Chapter 171

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Raising his eyes, Zhang Xiaohu saw Changge standing not far away, her gentle smile directed at the two brothers.

The female disciples of the Piaomiao Sect were all exceptionally talented, each one of them beautiful beyond compare and possessing extraordinary grace. Dressed in a tight-fitting outfit, Changge looked particularly valiant in the darkness of the night. Just then, the overcast sky parted slightly, and the moonlight poured down, illuminating Changge. As Zhang Xiaohu gazed at her, she smiled faintly and began to walk toward them.

Suddenly, Zhang Xiaohu felt a sharp pain in his heart, like an electric shock, followed by a surge of heat. His eyes were fixed on Changge, and he found himself unable to speak.

Zhang Xiaohua, however, didn’t notice his second brother’s reaction. He quickly greeted Changge, saying: “Sister Changge, this is my second brother, Zhang Xiaohu. Haha, he’s now a disciple of Great Hero Wen.”

His words were filled with pride.

Changge walked forward with a smile and saluted Zhang Xiaohu. “Hello, Zhang Xiaohu. I don’t know if I should call you Junior Brother, or perhaps Senior Brother?”

In fact, according to the rules of the Piaomiao Sect, those who entered earlier were considered senior, and Zhang Xiaohu should indeed call Changge ‘Senior Sister’. However, there were some exceptions among the disciples of Ou Peng’s lineage, where seniority was sometimes determined by age. Still, it was rare for someone like Zhang Xiaohu, at his age, to join the Piaomiao Sect, which was why Changge posed the question.

Zhang Xiaohu opened his mouth, gazing at Changge’s flower-like beauty, unsure of what to say. Under normal circumstances, with his usual humility, he would call her Senior Sister without hesitation. But facing this young woman, he just couldn’t bring himself to say the words ‘Senior Sister’, no matter how hard he tried..

Seeing this, Zhang Xiaohua was puzzled. He turned to Changge and said: “My second brother is five years older than me. He should be nineteen this year. Sister Changge, how old are you?”

Changge smiled and replied: “In that case, your second brother is indeed older.”

With that, she clasped her hands and saluted Zhang Xiaohu again, saying: “I, Changge of Ming Cui Hall, greet Senior Brother.”

Zhang Xiaohu was even more pleased to see how composed and graceful Changge was. He returned the courtesy and said: “I am Zhang Xiaohu. It’s an honor to meet you, Junior Sister Changge.”

After their exchange of greetings, Changge asked: “Senior Brother, you must be the new disciple who recently joined the sect, right?”

Her words were somewhat vague, but Zhang Xiaohu understood and could only smile wryly as he nodded.

Changge chuckled and said: “I was wondering why there have been rumors lately about a disciple who joined the Piaomiao Sect as a direct disciple due to ‘special connections’. I found it hard to believe. After all, our Great Sect Master Ou isn’t someone who makes decisions based on favoritism, how could he make such a mistake? But now that I’ve met Zhang Xiaohua, I finally understand the reason behind it.”

Zhang Xiaohu was a bit confused, so Zhang Xiaohua quickly explained: “Sister Changge accompanied our Villa Owner Ou on the trip, and that’s how we became acquainted.”

Zhang Xiaohu suddenly understood, then quickly stepped aside and said: “This isn’t the place to chat. Please, Junior Sister Changge, come inside.”

Changge waved her hand and replied: “No need, Senior Brother. The Hall Master instructed me to escort Zhang Xiaohua here, and I need to head back. There’s a competition tomorrow, and I need to prepare early.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaohu quickly responded: “I’ve heard the matches in the Martial Arts Competition are very important. You’d better return early, Junior Sister, so I won’t keep you any longer.”

After giving both of them another salute, Changge turned to leave. Suddenly, Zhang Xiaohu called out: “Um, Junior Sister Changge, where will your match be held tomorrow?”

After hearing this, Changge covered her mouth and said with a smile: “Our Ming Cui Hall’s competition will naturally take place within the hall. Male disciples aren’t allowed to watch.”

Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but feel embarrassed, scratching his head awkwardly.

Changge glanced at Zhang Xiaohua and added: “Zhang Xiaohua is also competing tomorrow. You can go cheer him on. If my match finishes early, I might head over to Young Eagle Hall to support Zhang Xiaohua too!”

Hearing this, Zhang Xiaohu was overjoyed and watched Changge as she walked into the distance.

