Chapter 215

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Zhang Chengyue thought for a moment but still couldn’t figure it out. He said: “I ask for your guidance, Sect Master.”

Ou Peng smiled and said: “Although we haven’t recruited any new disciples this year, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any talented young individuals within our sect.”

Hearing this, Zhang Chengyue’s eyes lit up, and he smiled: “So Sect Master is referring to Vice Sect Master Shui’s son, Shui Tiantian, right? Sect Master is indeed farsighted; I can’t compare.”

Ou Peng waved his hand and said: “It’s nothing. You were just focused on new recruits.”

However, Zhang Chengyue seemed a bit worried and said: “But, Sect Master, Vice Sect Master Shui places high hopes on his son and is extremely particular about his martial arts training. At the time, you promised him that Shui Tiantian would be taught the core martial arts of our Piaomiao Sect. I’m afraid Vice Sect Master Shui might not agree.”

Ou Peng chuckled and said: “Everyone knows the difference between Immortal Dao and martial arts. Even if Shui Yupeng doesn’t understand the full picture now, once he learns the truth, he’ll be so overjoyed that he won’t have any objections. Besides, the Big Dipper Divine Fist clearly carries the legacy of Immortal Dao, a tradition spanning millennia. Our Piaomiao Sect, as one of the four great Immortal cultivation sects from ten thousand years ago, could rightfully claim it as part of our heritage. Moreover, the profound mysteries of the Big Dipper Divine Fist are perfectly suited to Shui Tiantian’s talent. From any perspective, this is a blessing for Vice Sect Master Shui.”

Zhang Chengyue nodded and said: “Sect Master’s plans leave no room for error. Vice Sect Master Shui will surely be moved to tears with gratitude.”

“Alright,” Ou Peng said, “Let’s settle it this way. Find a suitable time to formally take Shui Tiantian under your wing. Start by teaching him the Big Dipper Divine Fist using the manual. There’s no need to rush into teaching him internal cultivation techniques. Once he has achieved results with the Big Dipper Divine Fist, you can teach him internal cultivation later.”

After a pause, he added: “Given your position as the chief disciple of the sect master, he should be quite willing.”

Zhang Chengyue hesitated awkwardly and said: “But, Sect Master, there’s a slight issue with the generational hierarchy. It’s a bit hard to reconcile.”

Ou Peng smiled and said: “It doesn’t matter. Hierarchy is merely a formality. Besides, you and Zhang Xiaohua are the only ones who understand the Big Dipper Divine Fist. Zhang Xiaohua isn’t a disciple of our Piaomiao Sect and can’t teach Shui Tiantian. Moreover, from what you’ve mentioned, that kid has no idea how to teach others. It’s better if you personally handle the teaching. As for generational ranks, when you eventually become the sect master of the Piaomiao Sect, even if Shui Yupeng is technically a generation above you, what difference does it make? Rest assured, he’ll be thrilled. Besides, I only promised that a disciple would take Tiantian as a student, not that I would personally do it.”

Zhang Chengyue nodded in agreement but then asked: “One more thing, Sect Master. Zhang Xiaohua also wants a copy of the Big Dipper Divine Fist manual. Should we give it to him?”

Ou Peng chuckled and said: “Of course, we’ll give it to him. I already agreed to that back then. Besides, only you and I know the secrets of this manual. Who else would understand its significance? This technique brings little benefit to us, and even if others got hold of it, it would be useless to them. However, make sure to tell Zhang Xiaohua that the manual is for his personal reference and as a keepsake, not to be taught to anyone else. Anyway, given his young age, even if he wanted to teach it to others, they might not be willing to learn. By the time he grows up, our next generation of disciples will already be well-established, and we won’t need to worry about this technique being leaked.”

The two discussed further details before Zhang Chengyue left the Assembly Hall to find Shui Yupeng.

