Li Muzhan looked toward Cao Ya. Cao Miaoyi whispered softly, “Father has twelve guards, but he’s kept them away for fear of inciting jealousy.”
Li Muzhan surveyed Cao Ya for a moment, then shook his head and sighed, “Master really has remarkable patience.”
In those difficult times, when the Mohu Gang was rampaging, how could Master Cao Ya still not deploy these guards? Did he truly believe the Mohu Gang couldn't touch him?
His Void Eye had detected nothing unusual—that was rather interesting!
Cao Ya said, “Brother Hu, it’s time to act.”
“With pleasure,” Hu Ruilin chuckled, rising to stand by the window. He pushed it open, retrieved the birdcage hanging near the sill, and then opened the latch.
Li Muzhan was surprised. The little bird inside the cage was flawlessly white, and its song was melodious and clear, naturally lifting the spirits and making one’s mood soar and ebb with its notes.
Li Muzhan had always assumed it was merely an ornamental bird, of little practical use beyond cultivating temperament. Now, it seemed he had misjudged.
Hu Ruilin raised the cage high above his head. The little bird hopped out and landed on Cao Ya’s shoulder. Li Muzhan narrowed his eyes—what incredible speed!
Cao Ya stroked the bird’s head, patted it gently, and with a soft chirp, the bird shot out the window, vanishing instantly.
Hu Ruilin laughed, “Once they arrive, Brother Cao, you’ll be completely safe, and I can finally breathe easy!”
Cao Ya smiled, “I must trouble you, Brother Hu!”
“Don't be so formal!” Hu Ruilin waved his hand dismissively, adding with a smile, “I’m eager for this! I’ve heard so much about these people over the years but have never had the chance to meet them.”
Cao Ya paused in contemplation, then smiled, “I’m afraid Brother Hu will be disappointed.”
“...Very well, very well,” Hu Ruilin shook his head helplessly. “I shall simply keep my distance!”
Cao Ya apologized faintly, “Please forgive me, Brother Hu.”
~~ShuShu Net
Hu Ruilin waved it off. “Forget I said anything.”
Cao Miaoyi said, “Uncle Hu, Father promised them long ago. Besides Father and me, they don’t see outsiders. Though Father wanted you to meet them, a promise cannot be broken…”
Hu Ruilin shook his head and chuckled, “That’s alright, Miaor. I understand. If it were me, I’d do the same! ...It’s getting late, let’s head back.”
“Okay,” Hu Xiaofeng replied sullenly, pointing at the men in black on the ground. “What shall we do with these people?”
“You handle it,” Hu Ruilin instructed.
Hu Xiaofeng nodded. With a soft clang, a flash of sword light appeared, and the throats of several black-clad men on the ground were cut, blood bubbling out profusely.
Cao Mia frowned slightly, and Xiao He wrinkled her nose in displeasure, letting out a small hmph. Seeing Cao Miaoyi’s glance, she could only swallow her words.
Cao Ya’s expression remained unchanged, and Li Muzhan watched silently. Hu Xiaofeng glanced at Li Muzhan, grunted slightly in disappointment upon seeing no reaction on his face, then bent down, lifted two bodies, and vanished with a swift movement.
A short while later, he returned, taking two more bodies away. He repeated this several times until all the black-clad men were gone, leaving only a few bloodstains in front of the pavilion.
Li Muzhan gathered some dirt to cover the stains. Hu Ruilin and Hu Xiaofeng departed the small courtyard; the father and son occupied the west adjacent courtyard, as it was improper for female relatives to share quarters with others.
Watching them leave, Li Muzhan shook his head. Cao Ya said, “Wuji, your archery is indeed not bad, but it still falls short against true martial arts masters.”
Li Muzhan nodded. “Yes, Teacher. I will work hard.”
Old Xu chuckled, “Master, Young Master’s archery is near divine; there is perhaps no room for further improvement.”
