Chapter 195
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Zhang Xiaohua felt his nerves fraying as Master Changgeng’s gaze bore into him. He thought to himself: “Did this monk see through something?” But what could he possibly have noticed?
Could it be, Zhang Xiaohua wondered anxiously:” He’s upset about me damaging Dalin Temple’s face and wants to silence me? Goodness, what should I do now?”
Just as Zhang Xiaohua was consumed by unease, he suddenly heard Master Changgeng laugh heartily and say: “Zhang Xiaohua, hmm? Not bad. You’re quite remarkable! Hahaha.”
Hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua was even more baffled. Is this monk crazy? I just knocked the two little monks he brought down from the stage in succession, yet here he is praising me. What on earth is going on?
However, Zhang Xiaohua’s perception of Master Changgeng had already veered far off course.
It wasn’t entirely Zhang Xiaohua’s fault. From the moment he saw Master Changgeng, he had mentally labeled him as a sinister figure with a donkey face and triangular eyes—a cunning and deceitful type. Since Master Changgeng wasn’t exactly the kind of kind-faced, compassionate monk depicted in Buddhist scriptures, this preconceived notion was hard for Zhang Xiaohua to shake. But Master Changgeng, despite his flaws, wasn’t entirely as Zhang Xiaohua imagined. While it was true that he could hold grudges and had a petty streak, he was still a highly accomplished monk of his generation. He wouldn’t seriously hold a grudge against a teenage boy over something so trivial.
Taking a step back, what had happened wasn’t as remarkable as Zhang Xiaohua feared. Sure, Zhang Xiaohua had defeated two of Master Changgeng’s disciples, both of whom were more advanced in martial cultivation. But from the perspective of Master Changgeng, Zhang Xiaohua was clearly older than Yuan Liao and Yuan Kong. For Zhang Xiaohua to win wasn’t shocking—it was expected. There was no reason to gloat over it. What puzzled Master Changgeng, however, was Zhang Xiaohua’s average martial skills and lack of understanding of internal energy techniques. That was far more intriguing to him.
The most critical factor was that Master Changgeng’s goal of embarrassing the Piaomiao Sect had already been successfully achieved. If he didn’t give them a bit of face now, it would make Dalin Temple appear petty and overly domineering. Zhang Xiaohua, in this case, had become the perfect tool to balance the situation. He filled the gap in a way that aligned perfectly with Master Changgeng’s plans. As a result, any anger Master Changgeng might have felt over the defeat of his disciples had long been forgotten.
It was unclear whether Master Changgeng’s “You’re not bad, you’re quite good,” referred to Zhang Xiaohua’s martial skills or simply to how well Zhang Xiaohua fit into his plans.
After saying this, Master Changgeng opened his mouth as if to speak further, but the words seemed to falter before they could come out.
Earlier, he had already heard from Yuan Liao that Zhang Xiaohua was not a disciple of the Piaomiao Sect but rather claimed to be from Huanxi Villa. Master Changgeng was well aware of the relationship between Huanxi Villa and the Piaomiao Sect. He was tempted to ask Zhang Xiaohua if he had any thoughts of changing allegiances. However, he quickly dismissed the idea. After all, the Dalin Temple was a monastic order, and aside from disciples like Yuan Liao, who had grown up in the temple, or Yuan Xing, an orphan with nowhere else to turn, who would willingly enter monastic life? Moreover, while other monks might not have recognized Zhang Xiaohua’s Piaomiao Steps, Master Changgeng had seen it clearly. The Piaomiao Sect had even imparted their signature technique to him. How could Zhang Xiaohua not be connected to the sect? Attempting to recruit him would be pointless.
Master Changgeng was also quite intrigued by Zhang Xiaohua’s seemingly chaotic fist technique and was tempted to pull him aside for a detailed inquiry. However, considering that Zhang Xiaohua used the Piaomiao Steps, Master Changgeng naturally assumed that the fist technique was also one of the Piaomiao Sect’s closely guarded secrets. Under such circumstances, it was not appropriate to ask.
