At noon, the household servant directly delivered lunch to the courtyard.
Throughout the entire afternoon, Shen Han and Young Master Xu studied casting techniques together.
They didn't stop until 5:00 PM, when it was time for dinner.
All afternoon, Young Master Xu's eyes seemed to be glowing.
Usually, he could only study casting techniques by himself, and the blacksmiths he invited didn't seem very articulate.
Communicating with them was never on the same wavelength.
He thought about inviting a more skilled Great Master of Casting, but Prefect Xu was not very supportive, and he didn't have the face to invite one.
Today, Shen Han brought him many fresh insights that he had never understood before.
And he recorded them all, so he could study them slowly in the future.
Dinner was set up in the main hall.
Usually, Young Master Xu ate in his own courtyard, but today, he seemed to remember Shen Han and ate together in the main hall.
"Lord Prefect is so kind, Shen Han really envies Young Master Xu..."
This was truly heartfelt.
Compared to his own father, Prefect Xu couldn't be better.
"But what use is kindness if the son doesn't appreciate his father's hardships."
When Prefect Xu said this, there was a hint of grievance.
This should be what a father is like, feeling aggrieved over his son's lack of understanding.
His own father, besides scolding, seemed to have no other interaction with him.
If he returns this year, who knows what he'll feel when he learns that the Shen family is preparing to sacrifice him.
At the dinner table, although Shen Han rarely had such delicious dishes, he maintained his manners.
"Today, there was news from the Capital City that your Shen family's Eighth Young Master is returning in a carriage."
Prefect Xu intentionally reminded Shen Han.
"That child is still young, but according to friends in the Capital City, his talent is extremely high, and he already has the strength of a Scholar of the Eighth Grade.
Moreover, he acts unrestrained, fearing neither heaven nor earth.
This prefect truly fears he might lay a hand on you."
Shen Han understood what Prefect Xu was concerned about.
Shen Family's Eighth Young Master Shen Ao, was merely a young child.
If he were to be harmed by a child, although Shen Ao could be punished, it would not be too severe.
His young age is his best get-out-of-jail-free card.
A single "doesn't know better" can deflect so much criticism.
"Thank you for the reminder, Lord Prefect, I will be careful."
After dinner, Shen Han didn't linger and left, escorted by the household servants.
In the main hall, today, Young Master Xu did not immediately leave to return to his courtyard to forge iron.
"Do you have something you want to say to me, child?"
"Brother Shen Han said I should improve my relationship with father, so he can visit next time.
So, I want to talk with father..."
Prefect Xu was momentarily stunned, then furrowed his brow slightly.
This method of currying favor is truly a bit outdated.
"Shen Han just talked to you about casting techniques, and you want to help him so much?"
"It's not about helping Brother Shen; I originally wanted to talk with father, but I didn't know how to start..."
...
Returning home, Shen Han felt that today he had gained a lot.
Firstly, he now clearly understood that Prefect Xu was willing to protect him, whether for benefits or not, he was willing to protect him.
Secondly, although Young Master Xu's casting skills did not reach the level of a master, from today's exchange, Shen Han gained much casting experience.
Moreover, Young Master Xu had no shortage of casting materials, and if Shen Han needed them, he was willing to share them for use.
The sky grew progressively darker.
Shen Han lay on the bed, continuing to visualize the "Celestial Dao Sword Momentum" in his mind.
Only after becoming fatigued did he begin to fall asleep.
Yet his mind was still occupied with Prefect Xu's reminder.
The Eighth Young Master of the Shen family was coming back.
The young Shen Ao, called the second prodigious child of the Shen family.
As the brother of the prodigious Shen Ye, he was also extraordinarily gifted.
In the Capital City, many even referred to him as "Little Shen Ye."
Unlike the all-rounded Shen Ye, Shen Ao pursued only the scholarly path.
Despite his young age, he already had the strength of the Eighth Grade.
Shen Han knew little about the strength and methods of scholars.
His return at this particular time was most likely aimed at him.
Using a child as a means to deal with him was certainly a clever tactic.
Scholar cultivation focused on spiritual power, fortune, and law.
To deal with Shen Ao as a scholar cultivator, spiritual power should be a priority.
For the next two days, Shen Han devoted his efforts to visualizing the "Celestial Dao Sword Momentum."
He even resisted the "Celestial Dao Sword Momentum" with "Sunset Swordsmanship" in his sea of consciousness.
Both sword technique and spiritual power improved simultaneously.
After two days of intense cultivation, noon.
Madam Yun came again carrying a food box.
She always felt whenever she wasn't there, Shen Han kept eating flatbread. Eating these things, how could his body remain healthy?
Laying out a stack of dishes, she sat beside him, watching Shen Han eat.
"Eat slowly; cultivation doesn't miss one or two two-hour periods."
This time Madam Yun also brought a bowl of soup, otherwise, every time Shen Han would drink cold water.
"That child Shen Ao has returned."
"Prefect Xu already told me, but I didn't expect him to return so soon."
Shen Han's expression didn't change. With his current strength, Shen Ao might not be stronger than him.
"He returned yesterday. It's said he already has the strength of a Scholar of the Eighth Grade.
Little Han, don't be fooled by Shen Ao's small size; he is quite mature and domineering.
Yesterday, when he passed by my courtyard, Little Cailing saluted him, and he seemed displeased.
He said 'kneel,' and pressed Little Cailing into kneeling for a whole two-hour period.
The ground was covered with stones; after she stood up, it was heartbreaking to see...
Madam Yun's face showed some displeasure; she was not in a good mood.
Hearing that Little Cailing was injured, Shen Han's expression immediately turned cold.
"Was Little Cailing seriously hurt?"
"Her bones weren't hurt, just suffered some flesh wounds.
Shen Ao indeed acted quite domineering; not just Little Cailing from my courtyard suffered, but other servants also seemed to have suffered.
Seeing if they didn't kneel, he would lightly say 'kneel,' and a force would press the servants to the ground...
It's said that even the maids in his own mother's courtyard didn't escape...
This behavior truly fits a powerful and mischievous child.
"I heard Shen Ao returned this time specifically targeting you.
He thinks you stole Shen Ye's lover, and over a month ago he was already talking about avenging his brother.
So, Little Han, why don't you find an excuse to venture out and avoid him?"
Madam Yun's face bore a worried expression.
With Shen Ao being so domineering, and already at the Eighth Grade in strength, he was also much favored by the Shen family's elders.
If they clashed, surely Shen Han would be at a disadvantage.
"Don't worry, Third Madam, I'm not so weak and scholarly; a little kid won't be able to bully me.
If he really dares to come, if I end up a cripple, at least I'll take someone down with me."
Shen Han spoke some harsh words.
Especially upon hearing of Little Cailing's injuries, a sense of hatred grew in his heart.