Chapter 149

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As the soft “plop” sound echoed, it was like the noise of a needle popping a water bubble. Zhang Xiaohua was startled awake, sweat pouring down like rain. What had he just done? He had let his impatience get the better of him and damaged the small box. How was he going to explain this to the Piaomiao Sect?

Upon closer inspection, Zhang Xiaohua let out a sigh of relief. The small box hadn’t been pierced with a large hole as he feared. Instead, a thin seam had appeared in the middle of the previously seamless box, transforming it into a box with a lid!

However, the material of the box still seemed ordinary, showing nothing particularly special about it.

Zhang Xiaohua put the small sword back in his pocket, calmed his mind, and gently opened the lid. The lid lifted easily, without the slightest trouble.

Inside the box was a small booklet. Zhang Xiaohua reached in and pulled it out. The sky-blue cover bore four large characters, . Zhang Xiaohua froze in surprise. This name seemed familiar. After thinking for a moment, he realized it was the same internal cultivation technique he had seen earlier in a corner of the second floor. But why was there another copy here? Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but feel a surge of frustration. As the saying goes, “Curiosity killed the cat”. Why would a book that was readily available on the second floor be placed in such a mysterious box on the third floor? And not only that, why put it in such a peculiar box that piqued his curiosity so intensely? He had almost poked a big hole in it!

Slightly annoyed with himself, Zhang Xiaohua quelled his curiosity, casually tossed the booklet back into the box, and was just about to close the lid.

Suddenly, a thought struck him. Why was this small box placed here, could it have some special significance? Since he had encountered twice, once on the second floor and now again on the third, perhaps it was destined for him. After all, the internal energy cultivation techniques downstairs were as numerous as the stars in the sky, and he had no idea which one to choose. Why not settle for this one? Although Zhang Chengyue had only instructed him to take a manual from the second floor, this technique was also found on the second floor. So technically, he wasn’t going against his instructions, was he?

Deceiving himself with such thoughts, Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t resist taking the and tucking it into his chest pocket. He casually closed the box and glanced around the room one more time. Just as he was about to head downstairs, he paused and reconsidered. Not everyone had the privilege to reach the third floor of this library. Unfortunately, he didn’t know how to learn internal energy techniques, otherwise, he would’ve memorized a few manuals to take back with him. Even so, he figured he might as well savor the moment, at least by browsing the titles. After all, even if he couldn’t comprehend their contents, he could still enjoy the thrill of reading the names!

With that in mind, Zhang Xiaohua circled the bookshelves again, carefully scanning the titles of the manuals, one by one, savoring each name. Finally, after this indulgent ritual, he reluctantly descended the staircase from the third floor.

Poor Zhang Xiaohua felt a profound sense of loss, as though he had entered a mountain full of treasures but was leaving empty-handed. So many secret manuals were right there, yet he couldn’t learn any of them. All he could do was remember their names! How sad, how pitiful!

As Zhang Xiaohua descended the stairs, sighing at his inadequacies, something strange happened on the third floor. The small box he had just closed and left behind suddenly emitted a burst of colorful light. A transparent, colorless cover appeared from one corner of the box, slowly spreading over its entire surface. Finally, the light disappeared at the base of the box, and the lid vanished, leaving the box once again seamless and ordinary, as though nothing had ever changed.

Had Zhang Xiaohua been there to witness this, his jaw would have surely dropped to the floor in shock. Unfortunately, that rascal was busy on the second-floor staircase, doing his little ‘wave my hand, not taking a single piece of paper’ act

With a lingering sense of dissatisfaction, Zhang Xiaohua descended to the first floor. By now, his initial determination from when he first entered had faded away. As he left the shelves, he couldn’t help but look back longingly, thinking: “If only I could flip through these books whenever I wanted. That would be wonderful.”

Ah, such is the heart of man—never satisfied. There’s always something better just out of reach.

As Zhang Xiaohua reached the entrance of the library, the older disciple who had been sitting with his eyes half-closed in deep meditation suddenly opened his eyes. A sharp glint flashed in them as he sternly stared at Zhang Xiaohua and asked: “Have you made your choice?”

Zhang Xiaohua felt a shiver down his spine. He thought to himself: “Oh no, could it be that he knows about me prying open that box on the third floor?”

Faced with the man’s stern, lifeless expression, Zhang Xiaohua nervously replied: “Yes, I’ve made my choice.”

