The tai chi movements were done effortlessly, the figure bathed in the morning glow. Each posture seemed to form a circular pattern, guiding the surrounding air currents into a subtle sphere. The unfamiliar martial arts techniques concealed boundless strength, both defensively and offensively. Is this really just a young girl gathering herbs?
"Uncle Zhong, were you sure she had no internal energy when you checked her pulse?"
"Yes, young master, but I can ask her again if you want."
"Sure, go ahead."
Upon seeing Zhong leave, Xiangbei felt a sudden ease, unknowingly trusting this face he met just yesterday.
"Good morning, Uncle Zhong. Did I disturb your practice?"
"No, no, I'm an old man who sleeps little. But what you were doing just now, I happened to witness it. I won't try to learn or share it; I apologize for being impulsive. Can you forgive my recklessness, Miss Tong?"
"Uncle Zhong, what are you talking about? Whether it's a martial art or not, it's just a set of exercises for health. I even want to suggest you learn it. It can help against the cold during overnight stays. If there's a chance, I'd like to teach more people. Uncle Zhong, I'll show you the simplest twenty-four movements right now. It's not difficult at all. If you're interested, I can teach you step by step."
"Thank you, Miss. I'll make sure to practice diligently. If there's an opportunity, I'll ask you for guidance. Was this technique taught by your family? And where is your home?"
"Uncle Zhong, you're my lifesaver, and my family would be deeply grateful to you. We live in the mountains, a two-day walk. Once I reach Zebei Town at the foot of the mountain, I can find my way home. I'm not sure if this river connects to Clearwave River in the town, though."
"This is indeed Clearwave River. However, there's a significant drop in water level downstream from Zebei Town, making it impassable by boat. It's a large portion of the day's journey on the river, and then we'll need to leave the boat and take a carriage. The journey will take an hour or two, and you may need to spend the night on the boat while we load and unload cargo at the Peach Blossom Wharf."
"That's fine. With your help in finding the way back, I'm already lucky enough. It's an opportunity to enjoy the scenery along the way. Uncle Zhong, I'll go back to the boat now."
Zhong watched North leave with a warm smile, turning to see the young master coming out of the house, gesturing thoughtfully.
"Uncle Zhong, when she was teaching you, I noted down all the moves. Do you think we should apologize for learning or compensate her in some way?"
"Young master, I believe Miss Tong won't mind. She mentioned it's just an exercise for health, and she even wants to teach it to more people. However, expressing gratitude would be appropriate. After all, we did receive valuable instruction."
"Alright, let's first see if there are any discrepancies in her moves. Show me the sequence you learned."