Chapter 198 - Teach?

Some feelings had already taken root, but one knew the chaos of the world and the young age of this body, unwilling to nurture them. The other remembered the promise made and found Sang Luo impeccable, not daring to pursue her without her consent. Simply being together every day was like lying in a honeyed cloud, providing immense satisfaction.

Despite sharing meals, journeys, and a bed at night, with their faces close, it was always Sang Luo who held the reins on the boundaries between them.

Sang Luo was usually clear-headed. In this chaotic world and at her current age, she didn't dwell much. Deep down, she wasn't truly sixteen, and there were moments when she was captivated by men's allure. However, she would merely feast her eyes and quickly regain composure, leaving Jincheng blushing and his heart pounding.

Unexpectedly, today's accidental touch caused her heartbeat to falter for a moment. But soon, she felt at ease. It was natural to like Jinliang, and she didn't reject the vague affection. Instead, she welcomed it.

So... as long as she didn't provoke flames, following her heart was enough.

...

That night, Shen An and Shen Jin visited Chen Youtian's cave, while Shen Ning slept with Sang Luo.

Sang Luo and Jinliang were used to their daily routine, so the additional presence of Shen Ning didn't affect their comfort zone. With Shen Ning sleeping on the inner side of the bed, Sang Luo naturally took the outer side, closer to the couch.

In her perspective, it was a completely natural arrangement. Before Shen Ning's arrival, even if she started sleeping in the middle of the bed, nine times out of ten, she'd wake up on the outer side, with Jinliang on the couch within her line of sight.

In Sang Luo's world, this was a safe distance she had come to accept, though unbeknownst to her, it held a vastly different meaning for Shen Lie. If there were a flower in his heart, it would now be blossoming with joy.

The night was filled with pleasant dreams, but as they unfolded, they became too beautiful to be true. The plump and tender lips in his dream no longer fleetingly touched the back of his hand or wrist.

His fingertips brushed against them.

Shen Lie struggled to find words to describe the sensation. In the dream, it seemed real, but upon waking, he realized it was just a dream. Nevertheless, the tension, palpitations, longing, and delight in that dream were vividly clear.

As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he turned to look at Sang Luo. On many previous mornings, he would awaken early, gazing at her sleeping face before she stirred. Back then, his focus was entirely on her, but today was different; his gaze involuntarily fell upon her rosy lips.

After a few breaths, or perhaps several dozen, the sensation beneath his fingertips still felt tangible. Shen Lie's throat rumbled, and he hastily closed his eyes, feeling disheveled.

...

Training had become an everyday routine outside the village. Running with weights around the forest's edge, which had been frequently cleared, took only three days for him to progress from gasping for air to reciting texts while running.

A little further away from the village, refugees who had escaped to the inner circle dwelled. Since autumn began, at least six families were known to have settled there.

Within the inner circle, there were two villages. One was the Outskirts Village where Shen Lie and his companions lived, and the other was the village centered around the Zhou family, which Shen Lie had helped establish. The newly arrived citizens, unable to form close-knit groups, would, driven by their instinct to survive, quietly observe for a while before choosing to settle near these established settlements.

Due to the large number of people, there were fewer beasts. Some seemingly upright neighbors started farming, raising chickens and rabbits – a stark contrast to those who relied on violence outside. Being closer to them brought a sense of relative security.

It was a paradoxical and challenging decision to make, wanting to rely on them yet not daring to let down one's guard. Thus, they settled at a distance they deemed safe, refraining from interfering with each other's territories. Whenever they crossed paths, a silent understanding emerged, as they would quietly detour around each other, forming an unusual bond.

This unspoken agreement persisted for some time until the neighbors noticed new developments in the settlement where young men often went hunting. At least the two closest households were aware of the changes.

They couldn't witness the training with sticks, blades, and arrows, but in the early mornings, before Shi DaLang led the young men out of the village, the commotion of Shen Lie and his disciples running with weights on their backs near the denuded hills close to the village was audible from afar.

