Chapter 179

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After being tricked by Zhang Xiaohua, Nie Xiao’er and his group lost interest in watching the competition. They lingered for a while longer before bidding farewell and leaving.

Zhang Xiaohua watched them stagger away, feeling a bit guilty. He wondered to himself, did I go too far?

The once lively platform in Young Eagle Hall finally returned to calmness. Group Leader Chang breathed a sigh of relief. The commotion from earlier that morning was undoubtedly seen by Manager Xu, and he wasn’t sure if his handling of the situation was appropriate, whether it was smooth enough, and whether it had caught Manager Xu’s attention.

The children participating in the matches below the stage, however, were quite pleased. After all, being surrounded by a crowd of people is never a good feeling, especially when those people are supporters of their opponents. But now, the sky was clear and quiet, and they could focus on their matches in peace.

Putting aside Zhang Xiaohua’s guilt, Group Leader Chang’s anxiety, and the children’s relief, Nie Xiao’er and his group, who had been staggering away from Young Eagle Hall, straightened their backs as soon as they turned the corner. One of them said: “Who would have thought that Xiaohua would be so difficult to deal with now? We originally wanted to trick him into leaking some information, but instead, we got nothing. He’s even harder to handle than He Tianshu. Old He just keeps his mouth shut, but this kid, with just three words, got eight sets of sword techniques from us!”

Another chimed in: “Yeah, Zhang Xiaohua has changed. He’s no longer the same country bumpkin we first met.”

“Haha, true. I can still remember the way Ma Jing’er bullied him back then. It’s still fresh in my mind.”

“Yeah, people grow up and mature. If he were still that weak kid who got bullied, how could he survive in the martial world? Otherwise, he might as well wash up and head home to farm.”

“That’s what I said, but even though we got tricked by this kid, it still feels uncomfortable. Brother Xiao’er, do we really have to teach him a sword technique each?”

Nie Xiao’er nodded with a sly grin and said: “Why not? We promised him, didn’t we? Why not teach him?”

“Come on, this isn’t the wise Brother Xiao’er we know. Spill it—what’s your real plan?”

“Hehe.” Before he could say anything, Nie Xiao’er let out a self-satisfied laugh, making the others even more curious.

As the group eagerly awaited an explanation, Nie Xiao’er finally spoke slowly: “We said we would teach Zhang Xiaohua some sword techniques, but we never specified how we would teach him. There are countless ways to teach. Demonstrating moves is just one option. Besides, with that kid Zhang Xiaohua’s level of understanding, if he’s still like before, you could teach him ten moves, and he’d forget eight. We’d be exhausted by the end of it. Also, we just said we would teach him; we never said he had to fully grasp it. I see two approaches. First, we could simply perform two sets of sword techniques in front of him—whether he learns or not is up to him. Second, we could throw him some sword manuals and let him teach himself. That’s also a valid way of ‘teaching’. As the saying goes, ‘He has his strategy, but we have our countermeasures’. What could Zhang Xiaohua possibly do to us?”

The group clapped their hands in praise, finally relaxing and standing tall as they continued on their way.

Meanwhile, Zhang Xiaohua, back in the Young Eagle Hall, was entirely unaware that he had been plotted against again. He was still feeling slightly guilty for having been a bit too manipulative earlier.

Ah, as the ancients wisely said: ‘Old ginger is spicier.’ It doesn’t deceive me.

As for Zhang Xiaohua’s remaining matches, to be honest, they were entirely uneventful. Though his opponents differed, his approach remained the same, as did his guerrilla strategy. Naturally, the results were identical as well!

If it weren’t for the requirement to go through the motions of a match, both his opponents and Group Leader Chang would almost certainly have agreed to call it a draw. Why waste time?

That stick of incense costs money too! What a waste, such a pity!

When Group Leader Chang finally announced the draw, and both Zhang Xiaohua and his opponent descended from the stage, Zhang Xiaohua’s group participation in the martial tournament officially came to an end.

With a record of nine matches and nine draws, Zhang Xiaohua concluded his competition journey.

As Group Leader Chang and Group Leader Li recorded and calculated the results, the group of children anxiously watched, while Zhang Xiaohua, bored, suddenly realized that they were eagerly awaiting their final scores. After several years of tough training and three exhausting days of competition, wasn’t it all to pass the Cloth-Robe First Grade assessment?

