Chapter 151

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Zhang Xiaohua tidied up the items on the table and opened the door, only to find Qiu Tong standing outside.

Zhang Xiaohua quickly invited Qiu Tong in. Qiu Tong, smiling brightly, said: “No need for that, Zhang Xiaohua. The young lady sent me to fetch you; they’re waiting for you over there.”

Zhang Xiaohua stepped out of the room and asked: “Sister Qiu Tong, it’s almost time to eat. Why did the villa owner suddenly think of calling for me? Is there something delicious to eat?”

A hint of peculiar expression flashed across Qiu Tong’s face, and her smile widened. She said: “There’s no delicious food, but there’s something very interesting to tell you. You should come with me quickly.”

Zhang Xiaohua’s curiosity was piqued by the mention of something interesting, and he followed Qiu Tong into the inner courtyard.

As they approached the main hall in the inner courtyard, Zhang Xiaohua heard the clear, melodious voice that was like birds and swallows singing. He recognized that it was Great Aunt Qin from the Piaomiao Sect, and recalling that Ou Yan had mentioned earlier asking Sister Qin about the , he guessed there might be news. This made him very happy, and he quickened his pace.

Inside the hall were only Ou Yan and Great Aunt Qin, chatting with each other. Upon hearing footsteps and seeing a familiar figure enter, they exchanged knowing glances and smiled.

Zhang Xiaohua entered the hall, greeted both of them and then sat down in a seat. Looking at Ou Yan, he asked: “Big Sister Ou, did you call me over regarding the ?”

Ou Yan, with a playful look, smiled and said: “That’s right. I’ve already asked Sister Qin about it. You should hear the details from her. Hehe, your luck is truly remarkable.”

Zhang Xiaohua scratched his head and turned his gaze to Great Aunt Qin, asking: ” Sister Qin, what’s going on? Please tell me quickly. I’m really anxious.”

Great Aunt Qin looked at the anxious Zhang Xiaohua and said slowly: “It’s actually quite simple. The Piaomiao Sect is said to have a history of over a thousand years. Throughout this millennium, countless heroes and prodigies have emerged. Many of them were exceptionally talented, and during their martial arts practice, they developed their own insights. Some even became grandmasters and created their own martial arts. The second floor of the Scripture Pavilion not only houses the martial arts manuals passed down through the Piaomiao Sect but also includes some manuals created by these trailblazers. The is an internal energy cultivation method created by a predecessor of the Piaomiao Sect several hundred years ago.”

Hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua let out a slight sigh of relief and said: “Since it’s an internal energy cultivation method, that’s good. I’m not looking for any top-tier techniques, as long as it’s practicable, it’s fine.”

Great Aunt Qin, upon hearing this, was about to speak but first burst into laughter. After taking a sip of water, she said: “Although the is an internal energy cultivation method, it’s more accurate to describe it as a method of self-hypnosis.”

“Hypnosis? A method?” Zhang Xiaohua was a bit confused and asked: “What does that have to do with internal energy cultivation?”

Great Aunt Qin continued: “The predecessor who created the was said to be exceptionally intelligent. On the second floor of the Scripture Pavilion, there are also other internal energy and palm techniques he created. However, this predecessor had a particular problem, perhaps he overused his brain. He often couldn’t sleep at night, which is commonly known as insomnia. To cure this insomnia, he consulted many doctors from both the sect and the martial world, but nothing worked. Later, he decided that relying on others was not as good as relying on himself. As he grew older and accumulated internal energy, he began to work on a solution to his insomnia. After ten years of diligent research, he finally developed the . The term ‘Carefree’ means without worries. To him, being able to sleep soundly was the most wonderful and carefree thing in the world.”

“Ah~” Zhang Xiaohua was stunned and exclaimed: “This… this predecessor was quite extravagant. Creating an internal energy cultivation method just to ensure he could sleep soundly? Even if that were the case, there’s no need to place this booklet in the Scripture Pavilion, right?”

Great Aunt Qin covered her mouth and laughed, saying: “There’s nothing to be done. This predecessor made significant contributions to the Piaomiao Sect. Many of his martial arts manuals and insights are preserved in the Scripture Pavilion, and naturally, this is no exception. However, this anecdote is well-known among the mid-to-upper levels of the sect. So, when selecting internal energy techniques for disciples, this book is never chosen. It has become an open secret within the Piaomiao Sect. Apart from its creator, no one else has probably ever looked at this .”

Hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua’s heart stirred, and he tentatively asked: “Sister Qin, could you help me see how this should be cultivated? Or maybe check if this is really the ?”

Great Aunt Qin shook her head repeatedly and said: “I haven’t seen this myself, so I can’t verify its authenticity. Moreover, without the Sect Master’s consent, how could I dare to privately examine the ? Even if it’s not a genuine internal energy cultivation method, the Sect Master must have informed you of the precautions. You must be careful not to let anyone else see its contents, as this is against the sect rules.”

“Ugh.” Zhang Xiaohua thought to himself: “The sect rules are so stringent. How can I know whether this is the same as the one they’re talking about?”

However, he still felt a flicker of excitement and anticipation in his heart. Perhaps the one he took from the third floor is indeed not the same as the one they mentioned. But if this is indeed the same as the one they refer to, his luck is truly extraordinary. There are many internal skill manuals on the second floor, he randomly picked one and happened to get the . Thinking about the small box placed on the square table rather than on the bookshelf, Zhang Xiaohua’s heart skipped a beat. Maybe it was treated specially because it’s not a genuine internal energy cultivation method. “Sigh,” Zhang Xiaohua lamented: “My luck is really terrible.”

Ou Yan, who was beside him, laughed and said:, “You really have good luck. Why are you unhappy?”

Zhang Xiaohua forced a smile and said: “It’s just my luck to pick this ? This thing might be useful to others, but I never suffer from insomnia. I sleep soundly, and once I fall asleep, I can’t be woken up. How could I possibly use this ?”

With that, all three in the hall burst into laughter. They had heard about Zhang Xiaohua’s experiences in the small town from He Tianshu, and they never imagined someone could fall asleep on the road while walking. In this case, the seemed like nothing but useless to Zhang Xiaohua.

However, Ou Yan still advised: “I said your luck is good, not just here, but with the ‘Piaomiao Step’.”

Great Aunt Qin also added: “Yes, the ‘Piaomiao Step’ is on the third floor of the library, and it’s not something just anyone can cultivate. If you had gone to pick it yourself, you might not have been able to select it. But now, without any effort, you’ve obtained the first three layers of the technique. How could this not be good luck?”

Hearing Great Aunt Qin’s high praise for the ‘Piaomiao Step’, Zhang Xiaohua’s mood lifted slightly, and he curiously asked: “The ‘Piaomiao Step’ is a footwork technique, right? What is its use?”

Great Aunt Qin smiled and said: “Lack of knowledge is truly frightening. Let me enlighten you. The Piaomiao Sect has three great skills: , , and . The ‘Piaomiao Seven Swords’ is a sword technique, when used it can shake the heavens and make ghosts and gods cry. The ‘Piaomiao Divine Technique’ is our sect’s renowned internal energy technique, also extremely powerful. As for the ‘Piaomiao Step’, it is a lightness technique.”

“Lightness technique?” Zhang Xiaohua was thrilled. This was a martial art he had long admired.

“Yes, the is a form of lightness skill, allowing one to move with exceptional agility. But it has other valuable aspects too. When used in combat, in conjunction with your fist techniques, sword techniques, and so forth, it becomes an unparalleled movement technique, enhancing the effectiveness of your other martial arts by a significant margin.” Great Aunt Qin explained.

“Wow, that’s amazing. Doesn’t that mean I’ve struck it rich?” Zhang Xiaohua grinned from ear to eat.

Great Aunt Qin continued: “Yes, that’s why it is considered one of the three great skills of the Piaomiao Sect. You’ve indeed hit the jackpot.”

Zhang Xiaohua nodded thoughtfully, understanding why He Tianshu had been so excited when he heard that he could practice the .

Seeing Zhang Xiaohua so pleased, Great Aunt Qin decided to bring him back to reality with a slight reprimand: “However, the is divided into nine layers, and you’ve only obtained the first three. You don’t even know whether you’ve got the close-combat stepping techniques or the light-body skills for leaping across roofs and walls.”

