Chapter 198

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With Zhang Xiaohu’s matter concluded, Ou Peng instructed Wen Wenhai and Zhang Xiaohu to leave the hall.

Now, only Zhang Xiaohua, Ou Peng, Elder Hu, and Zhang Chengyue remained in the Assembly Hall.

Zhang Xiaohua stood at the front, nervously staring at the ground while his eyes darted back and forth. He could feel the intense gazes of Ou Peng and Elder Hu fixed on him.

He couldn’t fathom why Sect Master Ou had kept him behind. If it were simply to reward him, Zhang Xiaohu’s presence shouldn’t have mattered. Unsure of what Ou Peng had in mind, Zhang Xiaohua didn’t dare to ask.

After some time, even Zhang Chengyue seemed puzzled. Finally, Ou Peng broke the silence and asked: “Zhang Xiaohua, can you tell me where you learned the fist technique you used against Yuan Kong on the platform today?”

Zhang Xiaohua was caught off guard. He hadn’t expected such a question and felt his face flush with embarrassment. Scratching his head, he explained how he often forgot the formal moves of the fist techniques he’d learned and had pieced together his own version from bits and pieces he could recall.

Ou Peng listened carefully but appeared skeptical. He pressed further: “Are you sure? Are you telling me that you didn’t acquire some kind of secret manual and learn the technique from there?”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said: “Sect Master Ou, I swear, I’ve had no such opportunity. This is just something I put together from the training manuals at the Lotus Escort Agency. I couldn’t remember the exact moves, and after practicing them over and over, they ended up like this—neither here nor there.”

Ou Peng fell silent for a moment, pondering. Then he asked: “This fist technique of yours—how many moves does it contain? Can you perform the entire sequence for us?”

Zhang Xiaohua replied: “This set has 108 moves. Please wait a moment, and I’ll show you right away.”

The Assembly Hall had a spacious floor, and with Zhang Chengyue’s help, some chairs were moved aside to create an open area for Zhang Xiaohua.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Zhang Xiaohua began performing his Big Dipper Divine Fist. Ou Peng and Elder Hu’s eyes lit up as they watched, occasionally exchanging meaningful glances. Zhang Chengyue, however, seemed puzzled.

To Zhang Chengyue, the moves of the fist technique looked peculiar. They bore some resemblance to the martial arts he had trained in, yet there were subtle differences. Even the unfamiliar moves didn’t fully align with his understanding. He couldn’t comprehend why Sect Master Ou was so interested in this seemingly odd fist technique.

After Zhang Xiaohua finished performing the fist technique, Ou Peng glanced at Hu Yunyi again before turning to Zhang Xiaohua and saying: “Zhang Xiaohua, this fist technique of yours is quite impressive.”

Hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua was overjoyed and tentatively asked: “Really, Sect Master Ou? You’re not just flattering me, are you?”

Ou Peng chuckled. “It’s true. You used this technique to defeat Yuan Kong—how could it not be impressive? But let me ask you something: why does your fist technique only have 108 moves? Why not 360?”

Hearing this seemingly random question, Zhang Xiaohua scratched his head and replied: “Sect Master Ou, I honestly don’t know. I only learned this many moves, and they all fit together well. If I added more, there wouldn’t be room for them.”

Ou Peng muttered to himself: “That’s strange. It’s supposed to have 360 moves. Why does it only have 108?”

Zhang Xiaohua, even more confused, asked: “Sect Master, why must it have 360 moves? I’m not lying—I really only remembered 108.”

At this point, Hu Yunyi spoke up: “Zhang Xiaohua, I have a question for you. Our Piaomiao Sect would like to record this fist technique of yours. Would you be okay with that?”

“Record it?” Zhang Xiaohua’s mouth fell open in shock. “What do you mean? Do you mean to turn it into a fist manual?”

Hu Yunyi nodded. “That’s exactly what I mean!”

Zhang Chengyue, standing to the side, was equally stunned.

A fist manual was not a trivial matter—it represented a martial art refined through countless trials, achieving a level of excellence worthy of being passed down. It was the product of immense effort and deep research. But this chaotic-looking technique of Zhang Xiaohua’s, which seemed like a mishmash of moves, was now being proposed for recording as a fist manual? Zhang Chengyue couldn’t fathom what made it so valuable.

Zhang Xiaohua was just as shocked. He asked: “Elder Hu, are you saying you want to use this manual to teach Piaomiao Sect disciples?”

Hu Yunyi shook his head and said: “Not at all, Zhang Xiaohua. The Sect Master and I just find your fist technique very intriguing. Each move is unique compared to standard techniques, and yet they connect seamlessly into a complete sequence. Its power is undeniable—it stood toe-to-toe with Dalin Temple’s Vajra Demon-Subduing Palm. So, we’re curious and would like to record it for further study.”

“Oh? So that’s it.” Zhang Xiaohua felt a twinge of disappointment. For a moment, he had truly believed that the Piaomiao Sect intended to formally teach his Big Dipper Divine Fist to its disciples, which had sparked a hint of pride in him. However, Hu Yunyi’s explanation made sense. The Piaomiao Sect had plenty of its own martial arts legacies—why would they adopt a patchwork technique from an outsider like him?

Zhang Chengyue, too, found this explanation acceptable.

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said, “Alright, no problem. Elder Hu, just let me know when someone wants to discuss the recording process with me. I don’t know how to create a fist manual, but they can guide me.”

