Chapter Twenty-Eight: Teaching the Martial Arts

Chu Bing never imagined that Li Haoran would go to such lengths for her. The matter that had troubled her for so long was so easily resolved by just a few words from him!

A sudden wave of emotion surged in her heart. She clapped Li Haoran on the shoulder with bold camaraderie. “Li Haoran, you’re truly loyal to me. Rest assured, I’m not a petty person either. Bring out all your shadow guards!”

Li Haoran looked surprised.

But he trusted Chu Bing completely. Without a moment’s hesitation, he signaled, and in the blink of an eye, the courtyard was filled with men.

Chu Bing stood up, hands clasped behind her back, and slowly paced the courtyard.

“You all said before that you wanted to learn martial arts from me? Do you still want to?” she asked.

The shadow guards exchanged glances, each seeing disbelief in the others’ eyes.

They were already skilled in martial arts and knew that true masters valued their legacies and rarely took disciples. So when Chu Bing refused them last time, they had given up hope of learning from her.

But now, upon hearing her words, they realized this was their golden opportunity!

Chu Bing was willing to teach them!

Their eyes blazed with fervor as they fixed their gazes on Chu Bing, replying in unison, their voices ringing like bells, “We want to learn!”

“Good!” Chu Bing nodded in satisfaction.

This was the best plan she could think of: raising the martial skills of the people around Li Haoran by a level. That way, even if Li Yuxi wanted to harm him, he would have a much harder time.

“Who among you is the strongest?” Chu Bing called out.

The shadow guards exchanged looks, then all stepped back in unison, leaving Long San standing alone.

Long San looked bewildered but braced himself and stepped forward. “Miss Chu, what are your instructions?”

“You all practice the same techniques, correct?” Chu Bing asked.

“Yes.”

“In that case, show me your moves. I want to assess your abilities.”

If she was to teach them, she first needed to gauge their foundations.

Long San didn’t hesitate. He assumed a starting stance and began demonstrating in the courtyard.

Long San was the burly, muscular type—every move carried the whistle of wind and was full of power. Chu Bing’s hands itched to join, so she entered the match and sparred with him.

Both knew this was just a friendly bout and held back, but still, Chu Bing could sense Long San’s strength—like a mountain bearing down!

Their techniques seemed designed to unearth their natural power, granting them immense strength. Against those weaker in skill, they would easily dominate, but faced with someone with deep internal energy, their methods would be insufficient.

Chu Bing withdrew, frowning in frustration.

How should she instruct them? Should she have them abandon their technique and start anew? That was obviously impossible!

In her mind, she asked the system, “System, how should I teach them?”

The system replied coolly, “Host, you can’t expect the system to handle everything.”

Chu Bing rolled her eyes. “Think carefully. I’m trying to protect Li Haoran. If you won’t help, just send me back to the modern world—if I die, so be it!”

Her shamelessness left the system helpless and gnashing its teeth. “Fine! I’ll design a training program for you! But you must accomplish your mission—turn Li Haoran into a martial arts master!”

Chu Bing’s eyes lit up. “Don’t worry, I definitely will!”

Soon, a wave of heat swept through her mind, and a training plan appeared.

She looked at the black-clad men still watching her and smiled. “I know how to train you now!”

Long San’s face was flushed with excitement. “Miss Chu, please instruct us. We’ll obey every word! We won’t let you down!”

Chu Bing raised her brow, her smile wild and free. “You’ll find out tomorrow! For now, go rest. We meet at the foot of Temple Hill at dawn.”

The shadow guards were momentarily stunned, not quite grasping her meaning.

Li Haoran, who had been silent at the side, spoke up. “Aren’t you going to thank Miss Chu?”

His tone was commanding. The shadow guards dared not speak further, cupped their fists in thanks, and swiftly returned to their posts.

Only then did Chu Bing turn to Li Haoran. “You certainly trust me a lot.”

After all, these were his own shadow guards. Now that she’d become familiar with them, if she grew attached, who’s to say they wouldn’t betray him one day?

Li Haoran chuckled lightly. “Don’t suspect those you use, don’t use those you suspect. Besides, Miss Chu, you’re not a bad person.”

From the day he’d met Chu Bing, she’d done nothing but help him. If he still couldn’t tell right from wrong, he might as well be blind.

Chu Bing snorted and, to cover her feelings, changed the subject. “What are you planning to do about the county magistrate?”

She and Chu Wenyan were still carrying the stigma of being murderers. If they didn’t clear their names, they’d never be able to appear in public again.

Li Haoran’s expression shifted slightly, and he spoke softly, “I’ve already investigated. Those people made trouble at the inn for money. That corrupt official, out of personal vendetta, ignored the evidence and convicted you. I’ve sent men to find those who tried to extort you. As long as they admit they framed you, that corrupt official’s words will be worthless.”

Chu Bing frowned. “But will those people really confess to framing us?”

Wouldn’t that be admitting to their own crimes?

A cold glint flashed in Li Haoran’s eyes, but his voice grew even gentler. “You don’t need to worry. Just wait. I’ll make them talk.”

He had a thousand ways to compel them to speak and clear Miss Chu’s name.

There was no need to tell her the details, lest she worry.

Chu Bing wanted to ask more, but at that moment, the pain from her wounds flared.

Her injuries hadn’t healed, and now she’d gained new ones tonight—the pain was almost unbearable.

She’d forced herself to hold on before, so she hadn’t noticed it much. Now, as she relaxed, every part of her body ached intensely.

Her knees buckled, and she nearly collapsed to the ground.

Li Haoran quickly caught her. The fragrance from her embrace wafted to his nose, making him turn his head with difficulty, his voice hoarse. “Miss Chu, are you all right?”

Chu Bing didn’t notice his unusual reaction. Her face was pale. “I’m fine.”

In her mind, the system’s emotionless voice spoke. “Host, please note: recall your bombardment ability.”

Damn it, not even a little advantage! Chu Bing ground her teeth in frustration. This wretched system—was it not afraid of making things harder for her?

Her internal energy hadn’t recovered, and the only thing she had left was her teleportation ability. At this rate, she was no better than a weakling!

“Miss Chu? Are you all right? I’ll fetch the doctor!” Seeing her silent, Li Haoran thought her injuries were serious. He helped her to a bench, ready to rush out for help.