Chapter 160

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He Tianshu was merely saying it in passing. If he had given the manual to Zhang Xiaohua, what would he have left to study? With Zhang Xiaohua’s half-baked skills, how could he possibly comprehend the profound mysteries of the Piaomiao Steps? If he handed it over to Zhang Xiaohua, he would be extremely uneasy.

Seeing that Zhang Xiaohua knew his place, He Tianshu said: “It’s not that I don’t want to keep practicing. I’ve already finished training what I’ve gained from a few days of pondering. If I continue, it would just be rehashing the same stuff. I might as well go and look at what’s ahead. Besides…” At this point, he rolled his eyes and grumbled: “I’m afraid it’ll shatter my confidence if I keep practicing footwork in front of you.”

Zhang Xiaohua didn’t understand. He tugged at He Tianshu’s sleeve, frustrated, and said; “Captain He, how could you say such a thing? I’ve been earnestly trying to learn from you! If you don’t explain yourself clearly, I’m going to report you to the Villa Onwer for slander.”

He Tianshu laughed and said: “Zhang Xiaohua, I really can’t figure you out. If I were to say you’re smart, well, you can’t even master the basic Arhat Fist. You can’t sense the qi in the <Wild Ox Strength>, an inner cultivation technique as simple as it gets. To put it bluntly, you don’t have any talent for martial arts. But if I were to say you’re dull, just look at your horse stance and your grasp of the Piaomiao Steps. I really don’t know what to say, except that I can only describe it as genius.”

Zhang Xiaohua waved his hand dismissively and said: “Captain He, you’re overestimating me. This footwork just now doesn’t require inner strength, and since I don’t have any, didn’t it work out by chance?”

He Tianshu shook his head in disagreement, saying: “No, no. I’ve been contemplating it for many days the footwork I was practicing earlier. The mysteries within the Piaomiao Steps are vast. Every step has its intricacies. It’s not something you can easily memorize or perform just like that. It took me careful study to grasp many of the finer points. But you, after just watching me a few times, were able to imitate it and then master it with a bit of practice. I envy that kind of comprehension.”

Zhang Xiaohua was speechless. He had only just glimpsed a tiny fragment of the martial arts world and had no understanding of its deeper structure, so what right did he have to comment?

He Tianshu stroked the short beard under his chin thoughtfully and said: “Actually, that Li Jinfeng fellow had a point. With your sharp mind, you really should focus on scholarly pursuits. Your hand isn’t in great shape right now, and who knows when it will recover? The chances of succeeding in martial arts aren’t high. You’ve already learned enough martial arts to protect yourself, so switching to studying literature might be a smooth and prosperous path for you.”

Zhang Xiaohua shook his head like a rattle drum and said: “Learning to read and write, absorbing knowledge from books—I’d love that. I even enjoy it. But I enjoy the thrill of wielding a staff or a spear even more. As the ancients said, ‘In ten steps, slay one man, leave no trace for a thousand miles’. Just imagining it fills me with joy. That’s the realm I’m pursuing.”

He Tianshu shook his head and said: “It’s not as easy as you think. The affairs of this world are often simple in thought but difficult in execution. Life in the martial world is full of blood and danger. You’ve only glimpsed a peaceful corner of it. It’s not an exaggeration to say you’re looking at a leopard through a tube. The ancients were right: ‘Practice is the sole test of truth’. Only by walking the path yourself will you understand the hardships within.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua immediately thought of his second brother’s situation, feeling a twinge of emotion. He fell silent and said no more.

The two of them, one ahead and one behind, walked out of the forest.

When they arrived back at the small courtyard, He Tianshu said to Zhang Xiaohua: “By the way, Zhang Xiaohua, Nie Xiao’er and the others have been holed up in the Medicine Hall these past few days preparing for the martial arts competition. As for me, I need to focus on comprehending the Piaomiao Steps. The work in the medicine field…”

He Tianshu’s words were a bit hesitant. Ou Yan had already clearly instructed that if Zhang Xiaohua wanted to work in the fields, he could do so. If he didn’t want to, he was free to decline. Lately, Zhang Xiaohua hadn’t been slacking off. He had spent much time in the fields, but that was when He Tianshu and the others from the Medicine Hall were around. Now that they were busy, leaving all the work to Zhang Xiaohua made He Tianshu feel somewhat embarrassed.

Zhang Xiaohua, however, didn’t give it much thought and said: “It’s no problem, Captain He. You all go ahead and focus on your tasks. I’ll take care of everything in the fields.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Xiaohua suddenly recalled practicing at night in the medicine field and quickly added: “How about this, Captain He? I might as well set up a small shed in the medicine field and stay there at night as well.”

