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Tian Feiyu led Xunuo along the mountain path to a grand hall. Above the entrance hung a large plaque with four gilded characters inscribed: Seven Star Sword Hall.
At the door stood two Outer Sect Disciples in white robes. Upon seeing Tian Feiyu, they quickly bowed and greeted him, saying, "Greetings, Hall Master Tian."
Tian Feiyu nodded and stepped into the hall.
Upon entering, there was a screen, and after walking around it, they entered a spacious interior. At the far end stood an Altar, with an Eight Immortals Table and an Armchair in front of it. Other than that, the hall was empty.
Tian Feiyu walked directly to the Armchair and sat down. Immediately, a disciple presented him with tea. Tian Feiyu instructed the disciple who brought the tea, "Go summon your six Shishu; I have something to discuss."
The disciple responded and hurried off to the back hall.
Xunuo stood quietly to one side with his hands at his sides.
As Tian Feiyu sipped his tea, he observed Xunuo, occasionally letting out a low chuckle.
After a while, six individuals entered the hall one by one. Xunuo noticed that their ages varied significantly; the oldest among them was nearly as old as Tian Feiyu. They lined up in front of Tian Feiyu and spoke in unison, "Greetings, Master."
Tian Feiyu smiled and said, "I called you here today to introduce a new junior brother." He pointed at Xunuo and continued, "This is our new disciple for this year, named Lu Zaisheng. He has been accepted as my seventh disciple. From now on, you should get to know him better."
One female disciple among them suddenly asked, "Is he the one Bi Shidi mentioned who defeated Nangong Changjian?"
A pale-faced young man replied, "Indeed! I managed the competition yesterday alongside Zhang Shishu and witnessed his duel with Nangong Changjian. He truly has some skill. Had I known he would become my junior brother so soon, I would have approached him yesterday."
The female disciple laughed and said, "Junior Brother seems too proud to easily associate with Outer Sect Disciples. However, you returned yesterday saying that the young man who defeated Nangong Changjian was quite impressive. Now that Master holds him in such high regard, it seems Bi Shidi has quite an eye for talent."
Then she gracefully stepped forward and offered a slight bow to Xunuo. "My name is Nangong Wan; I am not related to Nangong Changjian. I rank fourth among Master's disciples."
Xunuo quickly clasped his hands together and replied, "Lu Zaisheng greets Sister Nangong."
Nangong Wan smiled and pointed at the pale young man beside her. "This is your Sixth Senior Brother, named Bi Changjian."
She then proceeded to introduce each of Tian Feiyu's disciples to Xunuo one by one. The eldest among them was not the senior brother but ranked second; instead, a man in his thirties held the title of senior brother.
Xunuo pondered silently: It seems that Wuhua Sect does not rank its disciples by age but rather by their order of entry into the sect.
When it came to Fifth Senior Brother Liu Changqing, a lean young man in his twenties with a yellowish complexion, he looked down on Xunuo. The reason was simple: only the top performers of the Outer Sect Competition each year could enter the Seven Star Sword Hall. The few of them who had apprenticed under Tian Master were not only champions of the Outer Sect Competition but also possessed exceptional talents in martial arts. Xunuo, however, had joined Tian Master without participating in the Outer Sect Competition, which naturally led to some disdain from Liu Changqing. He mocked, "Lu Shidi must have stumbled in by sheer luck. Unlike us, who fought our way through the Outer Sect Competition step by step. I wonder if this good fortune can translate into real skill."
The other senior brothers did not openly mock Xunuo but also paid little attention to him, the seemingly out-of-place junior. They merely observed him with strange expressions, some pondering while others chuckled quietly.
Unfazed, Xunuo replied, "To be able to study under Tian Master is indeed a stroke of luck for me, but it also speaks to Tian Master's discerning eye. I've only been here for a year and I doubt I can achieve the top spot in this year's Outer Sect Competition; I can't compare to my seniors."
He then added, "I wonder if my senior was as capable when he first joined?"
This retort left Fifth Senior Brother Liu Changqing momentarily speechless. The others were equally surprised by Xunuo's sharp tongue, which was not lacking in wit.
Tian Feiyu chuckled and said, "Changqing, your new junior seems to have some talent in martial arts; why not test him here?"
