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Upon arriving at the Seven Star Sword Hall, two white-clad disciples at the entrance greeted Xunuo with a bow, saying, "Greetings, Master Lu."
Xunuo was taken aback and replied awkwardly, "I have yet to enter the Inner Sect and have not formally taken Hall Master Tian as my master, so I cannot be considered as such. You should not address me in this manner."
The two disciples responded, "Master Lu is unaware that Hall Master Tian has issued an edict stating that we must treat Master Lu as an elder. There is no need for concern; we can address you this way, so why should you feel uncomfortable?"
Hearing that it was Tian Feiyu's command, Xunuo felt it inappropriate to argue further. He clasped his hands in acknowledgment and entered the main hall.
Inside the hall, finding it empty, Xunuo made his way through to a small Training Ground. To his surprise, there were many people present; two individuals were engaged in a sword duel while over ten others watched closely, cheering for their respective favorites.
One sharp-eyed disciple noticed someone in blue entering the Seven Star Sword Hall. After a moment's thought, he ran over and asked, "May I inquire your esteemed name?"
Xunuo returned the gesture with a bow and said, "I am Lu Zaisheng, here to seek someone."
The disciple quickly bowed again and introduced himself, "I am Zhang Fengquan, a disciple of Zhang Shoufeng. Greetings, Master Lu. May I ask who you are looking for today? If it's a matter of running errands, I can assist you."
Seeing that this man was already over thirty yet still addressed him as 'Shishu,' Xunuo felt quite uncomfortable but did not want to offend him by breaking etiquette. He replied, "I am looking for Senior Brother Liu Changqing. Is he around?"
Zhang Fengquan immediately responded, "Senior Brother Liu is in the Zigong Shishu courtyard. I will lead you there; please follow me."
After finishing his words, he led Xunuo through a wooden door on the right.
Upon entering, they found themselves in a bamboo grove. In the distance within the grove, there were faint silhouettes of people. However, there was no sound of conversation—only the clashing of metal.
Zhang Fengquan said hurriedly, "Today Senior Brother Liu came over to demonstrate a set of sword techniques with Zigong Shishu for us to observe. We can hear the sound of swords but not voices; they must be at a critical point. Master Lu, let us tread lightly so as not to disturb them."
Xunuo nodded and noticed that Zhang Fengquan had stopped leading the way. Realizing they had arrived at their destination, he felt it inappropriate as a junior to walk ahead.
Along a small path through the bamboo forest, Xunuo and Zhang Fengquan walked slowly. Sure enough, they saw Zigong Changhe and Liu Changqing practicing sword techniques on a patch of grass. Surrounding them were more than ten disciples, all focused and attentive.
Xunuo had made some progress in Fist Technique but was a novice when it came to swordplay. He watched as the two exchanged swift strikes, the sound of clashing swords ringing out occasionally. It was clear that both were well-versed in their skills; as soon as one attacked, the other would deftly evade and counterattack.
After about a cup of tea's worth of practice, the two finally stopped.
Zigong Changhe sheathed his sword behind him and waved at Xunuo, saying, "Lu Shidi, come over and talk. No need to be so formal."
Xunuo hurried over in a few quick steps and cupped his hands in greeting. "Greetings, Senior Brother Zigong, Senior Brother Liu."
Liu Changqing chuckled and said, "I've been waiting for you to come play these past few days. If you didn't show up today, I would have gone with Sixth Junior Disciple to capture you."
Xunuo smiled awkwardly and replied, "I've been engrossed in practicing the Fist Technique you taught me these past few days and lost track of time. I came today to thank Senior Brother Liu and to greet all my senior brothers."
Zigong Changhe laughed heartily. "It's true that you came to see Changqing, but I doubt you really needed to greet us."
Xunuo blushed slightly and said, "How could I dare to neglect my senior brothers?"
Zigong Changhe waved his hand dismissively. "Don't take my joke seriously. You are still young and playful; it's natural to feel a bit reserved around an old relic like me. Even when I meet Second Senior Brother, it's hard for me to find the right words. I'm much more casual with Big Senior Brother."
He then turned to the disciples beside him and said, "This is Hall Master’s new disciple; you all should come over and pay your respects."
The disciples quickly gathered around to bow and say, "We pay our respects to Master Lu." Only one elderly disciple merely cupped his hands in a gesture that seemed somewhat dismissive. Noticing that this elder was even older than Zigong Changhe, Xunuo paid it no mind and returned a bow to everyone, saying, "No need for such formality."
