Inside the dining hall of the Emperor's Castle, I sat with my family, just finishing lunch and engaging in conversation. The topic revolved around my newfound dedication to studies following my recovery from illness.
"Good, so I need to find more teachers to help you all in your studies," my mother remarked, her gaze shifting towards me.
"I know what you want to say. I will help them if they don't have any problem with that until you arrange teachers for them," I assured her before she had a chance to express her thoughts.
"Hahaha…" Laughter filled the air as my family appreciated the mutual understanding and cooperation among us. The prospect of a shared educational journey seemed to bring a sense of unity and purpose, and the upcoming days promised to be filled with the harmonious pursuit of knowledge within Emperor Castle.
"So, do you guys have any problem with that?" Mother Yu inquired from my sisters.
"Mother Yu, we don't have any problem with that," they replied simultaneously.
"Great, so Xu Fang, they are going to start studying with you tomorrow morning. You'll help your sisters," she informed me after receiving an answer from my sisters.
"Mother, I'll do my best, but..." I began, my expression turning complex as I paused.
"But? What happened? Do you have any problems? Tell me," she inquired with a worried tone.
"Nothing, Mother. It's just... you haven't permitted me to start physical practice." I informed her about the matter that she had not addressed earlier when I sought permission to commence martial arts training.
"Oh, that's a difficult decision. I need some time to think about that."
"No problem, Mother. I aim to start practicing next month, so you have plenty of time," I assured her with an innocent tone, to which she nodded in acknowledgment.
"Mother, there's one more thing I'd like to discuss," I added, signaling that I had something else to share.
"What is it?" She asked with a curious tone, and the others in the room turned their attention towards me.
"In the coming days, I would like to switch my study focus. I believe I've gained sufficient knowledge in history." I expressed my desire to transition to a new area of study.
"It's perfectly fine if you wish to switch your study section, especially since you've decided to pursue self-directed learning for the next three months," my mother reassured me with a calm tone, her words carrying a teasing undertone towards the end.
"What section do you want to choose next?" Curiosity sparked in Lei Ning's eyes as she asked.
"I've decided to delve into the 'Alchemy' and 'Poison' sections simultaneously," I replied confidently.
"Why these two sections? Any specific reason?" My mother inquired, seeking to understand the motivation behind my choice.
"There are reasons behind both sections why I chose them. Let me tell you first about the alchemy section. As we know, they get lots of respect here because they have the capabilities to make pills for healing, increase attack, increase defense, increase strength, restore Qi, and lots of other things.
That's why I want to know more about alchemy in detail. If I talk about the reason why I chose the poison section, in history books I read lots of great cultivators who died because of poison. Here, when evil cultivators don't know how to win a fight, they use evil ways to win, and poison is the best way they use.
This is the biggest reason why I chose the poison section. I want to gather information about poison and poison antidotes," I explained to them the reason why I chose the alchemy and poison sections with a serious expression.
"Perfect reasons, Xu Fang. You can switch sections if you want," my mother told me with a smile.
"Thank you, Mother." I thanked her with a smile.
After an hour-long conversation, we all went back to our routines. I also returned to my room and continued my martial arts training and cultivation as per my routine. After training, I took a bath and rested before the maid came to tell me that dinner was ready. When I returned to my room after dinner, I went to sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Elder Ji, we've encountered a challenge. We have only one copy of the basic book, and all my sisters want to commence their studies from the fundamentals."
Presently, I was in the library after the customary breakfast with my family. Alongside my four sisters, we entered the library with enthusiasm for our upcoming study session in the history section. However, a realization struck us: we required four copies of the basic book, yet there was only one available.
In response, I approached Elder Ji, seeking a solution to this dilemma.
"Ah, that is indeed a predicament. Fret not, though. I possess an additional copy in the warehouse. If you manage today with two books, I'll ensure two more are ordered, allowing each of you to have your copy tomorrow. How does that sound?" Elder Ji proposed a pragmatic solution.
"That's a wonderful idea, Elder Ji. Could you arrange for someone to retrieve the copy from the warehouse so that we may initiate our studies?" I inquired respectfully.
