Chapter 3: The Ambitions of Youth

I still often feel that ...! ... In fact, your sister is truly relentless in her pursuit of goals, and she completely disregards the legitimacy of her means!

Feng Jie is known as the "greatest drinker of Liangshan Marsh," renowned for her love of alcohol and her exceptional drinking skills. For many years, she has raised her younger brother in a state of inebriation. However, most of the time, it is Sun Wu who is responsible for cooking, cleaning, and doing the laundry at home. After all, when the elder sister comes home and collapses drunk on the floor, the young boy cannot realistically expect her to do anything, so he has to take care of everything himself.

Among all the students, Xiao Shang's martial arts studies have always been a mystery. Not only is he capable of repairing magical artifacts, but he is also a developer of various types of magical tools. He usually carries at least a dozen magical artifacts on him. With such a large amount of equipment, even if not in use, it would still continuously deplete his vital energy. Even a robust martial artist might not be able to withstand this, yet Xiao Shang seems to never practice any foundational internal skills to replenish his energy, recklessly using magical artifacts in defiance of common sense

Incredible things, and this is not the only one. A talent like a "Treasure Developer" is extremely rare; if it were during the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom period, such individuals would have become super talents fiercely contested by both nations. Sun Wu himself could not understand why many craftsmen who dedicated their lives to researching treasure technology, after decades of accumulation, still could not become developers, while a twelve-year-old girl would possess enough knowledge and skills to easily surpass them. This is truly unreasonable. After decades of accumulation, many still could not become developers, while a twelve-year-old girl would possess enough knowledge and skills to easily surpass them. This is truly unreasonable.

Is that so? I will come right away

Almost as soon as the sound fell, the figure on the wooden chair had vanished, darting out like a puff of smoke. At that moment, the enormous and corpulent body surprisingly moved with the grace of a swallow, leaping over tables and obstacles, flipping chairs as it ran out, evoking thoughts of a wild cheetah

Like the other children in the village, I began practicing martial arts from a young age, and now it has been a full ten years. During these ten years, others have mixed various techniques, but I have devoted myself solely to the practice of the Golden Bell Shield, day in and day out, without ever engaging in other martial arts. Perhaps this is indeed monotonous and outdated, yet I find joy in this repetitive mastery, as if I am not merely training in martial arts, but nurturing a long-standing friendship with an old companion.

On the wall to the left of the restaurant, three portraits are hung. The first two are of Sun Wu's deceased parents, but there are no specific images; instead, they are depicted with hasty brushstrokes as two ghostly faces, which appear quite humorous. However, using such representations to commemorate his late parents seems rather disrespectful. The two portraits were created by Feng Jie. When Sun Wu was a child, he had asked her about her parents' appearances, but Feng Jie responded very vaguely. When pressed further, she even became angry, making it clear to Sun Wu that she was very reluctant to mention her parents or anything from the outside world. Consequently, Sun Wu stopped asking about it.

I also feel that ... . ... Her influence on you is indeed too great.

From the words of some elders in the village, Sun Wu has a feeling that if he were to sustain an injury, it might take days, months, or even years to recover. However, if he were to harbor a deep grudge, it would not only be a burden for a lifetime but could also entangle several generations, which is truly frightening

As Sun Wu removed his apron and brought the last fragrant grilled fish to the table, Xiao Shang had already helped Feng Jie, who was recovering from her intoxication, to the table. The three of them gathered around the small round table, lit by candlelight, and began their dinner. This familiar scene had remained unchanged for many years, with an elder sister and Xiao Shang present, just like others. If it were not for the customary prayer before the meal, Sun Wu would almost forget that he was actually an orphan

You are welcome, but if you manage to leave successfully, what do you plan to do about Feng Jie? She has always been by your side; if you leave her alone, what will happen to her? Have you thought about that?

As if seeing through Sun Wu's thoughts, the girl spoke in a mechanical voice, shaking her head dismissively. This only made Sun Wu more infuriated, yet he found himself unable to do anything.

"Feng Jie, this morning I hosted your morning broadcast on your behalf!"

By the way, I seemed to hear some sounds while I was sleeping this morning

"No, no, that is a grave sin!"

However, setting aside the potential risks of ill intentions, Xiao Shang is indeed a powerful assistant. Previously, Sun Wu could only dig tunnels using the simplest pickaxe, painstakingly transporting the excavated earth. When encountering hard rock formations, he had to take the risk of being detected by the flow of his energy, using his own martial arts to forcefully break through, making the Golden Bell Shield harder than the rock, shattering the stones. Although effective, the progress was ultimately slow, and despite his body being as hard as gold or iron, it did not mean he would not feel pain. Most of the time, the sensation of hard impact made Sun Wu want to cry.