After Changge was gone, the two brothers finally entered the courtyard. Before Zhang Xiaohua could even sit down, Zhang Xiaohu urgently asked: “Xiaohua, how did you end up participating in the Martial Arts Competition?”

Zhang Xiaohua patiently explained the situation once again.

After listening, Zhang Xiaohu couldn’t help but feel uneasy. He said: “Xiaohua, why are you acting so impulsively? You should’ve discussed this with me first.”

Zhang Xiaohua was taken aback and asked, puzzled: “What is there to discuss? Isn’t it just a martial arts competition?”

Stomping his foot, Zhang Xiaohu replied: “Xiaohua, you’ve never stayed in the Piaomiao Sect, so you don’t understand how formidable it is. Back when I was with the Lotus Escort Agency, I thought that as long as we worked hard, we wouldn’t fall behind others, even if our talent was lacking.”

Zhang Xiaohua nodded: “Exactly, second brother. I feel the same way.”

Zhang Xiaohu sighed bitterly and said: “But I’ve gained some insight during my time at Piaomiao Sect. Let’s not even talk about the higher levels of the Brocade-Robed and Cloth-Robed stages; just look at the first rank of Cloth-Robed that you’re competing in. I’ve watched several of the younger disciples’ matches, and to be honest, it was a blow to my pride. The martial arts I’ve learned are nothing compared to theirs. Imagine this: a kid who barely reaches my chest has better techniques and higher internal cultivation than me. If I were to face them in a match, where would I put my face if I got beaten?”

At this, Zhang Xiaohua furrowed his brow slightly and interrupted his brother: “Second brother, I think you’re mistaken. What does this martial arts competition have to do with face? If you’re worried about losing face and avoid competing, your martial skills will never improve. As the saying goes, ‘The learned are teachers’. Whether young or old, if there’s something we can learn from others, we should humbly do so. Don’t you agree, second brother?”

Zhang Xiaohu’s face flushed slightly after hearing Zhang Xiaohua’s words, and he murmured: “You’re right.”

However, he quickly turned stern again and asked: “But why did you participate in this Martial Arts Competition? I know your martial arts foundation well. If you just want to learn, Captain He and the others can teach you properly first. You could train for three to five years before entering the competition. Why rush? Who can you beat right now, and how do you expect to learn anything from it?”

When it came to the results of the competition, Zhang Xiaohua stayed silent. Though he had confidently scolded Zhang Xiaohu earlier, in reality, wasn’t he just the same? Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so eager to be grouped with those taller Cloth-Robed disciples.

Seeing that his younger brother had fallen silent, Zhang Xiaohu asked, his heart aching: “Did you not win a match today?”

Zhang Xiaohua could only nod.

Zhang Xiaohu patted his brother’s head and comforted him: “It’s okay, Xiaohua. Our foundation is lacking compared to theirs. Like I said before, as long as we have the determination to improve and train hard, if it’s not this year, there’s always next year, and if not next year, the year after. Eventually, you’ll win.”

Zhang Xiaohua nodded vigorously in agreement.

As he nodded, his stomach suddenly rumbled loudly.

Zhang Xiaohu laughed and said: “I was wondering why you came running to me. Turns out you haven’t eaten yet. Come on, let’s go taste our sect’s food.”

With that, he grabbed Zhang Xiaohua and strode out of the courtyard, head held high.

After the meal, Zhang Xiaohua patted his still-not-quite-satisfied belly as he walked with his older brother along the clean, bustling streets of the Piaomiao Sect. Zhang Xiaohu, watching his little brother with joy, smiled and asked: “Xiaohua, I remember you love braised pork the most. Why didn’t you eat more earlier? And it seems like your appetite has shrunk compared to before. You’re still growing, you know. You need to eat more to grow strong.”

Zhang Xiaohua, while admiring the lush flowers and plants along the road, said: “Second Brother, I don’t know what’s going on either. It’s been like this for a while now—I feel full after just a little food. For example, today, if it hadn’t been for the energy I had spent during the competition, I would’ve eaten even less at dinner. The braised pork tasted okay, but the more I ate, the more I got sick of it.”

Zhang Xiaohu thought for a moment and said: “Maybe it’s because you’re eating better now, so you’re not as excited about food as before. Back when we were at home, you were always the first to fight for more.”

Talking about home made both brothers a little melancholic. In a soft voice, Zhang Xiaohua asked: “Second Brother, I want to go home for a visit. Do you?”

Zhang Xiaohu nodded and said: “I do. It’s been over a year since we left. We should go back and see the family. Even though Young Master Li sent word to let them know we’re safe, our parents must still be worrying since they haven’t seen us.”

