Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies

Shen Qing knew that if he sought advice from Li Linfeng, he couldn't avoid this issue.

He had killed three members of the Zhou Family in one go, creating such a big incident that it could easily lead to suspicion.

If a hint of this got out from Li Linfeng, and they came looking for him, he wouldn't be able to withstand their assault.

One must not harbor ill intentions, yet one cannot be without a guard against others.

It was absolutely imperative not to reveal that the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Skill came from the Zhou Family.

Shen Qing began crafting his explanation internally.

Having lived two lives, he was very clear that lying was the worst choice at this time.

One lie often required countless other lies to cover it up.

This was especially true in front of someone of higher social standing than oneself, where lying was even more difficult.

Because you have no idea at which level the other's knowledge lies.

Perhaps even an unremarkable detail might be a flaw that allows the other to see through your petty schemes, thereby incurring losses unseen by you.

Therefore, in front of such people, sincerity is the trump card; there's no need for cover-ups, just speak the true thoughts in your heart.

Of course, if you encounter people who are very jealous and suspicious, you can't be so direct.

After observing for these past days, he concluded that his hall master uncle was not a narrow-minded person, nor did one who likes to probe too deeply into matters.

Having made up his mind, Shen Qing clasped his hands together, bowed, and said, "Master, there are some complexities here... it's not quite convenient to disclose..."

As he had expected, Li Linfeng indeed did not pursue the matter further.

In Li Linfeng's perspective, the cultivation technique was probably acquired by Shen Qing through "murder and plunder", with somewhat dubious origins.

However, in Taiping County, people fought over cultivation techniques every day, so Shen Qing's situation was fairly normal.

Rather than that, Li Linfeng found it more curious that Shen Qing could copy an entire cultivation technique from memory.

Li Linfeng averted his gaze, lightly "hmm" and said, "Your writing is a bit ugly."

Shen Qing looked surprised, embarrassed, he said, "My family was poor when I was young, it is embarrassing in front of Master."

In his previous life, he had used pens, not often practicing with brush, and if it weren't for learning the skill of reading and writing from the panel, he probably wouldn't have been able to write these characters.

"Practice more when you have free time." Li Linfeng closed the book and looked at Shen Qing with a half-smile, asking, "What do you want to ask me by showing me this cultivation technique?"

Shen Qing sighed with relief, knowing he had managed to skirt around the issue of the origin of the cultivation technique, and said respectfully, "Master, I mainly want to know if this set of martial arts skills is genuine or not, whether it can be cultivated, and the quality of the technique?"

Li Linfeng pondered for a while, "I have carefully examined it, and this set of martial arts establishes a foundation from nourishing and training Qi and Blood all the way to Qi Cultivation into sea. The reasoning is sound throughout, so it should be a genuine set of martial arts, and the quality is not low either."

|em|p,yr

"It is obviously much more refined than the cultivation techniques concocted by our rough methods, and many parts are easy to understand. As to whether it can be practiced, I'm not certain. The martial arts you've copied are somewhat incomplete; there should be corresponding diagrams of techniques and training methods included."

Hearing this, Shen Qing finally relaxed; the cultivation technique given to him by the Zhou Family had no problems, and he could try practicing it.

As for the diagrams of techniques mentioned by Li Linfeng, the original did have them.

It was just that he couldn't draw them, which was why he hadn't copied them.

A flash of joy crossed Shen Qing's face as he said gratefully, "Thank you, Master, for your guidance."

"It's nothing to thank me for." Li Linfeng said frankly, "This cultivation technique is far superior to my Wind Defying Finger; if you have the complete technique, you indeed should practice it. However, there's an old saying that one should not be greedy when learning martial arts. A person's energy is limited; if you study this martial art more, you will definitely have to study less of the others. I'm not familiar with this technique, so there's not much I can teach you, you need to make your own choices."

"Disciple understands. Having become your direct disciple, I will naturally focus on learning the Wind Defying Finger and not be fickle," Shen Qing bowed his head and said.

