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After listening to Azure Wind's words, the disciples were shocked and felt a sense of disdain towards the early actions of the Wuhua Sect. They began to whisper among themselves, and Azure Wind seemed to have anticipated this, not stopping them.
Once the discussions subsided, Azure Wind spoke again, "I know what you are all thinking; it is the same as how I felt when I first heard about this matter. But there are no evil deeds of our ancestors today, nor is there any comfort for you and me. If we had lived in those times, we would have had to act as villains to carve out a place for future generations. This is one time, that is another."
Xunuo pondered for a moment and said, "Master Lan is absolutely right. Just like those monks, if they had been able to collect rent earlier, during the years of great disaster, they could have acted as good people and done good deeds. They would not have fallen into poverty and competed with the common folk for food, ultimately ruining their families."
Azure Wind nodded and said, "That is exactly the point. You should know these historical events within our sect; there is no need to spread them outside."
The disciples straightened their faces and replied in unison, "Yes."
Azure Wind continued, "Today I will explain the essentials of the Eight Extremes Fist to you all. It would be best if you can grasp it on the spot; if not, take your time to contemplate it later."
He then called Taishi Beichuan to stand in the middle. As he spoke, he instructed Taishi Beichuan to demonstrate. This went on for about an hour as he thoroughly explained the Eight Extremes Fist. Xunuo's quick mind allowed him to resolve many confusions after just one listening session, filling him with joy.
Once Azure Wind finished speaking and answered a few questions from Xunuo, he stood up and said, "I see that you all have gained something today; how much you gain depends on your own fortune."
He then turned to Xunuo and said, "Every fist technique has its counters, and the one that counters the Eight Extremes Fist best is the Tai Chi Cotton Palm. This palm technique uses strength against strength and combines softness with hardness. When your Eight Extremes Fist strikes, it is like hitting a pile of cotton. Facing such opponents is not insurmountable; it depends on whose fist technique is more refined and who can use it more flexibly. If you can minimize this countering force, there is hope for overcoming stronger opponents. The three fist techniques practiced by you Outer Sect Disciples actually counter each other. When facing an opponent whose fist technique counters yours during the Outer Sect Competition, it may seem like a significant disadvantage. However, that is not necessarily true; as long as one practices a particular fist technique to perfection, there will be no concept of being countered."
He then looked at Xunuo with a smile but remained silent.
Xunuo thought for a moment and said, "I understand now; Master Lan means that there is no guaranteed winning fist technique; it all depends on how deep each person's effort goes."
Azure Wind laughed heartily and got up to leave. The others hurriedly sent him off.
After Azure Wind departed, Xunuo contemplated returning home to reflect on what he had learned today. He also took his leave and went back.
Upon returning to his residence, he found that Guo Shujiang was not there. He guessed that Guo Shujiang must have won some money and was off enjoying himself somewhere. So he quietly began to meditate on the Eight Extremes Fist.
A few days passed before it was time for the monthly competition. As for the ranking matches among Outer Sect Disciples ahead of him, Xunuo naturally did not need to participate.
However, towards the end of the event, he heard someone mention that like him, they only needed to place in the top two hundred to challenge the list without participating in further ranking matches. Curious about this person, Xunuo went out to inquire and found out it was Nangong Changjian.
On the day of the Challenge List, Xunuo and the other disciples on the leaderboard gathered beneath the Arena, waiting for Nangong Changjian to call out names and select challengers. The rules for the Wuhua Sect's Outer Sect Disciples were clear: on the day of the challenge, those on the leaderboard without sect missions must wait in front of the Arena. When a name was called, that disciple would step up to compete. If someone was absent due to a mission, they could either have someone else challenge in their place or choose another day to compete.
Xunuo looked around at the row of disciples in front of the Arena. Some were meditating with closed eyes, others were chatting casually, while some furrowed their brows in concentration. Among them, Song Fenqiang stood with a pale face, avoiding eye contact with the stage.
In contrast, the outer disciples standing behind were buzzing with excitement, eagerly anticipating Nangong Changjian's challenge match.
