Edo, Tsukinomiya Shrine——
Tianzhangyuan, dressed as a witch, sat on a large smooth stone with her legs together, and behind her was a towering ancient tree.
The warm sunshine with a touch of orange in the white shines through the gaps between the leaves, spreading mottled shadows on the delicate body of Tianzhang Courtyard.
Whenever the breeze blows, this leaf shadow flows back and forth as lightly as a clear trickle.
The wind blowing from afar brings scattered snowflakes from time to time.
The snowflakes billowing up and down in the sky sparkle under the sunlight, like little elves flying all over the sky.
The particles of light and the dancing posture of snow bathe Tianzhangyuan's face that is already beautiful even without the makeup.
If a painter who loves painting pictures of beauties passes by this place, he will be shocked by the beauty of the scenery in front of him, and he will be eager to imprint this scene on rice paper forever.
White on top and purple on the bottom, the pure color of the miko costume brings with it a sacred atmosphere.
This holy aura complements the warm winter sun, making Tianzhang Courtyard look like a banished immortal descended from heaven.
So, what is this pretty widow who is as beautiful as a fairy doing now?
She was like an old lady, sipping the tea she was holding in her hands.
Sometimes, I feel that the tea is a little too hot, and I blow on the tea in the cup in a very unflattering way.
The warm tea makes Tianzhangyuan feel comfortable all over.
"Haa~"
Tianzhangyuan felt extremely comfortable. While stretching like a cat, he slightly opened his red lips and let out a seductive moan.
Smack...smack...
At this time, the peaceful leisure time in Tianzhang Courtyard was broken by the sound of stepping on the snow that suddenly intervened.
"Huh? Oh, Tachibana-kun! Saege! Yae! You are back."
Tianzhangyuan followed the sound of stepping on the snow and looked at Qingdeng and the "two sisters" who were walking in a straight line.
Qingdeng, who was walking at the front, was seen holding the "customs clearance prop": the fan with cherry blossoms painted on it.
The "Two Sisters" walked two steps behind Qingdeng.
Sister Shazhong looked indifferent, and it seemed that she had accepted the fact that she lost to Qingteng.
On the other hand, my younger sister, Yae, looked like a squirrel with her mouth full of acorns, her lips pouting and her cheeks bulging, almost writing the word "unhappy" directly on her face.
"You guys came out much earlier than I expected."
Tianzhangyuan put down the teacup in his hand and turned to look at the incense altar at his feet.
Of the two short incense sticks on the incense altar, one has been burned out and the other has just been lit.
"Sae, Yae, how's the situation? Did Tachibana-kun's performance surprise you?"
"..."
Sha Zhong pursed her small lips and said first:
"To be honest, Mr. Tachibana's performance was impeccable."
"To reach the attic of the house in such a short time proves that Tachibana-kun's footwork and acrobatic skills have reached a considerable level."
"As for the skills of indoor fighting, they are even more exquisite."
"Even if we team up with Yae, we are no match for Tachibana-kun."
"Jijun has far surpassed us in terms of indoor fighting skills."
As soon as Saege finished speaking, Yae took over:
"Although I am very reluctant...but my junior's Yunliu has indeed become extremely good...However, Mr. Yu Du, if we are allowed to compete with Mr. Ju, I have enough confidence to defeat my junior! Yixue!" Shame on you!"
"Kekeke..."
Tianzhangyuan covered her mouth and let out her signature silver bell-like laughter.
"Since even such strict people have recognized Jun Ju's strength... then it seems that Jun Ju's Yunliu is indeed impressive."
After saying that, Tianzhangyuan turned to look at Qingdeng.
"Tachibana-kun, you did a great job, I'm very satisfied."
"You are ridiculous."
Qingden bowed.
Tianzhangyuan put down the tea cup in her hand and stood up.
"What time is it now...?"
She murmured, reached into the high bulge in her front, and pulled out a small golden pocket watch.
After looking at the direction of the minute and hour hands on the clock and confirming that it was too early, Tian Zhangyuan nodded with a slight smile.
"Tangerine-kun, come with me."
The pretty widow said as she put her watch back between the mountains.
Qingdeng tilted his head and asked Tianzhangyuan with his eyes: Where are you going?
Tianzhang Academy quickly responded:
"Come to the archery range with me. It's been a long time since I gave you an archery lesson. It's rare that I'm free today, so I'll give you a lesson after a long time."