Liu Changqing, already feeling frustrated by Xunuo's words, immediately responded, "As you wish." He stepped forward.
Seeing Tian Master’s encouragement, Xunuo reluctantly moved to face Liu Changqing. Internally, he lamented: sparring with a direct disciple of Tian Master could only lead to him getting beaten up.
Tian Feiyu noticed Xunuo's worried expression and reassured him, "Don't worry; he won't use Inner Strength against you. Just do your best; you won't be able to hurt him anyway."
With that reassurance, Xunuo felt a bit more at ease.
Liu Changqing stood with one hand behind his back and pointed at Xunuo with the other. "Come at me; I'll go easy on you so you can't say I'm bullying you."
Seeing Liu's arrogance made Xunuo secretly pleased. He assumed the stance of Tongbi Fist and threw a punch.
Liu Changqing had also advanced from the Outer Gate through the Outer Sect Competition and was very familiar with the three Fist Techniques practiced by Outer Sect Disciples. When he saw Xunuo using Tongbi Fist, he responded with his own Tongbi Fist. Although he was only using one arm, his mastery of Tongbi Fist allowed him to handle it with ease. After exchanging blows for seven or eight rounds, Xunuo suddenly changed his technique and unleashed Eight Extremes Fist.
Caught off guard and facing an incoming punch, Liu hastily brought his hidden hand out from behind to block it. A flush crept onto his yellowish face.
Xunuo seamlessly switched between Tongbi Fist and Eight Extremes Fist as he attacked faster and faster. Liu Changqing no longer dared to keep his hand behind his back and began taking the fight seriously. Although he still used Tongbi Fist, it was a far cry from before; his defense became impenetrable and his strikes unpredictable.
After over twenty exchanges, Xunuo found himself unable to counterattack effectively; he could barely defend himself against Liu's relentless onslaught. At that moment, Liu Changqing suddenly halted and stood still, his face slightly flushed as he said awkwardly, "As Master said, Lu Shidi's ability to blend Eight Extremes Fist with Tongbi Fist seamlessly is indeed remarkable."
Xunuo let out a long sigh of relief; it was only after sparring with Liu Changqing that he realized the vast difference between them. Every punch and kick he threw was effortlessly countered by Liu. By the end of their match, he felt overwhelmed by a barrage of punches that left him breathless. While he considered himself familiar with Tongbi Fist, Liu’s execution revealed an entirely different realm of skill—his techniques and variations were astonishing.
Regaining his composure, Xunuo cupped his hands in salute and said, "Thank you for your mercy, Liu Shixiong. This exchange has greatly benefited me."
At that moment, Elderly Second Senior Brother An Mo Sheng remarked, "If Lu Shidi puts forth his full effort, he could rank within the top twenty; this time he's been a bit too conservative."
"Second Senior Brother, you flatter me. Just now, it was all thanks to Fifth Senior Brother's guidance," Xunuo said.
Nangong Wan chuckled and replied, "Don't mention Fifth Senior Brother anymore; can't you see his face has turned from yellow to red?"
Hearing this, Liu Changqing's face reddened even more. With a hint of embarrassment, he admitted, "I did underestimate him; I didn't expect Junior Brother's Fist Technique to be so varied. If I lost, then I lost."
Seeing his candidness, Xunuo felt a sense of respect for him.
At that moment, Tian Feiyu lightly coughed, and the disciples below fell silent, standing neatly to the sides.
Tian Feiyu waved his hand and said, "In such sparring, there is no need to dwell on wins or losses. I believe this has given you all a better understanding of this junior brother. In the future, feel free to come to the Seven Star Sword Hall to learn some Martial Arts. As older brothers, you should guide him well."
The others responded with cupped hands in agreement.
However, Liu Changqing stepped forward and said, "Seventh Junior Brother is currently focusing on practicing his fist techniques in preparation for the upcoming Outer Sect Competition. I have some insights into these techniques and would like to teach him."
Tian Feiyu laughed heartily and said, "You two have developed a bond through sparring; that's good. Let it be so that you guide him in Martial Arts. Just don't tarnish my reputation."
Xunuo and Liu Changqing quickly cupped their hands in agreement.
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