Building a Martial Dao Celestial Family by Laying Low

Zhou Shuwei was slightly older than most of the other female disciples at the Martial Arts Academy, so those who knew her well tended to address her like an older sister.

Zhou Shuwei smiled in response. "Little Sister Heng, Little Sister Wenxuan, I’m heading to the general store."

She turned slightly to introduce them to Chen Shouheng. "Shouheng, these two are my neighbors. This is Liu Heng, and this is Cao Wenxuan."

Then, turning to the two girls, she added, "This is Chen Shouheng. He’s... family."

It was not uncommon for women to study martial arts at the academy.

The Court had a long history of appointing Female Officials. In fact, women constituted the majority in various bureaus across the land, such as those for textiles, silver, needlework, and provisions.

As a result, the Martial Arts Academy had a significant number of female disciples, most of whom hailed from Noble Families.

The dormitories were divided into double and single rooms. The single rooms were expensive, so only those from the direct lineage of a Noble Family, or those from exceedingly wealthy backgrounds, would choose one. Zhou Shuwei, for instance, had a room to herself.

In contrast, students like Chen Shouheng—who were either from a branch family or attended on a sponsorship—usually chose to share a double room to save money.

Hearing that his surname was Chen and knowing that Zhou Shuwei was from Liyang County, an idea struck Cao Wenxuan. She asked in a gentle voice, "Chen, you’re a Chen... are you from Jingshan County by any chance?"

Chen Shouheng was a bit surprised, but he nodded politely. "I am."

Cao Wenxuan’s eyes lit up. "Junior Brother Chen, since you’re a Chen and from Mirror Mountain, have you ever heard of a man named Chen Yongxiao?"

Chen Shouheng’s heart skipped a beat, but his expression remained impassive. "Chen Yongxiao is my clan uncle," he said calmly. "Senior Sister Cao, you knew Uncle Yongxiao?"

Upon hearing this, an odd, almost imperceptible expression flickered across Cao Wenxuan’s face. "He... he was an elder in my family. We lost all contact with him many years ago. Chen, do you know where he is now?"

Chen Shouheng instantly understood.

He had, of course, heard the stories about Chen Yongxiao’s past.

’This woman’s surname is Cao, and she’s so concerned about his whereabouts. It’s highly likely she’s Chen Yongxiao’s daughter from the Cao Family.’

’But since she’s not saying it outright, I shouldn’t be the one to point it out.’

A look of perfectly measured regret formed on his face. In a solemn voice, he said, "Uncle Yongxiao... unfortunately passed away many years ago."

"Passed away?"

Cao Wenxuan swayed almost imperceptibly, her face paling slightly. Fortunately, Liu Heng, who was beside her, steadied her in time.

She forced herself to remain calm, but her voice carried a faint, almost unnoticeable tremor. "How did it happen? Please, tell me the details."

Chen Shouheng then briefly recounted how Chen Yongxiao had been ambushed and killed by bandits.

His tone was full of regret, but he only spoke of it as an unfortunate tragedy, making no mention of Bai San or any details related to the Chen Family’s internal conflicts.

Cao Wenxuan stood frozen, silent for a moment. Her eyes seemed to glisten with unshed tears, but she quickly composed herself.

She gave Chen Shouheng a slight nod, her voice soft. "Thank you, Chen, for telling me the truth."

With that, she turned and silently walked away, supported by Liu Heng. Her retreating figure looked desolate in the twilight.

Once the two were a good distance away, Zhou Shuwei’s long-suppressed gossipy heart immediately flared to life. She tugged on Chen Shouheng’s sleeve, peppering him with questions, "What was that? What’s going on? Who is this Chen Yongxiao? And what’s his relationship with Little Sister Cao?"

With a wry smile, Chen Shouheng briefly explained to Zhou Shuwei the parts he could share—how Chen Yongxiao had married into the Cao Family in his youth and later left.

Zhou Shuwei clicked her tongue in amazement as she listened, her eyes shining. "So, you’re telling me the current Patriarch of the Cao Family is actually a woman? Now that’s interesting."

She was clearly fascinated by these old tales from within the Noble Families.

The two of them talked as they walked, and soon they reached the general store. They bought two sturdy earthenware medicine pots, a small brazier, and some charcoal.