Hu Yunyi was delighted. “Great! It’s settled then. I’ll arrange for someone to talk to you about this soon.”

Zhang Xiaohua then added: “But, Elder Hu, I have one request.”

Hu Yunyi was taken aback and asked: “A request? Let’s hear it.”

Zhang Xiaohua said: “What name do you plan to give this fist manual?”

Hu Yunyi glanced at Ou Peng and replied: “We haven’t decided yet. Perhaps we’ll call it Great Celestial Cycle Star Fist.”

“Great Celestial Cycle Star Fist?” Zhang Xiaohua was puzzled. “What kind of name is that? It sounds so awkward. I’ve already named it—you’d better not infringe on my copyright.”

Hu Yunyi and the others were momentarily stunned, their mouths agape. They quickly responded: “We have no intention of infringing. What’s the name you’ve given it?”

“Big Dipper Divine Fist!” Zhang Xiaohua declared proudly.

Ou Peng pondered for a moment and said: “Alright, we’ll call it Big Dipper Divine Fist. However, to respect your legal rights, should we include a note on the manual that credits it as ‘Authored by Zhang Xiaohua’?”

Zhang Xiaohua tilted his head, thought for a moment, and then waved his hand dismissively. “Forget it, don’t write my name on it. A real master stays humble and unnoticed. If my name’s on it, everyone will know it’s mine, and won’t I be pestered endlessly?”

He then added: “By the way, once the manual is finished, shouldn’t I get a copy for myself?”

Ou Peng, puzzled, asked: “You already know the technique. Why would you need a manual?”

Zhang Xiaohua squinted his eyes and said: “Sure, I know it, but it’s never been documented before. Having a manual would make me feel like my life hasn’t been in vain. It’d be my contribution to the prosperity of the martial world. Every time I look at it, I’d feel a sense of accomplishment.”

Ou Peng laughed. “No problem. Once it’s completed, the first copy will go to you.”

With the Big Dipper Divine Fist matter settled, Ou Peng turned serious and said: “Zhang Xiaohua, your performance on the platform today was beyond our expectations. Defeating two of Dalin Temple’s experts was impressive. Most importantly, you saved our Piaomiao Sect’s face by ensuring we didn’t lose all our matches. For that alone, I think you deserve a reward. Tell me, what would you like?”

“Ah? There are rewards?” Zhang Xiaohua blurted out in surprise. “But I thought external participants don’t get rewards?”

Ou Peng dismissed the notion with a wave of his hand. “Rules are dead, but people are alive. You’ve done so much, defeating two monks, while your brother only managed a draw, and I’m still rewarding him. There’s no reason not to reward you too. Go ahead—tell me what you’d like.”

Zhang Xiaohua had anticipated a reward after He Tianshu’s earlier analysis, but he hadn’t expected Ou Peng to let him decide. This caught him off guard. Should he ask for a sword manual? A saber manual? An internal energy technique? It felt like he wanted everything.

Or maybe he should ask Ou Peng to take him in as a disciple of the Piaomiao Sect?

Zhang Xiaohua’s heart fluttered at the thought. But after a moment’s reflection, he dismissed the idea. Last time, he had saved Ou Peng’s sister at the risk of his life and so he was given the opportunity to be his disciple. Defeating two monks, while significant, didn’t seem like it would warrant the same recognition. Asking for such a thing might put Ou Peng in an awkward position.

Moreover, Ou Peng had clearly said “what you’d like”—not “name a condition”. Zhang Xiaohua could see the difference between the two and knew better than to overreach.

With that in mind, Zhang Xiaohua quickly dismissed the idea of becoming a disciple.

Internal energy techniques? Zhang Xiaohua thought about it and dismissed the idea. He already had the [Carefree Heart Sutra], and although progress was painfully slow, it was still something he could cultivate.

Qinggong or body movement techniques? He had only just begun to grasp the floating technique of the Piaomiao Steps. It would be better to master it first before considering anything else.

A sword manual or saber manual, then?

As Zhang Xiaohua hesitated, a flash of inspiration struck him. He said: “Sect Master, I’ve thought of something I’d like. I wonder if you’d be willing to give it to me?”

Ou Peng raised an eyebrow. “If you don’t tell me what it is, how can I know whether I’d be willing or not?”

Zhang Xiaohua explained: “During the martial competition, I visited the Medicine Hall. I really liked that place, and I’m very curious about their library. I’d like to ask the Sect Master for a token that allows me free access to the Medicine Hall and its collection of books. Would that be possible?”

Ou Peng thought for a moment before saying: “You’re still thinking about those non-sprouting herbs, aren’t you? Well, I must commend your dedication—it’s no wonder Yan’er has taken a special interest in you. Alright, I’ll give you the token you’re asking for. And if you can solve the issue with those herbs, I’ll reward you handsomely again. Chengyue, arrange this matter.”

Zhang Chengyue nodded in acknowledgment.

Afterward, Ou Peng asked: “Zhang Xiaohua, I noticed your Piaomiao Steps seem to be coming along well. Have you finished learning them?”

Zhang Xiaohua replied with a smile: “Sect Master, this is all thanks to Captain He’s excellent teaching. Under his patient guidance, I’ve managed to achieve today’s results.”

Ou Peng was momentarily taken aback. This kid sure knows how to deliver flattery by the bucketload.