Chapter 148

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Seeing Zhang Xiaohua so overjoyed that he seemed a bit dazed, Ou Yan smiled and said: “Yes, Zhang Xiaohua, my brother always keeps his word. Whatever you ask, he will definitely agree to it.”

Zhang Xiaohua glanced at Ou Yan, then at Ou Peng, and asked: “Then, I’ll go ahead and tell you, okay?”

Ou Peng nodded and replied: “Yes, go ahead. I will surely grant your request.”

Without hesitation, Zhang Xiaohua asked: “Well, can Sect Master Ou grant me this one thing, could you allow my second brother, Zhang Xiaohu, to join the Piaomiao Sect and become one of its disciples?”

“Ah?!” Ou Peng was shocked.

“Huh!?” Ou Yan was also taken aback.

“Wow!?” The crowd was equally astonished.

With a loud “thud”, He Tianshu fell to the ground in disbelief.

Noticing Ou Peng’s surprise, Zhang Xiaohua quickly explained: “My second brother is very talented. Even though he’s a bit older, he’s really skilled. He’s currently working as a guard in the Lotus Escort Agency. He’s already better than most of their escorts just by practicing a single set of Six Harmonies Fist. And now that he’s just started learning internal martial arts, he’ll definitely become even stronger. Sect Master Ou, please accept my second brother.”

Seeing Zhang Xiaohua’s slightly desperate plea, Ou Peng didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He asked: “Did it never occur to you to join the Piaomiao Sect yourself? Think carefully, if I accept your second brother as a disciple, you won’t get this opportunity.”

Without a second thought, Zhang Xiaohua replied: “I have thought about it, but I believe my second brother is more suited for it. Besides, he works as an escort every day and is constantly in danger. Without powerful martial arts, it’s too risky. So, even though I really want to become a disciple of the Piaomiao Sect, I’d rather give this opportunity to my second brother.”

Upon hearing Zhang Xiaohua’s request, Ou Peng’s expression subtly changed, a flicker of emotion passing across his face. He glanced at Ou Yan, who was equally moved and surprised. This situation felt familiar to them, wasn’t it exactly what Ou Peng said when he first sought out a master all those years ago? Except now, the roles were reversed: Zhang Xiaohua stood in Ou Peng’s place, and Zhang Xiaohu took the position once held by Ou Yan.

Ou Yan and Ou Peng exchanged a meaningful look, and after a brief moment, Ou Yan nodded.

Ou Peng smiled at Zhang Xiaohua and said: “Since I already promised that as long as your request wasn’t unreasonable, I would grant it, I will fulfill this one too. Chengyue.”

At this, Zhang Chengyue, standing nearby, responded quickly: “Disciple is here.”

Ou Peng instructed: “Send someone to bring Zhang Xiaohu here.”

Zhang Chengyue accepted the command and swiftly left.

Seeing this, Zhang Xiaohua breathed a long sigh of relief. The Great Sect Master Ou truly was a man of his word.

Ou Peng, observing his relief, smiled and said: “Rest assured, Zhang Xiaohua. Since I’ve promised to accept your second brother as a disciple of the Piaomiao Sect, it will be done. When your second brother arrives, I will find him a suitable master.”

Zhang Xiaohua was overjoyed and quickly bowed, saying: “Thank you, Sect Master Ou, for making this happen.”

However, Ou Peng apologized: “Since I’ve given this opportunity to your second brother, I’m afraid I won’t be able to grant it to you as well.”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and responded: “Thank you for your kind intentions, Sect Master, but I know my own limitations. I’m well aware that my aptitude is poor, and if I joined the Piaomiao Sect, I’d only be a burden to you all. I’m better suited to cultivating herbs.”

At that moment, Ou Yan interrupted, her face full of smiles: “Zhang Xiaohua, you gave up this opportunity for your second brother, so I consider my debt to you repaid. But do you remember the promise I made to you on that moonlit night?”

Zhang Xiaohua’s eyes lit up with excitement, and he asked incredulously: “Really? Sister Ou, does that still count?”

In his eagerness, he even called her “Sister Ou” in the council hall, unable to contain his overwhelming joy.

Ou Yan then turned to Ou Peng and said: “Brother, do you remember when I mentioned that I had seen how diligently Zhang Xiaohua practiced his martial arts? I once promised him that I would ask you to allow him to learn the Piaomiao Sect’s internal martial arts. You see…”

Ou Peng was well aware of the situation. Originally, to repay Zhang Xiaohua for saving his sister’s life, they had shifted the promise from teaching martial arts to offering a place in the Piaomiao Sect. Now, with Ou Yan bringing it up again, it was clear she wanted to fulfill her promise but more importantly, how could Ou Pen not know that she wanted to fulfill Zhang Xiaohua’s wish?