Chen Shouheng wrapped up their purchases and was about to leave with Zhou Shuwei when a gentle voice stopped him.

"Are you Chen Shouheng? Chen?"

The speaker was a handsome young man in his early twenties, dressed in a long, brocade-blue robe with a subtle dark pattern.

Chen Shouheng stopped and looked at the man, whom he didn’t recognize. "I am. And you are?"

The young man smiled faintly and offered a cupped-fist salute, his demeanor quite courteous. "My name is Su Yancheng. I happened to overhear you and Little Sister Wenxuan speaking of someone from Mirror Mountain. I apologize for the intrusion."

Chen Shouheng returned the salute. "Ah, Brother Su."

Su Yancheng’s smile remained, his tone still gentle. "I was wondering, would it be convenient for Junior Brother Chen to return to his hometown anytime soon? If you could deliver a letter to the Jingshan County Magistrate’s Office for me, urging them to step up their efforts to catch the murderer of Little Sister Wenxuan’s distant relative, I, Su Yancheng, would be sure to reward you generously."

Chen Shouheng’s expression was unchanged as he replied apologetically, "Brother Su, the Martial Arts Academy has strict rules. We are not allowed to leave without permission except for festivals or official business. You should know that."

The smile didn’t leave Su Yancheng’s face. "Rules are rigid, but people are flexible," he said casually. "Since you’re in Guangye Hall, Chen, you could take on a supply-procurement errand to leave the academy. Delivering a letter along the way would be a simple matter. And I certainly wouldn’t let you go to the trouble for nothing."

Chen Shouheng shook his head again. "Thank you for the kind offer, Brother Su. However, I’ve already taken a post at the Bell Tower. I have my duties, and I can’t neglect them for personal affairs. I hope you’ll understand."

Seeing that Chen Shouheng was unyielding, a flash of malice crossed Su Yancheng’s face. "If that’s the case, I won’t insist. It’s just... the future is a long time, Chen. You’d best not come to regret this."

He gave Chen Shouheng a long, meaningful look before turning and walking away without another word.

Zhou Shuwei, who had been listening from the side, frowned. Once Su Yancheng was gone, she whispered, "Shouheng, I’ve seen that man a few times. He’s from the Su Family. I hear he’s been cultivating at the Martial Arts Academy for three years and has already reached the Profound Acupoint Pass. He knows a lot of people here, too. And...

...he’s been pestering Little Sister Wenxuan for over a year. He may seem polite, but he’s a deep schemer. You need to be careful. He’s not likely to just let this go."

"Thank you for the warning, Miss Shuwei. I’ll be on my guard."

Chen Shouheng nodded. The man’s veiled threats were indeed more alarming than an open one would have been.

Seeing that he had taken her words to heart, Zhou Shuwei said no more and took her leave.

Chen Shouheng returned to his room and shut the door.

He opened the food box Zhou Shuwei had given him. Inside were two neatly arranged portions of medicinal herbs, their fragrant aroma filling the air.

After carefully inspecting the herbs to confirm they were correct, he took out the new earthenware pot and small brazier and started a fire to decoct the Eight Treasures Spirit Nourishing Soup.

He carefully controlled the heat with his Inner Qi until the liquid in the pot grew thick and mellow, its color deepening. Only then did he carefully extinguish the fire.

Once the decoction had cooled slightly, he retrieved another clean earthenware pot and carefully poured the finished soup into it, securing the lid.

Carrying the still-warm pot, he left his small courtyard and went to Zhou Shuwei’s room.

Zhou Shuwei opened the door to find him there, a pot of soup in his hand. A flash of surprise crossed her bright eyes. "What’s this?"

"The medicine is ready. You should drink it while it’s hot for the best effect."

Chen Shouheng handed her the pot.

"This... is for me?"

Zhou Shuwei was taken aback for a moment, but then a warmth spread through her heart. ’So the little rascal isn’t a complete blockhead after all,’ she thought. ’He actually thought of me.’

She took the pot, only to hear Chen Shouheng say, "I took three of your Jade Marrow Opening Pills yesterday. Consider this soup repayment."

