Chapter 156

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Chapter 156: Two Difficulties

Zhang Xiaohua listened in silence for a moment.

He had only wanted to get his second brother into the Piaomiao Sect, to escape the dangerous life of the escort agency and to practice advanced martial arts. He didn’t have any other extravagant desires. Wen Wenhai also had good intentions and, with a bit of a prior connection, took him as his disciple. It seemed like a stroke of luck.

However, all this good fortune, in the eyes of others, was just fuel for jealousy. It made people irrationally reject this lucky, seemingly shallow villager from the bottom of their hearts.

At this moment, Zhang Xiaohua deeply felt that human nature is truly the most unpredictable thing in the world. Even in the Piaomiao Sect, which he regarded as a holy land in his mind, it was hard to avoid worldly concerns. Was pushing his second brother into this spotlight right or wrong?

Just a moment ago, he had been lively and happy, but now he felt somewhat gloomy.

Fortune is also the source of calamity; the ancients were not wrong!

Li Jinfeng, who was perceptive, had already noticed Zhang Xiaohua’s change. He patted his shoulder with a smile and said: “Xiaohua, don’t take it too seriously. After all, they don’t know the details, so it’s inevitable they will speculate and make assumptions. It’s not uncommon for people to grasp at shadows. You must learn to stay calm. This kind of controversy is the best test of character, it’s the best way to hone one’s nature. The more you experience, the more you will learn to be at ease around trivial matters. Which is worth more than reading thousands of books. If you only stay in the realm of old papers, who can truly grow?”

Zhang Xiaohua managed a forced smile and said: “I understand, Big Brother Li. I just feel a bit uncomfortable. I did this for my second brother, and yet it has led to so much gossip. If they talk like this even in front of Captain He, I can’t imagine what they’re saying behind his back.”

Li Jinfeng smiled and stopped trying to offer further advice. Such matters could only be understood through personal experience; speaking more about it was pointless. Zhang Xiaohua was still young, and having such thoughts was not bad. It would be strange if he were indifferent and understood people’s hearts at this age.

He Tianchu listened and chuckled: “Zhang Xiaohua, you’re overthinking. They’re just saying that the grapes are sour because they can’t eat them. How could it be their turn to point fingers at such matters involving the sect master? They’re just venting their frustrations, don’t worry.”

It’s often said that outsiders have clearer perspectives, while those involved are more confused, and Zhang Xiaohua understood this principle but still couldn’t shake off his unease.

Behind the archway was a large plaza, facing a grand main gate adorned with intricate carvings, but the gate was tightly closed. He Tianchu led the two of them towards a side door and explained: “The main gate is usually reserved for the sect master or esteemed guests. For ordinary visits in the sect, we use the side doors.”

Li Jinfeng nodded: “I’ve read about these rules in books before. I thought they were outdated customs, especially in this modern era. It’s commendable that your sect still retains such ancient customs.”

He Tianchu smiled and said: “Brother Li, as a scholar, you naturally have a scholarly perspective. We martial artists, however, adhere to old customs and appreciate traditional ways. Such rules are common in the martial world. With time, you’ll come to understand.”

Li Jinfeng clasped his hands in thanks: “I’ve learned a lot, I’ve learned a lot.”

As the two continued talking, Zhang Xiaohua’s mind was elsewhere. After walking for a while, they reached a lush green area.

He Tianchu stopped and said: “This is the living area for the sect master and the personal disciples of the elders. We’ll need to inquire to find out where Zhang Xiaohu is staying.”

Just then, a young man with a round face and an arrogant demeanor walked out from a nearby building.

He Tianchu quickly approached him and bowed: “I am He Tianchu from the Medicine Hall. I came to visit Zhang Xiaohu, the newly accepted disciple of Senior Brother Wen Wenhai, but I don’t know where’s staying. Could this brother tell me something?”

The young man already had an aloof expression, and upon hearing He Tianchu’s words, his frown deepened, as if he had encountered a bothersome fly. He grudgingly returned the courtesy and impatiently pointed to the left: “Go forward fifty steps. The door with a small tree in front is where he is.”

Without waiting for He Tianchu to thank him, the young man brushed his sleeves and walked away, muttering to himself: “Another group of opportunists. Can’t they just focus on their martial arts? Always trying to take shortcuts. It seems I’ll have to ask someone to put up a sign there. I’ve been a guide several times in the past few days without any reason.”

