During this period, Liu Xiaolou cultivated diligently. Thirteenth Young Master often came by as well, bringing his questions to Liu Xiaolou whenever something troubled him. In swordsmanship, Liu Xiaolou had little to teach him, but when it came to the ways of the jianghu and the lessons of life and death, he always had something worth saying.

Su Jing had grown up under the protection of the Su family and the South Sea Sword Sect, so he had never encountered so much scheming and danger before. That was why he enjoyed hearing these tales of the jianghu so much. Each time, he found himself completely absorbed in Liu Xiaolou’s animated storytelling, unable to pull away.

When he came, he would also bring Osmanthus Fragrance Spirit Wine, and the two of them would drink together. Su Jing rarely spoke, often saying only a single line: “Brother-in-law, please.”

Though it was just one phrase, Liu Xiaolou found himself genuinely liking this "young man" who's only five years younger than him. His presence brought a bit of warmth to the otherwise cool, quiet atmosphere of the SunRain Hibiscus Garden.

Of course, Su Jing did not only come to drink and listen to stories. Every few days, he would solemnly draw the Tidewatching Sword, bow, and ask, “Brother-in-law, please.”

Yet no matter how much he thought through his moves, how carefully he crafted his killing strikes, or how calmly he laid out his plans for attack and counterattack, none of it worked when he stood before Liu Xiaolou. With just a flick of the rope, Liu Xiaolou would take him down instantly.

Seeing him so serious, lost in deep thought, Liu Xiaolou couldn’t help but remind him, “Don’t dwell on techniques and sword moves. They’re just empty tricks. What truly matters is your cultivation. Once that rises, nothing else compares.”

Su Jing frowned. “But my cultivation isn’t weaker than yours, brother-in-law.”

Liu Xiaolou shook his head. “As long as I can take you down, it means your cultivation is weaker than mine. That much is beyond doubt.”

Once, Su Jing even turned his sword into a knife and performed Su Xi’s Hibiscus Throwing Knives. The technique was sharp and fierce, sharp enough to singe Liu Xiaolou’s brows and beard, yet he still could not escape being caught by the rope.

“Even Fifth Sister’s ultimate skill is useless? Could it be because I haven’t mastered the beast-controlling aspect of her knife technique? But I cultivate the path of the sowrd, not…” He sounded almost hopeless.

“I’ve told you already,” Liu Xiaolou said. “Cultivation is the foundation. If you don’t believe me, go to Danxia Grotto-Heaven and ask your Fifth Sister again. No matter how many techniques you learn, it will be the same.”

“That won’t work. Fifth Sister has gone to Weiyu Grotto-Heaven, waiting for the trial.”

“Weiyu Grotto Heaven? The Void Rift trial?”

“Yes.”

“The Su family and the Weiyu Soaring Crane Sect are that close?”

“That I don’t know.”

That day, as usual, Su Jing first went to the kitchens to fetch wine and food, filling a large basket to the brim. Then he strolled toward the SunRain Hibiscus Garden. Halfway there, he was stopped by his elder brother, Su Fan.

“Thirteenth Brother, I hear you’ve been going to the Hibiscus Garden every day?”

Su Jing nodded. “Yes.”

Su Fan frowned. “Don’t go there anymore.”

Su Jing was surprised. “Why not?”

“That man is a rogue cultivator from Wulong Mountain. You’re still young. Don’t let him lead you astray.”

“But he’s my brother-in-law,” replied Su Jing.

Su Fan gave a cold laugh. “He’s not only a rogue cultivator, he’s also into men. You really think hanging around someone like that won't rub off on you?”

Su Jing said again, “But he’s my brother-in-law.”

Su Fan explained, “I know you're close to Fifth Sister, but this isn't about loving someone and their crows. Why do you think she hasn't returned to the SunRain Hibiscus Garden all this time? Just think about it.”

“She went away to cultivate.”

Su Fan was running out of patience. “That’s only one reason. The other is that Liu Xiaolou just isn’t up to it! He can’t consummate the marriage with Fifth Sister, don’t you get it? In another two months, the Su family will cast him off. He won’t be your brother-in-law for much longer.”

“Is there any way to fix it?” asked Su Jing.

Su Fan snapped, “It’s his nature. What way could there be? Maybe those demonic sects or heretics would have something, but otherwise? Forget it.”

After a pause, Su Jing asked, “Third Brother, why are you telling me this?”

Su Fan snorted. “You’re always running to the kitchens, bringing out fine wine, spirit fish, spirit shrimp. If you were eating them yourself, fine. But sending them to Liu Xiaolou? That’s a waste. Take them back.”

Silent, Su Shisan turned and returned to the kitchens. When he saw Chef Wang, he set down the food basket and asked, “Chef Wang, did you tell Third Brother?”

Chef Wang forced a smile. “It was so much food, all rare delicacies. I had to say something. If Thirteenth Young Master were eating it himself, there’d be no issue at all. But sending it to the SunRain Hibiscus Garden... that’s such a pity.”

Expressionless, Su Shisan stared at her for a long while. Then, all of a sudden, he slapped her hard across the face, sending her flying more than ten feet, crashing into the wall. Her head split open on the spot, blood gushing out.

