Chapter 10: Zhu Xuan Lou

Three individuals were enjoying food and drinks in a private room when they suddenly heard a series of crisp jingling sounds, accompanied by the faint sound of approaching footsteps. A subtle fragrance lingered in the air.

Both individuals have witnessed the confrontation between Fang Yun and Yang Qian. Although the Mang Niu Fist is an ordinary martial art within the military, its power in Fang Yun's hands is by no means inferior to that of the Meng Hu Fist, and may even surpass it. If they had a "master" like Fang Yun to guide them, they would not have to endure such humiliations.

Brother Fang, it is not that we do not wish to practice martial arts. It is simply that our status in the household is low, unlike the eldest son, who has dedicated martial arts masters to teach him personally. When I practiced martial arts, my father only provided me with a book on "Mang Niu Quan" and did not offer any further guidance. Without a knowledgeable mentor to provide instruction, practicing martial arts is truly exceedingly difficult

The Bamboo Pavilion has always been frequented by many literati and scholars, who at any moment may be inspired to compose poetry and wish to leave some ink on paper. Therefore, the writing implements and treasures of the scholar's study in the Bamboo Pavilion are always at the ready

"No, no. This meal must be on you, Brother Fang. Please allow me and Brother Zhou to treat you." Zhang Ying said, his neck almost turning red.

After having dessert, Fang Yun drove to the academy

Zhu Xuan Lou, Fang Yun was visiting for the first time. In his previous life, he did not particularly enjoy coming to such places. Once the servant went out, he took the opportunity to observe his surroundings.

As soon as Fang Yun's voice fell, a clever young servant immediately brought it up on a jade plate

As Fang Yun's brush strokes shifted again, a muscular and sinewy figure of a wild bull sprang vividly to life on the paper. He did not get too caught up in the details; with just a few strokes, he completely captured the essence and momentum of the wild bull.

In the academy, the teachings of riding, archery, propriety, righteousness, and music are all advocated by Confucianism. When these Confucian scholars are lecturing, the halls of the academy are quiet and serene. Even the most unruly students behave like sheep in front of these Confucian scholars, not daring to cause any trouble

Looking back, I saw Zhang Ying and Zhou He - Tu - Shu Xin, breathing heavily, quickly catching up.

Zhang Ying and Zhou Xin were overjoyed upon hearing this: "Thank you, Brother Fang!"

Fang Yun was unaware of Zhang Ying and Zhou Xin's thoughts. He paused for a moment, glanced at the two, and said: "In the art of boxing, the most important aspects are spirit, will, and momentum. The techniques of boxing are lifeless, while the practitioner is alive. Take Yang Qian for example; no matter how powerful the boxing technique, even the Fierce Tiger Fist, in his hands it would be wasted!"

"Brothers Zhang and Zhou, there is no need to be polite; allow me to treat you this time," Fang Yun replied. His status was different; the Marquis of Sifang had only one legitimate wife, Madam Huayang, and he did not lack for monthly allowances.

The Bamboo Pavilion is bustling with activity, with many wealthy merchants coming and going, but even more are the scholars and students from all over the country who have come to the capital to take the imperial examination. Among them, many are drawn by the calligraphy of the civil officials displayed on the walls of the second floor

When Zhang Ying and the three others arrived, a familiar servant immediately led them to the elegant room upstairs. They were served incense tea and a few plates of small fennel dishes.

Although Fang Yun had previously stated that he could only teach the Mang Niu Fist to two individuals, Zhang Ying and Zhou Xin understood the situation clearly, and this was sufficient for them. The two secretly resolved that if Fang Yun were to impart his knowledge generously, they would definitely study diligently. Upon returning, they intended to instill a strong sense of awe among the people in their household.

The Confucian officials of the morning, drawn by the pleasant environment here, where green bamboo and clear water intertwine, occasionally come to enjoy a few drinks. When the poetic inspiration strikes, they will even spontaneously compose a few verses to present to the Bamboo Pavilion. The owner of this restaurant is quite adept at managing relationships, framing and displaying all the works on the walls for the appreciation of others

Although the martial arts families are hierarchical, they are also extremely pragmatic. As long as the two of them demonstrate sufficient talent in martial arts, they are bound to attract their father's attention. The martial arts knowledge of the Duke of Loyalty and Trust and the Duke of Divine Archery is profound; as long as they can capture the attention of these two, they will surely inherit any ultimate martial arts skills in the future. There is no need for Fang Yunchuan and *Tu* Shu to teach them any ultimate skills!

