Brian Carter looked around, and suddenly caught sight of a tall tower directly east of Zhuque Avenue. Being someone who loved tinkering with curious things, he thought to himself, “This tower stands right by Zhuque Avenue, not far from the imperial palace. When the reed mat contest takes place, that Li family emperor will surely want to watch from the city tower, so it makes sense for it to be close by.”

Brian Carter was just about to set off when he heard a gentle, apologetic voice say, “Young master, I’ve occupied your spot for quite a while. I’m afraid you’ve been waiting anxiously—my deepest apologies.”

Recognizing it as the voice of the young lady Emily Foster, Brian Carter didn’t turn his head, just shook it and said, “It’s nothing. There’s not much to see at this water and land festival anyway. I’ve already watched enough, so let’s just leave it at that.”

Emily Foster smiled radiantly, truly dazzling in her beauty. With a delicate hand, she pointed to the tall tower Brian Carter had just been looking at and whispered, “The reed mat contest is about to start. That tower was built by the current Minister William Harris to pray for his mother’s well-being. It’s perfect for watching the event. Why don’t we sneak up there together and enjoy the excitement?”

Before Brian Carter could reply, the girl boldly took his hand. Both of them were about twelve or thirteen years old, like a golden boy and jade girl, walking hand in hand. If not for everyone’s attention being on the lively water and land festival, someone would surely have noticed. Just the sight of Brian Carter and this girl named Emily Foster holding hands was a striking scene in itself.

Although Brian Carter was not in the best of health—thin and a bit sallow—he had sharp brows and bright eyes, a dignified appearance. After studying for several years with Mr. Parker, he had acquired a scholarly air, making him a handsome young man.

If he hadn’t already shown some of the refined bearing of a scholar, when Brian Carter’s mother came to propose marriage, the The Bennett Family mother and daughter wouldn’t have agreed so readily. Besides thinking Brian Carter was a good match for her daughter, Widow Bennett also believed Brian Carter was clever and promising. If he were to pass the exams and become a scholar or official, it would not only bring honor to the family but also ensure a comfortable and respected life for her and her daughter.

When Emily Foster pulled Brian Carter by the hand, his heart warmed. Though mischievous by nature, he was kind at heart and had learned proper conduct under Mr. Parker. He knew well that men and women should not be so close, especially with a stranger, but there was something about Emily Foster that made him want to be near her. So he let her lead him by the hand without a word.

Emily Foster seemed very familiar with Chang’an. She led him through main streets and small alleys, arriving behind the residence of the Minister William Harris. She patted Brian Carter on the shoulder, and he understood, crouching down. Emily Foster’s white shoes lightly stepped on his knee and shoulder, and grabbing the blue bricks atop the wall, she easily climbed up, sitting on the wall and beckoning to Brian Carter with a smile.

Brian Carter was still feeling the lingering fragrance from where Emily Foster had just climbed over him, his heart slightly fluttering. But when he looked up at Emily Foster on the wall, his heart suddenly skipped a beat, and he thought, “I’ve always heard that cultivators must preserve their virginity and pure yang energy. I’ve finally gotten this once-in-a-lifetime chance to train with my master—so why is it that just seeing this girl makes my heart stir and my thoughts run wild?”

With this thought, Brian Carter found his resolve. Not only did he not feel awkward, but he also opened his heart, thinking, “As long as I don’t harbor improper thoughts, even if I pass through a sea of flowers, it’s no matter. The monk Yuan Zhen of this dynasty once said: ‘Passing through the flowers, I’m too lazy to look back.’ Why can’t I learn from such a gentleman?”

With this change of mindset, Brian Carter completely forgot his own frail body and lack of skill at climbing walls. Normally, he’d never be able to scale such a high courtyard wall, but somehow, with his mind preoccupied, he managed to flip himself up onto the wall. When Brian Carter sat atop the wall, facing Emily Foster, he suddenly thought, “How did I manage to climb up here?”

Seeing some dirt on Brian Carter’s face, Emily Foster smiled and used her sleeve to gently brush it off before saying, “For this water and land festival, Minister Harris will surely be accompanying the Li family emperor. The family probably doesn’t want to show themselves, so the tower should be empty. Let’s hurry up and go!”

Chapter Two: The True Blackwater Method (Part Three)

Emily Foster’s light sleeve brushed his face, carrying a gentle fragrance. But having just come to his senses, Brian Carter was no longer distracted; instead, he felt open-hearted and didn’t mind Emily Foster’s seemingly intimate gesture. He lowered his voice and replied, “Exactly, let’s go down!”

With the experience from before, Brian Carter jumped down, and somehow a gentle strength arose in his feet—he landed without a sound, then leaned against the wall. Emily Foster pursed her lips in a smile, placed her dainty foot on his shoulder again, and lightly climbed down. This time, however, a blush appeared on Emily Foster’s pretty face, like the glow of dawn or a pearl glistening with dew.

Brian Carter spent his days cultivating with his master, but had never really noticed any progress. Yet here, on the wall of Minister Harris’s residence, going up and down, he suddenly gained some insight.

The True Blackwater Method follows the ancient path of cultivation, placing utmost importance on tempering the physical body.