He glanced at He Tianshu, who was standing below, then, with a gleam in his eye, smiled and said: “Since Yan’er has this kind intention, let’s be generous.”

Turning to Zhang Xiaohua, he said: “Since this promise was made beforehand, let’s do this, Zhang Xiaohua. Today, I’ll be even more generous. You can go to the library and choose an internal martial arts technique, and I will have one of our disciples teach it to you. How does that sound?”

A massive opportunity, like a giant pie, had fallen right into Zhang Xiaohua’s lap!

Zhang Xiaohua was almost dizzy from the surprise. He stared blankly at Ou Peng and stupidly asked again: “This, this is real?”

Ou Peng laughed: “Of course it’s real, why wouldn’t it be?”

Then, with a wave of his hand, he turned to his eldest disciple Zhang Chengyue, who had just returned from outside, and instructed: “Chengyue, take Zhang Xiaohua to the Scripture Pavilion and let him choose an internal martial arts technique.”

Zhang Chengyue obeyed and led Zhang Xiaohua, who still seemed to be in a dream-like daze, out of the hall.

The Scripture Pavilion wasn’t far from the council hall, and before long, they arrived at its entrance. The Scripture Pavilion, true to its name, was a three-story pavilion that was heavily guarded. As Zhang Xiaohua followed Zhang Chengyue to the small pavilion, his eyes fell upon the black signboard with gold lettering hanging above the entrance. His heart surged with emotion. The long-cherished wish he had dreamed of day and night was finally about to come true.

Zhang Chengyue saw how excited Zhang Xiaohua was and kindly said: “Zhang Xiaohua, this is the library, which has three levels. The first level contains commonly known martial arts, including fist techniques, leg techniques, sword techniques, and internal martial arts methods which are popular in the Jianghu. The second level contains techniques unique to our Piaomiao. The third level houses the top-tier martial arts manuals from our sect and other elite sects in the martial world. Since the Sect Master has granted you permission to choose any internal martial art method, there doesn’t seem to be a restriction limiting you to the first or second levels. You are free to go up to the third level if you wish.

However, I suggest you focus on the second level. The techniques on the third level are meant for martial artists with exceptional talent. Sect Master Ou mentioned that your aptitude may be limited. If you choose one of those top-tier internal arts, you might find it difficult to master and waste precious time. You should also avoid the manuals on the first level since the Sect Master specifically arranged for our disciples to teach you. This indicates that he wants you to learn about our Piaomiao Sect’s unique internal arts, which shows his great favor towards you. I hope you don’t let him down.”

Alright, I’ll leave you to it. After you’ve chosen, just bring the manual outside. All of the manuals here are copies, so once you’ve selected one, simply have the disciples at the entrance record it, and they will ensure the copy is replaced later.”

After saying that, he stood at the door, gesturing for Zhang Xiaohua to enter. Zhang Xiaohua hesitated, glancing at the entrance of the library and then at Zhang Chengyue. He said uncertainly: “So, I’ll go in now?”

Zhang Chengyue looked at Zhang Xiaohua, smiled, and replied: “Go ahead, don’t worry. I’ll be right here waiting for you.”

Encouraged, Zhang Xiaohua smiled back, and with eagerness in his steps, he dashed inside, leaving Zhang Chengyue standing outside with a gentle smile, guarding the entrance.

Once inside the library, Zhang Xiaohua found himself in a small room just behind the door. In the room sat an older disciple who appeared deep in meditation, his eyes half-closed, with an air of tranquility about him. In front of him was a table with ink, brushes, and paper, likely used to record the borrowing of books. Zhang Xiaohua slowed his steps, noticing the disciple’s disinterest in him, so he quietly made his way deeper into the library.

The interior of the library was vast, with rows upon rows of bookshelves crammed full of books. Zhang Xiaohua examined them closely and saw that the shelves were labeled with tags like “Fist Techniques”, “Sword Techniques” and “Internal Energy”. He walked over to the shelves labeled “Internal Energy” and took a quick glance. What he saw made him gasp in awe. There were thousands, possibly even tens of thousands of books stacked on the shelves.

Zhang Xiaohua marveled at the sight. Outside the sect, he had struggled so hard to find even a single internal martial arts manual. Yet here, in the Piaomiao Sect’s library, these rare manuals were thrown about as casually as vegetables at a market, free for anyone to pick up. He felt an overwhelming urge to rush forward and examine them.

