Chapter 172

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When Zhang Xiaohu woke up in the morning and opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was a face, magnified right in front of him, staring intently at him. The corners of that face’s eyes still had traces of sleep dust.

Startled, Zhang Xiaohu didn’t even see who it was clearly before quickly backing away. Once he got some distance, he realized it was none other than his younger brother, Zhang Xiaohua, resting his chin in his hands, looking at him with a mischievous grin. Zhang Xiaohu quickly rubbed his face and blinked a few times before asking: “Is there something on my face?”

Zhang Xiaohua chuckled: “Not on your face, but something’s definitely grown on your mouth.”

Hearing this, Zhang Xiaohu instinctively touched his lips in surprise and asked: “How could that be?”

Zhang Xiaohua didn’t answer directly, instead, he asked: “Second Brother, what were you dreaming about yesterday?”

“A dream?” Zhang Xiaohu frowned slightly. “I didn’t dream about anything.”

“Hehe~, no dream.” Zhang Xiaohua said with a playful smile. “If you didn’t dream, then why could I hear you calling out someone’s name?”

“Who? Whose name did I call? Why don’t I remember?” Zhang Xiaohu said, still completely puzzled. His memories of the dream are vague and unclear, how could he remember?

Seeing his second brother deny it, Zhang Xiaohua stood up and, looking out the window at the morning sunlight, said with a serious face: “Well, that’s strange. This morning, someone was calling out in their sleep, ‘Junior Sister Changge, Junior Sister Changge.’ If it wasn’t you, then could it have been me?”

Zhang Xiaohu’s face instantly turned red, and he mumbled: “Wait, really?”

Zhang Xiaohua laughed and teased: “As the ancients say: ‘A fair lady, a gentleman’s pursuit.’ There’s nothing wrong with that.”

Zhang Xiaohu, still blushing, didn’t know what to say.

After a moment of hesitation, he bit his lip and asked: “So, Xiaohua, are you close with Junior Sister Changge?”

Zhang Xiaohua tilted his head and thought for a moment before replying: “Not really. The last time I went out with the Villa Owner, she was with us. We didn’t talk much, just got familiar with each other’s faces.”

“Oh, I see.” Zhang Xiaohu’s tone carried a hint of disappointment.

Zhang Xiaohua blinked and, with a sly smile, said: “Though I’m not close to ‘Junior Sister Changge’, I do know Hall Master Qin of Ming Cui Hall quite well.”

“Really?” Zhang Xiaohu was overjoyed, his eyes lit up with hope.

“Of course!” Zhang Xiaohua said ambiguously.

After the two brothers finished their meal, Zhang Xiaohu, well aware of his younger brother’s poor sense of direction, figured he had nothing better to do, so he accompanied him to Young Eagle Hall. As they reached the main road in front of the hall, they ran into two familiar faces—Shangguan Yun and Yu Deyi. Both looked troubled, muttering quietly to each other.

Zhang Xiaohu wasn’t surprised; Zhang Xiaohua had already mentioned last night that they might run into them here. So, he naturally stepped forward and greeted them with a bow. Shangguan Yun and Yu Deyi, no longer holding the arrogance they once displayed at the Lotus Escort Agency, quickly returned the greeting. Zhang Xiaohu knew their performance in yesterday’s matches hadn’t gone well, so he didn’t probe too deeply. After exchanging pleasantries, he was about to head inside when the two, clearly not willing to let him go so easily, pulled Zhang Xiaohu aside.

Leaving Zhang Xiaohua off to the side, they grabbed Zhang Xiaohu by the sleeve, bombarding him with questions about his recent activities and expressing their admiration. They eventually worked up the nerve to ask in a roundabout way how he had caught the eye of Sect Master Ou. Zhang Xiaohu could only smile wryly and offer vague responses, how could he reveal the truth? Zhang Xiaohua, the one who started all this, stood off to the side, watching with a grin as the two put on a show.

After some more conversation, Zhang Xiaohu cleared his throat and said: “Brothers, the day is getting late. Shouldn’t you head inside and make preparations? There’s still another competition coming up soon. Even though you don’t need to advance, it’s a rare opportunity. You should cherish it and spar more with our sect’s disciples. It’ll be beneficial for your future martial arts progress.”

Shangguan Yun let out a bitter laugh and replied: “Brother Zhang, you’re mistaken. I didn’t know before, but if I had known how difficult the martial arts competition was, you couldn’t have dragged me back here even if you beat me to death. After three matches yesterday, I didn’t win a single one. I don’t even know where my dignity has gone. Honestly, if Brother Yu hadn’t held me back, I would have returned to the Lotus Escort Agency yesterday.”

Yu Deyi smiled and said: “Maybe your opponents were just too strong yesterday? Giving up after only three matches would make your defeat even more humiliating. Let’s see how things go today. Who knows, today might bring a change of fortune.”

