«Enough about me—what about you, big brother?»

Having finished sharing her story, Huang Rong turned to ask about Xuan Yuan  ’s situation.

«Me…» Xuan Yuan  ’s gaze gradually grew distant and thoughtful. He turned his head to look at the river flowing beside them.»I come from somewhere quite far away.»

«Jingxi-Nanlu is quite far,» Huang Rong muttered to herself.»Big brother, is your home in a place called Zishan?»

Xuan Yuan gave a slight nod.»You could say that.»

It was just that the place he called»home» hadn’t even been built yet, and who knew when he’d be able to return.

Still, since he had come to this world, he figured he ought to learn a few things while he was here.

After Nuwa had strengthened his body, Xuan Yuan  ’s memory had become astonishingly sharp. Memories that had once been murky were now crystal clear.

Based on his recollections, since Huang Rong had already appeared near Zhangjiakou, it was clear that Guo Jing had already left the desert and entered the Central Plains.

At this point in time, then—where would be the easiest place to obtain a martial arts manual?

Beneath Mount Zhongnan, inside the Tomb of the Living Dead, there was a portion of the Nine Yin Manual. But Xuan Yuan knew nothing about that place—going in blind, he might not even find what he was looking for.

On Peach Blossom Island, the Old Mischief (Zhou Botong) had a copy of the Nine Yin Manual as well. But that island was also home to Huang Yaoshi. Pass. If he wanted to go there, he’d better build a good relationship with Huang Rong first.

Wandering aimlessly with Huang Rong like a blind cat hoping to stumble upon a dead mouse, hoping to randomly run into Hong Qigong—that was pure luck-of-the-draw. Who knew if they’d actually meet him? And even if they did, would he be willing to teach?

After weighing his options, oddly enough, the best destination turned out to be Shaolin Temple?

At this time, the Lankavatara Sutra, which secretly contained the Nine Yang Manual, should still be housed at Shaolin—treated by the monks as a plain, ordinary Buddhist scripture.

But that raised a problem—even if someone placed the Nine Yang Manual right in front of Xuan Yuan now, he still wouldn’t be able to learn it.

Martial arts manuals required foundational knowledge and a master’s guidance. The idea that a modern transmigrator could learn peerless martial arts just by flipping through a few pages? Total nonsense.

Let alone the fact that Xuan Yuan didn’t even understand the basics of acupoints or meridians—he could memorize the Nine Yang Manual backwards and still not be able to practice it.

Thinking this, Xuan Yuan couldn’t help but glance at Huang Rong.

Wasn’t there a little»master» right here before him?

«Little brother, where do you plan to go next?» Xuan Yuan asked.

«No idea,» Huang Rong shook her head.»Just going wherever the road takes me. What about you, big brother?»

«As for me, I might need to pay Shaolin a visit.»

«Shaolin?» Huang Rong’s big, jet-black eyes widened.»Big brother, do you believe in Buddha?»

«No,» Xuan Yuan shook his head.»There are just a few reasons I want to go and copy some scriptures.»

Huang Rong understood at once. Visiting Shaolin to transcribe scriptures was perfectly normal—plenty of people were doing that in these times.

Xuan Yuan hadn’t told the full truth, but he hadn’t lied either.

He then took a few silver ingots from the storage ring on his finger and handed them to Huang Rong.»I can’t just eat your rabbit for free. Consider this payment. We’re just passing strangers; if fate wills it, we’ll meet again. Take care of yourself, little brother.»

After saying that, Xuan Yuan turned and walked a few steps away—only to awkwardly return a moment later as Huang Rong stood there in a daze.

«Little brother, could you point me in the direction of Shaolin?»

Huang Rong burst into laughter on the spot—clear and crisp like a string of silver bells. It was so joyful and natural that she completely forgot she was supposed to be playing the role of a dirty little beggar.

She chirped,»Then I want payment!»

«Of course, I’ve got plenty of silver left,» Xuan Yuan said, pulling out a handful of silver beans.

Huang Rong cheerfully accepted the silver, her bright black eyes sparkling mischievously.»Big brother, from here to Shaolin is really far. Are you sure you can manage the journey all by yourself?»

She had originally planned to continue wandering toward Zhangjiakou, and eventually run into Guo Jing. But now, having met Xuan Yuan halfway, her curiosity about this handsome and refined big brother gave her a sudden sense of purpose.

Xuan Yuan heard the tone behind her words and smiled knowingly.»Little brother, thinking of tagging along?»

«Would big brother allow it?»

«Why wouldn’t I?»

Seeing Xuan Yuan already turning and walking away, Huang Rong instinctively glanced once more in the direction of Zhangjiakou. Then, she broke into a sweet, blooming smile and skipped after him.

«Big brother! Wait for me!»

                                              — Scene Divider —

Zhangjiakou was located deep in the northern region—even farther north than the Jin Empire’s Central Capital, practically on the border between the Jin and Mongol territories.

The journey from there to Shaolin was no short distance. In this era, even so-called»official roads” were no more than slightly wider, somewhat smoother dirt paths. Add to that the years of war between Song and Jin, and the people were living in poverty and hardship. Traveling south wasn’t exactly safe or easy.

Along the route south, the first city they passed through, Huang Rong suggested they buy two horses to make the journey easier. But what happened next turned into an awkward little scene—

Xuan Yuan couldn’t ride a horse.

Huang Rong found this absolutely hilarious. In her heart, it confirmed her guess that Xuan Yuan was some kind of pampered noble son who rarely ventured outside.

Left with no better option, the two of them bought only one horse. Huang Rong sat in front, and Xuan Yuan rode behind—two people on one mount.

For reasons she couldn’t quite explain, Huang Rong didn’t change into clean clothes. She kept her filthy little beggar’s outfit.

Seeing that Xuan Yuan didn’t mind riding together with her like this, the young girl—setting out from home for the first time—was quietly moved.

On the road south, the two of them chatted about everything under the sun. At first, it was mostly Huang Rong talking, sharing her experiences. But before long, it flipped—Xuan Yuan spoke, and Huang Rong listened.

And the more they talked, the more amazed Huang Rong became at Xuan Yuan  ’s breadth of knowledge. No matter what topic she brought up, he could follow along and even offer insights that left her stunned again and again.

Of course, martial arts were the one exception… But since it was clear he didn’t know any, she didn’t bring it up.

Having studied under Huang Yaoshi since childhood, she prided herself on knowing almost everything. Yet now, for the first time, she found herself intellectually impressed by someone who wasn’t her father.

In addition to that, Xuan Yuan  ’s learning ability shocked her. He hadn’t known how to ride a horse at all, but after spending just half a day riding with her, he was already showing signs of grasping the basics.

But now, even if she were to suggest buying him his own horse, she didn’t want to anymore.

After several days of travel, they finally encountered a day when they couldn’t reach any town or lodging, and had to spend the night in the wild.

«Little brother, you sleep first. I’ll keep watch.»

Hearing Xuan Yuan say that, Huang Rong felt deeply moved. She tried to insist,»Big brother, how about I take the watch instead?»

Big brother didn’t know martial arts—how could he possibly stand guard?

«It’s fine. You look small and frail, and I’m sturdier than you. I’ll take the first watch. If it gets too late, I’ll wake you to take over.»

Seeing that Xuan Yuan was resolute, Huang Rong had no choice but to grumble softly and lie down facing him.

Resting her hand under her head, the little beggar-looking girl stared through the firelight, eyes fixed on Xuan Yuan  , listening to the crackling of burning wood. She didn’t blink once.

In her heart, she made a quiet decision—

She would pretend to fall asleep.

Gradually, Huang Rong closed her eyes.