Zhang Xiaohua’s words were sincere, but when they reached He Tianshu’s ears, the meaning changed. He widened his eyes and said: “Zhang Xiaohua, you don’t need to go that far. I’ll still head over to the medicine field when I have time. Don’t overthink it. The Martial Arts Competition is an important test that every disciple of the Piaomiao Sect has to face each year. It’s critical for their future progress. Nie Xiao’er and the others aren’t being lazy; they just can’t afford to neglect their training right now.”

Nowadays, Zhang Xiaohua has matured, and he can easily understand what He Tianshu meant. He quickly responded: “Captain He, I’m being completely honest. Back at Guo Village, when the crops ripen, we build huts beside the fields to take care of them. It’s a tradition. I don’t have the slightest intention of shirking my responsibilities.”

He Tianshu, having never done farm work, didn’t know this custom, but he trusted Zhang Xiaohua’s character and didn’t think he would do anything irresponsible. He could only wave his hand and say: “Do as you see fit. I still think it’s a bit over the top.”

The two then went their separate ways, each returning to their own quarters.

That morning, the sky was overcast, with no sign of the sun.

But this did nothing to dampen Zhang Xiaohua’s good mood.

To be honest, there wasn’t much work to do in the medicine field—just weeding, watering, and pest control. For some reason, there weren’t too many pests, but the weeds grew like crazy, unlike the farmlands in Guo Village. If you didn’t tend to it for a day, the weeds would spring up wildly. However, these tasks were easy enough for Zhang Xiaohua to handle on his own. Sometimes he couldn’t help but wonder if the Medicine Hall kept so many people working in the medicine field just because the Piaomiao Sect had too many disciples and high overhead costs, so they sent a few to the Huanxi Villa to be taken care of.

After easily finishing his tasks, Zhang Xiaohua began practicing his Carefree Heart Sutra. The medicine field was an excellent place for cultivation. Not only was it easy to sense Qi and guide it into his body, but this area was also a restricted zone of the Huanxi Villa. Regular guards and household staff were not allowed to approach. Otherwise, Zhang Xiaohua would have been discovered by someone during a patrol last night when he spent the entire night meditating by the field.

Zhang Xiaohua continued to effortlessly guide the energy into his body. But when the Yuan Qi dissipated within him, a sudden thought struck him, as though he had grasped something. Yet, when he tried to recall it, the idea vanished without a trace. He couldn’t help but feel puzzled. What was going on these past couple of days? He kept having sudden flashes of insight, but he didn’t know what they were about. It was truly baffling.

Just as he was lost in thought, another issue crossed his mind. He had to ask the Villa Owner Ou about building a shed first. How could he make such a decision on his own? Otherwise, wouldn’t it be considered illegal construction?

At this thought, Zhang Xiaohua stopped his cultivation, stood up, and quickly made his way toward the inner courtyard.

Nowadays, Zhang Xiaohua is quite favored by the Villa Onwer, a fact well-known among the people of the inner courtyard. Zhang Xiaohua no longer needed to announce his arrival before entering. As long as the Villa Owner was in the hall, someone would guide him directly. Few people knew the details of why he was so favored, but that didn’t stop them from having a good impression of him. For example, Qiu Ju, who was leading Zhang Xiaohua into the inner courtyard, walked beside him with a blushing face, sneaking glances at Zhang Xiaohua.

As Zhang Xiaohua walked along, he was puzzled and couldn’t help wiping his face secretly, thinking: “Did I not wash my face properly earlier?”

He had completely forgotten about the small favor he had done for Qiu Ju the first time he came to the inner courtyard.

When he entered the main hall, he saw Ou Yan and Elder Yu sitting together, discussing something.

Upon seeing Zhang Xiaohua enter, Ou Yan greeted him warmly: “Xiaohua, what brings you here today?”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and replied: “I was free today and thought I’d come by to visit Sister Ou.”

Ou Yan laughed and said, “Who would believe that? Do you think I don’t know what’s happening in the medicine field? Nie Xiao’er and the others are all busy training hard at the Medicine Hall. They don’t have the energy to tend to the fields, and knowing you, you wouldn’t just leave things unattended. I bet you’ve been busy working in the medicine field. Where would you have time to be idle?”

Zhang Xiaohua chuckled, showing no sign of embarrassment at having his lie exposed, and clasped his hands in salute: “Big Sister Ou, you truly have eyes like a hawk. You saw through my little plan right away.”

