Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Xunuo followed a young man in his twenties as they exited the main hall and headed toward a building on the back mountain.
Earlier, when he had walked from the mountain gate to the main hall with the middle-aged man in the Long Robe, Xunuo had felt somewhat reserved and hadn’t taken a good look around. Now that he had joined the sect, and with this senior brother leading him being quite easygoing, he felt more relaxed and began to observe his surroundings.
It was then that he realized that the Wuhua Sect occupied the entire mountain peak. The main hall they had just come from was situated on a clearing at the summit. There were also three or five courtyards nearby, likely residences for the higher-ups of the sect. Further down, various buildings of different sizes were constructed along the mountainside. The area they were heading to on the back mountain contained a cluster of houses, which seemed to be the most concentrated living quarters on the mountain.
Seeing Xunuo curiously looking around, the senior brother didn’t interrupt him. Once Xunuo had taken in enough of the scenery, he said, “Although Liu Shizhi has entered our Wuhua Sect, you still need to work hard to pass the Outer Sect Competition and enter the Inner Sect to truly be considered a disciple of Wuhua Sect.”
Finished Speaking gave Xunuo a meaningful glance.
Xunuo had already asked earlier and knew that this person’s surname was Liu and that he was a second-generation disciple of Wuhua Sect, so he should address him as Shishu. He quickly replied, “Thank you for your reminder, Liu Shishu. I will strive to improve myself so that I do not waste my time in Wuhua Sect.”
Although Liu Shishu knew that Xunuo had entered Wuhua Sect with the token from the sect leader, he was unaware of any deeper details. However, he did not have high hopes for Xunuo given that he only had one year to participate in the Outer Sect Disciple Outer Sect Competition.
In fact, regarding Xunuo’s background, only the sect leader and a few Hall Masters were privy to it.
Liu Shishu continued, “I will take you to see the new disciple manager to receive your clothes and supplies, and then arrange your accommodation. The manager will also assign you some chores. The training time for Outer Sect Disciples is quite tight, so make sure to manage your time well.”
Hearing this made Xunuo feel somewhat uneasy. Combining this with how the sect leader had shown an unexpectedly delighted expression upon hearing his alias Lu Zaisheng made him realize that his true identity could not be revealed within Wuhua Sect. Moreover, the upcoming Outer Sect Competition in a year would not be easy for him to handle.
Before long, they arrived at a spacious courtyard with three main rooms in front and several side rooms on either side. Liu Shishu entered without hesitation and walked straight up to one of the doors before pushing it open and stepping inside.
Inside sat a plump man with a round face lounging in an armchair while picking his teeth. He was quite annoyed at someone entering without knocking but immediately broke into a smile upon seeing who it was. “Ah! It’s Liu Shishu! What an unexpected visit! Why didn’t you notify me earlier so I could prepare some good tea for you?”
Finished Speaking signaled for his subordinates to boil water and brew tea.
Liu Shishu coldly said, "No need. I'm here today to bring you a newcomer. You can register him and arrange for his accommodation and other matters."
Finished speaking, he merely glanced at Xunuo and left without looking back.
The Fat Steward hurriedly followed Liu Shishu out, saying, "I'll see you off, Liu Shishu. Take care."
Once Liu Shishu was out of the courtyard, he spat on the ground in disdain. "That bastard always puts on such a sour face. If he weren't the master's disciple, I would have dealt with him long ago."
Finished speaking, he roared at the two subordinates beside him, "Why didn't you inform me sooner that this plague had arrived? You're all worthless!"
The two men turned red and pale from the scolding. They defended themselves, "The time for new disciples to enter has already passed, and there was no one else coming here. Who could have predicted that a newcomer would arrive, especially one personally brought by Liu Shishu?"
The fat man scolded them again before turning back into the room.
Xunuo watched the fat man's performance and realized that he was a petty person who bullied the weak and feared the strong.
Once inside, the fat man still wore an angry expression as he plopped down onto an armchair. He sized up Xunuo from head to toe. Suddenly remembering something, he stood up and walked over to Xunuo. "This junior brother, did you just arrive today?"
Xunuo cupped his hands in greeting. "I am Lu Zaisheng, just admitted to Wuhua Sect today. I hope senior brother will take care of me."
The fat man replied, "So you are the one who came to join us with the master's token?"
Xunuo quickly affirmed, "That is indeed me."
