Nangong Changjian stood off to the side, initially intending to have a few words with Xunuo, but he watched as Xunuo walked away with two Outer Sect Disciples. Feeling somewhat disgruntled at his own lower status, he huffed and turned to leave.
Xunuo followed the two disciples in white to the Divine Mechanism Hall, where two more disciples were on duty outside.
Jiang Tiesuo greeted the guarding disciples with a word of thanks before leading Xunuo into the Divine Mechanism Hall.
Upon entering, they found themselves in a spacious courtyard.
The courtyard was bustling with activity; some were practicing martial arts, others wielding staffs, dancing with swords, or throwing darts. In short, every type of weapon Xunuo was familiar with could be seen here. The sights and sounds dazzled him, with cheers and shouts echoing around them, presenting a scene quite different from the Seven Star Sword Hall.
The two white-clad disciples led Xunuo to an open area without any surprise.
Jiang Tiesuo said, "Lu Shidi, please don't mind. The Divine Mechanism Hall encompasses various martial arts from different sects and specializes in all kinds of weapons and hidden weapons to seek methods of countering them. Unlike your Seven Star Sword Hall, which focuses solely on sword techniques and disregards everything else."
Xunuo smiled and replied, "Not at all! I actually enjoy such liveliness."
Seeing that Xunuo was relaxed, Jiang Tiesuo felt at ease and continued, "The reason I invited you today is that I wish to spar with you using the Eight Extremes Fist. Please do not decline."
Anticipating this request, Xunuo responded, "If my senior brother is willing to teach me, I have no reason to refuse. However, I must admit that I have only recently begun my training and have not yet learned any internal skills. I'm afraid one punch from you might break my bones."
Hearing this, Jiang Tiesuo blushed and said, "Please don’t say such embarrassing things! Both of us have been in the Inner Sect for over a year now; we haven't even fully mastered the basics of circulating our energy or nurturing our Dantian. We are not much different from those who have yet to practice internal skills."
Xunuo was taken aback by this revelation. He had been cultivating the Huayang Classic for just over a month and had already completed the first level and fully nurtured his Dantian. He wondered if he was exceptionally talented or if these two were simply lacking in intelligence—or perhaps his cultivation method was extraordinarily effective.
After pondering this for a moment without reaching a clear conclusion, he realized it would be inappropriate to ask them for their internal cultivation methods for comparison. However, noticing they lacked any Inner Strength, Xunuo set aside his concerns and clasped his fists together. "In that case, I shall gladly accept your teachings on the Eight Extremes Fist."
The two of them clasped their fists in greeting and took their stances.
At first, the two Outer Sect Disciples, accompanied by a Green-Clad Disciple, entered the Divine Mechanism Hall. Onlookers assumed they were merely delivering messages and paid no attention. However, when Xunuo faced off against a disciple in white, it immediately drew the attention of those around them. Some disciples practicing their martial arts quietly gathered to watch. Ignoring the spectators, the two engaged in a fierce exchange of blows.
In Wuhua Sect, Outer Sect Disciples typically did not have the opportunity to spar with one another. Even if they did, it would usually result in a one-sided affair. The onlookers were curious and came with the mindset of watching a spectacle.
Yet, as soon as they began to fight, it became evident that neither was gaining the upper hand. This unexpected stalemate only attracted more spectators, who began to murmur in surprise.
By the thirtieth round, Xunuo launched a kick aimed at Jiang Tiesuo's lower body. Jiang Tiesuo sidestepped and blocked with his left arm but then quickly flicked his wrist to strike Xunuo's foot with a sudden jab. The unexpected hit caused Xunuo to flinch, and his retraction was slightly awkward. Seizing the opportunity, Jiang Tiesuo pressed forward, but despite being on the defensive, Xunuo managed to hold his ground without showing signs of defeat.
As Xunuo anticipated Jiang Tiesuo's incoming punch, he mirrored the move with a counterattack, forcefully striking Jiang Tiesuo's wrist. He noticed Jiang Tiesuo's entire arm tremble, causing his punch to veer off course. Not one to relent, Xunuo extended his fingers toward Jiang Tiesuo's face. With his arm still tingling from pain and unable to block effectively, Jiang Tiesuo twisted his body to evade but suddenly felt a sharp pain in his left thigh.
It turned out that Xunuo's initial grab was feigned; he had kicked Jiang Tiesuo on the outer side of his thigh as he attempted to dodge. With his footing compromised, Jiang Tiesuo could no longer maintain balance.
Seeing that Jiang Tiesuo could not continue, Xunuo cupped his hands in respect and said, "Brother, thank you for your guidance. I hope your injury is not serious."