As a result, after a few words of praise, Monk Changgeng found himself at a loss for what to say next.
Zhang Xiaohua, growing increasingly anxious, thought to himself: “Stop with all this vague flattery! What’s the point of just praising me?” Seeing that Monk Changgeng had fallen silent, he quickly bowed again and said: “Uh, Master, there’s something I’m not sure if I should bring up or not?”
Hearing this, Monk Changgeng raised an eyebrow slightly and replied: “Zhang Xiaohua, what is it? Speak freely.”
Zhang Xiaohua was delighted to hear Monk Changgeng’s response and immediately said: “Master, during the duel on the platform, Yuan Kong made a wager with me. He promised to lend me the [Dharma Sword] manual from your esteemed temple if I won. May I ask if this wager still holds?”
Hearing this, Monk Changgeng was visibly embarrassed. Truth be told, he had never considered the possibility that Yuan Kong might lose to Zhang Xiaohua. He had assumed it was nothing more than a casual remark. Moreover, as an elder of the Law Enforcement Hall, he had no authority to allow outsiders to view Dalin Temple’s secret sword techniques.
Zhang Xiaohua’s question had struck a nerve.
Ou Peng, observing the situation, inwardly relished the moment and immediately scolded Zhang Xiaohua: “Zhang Xiaohua, what kind of person is Master Changgeng? Since he agreed to the wager, naturally, he will honor it. Why bring it up now?”
Zhang Xiaohua replied innocently: “Sect Master, if I don’t mention it now, where would I find the Master after he leaves? Surely I can’t chase him all the way to Dalin Temple.”
Monk Changgeng, caught between the two, wore an expression that shifted between light and dark. He genuinely wanted to uphold the promise, but how could he possibly have the authority to do so?
After some thought, he finally said: “Sect Master Ou, you needn’t press the matter further. Earlier, this humble monk spoke carelessly. Let’s do it this way: Zhang Xiaohua, I cannot guarantee that you’ll be able to see the [Dharma Sword] manual. However, when I return to Dalin Temple, I will report the matter to the Abbot and do my utmost to seek approval for you. If the Abbot agrees, all will be well. But if he does not…”
He paused for a moment, pondering.
Zhang Xiaohua quickly interjected: “Then, if he doesn’t agree, does that mean today’s wager becomes void?”
Monk Changgeng let out a hearty laugh, as if coming to a firm decision. “If the Abbot does not agree, then I will risk my reputation and even my life to ensure you can view a different sword manual from Dalin Temple’s collection. How does that sound?”
When Zhang Xiaohua heard Master Changgeng say he would risk his life, he thought it was to get him the [Dharma Sword] manual. However, when the monk pivoted and mentioned another treasured manual instead, Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help feeling deflated. While he wasn’t particular about which manual he got to see, after hearing Zhang Chengyue’s high praise and seeing Master Changgeng’s reluctance, he realized how rare this opportunity was. Naturally, he had set his sights on the [Dharma Sword].
Noticing Zhang Xiaohua’s silence, Ou Peng spoke up: “Zhang Xiaohua, don’t be too greedy. Since Master Changgeng is offering you a treasured manual from Dalin Temple’s collection, it will undoubtedly be an extraordinary sword technique, one rarely seen in the martial world. It may not be inferior to the [Dharma Sword]. Why worry?”
Hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua’s mood brightened, and he beamed with joy. He immediately bowed again to thank Master Changgeng.
Monk Changgeng shot Ou Peng a glance before addressing Zhang Xiaohua: “Since the Sect Master speaks so highly, I cannot simply offer you a subpar sword manual. Let’s set a time limit of one year. One year from now, at this same time, come to Dalin Temple, and I will arrange for you to view a sword manual. How does that sound?”
How could Zhang Xiaohua refuse? He would have been willing to follow Master Changgeng to Dalin Temple right then and there. Naturally, he nodded enthusiastically.