He Tianchu watched the young man’s behavior with confusion. He had followed the proper etiquette while asking for directions, so why was the response so cold?

The three of them walked forward and indeed saw a small tree at the entrance of a courtyard.

Zhang Xiaohua hurried forward and knocked on the door.

After a while, Zhang Xiaohu’s voice came from inside: “Zhang Xiaohu is not here, he went to the training ground to practice martial arts.”

Zhang Xiaohua was taken aback, rubbed his ears, and shouted in amazement: “Second brother, it’s Xiaohua! I can hear your voice—how can you be at the training ground?”

Immediately, a surprised voice replied from inside: “Haha, Xiaohua, just a moment.”

The door creaked open, and Zhang Xiaohu poked his head out. Seeing the three people at the door, he was very pleased and quickly let them in. Then, he carefully looked outside to ensure no one was around before closing the courtyard gate tightly.

He Tianchu and the others stood beside Zhang Xiaohu, observing his strange behavior with curiosity. Zhang Xiaohua even asked: “Second brother, what’s going on? Did you owe someone money?”

Zhang Xiaohu turned and smiled wryly: “Come inside and I’ll explain.”

The courtyard was quite refined. In the corner, there was an open space with weapons and stone locks used for training. The courtyard was arranged similarly to the layout of the Huanxi Villa, with a stone table and stone benches in the middle. Since the weather was mild, the four of them sat in the courtyard. Zhang Xiaohu served tea to everyone and then began to speak.

Zhang Xiaohua, eager to know, asked: “Second brother, what’s happening? Did you really owe someone money?”

Zhang Xiaohu glared at him and said: “When have you ever seen your second brother owe money to anyone?”

Zhang Xiaohua stuck out his tongue and said: “The way you were sneaking around just now was like how the village idiot’s father would act if he owed someone money.”

Zhang Xiaohu smiled bitterly and said: “I’m also left with no choice.”

He Tianchu asked: “Zhang Xiaohu, becoming Senior Brother Wen’s disciple means you’re a direct disciple of Sect Master Ou. Who could possibly force you into this state?”

Zhang Xiaohu said helplessly: “Precisely because I’m a direct disciple of the great sect master that this is the case.”

Seeing everyone’s puzzled expressions, Zhang Xiaohu took a sip of water and continued to explain: “When I was accepted by my master at the council hall, and after performing the apprenticeship ceremony, I was then assigned to this small courtyard.”

He Tianchu interjected: “Tsk tsk, the treatment is indeed different. When I first joined, I was in a small room with several people. Even after accumulating merits and advancing, I still shared a room with another person when I reached adulthood. But you, upon just joining, get an entire courtyard to yourself. It’s a world of difference, no wonder everyone is eager to become a direct disciple.”

Zhang Xiaohu said: “Uncle Master He, please don’t make fun of me. I would have preferred to live in a shared room with several people. Since I moved here, several people have come to visit. I didn’t understand what was happening, so I just welcomed them warmly. But they didn’t say much and just chatted aimlessly, so I had to entertain them. Before they had even left, more people came. My small courtyard was constantly filled with visitors all day. It was only when the number of people grew that I realized they were trying to get close to me, hoping to curry favor and see if I could offer them some benefits. It felt like talking to a brick wall. I was able to become Master’s disciple thanks to Xiaohua’s help, but I couldn’t tell them that. They thought I had some secret connections and kept probing. Many even made jaw-dropping offers, but I had to refuse. The more I refused, the more they thought I was holding out and persisted in their pursuit.”

He Tianchu, hearing this, couldn’t help but curl his lips. As someone representing the Piaomiao Sect, he believed that as long as one’s martial skills were good, everything else was secondary. He was indifferent to social niceties and focused solely on martial arts. Although he had achieved success, he had become somewhat neglected and was sent to Huanxi Villa. Listening to these people’s tactics, he felt a mixture of admiration and exasperation.

Zhang Xiaohu continued: “So, the next day when I saw the crowd still coming, I pretended to be training with Master and managed to sneak away. I only came back secretly once everyone had left. For the past few days, I’ve kept the door closed and refused to see anyone. When someone knocks urgently, I just say I’m a cleaner. Anyway, they’re not familiar with my voice, so they don’t recognize me. Hehe.” He had a sly, self-satisfied look.

