Chapter 153

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Zhang Xiaohua was horrified. What kind of person is this, not only discouraging others from learning properly but also forbidding them from practicing martial arts? What is one supposed to do then?

Seeing Zhang Xiaohua’s confusion, He Tianshu whispered: “Do you know what I was doing last night?”

Zhang Xiaohua thought for a moment and said: “Since you didn’t go to the Drunken Fragrance Building, you must have stayed in the house. Could it be that you read that thing all night?”

Zhang Xiaohua used a metaphor in his last comment.

He Tianshu laughed: “Yes, didn’t you see the bloodshot in my eyes? I watched it for the entire night. It was truly exceptional. I’ve never experienced such pleasure in my life. Being able to see it once, truly made my life worthwhile.”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said: “Is it really that good? Then I must take a good look at it myself.”

He Tianshu gave him a look and said: “You’re still young, don’t rush it. Let me enjoy it first before I show you.”

“You promised that you’d show it to me as soon as you’re done.” Zhang Xiaohua insisted.

He Tianshu looked around and said: “Alright, it’s too crowded here to talk. Hurry up and eat. After you finish, come to my room, and I’ll show it to you so you can enjoy it too.”

Under He Tianshu’s urging, Zhang Xiaohua ate the fastest breakfast he had since arriving at the Huanxi Villa. Then, the two of them, under the puzzled gaze of Nie Xiao’er and the others, quickly left.

Once they returned to He Tianshu’s small room, He Tianshu carefully looked around to ensure no one was following. After confirming that they were alone, he closed the door and said to Zhang Xiaohua: “Zhang Xiaohua, you don’t know what you missed. As the ancients say: It’s not that you don’t recognize good things, but that good things fear comparison. As a direct disciple of the Piaomiao Sect, I always thought what I learned was the essence of the sect. But after reading the Piaomiao Steps last night, I realized that all that was just dross, garbage, not even worth comparing to the Piaomiao Steps. Ah, truly worthy of being one of the Piaomiao Sect’s three great divine techniques.”

Zhang Xiaohua was baffled and asked: “Captain He, what does this mean? Isn’t the Piaomiao Steps just a type of footwork? How can it be so amazing?”

He Tianshu smirked and said: “I knew that telling you would be like playing a lute to a cow; you wouldn’t understand without my level of insight.”

Zhang Xiaohua replied: “Captain He, don’t forget, this is about the Piaomiao Steps, and it was specifically addressed by our sect master. You have to explain it!”

Hearing this, He Tianshu reluctantly explained: “The Piaomiao Steps are considered amazing precisely because they are a type of footwork. You see, the first layer of the initial three layers is about basic lightness skills. The Piaomiao Steps are different from other lightness skills; they don’t require much internal energy. Instead, they rely more on the environment and the practitioner’s inertia. So, they are particularly suitable for someone like you who lacks internal energy. Then, in the second layer, it describes a type of footwork suitable for narrow spaces. According to what it says, if mastered, during a battle, no matter how the enemy’s blade swings at you, as long as you use the footwork, the blade won’t even touch you.”

“Ah!?” Zhang Xiaohua’s mouth dropped open. “Is it really that incredible?”

“Yes, I couldn’t believe it myself when I read it yesterday.” He Tianshu said excitedly.

Zhang Xiaohua quickly asked: “So, when can I learn it?”

“Well, I still need to study it further and understand it completely before I can teach you.” He Tianshu said with some embarrassment.

After hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua’s lips curled into a slight smile as he thought: “Heh, people often say I have poor talent, but look at you. Aren’t you also struggling? It seems this footwork is quite complex, and you can’t learn it immediately.”

Zhang Xiaohua’s guess was correct. Although He Tianshu’s talent was indeed much better than Zhang Xiaohua’s, in the highly competitive Piaomiao Sect, he was not outstanding. The Piaomiao Steps, renowned as one of the Piaomiao Sect’s three great divine techniques, was not something that could be easily mastered by just anyone. Even someone as gifted as Ou Peng could only achieve substantial progress with the help of medicinal herbs. For He Tianshu to hope to learn it thoroughly in one night was nothing short of wishful thinking.

However, since Ou Peng was willing to let him practice this footwork, it naturally meant that there was some consideration behind it. The techniques of the first three layers were just the basics of the divine skill, with requirements not as high as those above the fourth layer. The real essence of the Piaomiao Step lay in the fourth layer and beyond, which was a secret of the Piaomiao Sect that was not passed down to anyone other than direct disciples.

