"Um... Mr. Qi..." Shen Tang hesitated.
Qi Shan lifted his eyelids slightly and said calmly, "Just speak your mind. I dislike beating around the bush and people who are not straightforward."
"Then I'll be direct—Mr. Qi, if it's convenient for you... could I accompany you for a few days?" Shen Tang seemed somewhat hesitant, "I know my status as a fugitive could cause trouble, and I shouldn't trouble you, but I'm unfamiliar with this place and don't know what to do..."
Qi Shan had the skill to wield the Literary Heart, and such a great opportunity for free extra-curricular tutoring shouldn't be missed. It was a rare chance, and if he didn't seize it, it would be a pity. If he could learn more about the Literary Heart, he would be better able to integrate into this unfamiliar world in the future.
Shen Tang fully exploited his young age and pitiable appearance, presenting himself as vulnerable, attempting to evoke sympathy from others.
Qi Shan showed no hint of pity in his eyes. He merely looked at the young man, who appeared to be pitifully innocent, with keen interest.
A newcomer who only half understood how to control the Literary Heart dared to confront a third-ranking Zan Niao, and didn't come out on the losing end. Where was the wretched little puppy? Clearly, he was a wolf pup with sharp teeth and a gaze that could devour. Though the fangs were still tender, once he gained confidence, he could be dangerous.
Presenting oneself as weak? That tactic might deceive others, but it wasn't enough to deal with him. Qi Shan lowered his eyelids, his fingers toying with the deep blue Literary Heart pendant hanging from his waist. After pondering for a while, he finally said, "It's not entirely out of the question, but... we'd have to part ways at the next town. Otherwise, you might regret it."
Shen Tang asked in surprise, "Regret? Why?"
Qi Shan pointed to the sword hanging from his waist and asked, "Do you think this sword is merely a decoration or a handy weapon?"
Shen Tang remained silent.
With a smile, Qi Shan continued, "Young man, don't assume that anyone who helps you once is a good person. The troubles I face are much greater than those of a fugitive like you. It's not just me, but in the future, anyone who sees someone traveling alone, whether wearing a Literary Heart pendant or a Martial Valor token, should be cautious."
Shen Tang blinked and muttered in a voice low enough for Qi Shan to hear, "...Mr. Qi, perhaps you're underestimating me."
Qi Shan inwardly chuckled. The young man was indeed not as innocent as he seemed, but Shen Tang's request was not unreasonable. Just tagging along wouldn't hurt, especially since he had already helped once. It might as well be seen as an opportunity to make connections. The two of them set up a campfire in a sheltered spot, shielded from the wind.
Qi Shan rested with his sword cradled in his arms when he heard Shen Tang's stomach rumbling. Opening his eyes, he looked at her, and she awkwardly chuckled while clutching her belly. "After being shackled in the daytime and walking for seven or eight hours, having only eaten a spoiled biscuit, it's no wonder my stomach is making such indecent noises... Apologies for disturbing your rest, sir..."
Shen Tang's noisy stomach left no room for pretending not to have heard. So, Qi Shan took off his water pouch and dry food bag from his waist and handed them to her. "Have some to fill your stomach first," Shen Tang said bluntly, not bothering with niceties.
"Thank you," Shen Tang replied. As the slightly cool and soft dry food slid down her throat and into her stomach, the intense burning hunger subsided slightly. Despite being famished, she only ate half and left the rest untouched. Qi Shan was somewhat surprised, but he didn't comment. Because of this interruption, he lost his desire to sleep. He took out a scroll made of animal hide and nitrate from his belongings and began to read it carefully by the campfire's light.
Shen Tang vaguely saw the words "言灵" (Verbal Arts) on the scroll, which piqued her curiosity. Sensing something, she was intrigued. Qi Shan found it hard to focus under her curious and bright gaze. He sighed softly, "Curious?"
Shen Tang, sitting with her knees drawn up, smiled awkwardly. "Um, yes, curious! The Verbal Arts seem truly remarkable. Could you teach me, sir?"
