Chapter 2, Expansion and Inclination

Old Man Wen let out a soft hum: "What good is a kind heart if one lacks talent... hey." He paused for a moment, then raised his head to gaze at the sky outside the house

Old Master Wen chuckled: "The Xieyang Pill has led your uncle astray, and moreover, your practice of refining poison into medicine aligns with the ancestral teachings of the Wen family in terms of principles."

Da Boweiyun slapped him on the back of the head and scolded, "What a broken shoe, our Wen family does not engage in broken shoes! It is a slant!"

Old Master Wen did not hear what he said, and suddenly asked Wen Tunhai an unrelated question: "How are Old Nine and Old Thirteen doing now?"

Wen Leyang's eyes sparkled with excitement as he cautiously asked, "Great-uncle, is our Wen family's martial arts a form of celestial cultivation?" Like most of the disciples in the family, he believed that the Wen family had once been a sect in the martial world, with the ancestral poison techniques passed down to this day. He had never considered that the Wen family from western Sichuan had such a background akin to a sect of spiritual cultivation. Of course, whether it truly is spiritual cultivation remains uncertain; in any case, the last thunder strike was quite peculiar.

Old Master Wen slammed the table in anger and turned to point at his two old brothers: "What are you laughing about? Our father told us exactly this back then!"

Grandfather Wen San suddenly spoke in a gloomy tone: "Our surname Wen refines the world with poison. Those ignorant outsiders think that poison is something that kills upon contact. In reality, poison is divided into five elements of yin and yang. There is little difference between those who cultivate poison and those who cultivate the Dao. The poison that kills upon contact is indeed lethal, but is not the poison that allows one to forget their troubles with just a taste!"

Old Master Wen seemed to have not slept at all, sitting neatly dressed in the main room, smiling as he looked at Wen Leyang: "Young man, what medicine did you test on your uncle during today's major exam?"

Great-uncle, let us drag... the Dragging Shoe Sect... The inscription on the tablet is written in winding ancient seal script, and it is unknown how many thousands or hundreds of years it has been passed down. In any case, Wen Leyang does not recognize a single character.

However..." Old Master Wen coughed lightly and continued awkwardly, "In these two thousand years, I haven't heard of anyone from the Wen, Miao, or Luo families achieving immortality or sainthood. However, the techniques passed down from our ancestors must be sound. It seems that either our skills are not refined enough, or we lack the kind of profound wisdom that our ancestral masters possessed to grasp the secrets of heaven.

At last, Old Master Wen spoke, looking at his two brothers: "What do you think of this child?"

It seems that Old Master Wen Er does not even bother to respond to his elder brother's words; only Wen Lao San replies: "Foolish. They are only slightly better than those two in the mountains"

The promises made among brothers have now become ancestral teachings, transforming into a task that the disciples of the three families inherit by birth yet find utterly meaningless after passing the grand examination

Ten years later, three brothers in the same school returned to pay their respects to their master after achieving success in their studies. The master, Tuo Xie, was naturally overjoyed and praised them profusely, deciding to hold an examination the following day. However, that night, a sudden storm broke out with thunder and lightning, as if the heavens and earth were being torn apart by the deafening thunderclaps. When the storm subsided, the three brothers discovered that their master was gone

Old Master Wen gave a wry smile and said: "There is no need to rush this, take your time... Tunhai, did you really not manage to extract the Xieyang Pill?"

Master Wen did not pay attention to what Wen Leyang was thinking and slowly recounted the historical events of the sect. Although these matters were not classified, only those who had qualified as disciples of the sect through the ten-year examination were entitled to know them

Grandpa Wen Er also spoke, his voice as cold as a silver needle frozen in eternal ice: "Listen carefully, regardless of your identity as a member of the Tuo Xie Sect or the secret techniques you will encounter in the future, you are absolutely forbidden from revealing even a single word to anyone! Otherwise, according to the rules set by our ancestors, you won't even be left with a complete corpse!"

In the eyes of the second master, a rare glimmer of amusement passed by: "So, will you endure for thirty-six days, or hold your urine for a full twelve hours?"

