This sentence comes from "Zuo Zhuan – Twelfth Year of Duke Xuan." The term ‘wu’ mentioned there does not refer solely to martial arts, but also encompasses military strategy and various other aspects. Overall, during the Sui and Tang dynasties, martial arts and military affairs could both be referred to as ‘wu.’

　　George Sullivan himself was also skilled in horsemanship and archery, proficient with both bow and horse.

　　Although David Sullivan could not be considered a true expert, he was still strong and had fought in battles and killed people in his youth, so he had a discerning eye. Since the beginning of the Kaihuang era, although the world was largely at peace, Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, was also a warlike man. The martial spirit passed down from the Jin and Southern and Northern Dynasties remained strong. Not only did the sons of noble families practice martial arts, but ordinary families also trained in martial skills.

　　However, the martial skills of ordinary families were not the same as the martial training of noble sons.

　　That required a systematic set of skills and training, which was difficult for common families to master. Even though David Sullivan held a high position in Anyuan Hall, he was ultimately of servant origin, and the martial arts passed down in the Zheng family could not possibly be taught to him.

　　Therefore, although David Sullivan knew that Lily practiced martial arts, he was not clear about the intricacies.

　　His gray-white eyebrows furrowed slightly as David Sullivan fell into deep thought.

　　“Richard Clark, did Lily tell you what kind of martial art she wants to teach you?”

　　“I think it’s the Dragon-Subduing Skill.”

　　David Sullivan had never heard of such a skill, but he was certain of one thing: Lily’s background was probably not ordinary!

　　Ever since the Northern Zhou conquered Qi and the Sui Emperor Wen campaigned in the south, there had been no shortage of fallen noble families, so it was not particularly unusual.

　　If Lily came from a prominent family, it would be normal for her to know martial arts.

　　In fact, George Sullivan could also tell that Mrs. Cooper and her daughter were of unusual origin. Arranging for them to be with David Sullivan was also partly to have him keep an eye on them. Originally, he thought he might find some clues from this martial art, but now it seemed that would not be easy.

　　Still, it was nothing to worry about!

　　David Sullivan sneered inwardly: As long as you’re in this Anyuan Hall, let’s see what tricks you can play.

　　At the same time, he genuinely hoped that Richard Sullivan could acquire some self-defense skills. In the future, perhaps he could rely on his martial abilities to secure a place in the Zheng family. David Sullivan was a servant, but that didn’t mean he wanted his descendants to serve others for their whole lives. He had served the Zheng family for five generations and felt a deep attachment to them, so naturally he hoped that one day he could establish himself within the family. It was difficult, but not impossible. Even great clans needed new blood.

　　David Sullivan’s mother was from a collateral branch of the Zheng family.

　　If he hadn’t lost the ability to have children, he might already have been included in the Zheng family genealogy. What he hadn’t achieved in his own life, he now pinned his hopes on Richard Sullivan. Perhaps in the future, Richard Sullivan could really fulfill this wish of his.

　　After thinking it over, David Sullivan said in a deep voice, “Richard Clark, if you truly want to learn martial arts, then you must train diligently and never give up halfway.

　　Don’t worry about other matters, but there is one thing you must remember. No matter what kind of medicinal recipe Lily gives you, you must let me see it first. These things may be very useful in the future... Don’t ask why, just remember it.”

　　David Sullivan began to plan for the future.

　　Richard Clark didn’t understand his intentions, but still nodded firmly.

　　And so, in addition to his previous writing and drawing, Richard Sullivan now had one more thing to do in his daily life.

　　In his previous life, he had loved calligraphy and had copied many model scripts. Although he had a new body after being reborn, his foundation remained.

　　But paper and brushes were expensive, not something ordinary families could afford.

　　Even though David Sullivan managed the finances of Anyuan Hall, he couldn’t embezzle openly.

　　So, Richard Clark imitated the ancients and practiced calligraphy by drawing characters in the sand with a tree branch. He focused on building a solid foundation first, so that when he eventually wrote with brush and paper, it would come naturally. However, after starting martial arts training, his time for calligraphy was reduced, so he practiced martial arts in the morning and evening, and calligraphy at midday.

　　Time passed day by day, winter gave way to spring, and in the blink of an eye, two years had gone by.

　　Without realizing it, Richard Sullivan had already lived through five years...

　　According to the ancient way of counting, Richard Sullivan was now seven years old.

　　Compared to his peers, Richard Clark did not display any particular talent. But in the eyes of adults, he was a bit unusual. For example, he didn’t play with other children, rarely caused trouble, and was so calm and sensible that he seemed like a little adult. As a result, many people said that David Sullivan had a good grandson.

　　But for Richard Clark, these two years had greatly increased his understanding of this era.

　　For example, in terms of combat techniques, the ancients created fighting methods to seek survival between heaven and earth. The environment they faced was harsh, and in order to fill their bellies, they had to constantly fight wild beasts. Over time, combat techniques developed, and later, various schools of thought and health practices were integrated, resulting in unique fighting methods.

　　Compared to the so-called routine-based martial arts Richard Clark had seen in his previous life, this was a world apart.

　　During the Jin dynasties, Lu Jingxiu combined martial arts with qi cultivation, eventually forming a complete system that has been passed down to this day.

　　The Dragon-Subduing Skill that Lily taught Richard Clark was a method for greatly strengthening one’s vital energy and blood.

　　Nourishing the spirit and storing essence through vital energy and blood is the foundation of the Dragon-Subduing Skill. According to ancient health theories, at the age of seven or eight, a child’s teeth and hair grow anew, and their vital energy and blood begin to take shape. The Dragon-Subduing Skill is meant to stimulate potential and strengthen the circulation of vital energy and blood, thereby making the bloodline vigorous.