Runes • Rifles • Reincarnation
54. Learning From A Tiger

Jin Shu crouched behind a towering tree on the outskirts of Aunt Chen's expansive courtyard. Six meters ahead, a small silver tiger cub crouched low, her sharp gaze locked on an equally small rabbit foraging in a berry bush.

Jin Shu stifled a laugh as he watched Yin’er shuffle forward, her tiny rear wiggling in the air in preparation for the pounce.

He still wasn’t sure how observing her would help him master the Dragon-Tiger Steps, but he had no better plan. For now, watching her was as good a start as any.

A sudden burst of movement broke his concentration.

Yin’er launched herself at the rabbit, jaws wide, her small, razor-sharp fangs gleaming in the midday sun. The rabbit struggled desperately, kicking and twisting as Yin’er’s teeth sank into the soft fur of its neck. Blood seeped through the rabbit's white fur, staining both its own and the silver coat of the tiger cub. her once pristine fur, now a shade of deep red.

Pinning the rabbit beneath her small frame, Yin’er held it steady until its movements slowed and the light in its eyes faded. She lifted her prize triumphantly by the neck, tossing it to the ground with a low, rumbling growl.

"Roar!"

The sound was deeper than Jin Shu would have expected from such a small creature. Much deeper than her normal, high-pitched speaking voice.

Dragging the rabbit’s lifeless body into the bushes, Yin’er began picking away its fur with methodical precision.

Jin Shu observed the scene without flinching. The sight of her killing the rabbit didn’t bother him; life and death were simply parts of the natural order.

The thought of nature’s balance sparked something in his mind.

Natural… he mused. The Dragon-Tiger Steps require my movements to be natural, not forced.

The realization was faint but significant, though he didn’t yet fully grasp its implications. Leaving Yin’er to her feast, he turned and made his way back to the training grounds behind his temporary home.

***

Fan Biyu sat under the shaded pavilion in the backyard, her gaze fixed on Jin Shu as he practiced. Next to her, Tian Li busied herself brewing tea.

“His movements look smoother now,” Tian Li remarked, glancing up as the fragrant aroma of tea filled the air.

“Mm,” Fan Biyu murmured, nodding absently, her eyes never leaving Jin Shu.

Tian Li leaned closer, her tone playful. “You like him, don’t you?”

Fan Biyu flinched, shooting a half-hearted glare at her senior sister before lowering her gaze.

“I… do…” she admitted softly.

“What was that? I couldn’t hear you.” Tian Li cupped a hand to her ear, feigning confusion.

Fan Biyu’s face reddened as she raised her voice. “I said I do!”

Tian Li tilted her head curiously. “Really? Why? Isn’t he a little young?”

“He’s not much younger than me,” Fan Biyu muttered, fidgeting with her sleeves. “And I don’t know… I just do.”

Tian Li nodded thoughtfully. “Fair enough. He is tall and incredibly handsome for his age.”

Fan Biyu’s eyes narrowed at her senior sister, suspicion flickering across her face.

Guessing her thoughts, Tian Li grinned and shook her head. “Don’t worry—I won’t steal him from you. I don’t like men, remember?” She paused, her grin turning mischievous. “Although… if I were to date a man, it’d probably be him.”

Fan Biyu blinked. “Actually… I wouldn’t mind.”

Tian Li stared at her, momentarily speechless.

Fan Biyu shrugged. “Master says she wants tens of grandchildren and just as many daughters-in-law.”

Tian Li’s expression twisted into one of horror. “Martial Aunt Mei’er said that? Seriously?”

Fan Biyu nodded solemnly. “Yes. She wasn’t joking either. She was completely serious.”

Tian Li’s disbelief deepened. “Tens of grandchildren? Even most emperors don’t have that many children.” She studied Fan Biyu’s face. “And you’re okay with that?”

Fan Biyu shrugged again. “That’s a problem for the future.”

Tian Li hummed thoughtfully. “So, what is it you like about him? When did it happen?”

Fan Biyu took a moment to answer, her gaze drifting back to Jin Shu. “I like… everything about him. But I think I fell for him when he saved me. Even though I was half-conscious, I remember how desperate he looked when he carried me to the doctor. I felt… safe.”

“That’s all it took?” Tian Li asked, handing Fan Biyu a steaming cup of tea.

“No, not just that.” Fan Biyu accepted the tea, smiling faintly. “There are some… superficial reasons too. He’s handsome, and he’s my Master’s son. I guess it all just adds up.”

Her eyes lingered on Jin Shu as he moved gracefully through the yard, his figure a blend of discipline and natural flow.

***

During his training, Jin Shu caught the faint aroma of freshly brewed tea. Glancing back, he noticed Biyu and Tian Li seated under a shaded pavilion, quietly conversing over a cup of tea. Their voices were too soft for him to make out the words.