Suddenly, Zhang Xiaohua felt a bit uneasy. He had only participated in the competition to test himself, or to put it more bluntly, for fun! But could his presence have affected one of the children’s chances?

If his involvement had influenced the outcome for one of them, wouldn’t that be regrettable?

At this moment, Zhang Xiaohua finally understood why the disciples of the Young Eagle Hall had given him such strange looks when he first arrived. It was clear now that they had some concerns about his participation.

However, when Zhang Xiaohua thought about his unimpressive performance, he felt at ease again. With results like his, how could he have blocked anyone’s path?

Before long, Group Leader Chang put down his brush and picked up a sheet of paper. His expression was complicated as he looked at the eager little faces in front of him. After glancing strangely at Zhang Xiaohua, who stood slightly farther away from the others, he finally spoke: “The results of the Cloth-Robe First Grade assessment are out. Four disciples will directly advance to Cloth-Robe First Grade. They are…”

Group Leader Chang then read out the names of four disciples, including Mu Tangchun. The four immediately beamed with joy and pride.

The remaining disciples weren’t pleased and quickly asked: “Group Leader Chang, aren’t there supposed to be five disciples who advance directly? Why are there only four?”

Group Leader Chang explained: “Every year, five disciples with the top scores advance directly. But this year, the fifth…”

At this point, Group Leader Chang pointed to Zhang Xiaohua, who was standing further away, and said helplessly: “The fifth place goes to disciple number 250, Zhang Xiaohua from Huanxi Villa, who participated in our martial competition!”

Upon hearing this, the remaining disciples all turned to glare angrily at Zhang Xiaohua. If looks could kill, Zhang Xiaohua would have been riddled with invisible daggers, and not even his mastery of the Piaomiao Steps could save him.

As for Zhang Xiaohua, though he would be lying if he said he wasn’t happy, the joy was mixed with surprise. Achieving such a result among these exceptionally talented disciples was unexpected and something to be proud of. Yet, knowing that he had taken someone else’s advancement slot made Zhang Xiaohua uncomfortable.

Seeing the disciples ready to vent their frustration on Zhang Xiaohua, Group Leader Chang quickly added: “Although only four have advanced directly, according to the martial competition’s rules, we can recommend two additional disciples for advancement if they meet the criteria for Cloth-Robe First Grade. After discussing it with Group Leader Li, and considering our group’s unique situation, we’ve decided to recommend three disciples, thereby restoring the spot that Zhang Xiaohua took.”

Upon hearing this, the disciples cheered in relief, and Zhang Xiaohua also showed a happy smile.

Zhang Xiaohua walked over to Group Leader Chang, preparing to bid farewell, and said: “Group Leader Chang, thank you for looking after me these past few days. Now that the martial competition is over, it’s time for me to return to Huanxi Villa. I hope I can come back next year to compete again.”

The other disciples were all speechless, thinking: “This guy is too much. Isn’t causing trouble this year enough? Now he’s already thinking about next year. We need to train harder and make sure to beat him to the ground next time.”

Group Leader Chang looked at him, puzzled, and asked: “Zhang Xiaohua, what do you mean by that? You’ve already passed the first stage. From what you’re saying, are you planning to go back to Huanxi Villa without participating in tomorrow’s competition?”

“There’s a competition tomorrow?” Zhang Xiaohua was stunned and asked: “I thought the martial competition ended today, and our matches are finished. What competition is there tomorrow?”

Only then did Group Leader Chang realize that Zhang Xiaohua really didn’t understand the format of the tournament. He patiently explained: “The Piaomiao Sect’s martial competition is divided into three stages, commonly called the ‘Three Stages of Advancement’. The first stage is the group matches, which you’ve just completed over the past three days. This determines a disciple’s ranking, like how Mu Tangchun and the others are now at Cloth-Robe First Grade. The second stage involves one-on-one duels between those who passed the first stage, excluding those who were only recommended for promotion as we just mentioned. From these duels, the top ten disciples are chosen, and they receive special rewards. Those top ten then qualify for the third stage, the challenge round. In that round, the ten disciples can challenge someone from the next level. If they win or draw, they advance to a higher rank.”

Zhang Xiaohua finally understood that he had only just passed the first stage.