Elder Yu, sitting beside them, also laughed: “Zhang Xiaohua, when you first arrived, you were so simple and honest. In just a few days, you’ve learned to speak so slyly.”

Zhang Xiaohua’s face flushed slightly, and he said: “Elder Yu, what you’re seeing is maturity.”

Ou Yan sighed: “Alright, enough of that. Stay away from people like Ma Jing and his group in the future—they’re nothing but trouble. Now, what is it that you really came to ask?”

Zhang Xiaohua straightened up and said: “It’s like this, Sister Ou. You mentioned earlier that there weren’t enough hands to tend to the medicine field. I’ve been thinking that since I’m free most of the time anyway, why not set up a small shed near the medicine field and stay there at night, keeping an eye on things? What do you think?”

Elder Yu and Ou Yan exchanged glances, both puzzled. Ou Yan asked: “Zhang Xiaohua, I know you’re dedicated to the villa, but even if the medicine field is busy, there’s no need to work through the night. Isn’t that a bit too much?”

Elder Yu shook his head as well.

In a low voice, Zhang Xiaohua explained: “Sister Ou, it’s like this: In my village, during the summer or harvest season, we’d build small grass huts in the fields. Partly to keep an eye on the crops and partly to work nearby. I’ve been feeling a bit homesick lately, so I thought this might be a good solution.”

Ou Yan’s expression softened, and she asked: “Zhang Xiaohua, how long have you been away from home?”

Without hesitation, Zhang Xiaohua replied: “A year and four months.”

Ou Yan nodded: “Hm, for someone your age, it’s no wonder you’re homesick after so long. How about this? I’ll grant you some time off to go home for a visit. Would you like that?”

“Really?” Zhang Xiaohua stood up in excitement and asked: “But, will my wages be deducted?”

Ou Yan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “No deductions, no deductions. Consider it paid leave!”

Zhang Xiaohua thought for a moment and said: “That’s great! But it would be even better if Sister Ou could assign me some work in Lu Town. That would be perfect.”

Ou Yan was puzzled: “Why’s that?”

Zhang Xiaohua grinned mischievously: “Wouldn’t there be additional allowances for official duties?”

Elder Yu rubbed his forehead with his only hand, looking helpless. How could his secret sword skills be entrusted to such a person?

Ou Yan smiled and said: “Alright, I’ll send you on official business to Lu Town. But does this mean you won’t build that grass hut anymore?”

Zhang Xiaohua tilted his head, thinking for a moment: “No, Sister Ou, that won’t work. For one, Captain He and the others are busy with other matters, and there’s no one to tend to the medicine field. I wouldn’t feel right leaving. Secondly, it wouldn’t be good for me to travel home alone. I should go with my second brother, but since he’s just joined the Piaomiao Sect, it wouldn’t be proper for him to ask for leave right now. Lastly, there’s something else I need to ask you, Sister Ou, so I probably won’t have time to go home anyway.”

Ou Yan was surprised: “What else is on your mind? Why not just tell me all at once?”

Zhang Xiaohua replied: “When Sister Ou agrees to the first thing, then I’ll tell you the rest.”

Ou Yan chuckled softly as if she were dealing with a mischievous younger brother. “Alright, alright. Building a small hut isn’t that big of a deal. I’ll agree to it. But make sure you don’t catch a cold at night, it’s still chilly out.”

Zhang Xiaohua was overjoyed. “Thank you, Sister Ou!”

Ou Yan teased: “Now, why don’t you hurry up and tell me that other thing you wanted to say?”

Zhang Xiaohua quickly replied: “Sister Ou, I heard from Captain He that the Piaomiao Sect is currently holding their Martial Arts Tournament. He mentioned seeing people from Huanxi Villa participating when he was younger. I wanted to ask, can we also participate in the tournament?”

Hearing this, Ou Yan was slightly taken aback. “Yes, not only can people from Huanxi Villa participate, but even those from the Lotus Escort Agency can join. When I was younger, I went with the Huanxi Villa’s representatives to take part as well. But…”

Before she could finish, Zhang Xiaohua, excited at hearing they could participate, interrupted: “That’s great! Sister Ou, I want to take part in this Martial Arts Tournament. Is that possible?”

Both Ou Yan and Elder Yu were bewildered by this request. Elder Yu asked: “Zhang Xiaohua, you do realize this Martial Arts Tournament is a competition to test martial arts, right? Are your martial arts good enough? Even if you’ve defeated some highly skilled black-clad assassin before, the kind of sword techniques you use are dangerous. When you draw your sword, someone is bound to get hurt. You can’t use those techniques against fellow disciples of the Piaomiao Sect.”