Unintentionally sighing, he expressed the journey of the youth's heart over the years. Nevertheless, on the way home from school, Sun Wu naturally invited Xiao Shang to join him for dinner at his home

"Xiao Shang, the purpose of practicing martial arts is to strengthen the body, not to compete with others in strength and brutality. Life in Liangshan is so peaceful; what is the point of mastering unparalleled martial skills? Furthermore, I want to emphasize once again that those who cultivate extraordinary martial arts do not necessarily do so for the purpose of committing crimes or plundering. Do not let your thoughts be so dark!"

... if possible, please do not vomit here ...

The several drunken men lying on the ground were all regulars at the tavern, among whom two were particularly friendly with Sun Wu's family. The burly man with the surname Hu was the village butcher and meat vendor, often exchanging pork and beef for wine, thus alleviating the daily living issues of the Sun family. The scholar in a white robe with the surname Li taught at the local school and would occasionally instruct Sun Wu in poetry and literature. Both of them were unmarried and childless, which made them especially close to Sun Wu. However, despite their frequent visits to the tavern, neither had a strong tolerance for alcohol. At present, one lay sprawled on the ground while the other reclined against the window, half of his body hanging out. From Sun Wu's perspective, it seemed as if they had both drunk themselves to death.

Therefore, the technique of Jinzhongzhao, which involves enduring blows, is actually the safest and most effective martial art. Although it requires practicing with high-temperature iron sand and being struck repeatedly with a thick wooden stick, it is indeed very arduous. In addition, one must also perform an extra ten thousand horizontal palm-swinging exercises daily, which can be extremely tedious and challenging. However, over time, one gradually becomes accustomed to it

The accountant and the defaulter engaged in a brief chase, but the reason that ultimately led Sun Wu to abandon the pursuit was that he was reminded to seize the time. He needed to quickly take advantage of his sister's habit of being out drinking for several hours without returning, and hurried to the tunnel to dig.

Thank you, Xiao Shang, it is truly wonderful when you choose to be a friend rather than an enemy

You devilish woman

Oh...? Do I look like someone who would lie to their elders for the sake of a childhood friend?

The villagers, who originally wore smiles on their faces, immediately displayed expressions of horror and unease, akin to mice encountering a cat. After standing at attention to pay their respects, they quickly fled without looking back. This scene had once left Sun Wu dumbfounded, but he has now grown accustomed to it

"Xiao Shang, are you not practicing today?"

Have you been sleeping well at home every night recently, without secretly engaging in any messy activities while I was out drinking?

At this moment, the boy, tightly embraced and kissed by his sister, is completely breathless, feeling no hint of seductive thrill; instead, every bone in his body aches as if cracking under pressure. From a distance, this is what is referred to as a "bear hug" strangulation, a terrifying act akin to being gripped around the waist by a giant bear, tightly constricted until one ultimately succumbs to a fatal fracture.

You don't know? Huh... that's great

The means of livelihood for Sun Wu's family at Liangshan Marsh was the sale of wine. Feng Jie was a skilled brewer, having dug a cellar underground to produce wine. Over time, the cellar accumulated hundreds of jars of fine brews, all of which were in high demand. However, despite the excellent quality and high turnover of the goods, the income from the wine shop was not substantial. Most of the time, it barely broke even, and at times even incurred slight losses. This was largely because the proprietress brewed for her own enjoyment; whenever she felt inclined, she would open the goods for communal drinking with the villagers, resulting in no payment being collected. Such an attitude towards business made it naturally difficult to balance the accounts.

Therefore, our family's hotel has always been doing business.

In fact, you are really quite a dull person! When others are fourteen years old, their minds are filled with thoughts of mastering unparalleled martial arts, dreaming of going out to pillage and plunder, while you are quietly practicing some Golden Bell Shield. Don't you find that rather boring?

How is it possible for someone to achieve this with - images - books? ... In fact, I have always been very curious ...