Zhang Xiaohua, slightly carried away, reached into his chest and said: “Why don’t we just take a look?”

Ou Yan’s voice sharply interrupted him: “Zhang Xiaohua!”

Hearing Ou Yan’s scolding, Zhang Xiaohua immediately realized his mistake. His face flushed, and he sheepishly responded: “Sister Ou.”

Ou Yan, seeing that he understood, softened her tone and said: “Zhang Xiaohua, the Piaomiao Sect’s rules are not to be taken lightly. Every word spoken in the council hall, and every instruction given by Zhang Chengyue, you must remember. If you break the rules, no one will spare you just because you’re young. In fact, you might not know this, but there are many disciples in the sect younger than you who are diligently practicing their skills and constantly reciting the rules. You may have had some fortunate opportunities, but never let your guard down.”

Zhang Xiaohua nodded carefully, replying: “I understand, Villa Owner Ou. I won’t dare do it again.”

Great Aunt Qin added seriously: “Possessing a valuable treasure can bring misfortune if not handled properly. Some things must be kept in the heart and never spoken aloud. If others find out that you have the techniques, you will never have peace, and your life might even be in danger.”

This was the second time Zhang Xiaohua had heard this proverb: A common man is innocent, but treasuring a jade ring can bring guilt. He realized that, indeed, he had been acting somewhat immaturely, relying on his youth to get away with careless actions and words. But if someone with malicious intent noticed him, it could spell trouble. He made up his mind to be more cautious from now on.

Great Aunt Qin continued: “In fact, even if you were to take out the techniques, I still wouldn’t dare look at them. Without the sect master’s permission, I am not allowed to practice any of the sect’s martial arts, let alone one of the three great skills.”

Zhang Xiaohua finally understood the depth of the situation. If not for Ou Peng’s deep care for his younger sister, and if he hadn’t risked his life to save Ou Yan, how could he have possibly been bestowed with such profound martial arts techniques? Not to mention that his second brother, Zhang Xiaohu, had also benefited by joining the Piaomiao Sect. It was clear now that taking that powerful blow from the black-clad elder was not in vain!

As Zhang Xiaohua appeared somewhat dazed, Ou Yan addressed him: “Zhang Xiaohua, remember this well. If you don’t understand , you may ask He Tianshu for guidance, he has the sect master’s permission. However, no one else is allowed to learn it, not even your brother Zhang Xiaohu. As for the , you may keep it as a memento, but you mustn’t let anyone else see it, and you absolutely cannot lose it. If you feel it’s unsafe to keep, you could burn it to be sure.”

Zhang Xiaohua hesitantly asked: “What if I returned it to Sect Master Ou?”

Ou Yan responded proudly: “The Piaomiao Sect does not take back what it has given. If that were the case, Zhang Chengyue would have reclaimed the technique when he gave it to you. Why wait until now?”

Zhang Xiaohua finally realized the magnitude of the sect’s prestige and rules. This was no ordinary sect, and its way of doing things reflected its noble standing.

He bowed and said: “I understand, Sister Ou.”

Satisfied that her lesson had been imparted, Ou Yan softened and said: “Alright then, it’s getting late. You should head back and rest.”

Zhang Xiaohua quickly rose to bid farewell. As he walked out, he couldn’t help but grumble to himself: “After all that lecturing, they could at least have offered me a meal as a reward.”

With these thoughts in mind, he made his way back to his small room. Truthfully, Zhang Xiaohua was still skeptical about what Great Aunt  Qin had said regarding the . Even if that genius Piaomiao Sect elder had truly invented some kind of hypnotic technique, could it really span eighteen levels? It seemed far-fetched. If such a technique really existed, the elder’s other works would surely have become legendary by now. His deepest thought, though, was that this book was not something he had “randomly“ picked up from the second floor. He still harbored a glimmer of hope, maybe, just maybe, this manual wasn’t as simple as it seemed.

