My Scales Can Make Equivalent Exchange
Chapter 187: Martial Uncle, Your Disciple is All Ears!

Chapter 187: Chapter 187: Martial Uncle, Your Disciple is All Ears!

"Wang Zijia, my nephew, there’s no need to be so formal. I’m just here for a visit out of plain boredom," Sha Heng said with a smile, following Wang Zijia to sit down at the tea table near the window. "I heard from the head of the Fu Tower that a genius teacher has recently arrived. I found time today, so I came over to take a look."

Wang Zijia arranged the tea set and, with the respect due from a disciple, served tea while replying, "Martial Uncle, you flatter me. My appointment as a second-class teacher is solely due to the head of the Fu Tower’s exceptional promotion."

"Sit down and chat with me. We are both second-class teachers at Fu Tower; there’s no need for such formality." Sha Heng dismissed with a wave of his hand, gesturing to the young girl who had come with him. "Qing’er, come!"

"Yes, Grandfather!" The young girl approached timidly and took something from Wang Zijia’s hand.

Wang Zijia obediently sat down opposite Sha Heng while An Xingsheng quietly left the room.

As Wang Zijia sat down, he casually glanced at the girl who was pouring tea for him. She was around fifteen or sixteen, her features still youthful, but her beauty was already emerging. Perhaps due to her upbringing, she seemed introverted and well-behaved.

"Wang Zijia, your reputation lately has reached even my old ears," Sha Heng began, looking kindly at Wang Zijia, who had just sat down.

"Compared to the other martial uncles in the tower, I am still far behind. I only dare to teach the basics, and my junior brothers below may not fully understand. They exaggerate my abilities, making me a joke in Martial Uncle Sha’s eyes," Wang Zijia responded humbly.

"When one person praises you, it’s flattery. But when everyone praises you, it’s merit. Without real ability, those youngsters in the tower wouldn’t behave like this."

"..."

After exchanging flatteries for a while, Wang Zijia noticed that they weren’t getting to the point. Considering his current status, he had to humble himself and finally took the initiative to ask, "I’m a bit slow, what is the purpose of Martial Uncle Sha’s visit? If there’s anything I can assist with, I certainly will."

Sha Heng, his face kind, gave a warm smile. "Nothing too significant. I’m getting old, and it’s difficult for me to guide disciples as I once did. Having heard about your circumstances, I thought I might ask for your help in teaching the younger generation."

Wang Zijia was slightly taken aback. He unconsciously looked at the young girl standing nearby. She kept her head down, her face slightly blushing, and she didn’t dare to look at Wang Zijia.

Guessing at Sha Heng’s intention, Wang Zijia asked, "Please forgive me, Martial Uncle, but I’m a bit confused. What kind of teaching are you referring to?"

Sha Heng’s smile remained on his face, but he did not respond to Wang Zijia’s question. Instead, he said, "Master Qian’s assistant was transferred elsewhere recently. He is short-staffed. I think An Xingsheng is suitable. Could you let him go?"

Did he want this young girl to be his assistant?

Grandfather?

A blood relation?

Why send her to me?

And at this age... I must have guessed correctly. He has taken a fancy to her!

But why wait several months before proposing, and in such a roundabout manner?

What does it matter? It’s none of my business anyway!

As these thoughts raced through his mind, Wang Zijia understood Sha Heng’s intent. He feigned ignorance and smiled, "Martial Uncle, you can just arrange this with An Xingsheng directly. I won’t voice any objections."

At this point, Wang Zijia adopted an embarrassed tone, "If you do arrange for this transfer, could you also facilitate bringing my betrothed here?"

"She and I joined at the same time but, due to bad luck, we were assigned to different locations. Although I later became a second-class teacher, I don’t have any personal connections."

Sha Heng’s smile froze slightly at Wang Zijia’s words. The well-behaved girl serving the tea also flinched, then quickly regained her composure. Her face turned less bashful and more peaceful.

"You really are deeply in love, Wang Zijia!" Sha Heng noted, his expression a mix of tranquility and surprise.

Wang Zijia smiled genuinely, "Martial Uncle, you might not know, but I was only sixteen when my father passed away. We were destitute and friendless. I was adrift, with no idea how to keep going."

"It was the Xiang family patriarch who guided me and took care of me, treating me like a grandson. When there was unrest in the city, he was afraid that my talent would cause others to covet me. He was willing to use the resources of the clan to enroll me in the school. Without him, I don’t dare to imagine what my situation would be like now."

"These acts of kindness are unforgettable to me. And to be honest with you, Martial Uncle, even though I am a cultivator now, I still can’t act tough in front of my betrothed. I can hardly utter a stern word to her!"

With a casual attitude, Wang Zijia narrated his past, using an equal blend of humor, sincerity, and emotion.

Sha Heng’s rigid expression shifted to one of admiration as he seriously studied Wang Zijia’s youthful face. The young girl beside him also sneaked glances at Wang Zijia, her eyes sparkling with an indescribable light.

"Your heart, Wang Zijia... is truly rare and genuine," Sha Heng mused.

"You give me too much praise, Martial Uncle. I’m simply staying true to myself. The Xiang family treated me with such kindness, and I will remember it for the rest of my life. I can never forget my roots," Wang Zijia replied, sincerely and earnestly.

"No matter," Sha Heng stared at Wang Zijia for a long moment. After a period of silence, he sighed and rose from his seat. "I’ve taken up enough of your time today, and I have other disciples to guide. I’ll leave you to your cultivation of talisman techniques."

"It’s I who am at fault, Martial Uncle. In the future, if you ever have some free time, just notify me and I will certainly visit you," replied Wang Zijia, also rising from his seat.

"Whenever you have time, feel free to seek me for any doubts in your cultivation. We are both teachers in Fu Tower, so we should walk around more and not bury ourselves in cultivation all the time," Sha Heng said, his smile returning.

Wang Zijia let out a sigh of relief in his heart, his face showing joy. He suppressed his excitement and responded, "I will remember your words, Martial Uncle. I will definitely visit you more often in the future."

"Well, let’s end our meeting here today. No need to see me out." With that, Sha Heng, accompanied by the young girl, turned and left.

"Farewell, Martial Uncle!"

"Farewell, Martial Uncle Sha!"

Wang Zijia stood at the door, along with An Xingsheng, bidding respectful farewells.

Only when she had walked quite far did the young girl, who had left with Sha Heng, look back at Wang Zijia, who was still standing at the door. Then she disappeared around the corner together with Sha Heng.

...