Zhang Xiaohua finally felt relieved and said: “So that’s how it is. It seems I made the right choice in not becoming a disciple of the Piaomiao Sect. Facing people like this every day would be incredibly annoying.”

He Tianchu scoffed again and said: “If you had joined the Piaomiao Sect, you’d still be under my tutelage. If any ghost came to find you, I’d take you as my master.”

Zhang Xiaohua said with a grin: “Oh come on, Captain He, your martial arts skills are considered among the best within the sect. How did you end up in such a situation?”

He Tianchu exhaled deeply and said: “Human nature is inscrutable. The ways of the world are beyond your understanding.”

He then feigned a disheartened look.

Li Jinfeng consoled him: “Captain He, you’re not seeing things clearly. Wherever there are people, there will be social climbing and scheming. If there were none of these things, wouldn’t the mortal world be a paradise?”

Zhang Xiaohu smiled and said: “Young Master. Li is right. Even Uncle Master He is bothered by these minor troubles when he sees me like this and can’t seem to get away from them.”

Zhang Xiaohua frowned and said: “Second brother, I always thought of the Piaomiao Sect as a pure land, and that all disciples are like Captain He and the Great Hero Wen, having noble natures. But from what you’ve said, there seems to be a lot of flattery and sycophancy. It’s quite unexpected.”

Li Jinfeng, understanding Zhang Xiaohua’s feelings, patted his shoulder and said with a smile: “Xiaohua’s feelings are just like mine when I first arrived at the academy. When I first saw the teachers there engaging in power and money transactions, I was quite frustrated for several days. Later, I realized that the teachers are also human, and being human means having selfish desires. It’s normal for them to be involved in some shady dealings.”

Zhang Xiaohua, taking a deep breath like He Tianchu, said: “I finally understand what it means to rise above the mud without being tainted. If there were no mud, how could there be purity?”

Then, Zhang Xiaohua seemed to remember something and asked: “By the way, Second Brother, earlier at the archway, we heard those guards talking about you.”

Zhang Xiaohu, still smiling wryly, said: “I know. When I go out, I often hear people talking about me. They don’t realize they’re talking about me, so they speak without reservation. It seems that being a direct disciple of the sect master really is something extraordinary. Not only do many people try to take advantage, but there are also many who look down on me, thinking that I’m just lucky to have this opportunity.”

Hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua felt a bit embarrassed and said: “Second Brother, this is my fault. I didn’t discuss it with you beforehand, putting you in such a difficult position. It’s really my mistake.”

Zhang Xiaohu looked at Zhang Xiaohua with a smile and said: “It’s alright, Xiaohua. I know you did this for my benefit, giving Second Brother such a great opportunity to learn martial arts. At the time, I was so happy I almost couldn’t believe it. How could I have thought about these things? I’m grateful to you and would never blame you. Those who gaze at the stars are not always admiring the beauty of the night sky; maybe some are just dealing with nosebleeds. It’s better to keep our feet on the ground. As the ancients said, ‘Walk your own path and let others talk’. I will walk my own path in martial arts, and who cares about others’ opinions? As long as I work hard and achieve results, these rumors will naturally disappear.”

He Tianchu clapped his hands and said; “Zhang Xiaohu, you’ve expressed yourself very well and have great potential. No wonder Senior Brother Wen appreciates you. I wish you success in the Piaomiao Sect with this toast of tea instead of wine.”

The four of them raised their teacups and drank them in one go.

After setting down his teacup, Zhang Xiaohu, looking mysterious, said to Zhang Xiaohua: “Xiaohua, wait here. Second Brother will get something good for you.”

He then went into his room and soon came out with a small booklet, handing it to Zhang Xiaohua. “Here, Xiaohua, this is a manual on internal energy cultivation that I specifically requested from Master for you.”

Zhang Xiaohua was greatly startled. He immediately stood up from the stone bench, hurriedly waved his hands, and said: “Second Brother, no, no, I can’t take it. Didn’t I already take a copy of the <Carefree Heart Sutra> from the library? I can’t take any more of your Piaomiao Sect’s things, wouldn’t that be a mistake on your part.”

