Jiang Wan found it unbearable that her family treated her like a porcelain doll, doting on her.
Now, no matter what she did, her family would stop her, practically feeding her to the point of putting food in her mouth.
She could tolerate these things and even cooperate with them. However, being confined made her feel miserable.
She was not someone who could stay put, especially with the dire situation outside. If she didn't go out to gather information constantly, she felt uneasy.
Jiang Pan, however, said, "Wanwan, leave these matters to us adults. You just stay put, accompany your mother and Aunt Cheng, and we'll handle everything else."
Jiang Wan was still worried, "Dad, I..."
"Wanwan, don't underestimate your father and your brothers. No family would let a young girl be at the forefront. We don't want to be looked down upon."
Jiang Pan ruffled her hair, "If we truly need help, Dad will ask you."
With things put this way, Jiang Wan really couldn't insist further.
However, she still felt uneasy, fearing her family might get hurt, fearing they might overlook things due to inexperience.
So, Jiang Wan, when no one was paying attention, sneaked out, intending to protect her family from the shadows.
However, she hadn't gotten far before Gu Chenzhou caught her and brought her back.
"Wanwan, you're not being obedient."
Jiang Wan glared at him, "Brother Chenzhou, you're going to stop me too? In this situation, one more person means one more force. You understand that, don't you?"
Gu Chenzhou said gently, "But how do you know they won't do well? Wanwan, people can only learn to grow through setbacks. The more they are protected, the more they will feel that things are easy, and the less they will grow."
"Actually, Uncle Jiang and your elder brothers are quite capable. Especially your second brother, he is truly a talent, even a general! He just lacks opportunities to grow. With enough opportunities, he will grow to a point that will surprise you."
"Let them do it with confidence, they can really do it well."
Jiang Wan fell silent for a moment, sighed, and turned back towards the gathering point.
She had only taken a few steps when she saw Chen Yuezhi anxiously chasing after her.
Upon seeing Jiang Wan, Chen Yuezhi breathed a sigh of relief, then raised her hand as if to strike. This disobedient little girl had actually slipped away without her noticing!
She was truly scared to death.
Jiang Wan was startled. Why was she about to resort to physical discipline without a word?
She quickly hid behind Gu Chenzhou, not wanting to be hit.
Gu Chenzhou couldn't help but laugh at her timid demeanor, but he quickly intervened to smooth things over, "Aunt, I brought Wanwan out for some fresh air. Don't worry, with me here, she won't think of running around."
Chen Yuezhi's expression softened upon hearing this, "Then I'll have to trouble you to keep a close eye on her. It's too dangerous in these mountains, don't you two run around."
Gu Chenzhou obediently nodded, "Don't worry, Aunt, we'll just play around here and go back shortly."
Chen Yuezhi knew Gu Chenzhou was a steady and sensible child with excellent martial skills, so she entrusted her daughter to him with peace of mind and returned to continue caring for the injured villagers.
Jiang Wan breathed a sigh of relief and turned to Gu Chenzhou, "Thanks."
Otherwise, she would have definitely received a couple of slaps today.
Gu Chenzhou chuckled softly, "Only at times like this do you act like a child."
Jiang Wan widened her eyes in surprise, "Do I not act like a child usually?"
She had always thought she was quite good at pretending to be a child.
Gu Chenzhou glanced at her, "My master said you are a little demon with near-supernatural intelligence. Your thoughts and actions are unfathomable. If it weren't for your occasional foolishness, one would truly think you were a little monster."
Jiang Wan rolled her eyes, "Thank you for your evaluation."
Gu Chenzhou chuckled a couple more times.
"Wanwan, do you want to learn martial arts?"
This time, Jiang Wan nodded without hesitation, "Yes!"
She really didn't want to experience a situation like last night again.
If she had enough powerful martial arts skills, she wouldn't have been at the mercy of others after her abilities were depleted.
Before, she always thought she had supernatural abilities, and she knew some martial arts, which was enough for self-preservation. But last night, she realized that her previous confidence was only because the dangers she encountered were not severe enough.
Thinking back to her previous life, she had actually been very well protected. Although their training missions were dangerous, they were accompanied by more powerful ability users. She had only faced a life-or-death battle in a true sense once.
And that one time had cost her her life.
Realizing this, Jiang Wan felt her face flush.
All along, she had been too overconfident. Blindly relying on her abilities, she thought she didn't need to put in extra effort and could still live a thriving life.
This time, even a small skirmish had caused her such a great loss.
If Gu Chenzhou hadn't arrived in time, she would have lost her life long ago.
For the first time, Jiang Wan reflected seriously and deeply recognized her mistakes.
Seeing her look so regretful, Gu Chenzhou couldn't help but reach out and pinch her chubby cheek, "Don't be discouraged, it's never too late to mend. Come on, from now on, I'll teach you martial arts."
Jiang Wan quickly cheered up and began learning swordplay with Gu Chenzhou.
Her physical condition was excellent, and with the assistance of her abilities, she didn't need to practice the basic foundations. So, she could directly practice sword techniques and moves.
Gu Chenzhou taught with great seriousness, breaking down each move and explaining it to her in detail. Jiang Wan's comprehension was already good; after Gu Chenzhou explained it once, she could grasp most of it. After practicing the sword moves with Gu Chenzhou a couple of times, she had memorized all the techniques.
Seeing Jiang Wan's rapid progress, Gu Chenzhou felt a pang of envy.
Why was this girl so unwilling to leave others any room?
The sword technique he taught her had taken him nearly a month to practice before his master grudgingly approved.
Although Jiang Wan hadn't reached the standard yet, judging by her progress, she would master it completely in at most two days.
If only he had such talent, then his revenge could be avenged sooner.
Thinking of the burdens he carried, Gu Chenzhou couldn't calm down, so he picked up his sword and began practicing another sword technique.
Since talent was insufficient, diligence would make up for it!
The two of them occupied half of the open space and immersed themselves in practice.
After practicing for half a day, Jiang Wan was exhausted. She put down her sword and sat on the ground.
After finishing the last repetition of the sword technique, Gu Chenzhou also sheathed his sword and sat beside her.
Taking out the water flask he carried, Gu Chenzhou first handed it to Jiang Wan.
After Jiang Wan took a couple of sips of water, she returned the flask to him.
"Brother Chenzhou, can you tell me your story?"
Gu Chenzhou seemed surprised, "Didn't you say you didn't want to hear it?"