Chapter 137: Beneath the Stone, the Fist
I staggered back, hands on my knees, gasping for breath. My whole body ached, muscles screaming in protest after the brutal session Elder Ming had just put me through. Punishment for being late, of course. I wiped the sweat from my brow, trying to ignore the burning in my legs. Every step felt like I was walking on hot coals. It hadn’t helped that Lan-Yin and Wang Jun kept up a steady stream of snickers the entire time, making sure to remind me about my so-called "self-cultivation."
I’d ignored them, or at least, I pretended to. It was hard enough staying focused with my muscles strained to their limits, let alone with everyone joking about what they thought I was doing last night. But I couldn’t let it bother me—not now.
Because, despite everything, my thoughts kept drifting back to Tianyi.
The thought gnawed at me. She couldn’t stay hidden forever, especially not in a village as close-knit as this one. But perhaps… maybe I wouldn’t need to hide her completely. I mulled over the idea, straightening up as it took shape in my mind. If I kept her presence low-key, only telling those I trusted—Wang Jun, Lan-Yin, and a few others who frequented my shop—then maybe we could manage without raising too many questions. She didn’t need to be seen by everyone, after all.
I had just opened my mouth to mention the idea to the others when a small voice cut through the small courtyard.
"Elder Ming!"
I turned just in time to see Xiao Bao, one of the village kids, sprinting across the courtyard toward us, his face flushed from the effort. His wide eyes flicked between us before settling on Elder Ming, who was calmly wiping down the training posts.
"There’s someone asking for you. They said it’s important!"
Elder Ming's expression shifted, his brows furrowing as he exchanged a glance with me.