Chapter 208
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After Ou Peng had enjoyed his indulgence in reprimanding, he coughed lightly and said: “The ancients spoke well: true skill is seen in the details. Everyone, our mission to revitalize the Piaomiao Sect is a grand goal that requires tireless effort. We must not let down our guard. I hope that when the day comes for our Piaomiao Sect to rise and stand proudly in the martial world, I can stand hand-in-hand with all of you, laughing at the challenges of the Jianghu.”
Upon hearing this, everyone stood and replied: “We will strictly adhere to the Great Leader’s guidance.”
Only then did a faint smile appear on Ou Peng’s face. He raised his hands in a calming gesture and said: “Please, be seated. We have lived in comfort for too long, to the point of forgetting the dangers of the Jianghu. These peaceful days are meant for us to recuperate and prepare for future ascendancy; we must not treat them as the warm water that slowly boils a frog to death. Consider just the other day: even a mere Law Enforcement Elder from Dalin Temple dared to flaunt their might at our Piaomiao Sect’s grand ceremony. It was utterly intolerable! If we do not rise and meet the challenge head-on, how can there ever be a place for the Piaomiao Sect in the vibrant and illustrious Jianghu? That’s enough; I won’t say more. These reflections are shared with all of you, and they must be conveyed to all disciples at the third rank and above. Instill in them confidence and remind them not to overreact to trivial abnormalities.”
Everyone responded in agreement.
Ou Peng then asked: “What is the current situation in the restricted areas?”
The Medicine Hall’s Hall Master Bai promptly stepped forward and reported: “Reporting to the Sect Master, the three restricted areas under the Medicine Hall’s jurisdiction have all been assigned dedicated guards. No unauthorized individuals are allowed to approach. As for the state of the restricted areas, it remains the same as this morning—the thin white mist has neither receded nor expanded.”
The Divine Forging Hall’s Hall Master Shi quickly followed, saying: “Reporting to the Sect Master, the restricted area under Divine Forging Hall’s watch is in the same condition.”
Zhang Chengyue also stepped forward and added: “Reporting to the Sect Master, the restricted area behind the mountain has also been assigned guards to stand watch. No one has been permitted to approach for closer observation.”
Ou Peng nodded and said: “The disciples’ morale must still be somewhat unsettled, correct?”
Hall Master Bai and Hall Master Shi both lowered their heads in shame and said: “Please punish us, Sect Master. We have been lax in our usual discipline.”
Ou Peng showed no particular reaction and said: “In truth, all people, even those who are martial arts masters of the highest caliber, inevitably harbor a psychological fear of unfamiliar dangers. It’s understandable. The disciples only know that the restricted areas are places forbidden by the sect’s rules. In the past, they were unaware of the specifics, so they lacked any reverence. But now, seeing that these places can actually claim lives, it’s natural for them to feel an abnormal sense of fear.”
He then waved his hand, signaling the three individuals to return to their seats, and continued: “Actually, these restricted areas within our sect were, several thousand years ago, sacred grounds of the sect. However, with the passage of time and the shifting tides of fate, they have become what they are today. As for the missing disciples, perhaps they’ve encountered some other opportunity; it may not necessarily mean they’ve lost their lives.”
Hearing this, everyone was astonished and gazed at Ou Peng expectantly, hoping their Great Leader would provide some clarification. However, Ou Peng merely smiled and said: “These matters are classified secrets of the sect, known only to successive leaders. I’ve shared this much so you may be somewhat reassured, but I cannot divulge any further details.”
The crowd withdrew their gazes, inwardly thinking: “Being the sect master truly is different—he knows far more than we do. It’s not that we lack diligence in learning, but that we simply aren’t given the opportunity to learn such things.”
At this moment, Ou Peng appeared to be lost in thought. He remarked: “Actually, the emergence of these restricted area incidents, though unprecedented in the past few centuries, may not necessarily be a bad thing for our Piaomiao Sect. Perhaps it’s an opportunity.”
He then suddenly turned his head and asked Zhang Chengyue: “Chengyue, is the matter involving Zhang Xiaohua taken care of?”
Zhang Chengyue froze for a moment, his eyes sparkling with admiration as he looked at his revered master. He thought to himself: “As expected of my idol—what a breadth of thought! Just now, he was discussing the restricted areas, and now he’s suddenly moved on to Zhang Xiaohua’s fist manual.”
Understanding that Ou Peng referred to “the matter involving Zhang Xiaohua” to avoid revealing the Big Dipper Divine Fist to others, Zhang Chengyue respectfully replied: “Reporting to the Sect Master, the final matches of the Martial Arts Competition only concluded yesterday. Then this restricted area issue arose today, so this disciple hasn’t had the chance to find him yet.”
Ou Peng said: “Then get started on this matter immediately. It is of utmost importance, so set aside your other tasks for now.”
Zhang Chengyue felt a chill in his heart and thought to himself: “Is documenting a fist manual really that critical? I initially thought about assigning someone else, but it seems I’ll have to handle it personally.”
Despite his inner thoughts, he quickly replied outwardly: “I will carry out the Great Leader’s instructions.”
After speaking, another thought stirred within him. Could the issue of the restricted areas and the supposed opportunity for the Piaomiao Sect have some significant connection to Zhang Xiaohua’s fist manual?
But even if the Big Dipper Divine Fist is the most extraordinary fist technique under heaven, it’s still just a martial arts form. Could it really lead to the revival of the Piaomiao Sect?
Hearing Ou Peng mention Zhang Xiaohua, Hall Master Bai of the Medicine Hall quickly stood up and said: “Reporting to the Sect Master, the Zhang Xiaohua you’re referring to is currently in the Medicine Hall. Would you like me to summon him here?”
