Fortune Across the World

Chapter 62: The Veiled World of Martial Arts and the Master's Offer

After Lu Weixi carefully bandaged Ding Qiyu's wound, she had Qing'er bring water to gently clean the blood from Ding Qiyu's face. With her heart brimming with sweetness, Ding Qiyu felt that the injury was worthwhile. She admired the neat and beautiful bandaging, the soothing coolness of the ointment easing the pain, and couldn't help but compare it to her previous shoddy attempt. She mused inwardly about the difference between having and not having a girlfriend, though Weixi wasn't officially her girlfriend yet...

Afterward, the two joined Lu Weiming for a meal. Ding Qiyu noticed Weixi's fatigue and, concerned, escorted her back to her courtyard, suggesting she rest instead of going out that evening. Returning home, Ding Qiyu decided to write another letter to her family, not wanting her mother and Lian'er to worry. Having nearly finished reading "On the Art of Mechanisms," she also planned to borrow a new book from Yun Zhi Pavilion. She penned an update on her recent activities, reminding her mother and Lian'er to take care of themselves. At the post station, just as she was about to send her letter, she was informed of a letter waiting for her. Excitedly, she thought it might be a reply from her family, only to find out she had to collect it in person. Grabbing the letter, she eagerly tore open a corner but decided the bustling environment was not ideal for reading. She pocketed the letter, saving it for later, and postponed sending her own letter until she could read the one she’d received.

In high spirits, she arrived at the seventh floor of Yun Zhi Pavilion, noticing the absence of the old master. Heading straight to the section for mechanical books, she reached for one when the old man’s voice startled her from behind, "Little Yu, here for more books?" The shock caused her to drop the book.

"Master... Could you not appear so suddenly next time? I can hardly handle it..." Ding Qiyu complained good-naturedly, bending to retrieve the book and dusting it off.

The old man chuckled, rubbing his chin apologetically, "Sorry, I thought you saw me." Noticing the bandage on her hand, he inquired, "Got into a fight, did you?"

Speechless, Ding Qiyu wondered where the old man had been hiding. Shaking her head, she replied, "No, I made a wooden armor and injured myself testing it against a tree."

The old man laughed heartily, "Haha, you're just like that fellow Yan Huai!" He shifted topics, "What kind of wooden armor? Show me."

Setting the book aside, Ding Qiyu rolled up her sleeve to reveal the mechanical framework, explaining, "It's like this. When worn, it amplifies my punching power."

The old man's eyes sparkled with interest, "Show me!"

"Should I punch you?" Ding Qiyu joked.

Unexpectedly, the old man nodded, standing ready, "Go ahead."

"Really? Are you sure?" She hesitated, worried about injuring him. Was he truly a martial arts master?

The old man nodded firmly, urging, "Stop dithering, punch me! Use your full strength!"

Reluctantly, Ding Qiyu mustered about seventy percent of her strength and aimed a punch at him. As her fist neared, he deftly sidestepped, catching her wrist and using her momentum to send her stumbling toward a bookshelf. Before she could crash, he pulled her back, steadying her.

Ding Qiyu patted her chest, still shaken, and frowned, "Master, that's not fair! You took advantage of my lack of martial skills!" She realized he truly was a martial arts expert.

The old man casually crossed his arms, grinning, "Haha, in a fight, no one cares about your skills or lack thereof."

"I made this as a precaution. I'm not planning to roam the martial world," Ding Qiyu muttered.