Chapter 150
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Zhang Xiaohua was puzzled. He had chosen the so why wouldn’t he be practicing it? Could it be that they were worried he might go astray in his cultivation?
Just as he was about to ask, he heard Ou Peng continue: “You choosing this internal energy cultivation manual really puts me in a difficult position. Oh well, let it be.”
After saying this, he beckoned Zhang Chengyue over and whispered a few words to him. Zhang Chengyue looked surprised and couldn’t help but glance over at Zhang Xiaohua several times. After receiving Ou Peng’s instructions, Zhang Chengyue hurriedly left the hall.
Ou Peng then said: “Zhang Xiaohua, your second brother has now become a disciple of the Piaomiao Sect, and you have also obtained an internal energy cultivation manual. Our Piaomiao Sect has always been clear in matters of gratitude and enmity. I believe this repays the kindness we owe you. Are you satisfied with this?”
Zhang Xiaohua quickly stepped forward and respectfully bowed, saying: “Great Sect Master Ou, you are mistaken. My brother and I have received such great kindness from you. We are truly grateful. Thank you for your generosity and for making this all possible, Sect Master Ou.”
Ou Peng then turned to look at Ou Yan and said with a smile: “Yan’er, are you satisfied with how things have been handled?”
Ou Yan smiled brightly and said: “Thank you for your kindness, Big Brother. Little Sister is very satisfied.”
Ou Peng laughed heartily, “Good, good. We’re all family, there’s no need for formality.”
Ou Yan stood up and said: “Brother, I’ve taken up so much of your time. I won’t disturb you any longer while you handle the sect’s matters. I’ll take my leave now.”
Ou Peng replied: “Alright, go and rest. Pay more attention to your health from now on.”
Ou Yan said: “I understand, Big Brother.”
With that, Ou Yan beckoned to Zhang Xiaohua and He Tianshu, who had been silently observing the entire scene, and the three of them left the conference hall together.
Zhang Xiaohua glanced at his second brother, whose eyes were filled with deeply hidden joy and gratitude as he looked at him. Smiling, Zhang Xiaohua nodded and patted his chest, signaling that he had not come away empty-handed either. Then, he followed the somewhat lost He Tianshu out of the hall.
The three of them had just passed through several courtyards and were about to enter the garden when someone called out from behind: “Villa Onwer Ou, please wait a moment.”
Ou Yan and the others stopped at the sound and turned back, seeing someone running toward them from a distance. As the figure got closer, they recognized that it was Zhang Chengyue, Ou Peng’s eldest disciple.
When Zhang Chengyue approached, Ou Yan asked: “Chengyue, does your master have further instructions?”
Zhang Chengyue saluted and replied: “Please wait a moment, Villa Owner. Master has something to give to Zhang Xiaohua.”
Everyone was puzzled upon hearing this. Seeing their confusion, Zhang Chengyue didn’t explain further but smiled as he took out a few thin sheets of paper from his chest and solemnly handed them to Zhang Xiaohua. He said earnestly: “Zhang Xiaohua, this is a technique called ‘Piaomiao Steps’, and these are the instructions for the first three levels. I retrieved them from the Scripture Pavilion at the Master’s request. The internal energy requirements for the first three levels of ‘Piaomiao Steps’ are not high, so you should be able to practice it. However, remember this: the ‘Piaomiao Steps’ technique, and also the ‘Carefree Heart Sutra’, is only for you to practice alone. Without the Piaomiao Sect’s permission, you are not to teach them to anyone else, nor are you allowed to lose the technique. If you do, depending on the severity of the situation, the Piaomiao Sect will punish you, possibly even abolishing your martial arts.”
Zhang Xiaohua asked in confusion: “What kind of technique is this ‘Piaomiao Steps’? Why are there such strict requirements? I don’t know any internal martial arts and have never learned any movement techniques. How am I supposed to practice this?”
Zhang Chengyue continued to smile and replied: “Master has already said that if you have any problems while practicing ‘Piaomiao Steps’, you can ask He Tianshu from the Medicine Hall.”
He then turned to He Tianshu and said: “He Tianshu, you heard what I just said to Zhang Xiaohua, right?”
He Tianshu, reflexively, nodded. However, he was still preoccupied with envying Zhang Xiaohu’s luck and hadn’t been paying much attention. Nevertheless, he replied: “I heard.”
Zhang Chengyue added: “The same rules apply to you as well. Do you understand?”