Some were curious and listened from a distance, occasionally catching a glimpse when they shifted from one hill to another. No one dared to approach closely, perhaps out of respect for privacy. The side of those hills nearest to the village had been cleared of trees, making it difficult to hide. Any attempt to get too close would likely be detected.

...

On the fifth day of training, visitors arrived from outside the village – none other than Zhou LaZhi and his son, Feng DaLang and Feng ErLang, along with Gan ErLang.

It turned out that they hadn't seen anyone from Shili Village for over ten days. Although they knew that Shen Lie and his group usually went in another direction to avoid resource conflicts, it had been far too long since they last encountered them.

Gan ErLang and the Feng brothers had actual family ties there, so how could they not worry? Even Zhou LaZhi couldn't help but think about the kindness they had received. They were concerned that Shili Village might have encountered trouble. Shen Lie's group had previously informed Zhou LaZhi, Gan's brother, and the Feng sisters about their approximate location. Hence, their concern led them to search for the village.

The mountains were deep and the forest dense, but knowing the general direction and distance, it wasn't too hard to find a place frequented by people. As they approached, they couldn't see the villagers or the cave, but from a distance, they heard a chorus of shouted greetings.

Zhou Lazi and his companions paused in their steps, straining their ears to listen. It didn't sound like a fierce battle; it was too orderly. They quickened their pace, following the path that had been trodden, and when they reached the open area ahead, they were both stunned.

In a row, from shortest to tallest, they were all performing their stunts with staffs!

Goodness, forgive them for their lack of words; only their faces, filled with awe and admiration, could convey their emotions.

No wonder they hadn't seen Shen Lie and Sang Luo. One was now a coach, and the other was learning alongside – how could they have spare time to visit them?

Today, Zhou Lazi had brought out his second son. The father-son duo, witnessing this scene, swallowed their saliva in unison.

Back when they were still in the Ten Mile Village, they knew that Shen Lie would lead a group of familiar young lads to practice before dawn, running and teaching them hunting skills. Now, they found out that he also taught such a staff technique, and that young men, adolescents, and even young women were all learning martial arts?

Not to mention the Zhou father and son, even Feng's brothers and Gan Erlang were stunned.

These were all people who had endured hardships to get here. They couldn't help but admit that a fleeting thought had crossed their minds — how impressive, how envious, how it should be so!

Shen Lie had already seen them. He had just finished more than half of his practice session, so he asked Xu Wenqing to lead the final few moves while he went to greet them.

"Auntie Zhou, why are you here?"

Zhou Lazi was still staring in astonishment, but most of the children recognized them. However, seeing them perform their staff techniques with such vigor and spirit was a completely different sight from what they were used to in the village.

Upon seeing Shen Lie approach, they turned their attention back to him upon hearing his question. "We haven't seen you all for over ten days, and we were genuinely worried. So, we came to check on the situation."

Shen Lie smiled and replied, "Da Shan took a group out for hunting and gathering, while I've been keeping the others occupied with training. That's why we didn't manage to venture out."

"Oh, I see."

With this explanation, Zhou Lazi and the others understood. When they went out for gathering, the village needed capable hands left behind.

While Zhou Lazi conversed with Shen Lie, Feng Da Lang, Feng Er Lang, and Gan Er Lang couldn't take their eyes off the group practicing staff techniques, especially Xu Wenqing, who led the practice. His movements were so swift that the staff seemed to leave afterimages, and the power he exerted could surely bring instant pain to anyone with ill intentions.

Envy was almost tangible.

Before anyone could say more, Xu Wenqing finished the final move and called out, "Master, now that we've completed this set of staff techniques, should we continue?"

Shen Lie glanced back and said, "Take a break first."

The group of children cheered in delight.

Sang Luo found the situation amusing and, holding her long staff, she walked over to greet Zhou Lazi.

Zhou Lazi observed her efficiency and noted that despite the chill in the mountains, Sang Luo's cheeks were flushed, and a fine sheen of sweat glistened on her nose. He praised, "Impressive skills, Ah Lie's wife. You're skilled with both the bow and arrow, and this staff as well."