Therefore, Ou Peng knew that with Zhang Xiaohua’s talent alone, it would be impossible to master it without guidance. This is why he brought He Tianshu, who had never received any rewards, into the fold. It must be said that this was an opportunity for He Tianshu.

After Zhang Xiaohua shared the joy he had been holding in all night, He Tianshu drove him out, saying: “I’ll be studying your martial arts future here today. As for the affairs in the herb field, let Nie Xiao’er handle them for now. And don’t slack off yourself. Go over there and check on things. Remember, you can only learn if I learn first, so don’t drag me down.”

Zhang Xiaohua was speechless. He had been going to the herb field every day recently and had no intention of slacking off. Moreover, Villa Owner Ou had promised that he could go if he wanted to, and it was fine if he didn’t go.

When Zhang Xiaohua arrived at the herb field, he saw Nie Xiao’er and others whispering together. When they saw Zhang Xiaohua approach, they scattered like birds and beasts.

Zhang Xiaohua found it strange that after not being at the herb field for two days, things felt so unfamiliar. They had been chatting only this morning while having breakfast, hadn’t they?

So, Zhang Xiaohua walked over to Nie Xiao’er, who was not far away. Nie Xiao’er squinted at Zhang Xiaohua with a somewhat ambiguous expression. Zhang Xiaohua was even more puzzled and asked: “Brother Xiao’er, what were you all talking about just now?”

Nie Xiao’er replied: “Oh, we weren’t talking about anything important. Just a bit of casual chat.”

Zhang Xiaohua asked: “Then continue chatting. Why did you stop when I arrived?”

“Ah~” Nie Xiao’er sighed and said: “There’s nothing much to chat about. It’s not as interesting as the Drunken Fragrance Building. Besides, we don’t have any spring palace to look at, just chatting aimlessly.”

“Drunken Fragrance Building? Spring palace?” Zhang Xiaohua seemed to understand something but didn’t want to pursue an explanation. He smiled slightly and was about to walk away.

But Nie Xiao’er wouldn’t let him go. He grabbed Zhang Xiaohua’s wrist and asked: “Where did you get that spring palace? You’ve been hiding it in the room and showing it to Captain He all night? Why isn’t he coming to the herb field?”

Zhang Xiaohua looked at Nie Xiao’er seriously and said: “Brother Xiao’er, when did you learn about these things?”

Nie Xiao’er curled his lip and replied: “You guys talked about it during breakfast. Do you think we’re fools who can’t understand?”

Zhang Xiaohua asked helplessly: “Then have you ever seen Captain He looking at these things before?”

“Not really.” Nie Xiao’er thought for a moment and then answered: “But that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t look at them now.”

Zhang Xiaohua said seriously: Brother “Xiao’er, it’s wrong to judge a gentleman’s heart with your own narrow mind. Captain He is a disciple of your Piaomiao Sect with ambition, ideals, and confidence, and is a model for you to learn from. You shouldn’t make assumptions about his behavior based on just a few words. If Captain He knew, he would definitely report you to your hall master for defamation.”

Nie Xiao’er got anxious and asked: “But if you’re not looking at those things, why all the secrecy?”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled slightly, held up a finger, shook it, and said: “Not to be disclosed, not to be disclosed.”

Then he left the confused Nie Xiao’er and went to the herb field.

The herb field still looked the same. The land where the seeds hadn’t sprouted was bare, while the seeds that had germinated were still growing, and the ones that had matured were standing upright in the gentle breeze. Although it was spring, a time of revival and vitality, the herb field presented a different scene.

Zhang Xiaohua had been reading books for a long time and had gained quite a bit of knowledge. He knew that medicinal herbs took years to grow. If they were harvested annually, they would not be called medicinal herbs but crops. The longer the herbs grew, the more valuable and potent they became.

However, wild grasses didn’t care whether you were growing expensive medicinal herbs or cheap crops. They thrived vigorously in the spring, growing wildly. Normally, the task of weeding would be manageable for Tian Chongxi and Ma Jing, but why was it necessary for people from the Piaomiao Sect’s Medicinal Hall to handle it? Zhang Xiaohua had never really understood that.

Aside from the secrecy aspect, it could only be said that the Piaomiao Sect was wealthy and influential, with plenty of talented individuals. Sending a few disciples who are good at internal martial arts to weed the fields might just be a way to show off the sect’s prestige.