Zhang Xiaohua looked at Zhang Xiaohu expectantly and asked: “When do you think we can go back?”

Zhang Xiaohu thought for a moment and said: “Let’s wait a little longer. You should be able to go back any time, right?”

Zhang Xiaohua quickly replied: “Yes, I don’t have much to do right now. It was only recently that I couldn’t leave because Captain He and the others had the Martial Arts Competition, and I had to keep an eye on the medicine fields. Once the competition is over and they come back, I’ll be free and can return anytime.”

Zhang Xiaohu pondered and said: “It’s a bit tricky for me. I just joined the Piaomiao Sect, and I haven’t figured out my master’s personality yet. Until now, I’ve only been getting familiar with the sect’s environment. I expect the real martial arts training to start after the Martial Arts Competition. So, I don’t dare ask for leave too soon.”

Zhang Xiaohua nodded, understanding his brother’s situation. “I get it, Second Brother. How about this: I’ll wait for you. It’s better if we go home together. If only one of us returns and the other doesn’t, it will just make our parents worry even more.”

Zhang Xiaohu smiled warmly at Zhang Xiaohua and said: “Xiaohua, you’ve really grown up.”

Zhang Xiaohua proudly raised his head and said: “Of course, Second Brother. I’m already thirteen, so I’m practically an adult now.”

The two brothers continued chatting idly as they walked back. Just as they were approaching Zhang Xiaohu’s residence, Zhang Xiaohua suddenly remembered something. “Second Brother, do you know where the Medicine Hall is? I want to go see Captain He and Nie Xiao’er.”

Zhang Xiaohu glanced at the darkening sky and shook his head. “Forget it, don’t go tonight. It’s already late, and they’re all busy preparing for tomorrow’s martial arts competition. They’re probably training now, so you wouldn’t be able to see anyone anyway, and you’d just disturb them. Besides, you have your match tomorrow too. You should go back and rest early. Even if you lose again, at least give it your all.”

“Oh no!” Zhang Xiaohua suddenly exclaimed. “Second Brother, I totally forgot. When I left Young Eagle Hall, Manager Xu told me he had arranged a room for me, but I didn’t ask for the details. If I don’t go back tonight, is that okay? It’s so late now—what should I do?”

Zhang Xiaohu thought for a moment and said: “It’s too late to go around asking anyone now. I don’t even know where Manager Xu is, though I have a general idea of where Young Eagle Hall is. Don’t worry about it; just stay at my place tonight. Tomorrow, when you see him, you can explain everything properly.”

Zhang Xiaohua nodded, agreeing. “I guess that’s the best solution. Hopefully, it won’t cause any problems.”

The two brothers continued chatting as they returned to their small courtyard.

Since Zhang Xiaohu had yet to receive formal martial arts instruction from his master, Wen Wenhai was likely still deciding what techniques to teach Zhang Xiaohu. Moreover, Wen Wenhai had forbidden Zhang Xiaohu from practicing the “useless” techniques he had learned at the Lotus Escort Agency, leaving him with nothing but basic fist techniques to practice for the time being.

Thus, the two brothers found themselves each taking a corner of the courtyard, practicing their own martial arts.

After completing a set of fist techniques, Zhang Xiaohu noticed that Zhang Xiaohua was still hard at work, diligently practicing, so Zhang Xiaohu smiled, pleased with his younger brother’s dedication, but soon, he began to feel puzzled. Zhang Xiaohua was only practicing one set of moves, repeating the same sequence endlessly. Curious, Zhang Xiaohu’s thoughts stirred, and he called out: “Xiaohua, stop for a second. Let’s spar for a bit.”

Zhang Xiaohua paused briefly, a smile spreading across his face. “Sure, Second Brother. Just give me a moment, I want to finish a few more repetitions.”

After completing his final set, Zhang Xiaohua stopped as the familiar cool bone-tempering flow from his practice washed over him.

Zhang Xiaohu asked, still perplexed: “Xiaohua, why are you practicing the same set of moves over and over again?”

Zhang Xiaohua looked confused. “What’s so strange about that, Second Brother? This is the only fist technique I know. If I don’t keep practicing this one, what else am I supposed to practice?”

Zhang Xiaohu explained: “You didn’t quite understand what I meant. I know you only know that one set of fist techniques. I was asking why you didn’t stop when I called for you. Instead, you kept going and practiced several more times before finally stopping?”

