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As soon as they arrived home, Lin Zhixuan was seen standing outside the door. After a quick calculation, Xunuo realized that the five-day appointment had come. Upon seeing Xunuo return, Lin Zhixuan hurriedly bowed in greeting.
Noticing the sword in Lin Zhixuan's hand, Xunuo understood that someone must have given him pointers. He smiled and said, "Today there are challenges at the Outer Sect Disciple Arena, and we all need to be present. I apologize for keeping you waiting, Lin Shizhi."
Lin Zhixuan quickly replied, "Shishu, you are too polite. It doesn't matter how long I wait."
With a smile, Xunuo went inside to fetch his own sword and then led Lin Zhixuan to an open area behind the house.
Standing to one side, Xunuo said to Lin Zhixuan, "A few days ago, Liu Shixiong performed the sword technique slowly, making it hard to see its true power. I asked you here today so you can demonstrate this technique again, but I want to see its intricacies."
After thinking for a moment, Lin Zhixuan replied, "Master Lu may not know that while speed reveals the power of this sword technique, beginners must practice it slowly to understand it clearly. I can certainly wield it quickly to show its might, but then you won't be able to appreciate its subtleties."
Xunuo chuckled and said, "Just dance as you wish; I will figure it out."
Seeing that Xunuo was serious about it, Lin Zhixuan stopped hesitating. He drew his sword and began to dance with it, instantly filling the air with a flurry of sword light that obscured even his figure.
Watching closely, Xunuo thought to himself: This guy really has some skill.
After completing the demonstration of the sword technique, Lin Zhixuan finished with a flourish and rested the sword behind him. Still calm and composed, he asked, "Shishu, do you need me to slow down and perform this technique again?"
Shaking his head, Xunuo stepped into the center and took a moment to focus.
In truth, Xunuo was already quite familiar with this sword technique; however, when performed too quickly, certain aspects became unclear. After watching Lin Zhixuan's performance today, many of those difficulties were resolved. After contemplating for a while, he instructed Lin Zhixuan to step aside and began to execute the technique himself.
This time around, his movements were significantly different from those of previous days; the technique flowed smoothly and exhibited much more power.
Watching from the side, Lin Zhixuan couldn't help but grin: No wonder the sect values this person so highly; in just a few days he has grasped this sword technique thoroughly. It's no wonder Master scolded me; I simply lacked insight.
After performing the technique once without stopping, he continued for three rounds in total—each one showing greater improvement than the last.
Finally stopping but still feeling unsatisfied, he turned to Lin Zhixuan and said, "Let's spar a bit; only then can we truly assess whether this sword technique has improved."
Just as Lin Zhixuan was about to decline, he saw Xunuo thrusting his sword toward him. Realizing that Xunuo was not going to let him make excuses, he had no choice but to raise his own sword in response.
As the two fought, even Xunuo, a beginner, could immediately discern the gap between himself and his senior brother.
On that day, when Zigong Changhe and Liu Changqing had dueled, the sound of their swords was barely audible amidst the flurry of strikes. In contrast, when he faced Lin Zhixuan, the clashing of their swords rang out continuously. Although Lin Zhixuan did not dare to exert his full strength, after more than twenty exchanges, he had already forced Xunuo into a defensive position.
Seeing this, Xunuo stepped out of the circle and said, "Lin Shidi, your swordsmanship is remarkable. Though I have lost today, I have gained much. Let’s end here for today; come back in five days for another match."
Lin Zhixuan chuckled bitterly in response, "Shidi obeys."
Xunuo smiled and added, "However, as your Shishu, I have nothing to reward you with; please do not hold it against me."
Lin Zhixuan quickly replied, "Shishu, you are being too modest. Being able to practice swordsmanship with you is already my fortune; how could I harbor any other thoughts?"
With a smile, Xunuo sent him on his way.
Afterward, he practiced his swordplay for a while longer. As dusk fell, he sheathed his sword and returned to his room. Upon entering, he found Guo Shujiang reclining on the bed with his legs crossed, humming a tune that sounded like singing or chanting.
He teased, "It seems you've spent your money quite lavishly these past few days; you're almost lost in your own joy."
Guo Shujiang jumped off the bed and said, "I’ve got some time now; come see what I’ve brought back for you."
He pulled Xunuo over to the table. Only then did Xunuo notice that the table was filled with candies, snacks, tea, wine, fabrics, and even some toys and miscellaneous items.
After looking for a moment, Xunuo remarked, "Are you planning to open a general store?"
Guo Shujiang chuckled and replied, "These are all local specialties from my home. I rushed back this time without saying goodbye to you; I'm here to apologize."
