Pei Guanli's thoughts were simple.
Someone so skilled in the Cultivation of Martial Arts must have their own unique methods.
Even if his Cultivation Technique was different from the one passed down in her clan, there should be some common ground within the Ninth Grade Realm, especially when it came to condensing the Qi Mechanism from Flesh and Blood Power to open the Sea of Qi and clear the four Main Meridians.
If she could learn his secrets, she might be able to break through directly to the Eighth Grade Realm.
"Brother-in-law, as long as you agree, I'll definitely help you keep this secret."
Seeing her pat her chest and swear so earnestly, Chen Yi was half-convinced and half-doubtful.
The contrast between her behavior before and now was so stark that he found it hard to trust her.
However, when he had acted earlier, he truly hadn't expected that Pei Guanli was only causing trouble for him because she was having a spat with Xiao Jinghong.
Thus, the current situation was giving him a real headache.
'I can't just silence this girl over something so trivial, can I?'
After a moment of contemplation, Chen Yi spoke up, "Let's get one thing straight. I've only just started with Martial Arts, so my methods might not necessarily be able to help you."
Pei Guanli nodded repeatedly, the bells on her person tinkling as she said, "Don't worry, Brother-in-law. I, Pei Guanli, have the tightest lips around."
"Not only will I not tell Sister Jinghong, I won't even tell my brother or Ah Ma."
"That would be best."
And so, the two of them had struck a deal.
But Chen Yi secretly shook his head. 'Guide Pei Guanli?'
'What a joke. He himself barely knew the first thing about Martial Arts.'
He would have to at least wait until his Martial Arts·Body reached the Great Success Realm. Only then could he truly understand its principles and be qualified to guide others, just as he could with his Calligraphy Dao now.
Fortunately, he only intended to string her along for now. It would be best to stall until his own Cultivation improved and he broke through to the Eighth or Seventh Grade Realm.
By then, even if Xiao Jinghong and the others found out about his Ninth Grade Realm strength, it would no longer matter.
Unaware of his scheming, Pei Guanli said cheerfully, "Brother-in-law, hurry up and tell me! How did you cultivate to the Upper Ninth Grade in such a short time?"
"Upper Ninth Grade? I'm only at the Middle Stage."
"Really?"
Pei Guanli looked at Chen Yi with suspicion.
Seeing that his expression didn't seem fake, Pei Guanli's heart let out a whimper.
She knew her own talent wasn't high. Aside from her Body Technique, Poisons, and Gu Insects, her performance in Pile Skill and other Techniques was mediocre.
But she, a Cultivator at the Upper Ninth Grade, had been unable to defeat a Middle Stage Ninth Grade in a direct confrontation.
And a Middle Stage Ninth Grade Cultivator who had only been training for half a month at that...
'Oh, Mountain Goddess, please open your eyes and bless little Guanli with some good fortune.'
With that thought, Pei Guanli gathered her spirits. "Brother-in-law, I'm counting on you!"
Chen Yi shot her a sidelong glance. "You're so weak. How on earth did you avoid the Marquis's Mansion's Personal Guard to find this place?"
Ultimately, it was his own inexperience. He had been bluffed by Pei Guanli's elusive Body Technique right from the start. Otherwise, he would have been able to hide his Cultivation level perfectly.
"Well... Ah, crap!"
Pei Guanli suddenly seemed to remember something and rushed out in a panic, not forgetting to call back:
"Brother-in-law, our deal is set! I'll come find you again tomorrow night."
Chen Yi watched her figure disappear into the night, completely baffled.
Who would have thought that not long after Pei Guanli left, a series of shouts would erupt from outside the Spring Lotus Garden.
"Someone has poisoned and knocked out the Armored Warriors in the outer and middle courtyards! Quickly search all the residences in the rear courtyard and find that person!"
"Don't miss a single corner!"
"Check the Spring Lotus Garden first! The Young Master is still in there!"
"..."
Hearing the commotion, Chen Yi instantly understood.
Pei Guanli had actually drugged the Armored Warriors guarding the Marquis's Mansion all the way here to break in.
He had to admit, her method was certainly unexpected.