Zhang Xiaohua thought for a moment and replied: “It’s like this, Second Brother. When I practice this fist technique to a certain number of repetitions, I feel a cool sensation flowing through my bones. If I don’t practice enough, that feeling won’t come, so I have to keep going.”

“Really?” Zhang Xiaohu widened his eyes in surprise. “You mean just from that fist technique that you put together?”

Puffing out his small chest with pride, Zhang Xiaohua said: “Really, Second Brother. How about I teach you and you give it a try?

Zhang Xiaohu believed his brother was not lying, but now Zhang Xiaohua was preparing for the martial arts competition, moreover, he had just entered the Piaomiao Sect and he expected to start learning new techniques soon. Where can he find the time to practice it? So, he had no choice but to shake his head regretfully. “Forget it for now. I don’t have the energy to learn anything new at the moment. Let’s wait until my master teaches me the Piaomiao Sect martial techniques before thinking about it.”

Not being able to show off his “toy”, Zhang Xiaohua pouted. “Fine, but when you want to learn, you have to come find me, okay? Hehe.”

Then, striking a pose, he said: “Come on, Second Brother! Let me try your martial arts.”

Hearing this, Zhang Xiaohu felt happy and rolled up his sleeves. “Alright, watch my Six Harmonies Fist!”

Thus, the two brothers advanced and began to spar with each other, each technique flowing smoothly as they practiced. Knowing that Zhang Xiaohua was unfamiliar with internal energy, Zhang Xiaohu deliberately refrained from using any internal strength in his strikes. Conversely, Zhang Xiaohua was aware that his brother’s strength was not as great as his own, so he only exerted about thirty percent of his power in his punches. Overall, their exchanges were harmonious, and Zhang Xiaohua didn’t even employ the Piaomiao Steps.

After sparring for a while, Zhang Xiaohua surprisingly began to counter Zhang Xiaohu’s moves meticulously. Despite Zhang Xiaohu’s several strong attacks, he couldn’t gain the upper hand, which made him feel quite pleased in his heart. He knew well how hard he had worked on his techniques, so to see his brother holding his ground was a testament to Zhang Xiaohua’s diligent training.

After practicing for a bit longer, Zhang Xiaohu glanced at the sky and saw it was getting late, so he stopped and smiled. “Xiaohua, you’ve made great progress. I can hardly beat you now.”

Zhang Xiaohua’s “little tail” perked up, and he grinned: “You have to remember whose younger brother I am. How could I not improve?”

Zhang Xiaohu chuckled. “It’s a pity your internal energy isn’t good, otherwise, you could really go a few rounds with those disciples from Young Eagle Hall.”

Zhang Xiaohua wasn’t pleased and said: “It’s just that we didn’t have the chance to practice like this when we were younger. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be any worse than them.”

Zhang Xiaohu comforted him: “Alright, let’s not dwell on that. Just keep making progress. You’ll have plenty of time to catch up with them. Come on, let’s go inside and sleep; it’s getting late, and you have the competition tomorrow.”

Zhang Xiaohu’s courtyard was spacious, and the room was also large, but there was only one bed. They had no choice but to squeeze together. In truth, even if there had been two beds, the brothers would likely still choose to share one.

The two brothers chatted for a little while on the bed, but soon, when Zhang Xiaohu tried to speak again, he realized there was no response from Zhang Xiaohua. He kicked his Zhang Xiaohua lightly but got no reaction, prompting him to chuckle wryly. “This kid sleeps as soundly as ever.”

With that, Zhang Xiaohu closed his eyes, and soon he drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

Within the small room, two breathing sounds filled the air, one of which had a distinct rhythm—the unique “nine shallow and one deep” breathing pattern of Zhang Xiaohua. As he fell asleep, his Carefree Heart Sutra quietly began to operate, drawing in the ethereal star power from the vast night sky. This invisible energy enveloped Zhang Xiaohua, slowly entering his body through his pores and then into his meridians, where it was refined.

Tonight’s star power was different from the usual. As it was projected for a while, it also attracted strands of Yuan Qi in the sky above the Piaomiao Sect, which followed the star power’s trajectory into Zhang Xiaohua’s body.

The amount of Yuan Qi here was several times greater than that of Huanxi Villa. Guided by the star power, it entered Zhang Xiaohua’s pores and, through his guidance and refinement, continuously merged with the True Qi flowing happily within him. Each time the True Qi circulated through his meridians, there was a subtle yet imperceptible increase. Although this growth was minor, after a night of “hard work”, Zhang Xiaohua could feel a slight change.

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