Father has grown old, and his health is not very good, especially at night, when some chronic ailments leave him extremely weak, sometimes even making him seem like a different person. However, as soon as daytime arrives and the sun comes out, Father radiates warmth like the sun in the sky

Among the current collection of books in the academy, the most comprehensive subjects are not swordsmanship or martial arts, but rather the internal cultivation methods of various schools and sects. This is because users of magical artifacts must continuously expend their vital energy to maintain the operation of these artifacts. Therefore, to alleviate the burden on the body, it is best to first enhance one's own internal cultivation. The stronger the internal cultivation, the more resilient one becomes to the physical toll imposed by the magical artifacts.

When the village chief was still around, he greatly enjoyed the company of Sun Wu and Xiao Shang, spending his days laughing and playing with them, whether surfing or playing pranks on the villagers. The passionate and free-spirited elder showed no barriers of age or status, fully letting go of his demeanor during their playful moments, which to outsiders might have seemed a bit disrespectful to his age. Sun Wu felt somewhat embarrassed at the time, but after the village chief began traveling for extended periods, he started to feel lonely.

The walk home from the school is not long, and along the way, many villagers who have just finished their farming and are preparing to return home can be seen. They carry their hoes and walk in groups, chatting with one another. Upon seeing Sun Wu, they all smile and greet him warmly, making plans to go to his house for drinks tonight

"Wuwuwu, Xiaowu, you and your sister are not close. We siblings rely on each other for support. Your sister has worked hard to raise you, and now that you are not yet an adult, you no longer want your sister? ... Wuwuwu, I am so unfortunate..."

As the meal was about to conclude, Feng Jie set down the wine bottle in her hand and looked at her brother with a puzzled expression

The tacit understanding developed from growing up together is unparalleled. In the brief exchange of glances, the young boy and girl have already exchanged many fiery words. The tension in the situation is akin to a battlefield; if it were not for the sister sitting right in front, Sun Wu would almost want to rush forward and shake Xiao Shang by the neck with force.

The pre-meal prayer is primarily a tribute to three individuals: the deceased parents, and the village elder who is currently not at Liangshan Marsh. Feng Jie had told Sun Wu that after her parents died in a vendetta, she brought the infant Sun Wu to Liangshan Marsh to seek refuge with a distant relative, who is the village elder here.

"Sister, you smell of alcohol all over; you've been drinking since this morning, haven't you? ... You seem so happy to see me; it can't be that..."

Oh, Xiao Wu, you are back! Sister has missed you so much

Hehe, Xiao Wu, I have troubled you again. Uncle Hu will deliver pork to you again tomorrow

"Feng Jie, Li Heizi has prepared some fine wine over there, everyone is ready and just waiting for you."

Compared to his peers, Sun Wu's choice of elective courses is quite puzzling. He did not study advanced internal martial arts, nor did he practice the most effective forms of combat such as boxing or swordsmanship. Instead, from the very beginning of his elective studies, he immersed himself in a discipline that can be described as "tedious"—the hard qigong known as the Golden Bell Shield.

That said, the Golden Bell Shield, compared to other superior martial arts, can be considered a rather conservative and even clumsy technique. Generally, superior internal skills emphasize the smooth flow of energy and the cultivation of one's foundation, resulting in a balance of offense and defense after mastery, which also greatly benefits lightness skills. However, the Golden Bell Shield focuses solely on resistance; although its protective hardness is unparalleled in the world, the training duration is quite long, and the practitioner's form becomes increasingly heavy and clumsy with practice. From a practical combat perspective, while a strong water buffalo is certainly not weak, it ultimately cannot become a tiger or leopard. Therefore, among the four great skills of the Compassionate Navigation Quiet Hall, the Golden Bell Shield ranks last.

"Feng Jie’s embrace seems to be more effective than being hit with a large stick. You advanced to the fifth level of the Golden Bell Shield so quickly; she must have helped you quite a bit, right"

... my waist almost broke just now

A premature smile of bitterness appeared on the boy's face. At first, he too had dreams, intending to seek out a unique martial art among the vast collection of books in the academy, hoping to become a great hero after mastering it. However, due to unfortunate family circumstances and poor choices in friends, he quickly realized that extraordinary martial arts were not as valuable as practical skills. If he did not choose a strong and practical martial art soon, not only would he have no hope of achieving extraordinary martial prowess, but he would also soon face a future without tomorrow.

"Every day it's like this, drinking until I hang...! Sigh, sister, m.hetushu.com, please put me down...! My waist is about to break..."

Sun Wu staggered and fell, drenched in cold sweat, almost sitting down again. His sister, in her drunken state, was incredibly strong, and her embrace came without warning. Although he exerted all his strength to resist with the Golden Bell Shield technique, if it lasted just a little longer, the technique might have been forcibly broken, resulting in injury.