Shui Yupeng, the Vice Sect Master of the Piaomiao Sect, usually stayed with the Luo River Gang. After the martial arts competition where he encountered Monk Changgeng, he had only recently returned, but Zhang Chengyue sent a carrier pigeon to summon him back.

By the time Shui Yupeng returned, several days had passed. Hearing that Ou Peng had approved his son’s inclusion under the tutelage of the Piaomiao Sect’s chief disciple, Shui Yupeng was overjoyed. Just as Ou Peng predicted, he had no objections whatsoever.

After finishing his tasks, Zhang Chengyue returned to his courtyard and remembered that a freeloader was still living next door. He sent someone to summon Zhang Xiaohua and asked: “Zhang Xiaohua, you’ve been staying here for several days now. How have you found it?”

Zhang Xiaohua understood that this was a polite way of telling him to leave. Over the past few days, he hadn’t rested much, spending his time either practicing martial arts or cultivating. He had already absorbed nearly half of the Yuan Qi in the courtyard and didn’t dare continue for fear that any anomalies might arise, leaving him with no way to explain it to Zhang Chengyue.

Smiling, he replied: “Thank you, Uncle Master Zhang, for your hospitality. It’s been wonderful staying in such a tranquil place. However, it seems Huanxi Villa still needs me, so I should return to check on things.”

Zhang Chengyue said: “As for Huanxi Villa, He Tianshu and the others have already returned. There’s no need for you to worry. The herbs have revived, and everything has returned to normal.”

Zhang Xiaohua was overjoyed. “That’s great news! But I wonder, how is my second brother doing now?”

Zhang Chengyue thought for a moment and said: “Yesterday, I saw Wen Wenhai. He seemed very satisfied with your second brother and has already taught him the first level of the [Piaomiao Divine Technique]. I’d say he has already entered the basics.”

Zhang Xiaohua was even happier and said: “That’s fantastic! Uncle Master Zhang, it seems you know everything!”

Zhang Chengyue replied with a chuckle: “As the chief disciple of the sect leader, I must be aware of everything happening in the sect. Otherwise, how could I live up to the title of Chief Disciple?”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and asked: “What about the martial arts manual that the Sect Master promised me?”

Zhang Chengyue snorted lightly, with a look as if to say, “I knew this was coming.” He took out a brand-new booklet from his robe and tossed it to Zhang Xiaohua. “There you go, this is the fist manual you wanted.”

Zhang Xiaohua reached out and caught it. He looked at the cover of the manual, which was blank, and then carefully examined the familiar moves inside. Surprisingly, he found no flaws at all. He couldn’t help but smile and said: “The Piaomiao Sect is truly impressive. This manual has been copied without a single mistake.”

Zhang Chengyue silently cursed in his heart: Nonsense, I copied it carefully, how dare I make a single error?

Seeing that Zhang Xiaohua had tucked the manual into his robe, Zhang Chengyue said; “Zhang Xiaohua, this manual was indeed promised to you by the Sect Master, but please be careful with it. Don’t give it to others or lose it.”

Zhang Xiaohua immediately responded: “Don’t worry, Uncle Master Zhang. I know how important this martial art is to you. I promise I won’t give this manual to anyone else or teach it to others. You can rest assured.”

Seeing that Zhang Xiaohua was being so sensible, Zhang Chengyue didn’t say anything more.

As Zhang Xiaohua left Zhang Chengyue’s place, he glanced back at the little courtyard, which looked plain from the outside but was incredibly comfortable inside. He silently thought to himself: “I wonder when I’ll have time to come back and absorb more Yuan Qi.”

Thinking about what Zhang Chengyue had promised him, Zhang Xiaohua realized that he would need to spend more time at the Piaomiao Sect in the future, looking for places with dense Yuan Qi of Heaven and Earth.

However, that was all for later. At this moment, Zhang Xiaohua was solely focused on seeing Zhang Xiaohu to discuss the matter of returning to Guo Village.

