Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao called Su Chong to their side.

Su Sanlang asked seriously, “Chong, Mr. Gui You just came to tell me and your mother that he wants you to be his disciple. Are you willing to become his disciple and practice martial arts?”

Madam Zhao was also worried. “Chong, you’re already 16 and mature enough. I’m just worried that your body won’t be able to take it, but if you’re willing, we’ll support you.”

Ever since their minds had recovered, Su Chong and Su Hua had gradually matured. They were very sensible and calm. In the school, Teacher Lin was their teacher.

They had to study and practice martial arts. She was afraid that it would be too tiring.

Su Chong’s expression was serious. He said to Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao seriously, “Father, Mother, I also like to practice martial arts. I’m not afraid of hard work, and I won’t forget my knowledge. Actually, compared to studying, I prefer to practice martial arts.”

He didn’t want to hide it from her and Madam Zhao. He was very serious about his studies and liked to read.

But when he saw Gui You practicing the sword, he felt his blood boiling. He wanted to do the same.

He wouldn’t fight with his sister, but Gui You could take him in as a disciple. He could learn with Su Xiaolu.

This was a great opportunity, and Su Chong didn’t want to miss it.

Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao were the most important people to him. In front of them, Su Chong did not want to hide anything. He told the truth.

Su Sanlang looked at Su Chong and reached out to pat his shoulder. “You’ve grown up. Father and Mother are very happy and respect your wishes. Do whatever you like.”

Su Chong was almost as tall as him.

He hadn’t starved in the past few years, so he had grown taller. His facial features were defined and his physique was healthy.

Su Su Sanlang had always been happy. He supported whatever the children wanted to do.

Madam Zhao also smiled gently and said, “I agree with your father. As long as you’re willing, father and mother will support you.”

Su Chong smiled. “Thank you, Father. Thank you, Mother.”

“Okay, you may go.”

Su Sanlang patted Su Chong’s shoulder.

Su Chong nodded and turned to leave.

Su Sanlang smiled at Madam Zhao and said, “Darling, we have to work hard to do business too.”

The sauerkraut and pickles business was booming, taking root in Goathorn Town.

Madam Zhao smiled and nodded. “Of course.”

They smiled at each other.

In the evening, Su Chong toasted Gui You and officially became Gui You’s disciple.

Su Xiaolu’s standing time was shortened by an hour.

Although it was still tiring, it was within her tolerance.

Gui You had also built a set of heavy carry-on for Su Chong. He worked much harder than Su Xiaolu.

He had to go to school during the day and stand on the stakes when he came back.

Gui You had even specially built a thin wooden stake for him. This way, when Su Chong stood on it, he could only stand on his toes. This was much more tiring.

Only then would Su Chong be so tired that his legs would tremble.

Gui You was very satisfied. He called Su Chong ‘Chong’er’ and Su Xiaolu ‘Little Girl’. The difference was obvious.

At the end of February, Su Chong had already started practicing his sword. It was a wooden sword.

He stood upside down for an hour every day, and the rest of the time was spent practicing his sword.

Su Xiaolu was still standing on the stakes.

During the day, Su Chong and the others went to school while Su Xiaolu stood on the stakes.

When they returned in the afternoon, Su Xiaolu was still standing.

As she got used to it, Su Xiaolu’s standing time extended, maintaining a point that she could tolerate but was also tiring.

In the blink of an eye, it was April, and the spring was perfect.

Gui You looked at Su Xiaolu on the stake and asked in frustration, “Girl, do you have Internal Breath?”

Su Xiaolu’s expression did not change. “Master Gui You, I haven’t felt the Internal Breath you mentioned.”

“Alright, then practice more mental cultivation techniques tonight.”

Resigned, Gui You turned and walked away.

Gui You couldn’t help but mutter, “Her aptitude is not bad, but this comparison is too obvious… My good disciple hasn’t been focused recently. Sigh…”

Su Xiaolu was a little helpless. Internal Breath was internal energy.

Su Chong had already cultivated Internal Breath at the end of February. Because he was worried about her, Su Chong was no longer focused. Gui You was depressed. He had already asked three times in April.

Looking at her big brother’s master, she missed her master.

She had such a good master too!

Su Xiaolu had been practicing martial arts when she wasn’t making medicine for Sun Baoshan and Sun Baoqian.

At the end of May, when she was practicing internal cultivation techniques, she finally felt a hint of difference.

A small warm current was deposited in her dantian. She happily guided it. This warm current flowed through her meridians and throughout her entire body, making her feel warm.

Su Xiaolu immediately ran out and said happily to Gui You, “Master Gui You, I’ve cultivated Internal Breath.”

Gui You was stunned and quickly grabbed Su Xiaolu’s hand to test it. Then, he nodded in satisfaction and said, “Not bad. From tomorrow onwards, you can start practicing your sword.”

Su Xiaolu had told Su Chong the good news that night.

Su Chong was naturally happy for her.

Su Xiaolu hugged Su Chong’s arm and said with a smile, “Big Brother, don’t wait for me in the future. Master Gui You is right. My potential is not as good as yours. It’s normal that I can’t keep up with you. We’re learning the same things. One day, I will learn it too. Big Brother, don’t hold yourself back.”

Su Chong smiled faintly.

Su Xiaolu added, “It’s like me studying medicine. I can learn it, but it’s difficult for others. Even if it’s Eldest Brother, Second Brother, and Sister, I won’t wait for you.”

She didn’t wait. After she learned, she would protect them.

Her silly brother. He had waited for her for a few months. There were several times when she wanted to look for Su Chong to tell him, but Su Chong avoided her.

Now that she had finally cultivated Internal Breath, she had the chance to say this to Su Chong.

“Xiaolu, I understand.”

Su Chong stroked Su Xiaolu’s hair gently.

In the shadows, Gui You quietly retreated. His lips curled into a smile.

Su Chong did not wait for Su Xiaolu anymore. He improved very quickly.

Practicing martial arts in the summer was very difficult.

Every day, Su Xiaolu felt that her hands and feet were not hers.

She was still practicing her basic skills.

In July, Su Chong had already started using a real sword. It was a sword that Gui You had specially forged for Su Chong.

Su Xiaolu practiced hard with the wooden sword. The weight she was wearing seemed to have become one with her.

Every month, Gui You would take it back. When it was given back to her, it would weigh three catties more.

She wore dozens of catties, but Su Chong was already wearing fifty catties.

After practicing martial arts for half a year, Su Chong had lost weight and grown taller. Now, he was half a head taller than Su Hua.

In September, another season of autumn harvest.

Su Xiaolu was six years old.

She was starting to practice her sword now. She felt that she could probably fight ten children in the village alone.

On the seventh of September, when she finished practicing her sword techniques, Gui You looked at Su Xiaolu and said, “Girl, you always carry a needle bag on you. Have you ever thought of practicing flying needles?”

Su Xiaolu was puzzled. “Master Gui You, what is a flying needle?”

Gui You smiled. He casually picked up a leaf and shot it out. The leaf seemed to carry a force and was deeply embedded in the bark. He glanced at Su Xiaolu. “This is it.”