Ou Yan’s warning completely shattered his little scheme. Out of the two books, only the could be practiced together with He Tianshu, while the would have to be enjoyed by him alone. It could be said that while someone had come before him, there would be none after him. The big label on the stating it was for curing insomnia made it unlikely anyone would choose this book from the library. Even if someone had insomnia or memory loss, they wouldn’t pick this one. Who would be as foolish as Zhang Xiaohua, to leave behind perfectly good martial arts manuals? Of course, if another martial arts novice came along, they might also casually pick this “worthless” book. However, after Zhang Xiaohua’s example today in the council hall, it’s certain that this story would be passed down through the ages as a lesson for others. No one would ever make this foolish mistake again.

As he thought about this, Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but imitate a hungry wolf under the moonlight, howling towards the sky: “The ancients were right—information is the most valuable thing!”

After dinner, Zhang Xiaohua went to his usual training spot and practiced both the Big Dipper Divine Fist and the Left-Handed Sword in their entirety. Now, the Big Dipper Divine Fist could be used in regular combat, while the Left-Handed Sword was a life-saving technique that Zhang Xiaohua dared not use unless absolutely necessary. Thinking about the upcoming practice of the Piaomiao Steps, Zhang Xiaohua felt a bit of excitement. Once he learned footwork and lightness techniques, his martial arts foundation would be more solid. Aside from internal energy cultivation, he could consider himself a martial artist with a small place in the martial world. Could this mean that he had achieved his initial goal when leaving Guo Village?

As Zhang Xiaohua walked out of the forest, he was still puzzled. Where had He Tianshu gone? Judging by how ecstatic he looked at noon, could it be that he had gone mad from joy? If it were Zhang Xiaohua, he definitely wouldn’t be this calm. He would have already sought someone to ask for the training methods. After all, Zhang Xiaohua had no knowledge of cultivation and everything depended on He Tianshu teaching him. It made sense to let He Tianshu take a look first. Yet, he hadn’t seen any trace of him all afternoon. What could he have been doing?

When Zhang Xiaohua returned to the small courtyard, he saw that He Tianshu’s room was still lit, so he walked over and knocked on the door.

Sure enough, He Tianshu’s voice came from inside: “Come in.”

Zhang Xiaohua pushed open the door and asked with concern: “Captain He, are you okay?”

He Tianshu was surprised and said: “I’m fine. Why? Do I look like I’m not doing well, Zhang Xiaohua?”

Zhang Xiaohua said, “No, it’s not that. Your complexion looks smooth and radiant, and you seem very healthy. What I meant was, why didn’t you come looking for me all afternoon?”

Upon hearing this, He Tianshu’s expression changed, and he said: “You have the nerve to ask that, Zhang Xiaohua! After all, I taught you martial arts, yet you don’t even appreciate my kindness?”

Zhang Xiaohua was puzzled and asked: “Captain He, what do you mean? You are my first martial arts teacher; how could I not appreciate your help?”

He Tianshu blurted out: “If you know I’m your first teacher, why didn’t you come find me earlier?”

Zhang Xiaohua suddenly understood. Ah, he had misinterpreted things. It wasn’t that He Tianshu wasn’t eager to see the method; it was just that his pride got in the way, and he didn’t want to ask for it directly.

Zhang Xiaohua then smiled and said: “Captain He, don’t be upset. It’s just that I don’t understand social etiquette. I was still waiting for you to come and get it.”

He Tianshu’s expression softened, and he said: “It’s not that I didn’t want to get it. But the ‘Piaomiao Steps’ was given to you by the Sect Master. My role is only to guide you when you don’t understand something. How could I just ask you for it directly?”

Zhang Xiaohua thought to himself: “Oh, keep pretending. If this had been a year ago, maybe I would have believed you. But now, you can’t fool me.”

So, Zhang Xiaohua took out the ‘Piaomiao Steps’ manual from his pocket and handed it to He Tianshu, saying: “Then please, Captain He, take a look and guide me through it.”

He Tianshu smiled and was just about to take it when he suddenly seemed to remember something. He asked: “Have you looked at it yet? Did you encounter any problems?”

Zhang Xiaohua replied: “I haven’t looked at it yet. You go ahead and take a look first.”

Upon hearing this, He Tianshu reached out to take the manual, but the temptation of the secret technique made him hesitate. If he took it, he’d be yielding to the allure of the manual, but if he didn’t, he recalled Zhang Chengyue’s instructions—he was only supposed to guide Zhang Xiaohua. What should he do?