Chapter 52: An Unexplained Injury

In truth, Confucian archery and military archery differ little from one another. The Confucian school values elegance and refinement, while the military focuses on practicality and combat effectiveness. Yet the principles of shooting an arrow remain entirely the same.

Pei Min possessed considerable skill with the bow from the start, having practiced under the guidance of the instructors at Yanyun Academy, where every move was executed with grace and fluidity. Since the target never moved or fled, he developed the bad habit of taking extra time to aim and observe. His foundation in archery was solid; all that was needed was to break this habit.

Xue Ne studied him for a while and discerned the issue. Pei Min’s archery foundation was strong, and with his keen ability to understand quickly, he surprisingly overcame the bad habit in a short time, transforming from a Confucian-style archer to a military archer. Clapping his hands, Xue Ne said, “Very well. Your foundation is commendable, and your archery has reached a certain level. With consistent practice, passing the military test won’t be difficult. Time is short, so let’s focus on your weaker areas.”

They then brought their horses closer. Pei Min had also learned horsemanship from Xue Ne when he first started. They followed a similar method. On their journey south to Chang’an, Pei Min had intentionally practiced the techniques of spurring the horse to gallop and then stopping abruptly, and had become fairly proficient. Xue Ne admired this, knowing that Pei Min had only been riding for about half a year, making such progress quite rare. Yet, mastering the gallop-and-stop was merely the beginning of horsemanship and not worth much praise.

In their Xue family’s military lineage... Xue Ne pondered briefly before dismissing the thought as unlucky. When he was eight years old, Xue Ren Gui had given him a young horse to practice riding. Before he was ten, he had already built a solid foundation. Following his father’s example, he gave his eldest son, Xue Hui, a horse at the same age. Yet, Xue Hui scared the colt so badly it ran off and never returned. Now in his forties or fifties, Xue Hui still preferred traveling by carriage and never mastered riding like Pei Min had.

However, compared to Xue Ne’s current level of horsemanship, Pei Min’s skill was nothing to boast about; the techniques honed through battlefield trials were leagues apart.

Watching Pei Min approach on horseback, Xue Ne remarked, “Your riding lacks steadiness; you act too impulsively. If you were to enter combat, there’s an eighty to ninety percent chance you’d be thrown off and meet your end.”

Pei Min replied respectfully, “Please instruct me, Grandfather Xue.” There was no hint of resentment, only sincere eagerness to learn. Pretending to know when one does not is the greatest folly, especially before a teacher who wishes to guide you. To feign expertise is to be the greatest fool.

Xue Ne nodded approvingly. “Remember this: a horse is your comrade-in-arms, your second life on the battlefield. But also remember it is an animal. Even the most intelligent steed cannot possess human wisdom. When you ride, do not expect it to cooperate with you; you must adapt to it. You must control it, not follow its running rhythm. Your swordsmanship is exquisite; think of your horse as an extension of your blade. Command it firmly, do not let it overshadow you.”

Pei Min pondered Xue Ne’s words, recalling his earlier rides. He sensed that when the horse moved slowly, he was in control, but once it sped up and found its own rhythm, though he believed he was guiding it, the horse had actually broken free from his control. At that moment, it was like a sports car hurtling forward without brakes.

With this realization, Pei Min earnestly sought further instruction.

Impressed by Pei Min’s quick comprehension, Xue Ne enthusiastically began teaching him advanced horsemanship techniques.

Xue Ne’s teaching was meticulous, and Pei Min’s learning earnest. Before they knew it, night had fallen.

“All right, we’ll stop here for today,” Xue Ne said, nodding with satisfaction as Pei Min mastered a new skill. Having a disciple who could apply lessons broadly was a gratifying experience for a teacher.

Upon hearing this, Pei Min sharply pulled the reins, straightening his posture, and halted his horse swiftly in place.

Xue Ne watched with admiration.

Once the horse was secured, Pei Min suddenly felt a numbness and soreness in his arms and thighs. Frowning in confusion, he moved his limbs and was met with a sharp, stinging pain.

Concerned, Xue Ne asked, “What’s wrong?”

Pei Min replied, “Something’s off. It feels like an injury. That can’t be—it’s not like my body is weak.”

Xue Ne’s expression darkened. “Take off your jacket.”

Following the order, Pei Min removed his outer garment and was startled. His right arm was noticeably thicker and swollen compared to the left.

Alarmed, Xue Ne called out urgently, “Quick, fetch a doctor!” Not trusting the situation, he summoned a maid and inquired if there was a medical clinic nearby, intending to go himself. As a commander of thousands, he exuded an aura of authority even in his anxiety, causing the young maid’s eyes to redden with fear.

The maid, trembling, replied, “There’s a clinic next door at the Jade Truth Temple. Divine Physician Liu attends there.”

Hearing the name Liu, Pei Min smiled reassuringly. “No need to rush, Grandfather Xue. I know him well. Divine Physician Liu is a disciple of the immortal Sun Simiao. With him, there’s nothing to fear.”

Xue Ne’s reaction moved Pei Min, calming him, and he proceeded next door.

Having spent over half a year in this world, this was the first time Pei Min’s body showed any abnormality, and he was naturally anxious.

Upon learning that Liu was a disciple of Sun Simiao, Xue Ne relaxed and urged Pei Min to hurry.

Inside the Jade Truth Temple, upon hearing they sought medical help, a young Taoist guide swiftly led them to a side chamber on the right. It was late, and no patients were present.

The venerable Liu Shenwei, well over ninety, sat leisurely on a small folding stool, sipping tea. Seeing Pei Min enter, he exclaimed in surprise, almost toppling from his seat. “My little ancestor, you’ve finally arrived!”

Pei Min was bewildered but had no time for questions. “Divine Physician, please examine my hand—look at my hand!”

Liu Shenwei pressed and pinched the arm gently. Seeing Pei Min’s furrowed brow ease, he sighed with relief. “Fortunately, it’s only a flesh wound. No damage to the meridians or pulse. Otherwise, I would owe you an apology.”

Sun Pu, who had overheard the news, hurried out and saw the guilt on Pei Min’s face.

Pei Min, puzzled, asked, “What’s happening?”

Liu Shenwei first spoke to Sun Pu: “Prepare the medicinal bath for our benefactor immediately!” Then he explained, “Sun Pu is unaware of the details. The regimen he taught you is an internal consumption method. Sun Pu suffers from a congenital heart condition. Thanks to his master’s specially developed breathing and nurturing technique, he has survived until now. It is not suitable for ordinary people.”

Pei Min was stunned, lost for words. “But I felt it was effective! After practicing for over three months, my strength and speed increased significantly; I felt energized. Especially during winter, after a cycle of training, my body felt like it was burning warmly—very comfortable.”

Liu Shenwei nodded knowingly. “That is because the internal consumption method exercises your entire body, naturally building strength. But each cycle also exhausts your flesh and skin. If you continue intense training, your body will not withstand it.”