Inside the Rain Listening Pavilion, a maid had already brought over a pot of clear tea.

Su Jinyu sat beside Shi Yuezhu, her hands wrapped around Shi Yuezhu's arm.

"Master, you know well enough, the Imperial Family has arranged a marriage alliance for me, and it still hasn't been called off...

With the wedding date approaching, I'm becoming quite anxious, how can I calm down and cultivate peacefully..."

Faced with her master's criticism, Su Jinyu casually gave an excuse.

In reality, she wasn't too worried about this matter.

The Shen and Su families would never allow her to marry Shen Han, that discarded son of the Shen Family.

Especially since the mutual affection between her and Shen Ye was already no secret.

"Hasn't that engagement been annulled yet?"

Xiaoyao Peak doesn't get involved in the court's disputes; Shi Yuezhu knew about this matter but didn't inquire much.

After all, this engagement was just a means of court power struggles.

Su Jinyu knew that her master didn't understand the reasons behind it, so she sat next to her and explained.

On the Imperial Family's side, they naturally hoped the Shen and Su families would request to annul the engagement.

In exchange, a price had to be paid, of course.

It was said that price was for Old Duke Shen to attend morning court meetings in the Capital City for two years.

And during these two years, Great Wei's Eastern Garrison would need a new General to lead.

Two years' time is enough to accomplish many things.

The Shen Family has cultivated deep connections with the Eastern Garrison for many years, and their military prestige is immense.

But if the leadership is changed for two years, even if the newly appointed General couldn't control the entire army,

he could utilize these two years to cultivate numerous dormant agents.

Two years later, even if Old Duke Shen were to take over the army again, his control would be entirely different from now.

The Shen Family, under no circumstances, would be willing to pay such a price to annul the marriage.

Comparatively, sacrificing Shen Han, who was never favored, was a much smaller price to pay.

Listening to her little disciple narrate the hidden intricacies of this matter, Shi Yuezhu couldn't help but furrow her brows.

"That child is also the Shen Family's own grandson, how could they be so heartless, willing to let him become crippled?"

"The Shen Family raised him for so many years, it's only right that he gives back to the Shen Family.

Moreover, Brother Ye also said, if he becomes crippled, the Shen Family will take care of him for life."

Su Jinyu defended, making everything seem so justified.

Hearing this, Shi Yuezhu's brows furrowed even tighter.

These great families are truly heartless, abandoning their descendants just like that.

Being cared for a lifetime after becoming crippled...

Who would want to be crippled and cared for?

"Jinyu, your master feels this is still not right.

The matter remains unresolved; I think that child doesn't want to end up crippled with a ruined reputation.

Is it necessary to force a young child so...

"Master, you're thinking too simply. In the court's struggle, this is already the smallest price..."

Su Jinyu knew her master was kind-hearted, so she didn't speak further on this matter.

"Master, I have quite a few questions for you~ This time, you must stay a few more days in the Rain Listening Pavilion."

Shi Yuezhu gently nodded, as this was indeed her plan coming here this time.

At the beginning of next month, Su Jinyu is going to Heyang to participate in the Thousand-Autumn Grand Gathering.

As her master, I naturally have to properly guide her.

If she can pass the test of perseverance during the Thousand-Autumn, her future will only be brighter.

Su Jinyu still needs to settle her heart, at least she can't remain the way she is now.

Thinking of this, Shi Yuezhu also thought of that young man in the mountains.

Resilient, tenacious, although in a poor environment, he is not inferior to these celebrated prodigies.

One doesn't know when they will see him again.

Having consumed the fruit of the Heart-Breaking Vine, and that young man's talent is also outstanding.

This Great Wei will eventually have a day when he makes a name for himself.

At night, Shi Yuezhu patiently guided Su Jinyu at the long pavilion.

Shi Yuezhu at her age, though no longer as tender as a young girl, possessed an even greater beauty of charm.

In any case, when these two stood together, the bright moon in the sky seemed dimmer by a few degrees.

...

In a small cottage in the countryside, Shen Han continued his cultivation and advancement.

Occasionally, the image of Shi Yuezhu would flash through his mind, but in an instant, Shen Han would shake his head, refraining from such thoughts.

Her capabilities were surely in the Fourth Grade or beyond.

Shen Han had just entered the Sixth Grade, and advancing further after the Sixth Grade is incredibly difficult.

The distance between himself and the Fourth Grade was still unknown to him...

His complex situation would only drag her into a whirlpool if he provoked her.

Shen Han knew clearly that, yes, he needed help, he needed strong people to protect him.

However, Shen Han never intended for Shi Yuezhu to get involved in this turmoil.

The Shen Family, with their longstanding military presence, his connection to the Shen Family would only cause her more trouble.

The root cause might be that strange sense of pride a man has in front of someone he admires...

What Shen Han hoped more for was to rapidly improve his skills.

When he met Shi Yuezhu again, he wouldn't need her protection and might even be able to protect her.

Casting aside these random thoughts, Shen Han continued his cultivation and advancement.

Behind the cottage, there was a vast open space.

After visualization and contemplation, Shen Han practiced there.

This small cottage was indeed a perfect place for cultivation, hidden deep within the village, easy to conceal.

The large open space allowed for practical combat and practice.

Compared to his time with the Shen Family, it was much better.

With a long sword in hand, Shen Han attempted to invoke the Celestial Dao Sword Momentum.

Holding his breath and concentrating, dozens of Sword Shadows began to gather and emerge.

Sword Shadows appeared, emitting a faint glow, brows furrowed, fingertips lightly pointed!

"Flying Sword Sky-Filling Momentum!"

With a low chant, the Sword Shadows hovered in the sky, and a massive pressure immediately descended.

This was the subtlety of the Celestial Dao Sword Momentum, it not only held the might of a Sword Technique but also carried the pressure from the Primordial Spirit.

Shen Han recalled that brat Shen Ao, who possessed Eighth Grade strength, whose words became law.

With his voice, he could create the phantom of a massive stone block.

The stone block falling could harm opponents.

But looking at it now, his Celestial Dao Sword Momentum was not at all intimidated by such abilities.

Even if he summoned a mountain phantom, Shen Han could still slash it open with Sword Shadows.

After several practice sessions, Shen Han realized he should prepare to return to the Shen Family.

The Shen Family's ruthless way of doing things meant that if he returned late, Xiao Cailing would undoubtedly suffer.

On the way back, passing through towns, Shen Han bought some clothes and small items.

He intended to bring them back as gifts for Madam Yun and Xiao Cailing.

After thinking, Shen Han also bought a gift for Liu Xilan.

After all, his chance to train outside for this period was thanks to Senior Sister Liu Xilan's help.

He brought some money with him but hadn't spent much, so there were plenty of leftovers.

That inns fifty taels for room fees were paid by Shi Yuezhu for him.

Otherwise, there was nowhere else to spend money.

Aside from that, the Storage Ring Shi Yuezhu left him also contained quite a bit of gold and silver.

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