Old Master Wen took a sip of tea and, feeling somewhat guilty, replied: "Of course! Our ancestral master is a remarkable person who has a profound understanding of the law, so the secret techniques passed down are naturally methods for cultivating the heavens"

Old Master Wen excitedly slapped the table: "Tun Hai is absolutely right! What I appreciate about this young man are these two points. First, he has a pure character; he never holds grudges against his family, and since childhood, he has never competed with other children, even when bullied, he takes it lightly. Second, it is his mindset. When it comes to the skill of using poison, there are many among the candidates who are stronger than him, and he is unlikely to stand out. Rather than that, it is better to take a different approach. Whether it is sweet or salty, whether it harms the body or the mind, as long as it can take down the opponent, it is true poison!" Whether it is sweet or salty, whether it harms the body or the mind, as long as it can take down the opponent, it is true poison!

Elder Wen Er and Elder Wen San sat on the other side, still sitting upright, their cold, piercing gazes sweeping back and forth over Wen Leyang, like two venomous snakes contemplating the flavor of their prey

Wen Tunhai shook his head: "It is probably not yet time."

Wen Tunhai hesitated for a moment, gritting his teeth and saying: "Hold it in!"

With a chuckle, the always gloomy Second Uncle and Third Uncle exchanged glances and both smiled

Lord Wen San glanced at Wen Leyang and said lightly: "The matter of achieving sanctity through cultivation is something to think about, but there is no need to dwell on it too much. However, putting in more effort is always beneficial. Starting tomorrow, you will begin your training with your uncle."

Pfft, the other two old men at www.hetushu.com.com laughed again

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When Wen Leyang straightened his body again, the gazes of the three old men and his uncle towards him had changed completely. A sense of comfort and warmth emanating from their very bones made Wen Leyang feel utterly weak in all his limbs.

Happiness appeared unexpectedly, and even Wen Leyang, no matter how innocent, understood the meaning behind the words. He suddenly stood up, his eyes shining brightly as he stared at the old man, so excited that even his eyelids were twitching.

"Tuoxia Zong!" Old Master Wen finally discerned the peculiar pronunciation of Wen Leyang, and with a laugh and a scold, he corrected him: "Kid, remember, it is Tuoxia Zong!" After a brief pause, the old man continued: "Our sect was established during the early Western Han Dynasty, and has been passed down to this day for over two thousand years. Our founding ancestor was a remarkable person who gained insight into the heavenly mysteries, and his original name was Tuoxia."

Old Master Wen is not as concerned about the antidote as Wen Tunhai is, but rather, he asks Wen Leyang with great interest: "Young man, our Wen family's reputation for poison is renowned throughout the world. The techniques passed down to you are all methods of using poison to counter poison. Why is it that you, unlike other young people, do not use poison to prepare for the examination, but instead concocted a remedy with such peculiar effects?"

Wen Leyang suddenly felt a bit nervous, hurriedly kneeling down to pay respects to the three grandfathers, and then respectfully replied: "That is Wangzai Little Steamed Bun..."

Wen Leyang chuckled awkwardly, as this was something he had suddenly thought of. His original intention was to express that the drugs for inducing infatuation on the website were too rampant. He mumbled, "This drug should be carried by girls; when they encounter suspicious individuals, they can just give them a dose... This drug isn't really poison; I shouldn't use it for exams." His response was quite innocent, but it strayed off-topic, running all the way from the equator to Siberia. While speaking, Wen Leyang unknowingly pulled out a carrot from somewhere, just as he was about to put it in his mouth, he suddenly remembered that he was in front of three grandfathers and an uncle, and hurriedly put the carrot away. He mumbled again, "This drug should be carried by girls; when they encounter suspicious individuals, they can just give them a dose... This drug isn't really poison; I shouldn't use it for exams." His response was quite innocent, but it strayed off-topic, running all the way from the equator to Siberia. While speaking, Wen Leyang unknowingly pulled out a carrot from somewhere, just as he was about to put it in his mouth, he suddenly remembered that he was in front of three grandfathers and an uncle, and hurriedly put the carrot away.

Wen Tun Hai let out a sound: "If it were highly toxic, it would merely be a multiplication of properties, poison upon poison. No matter how formidable it is, I can gauge it to some extent. As for the vile effects of the Xie Yang Dan, I have never even heard of it; I didn't consider it at all. It wasn't until the evening that I realized..."

Wen Leyang felt both astonished and delighted, but upon hearing the unfamiliar name "Tuo Xie Men Ren," he couldn't help but stand there in a daze, his eyes blankly gazing at Old Master Wen: "Po Xie Men Ren? Great Uncle, this name..."

Subsequently, the old man completely disregarded the time, setting up an incense burner and a memorial tablet in the main room to conduct a baptism ceremony for Wen Leyang. Wen Leyang respectfully bowed before the spirit tablet inscribed with "Position of Master Tuo Xie," completing the ritual.

