Legend of the Heavenly Fruit
Eps. 9 — Xiao Rou
"Rou'er, can you show Grandpa a little sword technique to them?"
Seeing that Zhou Bing and Zhou Yao were still hesitant with his words, Xiao Fan asked his grandson to show his ability.
Xiao Rou nodded, as their banquet room was large enough that Xiao Rou had a place to play his sword in the room.
Xiao Rou took some distance from the others before pulling out the sword sheathed on her waist, the girl's sword eyes were red, exactly the color of the sheath.
Then Xiao Rou began to move to play the sword agilely, his swordplay was quite pliable but had a beautiful movement.
The movement of the sword was like flowing water, soft in rhythm but still deadly.
"Senior Xiao, is your grandson this good?" Zhou Yao was startled then asked after Xiao Rou finished her move.
Xiao Fan nodded. "Right Brother Yao, in strength, my granddaughter is indeed incomparable to me but in terms of swordplay, Rou'er's ability is almost close to matching me."
Now Zhou Bing and Zhou Yao understood the reason why Xiao Rou, the 10-year-old girl was called a very talented girl by her grandfather.
The sword movement previously was a Xiao clan sword technique that was difficult to learn even by adults, seeing that Xiao Rou was able to do it almost perfectly at 10 years of age showed her intelligence which was at a different stage.
"Rou'er has taught me many things and that is enough to teach your grandson how to play the sword, at least he will be able to protect himself with his sword ability." Xiao Fan assured.
Zhou Yao and Zhao Bing looked at each other before the two nodded slowly, they finally agreed for Zhou Yuan to be taught by Xiao Rou.
'Hm, come to think of it Yuan'er has not had any friends since he was a child, maybe with this girl he can make a friendship.' Zhou Yao muttered in his heart.
Due to Zhou Yuan's status as the grandson of the Family Chairman, he was respected by the children mostly.
Not to mention that Zhou Yuan had also since childhood been educated differently as a noble, making him never come out of the Zhou residence.
After all if putting it all aside, Zhou Yuan had always thought of adulthood, he was not even interested in a game his age. Zhou Yuan spent his time in the library reading books.
Xiao Fan then said that Xiao Rou would stay at the Zhou Family residence for the next three years, in addition to being Zhou Yuan's teacher, this was also a request for him to Zhou Bing.
"Are you sure, Fan, he's still a kid, he still needs your upbringing?" Zhou Bing slightly reminded after hearing his old friend's decision.
Xiao Fan smiled faintly. "You yourself also know not about the state of my clan these few days, the situation is a little chaotic, I always worry about Rou'er if she's there, otherwise if she's here instead I feel safe."
Xiao Fan understood what he had to do and thought his actions now on his granddaughter were the most appropriate.
Xiao Fan asked Zhou Bing to take good care of his grandson here.
"You don't have to worry, I'll guarantee your granddaughter is very safe here." Zhou Bing patted Xiao Fan's shoulder slowly.
Xiao Fan answered him with a faint smile, he then turned to Xiao Rou and said goodbye to his grandson. Xiao Fan could not go too long leaving his clan with his current position.
"Rou'er, before leaving Grandfather will give this to you, it's time you learn our clan's sword techniques more deeply..." Xiao Fan gave a book to Xiao Rou.
"Grandfather..."
For the first time the red-haired beauty made a sound. Her tone was melodious and delicate, matching her face that was so sweet.
"Grandfather, I understand, thank you." Xiao Rou nodded, hugging his grandfather last time.
Xiao Fan then returned on his horse before bidding away from the Zhou Family residence.
Zhou Yuan could see even though Xiao Rou remained a flat expression when looking at his grandfather's departure but within the look of his eyes was implied sadness.
In honor of his friendship with Xiao Fan, Zhou Bing gave Xiao Rou a nice residence in the Zhou family complete with his courtyard, he also assigned a personal servant to serve him during his time here.
***
The next day, Zhou Yuan came to the courtyard of the Xiao Rou residence as instructed by his parents and grandfather.
"It's a little funny I have to be a student of a little boy..." Realizing the fact Zhou Yuan could only accept it a little awkwardly.
For Zhou Yuan, even though his age in this life was younger than that girl but still he looked at Xiao Rou like a child considering his mental forty years.
Zhou Yuan then arrived at Xiao Rou's residence, he was in his yard practicing swordplay.
Zhou Yuan who wanted to greet him became disheveled, he let the girl play his beautiful sword technique. Occasionally Zhou Yuan clucked in admiration.
"I must admit this girl is indeed very talented, in the future if nothing hinders her, she could be a famous swordsman in the martial world..." Zhou Yuan observed the girl's abilities more deeply.
"Are you satisfied to see it?"
Xiao Rou suddenly stopped his sword movements and turned his head towards Zhou Yuan. The girl had already noticed Zhou Yuan observing her from afar.
"Sorry Miss Xiao, I didn't mean to interrupt your training..." Zhou Yuan fused his hands together, apologizing.
Xiao Rou nodded slowly, he then remembered his duty of being Zhou Yuan's teacher.
"How can you play a sword?" Ask Xiao Rou.
"Not very reliable... At least it's enough to swing a sword and slash something." Zhou Yuan smiled faintly.
Zhou Yuan was actually a swordsman in his first life, he was a disciple of the legendary swordsman.
If the girl knows her ability in sword is high enough, maybe she will ask to be taught by him.
Xiao Rou nodded then threw the wooden sword for Zhou Yuan to wear while he prepared to put up the horses.
Without having to speak much, Xiao Rou played her sword with one of the sword techniques that was quite simple, he repeated it several times so that Zhou Yuan could memorize it more clearly.
"Ehm, do I have to imitate your movements?" Zhou Yuan asked the girl.
Xiao Rou nodded, he deliberately showed his swordplay so that Zhou Yuan could follow his example.
Actually Xiao Rou was confused as to what kind of teaching Zhou Yuan was, he was not good at talking so he only showed his sword skills to the man.
The sword technique that Xiao Rou had performed earlier was the easiest sword technique for beginners like Zhou Yuan to learn.