The village chief's motto is, "As long as a man has breath, he must pursue his dreams." Despite his advanced age, he remains full of passion and vitality. His favorite pastime in the past was to take Sun Wu and Xiao Shang, riding on a special magical skateboard, surfing the winds over the sea of clouds outside the village, until a few years ago when it was replaced by a new hobby

"Little, Little Shangsama!"

The so-called textbooks are essentially the secret manuals of various martial arts schools, some of which are even regarded as highly confidential. Given the scale of a private primary school like Liangshanpo, it should be nearly impossible to gather a substantial amount of material. However, the unique cultural background of Liangshanpo provides an excellent environment for the school. The new immigrants resulting from the turmoil of the Taiping Rebellion come from all corners of the country, and the martial arts they practice encompass a wide range of styles. When these individuals compile and present their martial arts insights as teaching materials for the school, it inadvertently becomes the most abundant asset. The unique cultural background of Liangshanpo provides an excellent environment for the school. The new immigrants resulting from the turmoil of the Taiping Rebellion come from all corners of the country, and the martial arts they practice encompass a wide range of styles. When these individuals compile and present their martial arts insights as teaching materials for the school, it inadvertently becomes the most abundant asset.

Alcohol is truly a terrifying substance, capable of transforming a giant bear into a wild leopard in an instant

There are no special tricks; Feng Jie once said that managing people is like managing dogs. If you treat your guests as gods, they will be gods; if you treat your guests as dogs, they will be dogs

The progress has unexpectedly advanced ahead of schedule. Should I say that I am exceptionally gifted? Or is it that I have become too accustomed to accepting things as they come? ... This particular thought, when reflected upon, truly evokes a sense of sorrow within me

"Wuw, sister, your hand... my waist..."

Fortunately, this moment did not last too long; just before Xiao Shang spoke again, the voices of the villagers calling from outside the door were heard

This, well ... ...

This is a completely untrustworthy companion; rather than accepting her goodwill, it is more accurate to say that there are no other options. The secrets of the tunnel have already been discovered by Xiao Shang, and if she is not allowed to participate, she will surely cause trouble behind the scenes. Regardless of the methods she employs to create chaos, I cannot bear the risk involved.

However, after practicing for a long time, Sun Wu felt that this was quite good. The Golden Bell Shield is a martial art with relatively weak offensive capabilities. As long as one masters the Golden Bell Shield, it becomes difficult to sustain injuries. In the event of any conflict, it is already commendable not to be harmed, and if one can avoid causing additional harm to others, that would be even better

The elderly man in the picture is neither standing nor sitting on a chair, but rather straddling a tall mechanical treasure. This heavy motorcycle, known as "Harley," is faster than a galloping horse and can briefly hover in the air. During the turmoil of the Taiping Rebellion, it was an important piece of military equipment, and after its downfall, it scattered among the populace. There is only one in Liangshan Marsh, which is the personal treasure of the village chief. It had originally decayed, but was restored by Xiao Shang. Since then, the village chief has been riding the Harley to travel, returning to the village only once or twice a year.

"... ... Do not deliberately feign pity; Xiaoshan learned that from you. Furthermore, ... ... ... If you do not put me down soon, there will be no one to help you clean up these things..."

Oh...? Do I look like someone who would betray a childhood friend?

The protective hard skill transmitted from the foremost sect of the present age, "Cihang Jingdian," is regarded as the top brand among various protective martial arts. If we do not take into account some legendary protective skills that only exist in folklore, the Golden Bell Shield can even be considered the premier protective hard skill on the Central Plains.

Hahaha, then we shall not disturb you. My Lord Xiaoshang, please take your time.

However, after Xiaoshang joined, the situation changed. Sun Wu felt as if there was an arsenal walking beside him. Xiaoshang took out several inconspicuous small tools, and after assembling them, they astonishingly formed a powerful toolkit. After spraying it on the rock, within a few minutes, the originally hard rock became surprisingly soft as cotton. The pickaxe could easily break through the rock, resulting in a work progress that increased to seven or eight times the original rate. Sun Wu was both astonished and delighted, realizing that the possibility of realizing his dream plan had greatly increased.

