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墨書 Inktalez
The Wuhua Sect had various enterprises near Wuhua Mountain and even in other provinces. Managing these enterprises were individuals like Zhang Changzai, who had entered the Inner Sect but found it difficult to make progress in martial arts as a Manager Disciple. Periodically, the sect would send disciples to inspect these enterprises and collect the profits.
Such tasks were typically assigned to an Outer Sect Disciple, who would lead two or three other Outer Sect Disciples on the journey. When they arrived at the various branches of the enterprises, they held a status akin to that of a grand elder, enjoying comfortable accommodations and hospitality. These assignments were usually given only to disciples who had been in the sect for several years and had established some connections.
Newcomers like Xunuo had no chance of receiving such tasks, even if they ranked ten places higher on the list.
It seemed that Zhang had put considerable thought into this matter. Xunuo expressed his satisfaction, saying, "Thank you for your efforts, Manager Zhang. I wonder where I will be assigned for the inspection."
Zhang Changzai replied respectfully, "I thought Master Lu should focus on his martial training, so I chose a nearby location for you. The round trip will take just over ten days, and you won't need to go every month—once every quarter will suffice. How does that sound?"
Xunuo eagerly agreed and praised Zhang Changzai a few times before taking his leave.
As Zhang Changzai saw Xunuo off, he added, "The last inspection has already been completed; I will personally inform you when it's time for the next one. There's no need for you to come back here, lest it shortens my lifespan."
Returning to his residence with mixed feelings, Xunuo found Guo Shujiang inside, busy arranging his treasures. Upon seeing Xunuo return, Guo hurriedly put away a table full of snacks and silk items into a box.
Xunuo noticed some copper mirrors and powder boxes among the items and couldn't help but look down on Guo Shujiang.
Once Guo Shujiang had tidied up his belongings, he approached Xunuo to ask about the miscellaneous task he had received. Xunuo recounted the details of the assignment. Guo listened intently, exclaiming in admiration and drooling with envy.
Ignoring Guo Shujiang's greedy expression, Xunuo urged him to hurry out and inquire about Tian Feiyu's reasons for taking him as a disciple.
Guo Shujiang nodded seriously, saying, "This matter is important; I'll go right away."
After lamenting over a few pieces of broken silver, he left.
Sitting alone in his room, Xunuo contemplated that keeping the Huayang Classic and Elixir Formula on him was ultimately unwise.
He moved aside the kitchen cabinet to reveal the blue bricks underneath. Using a short blade, he pried up one of the bricks and took out the oil paper-wrapped Huayang Classic and Elixir Formula from his pocket, placing them into the hole. After replacing the brick and ensuring it was level with the surrounding tiles by stepping on it, he returned the cabinet to its original position. Satisfied that there were no signs of disturbance, he finally pushed open the door and stepped outside.
In the blink of an eye, Xunuo arrived at the open space behind the house. Yesterday, he had practiced the Tongbi Fist countless times, developing many variations, yet he still felt a lingering sense of incompleteness. It was only when Guo Shujiang called for him that he stopped; otherwise, he might have continued pondering and practicing late into the night.
Xunuo took a moment to relax his mind and slowly recalled the details of his match with Liu Changqing from the previous day. Sure enough, that inexplicable feeling of restlessness returned. Following this sensation, Xunuo began to practice the Tongbi Fist again, occasionally incorporating moves from the Eight Extremes Fist. His fist techniques varied in speed; sometimes he would pause to reflect, while at other times, he struck with a rapidity akin to a spinning wheel. It wasn't until dusk that Xunuo finally ceased his practice, nodding thoughtfully as he made his way back.
Upon entering his residence, he found the lights already on. Guo Shujiang exclaimed urgently, "Junior Brother, if you don't hurry, I'll have to go on duty!"
Xunuo quickly asked, "Did you manage to find out any news?"
Guo Shujiang chuckled and replied, "Congratulations, Junior Brother! I spent all day gathering information and spent quite a bit of silver, but it was worth it. It seems you are indeed fortunate; I heard that during the last meeting, several halls nearly came to blows over you. All the Hall Masters agree that Lu Shidi is the most talented disciple after Liu Yunfei in our sect. You can rest easy now."