But then, Zhang Xiaohua remembered Zhang Chengyue’s advice. These internal energy cultivation manuals, no matter how impressive they seemed, were likely just ordinary techniques in the grand scheme of things. He was now in a treasure trove, how could he settle for something commonplace? It would be foolish to leave with something that, compared to what the Piaomiao Sect had to offer, was little more than garbage.

Zhang Xiaohua steadied himself and looked around once more, noticing a wooden staircase by a wall in the distance that led to the upper levels.

He resolutely made his way across the dazzling array of martial arts manuals, keeping his eyes fixed ahead until he reached the staircase and began to climb up. Upon reaching the second floor, he observed that the space was noticeably smaller than the one below. The bookshelves here were shorter, but their quality was evidently superior. The manuals were neatly arranged, laid flat with care, and there wasn’t a speck of dust to be found, proof that this level was well-maintained and regularly cleaned.

The shelves were still labeled, so Zhang Xiaohua leisurely walked through the room, eventually finding the section dedicated to internal martial arts methods. The shelf stood slightly taller than a person’s and was divided into three long rows, each filled with countless volumes. There were easily over a thousand different internal martial arts methods unique to the Piaomiao Sect. Faced with such riches, Zhang Xiaohua found himself at a loss, how was he supposed to choose one?

Starting at one end of the shelf, Zhang Xiaohua carefully inspected each book by its title. The truth was, having never encountered any internal martial arts methods before, he had no idea what he was looking for. All he could do was rely on the names to guide him. It’s funny, really – if there had been only one manual in front of him, Zhang Xiaohua would have grabbed it without hesitation, regardless of whether it was from the Piaomiao Sect or some other sect. As long as it was something he could learn, that would have been enough. But now, faced with so many options, his vision blurred, and he couldn’t decide which one was the best. He repeatedly questioned himself, feeling more uncertain than ever, losing the calm he usually prided himself on.

Thanks to his mind being enlightened by the , after looking through the names of thousands of secret manuals, Zhang Xiaohua only felt a little dizzy. Unable to make up his mind for the moment, he was about to turn back and look again when suddenly he thought, what kind of foolishness is this? Any one of these internal energy cultivation techniques would be fought over in the martial world. Why am I being so picky? I should just grab one.

Zhang Xiaohua chuckled at himself for overcomplicating things. He reached for the nearest manual, thinking that anyone would be sufficient. However, just as his fingers grazed the book, he caught sight of the staircase leading to the third floor out of the corner of his eye. A new thought crept into his mind: If the second floor contains the internal martial arts manuals unique to the Piaomiao Sect, then what incredible secrets might be housed on the third floor, reserved for the finest and most elite methods in the entire martial world?

The old saying about curiosity killing the cat crossed his mind, but Zhang Xiaohua found himself unable to resist the temptation. Before he knew it, his feet were already carrying him up the stairs to the third floor.

As expected, the third floor was even smaller than the previous two. The shelves were fewer and shorter, and the variety of books was considerably narrower. However, the few books that were there were extraordinary, some bound in ordinary paper, others wrapped in exotic materials like animal hides. Zhang Xiaohua marveled at the sight, enchanted by their exotic appearances.

There weren’t many books on this floor, so Zhang Xiaohua didn’t bother checking the labels on the bookshelf this time. He scanned each title, his imagination running wild. Some titles were mysterious, others plain, but he knew that in the martial world, each of these manuals would surely spark chaos and conflict. Unfortunately, the person seeing them was Zhang Xiaohua, so it was like playing the lute to the cows.

Having indulged his curiosity, Zhang Xiaohua reminded himself of Zhang Chengyue’s advice. These manuals were far beyond his ability to master, and while it was thrilling to browse through them, he knew better than to be greedy. He recalled the old proverb about biting off more than one can chew, the snake swallowing the elephant, Zhang Xiaohua knew this allusion by heart.

As he made his way back to the stairs, Zhang Xiaohua’s gaze landed on a small, nondescript square box sitting on a nearby table. Zhang Xiaohua paused, confused—what was this? There were no other similar boxes in sight. Could it contain an internal martial arts manual? Or perhaps a sword manual?

Zhang Xiaohua picked it up naturally.

At this moment, in Pingyang City, at the Lotus Escort Agency.

Everyone was surprised to hear that a disciple from the Piaomiao Sect had come to the escort agency looking for Zhang Xiaohu. All eyes turned to the dazed Zhang Xiaohu.

When the disciple from the Piaomiao Sect arrived in front of Zhang Xiaohu, he seemed to awaken from his stupor and quickly performed a respectful gesture, saying: “I am Zhang Xiaohu. May I ask what brings you here?”