"Uncle Hu, wake up, the tavern is closed, come back tomorrow"

Despite being childhood friends, Sun Wu still did not dare to say that he truly understood Xiao Shang. He had been brought to Liangshan Lake by his sister while still in swaddling clothes and had never left since he became aware of his surroundings. However, Xiao Shang was different; she had arrived in the village when Sun Wu was six years old. One day, two new immigrants came to the village: one was a man in blue who died in front of the stone tablet at the entrance to Liangshan Lake, and the other was a four-year-old girl with a cold expression, standing beside the bloodied corpse.

Although my sister and I are close, the village chief is like a father I never had. When he is around, a certain part of my heart feels fulfilled, and I never think about leaving the village. However, this is not right. As I grow older, I increasingly feel that boys should be independent and not rely on others, even if they are as close as family. If leaving the village is the first step towards independence, then I must take that step no matter what.

You... have you also come?

Awakening and sending off the inebriated guests, tidying up the disordered room, and simultaneously starting to prepare dinner, Sun Wu was seen scooping water from the water tank. While cooking the dishes, he took advantage of the intervals to wipe the table and sweep the floor, his movements exceptionally skilled. The fourteen-year-old boy busied himself both inside and outside the house, resembling a remarkably dexterous magician. In no time, the mess in the room gradually disappeared, and the table was adorned with steaming dishes.

You... you must not speak recklessly

Do you still remember what was just said

Upon hearing this fatal warning, the giant bear finally set down its prey, obediently retreating to the side. It quickly picked up the empty wine jar and then emitted a terrifying sound akin to a long whale sucking in water.

The last image is not a portrait, but a black-and-white snapshot taken with a magical artifact. The picture features an elderly man in military uniform with white beard and hair, who appears to be quite advanced in age yet is full of vigor, standing tall like a pine tree. His eyes are bright and spirited, and the scars visible on his face and arms testify to a life of countless battles. However, his beaming smile conveys a sense of humor and cheerfulness.

Sun Wu greatly enjoys this feeling. Having lost both parents, he relies solely on his sister, yet he never feels lonely or desolate. Everyone in the village is very kind and treats him well; the entire village feels like his extended family. Perhaps it is for this reason that Sun Wu never feels lonely.

Before responding, the girl's gaze drifted towards Sun Wu, her enigmatic expression that seemed to smile yet not smile made Sun Wu feel as if he were sitting on pins and needles, his back breaking out in a cold sweat, and he incessantly signaled with his eyes.

After the history class, which often covers repetitive content, the afternoon sessions are dedicated to individual martial arts training. The balance of literary and martial skills is the fundamental spirit of this academy. Following the completion of the morning's literary classes, students are free to choose their preferred martial arts for practice in the afternoon. Whether it involves hand-to-hand combat, weaponry, internal skills, or lightness techniques, the school provides materials for study and practice.

"Xiao Wu, thank you... evil evil evil evil evil evil evil——"

If luck is on our side tonight, we might get to enjoy my sister's specialty dish

Father's Harley motorcycle requires maintenance and adjustment. Every so often, he concludes his travels and returns to Liangshan Marsh. While others may not know the exact day, the mechanic, Xiao Shang, can calculate it with precision, and it should be within the next few days. Upon seeing Father, Sun Wu is uncertain whether his heart will waver, so he plans to dig a tunnel to leave before Father returns to the village

"No, not at all! Sister, you are the one who is completely drunk! You even fell into the field this morning; that's very dangerous!"

Uncle Li, you should go back and sleep; you really drank too much today

"Xiao Wu, Xiao Wu, your sister has been thinking about you all day at home. Why have you only just come back now! ... Without you, your sister doesn't know what to do, boo hoo ..."

Sun Wu vehemently denied it, attempting to cover up the matter, but beside him was a companion who thrived on chaos, watching intently.

What can be done about this? I am a psychological deviant

In the entire academy, Sun Wu is the only one who has chosen to study the Golden Bell Shield and has diligently trained in it to this day. Initially, some villagers came to him with concern, asking why he did not choose other more powerful martial arts, but instead opted for a technique that was purely defensive in nature. However, as time went on, people tactfully kept their mouths shut and no longer inquired about that overly obvious reason

There is no need for speculation; what is visible before us is the truth. Sun Wu looked into the room, which was in complete disarray. Tables and chairs were overturned, wine jars and bottles were scattered everywhere, and trash was thrown about. There were also several patrons who were already so drunk that they were unconscious. It was evident that this was the aftermath of a wild drinking party.

This is the reason why it is essential to practice the Golden Bell Shield. In the past, during the day at school, Xiao Shang would often engage in dangerous explosions, and in the afternoon, upon returning home, my drunken sister would come running to give me a bear hug. If I had not made my body as hard as iron, I might have already become a person with disabilities.

