On this morning, in the small courtyard, the sounds of Flower Yichong's painful cries and Flower Zhao's exaggerated and excited laughter could be heard from time to time.
Finally, after enduring countless punches from Flower Zhao, Flower Yichong found sweet relief.
Under Flower Zhao's attacks, Flower Yichong finally managed to execute some moves proficiently, defending the vital parts of his body and avoiding being hit by Flower Zhao.
Of course, the cost was considerable. Flower Yichong was left in pain, grimacing and gritting his teeth.
This was still Flower Zhao showing consideration for his injuries and holding back, sparing his face from any blows; otherwise, he would have ended up with a bruised and swollen face.
Still, Flower Yichong was quite excited. He had finally become acquainted with and gained control over this body to some extent.
As he became more familiar with the techniques of the "Demon Subduing Fist," they would inexplicably and swiftly appear in his mind when he faced Flower Zhao's attacks, allowing him to respond effortlessly.
Although it didn't start smoothly or naturally, and it felt awkward and sluggish, Flower Yichong's determination pushed him forward.
The entire morning was spent in pain and joy, and Flower Yichong had honed the "Demon Subduing Fist" to a decent level. When facing Flower Zhao's attacks again, he could not only defend and block but also sneak in one or two surprise attacks.
Flower Yichong couldn't help but sigh. In the Nine Continent, the cultivation of martial arts had seeped into people's souls, just like how people on Earth couldn't do without their smartphones for eating, traveling, and entertainment. It had become a norm.
Martial strength was revered and esteemed, and the awe of the powerful had penetrated people's marrow!
However, Flower Yichong's current strength as a fourth-level Martial Adept was still insignificant.
Powerful, I want to become powerful!
Flower Yichong shouted inwardly.
Thus, Flower Zhao and Flower Yichong continued their exchange of moves, and the morning quickly passed. Flower Zhao, being a little girl at heart, stopped when she realized she couldn't gain any advantage over Flower Yichong.
"I'm not playing anymore! I'm not playing! You know I'm weaker, yet you don't give me a chance," Flower Zhao grumbled, her face full of displeasure.
Flower Yichong chuckled, not minding at all.
After a morning of intense sparring, covered in sweat, feeling refreshed in body and mind, Flower Yichong approached Flower Zhao and gently stroked her black, silky hair, saying with a smile, "Brother actually wanted you to continue, but little Zhao pushed me too hard, igniting my competitive spirit. Look at how beaten up I am, all bruised. Aren't you satisfied?"
"It's rare to beat up brother like this, so of course, I have to make the most of it," Flower Zhao smirked mischievously.
"Xiao Zhao, you're almost at the fifth level of the Martial Adept realm, right?" Flower Yichong asked.
"Almost. Xiao Zhao has faintly touched the barrier of the fifth level. Given time, a breakthrough is imminent," Flower Zhao excitedly replied. There was nothing more delightful than advancing to a higher realm.
"And what about you, brother?" Flower Yichong's expression dimmed as he shook his head.
"Brother is still far behind. Xiao Zhao's talent surpasses mine by a lot. But I will strive to cultivate diligently and aim to break through to the Martial Disciple realm early, so I can participate in Phoenix Academy's assessment," Flower Yichong explained.
"Yes! Brother, let's both enter Phoenix Academy and learn advanced martial arts. We will never allow others to bully us again!" Flower Zhao nodded with determination.
Flower Yichong also nodded, but his expression grew even more melancholic.
On the Nine Continent, there were different levels of educational institutions, starting from the village school, city academies, prefecture-established academies, and elite halls at the county level. Each level was higher than the previous one, and although education was free, there were still entry requirements.
From what Flower Yichong knew, the minimum requirement for Phoenix Academy was for students to reach the Martial Disciple realm before the age of sixteen.
As for higher-level institutions like academies and elite halls, they were too distant and not within his scope of concern.
Furthermore, the entry requirement was just the beginning; there were even more rigorous assessments and competitions, and only the best candidates would be admitted.
While the establishment of schools allowed people to acquire basic martial skills from an early age and gain a certain level of survival ability, the existence of academies and halls opened a gateway for students to become stronger.
The establishment of elite halls provided a more direct path to becoming a formidable warrior!
Flower Yichong was fourteen years old and currently only at the fourth level of the Martial Adept realm. It was a far-fetched dream and a fool's hope to think that he could break through five more small realms and reach the Martial Disciple realm within less than two years.
Through his memories, Flower Yichong knew that even before getting injured, "Flower Yichong" had made the first primary plan for his life: to join the family's Martial Guard.
This way, he could learn the family's treasured high-level martial arts and receive a monthly salary to support himself. This was the thinking of most young members in medium and small families since outstanding talent was scarce before the age of sixteen.
Flower Yichong's father, Flower Gengjin, was a member of the family's Martial Guard.
"Dinner's ready!"
With a gentle call, a middle-aged woman appeared in front of them.
The woman was graceful, serene, and her modest attire couldn't hide her beautiful face. She looked at the Flower siblings with affection and compassion.
This was Flower Yichong's mother, Hu Jingxian!
Before transmigrating, Flower Yichong had been living alone in a big city, away from his elderly parents for several years. At this moment, although he appeared calm while looking at the other Flower Yichong's mother, his heart was filled with intense emotions.
At this moment, his yearning for his biological parents combined with Flower Yichong's attachment to his mother, allowing him to naturally sense the profound tenderness in Hu Jingxian's gaze.
