Chapter Nine, Enlightenment through Learning
Discussing history is Dong Fuzis greatest hobby, and he spends most of his time in the elementary education classes talking about history, while the time devoted to teaching the fundamentals of cultivation is relatively minimal
Now reflecting on it, she couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration. Due to being a girl, if she were to be locked up, it would be more disadvantageous for her. Her family taught her the technique of "fish arching its back" when she was very young. She spent considerable effort mastering this skill and truly grasped its essence
Compared to others who wore grim faces and lamented, Ai Hui was filled with a sense of enlightenment and joy at this moment
The old man smiled silently, gently guiding: "What else?"
Unlike others who were drowsy, Ai Hui listened with great interest. His previous exposure had been limited to the Sword Classic, and most of his knowledge about the history of the Five Elements Heaven came from the conversations of the Yuanxiu masters in the wilderness.
The sunlight streamed through the window of the study, casting its glow on the desk and the floor, even the floating dust appeared languid in the sunlight
The "Fish Arching Back" is a type of escape technique that is quite ingenious, mimicking the action of a fish arching its back to break free when startled, exhibiting powerful explosive force. The elder was rather surprised that the opponent was able to suppress the "Fish Arching Back" without using any elemental force.
The elderly man is experienced; he knows that avoiding problems is not a good choice for young people
The study room is empty, with only six people seated. There are very few who need to study elementary education, whether in the old land or in the Five Elements Heaven, as one is exposed to elementary education at a very young age
"Grandpa," she sweetly called out, and then sat down beside him. Her mother had passed away when she was young, and her father was busy with work; it was her grandfather who raised her. Every morning, she would accompany the elderly man for breakfast.
On the stage, Master Dong was animated, gesticulating passionately as he recounted the years of planning and the immense human and material resources consumed for the Five Elements Heaven project, and how the various sects of cultivation were united in their efforts at that time. Today, the Five Elements Heaven is completely stable and solid, beginning its first attempts to infiltrate the wilderness, which marks the end of the defensive phase of the Five Elements Heaven and heralds the onset of a great counteroffensive era.
Shi Xueman gazed at her figure in the mirror, a body she had always prided herself on for being perfect and flawless, yet marred by five faint fingerprints on her left breast, which were so conspicuous and unsightly. Several days had passed, but the fingerprints had yet to fade, indicating just how great the force had been at that moment
Upon seeing her appearance, the old man couldn't help but laugh: "Where do you think you lost?"
The elderly man listened attentively, knowing that at this moment, it was sufficient to simply listen
In the eyes of the elderly, this minor setback is nothing significant, yet he understands that for Xue Man, who has had a smooth journey since childhood, it will take time to digest. However, to some extent, he is quite grateful to the other party. In his view, experiencing a little setback at the age of Xue Man is a valuable asset in life
Grandfather, you must help me investigate thoroughly!" Shi Xueman pleaded, shaking her grandfather's arm, "I cannot just suffer a loss like this; I want to confront him openly and fairly.
"Very strong, and he should have, like me, worn a suppression bracelet." Shi Xueman did not evade the question; she thought for a moment: "When he locked me, I used the 'Fish Arching Back' technique. However, I could not break free."
Survival has always been the most powerful driving force for change. After thousands of years of development, the elemental forces of the Five Elements have long been ingrained in people's hearts
Upon exiting the room, the breakfast in the hall had long been prepared. When grandfather saw her, he revealed a kind smile: "Come and eat."
"With rich combat experience, sharp reflexes, and decisive and ruthless strikes, he knows how to leverage his advantages." Once she regained her composure, Shi Xueman immediately displayed formidable insight, as if speaking to herself: "In retrospect, he must have detected my position at the first moment. Yet I did not, and I also failed to notice his movements. He is exceptionally skilled in blind combat, proficient in fighting in the dark. He chose to engage in close-quarters combat, which, upon careful consideration, is the best fighting method in darkness. I was very passive, completely lacking space. Without space, many moves and techniques cannot be utilized. In contrast, his strength could be fully exerted."
Over the course of three years, he has learned a considerable amount. These are all very practical methods, albeit quite fragmented
Shi Xueman raised her head, her eyes resembling two blazing flames: "Xueman will definitely work hard!"
However, the wilderness is fraught with danger, and one could encounter peril at any moment. No one would take the time to patiently and systematically teach a laborer how to cultivate in such an environment
His theory is incomplete, yet his practical experience is rich, and his accumulation far surpasses that of other students. Moreover, he excels in thinking; otherwise, he would not have been able to develop the Sword Seed. Although the knowledge he acquired in the wilderness is simple and fragmented, he has spent countless hours pondering and reflecting on each piece. Due to his weak foundation, his gains are limited, but he has also accumulated many questions and doubts.
However, the elderly have rich life experiences and understand that there are hidden talents in the world, and that there is always a higher mountain beyond the mountain. No matter how outstanding the granddaughter is, there will always be someone more capable than her
It seems that this setback is greater than expected
A trace of murderous intent surfaced in her eyes; she did not wish to recall the events of that day, yet every day when she bathed and saw the marks on her body, the anger within her became increasingly difficult to contain
The servant brought up the steaming hot soup. She usually practices and has her meals specially prepared three times a day to replenish her vital energy and nourish her body
Shi Xueman's expression became serious and solemn, revealing a look of reminiscence. Every detail of that battle flowed through her mind like a stream. This was the first time in three days that she recalled that battle without succumbing to anger
Wait! I will not let you off the hook!
