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Xunuo, unaware of the rules, swaggered back. Upon reaching his residence, he did not enter but headed straight to the open space behind the house. He hung his sword on a tree and began practicing Tongbi Fist.
This recent spar with Liu Changqing had boosted Xunuo's confidence significantly. He had forced Liu Changqing to reveal his most hidden techniques. If they were to spar two or three more times, Liu Changqing would find it difficult to win against him in Tongbi Fist.
However, Xunuo did not limit himself to practicing only Tongbi Fist; he extracted its essence and blended it with Eight Extremes Fist. He felt that Eight Extremes Fist was more intuitive for him, likely because he had invested more effort into mastering it.
Yet, since no one had ever guided him in Eight Extremes Fist, his progress was not as evident as in Tongbi Fist. Nevertheless, Xunuo never considered switching from Eight Extremes Fist to focus solely on Tongbi Fist. He believed that the best approach was to use Eight Extremes Fist as the foundation while incorporating elements of Tongbi Fist. This method allowed him to make significant progress in Eight Extremes Fist, preparing him for a strong performance at the upcoming Outer Sect Competition.
After practicing this set of fist techniques for two hours, Xunuo finally stopped. He pondered for a moment before retrieving his sword from the tree and recalling the sword techniques Liu Changqing had demonstrated. He then began to practice those moves.
As a novice in swordplay, his movements were clumsy at first. However, he managed to replicate the sequence of techniques, albeit imperfectly. Some of the finer points remained elusive.
Xunuo realized that mastery would come with practice. As his father used to say during his studies: "Read a book a hundred times and its meaning will naturally reveal itself." It was the same principle.
Resolute, Xunuo continued to wield his sword. Even as darkness fell, despite still struggling with many techniques, he became increasingly proficient in the swordplay. Although he had yet to grasp its true essence, his movements flowed smoothly.
After sheathing his sword, Xunuo recalled how his senior brothers had produced Sword Flowers during their practice sessions. A sense of impatience stirred within him. He thought: "According to my senior brothers, producing a Sword Flower requires channeling Inner Strength into the sword. Those who cannot create Sword Flowers must either lack inner training or have insufficient Inner Strength. Having cultivated the Huayang Classic to the fourth level, I should not face such obstacles. I can certainly try producing a Sword Flower."
With this thought in mind, Xunuo first extended his Divine Sense and confirmed that no one was around before secretly activating Huayang Skill. He directed True Qi into his right arm and infused it into the sword in one continuous motion. Instantly, the blade vibrated and hummed; it felt as light as a feather in his hand. A surge of joy filled him as he understood why infusing True Qi into the sword was essential for producing Sword Flowers.
Recalling Liu Changqing's moment of creating a Sword Flower, Xunuo suddenly flicked his wrist and thrust out a strike. However, he soon found himself standing there feeling somewhat dejected.
The thrust had indeed caused the tip of the sword to quiver but it resembled a willow swaying in the wind—chaotic and without any form or purpose. As for where that strike landed, only heaven knew. In this way, that thrust held no value; it would have been better to deliver a straightforward stab where he knew it would land.
Xunuo reflected carefully and concluded that while he hadn’t erred in technique or principles, he seemed to lack control over his strength. With more practice, perhaps he could discover the way forward.
Thinking of this, Xunuo flicked his wrist and thrust out another sword strike. After practicing for an hour, not only had he failed to produce any Sword Flower, but even the tip of the sword had stopped trembling.
Finally, Xunuo ceased his movements, his expression clouded as he pondered for a moment. Suddenly, he smiled and muttered to himself, "Did I really think I was some kind of extraordinary genius? If producing a Sword Flower were that easy, it wouldn't be something everyone coveted. Besides, this time I’m learning the sword just to extract the inner strength techniques from Tian Feiyu. Why am I getting so caught up in this?"
With a hearty laugh, he shouldered his sword and walked back. By the time he returned to his residence, his mind had returned to its original calm. Noticing that Guo Shujiang had already left, he sat cross-legged and began to cultivate the Huayang Classic.
The next day, after finishing his sword practice and returning home, he saw that the lights were on inside. Xunuo thought to himself: I haven't seen Brother Guo these past few days; I've been going out early to train and returning only when it gets dark. I do miss him a bit; today he’s not on duty, so we can catch up.
When he pushed the door open, he indeed found Guo Shujiang sitting inside with some snacks and fruits laid out on the table. Upon seeing Xunuo return, Guo Shujiang quickly stood up to greet him, wearing a somewhat awkward smile.
Noticing Guo Shujiang's overly eager demeanor, Xunuo felt uneasy and thought: This can't be good; could it be that this guy has sold me out again?
