Vol 2 Chapter 18 (1/2)

Chapter 18     Practicing

In Tian Yu Zi’s opinion, Xuan Luo seemed to understand…but not really. However, compared to before, he is much better; originally, Xuan Luo was like a blank slate.

Xuan Luo still has doubt within his heart, but since Tian Yu Zi was asleep, he did not want to disturb him. Hence, he went off to the side to reflect on what he has learnt.

“A sword fighter should practice the fist first; the fist is part of our body, while the sword is an extension of our body’s outer strength…”

But Xuan Luo was conflicted. Why can’t he just go straight to practicing the sword? Why must he practice the fist first? The question remained unanswered inside Xuan Luo’s stomach.

Tian Yu Zi’s nap lasted the whole afternoon. By the time he awoke, it was night time. The night sky of Wu Dang has no firelight. There was only starlight. By now, most of the disciples had gone to bed. In the Clan, most of them are disciplined to wake up at 5am and go to bed by 9pm.

Right now, Wu Dang is covered in a peaceful silence.

Xuan Luo’s habit of climbing up onto the roof for star gazing has not changed. However, the roofs of the buildings are so high in Wu Dang, and he cannot climb up on his own. He tried looking for a ladder, but failed to find one. Thus, Xuan Luo sighed as he look up at the brightly lit sky.

But how could he give up on such a beautiful sight? Xuan Luo didn’t care anymore. He lied down on the ground, with his two arms behind his head, and looked up the evening sky.

He felt satisfied and at peace.

At that moment, Tian Yu Zi popped his old wrinkly face in front of Xuan Luo and made a silly expression. He giggled and said, “Young man, it’s not good to sleep on the floor!”

“Go away, don’t block my stars!” Xuan Luo grumpily replied.

“Haha. Go watch it from the roof! There is no “feel” if you’re watching from the ground.” Tian Yu Zi teased.

“I want to, but the roof is too high. I can’t get up there!” Xuan Luo made a gesture with his hand.

“Ohhhh, so that’s why you’re here. Follow me!”

Seeing Tian Yu Zi like this, Xuan Luo wasn’t sure what he was up to. Yet, at the same time, he could kind of guess.

Once Xuan Luo was standing upright, Tian Yu Zi grabbed onto his clothes and pushed up. Xuan Luo felt like he was flying, and next thing he knew, he was on the roof!

He was pleasantly surprised.

Next, Tian Yu Zi used one leg to leap from the ground; he twirled and landed on the roof right next to him.

As Xuan Luo lied down looking at the sky, his face is covered with bliss. He feels like he can forget everything. There is only him. That feeling feels sooooo good.

Seeing Xuan Luo smiling, Tian Yu Zi grinned. He lied down next to Xuan Luo and softly whispered, “Every star represents a person. The star above your head represents you….”

Tian Yu Zi spoke very softly, and Xuan Luo quietly listened. Soon, his eyes slowly closed and his breathing became very calm as he fell in a deep slumber.