Archery range - Upon hearing this word, Qingdeng's expression suddenly became strange.
"yes……"
In order to cover up the strange look on his face at the moment, Qingdeng hurriedly agreed and lowered his head to prevent Tianzhangyuan and the "second sister" from seeing his current face.
Saege and Yae were behind Aoto, so they were not aware of Aoto's current abnormality.
But... the Tianzhang Courtyard directly in front of Qingdeng is a different story.
Even though Qingdeng lowered his head, the sharp-eyed Tianzhangyuan immediately noticed the strange look on Qingdeng's face.
In an instant, as if he was infected, the expression on Tianzhangyuan's face became weird little by little.
She gave Qingdeng a vicious look with a bit of resentment in her eyes, then turned around as if fleeing, strode towards the archery field, and muttered:
"Okay, okay! Don't be stupid! Come to the archery range with me. If I procrastinate, I won't have time to teach you archery skills. In the afternoon, I have to deal with some important matters."
"Okay, okay..."
Qingdeng also started to take a sip,
Qingdeng took a deep breath, pretended to be calm, kept a straight face, and followed Tianzhangyuan closely.
The two walked away. The two legal lolita were left standing there blankly, facing each other with blank expressions on their faces.
"Sister, why did Mr. Yu Du look so weird just now?
Yae blinked innocently.
"..." Yazhong seemed to have thought of something, and her small round face was instantly filled with intriguing emotions.
"I hope I'm overthinking it..."
Sasaki sighed softly.
"Huh? What's 'overthinking'? What do you mean? Sister, don't tell riddles!"
Yae, whose eyes still sparkled with innocence, puffed up his cheeks in dissatisfaction.
"...Yae, you are so cute and innocent sometimes."
"...Was I just offended by you?"
Yae was stunned for a moment, then slowly cast an angry look at Sae.
"I'm not blaming you, I'm praising you from the bottom of my heart."
After saying this in his usual tone of neither sadness nor joy, Shazhong paused and then added:
"In this chaotic world where it's hard to distinguish between light and dark, it's better to have a simpler character."
After finishing speaking, Sazhong folded his hands in front of him and walked towards the main hall of the shrine not far away.
"Come on, Yae, let's go change clothes and then go on to clean the shrine."
"Ahhhh! I told you not to tell riddles! I hate it when people tell me riddles! What does the phrase 'I hope I'm overthinking' mean?" Also, why are you complimenting me on my innocence for no reason? "
The frantic Yae was like a disturbing mosquito, "buzzing" in circles around Shazhong, pouring out "sonic attacks" at Shazhong without interruption.
Facing Yae's harassment, Sae's calm attitude was like "You can be strong as long as you are strong, and the breeze will blow over the hills."
No matter how noisy Yae was, she remained calm and didn't even look at Yae. His face did not change, his eyes looked forward.
"After all, Tianzhangyuan is also a woman, and she is also a woman with such a dynamic temperament. It is inevitable that she will feel lonely..."
Shazhong spoke to herself thoughtfully at a volume that only she could barely hear.
"If it's Mr. Tachibana... That's fine. He's young, healthy, strong, and more importantly, easy to control. He's indeed an excellent candidate to relieve loneliness... It seems that his attitude towards Mr. Tachibana will be better in the future. Just be more respectful."
"Ah! Sister! What were you mumbling just now!
"You are wrong, I am not talking."
"Ahhh! I hate it!"
…
…
Tenzōin loves cleanliness, so the archery range dedicated to Tenzōin in Yuegong Shrine is always kept clean and spotless, and the air is always filled with a refreshing fragrance.
Qingdeng was actually a little resistant when he was semi-forced by Tianzhang Academy to practice archery.
Because he feels that playing with a bow is a bit outdated in this era when the West has completed the first industrial revolution and the second industrial revolution is about to begin.
But under the guidance of Tianzhang Yuan, and he studied archery seriously, Qingdeng's views on this weapon gradually changed.
In terms of combat effectiveness and practicality, bows are indeed inferior to the most advanced rifles and artillery nowadays, but in terms of physical and mental exercise, archery has an incomparable and unsubstitutable status.
In order to accurately shoot the arrow at the target, correct posture and mental concentration are indispensable.
Being distracted or having an incorrect posture will have a great impact on shooting accuracy.
Therefore, when Qingteng practices archery, he often unconsciously enters a state of high concentration in which "the whole body is empty and the body seems to be floating in mid-air."