Seeing one of his disciples being so disrespectful, Zigong Changhe became somewhat annoyed. He pointed at the elderly disciple and scolded, "At your age, you should know better than to act so blind! Do you think Master’s words are just empty talk? If you dare show disrespect to other elders today, will you also treat me lightly in the future? Go face the wall at Broken Heart Cliff; unless I call for you, you won't be allowed to leave even a step."
Having finished speaking, he turned away from the man without another word.
The disciple of the Elderly, seeing his master angry, became flustered. He hurriedly dropped his sword and knelt before Zigong Changhe. He pleaded, "Master, please forgive me this once. I was blind and disrespectful to Master Lu. I beg you to spare me. I will never dare to be so rude again."
Zigong Changhe turned his back, refusing to look at him any longer.
The Elderly's disciple knocked his head on the ground repeatedly, but there was no sign of response from Zigong Changhe. Growing anxious, he cast a glance at Liu Changqing. Liu Changqing, however, directed his gaze towards Xunuo. The Elderly's disciple then understood and crawled over to Xunuo, bowing his head as he said, "Master Lu, please overlook my minor offense. I, Lin Zhixuan, apologize to Shishu."
Xunuo glanced at the Elderly's disciple and then looked around; the other disciples stood silent and bowed their heads, aware that their master was upset.
Liu Changqing turned his eyes elsewhere, appearing indifferent to the situation.
After a moment of thought, Xunuo noticed that Zigong Changhe had only scolded him and sent him to reflect without immediately expelling him. Realizing this was a chance for him to resolve the matter, he said to Lin Zhixuan, "You may rise."
Hearing this, Lin Zhixuan attempted to stand but reconsidered and remained kneeling. "I know I was wrong; I dare not rise," he said.
Xunuo nodded thoughtfully and approached Zigong Changhe. "Third Senior Brother, Lin Shizhi has acknowledged his mistake and apologized. Please let him off this time. As a Shishu, I am indeed too inexperienced; compared to Zhi Xuan's peers, I am not much different. If he were to see such a young Shishu like me, it would be hard for him to speak up."
Only then did Zigong Changhe turn around and say to Lin Zhixuan, "Today, with Lu Shidi speaking on your behalf, I will spare you this time. Otherwise, I would have confined you at Broken Heart Cliff for three to five years to prevent word from spreading that my disciples lack manners. However, you cannot be let off so easily; you will be fined half a year's worth of monthly silver as a small punishment."
Lin Zhixuan quickly bowed in thanks upon hearing this.
At that moment, Liu Changqing finally spoke up, "Master Lu has allowed you to rise; you should get up."
Only after hearing this did Lin Zhixuan stand up from the ground and step aside with his hands lowered. He looked like a wilted eggplant, devoid of any arrogance.
Seeing that the matter had been mostly resolved, Xunuo chose not to speak further.
In truth, Xunuo had realized earlier that this incident was meant by Zigong Changhe to establish authority. If any disciple disrespected Xunuo from the start and set an example for others to follow, no one would respect him in the future.
As for facing the wall, Zigong Changhe was reluctant to leave his disciple at Broken Heart Cliff for a few years. Leaving Lin Zhixuan there was simply waiting for Xunuo to give Lin Zhixuan a way out.
At this moment, Liu Changqing said to Xunuo, "Lu Shidi must have come this time to spar with me. Since we are on Third Senior Brother's territory, let's practice Tongbi Fist once more."
Xunuo replied, "That sounds great. With Third Senior Brother present, he can guide me."
Zigong Changhe repeatedly agreed and immediately cleared a space in the middle.
Xunuo clasped his fists and said, "I apologize for any offense," before stepping forward and launching a punch.
Liu Changqing responded, "Good timing," and raised his hand to block. The two began to engage in combat.
After just three to five exchanges, Zigong Changhe's face revealed surprise as he watched.
At this moment, observing Xunuo's Tongbi Fist, it was clear that he had transformed significantly compared to over ten days ago. His punches were swift and varied, occasionally displaying strokes of brilliance.
Zigong Changhe thought to himself: My master truly has a keen eye; through this battle, he has grasped new insights into Fist Technique. I am not as good as him.
On the other side, Liu Changqing deeply felt Xunuo's progress over the past ten days. Now he wielded Tongbi Fist with such fluidity that it spun like a wheel, barely managing to gain the upper hand. Compared to over ten days ago when he could easily push Xunuo into a corner, the difference was like heaven and earth.
The two continued their fight for over forty exchanges until Liu Changqing landed a sweeping kick on Xunuo, forcing him out of the ring.
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