Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Xunuo steadied himself and clasped his hands, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, Liu Shixiong."
Liu Changqing walked around Xunuo twice, clicking his tongue. "At this rate, next time we compete, I won't be able to keep up with you. However, among our brothers, the one who excels at Tongbi Fist is not me. Next time, I'll find someone strong for you to practice against, if that's alright?"
Just as Xunuo was about to respond, Zigong Changhe laughed and said, "You little monkey are afraid of embarrassing yourself and want to push me forward. If you want me to step in, that's fine, but only after Lu Shidi has defeated you first. You should lose face before I take my turn."
Liu Changqing chuckled awkwardly and said to Xunuo, "When it comes to Tongbi Fist, Third Senior Brother can be considered the best in our sect. Back in the day, he dominated the Outer Sect Disciple rankings with this Fist Technique and even defeated Liu Yunfei in the Arena."
Zigong Changhe remained unfazed and replied, "There's no need to flatter me. In front of our master, you should accept the task of guiding Lu Shidi yourself. Don't push it onto others now. If I am to guide you, it must be when you've exhausted all your options."
Liu Changqing sighed and said, "It's just that Lu Shidi is progressing so quickly; I can only do my best."
Seeing that the two were getting a bit prickly with each other, Xunuo chuckled and chose not to interject. Opportunities to spar with masters like them were always welcome. As long as someone was willing to provide guidance, it didn't matter who it was; let them argue about it.
Once Xunuo noticed they had stopped debating the matter, he spoke up: "Earlier, when I saw the two of you sparring with swords, the sword light danced beautifully like a cluster of flowers. I noticed that ordinary disciples don't have such variations in their swordplay; I wonder why that is."
Zigong Changhe smiled and explained, "Disciples with a shallow foundation lack the Inner Strength to infuse into their swords. The beautiful sword light you saw requires Inner Strength to be injected into the blade to achieve that effect. It's referred to as Sword Flower in our terminology. It's similar to Gun Flower; however, a spear is a long weapon that requires both hands to wield and involves three movements—lifting, pressing down, and thrusting—executed swiftly in unison. When done quickly enough, the tip of the spear creates a Gun Flower. A sword is a short weapon held with one hand; relying solely on wrist strength makes it impossible to perform those three movements smoothly. Only by injecting Inner Strength can one effortlessly produce a Sword Flower."
Xunuo's eyes sparkled as he continued, "What exactly is Inner Strength? Could you share some cultivation tips for internal skills?"
Zigong Changhe glanced at Liu Changqing, who pretended not to notice and remained deep in thought.
Zigong Changhe had no choice but to say, "Lu Shidi, don't overthink it; I can teach you other martial arts and sword techniques. However, this internal skill method is something I can only pass on to my own disciples; I cannot share it with you. Your internal skill method must be taught personally by our master. It's not that we are withholding knowledge; it's just that our master has high expectations for you. He likely has already prepared profound internal skill methods specifically for you and instructed us accordingly."
Finished Speaking looked on with envy.
Xunuo pondered briefly before saying, "Since Master has given prior instructions, how could I dare trouble my senior brother? It's just that seeing my seniors wielding swords so beautifully makes me eager to learn; could you teach me that set of sword techniques?"
Zigong Changhe sighed and replied, "That's no problem at all; I've been teaching this set of sword techniques to my disciples for quite some time now. Today I've specifically invited Fifth Junior Brother here so they can observe the intricacies of this sword technique."
Liu Changqing interjected, "Leave this rough practice of sword techniques to me. If there's anything inappropriate, please guide me, Third Senior Brother."
Zigong Changhe shot Liu Changqing a glance and said, "That works. You can demonstrate this sword technique for Lu Shidi."
Liu Changqing chuckled and drew his sword, beginning to dance with it.
This time, it seemed he slowed down to ensure Xunuo could see clearly, but the fierceness of the swordplay was lost.
After completing a round, Liu Changqing sheathed his sword and said to Xunuo, "This sword technique may not be profound, but it's certainly not something ordinary entry-level techniques can compare to. If you want to master it, you'll need to come visit me more often."
Xunuo smiled and replied, "Even if it weren't for the sword technique, I would still want to come visit all of you senior brothers more often."
He then added, "Today I gained some insights from your guidance, so I need to hurry back and contemplate them. I won't disturb you two any longer."
With that, he cupped his hands in farewell.
Zigong Changhe and Liu Changqing did not insist on keeping him and both returned the gesture.
Liu Changqing gave Lin Zhixuan a knowing look. This time, Lin Zhixuan behaved himself and stepped forward, saying, "I'll see Master Lu off."