The fat man immediately broke into a wide smile. "So it's Lu Shidi! Even before entering the sect, you're already well-known. Truly, heroes emerge from youth. I am Zhang Changzai, serving as a manager here. It is an honor to be the one introducing you into our sect today."
Finished speaking, he took Xunuo's hand and offered him a seat.
Xunuo felt a surge of resentment in his heart upon hearing those words. Today, he had the sect leader's token, and that made this person think he was someone important. If one day he found himself out of favor, the first to turn against him would likely be this very man.
Not wanting to say anything further, Xunuo sat down with the fat man.
The fat man first asked Xunuo some casual questions about his background. Xunuo casually deflected, revealing nothing about himself. As for the sect leader's token, he merely mentioned it was given to him by an elder in his family, and he didn’t know much more than that. The fat man, being cunning, noticed the vagueness in Xunuo's words and stopped probing further. Instead, he began explaining some of the rules of the sect.
He handed Xunuo a set of blue short robes and shoes, saying, "Lu Shidi, these are the uniforms for new disciples. From now on, everyone must wear the same attire. You can wear your own clothes when you leave the mountain."
Xunuo replied, "Yes, I will remember that."
Zhang Fatty then took out a metal token and handed it to Xunuo, saying, "This token is a sign of our disciples; you must not lose it."
After a moment's thought, he retrieved an azure long robe and added, "This is a personal gift from your brother."
Xunuo understood that this fat man was trying to win him over; such petty individuals should not be offended right after entering the sect.
He quickly stood up and cupped his hands in gratitude. "Thank you, Zhang Shixiong; I will never forget your kindness."
Seeing that Xunuo was perceptive, the fat man laughed heartily. "No need for such formality among family. You've had a hard journey; let me take you to rest." With that, he led Xunuo out.
Xunuo followed behind with the clothes and shoes in his arms. They turned left and right until they reached a room at the far east end of a building.
Zhang Fatty noticed the door was unlocked and pushed it open to enter. Xunuo followed him inside. The room was small but clean; there was an earthen kang (a traditional heated bed), a table with two stools under the window, and a cabinet and chest behind the door—nothing else.
Lying half-reclined on the kang was a young man. Upon seeing Zhang Changzai enter, he neither looked displeased nor got up but remained leaning against the quilt and said, "Zhang Shixiong has come down to my humble abode; do you have something for me?"
Zhang Changzai's face showed slight embarrassment as he straightened up and said sternly, "Guo Shujiang, you're becoming increasingly insufferable. If this continues... hmph."
At this point, he turned away from the young man with a hint of disdain. He addressed Lu Shidi, saying, "From now on, Lu Shidi will stay here. Other new disciples are usually placed four or five to a room, but since I have a connection with Lu Shidi, I’ll arrange for him to have a more spacious place."
He then turned back to the young man and added, "Guo Shujiang, from now on, Lu Shidi will be living with you. Make sure not to bully the newcomer just because you’re older." Without waiting for a response from the young man, he continued to Xunuo, "Lu Shidi, you should rest for today. We’ll sort out your chores tomorrow."
Xunuo quickly clasped his hands in thanks. The chubby man affectionately patted Xunuo on the shoulder and walked away without acknowledging the young man.
Once the chubby man had left, Xunuo bowed slightly to the young man on the bed and said, "Lu Zaisheng, greetings to you, Brother Guo."
The young man glanced at Xunuo and said, "So you’re the one who brought the sect leader's token to join us?"
Xunuo nodded and replied, "That’s correct."
The young man curled his lip in disdain and said, "The chubby guy already mentioned my name, so I won’t waste time repeating it. I’ve already used that box; you can put your things in the cupboard. I still have duty tonight, so I won’t chat with you any longer."
With that, he closed his eyes and pretended to doze off.
Xunuo placed his pile of clothes into the cupboard. He thought about how many things he needed to understand as a newcomer to the sect; he didn’t know anyone else here, and he certainly couldn’t trust that chubby man. It would be better to ask Brother Guo more questions. So he sat by the window and turned to look at Guo Shujiang.
The young man was squinting his eyes while observing Xunuo. When he noticed Xunuo staring intently at him, he could no longer keep his composure and had no choice but to open his eyes. Seizing the opportunity, Xunuo poured a cup of water and brought it over, saying, "Brother Guo must be thirsty; have some water before you sleep."
Comment 0 Comment Count