Zhang Xiaohu laughed and said: “Master already told me everything about that <Carefree Heart Sutra>. Xiaohua, you’re really something. There are so many internal energy cultivation techniques in the Scripture Pavilion, why did you pick that one? That’s exactly why I asked Master for help. But it’s not as you think. There’s no mistake here. This <Wild Ox Strength> is just a basic internal technique from another sect. Although you won’t find it outside, within the Piaomiao Sect, it’s worth nothing. So, don’t worry and take it. Master already approved it, and I took it from his study.”

Zhang Xiaohua looked at the thin manual hesitantly and asked cautiously: “Second Brother, are you sure it’s really okay for me to take this <Wild Ox Strength>?”

Zhang Xiaohu tossed it into his arms with a smile and teased: “I said it’s fine, so it’s fine! Look at you, clearly wanting it but acting as if it’ll burn your hands.”

Zhang Xiaohua caught it and said with a smile: “I was just afraid you’d get into trouble. I heard the rules in your Piaomiao Sect are very strict, and not just any internal cultivation technique can be given to others.”

Standing nearby, He Tianshu looked on with envy and said: “Direct disciples are different, huh? Even if I wanted to take a look at these techniques, I’d have to get the elders’ approval. But you can just give them away so freely. It’s really unfair.”

Zhang Xiaohu replied, “You’re joking, Uncle Master He. Even if I let you see this technique, would you want to?”

He Tianshu said nothing and just chuckled awkwardly.

Zhang Xiaohu then spoke to Zhang Xiaohua with concern: “Xiaohua, according to Master, <Wild Ox Strength> is extremely easy to learn. Anyone with even a bit of comprehension can master it. The internal cultivation technique is not complicated, and the movement paths for circulating the energy are very simple. There’s generally no risk of going astray or experiencing ‘Qi deviation’. I remember when you were learning martial arts before, you could memorize the forms after just one glance at the manual. This shouldn’t be too difficult for you.”

“Memorizing the martial arts manual after just one glance?” He Tianshu was puzzled as he listened. Was Zhang Xiaohua the person they were talking about?

Zhang Xiaohu continued: “This internal energy technique was specially selected for you by Master, so it should be fine. However, since you’ve never practiced an internal cultivation technique before, you still need to be careful. If there’s anything you don’t understand, make sure to ask Uncle Master He.”

Turning to He Tianshu, Zhang Xiaohu said: “Uncle Master He, I must trouble you to look after my brother more in the future.”

He Tianshu laughed and replied: “There are so many people in the sect vying for your favor and support. Why would you come to me?”

Then, he added: “I’ve heard of this <Wild Ox Strength>—it’s quite easy to learn. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone having problems with it. But, Zhang Xiaohua, if you run into any difficulties, you can ask me anytime. Just remember, I can’t teach you this technique because it’s not what I practice.”

Seeing He Tianshu agree, Zhang Xiaohu was very happy and thanked him repeatedly.

Afterward, He Tianshu curiously asked: “Zhang Xiaohu, what internal technique are you going to practice?”

Zhang Xiaohu awkwardly replied: “Uncle Master He, as you know, I trained in some internal energy techniques during my time at the Lotus Escort Agency. Master said that those techniques were too crude and would be harmful in the long run, so he told me to stop practicing them. Fortunately, I hadn’t been training for too long, so it wouldn’t affect my ability to learn a new technique. He just hasn’t decided what internal technique to teach me yet.”

He Tianshu felt a surge of envy and thought to himself: “Your master casually gave away an internal technique from another sect. The one you’re going to learn must be even better! Maybe it’s the Piaomiao Divine Technique.”

However, he couldn’t voice these thoughts aloud. Instead, he smiled and said: “Well, that’s a shame. I guess you won’t be able to participate in this year’s martial arts tournament in the sect.”

“Martial arts tournament?” Zhang Xiaohua, who had been immersed in the excitement of receiving the internal technique, perked up as if he’d just heard something interesting and asked aloud.

Zhang Xiaohu laughed and said: “Uncle Master He is just teasing. I’ve only recently joined the sect, and I haven’t even learned a bit of martial arts, internal techniques, or swordsmanship. How could I participate in the tournament? Wouldn’t that only embarrass Master?”

Originally intending to study <Wild Ox Strength>, Zhang Xiaohua’s curiosity got the better of him. He placed the internal technique manual, which he had once dreamed of obtaining, on the stone table and eagerly looked at the two, asking: “Come on, tell me, what exactly is this martial arts tournament?”