“This type of movement feels better, doesn’t it?” he asked aloud, his tone a pitch higher than usual.

“It’s surprisingly good, kid,” an older man’s voice resonated in his mind.

The younger Jin Shu—currently in control of their shared body was speaking to the other personalities residing within his soul: the adult Jin Shu, and the one they hadn’t named, who acted as the main personality. Simply Jin Shu, this figure had no fixed form in their soul-space.

Unlike the other two, who bore distinct appearances, the Jin Shu from Earth appeared as a grizzled soldier clad in military fatigues, while the younger Jin Shu resembled a pampered young master, dressed in fine robes and exuding youthful energy.

The main personality, however, was unique. Inside their soul, his form constantly shifted—a chaotic blend of the others. One moment, he looked identical to the older Jin Shu; the next, he seemed like a sixteen-year-old version of himself. Sometimes, he was an amalgamation of both.

Though his form was ever-changing, his presence was anything but chaotic. He was the voice of reason, balancing the extremes of the other two personalities.

“Our movements have become more fluid by mimicking Yin’er, but that still doesn’t explain how to fully master this technique,” the main personality said. “It all comes down to those worldly laws Biyu mentioned.”

“What do you think we should do about that?” Adult Jin Shu asked, his tone contemplative.

“Let’s ask Aunt Chen. As someone in the Adept Realm, she should know more,” Main Jin Shu suggested.

“Sounds like a plan.” Adult Jin Shu nodded in agreement.

“Hey,” Kid Jin Shu piped up once they had reached a consensus. “Let me stay in control until after our lesson with Tian Li.”

The main personality’s ever-shifting face settled into Earth Jin Shu’s form, his expression turning skeptical.

“Why?” he asked.

“I think I can rizz her,” Kid Jin Shu replied with a smug smirk.

There was a brief pause before Main Jin Shu sighed. “First of all, no. Second, don’t use Earth slang. Especially that word.”

Jin Shu reclaimed control of his body, leaving the younger Jin Shu to howl in frustration within the void-like space of their soul. Well, mostly void—the adult Jin Shu was still there, forced to endure the tantrum-throwing youth.

***

For the past hour, Jin Shu had been teaching Tian Li about Earth’s fashion. Much to his younger self’s dismay, the interaction was purely educational. The only notable outcome was that Tian Li seemed slightly less wary of him.

Now, he was on his way to find Aunt Chen to learn more about the worldly laws.

Arriving at the main residence set in the middle of an expansive courtyard, he knocked on the grand door and waited. Several minutes passed with no response. Realizing the size of the building might have muffled his knock, he decided to step inside and search for her himself.

The long hallways stretched before him, the air carrying a scent he couldn’t quite identify. Intoxicating and complex, it reminded him of a woody aroma tinged with a hint of sweetness.

As he walked, he noticed a faint trail of incense smoke curling through the air, winding its way down the halls. Hoping it would guide him to Aunt Chen, Jin Shu followed it deeper into the residence.

After several long minutes of following the incense trail, Jin Shu reached a slightly ajar door from which the smoke lazily drifted out.

Curious, he peeked inside.

Chen Ai Yun sat on a stool, a brush in her hand, an easel in front of her. Her body partially obscured the painting, prompting Jin Shu to shift for a better view.

Creak!

The floorboards groaned beneath him. He glanced down in alarm and quickly looked back up—only to find himself face-to-face with his Aunt Chen.

“Did you need something, Jin Shu?” she asked, her voice calm as she stepped into the hallway, gently shutting the door behind her.

Jin Shu’s eyes flicked over her shoulder just before the door clicked shut. For a brief moment, he caught sight of the painting. It was a portrait of a young man who looked identical to him.

“Jin Shu?” Aunt Chen’s voice drew his attention back to her. “Did you need something?” she repeated.

Blinking, he remembered why he had come. “I’d like to learn about the worldly laws—specifically the ones tied to the technique you gifted me.”

Chen Ai Yun tilted her head curiously. “You’re trying to master that technique already?”

“You told me to, didn’t you?” he replied, puzzled.

She blinked, her cheeks flushing faintly before she turned her head, clearing her throat. “Yes, I did. I just didn’t expect you to ask so soon.” Turning back, she added, “Let’s go to my study.” Without waiting for a response, she headed deeper into the hallway.

As she walked away, Jin Shu’s thoughts lingered. That painting was of me, wasn’t it?

“Looked like it. So what?” Kid Jin Shu chimed in.

Jin Shu shrugged inwardly. Just wondering.

At the end of the hall, Aunt Chen stopped and glanced back. “Coming?”

“Uh-huh, I’m coming,” he replied, shaking off his thoughts and following her.

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