He fixed his gaze on him and said, "Brother Guo seems quite relaxed today. I wonder if the mountain patrol duties are always this easy?"
As he spoke, he walked in and placed his sword on the table.
Only then did Guo Shujiang realize that Xunuo had entered holding a sword. His face turned pale as he exclaimed, "Junior Brother, you've gotten yourself into trouble."
After some probing questions from Xunuo, Guo Shujiang explained that the Wuhua Sect strictly prohibited Outer Sect Disciples from practicing with weapons. Furthermore, possessing or carrying weapons was also forbidden. Upon hearing this, Xunuo contemplated for a moment before chuckling; instead of hiding his sword, he hung it on the wall.
Seeing this, Guo Shujiang hurriedly reached out to pull it down, but Xunuo blocked him with a hand. "Brother, don’t panic. If anything happens because of this sword, there will be others to take responsibility; we needn't worry about it. What I'm concerned about is what trouble you’ve brought me into this time."
Guo Shujiang quickly replied, "It's not new; it's still that same issue."
Xunuo looked at Guo Shujiang and asked, "Is it about that one ranked twenty-second on the list?"
"That's right," Guo Shujiang said.
Xunuo, with a strange expression, replied, "I've already agreed to this matter on behalf of my senior brother, yet he still goes to such lengths. Could it be that something has changed?"
Guo Shujiang took out a slip of paper from his pocket and said, "Junior brother, take a look at this first."
Xunuo took it and saw three large characters on the front: Challenge Letter.
Opening it, he read a few brief lines stating: "On the seventh day of the third month at the hour of Chen, meet me at the Training Ground Arena to settle our differences. Those who do not come are nothing but cowardly turtles."
It was signed: Song Fenqiang.
After reading it, Xunuo laughed and said, "This Song senior brother wants to hold the competition at the Arena; does he fear that no one will know?"
Guo Shujiang smiled wryly and replied, "Not only that, but he even posted this challenge letter in the dining courtyard. It’s likely to be even more lively than when you had your Challenge List."
Xunuo thought for a moment and said, "Since this guy isn't afraid of embarrassment, I'll make sure he has none. That way, he won't bother me again in the future."
He then sat down at the table and began to eat the pastries and fruits laid out before him. After taking a few bites, he asked, "I've lost track of time while practicing these past few days; what day is it today?"
Guo Shujiang replied, "Today is the sixth day; tomorrow is when he challenges you."
Xunuo nodded and continued eating.
Guo Shujiang watched for a while and thought to himself: This guy must have been a starving ghost in his past life; just like last time when a whole box of pastries was devoured without me getting a single bite.
Sitting down at the table, he picked up a snack and said, "This Song fellow specializes in Tongbi Fist. He's a cousin of Wang Tielin, the one you defeated. This time, he's here to save face for Wang Tielin. I wonder how confident you are, Junior Brother."
Xunuo thought for a moment and asked, "How does he compare to Nangong Changjian?"
Guo Shujiang replied, "Nangong Changjian injured someone ranked twenty-fifth while facing the wall. By that logic, he shouldn't be far off from Song Fenqiang. But who knows if Nangong Changjian's martial arts have improved in the past six months? If not, there will be a gap between him and the Song fellow."
Xunuo nodded and said, "It doesn't matter. Even if he's a bit stronger than Nangong Changjian, it will just take a little more effort."
Hearing this, Guo Shujiang's eyes lit up with joy.
The next morning, before the two had even gotten out of bed, they heard someone knocking on the door outside. They hurriedly got dressed and opened the door to find Zhang Changzai standing there.
The chubby Zhang was holding a food box in one hand and a set of brand-new clothes in the other. He walked in with a grin, ignoring Guo Shujiang and addressing Xunuo directly. "I heard that Song Heizi is challenging Master Lu today. I couldn't sleep all night. I prepared a new outfit for Shishu to cheer you on."
As he spoke, he handed the clothes to Xunuo and opened the food box to reveal snacks, porridge, and several exquisite dishes laid out on the table. "These are what I prepared for Shishu this morning. You need to eat well to have the strength to fight him."
Just as Xunuo was about to politely decline, Guo Shujiang plopped down on a chair and began eating without hesitation. Zhang shot Guo Shujiang an annoyed glance and urged Xunuo to eat quickly. Seeing no way out of it, Xunuo decided to eat first before saying anything further.
After breakfast, with Guo Zhang's persistent encouragement, the three of them changed into the new clothes before heading out together.
(Note: This is Chapter One. Let's see how high we can rise this weekend.)
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