“Y-Young Master! May I head inside?” Mei Lian asked from beyond the door. She sounded a little more hesitant, but Liu Changfeng didn’t mind.


    “Please.” Liu Changfeng sat cross-legged on the ground, his back straight as a spear, eyes shut in deep focus. If one was somehow able to see the invisible, then they would see faint trickles of Primeval Essence swirling around him like mist, faintly pulsing in time with his breath. His presence, even in meditation, was imposing—like a dormant beast waiting to awaken.


    The wooden door creaked open, and Mei Lian hesitated on the threshold. Liu Changfeng inhaled the scent of warm herbs and lotus drifting from the steaming basin in her hands. The faint slosh of water filled the room as she knelt beside him, placing the basin carefully on a lacquered stand.


    “Ah, is it already time?” He muttered, scratching his head.


    “Let me help you, Young Master.” Her voice was soft, dipping into something almost coaxing, though not yet bold enough to cross propriety. She wrung a damp cloth between delicate fingers, watching him through the veil of her lashes.


    “Mn,” He grunted in assent, shifting just enough to grant her access. He felt the press of warm cloth against his skin, the slow, measured strokes tracing the muscles of his back. Mei Lian’s hands were practiced and careful, yet her fingers lingered just a fraction too long.


    This one’s old heart isn’t moved so easily, girl. Liu Changfeng frowned.


    "You must be exhausted, Young Master, were you cultivating?" She murmured.


    “I was. This Young Master has been dawdling for long enough. I must follow my elder brothers’ lead. Especially with my father redeployed to the border in the coming days.”


    Her fingers stilled for half a beat before continuing. “That’s admirable,” she said, squeezing out the cloth before dipping it into the basin again. “But even a person like Young Master should allow himself some ease.”


    “Ho?” Liu Changfeng raised an eyebrow.


    “I can’t, even as the third son. Especially if what my eldest brother has been misbehaving like father told me. There may be a time I must step up as the Liu Clan’s heir together with my second brother.” He huffed a deliberate note of concern in his voice.


    Mei Lian glanced up, her hand stopped moving. “How so?”


    Liu Changfeng’s eyes narrowed. “It was from my father... He was stressing over something that had been troubling him for days. Ha! To think my eldest would fall for the Zhunlong Clan’s heiress!”


    “Liu Fu…really? I didn’t think he was such a—ah, sorry I didn’t mean to misspeak, Young Master.” She continued to clean.


    “Don’t be. I share the same thoughts. Perhaps his time at the border with my father has dulled his morals.”


    Mei Lian’s expression softened with concern. “I see...that is troubling.”


    Liu Changfeng gently pushed her arm away from his chest before he laughed coldly. “It is for the clan, but not for me. With my eldest brother’s mind astray, I only have to deal with my second brother if I want to vy for the position of next clan head.” His lips curled slightly, though his eyes remained cold.


    “Say, Mei Lian, can you buy me the rest of Alchemist Lu’s stock of Minor Bone-Tempering pills?” He shifted subjects. “Sorry if it’s too late—”


    “No! It’s fine. I can head out at this time. I don’t have much else to do tonight other than a little bit of laundry.” Mei Lian stammered with a smile.


    “Good…and thank you.” Liu Changfeng nodded, watching her carefully as she rose. “Take your time,” he added smoothly. “I don’t need them until tomorrow morning.”


    As Mei Lian closed the door behind her, Liu Changfeng’s face turned cold. Little girl, hardships strengthen resolve, only the weak-willed will be lured by worldly affairs—-I know this best. I don’t need to tail you when I already know where your loyalty lies from my previous life.


    He went to sleep that night with a bitter laugh. To think such a laughable girl fooled him before—all it took was her batting her lashes and whispering honeyed words!


    But the only thing he could truly mock at was his own naivety.


    —-


    —CLANG!!!!


    “It’s hard to—”


    —CLANG! CLANG!!


    “...Believe this is your second time holding a sword, Young master.” Han Zhen said as he blocked a flurry of attacks.


    Liu Changfeng’s technique was immaculate, and even now he was far from revealing the true extent of his skill, but many of his Sword Techniques required a higher level of cultivation. He was using basics yet he has reached unfathomable levels of fluidity.


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    It baffled both Han Zhen and Jiang Yun, let alone the other guards.


    “The blood of generals…”


    “Ha! Even the Third Young Master has his talents.”


    “Fuck, is he already better than me?”


    “Does the General know of this?”


    The seconds seemed to be extended as he moved in a whirlwind of swordsmanship. His muscles screamed. Sweat flowed down freely, soaking his heavy armor. It was unknown just how much time he spent in a sparring trance, but soon he felt the existence of his current limitations. Liu Changfeng pushed onward. His whole body stopped responding to his commands. Pain flooded his system. He kept going, forcefully keeping up his speed and force with nothing but his willpower. Then, as suddenly as he had started, he stopped.


    Liu Changfeng disengaged and frowned at the battered steel sword.