“Oh?” Ou Peng raised his brows in surprise. “What’s he doing in the Medicine Hall again? What’s so fascinating about your Medicine Hall that it draws him there? He even asked me for a token to allow him free access to the Medicine Hall.”
At this, Ou Peng gave another instruction to Zhang Chengyue: “Chengyue, when you go to see Zhang Xiaohua, bring him the token I promised him as well.”
Zhang Chengyue nodded in acknowledgment.
Hall Master Bai, still perplexed, scratched his head and said: “I’m not sure either, but he came along with He Tianshu and a few other disciples from the Medicine Hall, saying it was to report about the herbs at Huanxi Villa.”
“Huanxi Villa’s herbs? What’s going on with them?” Ou Peng asked curiously. “Have all the seeds sprouted?”
Hall Master Bai replied: “The seeds haven’t sprouted, but some of the other herbs that had withered have come back to life. Today, they witnessed their revival.” He then recounted everything he knew in detail to Ou Peng.
Ou Peng’s interest was visibly piqued as he murmured to himself: “Could it be that the world is truly about to undergo a transformation?”
But soon after, his expression turned despondent, and he sighed: “Even if changes are indeed coming, how can our Piaomiao Sect seize the initiative amidst it all?”
Afterward, Ou Peng fell into deep thought.
The others in the Assembly Hall were perplexed. Although Ou Peng spoke softly, everyone present had profound inner strength and had already caught his words. They couldn’t help exchanging glances, wondering: What does the revival of those herbs have to do with the world changing? And how might the world change? How could the Piaomiao Sect gain an advantage?
Yet, seeing Ou Peng’s expression, it seemed these matters were another of the sect’s closely guarded secrets that they were not privileged to learn. Resigned, they could only silently observe Ou Peng, hoping he might reveal something more.
After a while, Ou Peng came to his senses and realized his lapse, but he still said nothing further.
Recovering his composure, Ou Peng said: “My apologies, everyone. I was momentarily lost in thought.”
Hall Master Shi immediately responded: “Sect Master, you handle countless matters daily. You must be exhausted. Perhaps you should rest early? As for the remaining issues, we can discuss them tomorrow—there’s nothing urgent to handle.”
Ou Peng considered this and replied: “It’s not that I’m particularly tired, just a little distracted. Very well. You’ve all had a long day yourselves, and the unease has surely been draining. Inform the disciples that the restricted area isn’t some man-eating monster; it’s our sacred ground. Let them have a good night’s rest and stop letting their imaginations run wild.”
The others acknowledged the command and began to take their leave.
As Hall Master Bai of the Medicine Hall was about to leave, he added: “Sect Master, there’s no need to give Zhang Xiaohua the token anymore. I’ve already given him one—it works just as well, doesn’t it?”
Ou Peng waved his hand dismissively. “That won’t do. What you gave him is your decision, but I’ve already promised him a token myself. How can I go back on my word? Besides, your token is only valid in the Medicine Hall. Who else in the sect would recognize it as valid anywhere else?”
Hearing this, Hall Master Bai was greatly alarmed. He thought to himself: “Zhang Xiaohua merely brought some honor to the Piaomiao Sect during the martial arts competition, so why is the Sect Master giving him such an extravagant reward? Zhang Xiaohua only asked for free access to the Medicine Hall, presumably because he wanted to tend to the medicinal herbs and read some of the books there. But from the Sect Master’s tone, it seems like the entire Piaomiao Sect is open for him to roam. What’s really going on here?”
Unable to make sense of it, Hall Master Bai left the Assembly Hall with the others, still puzzled.
Zhang Chengyue, walking at the back of the group, had just started to move when Ou Peng called out: “Chengyue, stay for a moment. I have something to tell you.”
Hearing this, Zhang Chengyue immediately stopped and returned to his spot.
Once everyone else had walked far away, Ou Peng fixed Zhang Chengyue with a long, searching gaze.
The intensity of his gaze made Zhang Chengyue feel uneasy, even a bit apprehensive. Finally, Ou Peng spoke. “Chengyue, you are the Head Disciple of our sect. Over these many years, you’ve worked tirelessly, and the way you’ve managed the sect’s affairs with such order and precision has been an invaluable support to me.”
Zhang Chengyue, confused by these words, quickly saluted and said: “Sect Master, you overpraise me. All the credit goes to you; I merely play a supporting role.”
Ou Peng, seeing his humility, smiled and said: “I know that’s just your modest nature. But everything you’ve done hasn’t gone unnoticed by me. Rest assured, you won’t be overlooked.”
Zhang Chengyue quickly saluted again, expressing his gratitude.
Ou Peng continued: “Do you know why I asked you to stay today?”
Zhang Chengyue froze, his mind racing. His heartbeat quickened slightly as he wondered, Could it be…?
Ou Peng’s martial prowess was extraordinary, and he had already discerned Zhang Chengyue’s thoughts from the subtle changes in his demeanor. Internally, he praised Zhang Chengyue’s quick thinking and said: “Chengyue, you guessed correctly. Since you are the sect’s Head Disciple, the position of Sect Master will naturally fall to you in the future. There are many matters that I ought to tell you sooner rather than later. If I were to forget them, it would be a grave misstep.”
Zhang Chengyue steadied his emotions and said: “Master, there is still much time ahead. Why the rush?”
Ou Peng replied, “Your composure is commendable—very good. However, with the recent disturbances in the forbidden area, I suspect such occurrences will become more frequent. It’s better to inform you now so you can be mentally prepared.”
Zhang Chengyue nodded and listened quietly.
Ou Peng gazed at the empty hall, sighed, and said: “Speaking of the forbidden area, we cannot avoid mentioning the Immortal’s Fall of ten thousand years ago!”
“The Immortal’s Fall!” Zhang Chengyue exclaimed in shock.