Seeing Shen Qing recognizing his own martial arts, Li Linfeng's face showed an increase in satisfaction.

But, thinking it over, he still said sternly, "A good bird chooses a tree to nest in, and people seek places of suitable environments. If I were you, upon finding more complete and advanced martial arts, I would not hesitate to learn them. Has your eldest senior brother told you why we practice martial arts?"

Shen Qing recalled and said, "He has."

"What did he say?"

"We practice martial arts to become stronger and to defeat others," Shen Qing replied without hesitation.

"Right. The philosophy of practicing martial arts here is nothing but to become stronger, stronger, and constantly stronger! To become stronger, you can't be obstinate. To confine oneself in a small puddle is an act of a fool."

Li Linfeng spoke sincerely, "I am the Hall Master of Linfeng Hall, and some things I say may be inappropriate, so use your discretion. No matter what, you are my direct disciple, and I will help if I can. But if it's beyond my ability, there is nothing I can do."

Shen Qing was genuinely surprised by Li Linfeng's open-mindedness.

He was no fool; naturally, he heard the implication in Li Linfeng's words, and it vaguely seemed as if there was encouragement for him to study the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Skill.

His face expressionless, he looked at Li Linfeng, unsure of how to respond.

Li Linfeng stood up and tossed the copied Nine Revolutions Mysterious Skill to Shen Qing, saying, "Don't leave after a while at noon; stay here for lunch."

Owing to his aunt Shen Xiu, he often stayed here for meals after becoming a direct disciple, so Shen Qing didn't think much of it and agreed right away.

Stepping out of the study, Shen Qing found his mood growing somewhat complex for some unknown reason.

After half an hour, it was time for the Li family's noon meal.

In the private chambers of the back courtyard, the maid Dongxue approached Li Lingchan's chamber and knocked on the door, saying, "Miss, the master calls for you to join him for the meal."

Li Lingchan, having just finished her training, was surprised.

Usually, aside from some special occasions, only the mistresses and father dined together; those of the younger generation didn't have the privilege to sit at the table.

Today was just an ordinary day, neither a major holiday nor anyone's birthday, so why would father ask her to dine together?

Without much thought, Li Lingchan replied, "I'll be right there."

Dongxue continued, "The master also said, Miss, you shouldn't wear your training attire anymore."

"Hmm?" Li Lingchan expressed her surprise, "Did some important guest come to our house?"

"No," Dongxue shook her head.

Li Lingchan's brows knit slightly as she said, "Okay, I understand."

Having delivered the message, Dongxue executed a respectful curtsy and withdrew.

The noon sun cast slanted rays over the gray tiles and green bricks of the Li family's back courtyard, seemingly coating the tiles with a layer of pale gold.

The Li family's main hall was located in the middle of the back courtyard, radiating an air of simple elegance.

The interior of the hall was adorned with antiques, fine porcelain, jade, paintings, and other works of art, all neatly arranged.

At this moment in the center of the main hall, a large rosewood table was laid with an assortment of delicious dishes and fine wine, wafting tempting aromas.

The first to enter was Shen Xiu.

After days of recuperation, her complexion had become much rosier, and today she had especially dressed up, looking radiant and beautiful.

Shen Xiu, with the help of the maid Dongxue, quietly took her seat.

"Dongxue, check if my makeup is smeared," she said.

Dongxue inspected carefully and said, "Miss Qi, it's perfect."

"Lingchan has somewhat of a proud nature; I must behave well and not upset her," Shen Xiu spoke with some anxiety.

"That won't happen. Miss Four isn't someone who gets upset so easily. Besides, Miss Qi, you're so beautiful, everyone in the courtyard likes you," Dongxue reassured her.

Shen Xiu couldn't help but cover her mouth and giggle, cheerfully.

While they were talking and laughing, Shen Qing stepped over the threshold and walked in.