Curious, he asked: “Group Leader Chang, since I’m just here from Huanxi Villa to participate in the martial competition, and I’m not part of the Piaomiao Sect’s advancement process, am I still eligible to participate in the next two stages?”

Group Leader Chang nodded, saying: “Since you joined our group, I checked the records. While no outsiders have participated in recent decades, about a hundred years ago, many outsiders eagerly took part, and several advanced to the second and third stages. However, one thing to note is that most of those outsiders were well-known figures in the Jianghu, and many joined the Lotus Escort Agency before participating in the tournament. Their martial skills were quite high, and to be honest, their performance was much, much better than yours.”

Zhang Xiaohua nodded and didn’t deny his performance, saying: “So, that means I need to participate in tomorrow’s competition?”

Group Leader Chang smiled and replied: “Of course, why else would I remind you? However, based on your current results, it’s fine if you decide not to participate. The next two stages involve one match with a limit of three incense sticks and another with no time limit. With your current strategy, you might not have the same advantage. Passing the first stage is already quite an achievement. My suggestion is that you skip the remaining two stages. Oh, by the way, the two disciples from the Lotus Escort Agency who came with you to the martial competition already withdrew yesterday.”

Actually, Zhang Xiaohua had no idea there were more stages to the competition, and he hadn’t planned on competing for a top spot against the other kids. However, since he had just received the token from He Tianshu for the Medicine Hall earlier that morning, if he didn’t compete tomorrow, he might have to return the token soon. Thinking about the abundant Yuan Qi in the Medicine Hall, Zhang Xiaohua felt a little reluctant to give it up. And as for Leader Chang, first you tell me there’s a match tomorrow, and then you advise me not to participate—isn’t it just because I always end up with a draw? Feeling a little annoyed, Zhang Xiaohua asked: “If I participate tomorrow and make it into the top ten, will I be taking one of the spots reserved for the Young Eagle Hall disciples?”

Group Leader Chang enjoyed hearing Zhang Xiaohua asking such bold questions, which tested his knowledge, so he explained: “No, you won’t. The rules in the sect are very clear. If you manage to enter the top ten, you’ll be given a separate spot, and the Young Eagle Hall will still select ten of its own disciples.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua firmly said: “In that case, I’ll participate tomorrow.”

“Oh?” Group Leader Chang was a bit surprised and asked: “Are you sure?”

Zhang Xiaohua frowned and replied: “Of course I’m sure. It doesn’t matter if I lose, but if I win, I can compete against Cloth-Robe Second Grade disciples. I have nothing to lose, so why wouldn’t I participate?”

Seeing that Zhang Xiaohua had made up his mind, Group Leader Chang stopped trying to dissuade him and simply told him to come to the Young Eagle Hall as usual the next day. With that, Zhang Xiaohua thanked him and took his leave.

After leaving the Young Eagle Hall, Zhang Xiaohua’s first thought was to go to the Medicine Hall, but then he remembered that his older brother was still at the Piaomiao Sect. He had no reason to head elsewhere first, so he followed the path back to Zhang Xiaohu’s residence.

Zhang Xiaohu’s small courtyard had its door tightly shut as usual. Zhang Xiaohua walked up to the door and knocked a few times, but there was no response. Impatiently, he shouted: “Second Brother, it’s me!”

Sure enough, the door opened immediately. Zhang Xiaohua stepped inside and, with a hint of annoyance, said: “Second brother, is this really necessary? You close the door every day. If they keep coming to flatter you, are you planning to shut the door forever?”

At that moment, Zhang Xiaohu was drenched in sweat. He wiped his forehead briefly and sighed: “Sigh, I don’t know what else to do. Better to shut the door. My martial arts skills are too weak right now, and I can’t hold my head up in front of others. I don’t have a better solution.”

Only then did Zhang Xiaohua notice how much his brother was sweating. He was startled and asked: “Second Brother, why are you sweating so much? What have you been doing?”

“What have I been doing?” Zhang Xiaohu let out a bitter smile, then moved to the courtyard and began to practice his familiar Six Harmonies Fist, one move after another.

Zhang Xiaohua didn’t want to disturb him, so he sat down on a small stone stool, quietly watching. But after a long time, Zhang Xiaohu continued to repeat the same moves without taking a break, sweat pouring down like a river.

Zhang Xiaohua felt something was wrong and called out: “Second Brother, Second Brother, take a break and rest!”