Cao Ya shook his head. “There are techniques in the army like the Volley Shot and the Moon-Chasing Arrow. The Way of the Arrow is much like the martial arts; it’s endless. You must not become complacent!”
Li Muzhan asked, “Has Teacher seen them before?”
Cao Ya nodded. “There are quite a few experts in the army capable of three consecutive shots. The Moon-Chasing Arrow, however, requires a unique internal focus technique. I will find a master to teach you.”
“Thank you, Teacher,” Li Muzhan said with a smile, cupping his fists.
Cao Ya waved his hand. “I never expected your talent in archery to be so outstanding! ...Old Xu, you and Xiao He should go rest. Wuji, stay and talk with me.”
“Yes,” Old Xu and Xiao He left the pavilion, returning to their own rooms.
Cao Ya rose and left the pavilion. Li Muzhan and Cao Miaoyi followed him into the main house. Cao Ya sat at the desk, and Cao Mia removed the lampshade, adjusting the wick to brighten the room slightly.
“Teacher, I’m tired too; I’ll go rest now,” Li Muzhan said.
Cao Ya waved his hand, glancing sharply at him, “You will stay right here!”
Cao Mia pursed her lips and smiled, “Junior Brother, you don’t need to avoid propriety. They are Father’s guards, and they will be yours in the future too. You must meet them eventually.”
Li Muzhan stated, “Teacher, I do not need guards.”
Cao Ya said in a deep voice, “A son of wealth does not venture into danger. Once you take action, you will never be able to establish yourself in official circles again! How can you manage without protection?”
Li Muzhan fell silent, then slowly nodded.
Cao Ya stood up, hands clasped behind his back, pacing back and forth twice before speaking gravely, “They are actually my sworn sons. I took them in twenty years ago, and now every one of them has made something of himself.”
Cao Miaoyi explained, “They were all beggars, saved by Father when their lives were hanging by a thread. There is no need to doubt their loyalty.”
Cao Ya mused, “I do not know martial arts, but their skills are considerable. When they arrive, you can spar with them and gauge their foundation.”
Li Muzhan bowed, “Your foresight is profound, Teacher; I admire it!”
Cao Ya shook his head. “Honestly, I didn’t plan that far ahead back then. I couldn't just watch them die. Seeing them, I just helped them out. I never expected them all to strive so hard and become capable men.”
Li Muzhan smiled, “You reap what you sow.”
Cao Cao nodded. “Indeed. Sow more melons and beans, and make fewer enemies... But you must maintain integrity in your conduct. Otherwise, it’s better not to be an official at all, but return to live comfortably like an old gentleman, as I have done!”
Li Muzhan cupped his fists. “Rest assured, Teacher.”
“You have a steady temperament and surpassingly sharp intelligence; I remain assured of you,” Cao Ya said, stroking his beard and sitting down. “An open arrow is easy to dodge, but a hidden dart is hard to guard against. Having no guards is impossible. I have no need of them, but you will. That is why I summoned them to meet you.”
Li Muzhan acknowledged, “Your intentions are truly deep, Teacher.”
Cao Ya smiled softly, “If you can study diligently and govern the people of a region well, I will be content.”
Li Muzhan nodded. “I will strive to do so.”
While they were talking, a light knocking suddenly sounded on the door. Cao Miaoyi quickly stepped forward and opened it.
A young man in grey stood at the threshold. Cao Miaoyi stood aside, and he slipped inside, bowing deeply to Cao Ya, “Greetings, Adoptive Father!”
“Xiao Long, you are here.” Cao Ya smiled, looking him up and down. “So fast—you must have followed closely behind me, haven’t you?”
“Yes, Adoptive Father,” the grey-clad youth nodded. “Why haven’t you allowed us to act until now, Adoptive Father?”
Cao Ya shook his head. “The time is not yet right. I suspect the opponents are probing us.”