"Xu Fang. I'll coordinate the retrieval of the additional copies. Meanwhile, feel free to begin your studies with the single copy we have here," Elder Ji concurred, nodding in agreement.
With Elder Ji heading to organize the dispatch of the extra books, I redirected my focus to the book on the table. Opening it, I regarded my sisters with a contemplative expression.
"Today, we'll need to adjust with a single book, so I'll assist each of you in starting your studies."
"No problem; we can adjust today. You can read it for us and tell us what is in this book," Xu Min replied with a smile, and the others nodded in agreement.
"Great, so let's start with the basic study from this book. It's the best book to build a solid foundation as a cultivator.
This book's name is 'The Manifest World.' This world is..."
I began reading the book, and they listened attentively as if I were their master imparting essential knowledge.
After an hour, Elder Ji returned with an extra copy of the book we found in the warehouse earlier. Now, there were two books on the table—one opened in front of them and another already opened in front of me.
I continued reading, and as time passed, my sisters started asking questions about things they found confusing. I happily answered, using the knowledge I gained during my three months of intense study.
Today, I wasn't studying for myself; instead, I took on the role of a teacher, guiding my sisters through the fundamental concepts of cultivation. We kept at it until lunchtime. Leaving the library, we all went to the dining hall together.
Over lunch, we shared our experiences. When we finished, my mother asked about their first day of study.
"So, how was your first day of study? Any challenges or questions?" my mother asked, encouraging my sisters to share their thoughts.
"Mother, we had a problem in the library. There's only one book for the four of us," Xu Min informed our mother and continued.
"Elder Ji noticed our situation and has arranged for new books. Meanwhile, he suggested an immediate solution. Little Brother has stepped up to help us start our studies. He's been reading from the available book, giving us the essential knowledge for our cultivation journey."
"And it's not just reading. Little Brother patiently explains complex concepts, clearing up all our doubts. His teaching goes beyond the words on the page," Xu Zhi added, sharing her firsthand experience.
"Indeed, Mother Yu, Little Brother's teaching style is remarkably effective and easy to comprehend," Xu Ling affirmed.
"He may be the youngest among us, but when he takes on the role of a teacher, Xu Fang exudes a surprising level of experience," added Xu Jing, echoing the sentiments of the group.
Listening to my sisters' feedback, my mother smiled with satisfaction.
"As expected, Xu Fang, you've matured quickly." Mother Yu expressed her pride.
"Mother, as I've mentioned before, I've committed to doing my best to support them. Leaving them alone is not an option; they are all my family," I affirmed with a serious and determined tone.
Upon hearing my response, she rose from her seat and approached me with a mixture of admiration and affection. Gently cupping my face with both hands, she leaned in, and her soft lips pressed against my forehead. A tender kiss, laden with maternal pride.
"I'm proud of you, Xu Fang," she expressed with a heartfelt smile.
"Right, we are proud of you, Xu Fang." In unison, all my stepmothers echoed the sentiment, their voices united in a chorus of pride.
"Thank you, mothers. I'll continue to give my best." Grateful for their acknowledgment, I responded with enthusiasm. The shared sense of accomplishment and unity solidified our familial bond, reinforcing our commitment to face challenges together as a united front.
"Continue supporting each other, and don't hesitate to seek help when needed. We are a family, and we should grow together," my mother advised, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration.
"Xu Fang, for your outstanding efforts today, we've decided to reward you with permission to begin physical practice," she declared with a smile illuminating her face.
"Yay! Thank you, Mother!" I exclaimed with genuine happiness, expressing my gratitude with an appreciative smile.
Internally, I sighed in relief, thinking, 'Thank goodness I got permission to start practicing martial arts next month.'
However, her joyous concession came with a gentle warning, "But don't overdo it. Practice within your limits."
"I understand, Mother," I assured her with an earnest tone.
Returning to my room, I immersed myself in martial arts training and cultivation until dinner. The satisfaction of a rewarding day accompanied me into a peaceful sleep after the evening meal, grateful for the opportunities unfolding in my journey of growth and cultivation.