The man remained cold and aloof as he said: “Show it to me, I need to register it.”

Relieved that the issue wasn’t the box, Zhang Xiaohua reached into his robe and pulled out the small booklet. Just then, the older disciple asked: “What manual did you pick?”

Without thinking, Zhang Xiaohua replied: “The Carefree Heart Sutra.”

“The Carefree Heart Manual?!” The man exclaimed, his face suddenly showing a bizarre and weird expression on his face.

Zhang Xiaohua’s heart skipped a beat. “What? Is there something wrong with it?”

The man’s face immediately returned to its emotionless state as he said: “It’s nothing. Let me take a look.”

Zhang Xiaohua handed over the booklet he had already taken out. The person looked at the cover, and it was indeed the . Just as he was about to reach out and take it, he suddenly pulled his hand back, waved it off, and said: “Alright, you really do have some ‘luck’. Off you go.”

Zhang Xiaohua, overjoyed, exclaimed: “Really? Is it good luck? Haha, my luck has always been pretty good!”

The man merely curled his lips slightly and said no more.

Seeing the man’s stony expression, Zhang Xiaohua reluctantly pulled the booklet back and tucked it into his robe again. After offering a respectful bow, he exited the library.

Once Zhang Xiaohua had left, the man picked up a pen and recorded the information on the paper before him. Then, he resumed his meditative posture, once again focusing inward. He thought to himself: “Sigh, this Qi deviation is really troublesome. My meridians are blocked, and of all places, it had to be my face. Even trying to smile is difficult. I wonder when I’ll recover from this.”

Meanwhile, Zhang Chengyue was still waiting outside. When he saw Zhang Xiaohua emerge, he smiled and said: “So, you’ve finally made your choice?”

Hearing the word “finally”, Zhang Xiaohua quickly apologized: “Brother…Big Brother Zhang, I’m really sorry to have kept you waiting so long. To be honest, I thought I could just grab any book from the shelf, but I didn’t expect there to be so many manuals. I got overwhelmed by all the choices, and that’s what took me so long.”

Though Zhang Chengyue was already growing impatient, he couldn’t help but smile knowingly at Zhang Xiaohua’s response. “Haha, I understand. Anyone would be overwhelmed upon first entering such a place. By the way, what manual did you choose?”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said: “The . Would you like to take a look?”

After saying that, he began to retrieve the booklet from his pocket

Zhang Chengyue was taken aback by the name. With a peculiar expression, he waved his hands and said: “No need, no need. Let’s hurry along. I’m sure the sect master is waiting anxiously.”

Hearing what Zhang Chenguye said, Zhang Xiaohua was also shocked. Realizing that he had been dawdling while the sect master, Ou Peng, was still in the hall, Zhang Xiaohua felt a pang of guilt and quickened his pace.

When Zhang Xiaohua and Zhang Chengyue arrived at the council hall, they found that the discussion was already underway. Ou Peng was engaged in conversation with Ou Yan, laughing and chatting as usual. How could they just keep silent while waiting for him? Furthermore, Sect Master Ou was known for his composed demeanor, and if he had shown impatience, that would indeed be unusual.

Seeing Zhang Chengyue and Zhang Xiaohua return, Ou Peng smiled and said: “Zhang Xiaohua, what kind of internal cultivation manual did you choose? Share it with us, and I’ll have one of our disciples who practices that manual guide you.”

Zhang Xiaohua was overjoyed and was about to respond when another disciple entered and announced that Zhang Xiaohua’s brother, Zhang Xiaohu, had arrived and was waiting at the entrance of the council hall.

Ou Peng nodded and said: “Let him in.”

As Zhang Xiaohua heard that his brother had arrived, he fell silent and stepped aside, eagerly watching the door for the familiar face.

Soon, Zhang Xiaohu, dressed in the uniform of a porter from the Lotus Flower Escort Agency, walked briskly into the assembly hall.

Upon entering, Zhang Xiaohu’s first glance landed on Zhang Xiaohua standing in front of the council hall. He realized that his summons by Sect Master Ou was likely related to his younger brother. Although it was Zhang Xiaohu’s first time in the council hall, his nearly a year of experience working as a lower-level leader at the Lotus Escort Agency had taught him some of the rules. Noticing that Ou Peng was seated in the only chair at the head of the hall, Zhang Xiaohu quickly stepped forward, ignoring Zhang Xiaohua, and respectfully greeted Ou Peng. “Greetings, Sect Master Ou. I am Zhang Xiaohu, a porter from the Lotus Flower Escort Agency.”