But before Chen Yi could go out to check on the situation, he saw that Pei Guanli had somehow returned, looking at him pitifully.
"Brother-in-law, I... I don't want to be 'married off' to the Personal Guard! Help, help, help..."
Hearing her cry "help" thirty times a second, Chen Yi was amused.
"Female Knight, you're so bold. You must have gotten beaten a lot as a child, didn't you?"
"Brother-in-law, please help me..."
Chen Yi shook his head helplessly. Tossing out a "Hide properly," he walked out of the side room, closed the door, and headed toward the entrance of the Spring Lotus Garden.
Just then, Xiaodie also heard the commotion and ran out anxiously. Upon seeing him outside, she couldn't help but relax.
"Young Master-in-law, the Young Master is sleeping soundly."
"Go back and watch over him. I can handle things here."
Xiaodie acknowledged his order and hurried back to the wooden building.
Before long, a squad of Armored Warriors rushed over. The leader, Wang Lixing, saw Chen Yi at the entrance, bowed, and said:
"Second Young Master-in-law, please forgive the disturbance so late at night."
"It's no trouble," Chen Yi said, waving his hand. "I heard the commotion outside just now. The Young Master is fine."
Wang Lixing visibly breathed a sigh of relief. "That puts our minds at ease. However, just to be safe, we'd like to ask for your cooperation, Young Master-in-law."
"Of course, of course. Feel free."
A short while later, several Armored Warriors circled the Spring Lotus Garden a few times. After a careful search, they returned to whisper in Wang Lixing's ear.
Wang Lixing's expression faltered for a moment. He looked at Chen Yi and hesitated, "Young Master-in-law, the bamboo grove over there..."
"That was me, practicing my Pile Skill just now," Chen Yi said with feigned helplessness. "With Second Uncle's demands, if I don't work harder, I'm afraid I'll really have to report to the Profound Armor Army."
He even added a few complaints. "Brother Xing, you know me. I'm just a frail scholar. How could I possibly endure that kind of hardship? Isn't Second Uncle just making things difficult for me?"
"Don't you agree?"
Hearing this, Wang Lixing could only offer a sheepish smile, not daring to reply.
This kind of talk wasn't for the likes of the Marquis's Mansion's Personal Guard to hear or comment on. He immediately took his leave with his men.
Before leaving, however, he didn't forget to remind Chen Yi to be on guard.
Chen Yi watched them leave the Spring Lotus Garden, his gaze sweeping over the other wooden building. 'Just as I thought,' he mused.
These Armored Warriors held Xiao Jinghong in absolute awe. Even with her away, they didn't dare enter her wooden building to investigate.
Just as he turned around, Chen Yi saw Pei Guanli in the distance, cracking open her door and making a bowing gesture toward him from the gap.
He shot her a glare and gave an imperceptible wave of his hand, signaling for her to stay put, before heading straight into the wooden building.
'This girl is so reckless,' he thought. 'I wonder if this is why Xiao Jinghong didn't want her to attend the Old Marquis's birthday banquet.'
After reassuring Xiaodie with a few words, Chen Yi returned to his side room to rest.
As he lay down on the bed, the earlier fight with Pei Guanli replayed in his mind.
Although they had only exchanged half a move, as he recalled it, he realized that his state when facing Pei Guanli's palm strike had been strange.
It seemed that his Fist Dao and Body Dao, both at the Minor Success Realm, made him more formidable in combat than an ordinary Ninth Grade Realm Cultivator.
To be precise, with the enhancement of his Mental Realm, he was able to see his opponent's moves clearly and find the flaws within their techniques.
At this thought, a faint smile appeared on Chen Yi's lips. He placed his hands behind his head and turned to look at the bright moon revealed as the dark clouds scattered, his mind at peace.
With Martial Arts to rely on, he now had the confidence to face anything. Even if he couldn't stay in the Xiao Mansion in the future, the world was vast, and he could go anywhere.
Just then, shortly after the Zi hour, the Daily Intelligence appeared as usual:
[Daily Intelligence · Profound-rank Lower Grade: Half past the Zi hour, a Hidden Guard will hide a secret letter by the rockery near the pond in Jiaxing Garden. A small Opportunity may be obtained.]