A weight lifted off Xunuo's heart as Guo Shujiang hurried away.
Sitting down, Xunuo pondered: In recent days, with Guo Shujiang around, he had found it difficult to practice the Huayang Classic and Elixir Formula at night. Now that Guo Shujiang was on duty again, his greatest concern about being taken under Tian Feiyu's wing seemed unfounded. Naturally, he still needed to continue cultivating his internal energy but with even greater caution.
After concluding his thoughts, he extinguished the lamp and sat cross-legged to meditate.
Thus, Xunuo practiced his fists during the day and cultivated his internal energy at night for over ten days. He felt that his Tongbi Fist had made remarkable progress and was nearly on par with his Eight Extremes Fist. He realized an important truth: no matter how hard he worked, nothing compared to having a good master to guide him. He contemplated seeking out Liu Changqing for further instruction; it would be more beneficial than muddling through on his own.
However, as soon as he stepped outside, he saw Nangong Changjian standing at the door.
Xunuo rolled his eyes and clasped his hands in greeting. "Nangong Brother! How have you been? Have your injuries healed well these past few days?"
Nangong Changjian had come filled with anger and was further incensed by Xunuo's teasing. Pointing a finger at him, he shouted, "You defeated me in last month's competition by fluke! I thought you'd challenge someone ranked higher next time. But instead, you went for someone ranked thirty-five! I won't wait any longer; today I'm going to make you submit so everyone knows who the true genius is!"
Xunuo chuckled and said, "I've been honing my Tongbi Fist these past few days and was just looking for someone to spar with. You're here at just the right time; follow me."
With that, he strode toward the open space behind the house.
Seeing Xunuo's arrogance only fueled Nangong Changjian's anger as he followed closely behind. As soon as they reached the open area and Xunuo stood firm, Nangong Changjian let out a roar and lunged at him.
Xunuo had brought Nangong Changjian here this time to test his skills with the Tongbi Fist. He didn't let him in easily and immediately restrained him. Then, with a swift punch, he struck like a single gust of wind.
Nangong Changjian had been preparing for Xunuo's attacks in close combat over the past few days. Seeing Xunuo use the Tongbi Fist while he was open for an attack, he felt undaunted and engaged him with both fists. However, after just two or three exchanges, Nangong Changjian sensed something was off; the way Xunuo executed the Tongbi Fist seemed different from what he had practiced. The angles of his punches were strange, and his techniques were unpredictable. By the fifth or sixth exchange, Nangong Changjian was already sweating profusely, struggling to defend himself. In the ninth round, Xunuo delivered a Scorpion Tail Strike that knocked Nangong Changjian to the ground.
Sitting on the ground, Nangong Changjian stared blankly at Xunuo, feeling as if something was stuck in his chest—he knew it was frustration.
Xunuo hadn't expected to knock down Nangong Changjian so quickly. Reflecting on how this formidable opponent had been defeated twice by him in just over ten days made him feel a bit guilty. He stepped forward to help him up.
To his surprise, Nangong Changjian rolled backward on the ground, got up, and waved his hands while shouting, "No more fighting, no more fighting!"
His face was pale gray, filled with fear.
Xunuo paused mid-step and said, "If Brother Nangong doesn't want to fight anymore, then let's leave it at that. We should have more opportunities to spar in the future."
Nangong Changjian retreated a few more steps and sighed deeply when he saw that Xunuo wasn't going to pursue him. "Spar? What nonsense! If we continue, I'll just end up getting beaten again. I thought I had a chance against Lu Shidi last month by sheer luck, but now I see I was blind. A few days ago, I heard people praise you and felt quite unconvinced; today, however, I am convinced."
With that said, he clasped his hands in a gesture of respect and left dejectedly.
Seeing that Nangong Changjian was scared off by his own strength and realizing he wouldn't be able to practice with him anymore made Xunuo feel disinterested. After some thought, he decided it would be better to seek out Liu Changqing instead and headed towards the Seven Star Sword Hall.
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