Seeing Zhang Xiaohu in high spirits and understanding the rules, Ou Peng was pleased and smiled, saying: “No need to be so polite, Zhang Xiaohu. I’ve heard that you’ve been doing quite well at the Lotus Escort Agency.”

Zhang Xiaohu quickly responded modestly: “It’s nothing much. I’ve only been following the arrangements of the head escort and doing my duties. I wouldn’t dare to take any credit.”

Noting Zhang Xiaohu’s cautious reply, Ou Peng was not surprised and asked: “I suppose you don’t yet know why I called you here.”

Zhang Xiaohu respectfully answered: “Yes, please enlighten me, Sect Master.”

Ou Peng pointed to his sister, Ou Yan, who was seated at his side, and said: “This is my biological sister and the owner of Huanxi Villa.”

Zhang Xiaohu promptly bowed to Ou Yan and said, “Greetings, Villa Owner Ou.”

Ou Yan smiled, acknowledging the greeting.

Ou Peng continued; “Your younger brother, Zhang Xiaohua, risked his life to save my sister, so we owe him a favor. Just now, I promised Zhang Xiaohua a request and am prepared to accept you as a disciple of the Piaomiao Sect. I wonder if you would be willing?”

Zhang Xiaohu was stunned upon hearing this. Throughout his journey, he had considered many possibilities but never imagined that Ou Peng would offer him a place in the Piaomiao Sect! This was something he had never even dreamed of.

However, he quickly shook his head and said: “Sect Master Ou, to be honest, I truly wish to join the Piaomiao Sect. It’s an opportunity I could never have dreamed of, but this credit belongs to my younger brother. This opportunity should be given to him. Although his aptitude is not the best, he is hardworking and dedicated. He may still have a future in martial arts. As for me, I am currently with the Lotus Escort Agency and can learn both martial arts and internal energy techniques, which is already much better than Xiaohua. After all, Xiaohua has yet to even see an internal martial arts technique.”

Zhang Xiaohua, who had been listening anxiously, stepped forward and said: “Second Brother, stop refusing. It’s not easy to get Sect Master Ou to agree. Don’t waste this opportunity.”

Zhang Xiaohu glared at him and said: “Why didn’t you inform me earlier? This opportunity was earned with your life. How can I accept it? Your injury is not yet healed, and perhaps the Piaomiao Sect could offer you a chance to recover. Moreover, staying with the Piaomiao Sect will allow you to practice the internal energy techniques you’ve been dreaming about. Second Brother will make his own decisions regarding his own matters.”

Zhang Xiaohua said: “But the work at the Escort Agency is so dangerous. With the martial techniques from your martial arts hall, it’s uncertain if they can ensure your safety. If anything happens to you, how will I explain it to our parents?”

Zhang Xiaohu smiled and said: “Xiaohua, that’s something I should be saying to you.”

Zhang Xiaohua also smiled and replied: “I’m not afraid of what you say. As for me, staying at Huanxi Villa won’t lead to anything significant. You should join the Piaomiao Sect.”

Seeing that the two were unable to come to an agreement, Ou Peng exchanged a glance with Ou Yan and said with a smile to Zhang Xiaohu: “Zhang Xiaohu, you don’t need to argue with Zhang Xiaohua. This matter was promised to him, so it’s not up to you to decide. Besides, I’ve already given Zhang Xiaohua another form of compensation, so there’s no need for you to say more.”

Seeing that Ou Peng had spoken, Zhang Xiaohu dared not say more. He shot Zhang Xiaohua a stern look, and Zhang Xiaohua stuck out his tongue and fell silent.

Ou Peng, noticing that Zhang Xiaohu had no more objections, pointed to He Tianshu and was about to give instructions. However, he suddenly remembered that He Tianshu was the master he had designated for Zhang Xiaohua. They were both at Huanxi Villa and had been planting medicinal herbs together, which made them well-suited. It would be inappropriate for Zhang Xiaohu to be apprenticed to him.

Since he had already agreed to accept Zhang Xiaohu into the Piaomiao Sect, the remaining details were minor and didn’t require his further concern. Just as he was about to call for Zhang Chengyue, someone beside him spoke up; “Master, I am willing to take Zhang Xiaohu as my disciple.”

