At noon, the household servant directly delivered lunch to the courtyard.
Throughout the entire afternoon, Shen Han and Young Master Xu studied casting techniques together.
They didnât stop until 5:00 PM, when it was time for dinner.
All afternoon, Young Master Xuâs eyes seemed to be glowing.
Usually, he could only study casting techniques by himself, and the blacksmiths he invited didnât seem very articulate.
Communicating with them was never on the same wavelength.
He thought about inviting a more skilled Great Master of Casting, but Prefect Xu was not very supportive, and he didnât have the face to invite one.
Today, Shen Han brought him many fresh insights that he had never understood before.
And he recorded them all, so he could study them slowly in the future.
Dinner was set up in the main hall.
Usually, Young Master Xu ate in his own courtyard, but today, he seemed to remember Shen Han and ate together in the main hall.
"Lord Prefect is so kind, Shen Han really envies Young Master Xu..."
This was truly heartfelt.
Compared to his own father, Prefect Xu couldnât be better.
"But what use is kindness if the son doesnât appreciate his fatherâs hardships."
When Prefect Xu said this, there was a hint of grievance.
This should be what a father is like, feeling aggrieved over his sonâs lack of understanding.
His own father, besides scolding, seemed to have no other interaction with him.
If he returns this year, who knows what heâll feel when he learns that the Shen family is preparing to sacrifice him.
At the dinner table, although Shen Han rarely had such delicious dishes, he maintained his manners.
"Today, there was news from the Capital City that your Shen familyâs Eighth Young Master is returning in a carriage."
Prefect Xu intentionally reminded Shen Han.
"That child is still young, but according to friends in the Capital City, his talent is extremely high, and he already has the strength of a Scholar of the Eighth Grade.
Moreover, he acts unrestrained, fearing neither heaven nor earth.
This prefect truly fears he might lay a hand on you."
Shen Han understood what Prefect Xu was concerned about.
Shen Familyâs Eighth Young Master Shen Ao, was merely a young child.
If he were to be harmed by a child, although Shen Ao could be punished, it would not be too severe.
His young age is his best get-out-of-jail-free card.
A single "doesnât know better" can deflect so much criticism.
"Thank you for the reminder, Lord Prefect, I will be careful."
After dinner, Shen Han didnât linger and left, escorted by the household servants.
In the main hall, today, Young Master Xu did not immediately leave to return to his courtyard to forge iron.
"Do you have something you want to say to me, child?"
"Brother Shen Han said I should improve my relationship with father, so he can visit next time.
So, I want to talk with father..."
Prefect Xu was momentarily stunned, then furrowed his brow slightly.
This method of currying favor is truly a bit outdated.
"Shen Han just talked to you about casting techniques, and you want to help him so much?"
"Itâs not about helping Brother Shen; I originally wanted to talk with father, but I didnât know how to start..."
...
Returning home, Shen Han felt that today he had gained a lot.
Firstly, he now clearly understood that Prefect Xu was willing to protect him, whether for benefits or not, he was willing to protect him.
Secondly, although Young Master Xuâs casting skills did not reach the level of a master, from todayâs exchange, Shen Han gained much casting experience.
Moreover, Young Master Xu had no shortage of casting materials, and if Shen Han needed them, he was willing to share them for use.
The sky grew progressively darker.
Shen Han lay on the bed, continuing to visualize the "Celestial Dao Sword Momentum" in his mind.
Only after becoming fatigued did he begin to fall asleep.
Yet his mind was still occupied with Prefect Xuâs reminder.
The Eighth Young Master of the Shen family was coming back.
The young Shen Ao, called the second prodigious child of the Shen family.
As the brother of the prodigious Shen Ye, he was also extraordinarily gifted.
In the Capital City, many even referred to him as "Little Shen Ye."
Unlike the all-rounded Shen Ye, Shen Ao pursued only the scholarly path.
Despite his young age, he already had the strength of the Eighth Grade.
Shen Han knew little about the strength and methods of scholars.
His return at this particular time was most likely aimed at him.
Using a child as a means to deal with him was certainly a clever tactic.
Scholar cultivation focused on spiritual power, fortune, and law.
To deal with Shen Ao as a scholar cultivator, spiritual power should be a priority.
For the next two days, Shen Han devoted his efforts to visualizing the "Celestial Dao Sword Momentum."
He even resisted the "Celestial Dao Sword Momentum" with "Sunset Swordsmanship" in his sea of consciousness.
Both sword technique and spiritual power improved simultaneously.
After two days of intense cultivation, noon.
Madam Yun came again carrying a food box.
She always felt whenever she wasnât there, Shen Han kept eating flatbread. Eating these things, how could his body remain healthy?
Laying out a stack of dishes, she sat beside him, watching Shen Han eat.
"Eat slowly; cultivation doesnât miss one or two two-hour periods."
This time Madam Yun also brought a bowl of soup, otherwise, every time Shen Han would drink cold water.
"That child Shen Ao has returned."
"Prefect Xu already told me, but I didnât expect him to return so soon."
Shen Hanâs expression didnât change. With his current strength, Shen Ao might not be stronger than him.
"He returned yesterday. Itâs said he already has the strength of a Scholar of the Eighth Grade.
Little Han, donât be fooled by Shen Aoâs small size; he is quite mature and domineering.
Yesterday, when he passed by my courtyard, Little Cailing saluted him, and he seemed displeased.
He said âkneel,â and pressed Little Cailing into kneeling for a whole two-hour period.
The ground was covered with stones; after she stood up, it was heartbreaking to see...
Madam Yunâs face showed some displeasure; she was not in a good mood.
Hearing that Little Cailing was injured, Shen Hanâs expression immediately turned cold.
"Was Little Cailing seriously hurt?"
"Her bones werenât hurt, just suffered some flesh wounds.
Shen Ao indeed acted quite domineering; not just Little Cailing from my courtyard suffered, but other servants also seemed to have suffered.
Seeing if they didnât kneel, he would lightly say âkneel,â and a force would press the servants to the ground...
Itâs said that even the maids in his own motherâs courtyard didnât escape...
This behavior truly fits a powerful and mischievous child.
"I heard Shen Ao returned this time specifically targeting you.
He thinks you stole Shen Yeâs lover, and over a month ago he was already talking about avenging his brother.
So, Little Han, why donât you find an excuse to venture out and avoid him?"
Madam Yunâs face bore a worried expression.
With Shen Ao being so domineering, and already at the Eighth Grade in strength, he was also much favored by the Shen familyâs elders.
If they clashed, surely Shen Han would be at a disadvantage.
"Donât worry, Third Madam, Iâm not so weak and scholarly; a little kid wonât be able to bully me.
If he really dares to come, if I end up a cripple, at least Iâll take someone down with me."
Shen Han spoke some harsh words.
Especially upon hearing of Little Cailingâs injuries, a sense of hatred grew in his heart.