Ou Peng, seeing that Zhang Xiaohua and Master Changgeng had agreed on a one-year timeline, was satisfied that Zhang Xiaohua’s efforts hadn’t been in vain. He waved a hand, signaling Zhang Xiaohua to leave.
After Zhang Xiaohua bowed and withdrew, Ou Peng turned to Monk Changgeng and asked: “Master Changgeng, should we conclude the martial exchange here, or do you have any other arrangements in mind?”
Monk Changgeng smiled faintly and replied: “This humble monk came with the purpose of strengthening the friendship and exchange between our two sects. Now that our disciples have had the opportunity to spar with yours, it’s only natural to conclude matters here. I have no further arrangements—let’s consider this the end.”
Ou Peng smiled warmly and said: “It’s truly an honor to have a figure like Master Changgeng grace our Piaomiao Sect. Your presence has brought immense prestige to us all. This visit serves as a great encouragement for our Piaomiao Sect, and we have benefited greatly from it. I believe Master Changgeng’s visit was both essential and visionary—only someone as wise as you could have made such an excellent decision.”
Monk Changgeng clasped his hands together and said: “This competition was made possible thanks to Sect Master Ou’s strong support and extensive coordination. It has concluded successfully and achieved its intended goals. Competitions and exchanges like these should be normalized and scaled up in the future. I suggest that we report the fruitful outcomes of this event to the Abbot of Dalin Temple, so he can determine the way forward. I hope that next time, disciples from both our sects will have even more opportunities to exchange and learn from each other.”
Ou Peng clapped his hands in agreement. “What a wonderful idea! Friendship comes first, competition second. May the friendship between Dalin Temple and the Piaomiao Sect last as long as the heavens endure.”
Monk Changgeng also clapped his hands and said: “Indeed, that is how it should be!”
The two exchanged a glance and burst into hearty laughter.
When their laughter subsided, Ou Peng continued: “Master, after such a long day of travel and the better part of the day spent on the competition, you must be on an empty stomach. I’ve already instructed my staff to prepare a vegetarian feast. Please stay and enjoy a meal with us.”
Monk Changgeng hesitated, saying: “This…”
Seeing this, Ou Peng quickly added: “I understand that Master Changgeng has a refined taste when it comes to food. I’ve specially invited a renowned vegetarian chef to prepare the meal. Everything should be ready by now. Please give us the honor of tasting the unique flavors of Pingyang City.”
Hearing this, Monk Changgeng was delighted and said with a smile: “Then I shall humbly accept your kind offer. Sect Master Ou has gone to great lengths.”
Ou Peng was overjoyed and said: “I’ll lead the way. Master, please follow me.”
Monk Changgeng nodded and replied: “After you, Sect Master Ou.”
With the martial competition concluding at this point, Dalin Temple’s matters had come to an end. They had secured the victories they needed and suffered the losses they couldn’t avoid. While the Piaomiao Sect still had other matches to conduct, its middle and senior leaders had all gone off to accompany the disciples of Dalin Temple for a meal, leaving the remaining matches postponed until another day.
Zhang Xiaohua, having left the reed shelter and returned to the plaza, was greeted like a hero. Disciples flocked to him, each eager to exchange a few words or get acquainted. Everyone knew that Zhang Xiaohua had brought great honor to the Piaomiao Sect today, and it was only a matter of time before he earned the favor of the Sect Master. His future in the sect seemed undoubtedly bright. If they didn’t seize the chance to form connections now, when would they?
As a result, calls of “Junior Brother” and “Brother” echoed endlessly around him. Everyone seemed to have completely forgotten the fact that Zhang Xiaohua wasn’t even a formal disciple of the Piaomiao Sect.
At that moment, Zhang Xiaohua finally understood the situation his second brother, Zhang Xiaohu, must have faced when he first joined the Piaomiao Sect. The warm, enthusiastic faces surrounding him brimmed with sincerity, devoid of any apparent falsehood. If not for the fact that Zhang Xiaohua knew none of them personally, he might have genuinely believed they were his sworn brothers, bound by blood oaths.
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