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Guo Shujiang had no choice but to sit up. He put on his shoes and walked to the table, taking a seat beside Xunuo. He said, "Lu Shidi, don't be so polite. Don't listen to that fat man's nonsense. I would never bully my fellow disciples; you don't need to be too restrained."
Xunuo smiled and replied, "Senior Brother Guo is a straightforward person, so I won't easily trust others' words. As I am new here, I hope Senior Brother Guo will guide me."
Senior Brother Guo waved his hand and said, "Guidance is not necessary; we are both Outer Sect Disciples and must work hard to enter the Inner Sect. It's only natural that we look out for each other."
Xunuo clasped his hands and said, "With Senior Brother's assurance, I feel much more at ease. Thank you in advance."
Guo Shujiang also clasped his hands in return and said, "Lu Shidi is too polite."
Xunuo then asked, "What did Senior Brother mean when he mentioned night duty? Is it just some trivial tasks?"
Guo Shujiang thought for a moment and replied, "Night duty is not considered trivial work. It is assigned to us Outer Sect Disciples who have been in the sect for over two years. We are responsible for patrolling the mountains and guarding the area. Compared to the menial tasks we did when we first joined, this is much easier."
Upon hearing this, Xunuo felt a weight in his heart and quickly asked, "Isn't there a one-year limit for Outer Sect Disciples to participate in the Outer Sect Competition?"
Guo Shujiang explained, "In our sect, Outer Sect Disciples have three years to strive for their status. There is an Outer Sect Competition every year. However, those who truly enter the Inner Sect are usually disciples who have been here for two or three years. If one cannot secure their status as an Outer Sect Disciple within three years, they will be sent back to their original home. It's essentially being expelled from the sect."
Xunuo's expression immediately darkened upon hearing this.
Noticing Xunuo's sudden change in demeanor, Guo Shujiang was startled and said, "Who told you that Outer Sect Disciples only have a one-year limit? Someone must have deceived you."
Xunuo shook his head and replied, "It's not that someone deceived me; it's that Wuhua Sect does not wish to accept me. This was stated by the sect leader."
Guo Shujiang exclaimed, "It's tough, Junior Brother. I have been in the sect for over two years, and I haven't heard of anyone passing the Outer Sect Competition within a year. Moreover, there is less than a year left until the next Outer Sect Competition."
The two fell silent.
After a moment, Xunuo sneered, "Since there is only a year left, I will do what others cannot and achieve something extraordinary. I ask Brother Guo for your guidance."
Guo Shujiang gave a bitter smile. "I am also walking on a tightrope, struggling for the title of Outer Sect Disciple. What ability do I have to help you?"
Xunuo replied, "Brother Guo, there's no need to feel burdened. I only ask you to teach me some internal cultivation techniques and martial arts."
Guo Shujiang said, "Internal cultivation techniques can only be practiced by Outer Sect Disciples; we are not qualified to see them. As for martial arts, every ten days we Outer Sect Disciples have one day to learn in the Transmission Room of the Outer Hall. You don't need me to teach you that. However, one year is too short; unless you already have some foundation, it will be difficult to pass the Outer Sect Competition. This is my third time participating in the competition; I failed in the first two years and can only hope to soar this year. If not, I will have to return home to farm."
Xunuo asked again, "What exactly is tested during the Outer Sect Competition?"
Guo Shujiang explained, "We learn three sets of Fist Techniques in the Transmission Room. The competition only tests our martial arts skills."
Xunuo nodded thoughtfully: It seems that coming to Wuhua Sect may not be the best choice after all. But since he was here, he had to find a way to establish himself. If he couldn't make it here, moving elsewhere might not yield better results. With less than a year left before the Outer Sect Competition, he felt somewhat confident with his Eight Extremes Fist. His Huayang Classic still required learning and understanding through comparison with other internal techniques. Therefore, he had to strive hard for the title of Outer Sect Disciple.
Seeing Xunuo fall into silence, Guo Shujiang thought he had lost hope and sighed quietly as he patted Xunuo's shoulder before turning to leave. Xunuo remained lost in thought and paid no attention to Guo Shujiang.