The grey-clad youth nodded slowly. “I think the same as you, Adoptive Father—this is a test, but it is already dangerous enough. I admit I am a bit worried…”
Cao Ya laughed, “My life is not so fragile.”
The grey-clad youth looked towards Li Muzhan. “Adoptive Father, this is…?”
“This is the disciple I have taken, Li Wuji,” Cao Ya announced.
The grey-clad youth was surprised. “A disciple? ...Adoptive Father has finally taken a disciple?”
Cao Ya nodded. “Wuji possesses excellent character and talent. I will need you to look after him in the future!”
“That is a given,” the grey-clad youth chuckled. “If he can catch Adoptive Father’s eye, then Junior Brother Wuji cannot be ordinary. We will certainly take good care of him.”
Cao Ya instructed, “Wuji, this is Cao Long; he is the eldest. Your safety will depend on them from now on. Stop handling things yourself!”
“Yes, Teacher,” Li Muzhan slowly nodded, cupping his fists toward Cao Long. “Eldest Senior Brother, please look after me.”
“Not at all, not at all,” Cao Long laughed, waving his hand. “Adoptive Father overpraises me. We are family now; there is no need for politeness!”
He understood that the identity of the twelve of them was highly confidential, known only to a few. Since the Adoptive Father allowed Li Wuji to see him, it meant he was being treated as family, and there was no need to stand on ceremony.
He covertly assessed Li Muzhan. He couldn't see anything extraordinary about him—he appeared unskilled in martial arts, his appearance was average, lacking any commanding presence.
Li Muzhan also observed Cao Long: a square face, russet-colored skin, and upright features, giving the impression of amiability and integrity, easily inspiring trust in others.
Li Muzhan smiled. “Eldest Senior Brother, you are in business, perhaps?”
“Hehe, I run a restaurant,” Cao Long nodded and laughed. “How did Junior Brother Wuji figure that out?”
Li Muzhan replied, “Eldest Senior Brother exudes such amiability—few can manage that. Amiability generates wealth, so why else maintain such a demeanor if not for profit?”
“Indeed worthy of being Adoptive Father’s disciple,” Cao Long chuckled. “Sharp eyes!”
As the two were speaking, the door knocked again. Before Cao Miaoyi could open it, a young man in black drifted inside. After closing the door, he bowed deeply before Cao Ya. “Greetings, Adoptive Father!”
His voice was cold, and he exuded an aura of tangible killing intent.
Li Muzhan glanced at him; his face was pale and thin, his frame somewhat slight, looking like a frail scholar, yet the killing aura surrounding him was almost palpable.
“Xiaohu,” Cao Ya frowned slightly. “Kill a few fewer people, alright?”
“Yes, Adoptive Father,” the thin youth nodded without further comment, gave a slight bow to Cao Long, glanced dismissively at Li Muzhan, showing no hint of curiosity.
Cao Ya turned his head. “Wuji, this is Cao Hu, ranked second. You may call him Second Senior Brother. Xiaohu, this is my personal successor disciple; take good care of him henceforth.”
Cao Hu nodded, saying only, “Yes, Adoptive Father.”
Cao Ya shook his head helplessly. Then several more people arrived, six in total: Cao Bao, Cao Feng, Cao He, and Cao Yu. Cao Bao was a lean and lithe youth, brimming with wild energy. Cao Feng was a beautiful woman. Cao He was an ordinary-looking young man, while Cao Yu was exceptionally handsome and possessed refined manners.
Their professions were varied: Cao Long ran a restaurant, Cao Hu was a disciple of the Shenwu Mountain sect, Cao Bao belonged to the Hall of Righteousness, Cao Feng was a disciple of the Zishang Palace, Cao He followed the Fengxing Sect, and Cao Yu was the master of the Guanyu Hall.
Seeing the six young men gathered, Cao Ya cleared his throat lightly and said slowly, “Wuji, this summons is hurried, so only these six are here today. You will rely on them for protection in the future.”
Li Muzhan bowed deeply.