This was the purest and most selfless motherly love in the world!
"Mother!" Flower Zhao called out softly, reaching out to hold the woman's arm.
Slightly hesitant, Flower Yichong also softly called out, "Mother!"
Flower Yichong felt that his "mother" sounded somewhat stiff and unnatural, but his eyes involuntarily welled up with mist, as an indescribable feeling surged within him.
"Rong'er, is your injury better now?" Hu Jingxian approached and held Flower Yichong's hand, showing concern.
Flower Yichong's heart warmed, as a gentle inquiry always touched the heart deeply.
In his heart, Flower Yichong was in his thirties, and he wasn't accustomed to the intimacy from Hu Jingxian, who was around forty. However, he couldn't break free from her grip and could only pretend to display a graceful posture, lightly laughing as he turned away, subtly detaching himself from her hold.
"Look, I'm completely fine! I just sparred with Xiao Zhao earlier and had no issues!" Flower Yichong concealed his embarrassment.
Hu Jingxian nodded and said, "Let's go eat. Since you've recovered, tomorrow morning you should go to the village school with Xiao'er. You've been resting at home for so many days and must have fallen behind on your studies. Finish your assignments promptly, or else your tutor will reprimand you!"
Flower Yichong quickly nodded and agreed, not daring to say much.
To speak honestly, he hadn't mentally prepared himself for how to interact with this family.
"Mother, where is father? Hasn't he returned from gathering medicinal herbs in the mountains yet?" Flower Zhao asked.
"Your father came back last night. Not only did he gather the 'Snow Orchid,' but he and his brothers from the martial guard also joined forces to kill a mid-level Rank 3 Sabertooth Tiger. You two are in for a treat today."
"A mid-level Rank 3? Isn't that equivalent to a sixth-level warrior?" Flower Zhao's face showed a pleasantly surprised expression.
Exactly. According to your father, the Sabertooth Tiger was already injured and had limited mobility, or else the members of the martial guard wouldn't have dared to hunt it down. That creature is a mid-level Rank 3 magical beast, much stronger than a warrior of the same level."
"Father isn't injured, is he?" Flower Zhao asked with concern.
"It's common for warriors to get injured," Hu Jingxian sighed lightly, with a worried look on her face. She continued in a calm voice, "Those who gather herbs in the mountains or hunt magical beasts, how many of them return unharmed? Your father and the members of the martial guard sustained injuries, but they are not serious. The wounds have been treated and won't hinder them."
Flower Yichong already knew that magical beasts, unique fierce creatures in the Jiuzhou Continent, had thick hides and were exceptionally ferocious. Although a mid-level Rank 3 magical beast was equivalent to a fourth to sixth-level warrior, due to its massive body and powerful impact, the injuries caused by accidentally coming into contact with it would be much more severe than those inflicted by warriors of the same level.
Flower Yichong and Flower Zhao followed Hu Jingxian out of the training grounds, turned left, and entered a small room, which was the dining area for the family.
After freshening up, the two sat at the table.
Hu Jingxian had already prepared breakfast - a bowl of porridge, a plate of pastries, and a bowl of meat soup emitting an enticing aroma.
Flower Yichong helped Flower Zhao scoop a bowl of porridge, and he also filled a bowl for himself. Smelling the fragrance emanating from the meat soup, he couldn't help but exclaim, "It smells amazing!"
His praise came from the bottom of his heart!
Faintly, the aroma of the meat carried a purer essence than the air itself, entering their lungs and providing an indescribable sense of comfort.
Hu Jingxian looked at the siblings and reminded them, "After eating, rest well in the courtyard. Don't go causing trouble outside. I'll come back and prepare dinner after finishing my work."
"Mother, are you and father very busy?" Flower Zhao asked.
Hu Jingxian chuckled softly and replied, "Your father and I have our own tasks. Otherwise, where would the monthly allowance come from to support your food and drinks?"
"Mother... What do you and father do every day?" Flower Yichong also spoke up, wanting to know some things that were on his mind.
"What else can we women do? Just some knitting, needlework, and trivial matters within the clan. Recently, your sixth uncle managed to secure a contract from the City Defense Brigade for embroidering a thousand patrol insignias. The deadline is tight, so the women from the East and West Courtyards have all come to help. The profit might be modest, but it still contributes to the clan's income."
Hu Jingxian was born into a small clan and had practiced martial arts since childhood, reaching the fifth level of the Warrior Realm. After getting married, she settled into a life of raising children, completely giving up on cultivation.
Given Hu Jingxian's level of cultivation, it was suitable for her to engage in household chores and needlework in a medium-sized clan like the Hua family. The tasks involving wielding knives and guns were naturally left to men with higher levels of cultivation and larger numbers.
"But doesn't the clan have several shops? I heard the businesses are doing well!" Flower Zhao was puzzled.
"With hundreds of mouths to feed within the clan, it's still not enough. These are not things you children should worry about. Just eat well and avoid causing trouble, and that will put our minds at ease," Hu Jingxian patiently explained.
"We won't let you worry, Elder Two!" Flower Yichong quickly assured, but in his heart, he thought, who has the time to play with a group of brats?
"I'm the most well-behaved, so you can rest assured, Mother and Father!" Flower Zhao chimed in, not falling behind.
Hu Jingxian smiled gently, stroked Flower Zhao's head, and turned to leave.