Xunuo did not respond but simply turned and walked out. Zhang Fengquan and Lin Zhixuan followed closely behind him as they exited the courtyard.
Upon reaching the small Training Ground, the two disciples who had been sparring had already stopped. The other disciples were discussing their gains and losses. When they saw Zhang Fengquan and Lin Zhixuan following behind a Green-Clad Disciple with respectful demeanor, they guessed what was happening and all cupped their hands in greeting.
Zhang Fengquan quickly introduced, "This is our new Master Lu."
Everyone then called out in unison, "Greetings, Master Lu."
Xunuo now understood his position and knew he needed to maintain it; he waved his hand to indicate they need not be overly formal.
Zhang Fengquan pointed at the crowd and said, "Master Lu, these disciples are the students of Second Uncle and My Master, practicing their sword techniques here."
Xunuo understood that he couldn't offer guidance in this place, so he nodded and continued walking outside. As he passed by the weapon rack, he picked up a sword from the top, drew it out, and found it to be quite sharp. In truth, Xunuo couldn't discern the quality of the sword; he could only tell if it was sharp or not. Satisfied, he nodded and sheathed the sword but did not return it to the rack; instead, he took it with him.
The nearby disciples hurriedly bowed to see Xunuo off, but no one dared to ask questions. Given Xunuo's current status, taking one sword was inconsequential; even if he had taken all the swords from the rack, it would have been permissible.
Once outside the Seven Star Sword Hall, Xunuo turned back to the two and said, "You two don't need to see me off."
The two quickly clasped their hands in acknowledgment.
Xunuo then asked Lin Zhixuan, "Have you mastered that set of sword techniques?"
Lin Zhixuan replied, "This sword technique is from My Master's school; I am the best at it."
Xunuo thought to himself: I knew this guy would be arrogant; he must have some skills.
He nodded and said, "Come find me at the Outer Gate in a few days."
Lin Zhixuan quickly asked, "When should I come?"
Xunuo smiled, pondered for a moment, and said, "Come in five days." With that, he turned and walked away.
The two watched as Xunuo walked further away. Only then did Zhang Fengquan say to Lin Zhixuan, "Senior Brother, that was close today."
Lin Zhixuan smiled wryly and said, "I fear the real danger lies in five days. I should report back to Master first before making any plans."
Finished Speaking sighed and returned reluctantly.
Zhang Fengquan stood lost in thought for a moment before turning to leave as well.
The two disciples of the Value Change Sect, though unaware of the reason, could see that Lin Zhixuan's expression was grim, indicating he had suffered a setback. They dared not provoke him and simply stood respectfully. Once the others dispersed, they began to whisper among themselves.
Xunuo walked back with his sword in hand, drawing the attention of many disciples along the way.
The Outer Sect Disciples were originally only trained in martial arts and did not practice with swords. Therefore, it was rare to see a Green-Clad Disciple walking around with a sword. Now that Xunuo was returning with his sword, the other Outer Sect Disciples could only watch in surprise but did not dare to speak.
However, two white-clad disciples in the distance felt displeased upon seeing him. One of them pointed at Xunuo from afar and was about to shout at him.
But his companion quickly grabbed him and said, "Junior Brother, hold on."
The man still pointed at Xunuo but turned back to ask, "What do you mean, Senior Brother? This newcomer has no manners at all. An Outer Sect Disciple carrying a sword is breaking our sect's rules; he must be punished severely. Don't go easy on him."
His companion pulled down his outstretched hand and replied, "Junior Brother, don't go looking for trouble. Although I don't recognize that person, I can guess he must be Lu Zaisheng, who was accepted as a disciple by Master Tian. It would be abnormal for someone from the Seven Star Sword Hall not to carry a sword. Besides, our master has been quite regretful lately whenever Lu Zaisheng is mentioned, saying he was outpaced by Master Tian. Provoking someone like him, who is comparable to Liu Yunfei's potential, would only bring trouble upon ourselves."
Hearing this, the disciple became somewhat cautious.
Yet he still protested, "But the sect rules do not allow Outer Sect Disciples to carry or practice with swords; it is only right to discipline him."
Another disciple sneered and said, "Rules are made by people and can be broken by people; it all depends on who is breaking them. If you or I were to break the rules, we would likely face severe punishment as an example to others. But if it were someone like Liu Yunfei or Lu Zaisheng, they might just be overlooked even if they broke the rules."
Upon hearing this, the man’s expression turned serious and he fell silent. The two then turned away and pretended not to see anything.
Comment 0 Comment Count