we meeting up same time tomorrow?"

"Mnn," he nodded.

He walked me back to my guest quarters before heading on his way to his residence. I entered the house with a big smile on my face. Jiang Cheng and Shijie were still up. Shijie ended up making a veggie soup and had us come eat.

"What has A'Ji so happy?" She asked.

"Just had a good day is all," I answered, "did you two have a good day too?"

"It went alright," Jiang Cheng replied, "these lectures are going to be the death of me though. So long and so boring."

"Yes but we cannot do anything about it," I said, "we just have to deal with it. How about you Shijie? Anything interesting happen?"

"I just spent some time at the infirmary today. They had some lessons there and I couldn't help but check them out. They have great healers here so it would be a waste to not attend their lessons. We could learn something new," she answered.

I nodded, "did you know you can use needles as a weapon?" I told her, "it's more of a defense tool but it helps get you out of trouble in a hurry."

"Do you know how? Does it require spiritual energy? I have it but I lack spiritual energy," she questioned.

"It requires only a small amount. I can teach you. It's something that I picked up when I was younger," I told her, "so it's no trouble."

"Great," she said, "but it's late so we will have to try another time."

"I need to get the equipment anyway," I told her, "it will probably be a little while since I would need supplies from town. I don't know the next time I can go out. I will hopefully get out soon."

"Just take your time, we have a lot of time here," she said, "now eat up before your food gets cold. I know you two struggle with the food here, so I am helping you by making soup for you."

"You are the best," I told her.

She was alive and she was happy. I had to talk to her peacock fiancé soon. I don't want her to suffer around him anymore so if I can convince him to chill out and really try to get to know her, I feel like her future will be a lot better. I will make sure she doesn't die again. I will also make sure that whoever framed me with that curse, that I will not let Jin Zixuan die again either. As much as I cannot stand the man, Shijie likes him so I have to try.

As for Jiang Cheng, his temper has been better but he still has his moments. He has his mother's attitude, not really a bad thing, but how can he get anywhere in life being so angry all the time. I also do not want him to suffer again. Losing is parents really changed him and I want to make sure that doesn't happen again. I have already secretly made adjustments to the barriers at Lotus Pier. I will make more adjustments too.

I will also help make sure Lan Zhan's family is safe. I will do what I can to make sure his father doesn't fall again. Having him in Lan Zhan's life is important. Lan Zhan needs this. I will have to look into his sect wards eventually and also make sure to come up with a way to protect the Library Pavilion from the Wen Ambush.

There is a lot to do, and I do have some time, but it all piles up so fast that it makes it seem like I do not have time at all. Being immortal has its advantages. I do not need sleep so I can work the night away. So that night, I locked myself in my room and began working on new wards and charms. I even began a list so I can keep track of all that is to come.