    Han Zhen noticed. “Would you like to visit the finest swordsmiths of Chang’an? I heard from some of my friends in the city guard that there''s been some commotion in the smithing market.”


    “Really? Besides, this…body isn’t fully grown. Too fine a sword wouldn’t do any good. “ He muttered.


    Honestly, Liu Changfeng wasn’t really displeased with the sword. What he really was vexed by was his young body. It was much shorter, skinnier, and weaker. It’s just too great of a difference to accustom himself to in a mere two days.


    His reach was off. His meridians were practically clogged so his already measly amounts of Primeval Essence can’t move as he’d wish despite his skill. Even so, his footwork and swordsmanship were put together in a mesmerizing display enough to strike awe in these guards.


    Scattered Leaves Sword Art. A simplistic Sword Technique designed for someone like him right now—at a mere 1st Star of Primeval Refining.


    It was only after witnessing the brutality of countless wars, after seeing soldiers cut down in droves by superior cultivators, that he and the great generals sought to create a sword style that could bridge the gap. A technique that prioritized adaptability and survival over elegance. Vicious arcs flowed into stabs, blocks, and parries—practitioners never stopped moving, such was the principle of Scattered Leaves.  It was a foundational style made for soldiers, one meant to be taught en masse, to be passed down through the ranks of the dynasty’s army.


    At that time, he was already a Grand Marshal, wielding a far superior sword art, one befitting his station and cultivation. But now? Now, in this weaker body, in this younger life…


    Our work together was glorious, in the last life and this life. Do not worry, brothers. I will spread our Sword Technique decades before its creation in this life. He smiled softly.


    “Anywhere in particular you wish to see, Young Master?” Jiang Yun asked, bringing him out of his nostalgia.


    “Hmm…let’s go to the market square in the western district. I’d like to see what goods the Youzhou Family is selling.” Liu Changfeng said from the carriage.


    “...West? Also, the Youzhou Family? Uhhh, where is that?” Jiang Yun hesitantly asked from the front.


    Liu Changfeng smiled and poked his head through. “Yep. I don’t want to go the higher-end smitheries. Ah–take a left here and follow this road until you see an old rice wine distillery.”


    “A-as you wish, Young Master.” Jiang Yun said after Liu Changfeng directed exactly where. Jiang Yun was asking himself how the Young Master knew the directions if he hadn’t been at the Youzhou shop yet.


    Sorry I lied, Jiang Yun, Han Zhen, but this place will have the best view of the Three Springs Pavilion where Father and Zhenlong Tao will privately meet. It’s also far enough my father won’t notice the carriage. Liu Changfeng’s mind wandered.


    He kicked his feet up and groaned—a habit from his old age that made Han Zhen double-take.


    After hearing the news from Mei Lian, there were two options Zhenlong Tao would likely do considering his personality.


    One, he’d welcome the engagement. It would join two powerful clans, and he’d likely use my eldest brother to swing the rest of our clan to fall under King Shou of the royal court. From here, there was absolutely no chance he’d continue his scheme to frame Liu Dong Tu of treason once they deployed to the border. Why weaken your future allies? The Liu Clan would eventually fall into the eldest son, Liu Fu’s capable hands.


    Two, he’d not speak of the matter at all. Let nature run its course. That too was Zhulong Tao’s style—the best plans require the lightest touches. If the ‘love’ between his daughter and Liu Fu blossomed on itself, he’d let it happen.


    It doesn’t matter which of the two Zhulong Tao chooses. Both decisions would buy Liu Changfeng time and prevent the eventual death of his father. Ah, and of course Liu Changfeng lied to Mei Lian—his eldest brother would never even look at the woman’s way, let alone desire her enough to bridge the two rival clans.


    “Young Master…is this the place?” Jiang Yun hesitantly asked, stopping the carriage.


    “It is.” Liu Changfeng smiled. He stepped out from the carriage and his eyes glossed the Three Springs Pavilion.


    Jiang Yun and Han Zhen escorted him side the smithery. At the front were rows of their work. Swords, spears, and armor sets, all were luxurious and well-made, even to Liu Changfeng’s experienced eye.


    “Ah, sirs! I-if I’m not mistaken…that crest on your robe—is it the Liu Clan of generals?” A young boy rushed out from behind the rows of armor. A pair of smithing gloves too large for his hands threatened to fall as he ran. Soot and sweat covered his face.


    Youzhou Wei…you’re so young! Liu Changfeng wore an honest smile.


    “Indeed. The Third Young Master is interested in your goods. We’ll just be looking—” Han Zhen replied.


    “Wei-er! Hurry and get back here once you’re done!” A man yelled from the back.


    “Un! Uh, this one is called Youzhou Wei, please call me if you need me, I’ll be in the back!” Youzhou Wei said before running back from where he came from.


    Always busy, rascal…I’ll see you another time when I’m not busy. Liu Changfeng spotted the distant escort of his father outside the window.


    “Let me know if you two desire any new equipment as well.”