Those annoying things will be forgotten and ignored unconsciously.
When the practice is over and you come back to your senses, you will find that your originally depressed mood has become much more relaxed.
Moreover, after seeing your arrow successfully hit the target, you will have a sense of accomplishment, which is very helpful for reducing stress.
All in all, after coming into contact with archery, Qingdeng finally understood why the ancients listed "shooting" among the six arts of the gentleman.
——Yes, that’s right, I fell in love with archery because practicing archery can strengthen my body and mind...
Qingdeng weighed the purple and the bow in his hands, and said this to himself repeatedly in a tone that seemed to be self-suggestive.
"Tachibana-kun, today we will practice shooting at targets 20 rooms away."
Tianzhangyuan walked out from behind Qingdeng.
I saw her pair of wide sleeves of the miko uniform, which were tied tightly with a purple cuff.
Two slender arms that were so white that they would never be seen by anyone were now openly exposed.
"For a target at this distance, arm strength alone is not enough."
“If you have sufficient physical strength and arm strength, you can indeed try to shoot the arrow that far by relying solely on your physical strength.
"But I don't advise you to do that."
"It's a bit stupid to insist on using such a stupid method when there are obviously more labor-saving methods."
"You have to learn to use the wind and the...um...um...force of the arrow when it falls. Tachibana-kun, do you understand what I mean?"
As Tianzhangyuan spoke, she used her slender hand to simulate the trajectory of the arrow as it fell.
Qingdeng nodded:
"Yeah, I understand."
——It means inertia.
Modern physics has just been introduced to Japan not long ago, and even the upper echelons of the Tianzhang Institute have not yet come into contact with the exclusive physical terms of "inertia" and "friction".
"Well, it's good that you understand. I'll explain it further."
Tianzhangyuan is really good at teaching people.
After listening to her in-depth introduction, Qingden already had a certain understanding and mastery of the "long-distance shooting method".
Later, Tianzhangyuan took action in person and gave Qingdeng a practical demonstration.
This woman is indeed a Hime samurai who is proficient in archery. She shot 10 arrows at a target nearly 40 meters away in twenty rooms - all 10 arrows hit the target.
"Okay, Tachibana-kun."
Tianzhangyuan held the bow and stood half a step sideways to give way to the shooting position.
"Come and try it."
Qingdeng nodded and stepped forward.
Stand sideways with your legs spread almost at the same level as your shoulders.
Take the arrow and set the arrow.
The left hand holds the bow tightly, and the gloved right hand tightens the bow string and arrow branches, looking at the target in the distance.
After the arrows are strung, use both hands to hold the bow and arrow above your head. Next, hold the bow with one hand and pull the string with the other. Open your hands to the left and right, and pull the arrow on the string to your eye level. the height of.
His right cheek touched the arrow lightly, his philtrum and lips tightened, and his whole body remained still, as if he had pressed the pause button on a video tape.
This "time stopped" scene only appeared for a moment.
After a breath, the "videotape" started to play back quickly.
Whoosh!
The arrows shot out continued to extend into the distance along with the wind.
Tight force shot out from Qingdeng's arms.
Qingdeng's movements were so standard that there was no fault to be found. A screenshot of his movements and demeanor could be included in a textbook.
However... although his posture and movements were impeccably standard, Qingdeng's results were lackluster.
I shot 5 arrows in a row, but none of them hit the target.
Tianzhangyuan saw this and gently shook his head.
"Tangerine-kun, your movements are standard, but you didn't make good use of the power of the wind."
Tianzhangyuan said as he slowly walked towards Qingdeng.
"You want this..."
Tianzhangyuan, who was standing behind Qingdeng, raised his arms.
His left hand looped around Qingdeng's left shoulder, walked in front of Qingdeng, and grabbed the bow in Qingdeng's left palm.
His right hand circled Qingdeng's right shoulder, and also went in front of Qingdeng, but he held the bow string in Qingdeng's right palm.
The temperature of human skin covered Qingdeng's back.
Qingden felt a warm, soft touch on his back.
Just like that, Qingden was frozen by the warmth coming from behind.
Pocket watermelon is pressed into "pocket watermelon cake".
"When you release the arrow, you need to raise the height a little higher. Well, this height is about the same..."
Tianzhangyuan's breath kept hitting Qingdeng's neck and back.
