Path of the Lilies

26. My Decision

Ye Jiao circulated Eon Energy in her body according to what her father taught her. It helped eased her pain and at the same time, pushing them to her core little by little. Going by the progress in her body, it would take a long time for her to form the core.

"Line up!" Mu Hong yelled. "All of you, do the set 100 times!"

"Yes, Sir!"

The soldiers started to move in accordance to what Mu Hong said. Punch, kick, twist, and many other moves. These were the basic movement for martial art in Chen Kingdom and also the one that most soldier practiced. They were not really a secret, but children wouldn't learn them if they didn't attend the academy once they were 12 years old.

Seeing that Mu Hong purposely asked them to do the set, Ye Jiao was elated. She could guess that Mu Hong wanted her to see their technique just as he promised.

'One step to the left, twist your body....'

Ye Jiao murmured the steps as the soldiers repeated the same set over and over. Their body was bathed in sweat, but they moved in sync without anyone left out. For this alone, Ye Jiao was surprised because the discipline in the military seemed to be stricter than other places.

Time passed with Ye Jiao continued to watch their practice. Even though she didn't see much, they were already more than enough for her. After all, most children don't have the privilege to see them except if they have good family background.

"Brat, it's nearing night. If you don't go home soon, your parents will be worried," Mu Hong remarked suddenly.

Ye Jiao was startled and glanced at the general before her. She used her hand to held the tree as she struggled to stand up. The pain on her feet made her unable to move properly.

"Ye Jiao is grateful for General Mu's benevolence. Ye Jiao will return back now."

Mu Hong scrutinized Ye Jiao's body. After hours of sitting in the same place, there was not much progress in her condition. It didn't seem like she would be able to go home properly like this.

"Wang Jun."

"Yes, Sir!" in split second, Wang Jun have moved from his group to greet his leader.

Mu Hong pointed at Ye Jiao using his thumb. "Take her back to her home and make sure you see her parents. It's across this wall."

Across this wall?

Wang Jun was surprised. Every soldier in this place knew that the place behind this wall was Wei Family Residence. After all, this place was built close to the place to make sure that General Wei could come and supervise them occasionally.

"I can go home alone," Ye Jiao refused the offer. If her mother saw her going home in tattered condition, she was not sure what her mother would do.

"Wang Jun will help you."

The firm tone Mu Hong used made Ye Jiao flinched. It was full of authoritative order, which made her unable to refuse. Without any other option, Ye Jiao could only accept Mu Hong's arrangement. Inside her head, she was thinking of reasons to give her mother.

Wang Jun kneeled in one knee near Ye Jiao, bringing his eyes on the same height as Ye Jiao. He smiled reassuringly. "Miss, let me help you."

"I'm not a 'miss.'"

"It doesn't really matter. Pardon me for the intrusion," Wang Jun held Ye Jiao's back gently before lifting her feet, carrying the girl in bridal style. Given Ye Jiao's legs, he was pretty sure that the girl wouldn't be able to withstand for a long time.

Ye Jiao knitted her brows, but no word of complaint came out of her mouth. She had endured a long beating, what was this slight pain compared to that?

Wang Jun looked at the wall before he jumped up. His legs moved once more as he landed on the ground in Wei Residence. The sudden movement of the man astonished Ye Jiao. She spent some time to climb the tree and reached the other side, but this man took less than one second.

"Soldier Wang Jun, are you Eon Energy Master?"

"Yes, I am," Wang Jun replied. "Miss, there's no need with the formalities. You can just call my name directly without the need to worry."

Ye Jiao frowned. "But that's impolite."

Wang Jun chuckled. "I'm not someone from noble family, so you don't have to worry, Miss."

"Hmm, ok, I'll call you Brother Wang, is that good?" Ye Jiao asked.

"Brother Jun will be better," Wang Jun suggested. Rather than being called using his surname, it would be better to just use his name. It was not like he had titles either as he was mere soldier. Well, they were actually not that close to be called brother like that, but he didn't really mind.

"I understand, Brother Jun."

"By the way, which way is your residence?"

"Over there."

As Ye Jiao directed the way for them, her eyes were scanning the young man before her. Even though Wang Jun didn't really use Eon Energy, but his physical strength suggested that he must have good foundation and perhaps, already reached quite a high level.

She wondered whether this soldier was second rank or third rank.

Wang Jun dashed in the small forest until they reached a small residence. His pupil contracted when he saw the condition of the house because it was simply so bad. Even some poor people in the capital might have better house compared to her.

"This is my house. Put me down."

"Ah, but..."

"I want to walk by myself," Ye Jiao said again.

Wang Jun didn't know how to refute, so he put the girl down. Albeit staggering a bit because of the pain, Ye Jiao straightened her body and walked slowly to the house. Her cover was not entirely perfect but ordinary people wouldn't think that this girl was hurt.

"Mom, I'm home," Ye Jiao called softly.

Ye Ai Xia already detected the two of them as she walked out of the residence. Her eyes were scanning the young man with suspicion. "Who are you?"

Wang Jun bowed down. "I'm soldier Wang Jun from the first division."

Soldier?

Ye Ai Xia was stunned to hear that someone from the military has come with her daughter. She eyed Ye Jiao sharply while the girl tried to avert her eyes. It seemed that the two of them would need to have a good talk with one another.

"Thank you for bringing my daughter back, Wang Jun."

"It's my duty, Madam. I'll excuse myself."

Wang Jun could sense that his presence was not welcomed with how Ye Ai Xia kept on giving a dagger in her glare. With Ye Ai Xia being an Eon Energy Master rank 3, her gaze alone might give pressure to other people around her.

"Please leave."

Ye Jiao watched as Wang Jun disappeared from his place as quick as his dash before. Her eyes moved back to her mother. "Mom..."

"Jiao'er, I think I need to know what you're doing for the past few hours," Ye Ai Xia crossed her arm. This daughter of hers truly made her worried.

"Uh, ok, Mom."