Shangguan Yun curled his lip and said: “Forget it. If I leave, so what? Who cares if anyone says something? I didn’t know before, so what’s there to be embarrassed about? If I get knocked off the platform by those kids again today, then I’ll be ashamed.”

Seeing how both of them spoke, Zhang Xiaohu grew even more worried for Zhang Xiaohua. When he glanced back at his brother, though, Zhang Xiaohua was casually looking around, unconcerned. Zhang Xiaohu couldn’t help but chuckle at himself. His younger brother had already encountered numerous setbacks on his path of martial arts. Being thrown off the platform was such a trivial matter that Zhang Xiaohua probably wouldn’t even care about it.

Under Zhang Xiaohu’s urging, the two martial artists from the Lotus Escort Agency, whose pride had taken a heavy hit the previous day, reluctantly shuffled their way into Young Eagle Hall.

As usual, the entrance to Young Eagle Hall was guarded. Zhang Xiaohua and the other two had their identification tokens. With Zhang Xiaohua, there wasn’t much to say. Although he was older than most of the Young Eagle Hall disciples, he was about the same height, and the guards weren’t sharp enough to guess his age. After verifying his token, they let him through.

Yu Deyi and Shangguan Yun, however, clearly didn’t resemble the Young Eagle Hall’s disciples at all. Naturally, the guards refused to let them in. Yu Deyi had to explain who they were. Fortunately, one of the guards knew about this rare occurrence—something that hadn’t happened in decades—so they were allowed to pass.

Still, this minor hiccup left Yu Deyi and Shangguan Yun feeling rather displeased.

Zhang Xiaohu then presented his waist token. The guard, after seeing the genuine article, was surprised. Who was this junior brother? Why wasn’t he at his designated arena during the martial arts competition, and why was he here to watch the commotion at Young Eagle Hall? If he wanted to watch the excitement, wouldn’t the grand platform outside the Council Hall be a hundred times more lively than this?

But when the guard saw the two older foreign contestants, clearly much taller and older than the Young Eagle Hall disciples, he began to piece things together.

Once they entered Young Eagle Hall, Zhang Xiaohu couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of a sea of little heads in the courtyard. He had only witnessed a few of their matches and already felt a twinge of fear. To face so many youngsters, all of whom were far more skilled than himself, without a bit of thick-skinned confidence—it really wasn’t easy to confront them!

Yu Deyi and Shangguan Yun’s thoughts were easy to understand!

Since the three had matches at different arenas, Zhang Xiaohu naturally stayed with Zhang Xiaohua. After walking for a bit, the four of them cupped their hands and parted ways.

When Zhang Xiaohua arrived at his assigned arena, Group Leader Chang and the others were already gathered. Worried his younger brother might make a mistake, Zhang Xiaohu stepped forward to greet the two Group Leaders first, introducing himself. Upon learning that Zhang Xiaohu was a direct disciple of the sect master, the two Group Leaders didn’t dare be negligent and quickly returned the greeting.

Simultaneously, both Group Leaders couldn’t help but think: Insider information, there’s got to be some inside dealings here. They were already aware of Zhang Xiaohu’s entry into the Piaomiao Sect via connections. And now, here he was, accompanying a younger brother who knew the sect’s Piaomiao Step to Young Eagle Hall. Anyone would suspect some unspoken rules at play!

Zhang Xiaohu had no idea that the two Group Leaders had concocted such thoughts in mere moments. He earnestly explained, saying that Zhang Xiaohua had come to find him the previous day. Since it had been a long time since they’d last met, they ended up talking for a while and lost track of time. Without knowing where Zhang Xiaohua’s room was arranged, they decided to let him stay with Zhang Xiaohu. He asked the Group Leaders for their understanding.

The two Group Leaders, amused by the situation, secretly laughed in their hearts. How could they refuse such an easy favor? They briefly explained the rules of the martial competition. It turned out that in the past, both the Lotus Escort Agency and Huanxi Villa had brought many people to these events, and the Piaomiao Sect typically arranged accommodation for them. However, since these two places weren’t far from Piaomiao Manor, many participants preferred returning to their own lodgings. So, the sect didn’t strictly enforce the rule that everyone had to stay at Piaomiao Manor. Even if Zhang Xiaohua had returned to Huanxi Villa last night, it would’ve been fine. However, if he had done so, no one would have gone to fetch him today, and he would have been responsible for arriving at Young Eagle Hall on time. Otherwise, it would be treated as forfeiting.

Hearing this, Zhang Xiaohu finally felt relieved. Zhang Xiaohua, on the other hand, was overjoyed and said: “Great, then tonight, I’ll head over to the Medicine Hall to find Captain He and the others.”

