章 14: Shield and Sword

It was already early dawn when there was movement outside of the courtyard. Song Jia was still sleeping on the couch of her living room inside the Spirit Artifact.

"Jia! Jia! Wake up!" Little Crystal shook her awake.

Song Jia woke up immediately. "What is it?" She yawned and stretched her limbs.

"There's movement outside."

"Alright. Thanks for waking me up. I'll head out now.." With a thought, she disappeared and appeared on her bed in her own courtyard.

The door opened and Lu Ping entered.

"Miss? Are you awake? Second Master told me to wake you up early, so I came. I brought some light breakfast."

Song Jia got up from the bed and walked towards the table and proceeded to eat.

"Are we the only ones up?"

"Some of the servants are already up. But the Madam and Second Miss are still resting."

"I see, then we should hurry up then before they notice us. Did you bring extra clothes?"

"I got it here, Miss. I'll go pack some of yours, while you have your breakfast."

"Did you eat already?"

"Ah! Yes, miss! Don't worry about me! I also packed up some snacks and prepared meal ingredients so I can cook for you later on."

"Alright.. Thanks.." She smiled at her maidservant. 'She's so capable.'

After she ate her breakfast, she washed up and changed into new clothes, disguising herself as Shi Jin once again.

They quickly made their way to the Book Pavilion where her uncle Song Huo was waiting for her outside.

"Senior brother.." Song Jia greeted, cupping her hands and giving a bow. She couldn't risk having someone hear them so she spoke as if she really was Shi Jin even if they can't see anybody around.

"Good. You're here." Song Huo felt awkward being called Senior brother instead of Uncle but still played along. He unlocked the door and had them enter before locking it behind him.

Lu Ping couldn't help but look around, amazed at the quantity of books inside. She followed them until they reached the very back and she saw the Second Master do something with the painting. A moment later, the floor revealed a door and stairway going underground.

"Let's go." Song Huo lit the lamps on the walls inside and led them both in.

Lu Ping followed quietly behind Song Jia, memorizing the way so as not to get lost later on.

"This will be your quarters." Song Huo showed Lu Ping where she would sleep. "Go ahead and place your belongings. We will go to her room next."

Lu Ping quickly opened the door to the room and found a simple bed, a dresser, table and two chairs. She quickly placed her rucksack with her clothes and necessities inside on the table. Then she went to follow them.

Upon reaching Song Jia's room, she also went in and placed her mistress's belongings on the table.

"We'll head to the small arena now." Song Huo led him to a pathway.

'Arena' Both girls were surprised to know that there was even an arena inside.

Song Jia thought that it would just be like a little workout gym.

Song Huo pushed the door open and revealed to them a stage in the middle of a big room.

"This will be where you will learn martial arts and spirit skills."

"Amazing.. To have this under the book pavilion, huh.. This is really something.. Ah! By the way, uncle.. Lu Ping wants to learn how to cultivate, can you teach her as well?"

Song Huo turned to Lu Ping. "You want to learn?"

Lu Ping fell to her knees and kowtowed to Song Huo. "Second Master, forgive me for being presumptuous but I really need to learn to cultivate and to practice martial arts. I could protect Miss Jia better with this! I would not let any harm come to her in the future! Please! Second Master, I want to be her shield! And her sword if need be! I beg you to teach me!" Tears were welling up in her eyes.

Although Song Jia was worried for Lu Ping's head, this would help her uncle make a decision.

"That's enough. Go, fix that wound. I will teach you the basics. But don't lax on your tasks to take care of your mistress's needs."

"Yes! Yes, Second Master! Of course! Thank you!!" Lu Ping bowed again so many times, her eyes were shining brightly, a huge smile on her face was present.

"Ping! Stop hurting your head or you're going to turn dumb!" Song Jia reprimanded her so she would stop bashing her head on the floor.

"Yes, Miss!" Lu Ping finally got up.

"Before that, let me test if you have a spirit root." Song Huo waved his hand and a crystal ball appeared. "Place your hand here and try to inject spiritual energy. Feel the energy all around you and let it flow inside every part of you. Focus your mind, direct your energy to your palm."

Lu Ping walked towards the crystal ball, placed her palm against it and closed her eyes. A moment later, a faint green could be seen. The sight didn't change after a while so Song Huo instructed her to withdraw it.

"Good. You have the Wood attribute." Song Huo nodded, seeing that it would be a good idea if someone nearby could protect his niece.

Song Huo waved his hand and a book appeared. He handed it to Lu Ping. "Read this first. This is about the basics of cultivation. Go find a place to study that and practice it."

Song Jia was pleased to know that Lu Ping would be able to cultivate. She gave her a thumbs up. Lu Ping blushed red, leaving the two of them by themselves as she looked for a corner to study at.

"Jia'er, come. Before you were heavily injured, they said that you couldn't cultivate that's why you failed the test. Show me. Your grandpa and I remember that you were already able to cultivate when you were still small."

"About this, uncle, I suspect that I was given small doses of poison for a while now. And probably was given more when it was time for the test. I remember still being able to feel spiritual energy that morning before the test."

"This! Do you remember anyone suspicious?"

"For this, it's not so hard to guess. It should be the same people who ordered the ambush. I'm still young, it's impossible for me to have enemies everywhere. Most probably the culprit is nearby."

Song Huo furrowed his eyebrows. 'It looks like the Clan needs a cleanse. With the Second Wife's ability, she won't be able to scheme just by herself alone.'

"Uncle, I think, after the injuries, the poison has dissipated a little. So I'm able to cultivate now." She could only put it this way. Did she dare to speak the truth and tell them about her past life's soul merging with this one? Would they even believe her? It's not like this is a normal occurrence.

"Really? Then, can you do the test?"

"Sure.." She placed her palm against the crystal ball and closed her eyes.

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