Still somewhat dazed, He Tianshu responded: “Yes, I understand…”
But before he could finish speaking, He Tianshu suddenly woke up and was overjoyed. He quickly bowed to Zhang Chengyue and said: “Medicine Hall’s He Tianshu understands. Senior Brother Zhang, please convey my thanks to the Sect Master for his grace and generosity.”
Zhang Chengyue nodded and said: “I will certainly pass on your gratitude. This is something you have earned. Well, Miss Ou, I will take my leave now.”
After saying that, he saluted Ou Yan and then swiftly departed.
Zhang Xiaohua, noticing He Tianshu’s deeply moved expression, couldn’t understand why he was so emotional. Tugging at He Tianshu’s sleeve, he pulled him back from staring after the departing figure of Zhang Chengyue, whose shadow had already faded into the distance. Zhang Xiaohua said in confusion: “Captain He, he’s already gone. There’s no need to keep showing gratitude, he can’t see you anymore.”
He Tianshu, still overwhelmed and his eyes glistening, turned back and addressed Ou Yan: “Villa Onwer, the last time this subordinate failed to protect you, causing you to get injured, I thought escaping punishment was already a kindness beyond expectation. I never imagined I would be given such a great opportunity now. It’s something I couldn’t even dream of.”
Ou Yan smiled and reassured him: “Your Sect Master has always been strict with rewards and punishments. During that ambush, your efforts were considerable as well. If it weren’t for you, the situation could have been much worse. If you weren’t rewarded earlier, perhaps it was simply because your Sect Master hadn’t decided how to reward you. Now, this opportunity has come along, so take this chance and practice alongside Zhang Xiaohua.”
He Tianshu humbly deflected the praise, insisting he didn’t deserve such credit.
Listening to the exchange, Zhang Xiaohua remained confused. He poked his head out and asked: “Captain He, what’s so special about this movement technique? Is it really that amazing? How does it compare to the ?”
He Tianshu, hearing this, promptly flicked Zhang Xiaohua on the forehead, scolding him sternly: “It’s one of the Piaomiao Sect’s three great martial techniques! Do you think it’s powerful or not? As for your , I have no idea, but judging from the reactions of everyone in the council hall earlier, it’s probably a mediocre technique.”
Zhang Xiaohua, deflated by this, sighed in a dispirited tone: “But, it’s a second-floor technique, at least it should be better than the ordinary ones on the first floor, right?”
Of course, there was one more thing he didn’t dare to say: “Moreover, this book was taken from the third floor.”
He Tianshu said: “If it were a good cultivation method, would our sect master still need to have the Senior Brother deliver this Piaomiao Step to you?”
Zhang Xiaohua was suddenly enlightened and understood what Ou Peng had said earlier.
Zhang Xiaohua helplessly said: “I guess I’ll just have to practice this useless technique then.”
However, he then laughed at himself and added: “At least it’s better than the ordinary cultivation methods in the martial world.”
Ou Yan, who was listening nearby, comforted him: “Don’t think too much about it. I’ll ask Sister Qin and the others later.”
The three of them then went through the small gate and returned to the Huanxi Villa.
Meanwhile, Head Escort Luo from Lotus Escort Agency felt quite distressed after hearing Fourth Master Wen’s words. His expression changed constantly, full of indecision. However, he had no choice but to come to the small courtyard where Zhang Xiaohu lived, standing outside his little room, pacing back and forth. He didn’t regret speaking ill of others behind their backs but rather regretted not realizing that Huanxi Villa would stand up for Zhang Xiaohua. In fact, in his mind Zhang Xiaohu and his brother as mere country bumpkins who had only been in Pingyang City for less than a year. Zhang Xiaohu had just been lucky to get a chance to practice internal energy techniques at the martial arts hall by taking advantage of Zhang Xiaohua’s injury, and he had also received some private promises from Fourth Master Wen. However, Zhang Xiaohua was injured so badly, yet he didn’t see any loss to Yu Deyi, and Huanxi Mountain Villa didn’t say anything either. So, Head Escort Luo thought that Zhang Xiaohua was just a soft persimmon that anyone could squeeze.