"Brother Zhang, Brother Zhou." Fang Yun was slightly surprised; a few days ago, he had intended to seek them out but was unable to find them. Unexpectedly, this time they took the initiative to come looking for him.

Fang Yun nodded, swiftly made a few strokes, and completed all eighteen illustrations of the Mang Niu Fist, then handed them over.

Wild cattle gallop

It is rumored that Zhu Xuan Lou also houses the poetry of the current Grand Tutor, serving as a treasured artifact of the establishment. Typically, it is not displayed in public.

"Brother Fang, your great kindness is deeply remembered by both Zhou Xin and me," Zhang Ying expressed gratefully

There is no need for pleasantries. Brothers Zhang and Zhou, there is something I do not understand. That Princess Yongyue relies solely on her background and is somewhat willful, yet her actual skills are not impressive. Both of you come from noble families with profound family traditions; even if one person cannot match her, together you should be able to put up a fight. Fang Yun spoke very tactfully, yet the performance of Zhang Ying and Zhou Xin at that time could almost be described as disgraceful. Both of you come from noble families with profound family traditions; even if one person cannot match her, together you should be able to put up a fight. Fang Yun spoke very tactfully, yet the performance of Zhang Ying and Zhou Xin at that time could almost be described as disgraceful

Fang Yun's brocade sleeves swept through the void, producing a sound akin to a blade slicing through the air. In recent days, his strength had increased significantly, nearly comparable to the results of half a month's arduous training. After completing a set of boxing techniques, Fang Yun also concluded his practice.

In Zilong Garden, Fang Yun consecutively executed two moves of the Mangniu Fist technique. A faint and extremely thin white mist floated gently, surging into his body; this white mist was naturally the vital energy of heaven and earth attracted by the human-level pearl.

Having the ability to change the fate of her two friends, Fang Yun felt quite pleased and turned back to call out, "Waiter, bring the writing materials."

The ink was pre-ground, and the brush was a high-quality wolf hair brush. Fang Yun dipped it into the ink, closed his eyes, and contemplated for a moment before he began to apply the ink onto the Xuan paper.

The teachings in the academy were already very familiar to Fang Yun from his previous life, and there was no need to waste any more thought on them, so he devoted all his attention to contemplating martial arts

Brother Fang, if Brother Zhou does not mind the artistic aspect of the illustrations and texts, I can teach you both some martial arts. However, I must clarify in advance that the only style I possess is the ordinary "Mang Niu Quan".

Fang Yun lowered his head in deep thought, his eyes flickering. After a moment, he raised his head, having made a decision in his heart

Brother Fang, you may not be aware. We are different from you. Although you are the second son, you are still the legitimate child of the Duke of the Four Directions. However, the two of us cannot even be considered legitimate sons. Although Princess Yongyue is merely a collateral princess, if we were to resist, it would bring endless trouble to our mother in the household. Zhou Xin's eyes were faintly moist; being publicly beaten by a woman is a humiliation that no man can endure. Yet, thinking of his mother's difficult situation at home, he had to swallow all resentment and humiliation.

I truly appreciate your help that day, Brother Fang. Otherwise, with so many students watching, we would have surely lost all face. Upon returning, the lady of the house would not only show us no sympathy, but would also punish us severely for bringing shame to the marquis's residence. Zhang Ying spoke sincerely, and his words conveyed a deep sense of bitterness.

Swish! Swish!

Fang Yun had a considerable understanding of the situation of these two individuals. Although they could be considered sons of nobility, and in terms of wealth and status, they were indeed affluent, they were, after all, born of a concubine, which placed them in a low position within the household, receiving only a meager allowance each month

The three individuals, one party filled with gratitude, while the other harbored intentions of friendship, found themselves drawing closer, especially since they all hailed from commoner noble families. After a brief conversation, both hosts and guests were immediately delighted. Fang Yun did not take his own carriage, but instead, the three of them squeezed into the same one, and soon they arrived at Zhu Xuan Lou.