After sitting in contemplation for a while, Xunuo suddenly slammed his hand on the table and stood up. His eyes were filled with determination, dispelling any trace of earlier gloom. Time was now of the essence; he had to abandon his previous plans. Every moment counted in his training if he wanted to stand out in the Outer Sect Competition.
In this secluded area behind the mountain, there were many Outer Sect Disciples around him. Practicing his Huayang Classic here would be hard for others to discover. He didn't need to worry about being found out by these novices. Now that he unleashed his Divine Sense fully, the entire area was enveloped under its coverage. He only needed to be cautious of any Outer Sect Disciples who might accidentally wander in.
Thinking of this, Xunuo sat cross-legged on the kang and released his Divine Sense. Suddenly, the entire back mountain came into view. As Xunuo expanded his Divine Sense, he quietly began to cultivate the Huayang Classic. After two hours, he sensed Guo Shujiang returning and quickly withdrew his energy.
Before long, Guo Shujiang entered the room holding two buns. "I saw my junior brother hadn’t gone to eat, so I thought you might still be feeling down. I brought you these buns," he said.
After placing the buns on the table, he added, "I have to go on duty now. You should eat something first. Tomorrow, I’ll accompany you to Fatty Zhang’s place to pick up some miscellaneous tasks."
Xunuo was not as devastated as Guo Shujiang suggested; he had already regained his confidence. Not wanting to undermine Guo Shujiang's kindness, he hurriedly expressed his gratitude.
Guo Shujiang then left in a hurry.
Xunuo saw Guo Shujiang off and returned to eat the two buns. Afterward, he continued sitting on the kang to practice the Huayang Classic.
It wasn’t until dawn that he realized Guo Shujiang had returned, so he finished his practice and changed into his Outer Sect Disciple attire.
When Guo Shujiang entered the room and saw him ready, he said, "You’re quite eager, having prepared so early. No need to rush; let’s have breakfast first."
With that, he led Xunuo outside along the small path in front of the door until they reached a spacious courtyard. Inside the courtyard were rows of tables and benches filled with people who were devouring their meals. Guo Shujiang and Xunuo got their food and found an empty seat to eat.
Nearby, a big black man noticed that Guo Shujiang had brought a newcomer. He remarked, "Looks like Brother Guo has a new addition in his room. It won’t be as easygoing anymore; you won’t have a place to secretly meet your little junior sister."
The people around burst into laughter.
Guo Shujiang spat and retorted, "Do you think everyone is as shameless as you? Always thinking about those sordid affairs. I am someone with grand aspirations; how could I stoop to such disgraceful acts?"
As soon as these words were spoken, a chorus of boos erupted around them.
Guo Shujiang, completely oblivious, maintained a facade of righteousness and retorted, "How could Sparrow understand the aspirations of Swan? You all continue to judge a gentleman with the mind of a petty person."
Another stout man chimed in, "Guo Chaozi, don't flatter yourself. We know exactly what kind of person you are. I won't use harsh words against the newcomer in front of, but don’t think we’re completely worthless."
Guo Shujiang replied with a hint of menace, "Cao the Fat, it would be fine if others jumped in, but you cannot. Do you want me to share what happened the night before last with all the brothers?"
The stout man was momentarily speechless, pointing at Guo Shujiang with his face turning red as he finally managed to say, "Guo Chaozi, you're ruthless."
Big Black Man perked up and said eagerly, "Haha, Cao the Fat has been caught off guard. Brother Guo, please tell us more."
Guo Shujiang shook his head and said, "This is not something to be discussed. If Cao the Fat gets angry, he could crush someone." This elicited another round of laughter from the crowd.
Afterward, a senior brother inquired about Xunuo's background, and Xunuo recounted the prepared story once more.
After breakfast, Guo Shujiang led Xunuo to the Outer Sect Disciple Manager's office. Upon entering the courtyard, they saw Zhang Changzai reprimanding several disciples.
Listening nearby, Xunuo realized that these were new disciples who had failed to complete their chores yesterday. The stout man was particularly harsh and unfeeling in his words. After scolding them for a while, he finally let them go and imposed a penalty of missing lunch. The newcomers left looking dejected and covered in dust.
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