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Xunuo smiled but did not respond. In truth, this was a confidence that Xunuo had gained from defeating Nangong Changjian. Since there was assurance in making it onto the leaderboard, it was time to establish a reputation, making those who coveted their position think twice.
Xunuo did not continue watching the subsequent qualifying matches and directly returned home with Guo Shujiang.
Originally, Guo Shujiang had set up a challenge against the thirty-sixth ranked opponent, who practiced Flowing Cloud Fist. Given Guo Shujiang's initial plan, Xunuo's Eight Extremes Fist would have an advantage over Flowing Cloud Fist due to its strength.
However, after observing the earlier matches, it seemed that facing off against Three Talents Fist and Tongbi Fist would actually be more favorable for them. To secure a clean and impressive victory, they decided to change their opponent to Brother Wang, who was ranked thirty-five and practiced Tongbi Fist.
The two discussed this for quite some time in the room, and before they realized it, night had fallen. The transition from day to night did not affect Xunuo much, so he remained oblivious. Guo Shujiang, however, was not the same; he quickly got up to light the lamp.
As soon as the room brightened, there was a knock at the door. Guo Shujiang opened it and smiled before saying anything.
Xunuo hurried over to see that it was the senior brother who had mocked Guo Shujiang earlier in the day. This man looked troubled and carried a large food box in his hands. Upon entering, he greeted them repeatedly: "Guo Shixiong, Lu Shidi, I specially came down from the mountain today to bring you both some braised meat from Kuyuan Pavilion to celebrate."
Guo Shujiang had already taken the food box. As he opened it, he said, "Jiang Shidi is truly thoughtful; I thank you on behalf of Lu Shidi. Oh, there's even wine! Jiang Shidi knows how to treat people well."
While speaking, he laid out the braised meat on the table.
Xunuo was still pondering whether Guo Shujiang had sold some favor again; otherwise, why would he treat them to such a lavish meal? The senior brother then gritted his teeth and clasped his hands together, saying, "Please show mercy to Lu Shidi tomorrow."
Upon hearing this, Xunuo suddenly realized that Jiang Shixiong had been fooled by Guo Shujiang into thinking that Xunuo was challenging him the next day.
Before Xunuo could respond, Guo Shujiang was already munching on a chicken leg and mumbled, "That's fine; since Jiang Shidi is so understanding, everything will be easy to discuss."
Although Jiang Shixiong harbored resentment towards Guo Shujiang, he dared not show any disrespect. He quickly clasped his hands and said, "Guo Shixiong is magnanimous and will not hold it against me."
His eyes were still fixed on Xunuo.
Xunuo felt a bit puzzled and thought to himself: Even if I am not challenging him, after a successful challenge, he will still drop one rank. In this case, challenging those ahead of him is no different from challenging him directly. So why is he so anxious?
While Xunuo was lost in thought, Guo Shujiang over there was happily indulging in his meal without a word.
Jiang Shixiong stood in place for a moment, noticing that neither of them spoke. Suddenly, he sighed deeply, stomped his foot, and turned to leave. As he reached the door, Xunuo called out, "Jiang Shixiong, I am not challenging you tomorrow."
Hearing this, Jiang Shixiong was overjoyed and stepped back to stand in front of Xunuo. Grabbing Xunuo's shoulders with both hands, his face flushed with excitement as he asked, "Lu Shidi, is that true?"
Xunuo first pried Jiang Shixiong's hands away before replying, "How could this junior speak carelessly?"
Jiang Shixiong was so happy that he stumbled over his words. "Yes, yes! Junior brother, eat quickly and rest early!"
After mumbling a few more words timidly, he left with light steps.
After sending Jiang Shixiong off, Xunuo turned back to see Guo Shujiang still drinking and eating heartily. He approached and asked, "Guo Shixiong, Jiang Shixiong is only one rank above you. If I challenge someone ahead of him and succeed, he will also drop one rank. Why is he worried about being challenged directly?"
Guo Shujiang took a sip of wine and chuckled. "Well, there's a bit of history to this. For those of us on the ranking list, one aspect is indeed exceptional martial arts skills, but the most important factor is confidence. Generally, disciples on the list won’t easily challenge those ahead of them unless they are completely sure; they fear losing and losing confidence. In previous years, there was a disciple ranked thirty-second who thought his martial arts had improved and challenged the twenty-ninth ranked senior during the Monthly Test. Unfortunately, he lost narrowly and continued to challenge him for two more months. Each time he lost more decisively than the last. By the fourth month, before he could challenge again, a disciple ranked below him challenged him instead and defeated him. After that, it spiraled out of control; he was consecutively defeated by those behind him until he fell off the list entirely. That Jiang fellow fears ending up like that. Being defeated by you is minor; if others see him as an easy target to bully like a soft persimmon after that defeat... He might find himself off the list in no time."