Sang Luo chuckled, acknowledging that innate talent mattered. Her proficient moves were the result of half an hour of private training with Shen Lie by the cave entrance each night for both her and Shen Ning. She replied, "Your compliments are too much. I still have a long way to go; my skills are mere superficial. I need more practice before I can truly defend myself."

Addressing Feng DaLang and the others, she continued, "Those of you who stayed in the village should also start training when you have time. Peace won't last forever within the inner circle. Once outsiders start flooding in, some unwanted elements will follow."

Feng DaLang responded, "Indeed, every household is practicing archery, but mostly young men and boys around fourteen or fifteen."

Women and children were not part of these trainings. Unconsciously, they were considered the ones to be protected. Now, looking at Shen Lie's group, the youngest one training was...ten years old?

Zhou Lazi knew about Shen Jin, who was nine.

Observing Sang Luo and the others, Zhou Lazi vividly recalled their first hunting trip with Shen Lie. Sang Luo had climbed trees with ease, and she was the one who had killed a wolf. Now, she was not only practicing archery but also staff techniques. Zhou Lazi decided not to dwell on the staff training for now, unsure who could teach it. However, he made a mental note to at least teach his two daughters how to shoot arrows.

Hearing Feng DaLang's words, Sang Luo commented, "Archery is useful at a distance, but it becomes ineffective when someone gets too close."

She glanced at Shen Lie, who understood her concerns. The villagers from the outer village had deep ties with their community, and he naturally wished for their well-being. Thus, he asked Feng DaLang and the others, "Are you interested in learning this staff technique?"

A blade requires a weapon, but a long staff can be readily sourced from the surrounding mountains.

Feng Da Lang's eyes gleamed with excitement. "You're willing to teach us?"

Jin Lie chuckled. "Sure, but..."

With the valley in existence, it wouldn't be advisable to have too many people coming over frequently. He pondered for a moment, then his gaze fell on Gan Er Lang and the others. "I've taught the three of you before, so let it still be the three of you. Learn from me first, and then teach the others when you're proficient."

There was no way they would refuse such an offer. The trio was overjoyed and eagerly agreed.

Da Niu and Er Niu had already seen their uncle earlier. Upon overhearing the conversation, Da Niu chuckled and joined in. "Uncle, if that's the case, you'll need to become a disciple as well. We've all formally taken on a master."

Er Niu, mischievous as he was, wriggled his way to Gan Er Lang's side, still grinning. "Uncle, does that mean I should call you Senior Apprentice Brother?"

Smiling, Gan Er Lang playfully rapped his nephew on the head. "You think you can take advantage of your uncle's words?"

Though he playfully scolded his nephew, Gan Er Lang turned to Jin Lie seriously. "Da Niu is right. A formal apprenticeship should be conducted. I'll prepare the necessary gifts for the ceremony tomorrow."

The Feng brothers nodded in agreement. "We'll also formally become your disciples. Now that we think about it, we've learned a lot from you, yet we've been disrespectful by not following proper etiquette."

Shen Lie had grown accustomed to the playful antics of the young men, even Wei Qinghe now affectionately addressed him as Master with a smile. He took it in stride, chuckling as he replied, "Prepare your own staffs; I'll be teaching you some military academy techniques which aren't too difficult to grasp. The key lies in practice - agility, speed, strength, and some skills. I'll explain more when we meet tomorrow. For the first few days, one hour of training here should suffice, then you can practice on your own for the rest of the time."

The Feng brothers and Gan Erlang eagerly agreed. Gan Erlang examined the staffs held by his nephews, assessing the quality of the wood before returning them.

They had initially come to check if anything untoward had occurred, but unexpectedly ended up finding a teacher – a delightful surprise.

