Chapter 264: Hands-On Teaching

“A one-time full-body sensory raincoat?!” Chen Huaian narrowed his eyes. Something about this didn’t feel simple.

Raincoats and umbrellas sometimes meant the same thing. And umbrellas… well, there wasn’t much difference between a big umbrella and a little one.

So, in conclusion—raincoat = little umbrella.

Which raised a question: was this little umbrella meant to be worn on the head… or in the head?

Last time, when his favorability increased, he’d received gloves as a reward.

Those gloves let his hands from the real world temporarily manifest in the Cangyun Realm. So this raincoat must work similarly.

And right now, he’d been fretting over how to smooth over the promise he’d made to Li Qingran before.

Well—ask and ye shall receive.

“That’s right. This Master can return to the Cangyun Realm now.” Now that he had a solution, Chen Huaian calmed in an instant, returning to his usual easygoing demeanor.

“Master… I still don’t really understand a few of the techniques from the Qinglian Sword Manual.” Li Qingran bit her lip and twisted the hem of her dress. Whether it was because she was lying or just embarrassed, her cheeks—which were already pink—flushed even redder.

Chen Huaian blinked.

What now?

Asking about sword techniques again?

If it were his projection, he could fudge his way through using the in-game translator.

But if he put on that raincoat, he’d be physically traveling to the Cangyun Realm. How was he supposed to fake it then?

Still, if a disciple had a need, what kind of master would he be to ignore it?

Even if… her “need” might be fake.

How did Chen Huaian know?

Roll the footage—Cultivation Diary:

＜1＞ 1.15: Master’s body is better now, so he won’t be so busy anymore. He can come visit me more often.

＜2＞ 1.18: How should I make Master stay longer? Maybe I should ask about sword techniques… Even though I’ve already learned the first three moves. If I pretend to know nothing, Master might think I’m hopeless. But I can’t mess up either. Sigh. So hard.

…

“Ahem… Qingran, how about I explain things the way I always have?” To keep up appearances, Chen Huaian played the stalling game.

Truth was, he liked it when Li Qingran asked him for help with sword techniques.

Because it always deepened his own understanding of the Qinglian Sword Manual.

Don’t be fooled—just because his projection used those sword styles like it was second nature didn’t mean he actually understood them that well. It was more like clicking a button to cast a skill.

Didn’t even require Street Fighter-level combos—just press and go. Total beginner mode.

Li Qingran didn’t press him further. She just nodded hesitantly.

Chen Huaian let out a quiet sigh of relief. That raincoat could be used anytime. First, he’d get through this sword-teaching session.

After a while, with a little help from the game system’s processing…

Just as Chen Huaian thought he’d dodged the issue, he heard Li Qingran’s shy voice behind him.

“Master, this disciple is dull-witted. Your explanation was very thorough, but… I still don’t get it.” She glanced up at him, summoning her courage. “I mean… is there a more direct way to help me understand?”

Chen Huaian raised an eyebrow. “Like sudden enlightenment?”

“N-No, not that…” Li Qingran waved her hands, looking away, cheeks puffed slightly.

She didn’t want sudden enlightenment.

No process? Just instant results? What would be the point of that?

Chen Huaian watched as she turned to face the moonlight over Luoxia Peak, hands clasped behind her back.

Her soft voice came with the breeze—“When I was little and practicing martial arts, if there was something I didn’t understand, my mother would always teach me hands-on. She’d correct my posture herself. That helped more than just explaining it…”

Oh.

Chen Huaian got it.

She wanted him to teach her up close.

Could he agree to that? Wasn’t that even riskier?

“Master… is there something you’re not telling me?” Li Qingran looked at him with pleading eyes.

Was he… unwilling to guide her personally?

【Heaven’s Calculation—emergency assist!】 Chen Huaian met Li Qingran’s gaze and folded instantly, immediately pulling up support.

【Heaven’s Calculation complete!】

【Player’s current understanding of the first three Qinglian Sword Manual techniques is sufficient to teach your digital girlfriend! Please be confident.】

【You currently possess: single sword spirit root, single lightning spirit root, Pure Yang Sword Bone, Mysterious Yin Sword Bone, and the soul of a dragon…】

【Any of these alone significantly boost your talent, perception, and comprehension of martial arts.】

【Please do not overly rely on the Heaven’s Calculation system!】

【Enjoy your game!】

Chen Huaian nearly teared up reading the pop-up.

This had to be the only game that actively discouraged players from relying too much on premium assists, right?

He’d never seen that anywhere else.

D*mn you, game system…

But since the system itself now vouched for him—

Chen Huaian’s eyes sharpened with determination. He looked back at Li Qingran.

“This Master has no secrets. There’s just one last thing to handle—I’ll be right back. Wait here.” With that, he logged off.

Time to put on that one-time sensory raincoat!

…

Moonlight fell like water, gently blanketing the little courtyard.

In the center, a pool of autumn water mirrored the stars above.

A breeze passed, sending ripples across the surface—like the stirrings in a young girl’s heart.

Chen Huaian stood in a corner of the courtyard, black robes fluttering slightly, casting a sharp silhouette against the night.

His black-scaled sword was tilted at an angle, its blade reflecting the figure of a girl in plain robes standing before him.

“Master… could you… could you teach me again? I forgot…” Li Qingran bit her red lips, her gaze flickering, a blush between her brows.

