Little did they know.
Jiang Xinghai was sitting cross-legged on the bed, cultivating the Heart Skill of the Eight-Nine Profound Skill, completely oblivious to the world around him.
The so-called "slapping" sounds from earlier were merely the resonant cracking of his bones and sinews as he achieved a breakthrough in his cultivation.
「The next morning.」
Jiang Xinghai got up and went out for his usual morning run.
There, by the stone table in the courtyard, he saw Shen Zhengye sitting on a stone stool, smoking a cigarette with a worried frown.
"Is something wrong, Uncle?"
Jiang Xinghai walked over and sat on another stone stool.
"Ah, Jiang. You're up early, too."
Upon seeing Jiang Xinghai, a blush crept up Shen Zhengye's face, as if he didn't want to discuss what was on his mind.
"I'm in the habit of a morning run. Care to join, Uncle?" Jiang Xinghai asked.
"Sure. Wait here, I'll go change."