The warmth that had just bloomed inside Zhou Shuwei instantly vanished by half. She huffed indignantly, "Who asked you to repay me!"

Despite her words, she carried the earthenware pot back into her room, found a bowl, and poured out the dark brown liquid. After blowing on it to cool it slightly, she tilted her head back and drank it all.

As the liquid entered her stomach, it quickly transformed into a powerful yet gentle warm current that spread through her entire body.

Zhou Shuwei didn’t dare waste a moment. She immediately sat down cross-legged and began guiding the medicinal energy to assault her Profound Acupoints.

Time passed slowly. The aura around Zhou Shuwei’s body fluctuated, and fine beads of sweat formed on her forehead.

After about the time it takes an incense stick to burn, she slowly opened her eyes, which were filled with incredible, joyous disbelief. "I... I actually opened five blocked Acupoints in one go!"

She looked up at Chen Shouheng, her voice laced with awe and curiosity. "Shouheng, what exactly is this Medicinal Cuisine? Where did you get the recipe?"

Chen Shouheng didn’t reveal the medicine’s origin, saying only, "I hope you can keep this a secret for me, Miss Shuwei."

Seeing he didn’t want to say more, she didn’t press him. She nodded with a smile. "Don’t worry. I know how to be discreet. My lips are sealed."

She paused, a hopeful look in her eyes, and asked, "This Medicinal Cuisine... can I take it again?"

Chen Shouheng nodded. "This batch of herbs can be brewed two more times. But the medicinal effect will diminish each time. It will probably only help you open another two or three Profound Acupoints."

Even so, Zhou Shuwei gasped.

She wasn’t sure about the success rate for creating Jade Marrow Opening Pills or how many one could get in a single batch.

But this single batch of Chen Shouheng’s Medicinal Cuisine, including the cost of the herbs, was about seven hundred taels of silver.

Comparing price to effect, it was undoubtedly far superior to the Jade Marrow Opening Pill. The value of this recipe was simply immeasurable!

She immediately asked, testing the waters, "Shouheng, in that case... could I ask you to brew a few more batches for me, to help me reach the Profound Acupoint Pass? I’ll get the herbs myself. And... I can pay you separately for your trouble. I can’t have you do all that work for free."

Chen Shouheng glanced at her and nodded. "Alright. But there’s no need for payment."

Zhou Shuwei was overjoyed. "Then thank you so much!" she said with a beaming smile.

It was late and quiet by the time he returned to his own room.

Pushing open the door, he saw Song Zilian still poring over his studies by lamplight. A thick notebook lay open before him, his brow deeply furrowed.

Seeing Chen Shouheng return, Song Zilian looked up and rubbed his tired eyes. "Brother Shouheng, you’re back late. Where have you been?" he asked casually.

Not wanting to discuss the medicinal soup, Chen Shouheng answered vaguely, "I went to the Scripture Pavilion and borrowed a copy of the *Essentials of the Dragon Suppressing Palm*."

As he spoke, he placed the thin booklet on the table. Looking at Song Zilian, he offered out of a sense of camaraderie, "Brother Zilian, would you like to take a look?"

The academy didn’t forbid classmates from studying borrowed Martial Arts manuals together.

However, since Martial Arts were such a personal matter...

...almost no one ever shared what they borrowed.

Song Zilian smiled and shook his head, politely declining. "Thank you for the kind offer. I cultivate the Three Hearts Moon Reflection Technique, which is of the Daoist School. Its principles are completely different from this Buddhist Sect martial art. It’s best you study it on your own."

Chen Shouheng nodded. After washing up briefly, he lay down on his bed.

After reaching the Spirit Realm, a Martial Artist could indeed go for long periods without sleep, but doing so would severely drain one’s mind and affect their Spiritual Sense.

However, Chen Shouheng didn’t fall asleep right away.

Instead, by the light of the lamp on Song Zilian’s desk, he opened his copy of the *Essentials of the Dragon Suppressing Palm* and began to read it carefully.

He wasn’t sure how long he’d been reading when fatigue finally washed over him. The book slipped from his grasp, and still in a reading position, he fell fast asleep.

The only sounds left in the dormitory were the occasional CRACKLE of the oil lamp and the rustle of Song Zilian turning a page from time to time.