Bengtie: My death fueled their madness.

Seeing the detailed training plan on the jade tablet, Jing Yuan breathed a long sigh of relief.

The days that followed were like going from hell to earth.

The training was still tough, but each time it was right at the edge of his limit.

Even with gradually increasing pressure, he was able to complete the task smoothly instead of collapsing from exhaustion on the spot.

Gradually, Qi Zhimu discovered that this cheap grand-disciple was quite interesting.

Although his martial arts talent is not as good as Jingliu's, he is extremely clever.

Every time he came to Qingxinju, Jingyuan always liked to chat with him, especially about the history of the Yunqi Wars.

When discussing certain classic battles, he often offers insightful and unique perspectives. Even if his views sometimes seem like hindsight biases, they are always clear, logical, and insightful.

Qi Zhimu pondered to himself that this child might be more suited to strategizing and becoming a strategist or advisor than to charging into battle.

"Have you ever considered switching to the Bureau of Divination, or pursuing a career as a strategist?"

"I want to learn swordsmanship, and like my master and grandmaster, stand on the front line to protect the immortal ship." Jing Yuan shook his head, his eyes resolute.

"There are many ways to protect the immortal ship, not just with the sword in my hand." Qi Zhimu's lips curled up into a half-pixel smile.

"Charging into battle doesn't preclude strategic planning, did it? Wasn't our grandmaster the same back then?"

"You silly child..." Qi Zhimu chuckled and said no more.

……

Six months later, Jingliu returned in triumph.

When he learned that Qi Zhimu had been teaching Jing Yuan during his campaign, his previously cool expression instantly turned icy.

The next day, they found Jingyuan and tried to maintain a calm facade.

She sat in the main seat, her fingertips gently caressing the teacup, her voice devoid of emotion.

"Jingyuan, how has your master been teaching you these past six months?"

Jing Yuan felt a chill run down his back and instinctively sat up straight.

"Master, my grandmaster taught me to proceed step by step and corrected many of my mistakes..."

As he answered, he carefully observed Jing Liu's expression.

Jingliu keenly grasped the word "gradual progress," and his movements paused almost imperceptibly.

"He didn't make you practice until you lost consciousness?"

Jing Yuan was taken aback, then honestly shook his head.

"No, my master said that would be harmful to my health. Every time I was about to give up, my master would stop me and let me rest and recover..."

He wanted to say a few more words of praise, but suddenly realized that his master's expression seemed to be getting increasingly strange.

Jingliu lowered his eyelids, concealing the undercurrent that surged within his eyes in that instant.

Step by step?

Harmful to health?

Rest and recuperation?

Ha ha ha ha……

What about her back then?

Countless times I practiced until I fainted, and countless times I thought I would die on the training field.

Back then, did Master ever say a word about harming the body, or even once tell someone to stop?

Why...?

Is it because Jingyuan is more likable than her?

Or is it because... he gave all his harshness to her, but reserved all his tenderness for others?

Jealousy, bitterness, and resentment.

A mix of emotions surged and churned, transforming into a pungent, acidic liquid that rushed straight into my nasal cavity.

It turns out that Master also understands what gradual progress means, rather than simply resorting to exponential pressure increase.

It turns out that even her master knew that such training would be exhausting... but he was still able to be ruthless towards her.

Does taking things one step at a time mean she's destined to achieve little and never get to where she is today?

unfair!

"Master...Master?"

Seeing Jing Liu's unpredictable expression, Jing Yuan didn't dare to breathe.

"Did I say something wrong, my disciple?"

"no."

Jingliu forcibly suppressed the turbulent emotions surging within him.

I cannot take my anger out on the innocent boy in front of me because of my master's preferential treatment... I cannot...

She looked up, her face now as cold as ever.

"Since you've made progress in the past six months, today's training volume will be increased by half. Remember, no slacking off."

what? !

"Yes... Master..."

