Chapter 81: Initial Exploration of Zhao State

  In the following days, Xiang Shaolong spent his time in a state of constant vigilance, rising with the rooster's crow and retiring only when the sun had set.

  During the day, Yuan Zong taught Xiang Shaolong swordsmanship for half a day. After noon, he would disappear without a trace, leaving Xiang Shaolong to practice on his own. In fact, he had been eyeing "Qing Xu True Man" who possessed extraordinary and extensive knowledge, but unfortunately, Qing Xu True Man was also elusive, often disappearing suddenly, even when staying in the courtyard, he would stand on the rooftop with his hands behind his back, watching the clouds drift by, or sit cross-legged with his eyes closed, deep in thought.

  Xiang Shao Long couldn't help but admit that when someone saw such a dignified and elegant person, like an immortal descending to the mortal world, deep in thought, it was hard to muster up the courage to disturb them. Every time he looked at the heavy sword in his hand, which he still wasn't very familiar with, he would silently shut his mouth. Of course, another reason was that he was afraid of being told "too weak" after calling out to her. In any case, a robust man like him being called "weak" by a delicate and frail-looking woman was unbearable in every sense, especially when it was true...

  Sometimes, Xiangzi would think when he was lying on the ground panting like a puddle of mud, just how formidable Zhang Sanfeng must be to have taught a 15 or 16-year-old girl to be so talented. In fact, wasn't Zhang Sanfeng the one who had crossed over?

  Xiang Shaolong was unaware that, every night when he was fast asleep, those two people who often disappeared during the day would gather together, holding a crude map and discussing in hushed tones, sometimes even arguing softly.

  Three months later, Yuan Zong was waiting for Xiang Shaolong in the courtyard one morning, smiling and greeting him.

  "Shaolong, you've almost mastered the Mozi sword technique. From now on, what's lacking is only experience. As for internal energy, it can't be achieved overnight. I observe that you seem to have innate physical strength but lack inner breath. If you can cultivate your power from outside in, that would be even better. If not, there's no need to force it."

  Xiang Shao Long's delighted smile froze on his face.

  "Wait, wait, wait - internal energy?! Is that the internal energy from practicing qigong?!"

  Isn't it internal and external forces in physics?! ——He naturally didn't ask this question.

  Wu's merchant group had never mentioned "inner power" before! He still thought this world was the kind of "one force subdues ten gatherings" in The Heroes of Sui and Tang, and hadn't even considered that there would be such a martial concept as "inner power"!

  Yuan Zong was slightly surprised and couldn't help but turn his head to glance at Yao Guang, who responded with a faint smile. After a moment's thought, he asked in puzzlement: "Could it be that Shaolong is not unwilling to learn internal energy due to being naturally gifted, but rather because his master has never taught him? I see that although you don't know sword techniques, your body movements seem to have some heritage, and I didn't dare to overstep my bounds, which is why I've never mentioned practicing internal breath methods."

  Xiang Shaolong's face immediately fell.

  "Great Master, you can ask me directly - I really didn't have a master before! I simply don't know how to cultivate internal energy!"

  As for special forces having had training, let's just skip that for now. Anyway, that doesn't count as a "master" either.

  Yuan Zong stroked the short beard in his hand, hesitating to say: "This is quite difficult. Shaolong has already passed the best time for tempering his bones and muscles, I thought Shaolong was a successor of our sect's tradition, so I didn't dare to comment... Qingxu True Man, do you have any clever methods?"

  Xiang Shaolong followed with his expectant gaze cast towards Yao Guang.

  Yao Guang smiled slightly and said: "Not to mention that he doesn't meet the requirements of our sect's recruitment, even if he did, I personally don't want to accept him as a disciple."

  Xiang Shaolong's face was slightly stiff.

  Being rejected like this face-to-face - especially by a younger girl than oneself - is very hurtful.

  "...May I ask the True Man of Qingxu... why did you say this?"

  Yuan Zong was also curiously paying attention to the two of them.

  "After a moment of silence, Yao Guang said: 'Because your heart is not sincere, the Demon King's Heterogeneous Domains are all over.'"

