The Visitors Have Left

"Big brothers, are you heading out today?" Song Jia broke the silence.

"Ah.. you have somewhere to go today, little brother?" Wan Yan had just finished his meal.

"Mm! I'm heading to the city today.."

"Oh.. Then.." Wan Yan was about to invite himself when his master stared daggers at him. "Then, we'll be leaving as well.. Thank you for your hospitality little brother, little sister.."

"No problem at all, big brother Wan Yan.. Take care on the way. Big brother Sun Xun, many thanks again for exchanging moves with me yesterday and for the pills that helped me advance. If there's anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to let me know." She cupped her hands, bowing.

Sun Xun nodded at her in return. Then with a wave of his hand, a manuscript appeared.

"Here.. this is as thanks for your hospitality.." He handed it to Song Jia, surprising her. Even Wan Yan was surprised. He didn't think his master had it in him to share his knowledge at all. He thought that yesterday was only a fluke. But this time, is the little brother one of his exemptions then? Even he, as the subordinate, didn't get any manuscripts from him personally.

Curious as he was, he didn't dare pester Song Jia in front of his master.

Sun Xun bade his farewell and walked to the direction of the forest.

Wan Yan lingered only to ask what was on the manuscript.

They both read the cover of the manuscript. Imperial Beast Kung Fu.

Song Jia's heart skipped a beat.

Her eyes widened in surprise, mouth agape.

"Whoa! Good for you little brother! This is the first time I've witnessed my master sharing his treasures! Same as yesterday, nobody dared to spar with him. Especially, nobody has ever been his match. Keep this well, little brother! Hope to see you next time!" And with that he leaped to follow his master towards the forest.

Song Jia was speechless.

The brutal vital point attacks taught in the Beast Systems are not like desperate self defense moves taught to women and children. Highly trained Masters demonstrate the true power of Beast Kung Fu, with their decades of extensive training experience such as tearing the eyes and throats from pig cadavers in a second, striking with single digits through boards and rib cages, full force knuckle strikes against wood and brick, and kicking through bats and concrete. This level of toughening is for true life-and-death combat, far from wrapping the wrists, these are true weapons forged for life-and-death combat.

Her face glowed. She was grateful for this.

With a thought, the manuscript was moved to her Spirit Artifact where Crystal put it away in her library.

"Let's go.." She told Lu Ping who was waiting for her.

"Yes, Miss. Are you sure you don't want me to go with you? They already know that I'm assigned to you anyway.. Won't they wonder why I'm not by your side and I'm in the residence instead?" She was unwilling to let her mistress go by herself. Although she had risen in cultivation rank, she still wouldn't be assured. At least if something goes wrong, she can help her seek help from the residence. At worst, she could be her mistress's shield.

Song Jia thought about it.

Lu Ping had a point. The people back at the residence might suspect her instead if she doesn't bring Lu Ping along. If she left Lu Ping there, she might be pestered by the other maid servants and ask about where she's been these days. Of course, Lu Ping wouldn't say anything. But it will make the other party suspect her.

"Alright.." She relented, heading towards the back entrance of the underground chambers.

Lu Ping breathed a sigh of relief and quickened her pace to follow her.

On the way there, Song Jia took out her sound stone that was connected to her uncle.

A short while later, Song Huo spoke from the stone.

"Did something happen?" His voice sounded worried.

"Nothing, uncle. We're headed there. Oh.. and I'm taking Ping with me to the city." She decided not to tell her uncle about Sun Xun and Wan Yan, since they have already left anyway.

"Good. Good."

"Uncle, can I visit my father?"

"...yes…"

"Okay.. we'll be in the underground chambers soon.."

"Alright.. I'll meet up with you at the Book Pavilion then."

Moments later, they entered the underground chambers and locked the door behind them.

Song Jia gathered her spiritual energy and lit up the lamps inside, guiding them to the path headed to the entry of the book pavilion. She once again gathered her spiritual energy and touched the wall that had markings on. It opened the entryway.

The two went up and the door closed after she injected spiritual energy on the painting of the ancient sacred beasts.

Keys jangling could be heard from the front and moments later, the door opened.

Blue and white robes peeked out and her uncle, Song Huo appeared inside the Book Pavilion, closing the door behind him.

Song Jia and Lu Ping walked out from behind the shelves, greeting Song Huo.

He was glad to see both of them intact. He checks their status to see if there is any improvement since he left them.

He was surprised to see that both have advanced in rank, especially his niece.

"I see that you have both advanced! Good! Very good! Keep it up!.. Let's go see your dad now.."

"Uncle, how is he?"

"He hasn't woken up yet.."

"Oh.. Then, I'd like to check him.."

"Ah? You know medicine?"

"I've been reading the manuscripts recently.."

"I see. It's good that you've taken time to expand your knowledge."

Although they have never forbidden Song Jia from reading her novels, it would still be good for her to have other interests as well. Especially those that would prove handy in case of emergency.

"Mmm.. Uncle, can we check the array at the back of the mountain later on?"

"What's the matter? Did something happen?"

She contemplated it. If it's better to keep it a secret or not. However, since Sun Xun has left already, there's no use worrying about it.

"Nothing. I'm just interested in learning it. Although, if we could strengthen it, I would like to see how it's done."

"Alright.. I'll get the array master of our clan. But as for you witnessing how to do it. I'm afraid that's not possible for now. We can't reveal your identity yet. And your identity as Shi Jin is not supposed to be allowed there."

He got a point there. No matter, as long as they check it.

"I understand. Then we'll have the array master check while I head to the city then?"

"Yes..That way he won't see you.."