Chapter Seventy-Five

After Zhou Yu and Liu Long stopped sparring, Zhou Yu turned to Nian Yu and said, “Did you see that, my dear? There aren’t any fixed moves—it all comes from instinct.”

Nian Yu replied, “I think I understand a little, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to use it as well as you two do.”

“That’s all right,” Zhou Yu said. “Just keep practicing and you’ll get there. Also, from now on, you should use this spear. The other one doesn’t suit you.”

As he spoke, Zhou Yu handed the long spear in his hand to Nian Yu.

She weighed it thoughtfully and asked, “This one feels a bit light. Are you sure it’ll do?”

“I’m not sure what kind of wood it’s made from, but it’s especially sturdy,” Zhou Yu replied.

Nian Yu then asked, “So, you’re not planning to use a spear anymore?”

With a smile, Zhou Yu said, “We’ll see. I think I’m better suited to swords and short blades anyway.”

“Alright, you keep practicing. I’m going to check on Xiao Jie,” Zhou Yu added and walked away.

He headed over to the RV, where he saw Xiao Jie sitting inside, watching Pan Yuxin.

“What are you staring at, airhead?” Zhou Yu called out.

“Nothing, really,” Xiao Jie answered. “I was just thinking… You all seem so impressive.”

“It’s nothing special,” Zhou Yu said. “But if you want to learn how to use a dagger, I can have the girl teach you.”

“I don’t want to learn the dagger,” Xiao Jie replied. “I want to learn the sword.”

“Oh? So you’re tougher than you look.” Zhou Yu teased.

Xiao Jie blushed instantly and muttered, “That’s not it, it’s just that…”

“Just what?” Zhou Yu pressed with a smile.

“It’s just… because you like using a sword, so I want to learn it too,” Xiao Jie admitted.

Chuckling, Zhou Yu ruffled her hair. “Silly girl, don’t do something just because of me. Be yourself—that’s the best.”

“Can you teach me now? I want to be able to help you, like Xin Xin does,” Xiao Jie said.

“I’ll teach you,” Zhou Yu agreed, “But remember, you’re not learning this to help me—you’re learning to protect yourself. Only if you can protect yourself can we always be together.”

Xiao Jie blushed even more, lowering her head. “Okay,” she whispered.

Zhou Yu laughed, “Lift your head.”

Xiao Jie raised her head, looking at him in confusion, not sure what he meant. The next moment, she understood—her cheeks grew even redder as Zhou Yu, finding her blushing particularly adorable, leaned in and kissed her on the lips.

Xiao Jie quickly pushed him away. “What are you doing? There are people around!” she protested.

Zhou Yu grinned, “So if there weren’t people around, it’d be fine?”

Flustered, Xiao Jie found herself at a loss for words. She hurriedly changed the subject, “Um, let’s go practice swordplay.”

“Alright, let’s go,” Zhou Yu said with a smile.

Entering the RV, Zhou Yu took out the Muramasa demon blade, as well as a Tang sword. He handed the Tang sword to Xiao Jie. “You’re not ready to handle the demon blade yet,” he explained. “Practice with this Tang sword for now. After a while, when you’ve improved, you can try the demon blade. If it suits you, you can use it; if not, I’ll find you another sword.”

“Okay,” Xiao Jie agreed.

They walked together to an open area, and Zhou Yu said, “The Tang sword is different from the broadsword I use. My broadsword style is all about bold, sweeping movements—forceful and domineering. The Tang sword, on the other hand, is lighter, more agile, more versatile. How you use it is up to you. All I can do is share the essence and insights of swordsmanship with you.”