"Wouldn't it be better if I just called you Gu Zhong?"
After being teased by Gu Zhongyi time and time again, Ling Yan simply gave up and defiantly raised her head, displaying a willful and capricious attitude.
—This person has no gentleness whatsoever; he has a wicked nature that is just as bad as mine.
"Okay—from now on, I'll call you Ayan."
To Lingyan's surprise, Gu Zhong accepted the impolite way of addressing her by her full name without any objection, and even gave her a nickname on his own, his tone gentler than ever before.
"what ever···"
As if she had punched cotton, Ling Yan lost her will to continue provoking.
"Speaking of which, Ah Yan, why didn't you come to learn swordsmanship?"
After a long silence, Gu Zhong suddenly spoke up and asked.
She has been with the Ling family for some time now. At the request of the Ling family head, she has conducted several selections and lessons for swordsmanship, and even carefully taught some disciples who were quite talented in swordsmanship but had no achievements in magic.
However, Lingyan never came, which was completely contrary to Gu Zhong's expectations.
"I—don't think it's really necessary for me to learn it."
Lingyan stammered, as if she were a student skipping class and making up a reason for missing the lesson.
As for what she really wanted to do, it was related to Gu Zhong.
The unease she felt upon first meeting her, that feeling of being unable to control herself, made her subconsciously choose to stay away.
Lingyan had never imagined that they could be so close today, sitting on the same branch.
—It didn't feel so scary, and I even felt a little joyful.
"Don't waste your talent. If one day you lose all the abilities granted by magic, at least you can still use a sword."
Gu Zhong stared at Ling Yan for a long time, seemingly trying to discern the truthfulness of her words, before finally saying only one sentence.
Her tone was distinctly informal, yet it compelled people to obey, as if what she said was bound to happen.
"One more thing, by participating in the training, we can legitimately leave Chu Cheng behind, since he is not suited to learning swordsmanship."
She winked playfully, and Gu Zhong's words were noticeably lighter this time.
Upon hearing this, Lingyan's already wavering will completely crumbled.
No matter how many reasons one might have for not wanting to learn swordsmanship, they can all be set aside when faced with the extremely tempting prospect of escaping Chu City. Besides, these reasons are not very reliable to begin with and can be overturned at any time.
So, on this sunny day, under this camphor tree, Lingyan made a promise that she would definitely come again next time.
It wasn't until she actually started training that she realized she was walking into a trap.
Kendo training is far more arduous than magic. It is a skill that cannot rely on external aids; it requires honing oneself year after year, day after day, and demands immense mental effort and unwavering perseverance.
Most of the Ling family members who were capable of using magic chose to retreat after one or two training sessions.
Only those who are completely unable to use magic continue to struggle, either to preserve their lives in the chaos of war or to one day rise above others.
As for Ling Yan, she should have been the most pampered young lady, but she persisted throughout the entire Ling family's astonishment and shock.
This stems from her consistent belief—once you start something, there's no reason to back down halfway.
To see the whole picture from a single glimpse, her current status and achievements are by no means simply a matter of talent; even the greatest talent cannot be separated from diligent practice.
——
Since the Demon Hunting Tournament, demonic activity within the Ling family's territory has been incredibly scarce. Apart from the occasional simple demon-slaying mission, ascetic training and idle chatter have become the daily routine for the Ling family members. In this world plagued by demons, it is truly difficult to have a few days of peace.
However, this peaceful and tranquil situation did not last long, and came to an abrupt end with a summons from the capital.
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Author's Note:
Amnesiac Yan Yan reveals her true nature
Chapter 120 Swordsman and Exorcist (Part 6)
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—The king summoned talented individuals from various prominent families to gather in the capital.
No one will underestimate this call to action.
For many years since the founding of the nation, the existence of the Imperial Preceptor's Mansion has maintained peace between aristocratic families and the royal family, and many scions of aristocratic families have entered the Imperial Preceptor's Mansion to serve the royal family.
But unless something major happens, the king will never summon noble families to the capital.
A simple decree, yet it was filled with the imminent threat of storm.
The head of the Ling family summoned all the elders of the family to discuss this unusual information.
As the leader of the new generation, Ling Yan was also summoned.
As soon as she stepped into the council hall, she felt a heavy and oppressive atmosphere wash over her. Most of the people present had their brows furrowed, as if they were all considering some crucial issue.
There were only two exceptions.
One of them was Chu Cheng, who was representing the Imperial Preceptor's Mansion. Perhaps they wanted to get some information from him, so he was invited here today.