Having Zhang Xiaohua to pay the group’s expenses, in principle, was a matter of fairness. If Zhang Xiaohu paid, it would naturally be irksome to them. If he didn’t pay, I could certainly speak against him in front of Fourth Master Wen. Even if Fourth Master Wen wanted to support Zhang Xiaohu, he would be helpless. The situation was developing according to his plan. Fourth Master Wen had no choice but to call Zhang Xiaohu in for questioning and urge him to pay the fees. However, there was a minor flaw, Zhang Xiaohu had already paid the fees, which made him seem like a villain. Nevertheless, these were minor issues that did not detract from the overall outcome. What surprised him was that Huanxi Villa actually stood up for Zhang Xiaohua over such a trivial matter! Just for a few coins, the master of Huanxi Villa was angry. Although the specific reasons were unclear, Head Escort Luo still felt that there was something shady behind this, and it was indeed risky. It would be better to avoid such things in the future. As for gaining Zhang Xiaohu’s forgiveness, he was quite confident. As a veteran and a Head Escort of the Lotus Escort Agency, he felt that Zhang Xiaohu, a mere porter, would have no choice but to accept his apology if he wanted to continue working with the agency.
Unfortunately, despite Head Escort Luo pacing around the courtyard countless times, and with the sun high in the sky, Zhang Xiaohu still hadn’t appeared. Head Escort Luo lost his patience, instructed a nearby escort who had been watching him tell Zhang Xiaohu to come to see him once he returned, and then walked away with his hands behind his back, muttering: “He’s just a porter, after all.”
As the day turned to dusk, Zhang Xiaohu still hadn’t come to see Head Escort Luo.
Head Escort Luo was growing increasingly angry. Zhang Xiaohu was really getting too big for his boots, did he actually expect me, the Head Escort, to apologize to him? Just then, an escort ran over in a panic, shouting: “Head Escort, it’s not good, it’s not good!”
Seeing this, Head Escort Luo scolded: “What’s wrong? Why are you in such a hurry? Is the sky falling down?”
The escort forced a smile and replied: “It’s not that serious, Head Escort. It’s just that Zhang Xiaohu has returned.”
Head Escort Luo’s frown deepened: “Didn’t you tell him I wanted him to come over?”
The escort responded: “I did tell him that. That’s why I said things were not good.”
“Why is that?” Head Escort Luo asked in surprise.
The escort explained, “Just now, when Zhang Xiaohu returned to the courtyard, I quickly informed him that you had waited for him all morning but didn’t see him. When you left at noon, you instructed him to come to see you as soon as he got back.”
Head Escort Luo spat and scolded: “How could you not even speak properly? Why did you mention that I waited all morning in his courtyard? Just tell him to come to see me directly, why add all the unnecessary details!”
The escort continued: “Yes, I’m at fault for not speaking well. But Zhang Xiaohu, after hearing that, didn’t pay any attention. He just smiled and went into the house. I found it strange and went to the door. I saw Zhang Xiaohu packing his things and asked him what he was doing. Guess what he said?”
Head Escort Luo responded: “How would I know why he’s packing? It can’t be that he’s leaving the escort agency, right?”
The escort exclaimed in surprise: “You’re really clever, Head Escort. No wonder you’re the head escort. That’s exactly what he said. That’s why I hurried to report to you.”
“What? He’s leaving?” Head Escort Luo shouted in alarm and got up from his chair.
He pushed past the escort and hurriedly rushed out the door.
The escort watched as Head Escort Luo quickly disappeared and self-deprecatingly said: “The head escort’s lightness technique is truly impressive, but it’s not like the sky has fallen. It shouldn’t warrant such urgency.”
When Head Escort Luo arrived at Zhang Xiaohu’s small house in a flurry, Zhang Xiaohu had already finished packing.
Head Escort Luo entered the room and asked immediately: “Zhang Xiaohu, I heard you don’t want to work at the escort agency anymore?”
Zhang Xiaohu, seeing it was Head Escort Luo, smiled and said: “Yes, Head Escort. I’ve already settled everything with the accountant and Fourth Master Wen. I’m just packing up and preparing to leave.”
Head Escort Luo frowned and asked: “Everything is settled with the accountant? Make sure there are no loose ends.”
Zhang Xiaohu assured: “Don’t worry, Head Escort. The matters related to the escorting were cleared up a few days ago. Today I’m just collecting my monthly wages. Everything is settled.”
Head Escort Luo said: “Actually, regarding your brother’s issue, I was just dealing with the matter at hand. You know I always think of the agency’s interests and never target you personally…”
Zhang Xiaohu interrupted Head Escort Luo and said: “I understand the Head Escort’s intentions. This matter is in the past; let it stay in the past.”
Head Escort Luo happily asked: “So, does this mean you forgive me, Zhang Xiaohu?”
