Chapter Seven: Tempering

After four days of training, although there wasn’t any noticeable progress yet, he kept at it. After all, the Great Wall wasn’t built in a day, and money isn’t earned overnight, is it? Besides, what else was there to do when boredom gnawed at him? Aside from these routines, he could hardly think of anything else to occupy his time.

That night, as Zhang Xuan prepared to go to sleep, Old Master Tong, for the first time, didn’t return. Normally, the old man would be back before bedtime, but Zhang Xuan didn’t dwell on it. If the situation looked ominous, he’d slip away early. If even Old Master Tong couldn’t resolve it, Zhang Xuan wouldn’t be of much use—he’d only be a hindrance.

He was never one to indulge in such foolish, self-destructive things.

For three days, Zhang Xuan exercised systematically. When hunger struck, he’d hunt by the riverside or in the hills. He was never at risk of starving. Each day was dull yet fulfilling, and after a nighttime run, he’d return and collapse into sleep.

What Zhang Xuan didn’t know was that Old Master Tong had returned two days past, silently observing him from nearby. Beside him stood another man—perhaps the one he had been searching for.

“Senior Brother, what do you think of this young man? How does he compare to my previous two disciples?” Old Master Tong asked.

“From his performance these past days, he’s certainly cut out for martial arts training. It’s almost a waste for you to be his teacher. Why not let me take him instead?” the senior brother replied in earnest.

“Nonsense! He’s a promising seedling, though his training methods are odd—he’s always running, practicing strange and peculiar movements…” Old Master Tong admitted he’d never seen Zhang Xuan’s style before, but since the boy never neglected his basic spear techniques, he decided not to interfere.

“Senior Brother, where are you headed next? Returning to the sect?”

“We’ll see. I must return for Master’s memorial. For now, I’m planning a trip to Bingzhou. I’ve heard there’s another promising candidate there. Before that, I should visit my father-in-law—it’s been a while, and he’ll surely scold me for my absence.”

“Yes, it’s time to pay him a visit… Senior Brother, when you see him, convey my apologies. It’s been ages since I last visited, too.”

“If you want to go, go yourself. I won’t take you along! You’re always wandering outside—make time to visit Yu’er at home. She’s managing alone, and it’s not easy. Well, I’m off. I know what you mean, and we’ll discuss it later. Don’t worry unnecessarily. What’s meant to happen will happen—you can’t escape it. When it does, just protect your family.”

“Take care of yourself, and return home soon.”

With that, his senior brother departed, leaving Old Master Tong alone in the darkness.

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When Zhang Xuan opened his eyes, he planned to resume his weighted runs. But as he stepped out, he saw Old Master Tong already seated in the courtyard.

“Morning, Old Master Tong! When did you return? Did you find the person you were looking for? Hmm, did something unexpected happen? Why aren’t you saying anything? Don’t scare me! I’m not good with shocks—if you frighten me, I might just drop dead. Say something, will you? You’re making me nervous…”

Zhang Xuan stood before Old Master Tong, chattering nonstop.

After bidding farewell to his senior brother the previous night, Old Master Tong hadn’t slept well. He’d intended to rest in the courtyard, but Zhang Xuan’s barrage left him speechless.

“Enough! I found him. Just a few days apart and you’ve become so talkative. Why didn’t I notice this before?”

“Oh, you found him. Well, that’s because we weren’t familiar before. My parents always taught me not to speak to strangers, especially not to accept candy from them…”

Zhang Xuan replied solemnly.

“Seems to me, when we first met, you immediately asked me for food. And when I gave you my flatbread, you complained about it! But what is this ‘candy’ you speak of?”

“Don’t change the subject. Candy is a sweet, edible thing. I doubt you’ve ever tasted it, or even seen sugarcane. Explaining it to you is pointless. Let’s just drop it.”

“I ought to smack you! You only half-explain things. So, which tastes better—candy or beggar’s chicken? If it’s as good as beggar’s chicken, can you make it? What ingredients are needed? I’ll find them for you.”

“Old Master Tong, let’s leave it. I might be able to make candy, but there are no ingredients here. In fact, you definitely won’t find them here. If I ever manage to make it, I’ll let you try some, alright!”

Zhang Xuan felt like a clever housewife unable to cook without rice. Even if the ingredients were available, he doubted he could make it. He truly had no idea how candy was made.

“Alright, if you ever do, don’t forget me. By the way, pack your things—we’re leaving soon. We’ve lingered here long enough; it’s time to return and settle down. Go gather your belongings.”

Old Master Tong waved his hand, signaling Zhang Xuan to hurry.

“Okay, I’ll go pack. I still have a few things ready from these past days.”

With that, Zhang Xuan headed into the house. Not long after, he emerged once more.

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“Let’s go, Old Master Tong. I’m ready.”

It was now the season of White Dew, and the northern air had begun to cool, especially in the mornings. Regardless of the changing weather, Zhang Xuan kept running on the road, determined to meet his exercise quota through jogging.

Old Master Tong allowed him to run aimlessly and, at some unknown hour, had somehow procured a horse, following Zhang Xuan at an unhurried pace.

When Zhang Xuan grew tired, Old Master Tong would stop, have him practice the basics of spear technique, and let the horse graze.

Zhang Xuan never complained, as he was eager to test his own limits.

At mealtimes, both would forage separately: fish and wild game.

Zhang Xuan often returned empty-handed, but Old Master Tong always came back with something, prompting Zhang Xuan to sigh—this was the advantage of living in this era.

Once back, Old Master Tong left the cooking to Zhang Xuan, who could roast or prepare the catch however he liked. Old Master Tong just waited for the meal.

Thus passed more than a month of wandering.

Zhang Xuan's stamina had markedly improved, and his spear fundamentals were increasingly solid. Though Old Master Tong never said it aloud, he was quite satisfied with Zhang Xuan’s progress.

“Old Master Tong, where are we headed?”

“Bingzhou first. I’ll visit some folks. It’s been ages—I wonder how they are now,” Old Master Tong replied, gazing westward.

“Are we going home? I don’t think I’ve ever heard you talk about your family.”

“Don’t ask what you shouldn’t, kid. What do you know?” Old Master Tong raised his hand as if to smack Zhang Xuan.

Lately, Zhang Xuan had taken his share of beatings from Old Master Tong and instinctively shrank away.

“Fine, I won’t ask. I’m just concerned about you, you know? Why not appreciate a good heart? Oh well, you’ll talk when you’re ready. Here, tonight’s dinner. After I eat, I’ll go for a stroll, then I’ll be back.”

Zhang Xuan hadn’t expected that, on this outing, he might even bring someone else back with him.