Zhang Xiaohua grinned. “Elder  Yu, how can I not know about this matter? I will definitely not use sword moves when participating in the Martial Arts Tournament.”

Elder Yu frowned: “Then what would you use? Do you know any other techniques?”

Zhang Xiaohua replied innocently: “Elder Yu, didn’t you see me practicing my fist techniques? At least I know one set of fist forms, right?”

Elder Yu chuckled, trying not to discourage him. “Haha, yes, I’ve seen your incomplete and mismatched fist techniques before. To be honest, they don’t look all that impressive.”

Ou Yan, standing nearby, kindly chimed in, “Zhang Xiaohua, it’s not that I don’t want to let you participate in the Martial Arts Tournament, but no one from our villa has entered for a long time. Moreover, our participation is different from the Piaomiao Sect disciples. They compete to advance to higher levels, gaining access to new and superior martial techniques. We, on the other hand, only participate purely to exchange martial arts skills. Winning is certainly an honor, but there are no significant benefits. If we lose, it will be quite embarrassing.”

Zhang Xiaohua nodded, understanding her point. “I know, Sister Ou. I just want to experience the excitement and spar with others for fun. I’m not aiming for any rewards. You know my abilities—when it comes to internal energy cultivation, I can’t even sense Qi. As for my fist techniques, I’m under no illusion that I’ll be able to win against them.”

Ou Yan listened to his explanation and said: “But Zhang Xiaohua, you need to know that if you participate in the Martial Arts Tournament, you’ll only be able to compete with disciples of the first rank since you’re not a ranked disciple of the Piaomiao Sect. If…”

Before Ou Yan could finish, Zhang Xiaohua interrupted: “I understand, Sister Ou. I’m not a novice either, and losing to anyone is fine with me. It doesn’t matter.”

After hearing this, Ou Yan smiled and said: “Alright then. Since you’re determined and willing to participate, I’ll find someone to inquire about how to join the Martial Arts Tournament. It’s been a long time since Huanxi Villa sent a representative, so I’m not familiar with the current rules. But Zhang Xiaohua, your determination is commendable, and I can’t deny you this chance.”

At this point, Elder Yu asked softly: “Zhang Xiaohua, you mentioned earlier that you haven’t found your sense of qi while practicing internal techniques? What kind of internal skill are you practicing? Who taught you?”

Zhang Xiaohua took out the <Wild Ox Strength> manual from his chest and handed it to Elder Yu, explaining that Zhang Xiaohu had helped him get the manual.

Elder Yu carefully examined the <Wild Ox Strength> manual and then returned it to Zhang Xiaohua, signaling him to keep it safe. With a smile, he said:” I was saying, I heard you were lucky to have obtained a supreme internal skill method and thought you had truly cultivated internal energy from it. It turns out you were practicing this book.”

Zhang Xiaohua felt a stir in his heart but didn’t respond.

Ou Yan, with her sharp mind, immediately caught on and asked: “Zhang Xiaohua, tell me the truth. Is your intention to build a hut next to the medicine field truly just for convenience and to work close by?”

Zhang Xiaohua opened his mouth, unsure of what to say. Should he really admit that he was working on drawing Qi into his body there?

At this moment, Elder Yu spoke up kindly: “Zhang Xiaohua, did you not find your sense of qi while practicing the <Wild Ox Strength>?”

Zhang Xiaohua nodded.

Elder Yu continued: “Did you consult with Captain He? Did he suggest trying in a quiet, open space at night?”

Zhang Xiaohua, upon hearing this, felt secretly pleased. It seemed that Elder Yu had some misunderstandings. However, he was still looking for a reason, so he decided to shift the blame to He Tianshu. After all, He was also considered his cheap master. Besides, as the ancients say, “It’s better to let a dead friend live than let a poor one die”, so this situation was far from dire.

Zhang Xiaohua nodded again.

Elder Yu sighed and said: “Zhang Xiaohua, I’ve noticed your dedication since you started practicing martial arts. I know you’re a resilient and hardworking child, which is why I’ve treated you differently. However, the path of martial arts is about understanding, and sometimes hard work alone can’t make up for a lack of talent. I truly admire your effort in wanting to set up a hut in the medicine field to focus on sensing qi at night. I didn’t have such diligence when I was young. But remember, Zhang Xiaohua, what’s meant to be will be. Don’t force what’s not destined for you. Some things are better left as they are.”

Elder Yu’s repeated “buts” made Zhang Xiaohua’s expression change.
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