Chapter 569 - 655

Zhao Qianyi once served as the head of the Celestial Dragon Army, excelling on the battlefield with long weapons, and naturally, as the king of all weapons, she was skilled with a spear.

Upon hearing about the spear technique, Zhao Qianyi’s eyes flickered with surprise and delight; she preferred spear techniques to Beautiful Jade.

"I acquired this from the Nan Zhou Treasure. Although I don’t know its rank, it should be above Celestial Tier martial arts. This is the first set of spear techniques, and I’ve already mastered it. I’ve marked the points to watch out for, just follow and practice accordingly."

Chen Mo promptly released Zhao Qianyi, drew a spear from the nearby weapon rack, and said, "I’ll demonstrate it for you first."

Chen Mo held the spear single-handedly, moving to the center of the practice arena. "Spear Emerges Like a Dragon" was a technique he had mastered, and at this moment, he felt as if this spear was an extension of his body. With a light shout, he began to elegantly dance before Zhao Qianyi.

Zhao Qianyi placed Beautiful Jade aside and picked up a long spear herself. Holding it with one hand, she honed in on Chen Mo’s demonstration while practicing against the spear technique.

Perhaps to make up for having neglected her these past days, Chen Mo went through the routine several times before he finally stopped when Zhao Qianyi seemed to have grasped it.

Zhao Qianyi was quite obsessed with martial arts. Feeling the intricacies of this spear technique, she eagerly intended to give it a try, her expression brimming with excitement, as if saying, "If it looks that good after someone else demonstrates, I can do it too."

Chen Mo nodded.

However, watching and personally practicing were entirely different matters. Zhao Qianyi managed to imitate Chen Mo’s "Spear Emerges Like a Dragon" fairly well, and with her full figure and gentle demeanor, it even carried a certain aesthetic appeal. Yet, she hadn’t captured the essence of it, displaying only a flashy façade, without substance.

Chen Mo stepped forward, grasping Zhao Qianyi’s hand that held the spear, guiding her step by step: "Techniques are lifeless, but people are alive. Relax, memorize the forms, but don’t try to consciously display them or get confined to specific moves.

Now, thrust."

Seeing him instruct her so earnestly made Zhao Qianyi feel warmth in her heart, and she focused more intently, practicing along with Chen Mo’s guidance.

One had to admit having an instructor was far more effective than practicing alone. Zhao Qianyi, with her sharp acumen, managed to grasp some of the subtle nuances within an hour. Her waist and hip movements exerted immense tension, and although her limbs appeared slender, they harbored undeniable explosive power.

"Why are you jabbing at me?"

After practicing non-stop for an hour, both were drenched in sweat, although Chen Mo slightly less so.

Zhao Qianyi’s training robes were soaked, clinging to her body, her bangs sticking to her face. This sweat rendered her complexion rosy and her skin delicate, as if it could be easily bruised with a gentle pinch.

Chen Mo blushed. Zhao Qianyi wasn’t wearing much—aside from the outer training garments, there was only a thin inner layer. Their bodies pressed close during the hand-on-hand instruction inevitably incited instinctual reactions within him as a man.

He tightened his hold on Zhao Qianyi’s waist a bit more.

Soon, Zhao Qianyi figured out the cause. Though she was experienced, her thoughts remained innocent on such matters, not connecting the dots immediately. But on realizing, her face flushed red, and her eyelashes quivered delicately.

For a moment, neither spoke, and the air on the training ground grew somewhat peculiar, with only the faint sounds of their breathing breaking the silence.

Zhao Qianyi attempted to avert her gaze, but just then, Chen Mo made a move. He released her spear hand and pinched her firm behind.

"Clang." The sudden action caused Zhao Qianyi to shiver, and she dropped the spear she couldn’t hold firmly, producing a crisp sound on the ground.

Her face carried a shy expression, yet she wasn’t embarrassed, merely murmuring, "Stop, I’m all sweaty."

"I remember there’s a lake in the Princess’s Mansion," Chen Mo gently bit Zhao Qianyi’s ear and suggested, "It’s perfect for a romantic swim."

Hearing this, Zhao Qianyi’s face turned red instantly. She knew Chen Mo could be playful, but swimming openly in the manor’s lake was unthinkable for her, given the potential for being seen by the attendants, despite their small numbers.

She responded in an embarrassed tone, "We can’t be reckless."

Chen Mo understood that, unlike Chun Lan or Jiang Ning who might indulge his whims, Zhao Qianyi considered the circumstances and replied, "I was just kidding."

"To...To my room," Zhao Qianyi murmured, lightly pushing Chen Mo’s chest.

With a smile, Chen Mo scooped Zhao Qianyi up in a princess carry and said, "Where’s your room? Point the way."

With one hand, Zhao Qianyi held onto Chen Mo’s shoulder and pointed with the other.

"Let’s go." Chen Mo quickened his pace.

"Jade... Jade..." Zhao Qianyi pointed at the Beautiful Jade placed aside.

Chen Mo turned around, and Zhao Qianyi used her power to gracefully summon it to her grasp: "Alright."

Though Zhao Qianyi’s figure was quite full, she was surprisingly light. Chen Mo joked, "Qianyi, you seem to have gained weight."

If it were Xiao Yunxi, she’d jokingly retort, "Are you saying I’m fat?"

But Zhao Qianyi answered matter-of-factly, "Life in the Capital is much better than at the border. There’s no need to worry about defense, and the food is great. Maybe I’ve gained some weight recently."

Zhao Qianyi never concerned herself with issues of weight or figure.

Chen Mo: "..."

He lifted Zhao Qianyi higher, letting her wrap her arms around his neck.

With her direction, Chen Mo soon reached her room.

As soon as they entered, Chen Mo hastily undid Zhao Qianyi’s collar, while she used True Qi to close the door.

Helping her remove her boots, he gently placed her on the bed.

Sitting up, Zhao Qianyi seemed about to say something, but someone grabbed her ankle and pulled her gently, making her lie down. Then her weight shifted; her waistband was undone and pulled away, and the curtains were drawn down.

"You... you don’t have to be so hasty." Seeing Chen Mo’s demeanor, it seemed he wanted to devour her whole.

Chen Mo lifted her beautiful legs, grinning as he said, "Qianyi, after practicing spear techniques for so long, let me show you mine..."

...

...

Chen Mo stayed at the Princess’s Mansion for two days, during which time they constantly practiced spear techniques. Even with Chen Mo’s direct guidance, Zhao Qianyi made some progress, though she was still far from mastering it.

On the third day, after handling some urgent matters, Chen Mo commenced his closed-door cultivation, using the herbs Chun Lan had gathered for him.

Unless necessary, no one was to disturb him.

For additional safety, Chen Mo had Xiao Jiu come to the secret chamber as a guardian during his training.