Saying this, Head Escort Luo took out the ten taels of silver and handed them to Zhang Xiaohu, saying: “Then take back this silver.”
Zhang Xiaohu smiled slightly, looked at Head Escort Luo, and pushed his hand back, saying: “Head Escort Luo has acted with the utmost integrity. I must follow the rules, and naturally, I will heed the Head Escort’s guidance. As for forgiveness or not, it seems the Head Escort Luo is overthinking it. How could I have any complaints about the rules? I’ve already paid my brother’s meal expenses to the accountant, and everything has been settled. There’s no reason to take it back. These ten taels of silver are from Huanxi Villa, and it has nothing to do with me. If Head Escort Luo wishes to return it, you should go to Huanxi Villa, not me.”
Head Escort Luo seemed not to hear and insisted on pushing the money back. Finally, Zhang Xiaohu had no choice but to leave the silver on the table, saying: “Head Escort, why make things difficult for me? Just leave the silver here.”
Head Escort Luo, helpless, said: “Fourth Master Wen told me earlier to ensure I gain your forgiveness no matter what.”
Zhang Xiaohu smiled and said: “As I mentioned earlier, I have no complaints about the rules that benefit the escort agency. There’s really nothing to forgive. Moreover, when I said goodbye to Fourth Master Wen, he didn’t mention this matter. There’s no need for the Head Escort to worry too much.”
Upon hearing this, Head Escort Luo’s mood brightened, and he said with a smile: “In that case, I’ll take it as you’ve forgiven me. Actually, Zhang Xiaohu, you’ve been doing so well at the escort agency. Why resign suddenly? I was thinking of suggesting to Fourth Master Wen that you be promoted to an escort. We could have continued our good cooperation, and I could have trained you to be my deputy. It’s such a shame to lose a good hand like you.”
Zhang Xiaohu smiled and clasped his hands in thanks, saying: “Thank you for your kind intentions, Head Escort, but unfortunately, I’m not destined to enjoy them.”
Head Escort Luo patted Zhang Xiaohu on the shoulder and said: “It’s alright. Zhang Xiaohu, you will always be my best deputy. The door here will always be open for you. If things don’t go well for you outside, you can come to find me anytime, and I will speak well of you to the Chief Escort.”
Zhang Xiaohu, upon hearing this, clasped his hands once more and said: “Alright, I’ll remember Head Escort Luo’s words. I’m taking my leave now. If one day I don’t fare well in the Piaomiao Sect, I will definitely come back to find you. I hope, by then, Head Escort Luo can still offer me a meal.”
After saying this, he picked up his bundle and left without looking back.
Head Escort Luo watched Zhang Xiaohu’s receding figure with a smile and said: “No problem, Zhang Xiaohu. If things don’t go well for you in the Piaomiao Sect, feel free to come find me…”
“What? Piaomiao Sect?!” Head Escort Luo suddenly woke up.
At that moment, the escort who had just delivered the news sneaked in and said to Head Escort Luo: “Head Escort Luo, I just got the news. I heard from Yu Deyi and Yu Lun at the martial arts hall that Zhang Xiaohu somehow struck it lucky and was accepted as a disciple by the Piaomiao Sect. Yu Deyi and Yu Lun are both drinking away their sorrows now.”
With a “Pa”, Head Escort Luo struck the escort’s face and sternly said: “Why didn’t you say this earlier?”
“I only just found out and didn’t I come to tell you immediately?” The escort said, covering his face and feeling wronged.
“You…” Head Escort Luo stomped his foot, pointing at the escort, unsure of what to say. He grabbed the silver from the table and ran out of the room, seemingly to chase after Zhang Xiaohu.
But Zhang Xiaohu had already mounted his horse and, together with the disciples from the Piaomiao Sect, had disappeared to who knows where.
Meanwhile, Zhang Xiaohua was sitting in his small room at Huanxi Villa. On the table lay a sky-blue booklet and a few thin pages covered in writing.
It was none other than the first three layers of the and the .
Zhang Xiaohua first picked up the , quickly flipping through it. Although he had never seen or knew what ordinary internal energy cultivation manuals looked like, from what he could tell, the content of the was understandable. It was divided into eighteen layers, each with specific instructions, taboos, and descriptions of cultivation levels. Everything seemed normal, why Ou Peng said he wouldn’t be able to practice it?
Could it be an incomplete method?
Or perhaps a technique prone to causing inner demons?
While he was pondering this, he suddenly heard someone knocking on the door.
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