Upon hearing this, Xunuo finally understood why Jiang Shixiong was so anxious.
Guo Shujiang took another sip of wine and said, "I originally just wanted to scare that kid a little; I didn’t expect to get such a good meal out of it. I wanted to take advantage of my victory to tease him some more but you let him go."
Xunuo found it both amusing and exasperating. "Be careful with your teasing; he might come looking for trouble later."
Guo Shujiang waved his hand dismissively. "With that pig brain of his? His martial arts are mediocre; he's probably grateful to me now. Enough chit-chat; eat quickly so we don’t waste this delicious food. I've been wanting the braised meat from Kuyuan Pavilion for ages but never dared to buy it until today because of Lu Shidi’s good fortune. Come on, let’s have a drink."
The two finished their meal and washed up before going to bed.
The next morning, before they had even gotten out of bed, they heard someone knocking at the door. Xunuo hurriedly got dressed with Guo Shujiang and opened the door to find Jiang Shixiong again. This time he brought a food box and immediately opened it upon entering, laying out breakfast on the table. He said, "I didn’t see you two at mealtime and worried Lu Shidi might wake up late and miss breakfast, so I brought two portions for you to eat while it's hot."
Guo Shujiang and Xunuo exchanged a glance, knowing that Jiang Shixiong was still a bit uncertain and had come to probe for information.
So, the two of them sat down without hesitation and began to eat.
Jiang Shixiong chuckled awkwardly from the side and asked, "I wonder who Lu Shidi is challenging today. I could offer some suggestions."
Xunuo, fearing that Guo Shujiang would say something inappropriate, quickly replied, "We need to find someone ranked within the top forty. Otherwise, wouldn't it undermine the reputation gained from just defeating Nangong Changjian?"
Guo Shujiang opened his mouth to speak but, seeing that Xunuo had already said it, he could only stuff a piece of bread into his mouth and chew.
Hearing this, Jiang Shixiong beamed with delight. "That's right! With Lu Shidi's reputation soaring, it's only fitting to make a stunning move. You two enjoy your meal; I'll head to the Arena to secure a good spot and cheer for Lu Shidi."
Finished speaking, he left in high spirits.
Guo Shujiang continued eating while waving his hand dismissively. "No need to see him off."
However, Xunuo stood up to escort him out. After returning, Xunuo resumed eating.
Guo Shujiang sighed repeatedly. "What a pity, what a pity! Such a great opportunity wasted. I've heard that the meat at Harmony Pavilion is exquisite and unforgettable. If you had mentioned it just a moment earlier, I could have treated him to a feast."
Xunuo shot him an exasperated glance.
Once they had eaten their fill, they made their way to the Training Ground, only to find that the arena designated for the competition days earlier had already been dismantled. However, the area beneath the Chairman's Viewing Platform on the east side of the Training Ground was packed with people.
Guo Shujiang pointed at the platform and said, "This is the Arena for the Challenge List. I've won here twice before; it's truly my lucky place. Today, I'll pass this luck on to you." He dramatically inhaled and stomped his foot as if casting a spell, placing both hands on Xunuo's back and shouting, "Go!"
Xunuo spat in disdain. "Stop pretending; you must have fought weak opponents to win those two times. What luck are you talking about?"
As they joked and laughed, they arrived at the foot of the platform.
The crowd had already parted to create a pathway for the two of them to enter. It was clear that Xunuo had defeated Nangong Changjian, a fact known by everyone.
As Xunuo walked forward, people nearby continuously greeted him. He recognized very few of them; most were familiar faces to others, while he only saw strangers in return.
He could only clasp his fists in greeting, unable to call out any names, and settled for saying, "Hello, hello."
Guo Shujiang, on the other hand, was well-known; aside from a few reclusive new disciples, most could call him by name. Following closely behind Xunuo, he held his chest high, even more so than his nose. He greeted those around him, but this time no one called him Guo Chaozi. It was evident that Jiang Shixiong had suffered a setback, and everyone had become cautious.
When they reached the stage, Xunuo lifted his leg and began to ascend the steps. Guo Shujiang tried to follow but was stopped by an Outer Sect Disciple dressed in white. Guo Shujiang pointed at Xunuo and said, "I came here with him."
The Outer Sect Disciple smiled but said nothing, refusing to let him up.
Seeing this, Guo Shujiang could only awkwardly smile and say, "I'll cheer for Lu Shidi from down here."
He then shouted to Xunuo, "Lu Shidi is mighty! Lu Shidi will win!"
Xunuo turned back and shot him a glare, his face flushed as he continued up to the stage.
Guo Shujiang didn't mind Xunuo's shyness. He continued to boast about Xunuo to the crowd below: "My brother Lu Zaisheng isn't even a match for Nangong Changjian. Today will be an eye-opener for everyone!"
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