As soon as Zhang Xiaohua thought of Guo Village, he couldn’t suppress the excitement in his heart, imagining stepping into the small courtyard where he could see the main room at a glance.

When he arrived at Zhang Xiaohu’s courtyard, he found that Zhang Xiaohu was not meditating and diligently practicing his inner energy as Zhang Xiaohua had imagined. Instead, he was sitting comfortably under a tree with a small teapot, squinting his eyes, seemingly asleep.

Zhang Xiaohua was surprised and asked: “Second Brother, I heard that you just received the teachings from Great Hero Wen. Shouldn’t you be diligently practicing? How come you’re here, enjoying the breeze?”

Seeing his younger brother enter, Zhang Xiaohu quickly greeted him and poured a cup of tea for him, explaining: “In martial arts, there’s a balance between effort and relaxation. When it comes to cultivating inner energy, diligence is important, but insight is even more crucial. A sudden enlightenment is worth more than a hundred days of hard practice. That’s the truth. In the past, when I was at the Lotus Escort Agency, I didn’t understand these things. I practiced relentlessly, but it didn’t amount to much. Now, after hearing my master’s words, I realize that martial arts has many subtle techniques.”

Hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but be startled. Just now, he had been preoccupied with the Yuan Qi of Heaven and Earth at the Piaomiao Sect—wasn’t it exactly the same? He had been too focused on the quantity of inner energy, always wanting to become powerful in one go. Now, his second brother’s words had awakened him from his delusion. It was better to relax.

So, Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said: “Thank you for the reminder, Second Brother. I understand now.”

Seeing his younger brother’s wisdom, Zhang Xiaohu was pleased. He had received teachings from Wen Wenhai and was eager to share what he had learned. The inner energy cultivation techniques were Piaomiao Sect’s secret, so he obviously couldn’t speak about them. However, the insights on training weren’t part of that secret.

The two brothers chatted about their recent happenings. Zhang Xiaohua then asked: “Second Brother, I’ve already asked Sect Master Ou for leave to go back to Guo Village. He agreed. Do you think, since you’ve just received the teachings from Great Hero Wen, it’s possible for you to come along? If not, I’ll wait for you.”

Zhang Xiaohu replied: “I’ve already learned the first layer of the [Piaomiao Divine Technique]’s heart method. Now, I need to understand the principles of Heaven and Earth, gradually raising my state of mind to improve my cultivation. Returning to Guo Village should be part of this cultivation. I’ll ask Master. If it’s okay, we can set out on a good day.”

Zhang Xiaohua was overjoyed and said: “That’s great! Go and ask Great Hero Wen, I’ll wait for your news.”

Seeing his younger brother’s impatience, Zhang Xiaohu knew he was very eager to return home. He quickly packed a few things and left to ask Wen Wenhai.

Seeing his second brother leave, Zhang Xiaohua, feeling bored, couldn’t resist trying to draw in Qi. Of course, the Yuan Qi in Zhang Xiaohu’s courtyard was pitifully scarce, and after trying to draw a few strands, Zhang Xiaohua gave up.

It was like someone who had tasted delicacies from all over the world—when asked to eat simple porridge again, no matter how they ate, it just wouldn’t feel right.

After a while, Zhang Xiaohu returned with a serious expression. The moment Zhang Xiaohua saw him, he felt something was wrong and asked: “Second Brother, what happened? Did Great Hero Wen refuse?”

Zhang Xiaohu said dejectedly: “Yes. Master said I’ve just learned this inner energy technique, how could I leave without his guidance?”

Zhang Xiaohua also felt disheartened. He sat down with a slump and sighed: “Sigh, what should we do now? I really want to go back and take a look.”

Zhang Xiaohu said: “Yeah, we can’t go back now. But in two or three days, we’ll be able to!”

Zhang Xiaohua exclaimed: “Two or three days? That long…”

Then, realizing something, he smiled and said: “Second Brother, you’re teasing me. It’s just two or three days. Why the long face?”
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