The Piaomiao disciple was mild-mannered and said with a smile: “I’m not sure about the specifics. I was only instructed by Senior Brother to come and ask you to come along. It seems that it’s our Sect Master Ou, who wishes to see you personally.”

Zhang Xiaohu was even more bewildered upon hearing this. He didn’t know who this Senior Brother was, but how could he now know who Sect Master Ou was? This was someone he couldn’t have dreamed of meeting. Why would such a person suddenly want to see him? Seeing Zhang Xiaohu still hesitating in a daze, Qiu Tong, standing in front, became anxious. She stepped forward and said: “Zhang Xiaohu, regardless of the reason, since Sect Master Ou wants to see you, you should go quickly. Once you get there, you’ll know everything.”

The Piaomiao Sect’s disciple, who seemed to know Qiu Tong, also smiled and said, “Sister Qiu Tong is absolutely right. Zhang Xiaohu, you should hurry and come with me. If we keep Sect Master waiting, neither of us will be able to bear the consequences.”

Zhang Xiaohu, as if waking from a dream, nodded repeatedly like a chick pecking at grains, saying yes over and over. He followed the disciple, quickly exited the courtyard, mounted his horse, and sped away.

Once the two had left, everyone came to their senses. Fourth Master Wen, with a forced smile, said to Qiu Tong, “Miss Qiu Tong, we have known each other for quite some time. The Lotus Escort Agency and the Huanxi Villa have always been connected. Your actions have really put me in a difficult position.”

Qiu Tong smiled and replied: “Fourth Master, there’s no need to feel guilty. Our Huanxi Villa has always dealt with situations rather than individuals. Our young lady is indeed upset, and I certainly cannot take back the ten taels of silver. You just have to wait and see. Our friendship remains unchanged. Please don’t think too much about it.”

After speaking, she took her leave without saying another word.

Fourth Master Wen watched Qiu Tong’s departing figure and could no longer chase after her. He stomped his foot in frustration and threw the ten taels of silver at Head Escort Luo, cursing: “This is all your doing.”

Head Escort Luo, who had been pale and tortured by the day’s events, still managed to skillfully catch the money and said innocently: “Fourth Master, I was just trying to save costs. Who knew we’d run into such a tough opponent?”

Fourth Master Wen, his face turning green with anger, pointed at Head Escort Luo and said: “Don’t think I don’t know your little schemes. Isn’t it because Zhang Xiaohu, your deputy, performs better than you? He’s just an escort now, but if he becomes a bodyguard in the future, it will definitely threaten your position and development.”

Head Escort Luo, feeling embarrassed, said: “Fourth Master, isn’t this just a sign of my competitive spirit? It’s also a result of your own training.”

“Bah.” Fourth Master Wen spat on the ground and said: “You still have the nerve to say that. Fine, when Zhang Xiaohu returns, you should quickly go and apologize to him. If he can forgive you, everything will be fine. If not, you’ll have to deal with the consequences.”

With that, he turned and went back inside without paying him any more attention.

The rest of the people, seeing the drama had ended, waved their sleeves and went back to their own rooms, leaving Head Escort Luo standing there with a face full of fluctuating emotions, lost in thought.

Meanwhile, Zhang Xiaohu was rushing towards the Piaomiao Sect’s assembly hall with the disciple. Back in the library, Zhang Xiaohua picked up the inconspicuous small box and tried to open it. Contrary to his expectations, the box didn’t open easily. He applied more force, but it still wouldn’t budge. He changed angles and used all his strength, but the box remained stubbornly closed, showing no sign of opening. Zhang Xiaohua looked around in frustration, thinking to himself, ‘I just want to see what’s inside. I just want to read the name, but why is it so difficult?’

Suddenly, he seemed to have an idea. He took out his cherished small sword from his pocket and attempted to pry open the box with the sword tip. However, the box seemed to have no seams, and the sword tip merely slid over it. No matter how Zhang Xiaohua tried to pry it open, it had no effect.

In the end, Zhang Xiaohua’s already limited patience was completely worn out. He swung his left arm in a wide arc, channeling his strength into the sword as it stabbed at the box. Due to his diligent practice of sword techniques, this simple action inadvertently executed one of his practiced moves, with remarkable precision in both angle and speed. So a warm flow of energy surged from somewhere in his left arm and traveled up his arm. When the small sword pierced the box, the warm flow reached the sword simultaneously, and there was a “plop” sound. Zhang Xiaohua was horrified: “Oh no, I must have accidentally pierced the box in my impatience. What am I going to do now? I’m in big trouble!”