“From now on,” he said to her, “I won’t eat these things either.”

When he arrived at the SunRain Hibiscus Garden, he came straight out with it. “Brother-in-law, you and my sister still haven’t consummated the marriage?”

Liu Xiaolou was taken aback, then nodded in admission. “No.”

“Why?” Su Jing asked.

“There are some things… hard to explain. If you get the chance, you can ask your Fifth Sister.”

Su Jing nodded. “I understand. Brother-in-law, there’s no fish or shrimp today.”

Liu Xiaolou chuckled. “That’s fine. I’ve got some here. Big White!”

After the meal, Liu Xiaolou grinned. "You've been somewhere else all day, Thirteen. What's going on? Who's bothering you? Just point them out, your Brother-in-law will set them straight."

Su Jing shook his head, then as usual rose to his feet and drew his sword. “Brother-in-law, please.”

“No need for the Mysterious True Cord today,” Liu Xiaolou said, “I’ll use the Three-Mystery Sword. My swordsmanship isn’t refined, so I should learn from you. Today, you’ll be the teacher.”

Su Jing nodded. “All right.”

Su Jing cultivated diligently, a bit like Su Xi. With his brother-in-law chasing close behind, Liu Xiaolou found himself cultivating even harder. In just over ten days, he actually managed to clear the tenth acupoint of the Foot Faint Yin Meridian, known as “Zuwuli.”

He swore to the heavens, he hadn’t relied on dual cultivation during this stretch. It was really outside pressure that pushed him to advance faster.

The Zuwuli acupoint helps with abdominal bloating and difficulty urinating. After opening it, not only did his eyesight improve slightly, but even the nagging issue of lingering urine was gone. Before, every time he peed, he’d still had to shake a few times to really be done. Now he could finish cleanly with no extra moves needed. Seriously, what a relief!

And that had a very real benefit. If he ever ran into an enemy while taking a leak, his sword would be out faster by exactly “three shakes.”

A heavy snowfall marked Liu Xiaolou’s third winter since marrying into Shenwu Mountain. From last month onward, Su Jing had suddenly stopped coming to the SunRain Hibiscus Garden. Liu Xiaolou asked around among a few acquaintances but couldn’t find any news of him, and he couldn’t help feeling a pang of loss.

In his heart, he guessed that maybe Su Jing had returned to the South Sea Sword Sect. As for this brother-in-law, he genuinely held him in high regard. After all, there weren’t many people in the Su family who treated him well.

Walking out of the SunRain Hibiscus Garden, the ground was littered with fallen leaves. But underfoot they no longer cracked and snapped, only gave off faint creaks, the sound barely noticeable.

It wasn’t something he did on purpose. He wasn’t circulating his true qi, just walking as usual. It showed that his body’s lightness and agility had stepped onto a new level.

On the way down the mountain he ran into several Su family stewards. The moment they saw him, they hurried to avoid him as if he were plague itself. He even came across the long-missing Chief Wang. The old woman’s face changed instantly and she darted behind a wall like a startled rabbit. Liu Xiaolou couldn’t help feeling that ever since he beat her up, her cultivation had actually improved, especially her movement skills. She was much quicker and nimbler now.

Still, Liu Xiaolou had no wish to stir up trouble with her. The old hag hadn’t dared to make any more mischief. Meals came on time and in the right portions every day, and once every ten days she still served him dragon-whisker carp and ao shrimp, without skimping.

He even spied on her in secret a few times, but never caught her spitting in the food or sprinkling in boogers. So he let her be.

At the General’s Temple, smoke curled from the kitchen chimneys. It was dinner time. Auntie Li was at the stove, cooking with a big belly in front of her, tasting soup with a spoon in her right hand.

Liu Xiaolou strode over and forced her to sit down. “Sister-in-law, what are you doing? You’re nearly eight months along and still handling chores? Where’s Auntie Lu? You pay her two taels of silver a month, is this what she earns it for?”

Auntie Li sat down on the woodpile with her hands on her hips, wiped the sweat from her brow. “Uncle, it’s not Auntie Lu’s fault. She went to fetch water. I just couldn’t sit still doing nothing…”

Liu Xiaolou called out again, “Busan! Busan!”

Li Busan hurried over from the back. “Martial Uncle?”

Without waiting, Liu Xiaolou scolded him harshly, then tossed him a golden-whisker carp from his hand. “Make soup!”

Li Busan stuck out his tongue, caught the fish, and dashed into the kitchen to prepare the meal.

Auntie Li spoke up for him. “Cultivation is his first priority. I told him not to come out. Uncle, don’t blame him.”

Liu Xiaolou helped her back into the house and grumbled, “So I’m always the bad guy, and they’re all the good ones, is that it? Enough. Until the baby’s born you’re not allowed to do any work. I’ll hire another helper to take care of things.”

Auntie Li shook her head. “No need to be so spoiled. Sister Lu helps plenty, and she’s a good woman. Diligent too…”

From the inner room, the old woman set aside her needlework and came out holding a letter. “Master Zuo has written. Xiaolou, this one’s for you.”