As Xunuo leaned forward to scan the crowd, he noticed Guo Shujiang was missing, which made him feel uneasy.
Just then, Nangong Changjian arrived. As a frequent participant on the leaderboard, he wasted no time and was quickly allowed to choose his opponent.
Nangong Changjian approached the edge of the Arena and scanned the crowd below. His gaze paused when he spotted Song Fenqiang, who immediately lowered his head in fear.
With a cold snort, Nangong Changjian declared, "Wang Qiusheng, you come up."
The crowd fell silent for a moment before Wang Qiusheng's furious voice erupted: "Damn it! Do you all think I'm easy to bully? First a newcomer, and now you—a veteran ranked in the twenties—showing no improvement at all. You dare to compete with me, who is ranked thirty-something?"
He continued cursing as he stomped up onto the Arena.
Now on stage were only one vice master from Divine Blade Hall and two Outer Sect Disciples.
Though Wang Qiusheng was angry, he had learned to be cautious. Upon reaching the Arena, he first bowed respectfully to the elders before turning angrily to Nangong Changjian. "No need for a match; I know I'm not your match. If you want this thirty-sixth position so badly, take it."
He then glanced down at the gathered disciples. His face flushed red as he exclaimed, "Don't think I'm easy to push around; it's just that these two opponents before me are too monstrous. Next time someone comes looking for trouble with me, even if it costs me my life, I won't let you succeed."
Nangong Changjian frowned at his words and replied, "If you're so unhappy about it, I'll just challenge you again next month."
Wang Qiusheng scoffed and retorted, "Can we challenge downwards in this leaderboard?"
Nangong Changjian paused at this question; it seemed odd. He turned his gaze toward the disciple overseeing the matches.
The Outer Sect Disciple chuckled and said, "While there hasn't been any precedent for downward challenges, there's no rule against it either."
Nangong Changjian laughed heartily and said, "Wang Qiusheng, did you hear that? I'll challenge you every month and see how long you can keep your head down."
Having already been challenged for two consecutive months left Wang Qiusheng seething. He gritted his teeth and shot back, "Nangong Changjian, do you dare swear you'll challenge me next month?"
Nangong Changjian coldly replied, "Then what can be done?"
Wang Qiusheng said solemnly, "If you dare to swear an oath, I will challenge fifty people right now. Next month, we can meet at the bottom of the rankings."
Nangong Changjian was momentarily speechless. He was a proud person, and after being humbled by Xunuo twice, he had developed a certain respect for him. This was why he had challenged Wang Qiusheng instead of sitting in front of Xunuo. However, if he were to challenge the bottom ranks, it would be impossible for him to maintain his pride.
Seeing that Nangong Changjian was no longer sulking, Wang Qiusheng jumped down from the arena and walked away with his head held high, as if he had won the match. Having been bested once, Nangong Changjian left with a displeased expression. Once the two main characters had departed, the other disciples saw there was nothing left to watch and dispersed in a hurry.
Xunuo thought for a moment and then headed towards the Outer Sect Disciple Manager.
Having not seen Guo Shujiang for several days, Xunuo initially thought he was avoiding him out of fear of reprimand. However, since he hadn't shown up today, it seemed there was more to it. He needed to inquire at the Manager Disciple's place to find out the reason.
Upon arriving at the Outer Sect Disciple Manager's location, Xunuo saw Zhang Changzai standing in the courtyard reprimanding several disciples. Upon listening closely, he realized that these disciples had skipped their chores to watch the challenges.
With matters on his mind, Xunuo didn't bother with formalities and walked straight over. Seeing Xunuo approach, Zhang Changzai dismissed the disciples and greeted him with a smile. From a distance, he called out, "Master Lu has graced us with his presence; I offer my respects!"
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Xunuo inquired about Guo Shujiang's whereabouts. Zhang Changzai exclaimed in surprise, "Did Guo Shidi not inform Master Lu? That shouldn't be! Guo Shidi's sister got married recently and took leave a few days ago; considering the time, she should be back soon."
A weight lifted off Xunuo's heart. He silently cursed Guo Shujiang for not keeping him informed before taking his leave.
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