Ou Peng was taken aback and looked over to see Wen Wenhai stepping forward from the crowd.

Ou Peng asked in surprise: “Little Hai, why did you suddenly decide to take Zhang Xiaohu as your disciple?”

Wen Wenhai respectfully replied: “Last year, I was out on a mission with Junior Sister Xue and happened to witness Zhang Xiaohu and his family trying to save people with great righteousness. Reflecting on it now, I feel there is a strong connection with him. Zhang Xiaohu is also a person of loyalty and righteousness, which aligns well with my own temperament. So, I would like to take him as my disciple.”

Ou Peng understood. He remembered Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing’s act of saving people and had even given them his token. Knowing that Zhang Xiaohu had acted with righteousness even before learning martial arts made Ou Peng view him in a new light. He had already tacitly agreed, but he still asked with concern: “Little Hai, you haven’t taken a disciple before. Xiaohu is quite old, unlike the children we usually select. Are you prepared for that?”

Wen Wenhai smiled and said: “Master, whether it’s me or someone else taking Zhang Xiaohu as a disciple doesn’t make a difference. If you insist on giving him to someone else, they might not be pleased. Zhang Xiaohu might not learn much under them, and it could create a rift between master and disciple, delaying their progress. As I already know Zhang Xiaohu and have a connection with him, even if his future in martial arts is uncertain, I will look after him as a brother if needed.”

Ou Peng scolded: “Stop talking nonsense. A disciple is a disciple, how can they be considered a brother?”

Wen Wenhai was delighted and said: “I understand my mistake. Master, does this mean you agree?”

Ou Peng smiled and said: “It’s your own decision to take on a disciple; it’s a mutual agreement. Why should I interfere? Besides, Zhang Xiaohu might not even be willing.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaohu immediately felt a surge of fortune and insight. He went to great lengths, figuratively moving mountains and toppling pillars, and knelt before Wen Wenhai, saying: “Disciple Zhang Xiaohu, pays homage to the master.”

This bow was quite significant. Even if you think about it with your heels, if Zhang Xiaohu had simply become a regular disciple under He Tianshu, he would have been just one among many, unremarkable. But who was Wen Wenhai? He was a direct disciple of Ou Peng, the leader of the Piaomiao Sect. Though his martial skills might not be the highest, his status alone elevated Zhang Xiaohu’s standing dramatically. By becoming Wen Wenhai’s disciple, Zhang Xiaohu not only gained a prestigious position but also became a direct grand disciple of Ou Peng. Although he might not receive much special treatment in the future, at least he wouldn’t be easily bullied.

Even He Tianshu, who was present, felt a pang of envy. Why he hadn’t encountered such fortune like Xiaohu when he was starting out? He wished he could be the one bowing before Wen Wenhai now.

Wen Wenhai, seeing Zhang Xiaohu’s bow, did not immediately help him up. He allowed Zhang Xiaohu to perform the three bows fully before helping him rise. The others around also came forward to congratulate Wen Wenhai on taking a new disciple.

Ou Peng then said with a smile: “Alright, this is the council hall. Let’s calm down for now and hold the formal apprenticeship ceremony later. We’ll officially accept Zhang Xiaohu into the Piaomiao Sect then.”

Everyone agreed, saying, “That’s how it should be,” and returned to their seats.

Once everyone was seated again, Ou Peng turned his attention back to Zhang Xiaohua and asked gently: “Zhang Xiaohua, it seems I still don’t know which internal energy cultivation method you’ve acquired.”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and took out a sky-blue booklet from his chest, saying: “I’ve chosen a manual called . Would you like to take a look?”

Upon hearing this, Ou Peng let out a surprised sound and a strange expression appeared on his face. Not only that, but most of the people in the council hall also closed their mouths, put away their smiling faces, and displayed deep, perplexed expressions.

Ou Peng looked at the booklet Zhang Xiaohua was holding and waved his hand, saying: “There’s no need. With so many internal skill manuals in the Scripture Pavilion, you managed to select this one. I have to say, your luck is quite extraordinary. However, choosing this particular manual puts me in a difficult position. None of the disciples in the Piaomiao Sect have ever practiced the . It’s very hard for me to find someone to guide you. Without proper guidance, practicing this internal energy cultivation method on your own can easily lead you astray. Oh, right, I almost forgot, there’s a chance you might not even practice this in the future.”