During the midday break, Zhang Xiaohua went to the forest and diligently practiced the Big Dipper Divine Fist eight times. The hot flow, as expected, spread throughout his body with the movements of the fist technique. Zhang Xiaohua was now truly convinced that he had genuinely entered the second layer of the Big Dipper Divine Fist. What remained to be tested was whether he could break the daily limit of nine warm currents. If it was indeed the case that each layer could increase in frequency, he wondered how many times the second layer could appear in a day.

Under Zhang Xiaohua’s relentless pursuit, he decided to stay in the forest in the afternoon and continue practicing. Since Ou Yan had already said he could practice as he wished, Zhang Xiaohua made full use of this permission. As a result, after the ninth appearance of the warm current, Zhang Xiaohua eagerly started the tenth round of eight repetitions. Sure enough, when he began the eightieth repetition of the North Dipper Divine Fist, the previously warm flow started to circulate throughout his body again. After finishing his practice and retracting his fists, Zhang Xiaohua noticed that the sun was setting in the west, with endless colorful clouds in the sky, and twilight was approaching.

Thinking that he could still practice in the evening, Zhang Xiaohua gave up trying the eleventh round. Compared to the progress in his fist technique, he was more frustrated with his Carefree Heart Sutra internal energy. Although he was mentally prepared, facing the harsh reality, he couldn’t help but feel discouraged. Seeing that it was still early, Zhang Xiaohua sat down cross-legged and began practicing the unique methods of the Heart Sutra. It wasn’t until it was completely dark and his stomach began to growl that Zhang Xiaohua slowly left the forest. His calm face showed no sign of joy or anger. As the ancients said, “Adversity leads to progress”. Even in the endless failures, Zhang Xiaohua seemed to have gained something.

What was astonishing was that He Tianshu didn’t go for dinner!

This was something Zhang Xiaohua found unbelievable. In his mind, nothing was more important than eating. As the ancients said, “Food is the most important thing to the people”. Zhang Xiaohua remembered reading this phrase in a book and couldn’t help but feel a deep resonance; it really spoke to his heart.

He Tianshu’s skipping of meals puzzled him. After all, isn’t it just a mysterious footwork technique? There was no need to neglect food and sleep over it. Of course, as He Tianshu’s close partner and part-time disciple, Zhang Xiaohua had often brought food back for him. Even Nie Xiao’er had begun to doubt whether Zhang Xiaohua was bringing dinner for He Tianshu or just a midnight snack for himself.

When Zhang Xiaohua eagerly brought his concern to He Tianshu’s small house, he opened the door and was about to enter but had to retract his step upon seeing the scene inside.

The room was pitch black, with no lights on. Through the dimness, he could vaguely see a figure slumped over a desk, with even breaths and soft snores coming through. Zhang Xiaohua immediately understood that He Tianshu had fallen asleep from exhaustion.

Zhang Xiaohua withdrew his step, gently closed the door, and returned to his own room. Looking at the snacks and other items in his hand, he felt a quiet joy, thinking about the rich evening meal he would enjoy!

After a brief rest, Zhang Xiaohua ran to the forest to practice his fist technique. He was eager to know whether he could experience the flow for the eleventh time.

Unfortunately, after finishing eight rounds of the Big Dipper Divine Fist, the flow did not appear. Zhang Xiaohua didn’t mind. After practicing his left-handed sword technique for a while, he sat cross-legged and began practicing the “Nine Shallow, One Deep” breathing technique.

The spring night breeze was cool and refreshing. Many plants had turned green, and the world was full of vitality. Zhang Xiaohua sat calmly, and through the breathing of “Nine Shallow Breaths, One Deep Breath”, he quickly entered a peaceful state—a realm of no joy, no sorrow, and tranquility. One must admit, that this special breathing technique was quite effective.

Once he had adjusted his state, Zhang Xiaohua began searching for the scattered Yuan Qi around him. Perhaps it was the wrong method, or perhaps Zhang Xiaohua lacked the aptitude, or maybe there was simply no Yuan Qi of Heaven and Earth around him. In any case, after a long time, Zhang Xiaohua still hadn’t detected any traces of Yuan Qi.

Moreover, even though Zhang Xiaohua had deliberately opened all his pores, the endless starlight in the starry sky above didn’t surge into his body as it had the previous night.

After toiling for a while without sensing any energy, Zhang Xiaohua stood up, not the least bit discouraged. Though he was still a young boy, after a night of practicing the Carefree Heart Sutra, it seemed to have had a slight impact on Zhang Xiaohua’s state of mind. He began to feel a sense of calmness, indifferent to both success and failure.