But Zhang Xiaohu seemed to not hear him.

Seeing this, Zhang Xiaohua grew anxious. He leaped off the stone stool, quickly stepping into Zhang Xiaohu’s range. Using his left hand to block one of Zhang Xiaohu’s punches, he countered with a move from the Big Dipper Divine Fist, attacking Zhang Xiaohu from the side. Zhang Xiaohu, seeing his younger brother’s punch approaching, didn’t say a word and swung his fist to meet it. Zhang Xiaohua didn’t shy away, taking the hit directly. He felt the force in his brother’s punch was very heavy, as if Zhang Xiaohu was using all his strength. Not backing down, Zhang Xiaohua added more power to his punches, and soon, the two brothers were fully engaged in combat.

For nearly two incense sticks’ worth of time, Zhang Xiaohua didn’t feel too tired—after all, his physical strength was now immense, with his punches creating fierce winds even without using any internal strength. But Zhang Xiaohu was different. He had once relied on his internal energy, but now, having abandoned his low-level internal cultivation methods, he was fighting purely on physical strength, how could he match his opponent Zhang Xiaohua? If Zhang Xiaohua hadn’t intentionally held back, Zhang Xiaohu would have long been knocked to the ground by his younger brother.

Seeing that his second brother’s punches were becoming weaker and that fatigue was clearly showing on his face, Zhang Xiaohua decided to end the fight. He purposefully left an opening under his armpit, allowing Zhang Xiaohu’s punch to land. With a loud “peng”, Zhang Xiaohua dramatically fell to the ground, crying out: “Ow!”

Zhang Xiaohu immediately halted his movements upon hearing Zhang Xiaohua’s cry of pain. He rushed over to help him up, his face full of concern as he asked: “Did I hit your armpit? How are you feeling, does it hurt a lot?”

Zhang Xiaohua, amused by his second brother’s worry, smiled inwardly but didn’t dare to reveal the truth. Instead, he furrowed his brows and complained: “Second Brother, I was kindly helping you practice. Why are you so cruel? I’m your little brother, even with your high martial skills, you shouldn’t bully me like this. Oh, it hurts so much.”

Zhang Xiaohu quickly smiled and said: “Xiaohua, it’s my fault. I wasn’t in a good mood today and got carried away. Take a deep breath and see if your chest feels tight. If it does, we should head to the Medicine Hall. I don’t want to end up hurting you.”

Zhang Xiaohua deliberately took a deep breath, then exhaled, closing his eyes for a moment before saying: “I think I’m fine, second brother. My chest doesn’t feel tight, but where you hit me really aches. By the way, why are you in such a bad mood? You shouldn’t be taking it out on your little brother. Oh, and you’re covered in sweat—have you been practicing since you got back this morning?”

Zhang Xiaohu thought about it and silently nodded.

Zhang Xiaohua rubbed his armpit and said: “Second brother, help me over to the stone bench. Let’s sit and talk.”

Playing up his injury, Zhang Xiaohua got Zhang Xiaohu to carefully assist him over to the bench.

Once they were seated, Zhang Xiaohua asked: “Second Brother, I’ve been competing all day. Could I get some water?”

Zhang Xiaohu, still silent, went into the house and brought out a teacup and some water. Zhang Xiaohua took the cup, poured two cups of tea, and handed one to Zhang Xiaohu, saying: “Second Brother, you should drink some too.”

Zhang Xiaohu glanced at Zhang Xiaohua and replied: “You drink as well.”

When Zhang Xiaohua picked up his cup, Zhang Xiaohu finally started drinking as well.

After they both drank water, placing their cups down, Zhang Xiaohua asked again: “Second Brother, what’s really going on? Why are you practicing so hard the moment you get back?”

Zhang Xiaohu raised his head and gazed at the sky, seemingly lost in thought. He poured himself another cup of tea and, after taking a sip, said: “Actually, Xiaohua, it’s nothing. Well, I just feel useless. Look at you—you haven’t formally become anyone’s disciple, and the martial arts you’ve learned are incomplete, yet you persist. You’ve pieced together those fragmented moves and somehow made it work. Now, your skill level is already beyond what many Piaomiao Sect disciples can handle. You’ve surpassed me by a long shot. And I, I feel like I’m very useless.”

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