She held her Su Xian Sword, standing three steps away. Her wrist was tilted just slightly off, causing the sword stance to droop—like a kite with its string cut.

She didn’t care anymore if Master thought she was a dumb disciple. She just wanted a bit more of the warmth from earlier.

Chen Huaian smiled faintly.

“You just learned it, and already forgot? Next you’ll forget which hand the sword goes in.” His tone sounded scolding, but it was as soft as ripples on water.

“Disciple’s just slow. That’s why I need Master to teach me.” Li Qingran pouted adorably.

“Master already showed me a dozen times, but I still can’t remember how to move my wrist or where to put my waist…”

She struck a clumsy pose, her sword tip nearly hitting the ground.

It was miles off from the core of the Qinglian Sword Manual—“The sword follows the heart, and the heart follows the sword.”

Chen Huaian watched her silently.

He kept a straight face—but inside? Pure chaos.

With great righteousness, he said: “Fine. This Master will teach you again!”

He stepped forward, standing behind Li Qingran.

That crisp pine scent (really just soap) wafted into his nose again. Li Qingran felt faint.

Warm breath brushed her neck.

Then a strong, warm hand gently grasped her sword-holding wrist. The other rested at her waist.

The moment he touched her, she felt her legs go soft.

“Stand up straight! Look at you, all loose and floppy… Waist like jade, hands like a swimming dragon!”

Chen Huaian’s voice was deep—sounded like a motorcycle starting up.

No one had taught him how to do this. He just felt it should be done this way.

“Let the sword follow your intent, the stance move with your will!”

Li Qingran kept her head down, letting her Master guide her posture.

His warm hands felt like fire, leaving her heart a complete mess.

Her lashes fluttered like tiny fans, the blush from her ears already creeping down her neck.

The sword’s momentum smoothed out—like water flowing under the moon. Sword light spilled like silver threads.

“Feel that?” Chen Huaian’s breath brushed her ear.

Li Qingran dared not turn around—she just nodded faintly, fingers unconsciously stroking the hilt.

Suddenly, she lost her balance and leaned back—right into his chest.

“S-Sorry, Master! I just lost my balance…” Flushed, she tried to stand.

But in the moonlight’s shadows, a flicker of cunning flashed through her eyes.

Chen Huaian’s arm instinctively tightened.

His hand lingered at her slim waist for a moment before slowly letting go.

What the h*ll was that? Like a warm mochi just filled his arms.

But just as he was about to appreciate the softness—it was over.

Who knew how much sword intent Li Qingran had learned…

All he knew was, his own Pure Yang Sword Intent was about to go berserk.

“Again.” His voice remained calm.

But deep in his eyes, a flicker of heat ignited.

Li Qingran smiled slightly and resumed her stance. This time, her movements were smooth, graceful—totally unlike before. Sword light danced like water, weaving a silver net beneath the moon. Stunningly beautiful.

When she finished, she looked up at her Master.

“Master… did I do well this time?”

Chen Huaian didn’t call her out. He just reached out and patted her head. “Not bad. Starting to look like your Master now.”

Just like Heaven’s Calculation said—his understanding of the sword was still ahead of hers.

He’d just never taken time to really reflect on it, so he assumed he hadn’t improved much.

Li Qingran sheathed her sword, her skirt fluttering in the night breeze. Like a bud ready to bloom—but still hesitant.

She looked at her Master. Her apricot eyes were veiled, lips softly pressed.

“Then… since I did so well this time, do I get a reward?”

“Still want a reward?” Chen Huaian sheathed his sword too. “Let’s hear it.”

Li Qingran hesitated. Her hands folded in front of her. She lowered her gaze, avoiding his eyes.

“Disciple wants—” Her voice dropped lower and lower, fading like a breeze. “Disciple… wants Master… to hold her.”

The last two words were barely audible, but in the quiet night, they sounded crystal clear.

Chen Huaian’s fingers froze.

What kind of flirty bait-and-switch move was this?

Earlier she’d run off like she hadn’t had enough.

Now she was offering herself up again? The emotional rollercoaster was driving him crazy.

“Ahem… That’s not too much to ask.” Chen Huaian forced a serious face to cover the anticipation and the grin tugging at his lips.

He opened his arms. “Come here.”

“Hehe~” Li Qingran stepped forward lightly.

Her soft form pressed into his solid chest.

She rested her cheek on his shoulder, breathing deeply—surrounded by his scent.

That faint cedar smell… so good.

If she’d ever been to the modern world, she’d know—it was soap.

“Master…” her voice was soft, tinged with a sigh, like moonlight through clouds. “It feels so good… being in your arms.”

Chen Huaian stiffened.

Then slowly relaxed.

His hands, not sure where to go, hovered a moment—then finally settled at her slender waist.

Moonlight bathed the courtyard. The world hushed.

Just the two of them, breath intertwined.

“Master… how many swords are you wearing at your waist?” After a while, Li Qingran suddenly broke the silence.

“One. Why?”

“Then…” Her hand slipped to his waist.

Chen Huaian froze—then immediately leapt back three steps.

“Ahem! This Master’s body feels unwell—today’s lesson ends here! I’ll be off!”

Before the words even settled—BOOM!—he shot straight into the sky!

“Eh? Master?” Li Qingran reached out her hand.

But in the moonlit night sky, only a streak of silver sword light remained, piercing the heavens.