As he passed by He Tianshu’s small house, it was still dark, indicating that his cheap master was likely still deep in his dreams.

After reading for a while, Zhang Xiaohua, just like the previous night, sat on his kang bed cross-legged with his five hearts facing the sky. Before long, Zhang Xiaohua fell asleep.

[TL_Note: Five Hearts are the two palms, the two soles of the feet, and the chest]

Soon, the endless starlight surrounded Zhang Xiaohua like moths drawn to a flame. Compared to the forest, Zhang Xiaohua’s “Nine Shallow Breaths, One Deep Breath” had not changed, and his pores were still open. The only difference might have been the flickering lights in his dreams. Perhaps these flickering lights made Zhang Xiaohua’s breathing come alive, resonating with the stars in the sky, which then drew the starlight to him.

Perhaps? Maybe? Definitely?

No one could say for sure.

However, the flow of Yuan Qi within Zhang Xiaohua’s body was real. The Yuan Qi that had been dormant in his middle dantian during the day now came alive, lively and energetic, joyfully absorbing the starlight. Under the flickering light, it continuously merged, transformed, and compressed.

If observed closely, one could notice that the Yuan Qi in his body grew slightly after completing a full cycle. However, the growth was minimal and insignificant compared to the influx of starlight.

After a night of cultivation, the Yuan Qi in Zhang Xiaohua’s body had increased a lot, but this was still in the early stages of transitioning from qualitative to quantitative change. The amount of energy was still very small. Even if Zhang Xiaohua tried to circulate his Yuan Qi, he couldn’t feel much of it. He could only sigh in self-pity, wondering where the Yuan Qi was and why he couldn’t sense any of it.

After several days of cultivation like this, there was still no movement from He Tianshu’s side. Zhang Xiaohua wasn’t in a rush, though. After all, he was still searching for his sense of energy. Without inner energy, what use was the lightness skill? Even if He Tianshu taught him, he wouldn’t be able to perform it without internal energy.

However, things often happen unexpectedly. One morning, just as Zhang Xiaohua was about to head out to the forest to practice martial arts, a dark shadow leaped over the courtyard wall and landed from the sky, startling him. When Zhang Xiaohua looked closely, it was none other than He Tianshu, sporting two large dark circles under his eyes.

Zhang Xiaohua looked at He Tianshu in surprise and said_ “Captain He, not sleeping can affect your looks. Though we men don’t need to be overly concerned with appearances, you might still want to take care of yourself a little. If the head of the Medicine Hall sees you like this, they might ask Sect Master Ou to pay us overtime fees.”

He Tianshu seemed to be in a good mood and didn’t mind Zhang Xiaohua’s playful remark. He said: “Come on, Zhang Xiaohua, let’s go to the forest where you practice your punches. I’ll first teach you the basic techniques of the Piaomiao Step.”

Zhang Xiaohua, overjoyed, asked: “Captain He, have you mastered the first level?”

He Tianshu replied proudly: “Of course! Captain He is one of the outstanding members of the Piaomiao Sect, after all.”

“Hehe, is that so?” Zhang Xiaohua teased with a smile.

He Tianshu frowned and said: “Stop wasting time. Let’s go quickly. After I teach you, I still have to study the next part.”

Zhang Xiaohua followed He Tianshu into the forest. Once there, He Tianshu began to explain in detail the insights he’d gained over the past few days of practicing. It turned out that the Piaomiao Step’s lightness skill was quite different from other lightness techniques. It was more of a technique, specifically, a method of application of footwork and inner energy. The reason it had taken He Tianshu so long to practice wasn’t just because he was learning the Piaomiao Step’s techniques, but more importantly, he had to modify his previous lightness skill, incorporating his understanding of the Piaomiao Step into his existing body movements.

After He Tianshu finished his explanation, Zhang Xiaohua pondered for a while, just about to speak when He Tianshu cut in: “You didn’t get it, right? It’s fine. I’ll explain it again.”

He prepared to begin a second round of explanations, but Zhang Xiaohua quickly interrupted: “No, Captain He, I understood. I was just hoping you could demonstrate it for me.”

He Tianshu, not quite believing his ears, asked again_ “Really? Do you truly understand? This is something I’ve spent several days thinking about, and you understood it all at once?”

Zhang Xiaohua thought for a moment and replied: “Yes, Captain He, I think I really do understand.”