With the main discussion concluded, Feng Da took down the basket he had been carrying on his back and pulled out two bags, handing them to Shen Lie and Sang Luo. "We picked some walnuts and jujubes. Try them. And take this other bag to my sister; let her, the children, and your parents-in-law have a taste."

He made no inquiries about not seeing Feng Liu or Lu Po.

This item wasn't exclusive to the Feng family; both Gan Erlang and Zhou Lazi had brought some along as well. Like Feng Dalang, Gan Erlang gave one portion to his nephew to take back home and another to his master, Shen Lie.

Zhou Lazi also had two bags, and he chuckled as he said that one was for Shen Lie and Sangluo, while the other was for the Chen family.

Sangluo felt the skillfully woven rush bags. "Is this Auntie's work or Gege's?"

Zhou Lazi scratched his head and laughed. "Gege wove these."

Sangluo broke into a smile, praising his craftsmanship. "Alright, Auntie Tian and the others went to gather them too. I'll give it to her later."

Taking the items, she turned to Shen An and asked him to put them back in the cave.

Zhou Lazi, however, didn't leave. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "A-Lie's wife, can you and A-Lie come with me for a private conversation?"

Sang Luo was slightly surprised but still nodded. Naturally, Shen Lei followed as well. When they were a safe distance away, Shen Lei spoke up, "Uncle Zhou, what's the matter?"

Zhou Lazi felt a bit awkward. He turned to Sang Luo and said, "It's about that tuber you mentioned before. It should be ready to harvest now, right?"

Sang Luo was taken aback for a moment before nodding. "Yes, it should have been ready to dig up more than ten days ago. Uncle Zhou, haven't you harvested it yet?"

The use of 'you' in her question had already given away the answer Zhou Lazi wanted. Scratching his head, he replied, "No one else knows if this thing is edible. You're the one who taught us. I just wanted to ask if we need to avoid others while digging it. We haven't seen you come over, so we haven't dug any yet."

It wouldn't be easy to hide the digging process from others. Without Sang Luo's approval, Zhou Lazi hadn't dared to dig them on his own.

He was truly sincere.

Sang Luo had assumed that after teaching them, the Zhou family would harvest the tubers themselves when the time came. The Zhou family digging the tubers wouldn't escape the notice of the other hundred villagers, and soon everyone would know. Therefore, she didn't bother going there again to teach them. Before the Wang Chunniang incident, she and Shen Lei had already dug nearly a hundred catties.

Then came the conflict within the Lu family, Shen Yin's illness, and the training sessions. They couldn't go out, and Sang Luo had completely forgotten about it. In her mind, there was no need to deliberately remember something that had already been taught.

"Uncle Zhou, you can dig them up. Also, teach the others in your village how to dig and plant them. This way, you won't be lacking next year."

Joy wrinkles formed on Zhou Lazi's weathered face, and he eagerly replied, "Yes, yes, of course. I'll go back and teach them right away."

Sang Luo had an idea and said to Zhou Lazi, "Actually, apart from our two villages, there are quite a few people scattered in the mountains around the inner perimeter. Whether it's you, Uncle Zhou, or anyone else in your village, if you come across someone who seems honest, you can teach them about the fairy tofu, konjac, and this yam—how to eat and cultivate them all."

"We don't have much here except for abundant mountains and forests. How many people from Qiyang County, who narrowly escaped death, sought refuge in these mountains? Sometimes, not lacking food can prevent a lot of evil. As a result, everyone will be safer, don't you think?"

Inherently wicked people were actually in the minority. If one could rely on the mountain's resources to fill their stomachs and cultivate crops on the hillsides, how many ordinary people would choose to plunder and burn?

Zhou Lazi paused in his listening, then nodded in agreement. "That makes sense. Alright, I'll let everyone know when I get back."

Given the chance to survive, most people would prefer to be human rather than malevolent spirits. How many people were left in Qiyang County? Subtracting those taken captive and those who had hidden in the mountains early on to preserve their lives, plus the few who managed to escape from the county, could there possibly be two thousand survivors?

Even Shen Lie found it hard to believe such a number.