  Because your heart is not sincere.

  Xiang Shao Long had a moment where he thought he was hallucinating, he always felt that the next sentence should be "A swordsman only needs to be sincere with his sword, not necessarily with people", fortunately he still remembered to think to himself and not speak out loud, otherwise he feared that the next thing would be "One sword coming from the west" and he would be sent to the Western Heaven.

  This tone doesn't seem quite right, does it?

  What's going on? The characters from Jin Yong's "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber" are speaking Gu Long's lines?!

  Yao Guang smiled again and said, "Let's just consider this a personal request from me, Mr. Yuan. When I take on disciples, the first thing I look for is their character, followed by their innate talent... Xiang Xiaoshi isn't genuinely interested in joining my sect, and to be honest, I don't think I can teach him anything. In the words of our sect, you could say that we just aren't fated to have a master-disciple relationship. But as for you, Mr. Yuan, it seems like you haven't taken on any disciples yet?"

  Yuan Zong did not expect the topic to be thrown back to himself, and immediately reacted that this was the other party's kindness. He immediately composed himself and seriously said to Xiang Shaolong: "Shaolong, since you don't have a master... I'll take the liberty of asking, are you willing to become my disciple?"

  Xiang Shaolong was taken aback, then overjoyed, nodding repeatedly and saying "I'm willing!", afterwards he became somewhat flustered, seemingly wanting to kneel down but unsure of himself. In the end, under Yuan Zong's eager and relieved gaze full of expectation, he couldn't help but relax and knelt down, clasping his fists and loudly saying: "Xiang Shaolong greets Master!"

  Yuán Zōng hastily grasped Xiǎo Shǎo Lóng's hand, his eyes brimming with hot tears. He barely managed to hold back his sobs and spoke in a trembling voice.

  "Good, good, good...... I, Yuan Zong, have also gained a fine disciple today, not disappointing the trust of my master...... Shao Long, I will certainly impart all that our school has to teach to you..."

  At this point, Yuan Zong was already choked with sobs and could hardly form a sentence, using all his strength to grip Xiang Shao Long's hand.

  Xiang Shaolong stood up along with his opponent's momentum, feeling moved and somewhat excited, repeatedly assuring himself that he would study hard.

  On this side, the two masters and disciples met with joy, while on that side, Yao Guang's expression became somewhat dim after a brief nostalgia.

  Respected Master Yu Rong, Master Zhang Sanfeng, Junior Fellow Song Qingxu, Disciple Zhang Wuji...

  She also had such a joyful time of gathering with her master and apprentice, but now there is no chance to meet again.

  Even without regret and no remorse, it's hard to cut off that thread of nostalgia.

  Yao Guang shifted his gaze, waiting for the other side to calm down before speaking: "If Zhao Mo Yan is not stupid, he should have searched this place. Mr. Yuan and Xiang Xia Shi, do you want to wait for an opportunity to make a move or leave this place?"

  Yuan Zong had been pursued by Zhao Mo Yan's people for some time now, and upon hearing this, his excited and agitated mood subsided. He responded in a low voice, "Qing Xu Zhen Ren is right, I originally thought of putting up a good fight, but now that Shaolong has just joined the sect, everything is unfamiliar to him, yet he will be seen as an enemy by the seven countries because of me... I cannot be so rash..."

  That's what I mean by wanting to leave.

  Xiang Shaolong's heart was filled with a sense of understanding and gratitude, and he felt a little moved - when he had first become Master Yu's disciple, he had still harbored some resentment in his heart; now that he knew Master Yu had been worrying about him and making arrangements for his benefit, he couldn't help but gain a new appreciation for the master-disciple relationship of ancient times.

  Then Xiang Shaolong said, "Yuanshu, Shifu, Qingxu Zhenren, let's disguise ourselves and blend in with the crowd. Perhaps Zhao Mo's Yanping won't be able to recognize us."

  In this era, even wanted individuals can only draw a picture. The extent of their deformation is not worth commenting on. Without network positioning or genetic testing, as long as they enter the forest or fish in the stream, they can still find a way out.