Jiang Tiesuo waved dismissively and replied, "It's just a minor bruise; nothing to worry about."
With Xunuo emerging victorious, the expressions of the surrounding disciples shifted from amusement to shock.
At that moment, Hu Kaiyan approached and asked, "I wonder if Lu Shidi has the energy for another match?"
Having just fought and gained new insights into Eight Extremes Fist, Xunuo replied boldly, "Why not? I will ensure my brother enjoys himself."
Without further ado, the two engaged once more.
Hu Kaiyan's fist technique was more exquisite than Jiang Tiesuo's, and he was evenly matched with Xunuo. They fought for over forty rounds without a clear victor, both unwilling to concede easily. Xunuo was particularly reluctant to miss the opportunity to learn the Eight Extremes Fist. Thus, they continued exchanging blows.
After another thirty or so moves, Xunuo showed no signs of fatigue, while Hu Kaiyan was already panting heavily. He couldn't help but think to himself: This kid truly possesses innate strength; if this continues, I might be knocked down with just one punch.
Doubts began to creep into his mind. Just then, he heard a loud voice from outside the crowd: "Who is it that draws such attention? I have come to see the excitement."
The onlooking disciples turned to look and immediately bowed in unison, calling out "Hall Master" and "Master Tian." Hu Kaiyan felt as if he had found a savior; he jumped out of the fray and rushed over to pay his respects.
Xunuo was enjoying the fight when suddenly someone interrupted, causing him some displeasure. Turning around, he saw a tall and robust figure with a red face and short beard, dressed in a blue long robe, standing there like a half-iron tower.
This person was none other than Azure Wind, the Hall Master of the Divine Mechanism Hall, whom Xunuo had seen on the Challenge List's Arena. Xunuo hurried over to pay his respects, saying, "Lu Zaisheng pays his respects to Master Lan."
Azure Wind feigned surprise upon seeing Xunuo and said, "Oh, it's Liu Shizhi! What brings you here today?"
Xunuo replied, "I ran into two senior brothers today who invited me to spar in the Eight Extremes Fist."
"Oh?" Azure Wind said with some surprise. "It seems my disciples have some discernment. I wonder who invited you."
Jiang Tiesuo quickly stepped forward and said, "It was I and Brother Hu who invited Lu Shidi here for a spar."
One of Azure Wind's disciples suddenly interjected angrily, "How dare you! Lu Zaisheng is a disciple of Master Tian from the Seven Star Sword Hall. How can you address him as your junior brother?"
Jiang Tiesuo was taken aback and immediately knelt before Azure Wind, saying, "I misspoke in a moment of carelessness; I meant no disrespect towards Master Lu. Please punish me as you see fit."
Seeing this, Xunuo quickly spoke up, "I often joke around with Jiang Shizhi; this is not his fault. Please do not hold it against him, Master Lan."
Azure Wind then smiled at Jiang Tiesuo and said, "Today I'll let you off because Liu Shizhi has spoken for you. But if you offend again, there will be severe consequences. Don't let Senior Brother Tian laugh at our lack of discipline."
Jiang Tiesuo was busy bowing in thanks but did not get up. Xunuo saw that Jiang Tiesuo was still kneeling and hurried over to pull him up.
Azure Wind smiled at the scene but chose not to intervene. He said to Xunuo, "Liu Shizhi seems to have some aspects of the Eight Extremes Fist that he cannot comprehend, so he came here to spar and seek understanding."
Xunuo felt exposed by Azure Wind's words and awkwardly replied, "I came to seek guidance from Master Lan's disciples."
Azure Wind laughed heartily and said, "Since you have the intention to come, as your Shishu, I certainly won't let you make a trip for nothing. In terms of swordsmanship, I admit I am no match for Senior Brother Tian. But when it comes to martial arts, Tian Feiyu has never defeated me."
After saying this, he gave Xunuo a meaningful glance.
Xunuo rolled his eyes and said, "Then today I must trouble Shishu. Please do not hold back in your guidance."
Azure Wind glanced around at the other disciples and said to Xunuo, "This place is not suitable; follow me."
He then turned to Jiang Tiesuo and added, "You few practicing the Eight Extremes Fist should come along as well." With that, he turned and walked ahead.
Two disciples following Azure Wind waved at Xunuo. Once Xunuo approached them, they introduced themselves. It turned out that both were direct disciples of Azure Wind; one was named Taishi Beichuan and the other Liao Jiabao. After exchanging greetings, the three walked side by side behind Azure Wind.
Following them was Jiang Tiesuo, with over ten disciples practicing martial arts closely behind.
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