Old Master Wen nodded with a smile, appearing quite amiable, not taking Wen Leyang's casual interjections seriously: "Wen does not cultivate, Miao does not communicate, the ancestors who cannot die on Crow Ridge are those three brothers. Master Tuo Xie evoked thunder and vanished..."

Old Master Wen wore a proud expression, nodding repeatedly. A hint of excitement also shone in Wen Leyang's eyes; he was still unaware that brewing medicinal wine from a young age had such effects. However, he soon blushed innocently.

Wen Tunhai glanced at his nephew, and in his eyes, not only was there no anger, but rather a hint of appreciation. He continued to explain: "In today's major examination, the young ones practiced those techniques for me. Regardless of whether it was poison pills or poison powders, I know what materials they are made of and have a clear understanding in my mind. With these things, it certainly won't delay the matter at hand. After thinking it over, it can only be Le Yang's medicine. Hehe, it really is this kid; not bad, not bad, to have tricked me like this is indeed impressive. With these things, it certainly won't delay the matter at hand. After thinking it over, it can only be Le Yang's medicine. Hehe, it really is this kid; not bad, not bad, to have tricked me like this is indeed impressive. However, Wen Le Yang, your medicine should have an antidote, right?" As he spoke, Wen Tunhai nervously swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

Old Master Wen nodded slightly but let out a sigh for no apparent reason: "That's good, that's good. These two children are in good health, but it's a pity their minds aren't sharp. However... this is also fine. By the way, how is that matter progressing? Have they made any moves?"

The master naturally could not be found, and the three senior brothers parted ways to cultivate individually. Although in the end none of them achieved immortality, they each established their own sects, flourishing in the region of Shu, where few dared to provoke them. The ten-year major examination became a common rule among the three families, with the date being the same: the anniversary of the master being struck by lightning. All disciples who passed the major examination regarded themselves as disciples of the Tuo Xie sect.

A glimmer of appreciation flashed in Old Master Wen's eyes: "How should I describe his thoughts?"

Old Master Wen laughed heartily. Without any visible movement, he had already arrived in front of Wen Leyang. His aged, withered hand gently patted Wen Leyang's shoulder: "From today onwards, you are a disciple of the Wen family and also a member of the Tuo Xie sect"

Wen Leyang noticed that the other two grandfathers, along with Da Bo Wen and Tun Hai, curled their lips in disdain, evoking thunder and retreating, blowing away

Wen Leyang felt a chill in his heart and hurriedly knelt on the ground, bowing his head while making a pure vow. He then joyfully ate a carrot and went home to sleep, and his father did not come to ask him what had happened. The Wen family was harmonious, yet strict in their rules; even a biological father could not question the words exchanged between the head of the family and his son.

Wen Tunhai scolded angrily from the side: "Don't mention your Wangzai steamed buns, just tell me what medicine!"

Heavy black clouds are rushing in from the distance, swallowing the brilliant starry sky and the moonlit night in large swathes. The summer night, which was just sparkling with stars, is suddenly filled with the oppressive atmosphere of impending wind and rain.

In ancient times, the land of Shu was originally a desolate wilderness. Later, our ancestral master arrived here, moving mountains and filling marshes, enriching the soil and cultivating the fields, vanquishing demons and teaching the barbaric... As he spoke, Lord Wen noticed the peculiar expression on Wen Leyang's face and couldn't help but chuckle awkwardly. This statement was hard to believe, not only for Wen Leyang but even for himself; however, that was how his father had taught him.

The conversation in the village chief's grand house made every pore of him joyfully open and close. The disciples of the Wen family, the followers of Tuo Xie, and the legends of cultivating the path of heavenly observation allowed Wen Leyang to find his dream in an instant

As for whether the disappearance of Tuo Xie was due to divine retribution, lightning escape, ascension, or simply an accident of becoming a lightning rod, it remains unknown. In any case, the master is gone. The three brothers verified their respective skills with one another, only to discover that each of them had learned vastly different abilities, with significant disparities. The eldest brother's surname is Wen, and he practices poison techniques; the second brother is a Miao person, who has mastered witchcraft; the youngest brother, whose surname is Luo, has learned the secret art of controlling and manipulating corpses.

Wen Tunhai also quietly added from the side: "In a few years, when your skills have matured, everyone will present you with a question. Only after you pass it can you be considered officially graduated. At that time, you will truly be regarded as a disciple of the Tuo Xie school."