Qingden felt his heart rate rising rapidly.
Plop, plop...
Qingden felt that the fabric of his chest was shaking slightly from the violent beating of his heart.
In addition to his skin and ears, Qingden's nose was also experiencing strong stimulation.
The body fragrance smells a bit like mint, and it penetrates Qingden's nostrils continuously.
Where did this fragrance come from? The answer is self-evident...
Tianzhangyuan seemed to be explaining something very serious, but Qingdeng heard it too clearly. Tianzhangyuan was obviously very close to him... No, that's not right. This kind of distance cannot be described as "close to each other". The two of them are now completely attached to each other.
Tianzhangyuan's voice seemed to come from far away. Fuzzy and floating.
Qingden tries to end this embarrassing situation.
He turned his head sideways and looked behind him with his peripheral vision.
Tianzhangyuan's expression was solemn and his eyes were solid.
His whole body seemed to be covered with labels called "seriousness". This strong and extremely serious energy caused an awe-inspiring and inviolable aura of majesty to escape from his body.
There was no chance to interrupt at all... It was really because Tianzhangyuan's current demeanor was too solemn and he couldn't find the chance to remind her out loud! real! It’s definitely not for any other strange reason!
Qingdeng said this to himself in a determined tone.
"...Anyway, that's it. Okay, Tachibana-kun, try it again yourself...eh? Tachibana-kun?"
After finishing the explanation, Tianzhangyuan raised his beautiful face and looked at Qingdeng in confusion, who seemed to be distracted.
Just when she was about to ask "what's wrong"... she finally realized how uncomfortable the posture and distance between herself and Qingdeng was.
In an instant, Tianzhang Yuan's entire face turned red. Her cheeks were as crimson as clouds.
"Hug, sorry. My old habit happened again..."
Tianzhangyuan hurriedly let go of Qingdeng in his arms, took seven steps back in one breath, and instantly opened the distance between himself and Qingdeng.
Immediately afterwards, Tianzhangyuan seemed to have remembered something, and said to Qingdeng with an annoyed look on his face:
"Ji Jun, haven't I told you already? When my old habits happen again, you have to remind me in time!"
There was no way to argue... Qingdeng, who was completely speechless, turned his face away in embarrassment and did not dare to look at Tianzhang Courtyard.
"Yes, I'm sorry...because you were too serious and focused, so I couldn't find the time to speak..."
The atmosphere around me changed.
Silence fell between Qingdeng and Tianzhangyuan.
Tianzhang Court did not make any further accusations against Qingdeng.
She blushed, turned her head sideways like Qingden, and cast her gaze on the empty snow not far away.
This scene made Qingdeng couldn't help but think back to more than three months ago...that is, the day he first learned bowing under the guidance of Tianzhang Yuan.
It was then that Qingdeng discovered this problem with Tianzhang Academy for the first time.
At that time, the atmosphere was as awkward as it is now...
As Tianzhangyuan Shiyi said, this is Tianzhangyuan's old problem.
This Princess of the Satsuma Domain, who was born into a well-known family, may have been influenced by her family tradition. Once she made up her mind to do something seriously, she would be extraordinarily focused, meticulous and uncompromising.
This should be a good thing...but the problem is: Tianzhangyuan often focuses too much.
Be so focused that you forget your surroundings; be so focused that you ignore your current behavior, words, and deeds.
Archery is Tianzhangyuan's favorite martial art - this is what she said herself.
When teaching his favorite martial arts to Qingdeng, Tianzhangyuan frequently entered a state of "forgetting both things and myself" out of his feelings for archery and his responsibility to Qingdeng.
And Tianzhangyuan happens to be the kind of "action man" who likes to use his hands more than his words.
Rather than preaching boring knowledge, Tianzhang Academy prefers to demonstrate in person and teach Qingdeng step by step how to draw the bow and how to aim.
Ever since—the scene just now was born.
Tianzhangyuan, who was immersed in teaching work and couldn't extricate himself, in order to help Qingdeng understand the skills of using the bow faster, his hands and feet moved unconsciously, and his delicate body was close to Qingdeng's body without realizing it.
As early as the first time this embarrassing situation happened, Tianzhang Hospital told Qingdeng: Next time you see me doing such a rude thing, remember to remind me in time.
At the same time, Tianzhangyuan also repeatedly assured Qingdeng that she would pay more attention in the future and never let similar situations happen again.