Jing Yuan instinctively wanted to open his mouth, but under that cold, hard gaze, he could only swallow his words and run towards the training ground with a bitter face.

Fortunately, six months of training had given him a much stronger foundation, and he managed to meet the target, but he was so exhausted that he collapsed on the ground, not wanting to move at all.

After Jingliu carried him onto the Star Raft and sent him home, he went straight to Qingxin Residence.

After enduring a day of waiting, she couldn't wait to find Qi Zhimu and get to the bottom of things.

Unexpectedly, two people who could barely be considered friends were also there.

Among them, Chi Ming, with a prominent forehead, dressed in fine clothes, handsome appearance, but with a slightly arrogant temperament, is playing chess with Qi Zhimu.

The other was a fox-woman with bright, lively eyes and a charming smile, radiating vitality.

Before the player could make a move, the fox-woman watching the game broke into a smile.

"Kyoryu, you're back! Where have you been relaxing? I thought you wouldn't be going out today."

"Go and fulfill your duties as a master." Jingliu's expression didn't turn completely cold; he softened slightly.

"Master?!"

Bai Heng's eyes widened, and his furry ears twitched, as if he had heard something unbelievable.

"When did you start taking on apprentices, you guy who always has an icy expression?"

"Six months ago."

"Why not say it? It's too formal."

"There's not much to say."

"Oh, you really are... cough cough, shh, keep it down, keep it down."

Bai Heng realized that the game was still going on and that he had been speaking too loudly, so he quickly lowered his voice.

Jingliu's gaze swept across the chessboard, then settled on Qi Zhimu, and he remained there, muttering something else.

"When did Lord Yinyue develop the interest to play chess with ordinary people?"

"...Uh, you call Senior Zhi Mu a normal person?" Bai Heng was embarrassed.

That's clearly called Legend!

It should be noted that most of the generals in the Immortal Ship were not given these two titles.

To put it bluntly, having military achievements alone is not enough; one also needs a sufficiently long term of office. Only by possessing both can one have a chance.

The two women said no more and watched the game quietly.

About fifteen minutes later, Qi Zhimu placed the chess piece down.

Danfeng nodded slightly and looked up at the person opposite him.

"As expected of the legendary hero known as 'Instant Blood Rainbow,' Danfeng is truly impressed."

"The legendary hero isn't someone like me."

Qi Zhimu shook his head, a faint smile appearing on his face.

"I have long heard of Lord Yinyue's extraordinary demeanor, and seeing him today, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved. On the battlefield, I am grateful for the care that the Dragon Lord has shown to my disciple."

"You're too kind, senior. Miss Jingliu doesn't need my help at all. On the contrary, I am grateful for her help."

Danfeng was not being modest. Although he did not believe that Jingliu was stronger than himself, after seeing her performance on the battlefield, he was too ashamed to accept her master's polite words.

Furthermore, this is no exaggeration. Teng Xiao had already instructed them to ensure the safety of those who went into battle, including himself, the Dragon Lord.

"Gentlemen, your private hot spring bath has been prepared. We hope you can relax and unwind here."

"Thank you." Danfeng nodded and got up to walk in the designated direction.

Seeing this, Bai Heng nudged Jing Liu's shoulder.

"How about we go for a drink together? And while you're at it, tell me about the history and origins of this famous local wine?"

"No, you go by yourself, I have things to do." Jingliu refused without even thinking.

"Oh, then I won't bother you anymore."

Bai Heng bowed respectfully to Qi Zhimu, then put his hands behind his back and skipped away.

The atmosphere immediately quieted down.

Qi Zhimu had already sensed that Jing Liu had something to say, so he didn't rush to speak. He picked up the wine jar next to him and his expression froze.

"I'll go get it."

Jingliu immediately ran into the wine cellar.

Seeing the wine jar on top, I casually took it down.

Slightly anxious, she didn't notice a small slip of paper that had quietly floated down from the jar.

It had four characters written on it:

—It has been more than three years.