  Yuán Zōng thought for a moment and said: "Shǎo Lóng's plan is feasible. What does Qīng Xū True Man think?"

  Yao Guang suddenly smiled and said: "Xiang Xia Shi's plan is excellent, but I don't need to use this method."

  Yuan Zong was taken aback and blurted out: "What's going on?"

  Yao Guang smiled and replied, "In these days, no one who has come to kill Mr. Yuan has survived, so who would know that I am acquainted with Mr. Yuan? As a Taoist, traveling through the seven countries is most convenient, and the soldiers guarding the gate of Zhao will not stop me. If Mr. Yuan is willing to humble himself slightly, I have a way to ensure that you two can enter Handan City safely."

  Yuan Zong was stunned, suddenly enlightened.

  "Yes, it was I who got dragged in. Although I knew the truth, Yan Ping didn't know, and the Taoist sect has always had a good reputation, among the seven countries, there isn't one that would refuse them... If not for my sake, Qingxu True Person would probably already be inside the Zhao State's palace by now. What magical method does the True Person have? Don't hesitate to say it, I won't be unwilling."

  Xiang Shaolong perked up his ears, wanting to hear what kind of wonderful trick it was.

  Yao Guang smiled and softly spoke out the answer.

  Yuán Zōng first showed a difficult expression, then nodded heavily. Xiǎo Shǎo Lóng was slightly stunned, helplessly smiled and scratched his head, cupped his hands and said "Admire, admire".

  The three of them thus decided on this plan.

  Ten days later, a horse-drawn carriage slowly approached the gate of Handan City. The soldiers guarding the city stopped it according to the rules and asked: "Who is in the carriage?"

  The dark-faced man who was in a hurry said in a hoarse voice: "My family's elders have noble identities and are not the kind of people you can meet."

  The lean man leading the horse in front also straightened his waist, revealing a fierce and menacing aura.

  The two soldiers guarding the city gate looked at each other in surprise and insisted that the visitor show his credentials and get off to be inspected.

  The black-faced man refused and stood still with the two men.

  A moment later, a clear and melodious voice came from inside the car.

  "Qingfeng, you will present the document to him, he is just following the rules, don't make it difficult for him."

  At the same time, a slender white hand lifted the car curtain and handed over a tray.

  The soldiers guarding the city were momentarily stunned, frozen by the clear and clean yet seemingly icy voice, and only remembered to take over the things presented by the other party after a while. At this time, he suddenly heard his companion's exclamation, subconsciously raised his head, and was stunned again.

  A simple and elegant Taoist robe as blue as the sky and white as clouds, a lotus flower crown, and a dust-sweeping broom.

  These have fully explained the identity of the newcomer.

  What's even more breathtaking is the other party's astonishingly beautiful face that seems almost divine.

  That one rare and beautiful sight in the world disappeared behind the curtain once again.

  "Way, way, way, Fanggu Valley | Taoist!"

  "It turned out to be a superior Taoist, please don't blame me, it's all because of the petty people's ignorance, please enter the city!"

  Two soldiers hastily and respectfully returned the document tray and retreated in pairs.

  It seemed as if a faint laugh came from inside the car, and the dark-faced man who was previously dissatisfied finally relaxed his face, took back the bowl and drove into the city with a big swing, shouting triumphantly in his heart.

  Is there anything more delightful than being escorted into the city under the enemy's nose?

  Those Zhao Mo disciples who were searching everywhere were blocked from behind, but they were "invited" into Handan with great fanfare, what a wonderful thing!

  Xiang Shaolong couldn't help but burst out laughing, and after a good half while, he suddenly felt like the "fox" in the idiom "using the tiger's might to intimidate".

  Should I continue laughing or stop?

  The author has something to say: Today, after finishing the night shift, I took my mom to watch Frozen, it's so great! It's really a wonderful 3D animation, the music is super good, the pictures are super good!!! This is indeed a great animation that proves sisterly (yuri?) love surpasses romantic love...

  This chapter is Chapter 81 Exploring Zhao Guo's Address If you think this chapter is not bad, please don't forget to recommend it to your friends on QQ group and Weibo!