As a result, Tianzhangyuan guarantees loneliness.
In almost every archery practice, Tianzhangyuan would have uncontrollable and overly close physical contact with Qingdeng.
After more than three months of "bow skills classes", Qingdeng not only learned how to use a bow, but also memorized Tianzhangyuan's body temperature and body scent.
To this day, when Qingdeng sees the bow, he immediately thinks of Tianzhangyuan's pretty face, the "personal guidance" Tianzhangyuan gave him, and the unsettling temperature and smell - Qingdeng's imagination can be in this world. Such a leap in level is all thanks to the old problem of Tianzhang Academy.
At this moment, Tianzhangyuan showed the mature side of a 24-year-old adult woman.
"Ahem..."
She coughed twice.
These two light coughs broke the silence.
As the quiet atmosphere was broken, the embarrassment between the two people suddenly dissipated.
"Okay, let's continue practicing archery."
Tianzhangyuan put on a serious face and looked solemn, pretending that nothing happened.
Qingdeng also borrowed the donkey from Poxia. Take several deep breaths.
The talent "Emperor's Art" is activated.
He quickly collected his emotions and facial expressions, and tacitly decided with Tianzhang Academy not to mention the small accident that had just happened, which had happened countless times...
——I really like archery because it helps my physical and mental health...
The self-suggestive soliloquy echoed deep in Qingdeng's heart again...
…
…
After that, the archery class continued as normal.
After several reminders from Tianzhang Academy, Qingdeng finally figured out the secret of the "long-distance shooting method", and his hit rate increased sharply, from the original "zero hits in five shots" to "three hits out of ten" in one breath. .
Qingdeng's ability to draw inferences from one instance and to learn ten things from what he heard naturally made it unnecessary for Tianzhang Academy to "personally guide" Qingdeng.
Although he consciously ignored it, Qingden did feel a bit regretful and lonely...
No more accidents happened - more than an hour passed like this -
"Okay, Tachibana-kun, let's finish today's practice here. Come, drink some tea and eat some snacks."
Tianzhangyuan sat on his knees in a pavilion dedicated to resting next to the archery field. He had two teacups and a plate of mochi that he got from nowhere.
"Is only black tea okay?"
"Ah, yes. I have no taboos on tea."
After pulling the bow for more than an hour, Qingdeng's body and mind were already a little tired.
He happened to be a little hungry, so Qingdeng was not polite, put the bow in his hand back on the bow stand, and sat down next to Tianzhangyuan.
"Ji Jun, you are indeed an incredible martial arts prodigy."
"Um?"
Qingdeng, who was drinking black tea, raised his confused gaze towards Tianzhang Courtyard.
Why did you suddenly say this——Qingden asked with his eyes.
"I thought you only had extraordinary talent in swordsmanship, but I didn't expect that you also have such amazing talents in archery."
Tianzhangyuan's face showed emotion.
"In less than 4 months, I have reached the level that I have been practicing for 4 years. If this continues, it won't be long before I have nothing left to teach you."
Faced with the sudden compliment from Tianzhang Yuan, Qingdeng smiled politely and said a few words of modesty.
"Ah, by the way..."
Qingdeng's face was stunned. After hesitating for a while, he asked Tianzhang Court:
"Speaking of this... His Highness Tianzhangyuan, I have a question that I have wanted to ask you for a long time."
Qingdeng asked with his eyes: Can I ask?
"Um?"
Tianzhangyuan replied with an expression: Just ask.
Why do you want to teach me archery yourself? With your ability, you should be able to find many people to do it for you, right? "
"Ah, well...actually the reason is very simple."
Tianzhangyuan put down the tea cup in his hand, turned his upper body, and faced Qingdeng, his smiling face filled with warm colors.
"Because I like you! I want to be alone with you as much as possible!"
*******
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The evil river crab caused Leopard Leopard to write today's chapter, so he had to hold it back! I don’t dare to write more about how Qingdeng and Tianzhangyuan posted it, it’s so sad! (Leopard sad.jpg)
The preparations that need to be made are almost done, and it is almost time to enter the main plot of Volume 2 (yes, nearly 1 million words have been written in Volume 2, but the main topic of "The Power to the Sky" has not been entered until now. The previous All plots, whether it is a fireworks display or fighting bandits, are just foreshadowing for the subsequent main plot.)
The next plot will be very interesting, so stay tuned!
(End of chapter)