The wild bull emerges from the cave

Zhang Ying and Zhou Xin nodded in agreement

"That's all, since we are all in the academy, there will be plenty of opportunities to meet in the future," thinking this, Fang Yun did not take it to heart

On this day, after the lessons at the academy concluded, Fang Yun was about to leave when he heard two calls:

With this matter, the relationship among the three individuals became even closer. After a banquet, they discussed almost everything, and both hosts and guests were at ease.

For several consecutive days after returning, Fang Yun remained in Zilong Garden, diligently practicing and training. With the acquisition of the human-level pearl, Fang Yun's cultivation speed indeed increased significantly.

Zhang Ying and Zhou Xin initially thought that Fang Yun was about to write some kind of training manual. However, to their surprise, with a swift stroke of his wolf hair brush on the rice paper, Fang Yun actually drew a large eye in dark ink. With just a few more strokes, the two immediately felt that this large eye was filled with an unrestrained, arrogant ferocity and a wild, violent aura

I will illustrate the essence of the eighteen postures of the Mang Niu Fist technique, and I will include the key insights for executing the technique. After you take it back, study it carefully. If there are any areas you do not understand, come back to find me, and I will answer each question one by one

"Alright, I will go right away," the young servant replied cheerfully as he stepped back and exited.

Indeed, Brother Zhou is quite fortunate. My father has completely forgotten that he has a son like me. If it weren't for Brother Zhou's loyalty in lending me the "Mang Niu Fist Manual," I fear I would have no hope of ever engaging with martial arts. Zhang Ying's expression was rather dejected; he was not particularly successful among the scholars, otherwise he would not have associated with Fang Yun in his previous life.

Zhang Ying and Zhou Xinxin were utterly shocked, and their gazes towards Fang Yun changed significantly. They had never known that Fang Yun possessed such high attainments in the art of painting. A painting of a wild bull vividly captured its spirit and momentum, showcasing a brushwork that even some scholars in the academy, who had special expertise in painting, could not match.

Jade nurtures people, and people nurture jade. Fang Yun wears this human-grade pearl every day. Over time, the human-grade pearl absorbed enough human energy from him, which is why it transformed into his likeness

Zhang Ying and Zhou Xin felt somewhat embarrassed under Fang Yun's gaze, and after a slight hesitation, they said: "Brother Fang, we are not afraid of your ridicule. Last time, thanks to your assistance, Zhou and I have been wanting to host a gathering to treat you as a token of our gratitude. However, we have been financially constrained until recently, when we finally received our monthly allowance from the estate. We now have the opportunity. We wonder if you would do us the honor of joining us at Zhu Xuan Lou for a gathering."

Seeing that the two of them were insistent, Fang Yun decided not to press further. With the reunion of three friends from their past lives, Fang Yun felt a sense of joy and was eager to gather with them. Thus, he said: "In that case, Brother Zhang and Brother Zhou, please lead the way."

Zhu Xuan Lou is situated by the banks of the Lu Shui River, surrounded by numerous green bamboos transported from the Nanling region. Each bamboo stands tall, creating a picturesque scene in harmony with the clear waters of the Lu Shui.

"Let's stick to the usual routine, but please be quicker," Zhang Ying waved his hand.

Zhang Ying and Zhou Xin attended a lecture in a different location from Fang Yun. After the Confucian scholars finished their lecture and departed, Fang Yun wished to meet them, only to find that the two had already left

Several paintings, which the other party claims are merely a matter of raising a hand, can completely change the difficult circumstances for both individuals, and consequently, their mothers will also benefit in the future.

Brother Zhang, Brother Zhou, we are after all born into a family of martial arts. Only by excelling in martial arts can we gain recognition in the household. Surely, neither of you wishes to endure such humiliation for a lifetime

Fang Yun was friends with these two individuals in the "previous life". At that time, he had abandoned martial arts for literature, and without that skill, he naturally did not attract trouble. He was not very familiar with the circumstances of these two friends. In this life, his temperament has changed significantly, and he has also cultivated martial arts. Now that he is aware of the experiences of these two friends, he naturally intends to do his utmost to bring about a change.

Brother Fang, please stay!

Ding ding ding

The Human-Level Pearl, truly worthy of being a supreme treasure of martial arts. With this pearl, combined with my diligent practice, my ability to protect myself has greatly increased. Fang Yun tilted his head slightly, gazing at the Human-Level Pearl in his hand. In just a few days, the infant in the center of the pearl had transformed into Fang Yun's appearance, resembling a baby version of himself.