Wen Tunhai chuckled awkwardly and said: "Tonight with my wife... but it just won't work, all three of you fathers know, we have been soaking in medicinal wine since childhood, our bodies are almost immune to all poisons, and moreover, that aspect only gets stronger with age." The children of the Wen family were soaked in the medicinal wine prepared by their parents for half an hour every morning from birth until the age of twelve.

Wen Leyang quickly nodded: "There is a solution, there is a solution. It will become ineffective after thirty-six days. If you can't wait, just hold your urine for twenty-four hours, and the effect of the Xieyang Pill will also disappear"

Wen Leyang quickly nodded: "It's the flavor of Wang... I named it 'Xieyang Dan' myself. Its effect is exactly the opposite of that of aphrodisiacs. After taking it, other matters are not hindered, but that particular matter becomes impossible. It is made using the tail of a red scorpion mixed with hen's blood and the ash of Aconitum, stir-fried in a jade bowl, and finally, ginger powder is used to remove the fishy smell."

It is difficult for him, being pulled out of bed while still carrying a carrot with him

Wen Tunhai shook his head with a bitter smile: "Xieyang Dan may seem like child's play, but in reality, it is undoubtedly a treacherous thing for men. Of course, he wouldn't have any malicious intent when he offered me the medicine; at most, it was just a playful gift. However, to be able to refrain from using poison during the major examination and not resort to unconventional methods to answer questions is quite commendable for someone of his age, hey!"

Old Master Wen did not pay any attention to his rambling about the compatibility with the library, but instead looked in surprise at the dejected Wen Tunhai. Suddenly, he burst into a fit of laughter so intense that even wild dogs would flee in fear. The old man laughed until he was shaking all over, wiping tears from his eyes, and with trembling fingers pointed at Wen Tunhai: "This kind of medicine is just perfect for you, hahahaha, with so many mothers-in-law, even a good county magistrate has been taken away by them, hahahahaha!"

Grandpa Wen smiled without saying anything, then turned to Wen Tunhai, his gaze also carrying a sense of inquiry. Wen Tunhai pondered for a moment before responding: "Among this group of children, Leyang's aptitude is not the best, but he is a kind-hearted person and has always been a good-natured individual among his siblings. Additionally, this child's thoughts have their merits as well"

Master Wen coughed twice and continued: "The ancestral master traveled to the Shu region during the Western Han dynasty and accepted three disciples. Before the age of twelve, the three disciples learned the same skills, brewing medicinal wine and practicing martial arts every day. Upon reaching the age of twelve, they were separated to cultivate their own practices, with a strict prohibition on meeting each other. The ancestral master clearly stated that after ten years, their skills would be assessed, and one true disciple would be chosen to inherit the teachings."

Wen Tunhai smiled confidently and said: "Rest assured, Ninth Brother and Thirteenth Brother have been making good progress. If they do not resort to cunning schemes, even if they join forces, I am not confident I can handle them."

Wen Leyang nodded slightly; this was how the disciples of the Wen family were. From birth until the age of twelve, they were required to soak in medicinal wine every morning without fail, followed by practicing martial arts with their elders. By the time they reached adolescence, their physiques were exceptionally strong, and they had no idea what it felt like to be ill. After the age of twelve, they would take a book on poisons and practice on their own, with the adults showing no interest in their activities. Coupled with the ten-year examination, it seemed that all of this was passed down from their "ancestor Tuo Xie."

Upon hearing this, Wen Leyang could no longer contain himself and interjected, "It is our Wen family, the Qingmiao of Qiniang Mountain in Shuzhong, and the Luojia of Wuyaling in Southern Sichuan!"

In any case, the teacher ascended in a very unconventional manner. The three senior brothers all believed that they were the rightful successors, yet they did not dare to go against the teacher's wishes and engage in a conflict to determine superiority. Ultimately, the three senior brothers agreed that whoever first discovers the whereabouts of their master would be the most esteemed.

After Wen Leyang left, the large house of the Wen family quickly fell silent. The three elderly men sat quietly facing each other, while the great master Wen Tunhai stood solemnly at the side, hands hanging down. For a long time, no one spoke; only Wen San Taiye occasionally coughed a couple of times. In his early years, when he was concocting poisons, he accidentally injured the Yin Lung Meridian in his hand, leaving him with a persistent cough that he never managed to cure throughout his life

This storm, is it really just relying on this child? The voice of Old Man Wen San was very low, as if he were murmuring to himself

Hmm, the person from the Tuo Xie Gate!

Wen Leyang believes that our ancestral founder of the Wen family should not have the surname Wen