Xunuo said, "I suspect it’s not just because you were in a hurry but rather worried about your own finances."
Guo Shujiang's face turned awkward for a moment before he cheerfully exclaimed, "This time my sister's wedding is even more splendid than her sister's last time. They even arranged six bridal carriages! My sister has quite a status among her in-laws. It’s truly a pity that I didn’t invite Lu Shidi along to enjoy the festivities."
Upon hearing this, Xunuo began to understand. The bride's dowry was substantial enough to grant her status among her in-laws. Guo Shujiang must have spent all his winnings on her dowry to ensure that his sister had a grand wedding.
Thinking about Guo Shujiang's usual sharp tongue and how it was all for the sake of his sister's grandeur among her in-laws made Xunuo feel a pang of sympathy. He found himself unable to voice any harsh words.
Guo Shujiang was still in high spirits, chattering away about some amusing incidents from the wedding to Xunuo. It wasn't until twilight had deepened that he suddenly slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Oh no, I still have duty today!"
With that, he took off running.
Xunuo looked at the pile of items on the table and thought to himself: Guo Shixiong still has parents and siblings to think about, but the family members I care about the most are no longer here.
A wave of sadness washed over him.
In the following days, Xunuo became increasingly proficient in Eight Extremes Fist. Although he had yet to master Sword Flower, his swordsmanship was improving day by day. When Lin Zhixuan came to spar again, he found that he could no longer afford to be careless. After giving it his all, he was only able to push Xunuo back after thirty exchanges.
More than ten days passed, and one morning, as dawn broke, Xunuo made his way to Seven Star Sword Hall. This time, he headed straight for the backyard. Today was Tian Feiyu's monthly day for teaching disciples. Xunuo had been practicing his sword techniques in preparation for this day.
He first arrived at Liu Changqing's courtyard but found the gate tightly shut. He thought to himself: I must be a bit late.
So he turned around and headed towards Tian Feiyu's residence. Upon listening from outside, he indeed heard voices within. He knocked on the door and called out loudly, "Disciple Lu Zaisheng has come to pay respects to Master."
The courtyard fell silent for a moment before footsteps approached, and the gate opened.
Seeing Liu Changqing, Xunuo cupped his hands in greeting and said, "I didn't find anyone at Shixiong's place just now, so I guessed you would be here."
Liu Changqing smiled oddly and replied, "You were just looking for an excuse to see me, weren't you? Come in and talk. Both Master and Shixiong are inside."
Xunuo hurried into the courtyard and followed Liu Changqing past several low trees into a spacious area. Tian Feiyu was conversing with a few disciples in the middle of the yard. Xunuo quickly stepped forward to pay his respects.
Tian Feiyu pointed to a person behind him and said, "You may not have met this person before; let me introduce you."
When Xunuo saw Liu Yunfei, he said, "I've met him; Liu Shixiong taught us Outer Sect Disciples Fist Technique."
After saying that, he bowed again to Liu Yunfei.
Liu Yunfei glanced at Xunuo and remarked, "I remember you too; when you first joined the sect, I took you to see the Outer Hall Manager. I suppose that fat guy no longer dares to provoke you now."
Xunuo quickly replied, "Thank you for your concern, Liu Shixiong. Zhang Changzai has been quite well-behaved lately."
Liu Yunfei nodded and said no more.
Tian Feiyu then asked, "What brings you here today?"
Xunuo respectfully replied, "A few days ago, I learned a sword technique from Third Senior Brother, but there are many aspects I don't understand. I originally intended to ask a few senior brothers for guidance, but I couldn't find anyone. So, I came to seek your advice, Master."
Liu Changqing nodded to himself, thinking: A genius, a genius at making up excuses.
Tian Feiyu chuckled and said, "It's good that you came to ask me. Show me the sword technique you learned first."
Xunuo's heart leaped with joy as he glanced at Liu Changqing. Liu Changqing smiled and tossed his long sword to Xunuo. Xunuo cupped his hands in thanks and began to perform the sword dance.
Over the past twenty days, Xunuo had dedicated himself to practicing the sword technique, and now he had developed a certain flair in his movements.
After Xunuo finished his performance and struck the final pose, Tian Feiyu couldn't help but nod in approval.
However, Liu Yunfei spoke first, "To master this sword technique so smoothly in just a few days is impressive; even I can only manage this much."
While others were unaware, Zigong Changhe was quite clear about the progress of the Xunuo technique. Every time Lin Zhixuan sparred with Xunuo, he would return to report that if this continued for several months, he would be unable to compete. Today’s observation confirmed that Lin Zhixuan's words were not unfounded.
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