He seemed completely oblivious to the situation. When he saw Ling Yan arrive, his eyes were filled with undisguised joy. If he weren't concerned about his image, he probably would have gotten up to greet her immediately.
The other person was none other than Gu Zhong. As a guest elder, she shouldn't have been here. It was truly strange.
However, this guest elder showed no respect for the head of the family and didn't care what others thought. She rested her elbows on the armrests of the chair, put her fists to her forehead, and looked like she was sound asleep, as if she could never get enough sleep.
Even when Lingyan sat down next to her, Gu Zhong's movements didn't change at all, as if he were a statue.
Where is Ling Ying?
Seeing that only Ling Yan had arrived, the patriarch frowned and asked sternly.
"This disciple does not know."
Lingyan then realized that one person was missing from the group.
Lately, it seems that Ling Ying has nothing else to do but chase after Gu Zhong. It's somewhat unbelievable that she didn't rush to come here today.
Where is Ling Ying?
The patriarch's voice was directed towards the door, and the disciple guarding the door quickly came in, bowed, and said...
"Young Master Ying has been feeling very tired lately. He only got up in a hurry when he heard the family head calling him. He probably hasn't gotten ready yet."
"What kind of behavior is this! The sun is high in the sky, almost past noon, and you're still sleeping! Have you been too lax in disciplining your disciples lately?"
The head of the household slammed his hand on the square tea table next to the chair and threw a tantrum.
Ling Ying arrived late, looking flustered and apologetic, and apologized repeatedly, effectively quelling the family head's anger.
Ling Ying glanced around the room, glared at Ling Yan resentfully, and sat down next to Chu Cheng with obvious disdain. It was unclear whether she was complaining that Ling Yan had taken the best seat next to Gu Zhong.
"The royal decree has arrived; what is everyone's opinion?"
With everyone gathered, the head of the family got straight to the point.
“This matter is extraordinary. After the battle to seal the demon a hundred years ago, none of the noble families have ever set foot in the capital again.”
"This is truly strange. Why summon disciples from various families to the capital? What exactly is the King planning?"
"Mr. Chu, is there any news from the Imperial Preceptor's residence?"
"ah?"
When asked the question, Chu Cheng's eyes kept drifting towards Ling Yan, and he couldn't help but be taken aback.
"I have been away from the Imperial Preceptor's residence for a long time and have not received any unusual messages, however—"
"But what?"
“A few days ago, I received a letter from the government urging me to return to the capital as soon as possible.”
"That's it—something big is about to happen in the capital."
So, should we go or not?
This is the problem that gives the head of the family the biggest headache.
If something changes in the capital, sending young disciples there would be like throwing food away for nothing; but if they don't go, it would be disrespectful to the king. Besides—perhaps they could benefit from this upheaval?
The current predicament is that the situation in the capital is unclear, making it difficult to make a decision.
“If the patriarch is worried, I may go to the capital first to investigate. Lingyan will stay behind, and the rest of you can go after I have ascertained the situation.”
At this moment, Ling Ying showed a spirit of self-sacrifice, willingly serving as a pawn, which earned her an approving look from the family head.
"Stop talking nonsense, this matter needs to be discussed carefully."
However, we cannot make such a decision so easily.
"It is unwise to act separately; if you are going to go, you should go together."
Ling Yan felt a surge of resentment at Ling Ying's preemptive retort. Such a sharp retort made her seem like a coward, so she seized the opportunity to quickly retort.
"The murky waters of the capital are not as easy to stir up as you might imagine."
Gu Zhong, who had been pretending to be asleep, opened his eyes and looked at Ling Yan beside him, his face full of disapproval.
From her emotions, Lingyan clearly sensed Gu Zhong's resistance to the capital, which seemed to conceal some hidden story.
"Oh? Elder Gu has some knowledge of the situation in the capital?"
"It's nothing more than a matter concerning the royal family, or—the matter concerning the Imperial Preceptor's residence."
As he spoke, Gu Zhong turned his gaze toward Chu Cheng, as if trying to confirm something.
"What could possibly be going on at the Imperial Preceptor's residence?"
Chu Cheng was deeply displeased by this and almost shouted angrily, as if Gu Zhong's words had insulted the Imperial Preceptor's Mansion.
Gu Zhong closed her eyes and ignored him, making him seem like a clown performing a one-man show, which made Chu Cheng dislike her even more.
"Then we must go! If the royal family or the Imperial Preceptor's residence is truly in trouble, how can we sit idly by?"
Ling Ying put on an air of patriotism, concern for the people, and unwavering loyalty.