Zhang Xiaohu glared at him sternly and said: “Wait until you win first. If you don’t win, will you even have the face to see Captain He?”

Zhang Xiaohua shrank his neck, stuck out his tongue, and pretended to look scared.

Not long after, the second day of the martial arts competition officially began, proceeding in the order pre-assigned by the number plates.

Zhang Xiaohu suddenly asked: “Xiaohua, what number is your plate?”

Zhang Xiaohua raised his number plate and grinned: “Two hundred and fifty.”

Zhang Xiaohu smirked, thinking to himself: “That number really fits—just like being called a ‘250’ (foolish).”

He then asked: “What about Yu Deyi and Shangguan Yun?”

Without hesitation, Zhang Xiaohua replied: “Number two and number one hundred and eleven.”

Zhang Xiaohu nodded, chuckling inwardly. These numbers are amusing too.

On the ring, two young children were exchanging blows, their fists and kicks swift and powerful, leaving Zhang Xiaohu wide-eyed in amazement. Are these really martial skills of children under ten? Why do they seem much stronger than what I saw before? But after a moment of thought, he understood. The fights offstage were merely sparring matches without any real stakes involved, so many dangerous or decisive moves wouldn’t have been used. However, in this martial competition, the purpose was to truly showcase one’s martial prowess. If they didn’t display their full strength now, when would they?

Thus, even though it wasn’t a life-or-death struggle, both combatants gave it their all, without holding anything back.

An incense stick’s time passed quickly, yet the two combatants onstage ended in a draw. Neither was willing to admit defeat as they leaped off the stage, each earning one point.

Since Zhang Xiaohua’s number was one of the last, just like the day before, his match would take place at the end of each round. So, he stood next to Zhang Xiaohu, watching the other matches.

Zhang Xiaohua’s thoughts were unclear, but as for Zhang Xiaohu, not only was the first match captivating, but the seven matches that followed—some resulting in victory, others in draws—left him feeling exhilarated. Each battle showcased skills far beyond his own. It was a stark reminder of the immense depth of talent within the Piaomiao Sect. Reflecting on how he and his younger brother once boldly approached the Piaomiao Manor to seek training, Zhang Xiaohu realized how naive they had been. Looking at these children now and thinking back to how we were back then—what reason would they have had to accept us?

While feeling inadequate, he glanced at Zhang Xiaohua, who was watching the matches with great concentration. A warm sense of pride filled Zhang Xiaohu’s heart. If not for this younger brother whom I watched grow from a baby, how would I have had the chance to enter the Piaomiao Sect, whose threshold is so high?

If I can’t master advanced martial arts and carve out a place for myself among these elites in the Piaomiao Sect, what face would I have to face my younger brother?

Suddenly, all his feelings of inferiority were swept away by a surge of determination. I may not have been part of the Piaomiao Sect’s past, but its future is right in front of me. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, I should embrace hard work, sweat, and perseverance to forge a hopeful future!

Just as Zhang Xiaohu was deep in thought, he heard Group Leader Chang call out: “Number two hundred fifty, step onto the stage!”

Zhang Xiaohu’s heart skipped a beat—his brother’s turn had come. However, he held no unrealistic expectations. Having witnessed the incredible matches that had left him feeling outmatched, how could Zhang Xiaohua possibly be a contender? Remembering how embarrassed Zhang Xiaohua was the day before, Zhang Xiaohu assumed his brother would be thrown off the stage soon after starting. With this in mind, he shifted his feet, preparing to position himself where he could catch Zhang Xiaohua when he inevitably got thrown off.

But before he could move, he noticed Zhang Xiaohua standing still as well. Puzzled, Zhang Xiaohu asked: “Xiaohua, they’re calling your number. It’s your turn to go up.”

At that moment, Zhang Xiaohua seemed to have made up his mind. He turned around, beaming brightly, and said: “Second brother, come over and help me with something.”

Zhang Xiaohu was puzzled. “Help? What can I help you with? Do you want me to take your place on the stage?”

Waving his hand quickly, Zhang Xiaohu rejected the idea outright. Not to mention whether the people of the Young Eagle Hall would agree to such a thing, even if they did, there was no way he could go up there and embarrass himself!

Zhang Xiaohua chuckled. “I don’t mean for you to fight for me. I need you to help me get on the stage.”

“Help you get on the stage?” Zhang Xiaohu was still confused, but when he saw Zhang Xiaohua’s opponent lightly leap onto the high platform using a graceful qinggong technique, it suddenly dawned on him. Ah, the stage is really high, and without help, Xiaohua wouldn’t be able to get up there by himself.

Zhang Xiaohu asked; “How exactly should I help? How did you get up there yesterday?”

With a sidelong glance at the two Group Leaders, Zhang Xiaohua explained: “Yesterday, Group Leader Chang threw me up there. The first time, he even tossed me over to the other side of the platform. I can’t let him help me again today. Second brother, just throw me up with some strength, and that’ll be enough!”