Oh, Xiaoshang, well done. Your voice imitation skills are about seventy percent of my level. Fengjie will calculate your wages for the work, but what did you say in the broadcast

If Xiaoshang's talent is the first riddle of Liangshanbo, then Fengjie’s voice is the second. Those who hear the morning broadcast for the first time would never believe that the owner of that magnetic voice could possess such a fat and bloated appearance. From a distance, one would see small eyes, a bulbous nose, and a round, swollen face resembling a large pancake, with a body weight exceeding one hundred jin, appearing like a walking mountain of flesh. When angry, he seems even more like some gigantic beast, immensely strong, capable of uprooting trees and moving mountains.

As soon as I stepped through the door, a sweet and gentle female voice filled the room, followed by a massive shadow resembling a great black bear from the jungle, rushing in like a whirlwind, knocking over wooden chairs and overturning tables, and in an instant, it pounced on Sun Wu, embracing him tightly on the ground

The prerequisite is that the person has not yet passed out from drinking! ... In ten days, it is rare for Fengjie to have a few days of sobriety ...

Xiao Shang arrived at Liangshan Marsh in this manner. Later, under the arrangement of the village chief, a small house was built for her to live alone. Sun Wu's sister, Feng Jie, took pity on her loneliness and often asked Sun Wu to bring her meals and daily necessities. Initially, Xiao Shang was completely unwilling to accept this, but when Feng Jie personally intervened, kicking down the door of the wooden house and ignoring the girl's resistance, she forcibly brought her back home, tying her to a chair to eat. From then on, Xiao Shang graciously accepted Feng Jie's kindness and often went to Sun Wu's house for meals, indirectly casting a shadow over Sun Wu's life.

Indeed, did you not see how my sister was just now ... ! ... Wait a moment, do not think that this matter can simply be overlooked; I am going to settle the score with you for what just happened !

I have nothing to practice.

Exceptional lightness of skill was once a consideration, but when my sister is drunk, she behaves like a frenzied wild bear, refusing to relent until she has embraced someone. The result of her chasing and running is the complete destruction of the furniture and decor in the house. In the end, I have to go chop wood and remake everything, which is too great a cost. It is better to cultivate the Golden Bell Shield to allow her to embrace someone, thereby minimizing the damage caused by her drunken rampage.

While the two were conversing, they had already returned home. Sun Wu's residence was a two-story wooden house; the upper level served as living quarters, while the lower level operated as a wine shop. Outside the house hung a diamond-shaped sign with the character "酒" (wine), fluttering in the breeze, and even before approaching, a fragrant aroma of fine wine wafted through the air.

The business of the wine shop was not thriving, so Feng Jie had to take on a side job to earn extra income. Every morning, she served as the village's morning broadcaster, her slightly magnetic sweet voice indeed lived up to her self-proclaimed title of the "most attractive idol" of Liangshanbo. However, this was only true in terms of her voice

Every afternoon during the martial arts class, nearly ninety percent of the students seek out their own spaces to practice internal skills, as they are mostly the offspring of the remnants of the Taiping Army. The techniques passed down from their forebears primarily involve the manipulation of magical artifacts. Additionally, the extensive use of magical artifacts in daily life at Liangshan Marsh has led everyone to focus on how to prolong the use of these artifacts and maximize their effectiveness.

However, these uncles are not merely kind-faced; I recently learned with regret that they also possess another expression...

The head of the academy had previously informed himself that achieving the Golden Bell Shield beyond the sixth level requires a combination of qualifications and opportunities, and cannot be attained solely through hard practice. Moreover, there are no secret manuals for levels above the sixth in the village, so he can only give up for now. However, despite the Golden Bell Shield not being particularly renowned, historical records from the Cihang Silent Palace indicate that reaching the fifth level typically requires over twenty years of arduous cultivation. At such a young age, he has managed to reach the fifth level; if he were to enter the outside world, it would be an extraordinary achievement. Yet, despite the Golden Bell Shield not being particularly renowned, historical records from the Cihang Silent Palace indicate that reaching the fifth level typically requires over twenty years of arduous cultivation. At such a young age, he has managed to reach the fifth level; if he were to enter the outside world, it would be an extraordinary achievement.

Hey, childhood friend, let me lend you a hand! I can help you deal with some wasteland issues, saving you the time of shoveling dirt.