Ai Hui was unaware of the trouble that his 50,000 yuan had caused, as he was attending a primary education class.
She sipped the soup delicately. The soup was meticulously crafted from precious ingredients, not only greatly beneficial for her cultivation but also delicious. However, today, she seemed somewhat distracted
That day, he was startled when he saw the fingerprints on his granddaughter's neck, followed by a sense of lingering fear. If the assailant had applied just a little more force, his granddaughter would have lost her life on the spot. Initially overwhelmed by fear, he soon noticed that his granddaughter's emotional state was not quite right.
The other party is very familiar with blind combat
The old man laughed heartily: "Alright, alright, alright, the snow has fallen upon Grandpa's head, it would be difficult for Grandpa not to agree."
And this is precisely the aspect that Ai Hui lacks the most
The old man said: "Defeating you without using any elemental power means that the opponent's strength is quite formidable"
Her granddaughter possesses a talent unmatched by anyone in the family, demonstrating remarkable understanding from a young age. Not only does she lack any hint of a spoiled demeanor, but she is also even more diligent and hardworking than the average person. The talents and abilities she has displayed since childhood even surpass those of her father. She is regarded as the leader of the next generation in the family, a source of pride for the entire clan, and the elders throughout the family dote on her immensely
She put on her clothes and her face regained the usual confidence.
It seems that this failure has greatly frustrated Xue Man, the old man thought with a smile in his heart
The elderly person who had raised her since childhood knew her very well and gently said, "What’s wrong? Are you still thinking about that mishap from that day?"
Shi Xueman's spoon came to a halt as she was stumped by her grandfather's question. Three days had passed, and she remained engulfed in shame and anger, her mind consumed with thoughts of how to track down that damned fellow and then dismember him.
No. Shi Xueman lowered her head to eat.
The power of the "fish arching its back" erupted, to the extent that even she found it somewhat uncontrollable
He deliberately made me struggle, accelerating my physical exhaustion, which is very insidious. I sensed that the opponent's vital energy was not very strong; throughout the entire encounter, he did not use any vital energy, and I was unable to determine his realm
One must bow their head when under the eaves of a house
If the old man knew the true course of events, he would certainly dismember Ai Hui into eight pieces
The intention of Xue Manxiang to erase past humiliations is evident, and the young person possesses a certain vitality; even if faced with setbacks, it does not matter. Moreover, he himself is quite intrigued by this young individual, who has suddenly emerged as someone even more formidable than his own granddaughter, which is rather interesting
The old man felt deeply proud of his granddaughter, believing her to be flawless. The only thing that caused him some concern was her pride, which was strikingly similar to that of her father, as she had never faced any setbacks since childhood
Shi Xueman was overjoyed, with her grandfather stepping in, that damned fellow was doomed to face his fate
Who said they are completely without a foundation?
Hmm. Shi Xueman nodded seriously: "His killing intent is too intense. I originally planned to use the 'Fish Pushing Back' technique to break free, so that I could remove the restraining bracelet, but I couldn't break free. He should be quite young; otherwise, he wouldn't act for fifty thousand yuan.
He spent three years in the wilderness, gaining rich experience and demonstrating competence in his work. In the face of danger, he does not hold others back and stands out among many laborers. The esteemed gentlemen of the Yuan family have a great deal of trust in him, and those who are enthusiastic will even impart one or two practical techniques to him
The old man showed a hint of emotion for the first time: "You managed to withstand my [Fish Bump] without using any elemental energy? Are you getting old?"
There are very few individuals like Ai Hui and his peers who have started from enlightenment
This setback is just like that
The old man observed the expression of his granddaughter, and having experienced the ups and downs of life, he understood her thoughts well. He pondered and said: "He was able to subdue you without using any elemental power; his strength is likely above yours, so you must be cautious."
The old man was somewhat surprised; he had never seen such a strong fighting spirit in his granddaughter before
A hint of danger flashed in Shi Xueman's eyes
Without using any elemental power to suppress the "Fish Arching Its Back," if they are not very old, then they must be a student. The old man was filled with admiration as he said: "It seems that this year's new students have produced an extraordinary genius. I wonder whose child it is, and why there hasn't been any news about them?"
Students from the Five Elements Heaven naturally do not need to be mentioned; those with a strong family background directly attend advanced classes, while ordinary students uniformly attend intermediate classes. Even students from the old soil have been cultivating since childhood. Although their strength may not be as profound as that of the Five Elements Heaven students due to environmental conditions, there are no issues in terms of theory.
What is the historical significance of all this nonsense, and what is their relation to it? Other classmates privately refer to this class as a waste of time, and they are particularly resentful of such time-wasting matters. However, the foundation of their cultivation in this class is also taught by Master Dong. Moreover, Master Dong is notoriously ill-tempered; if one skips his class and then seeks his guidance on cultivation issues, he wouldn't even spare a glance.
Master Dong's enthusiasm seemed to be entirely devoted to imparting history, showing little interest in explaining the cultivation of primordial energy. He only lectured for half an hour before announcing the end of the class. Ai Hui was still savoring the content from earlier, but by the time he came to his senses, Master Dong had long since vanished.
She is not a foolish person; she was merely blinded by anger. Now, having received her grandfather's reminder, she immediately notices the issue that she had overlooked.
After half a day of incessant talk from Master Dong, he finally spoke about cultivation, which greatly invigorated the spirits of the other students
Today marks the beginning of the school year, and fortunately, the marks on my neck have already faded away
Although Master Dong's lecture was brief, it contained only a few words on specific cultivation methods, focusing more on the theoretical aspects related to primordial energy