“Use strength?” Zhang Xiaohu was taken aback.

Brother, you’re my blood brother—how can you put me in such an awkward position? You know my inner strength isn’t good, and yet you’re asking me to do this for you! Won’t this just embarrass both of us? Wouldn’t it be better to just let the Group Leader throw you again? Why change the plan?

Seeing that Zhang Xiaohu still hadn’t moved, Zhang Xiaohua grew impatient. Tugging on his brother’s sleeve, he urged: “Come on, second brother. Don’t worry, just throw me up. Even if you overshoot and throw me too far, like yesterday, I won’t blame you!”

With no other choice, Zhang Xiaohu leaned in and whispered the situation into Zhang Xiaohua’s ear. After hearing it, Zhang Xiaohua frowned but responded in the same loud voice as before: “Oh, I see, second brother, so your internal strength hasn’t reached that level yet. What should we do, then?”

Zhang Xiaohu was so frustrated he almost wanted to cover Xiaohua’s mouth with one hand and strangle him with the other. Can’t you keep your voice down? Don’t you see how I had to whisper in your ear?

Zhang Xiaohua, completely unconcerned with the stares of the people around him, thought for a moment before saying: “I’ve got it, second brother. Remember when we used to go bird-egg hunting as kids?”

Zhang Xiaohu was even more annoyed. What does that have to do with anything right now? He said angrily: “Yeah, I remember. So what?”

Zhang Xiaohua said: “Just like back then, can’t I stand on your shoulders to get up there?”

Zhang Xiaohu shot him an incredulous look and said: “Absolutely not! Can’t you just ask the Group Leader to help you one more time?”

But Zhang Xiaohua shook his head stubbornly, unwilling to give in.

Zhang Xiaohu found it difficult to refuse him, so he had no choice but to accompany him to the front of the arena. The arena was over a person’s height, and Zhang Xiaohua stood on Zhang Xiaohu’s shoulders, with his hands resting perfectly on the edge of the platform. With a sudden effort, Zhang Xiaohua flew into the air with a “whoosh”, then flipped several times in the air before gracefully landing.

Zhang Xiaohua was clearly showing off. Although he didn’t know Qinggong, he had learned a bit of the movement techniques of Qinggong for a couple of days. If he didn’t demonstrate it, wouldn’t that be letting others look down on him?

Zhang Xiaohua’s Qinggong was based on the Piaomiao Steps, and with his intention to show off, his posture was naturally elegant and carefree. Once he landed lightly, the crowd finally snapped back to reality, thinking to themselves: What are you doing? If you were to perform the Qinggong from the audience and come forward, you would definitely be applauded for this movement. But look at Zhang Xiaohu who is walking back depressedly in the audience, preparing to find a good angle to catch Zhang Xiaohua, how could anyone clap?

Zhang Xiaohua closed his eyes, waiting for a moment, but not hearing any applause, he felt quite puzzled. At that moment, he heard a child from across say: “Senior Brother, are you feeling unwell? You’ve had your eyes closed for quite a while.”

Zhang Xiaohua opened his eyes in frustration, realizing that his earlier performance had gone to waste; no one appreciated it. As the ancients said: “High art is seldom appreciated.”

He then replied irritably: “Can’t you see I’m adjusting my breathing? Just wait a moment longer.”

In fact, someone else shared his feelings, Group Leader Chang had similar thoughts. However, he was contemplating how remarkable the Piaomiao Steps were. Even someone who hadn’t practiced Qinggong could move with such grace; he wondered how it would be if he trained in it.

He squinted and glanced at Zhang Xiaohu, thinking: This guy hasn’t practiced any internal skills either. I wonder what divine skills he will practice in the future. It seems I should get to know him better.

Seeing Zhang Xiaohu’s unnatural expression, Group Leader Chang’s eyes shifted, and he pulled over a disciple who had just competed, whispering a few instructions to him.

The disciple looked confused, glancing back at Zhang Xiaohua on stage, before hurriedly running off.

Meanwhile, Zhang Xiaohu slowly stepped away from the arena after Zhang Xiaohua had stepped onto his shoulders. Stealing a glance at the crowd below, he noticed they all had expressions of “we don’t know this person”, and he secretly wiped the sweat from his forehead. Sigh, how embarrassing! Luckily, there weren’t too many people around!

Just then, he heard someone beside him say: “Senior Brother Zhang Xiaohu, what were you doing just now?”
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Orluros’s Vault of Secrets: Hello everyone, I’ll be taking a short vacation after this week, so as an early gift I shall post double the chapters I usually do all week 🙂 I wish you all a Merry Holiday and a Happy New Year.
I’ll see you all next year!
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