Qi Shan responded, "You're quite straightforward."
"Isn't it true, sir, that you don't like beating around the bush or being evasive?" Shen Tang retorted.
Qi Shan remained silent. Well, he hadn't said he didn't like teaching, either. Besides, the scroll in his hand wasn't anything special; it contained some commonly known Verbal Arts he had compiled, essential lessons for strategists. Shen Tang would gradually come across them as she studied in larger towns or academies.
Furthermore, the Verbal Arts are highly abstract concepts, mostly understood through intuition rather than explicit instruction. The same piece of Verbal Arts may be grasped by some but remain elusive to others throughout their lives. Only those who find resonance with their own nature or possess the insight to comprehend the Verbal Arts have the opportunity to fully comprehend and wield them effortlessly. "Take a look for yourself," Qi Shan generously lent her the scroll. "If you don't understand, feel free to ask."
Shen Tang eagerly took the scroll, her curiosity overflowing, but as soon as she read the first line, she looked bewildered. Qi Shan asked, "Don't you recognize the characters on it?" If that were the case, he couldn't offer much help. Shen Tang shook her head. "I recognize the characters, I just wanted to ask, are phrases like '望梅止渴' also considered Verbal Arts?"
"Of course," Qi Shan affirmed, "Don't be deceived by its simplicity compared to the Verbal Arts of martial prowess. Despite being concise, its power is not to be underestimated. It's also one of the essential Verbal Arts that a strategist must master. If wielded by someone with a strong Verbal Arts proficiency and used appropriately, it can even influence the outcome of a crucial battle."
Shen Tang was dumbfounded. "Influencing... the outcome of battles?"
"Indeed, with such words, one can bolster the morale of an entire army." Seeing Shen Tang's skeptical expression, Qi Shan thought she misunderstood that Verbal Arts were all lengthy phrases, so he explained, "Originally, this Verbal Art was much longer, recorded in the 'Jia Qu' chapter, 'During Wei Wu's march, he lost his way at Ji Dao, and the soldiers were all thirsty. Thus, he commanded: 'There lies a vast plum forest ahead, abundant with fruits, sweet and sour to quench your thirst.' Upon hearing this, the soldiers' mouths all watered, enabling them to reach the source ahead.' But after being refined, only four words remained."
Shen Tang's mouth slightly agape, displaying the expression of someone opening the doors to a new world. "What about '星罗棋布'?"
"It can be used to deploy troops strategically and engage with the enemy," Qi Shan explained.
"And '斩草除根'?"
"It boosts the morale of the soldiers but requires great effort and should not be used lightly."
Shen Tang pointed to the scroll and asked again, "And '自投罗网'?"
"It's often used in strategic deployment to disrupt the enemy's formation, causing them to fall into disarray," Qi Shan replied.
The rest didn't need much asking. Just by looking at the dense annotations by Qi Shan, it was clear that each one was meant for military campaigns. No wonder he said he wasn't a good person. Glancing at these Verbal Arts, and then at the simulated military formations depicted on the scroll, Shen Tang realized that this guy was the kind of enthusiast who defended by attacking, lurking in the grass to ambush enemies. He was just a step away from tattooing "I'm a LYB" on his face. "Mr. Qi, I have another question," she said.
Qi Shan believed her to be troublesome. They hadn't known each other for long, and she already had questions every few sentences. But... considering Shen Tang's Verbal Arts, he narrowed his eyes, showing a bit more patience. "Go ahead," he said.
Shen Tang noticed that besides the Verbal Arts related to the Verbal Hearts, there were also Verbal Arts related to the Martial Spirit on the scroll. Honestly, she didn't quite understand the difference between the two.
"Aren't they all about fighting?" Shen Tang blurted out. "What's the specific difference between the Verbal Arts and the Martial Spirit?"
Qi Shan paused, once again suspecting that Shen Tang might be some wild creature from the depths of nowhere, throwing questions at him that were completely unexpected.