Chapter 10: The Beginning of Navigating the Jianghu

"Are you saying that you can perform the set of steps just now?" Xian Yaozi looked at Wang Lie's performance with great interest, not minding his chaotic shouting

Not long ago, the people from Heifengzhai raided a convoy from the Zhenwu Escort Agency in the southern suburbs of Xinyang, killing three bodyguards and stealing a batch of valuables

"When it comes to intricacy, there is none that surpasses it in the world," a clear voice replied

I am not very familiar with it, so I will take a look and show it to my master" Wang Lie said apologetically

Wang Lie looked up, and the young man who had been practicing martial arts in the arena had returned to stand behind the two old men. Hong Nantong quickly walked up to the square-faced elder with thick eyebrows and big eyes, bowing and saying: "I pay my respects to the gang leader"

"Master Guo, how is this set of Lingbo Weibu footwork?" A clear voice broke Wang Lie's contemplation

In fact, I was initially uncertain, but after meeting Master Xiaoyao and this senior brother just now, I became convinced. That white-bearded immortal even taught me a set of footwork that is exactly the same as what this senior brother just demonstrated. I had never been able to master it before, but after seeing my senior brother practice, I suddenly understood. Wang Lie found himself somewhat convinced by his own words and directly addressed his master and senior brother.

Master Guo is being modest. I have long heard of your chivalrous spirit and noble heart, Sir Guo. Although my skills are limited, I still hope to learn from you. Such bandits, even if my abilities are inferior, as people of the jianghu, why should we hesitate to fight and seek knowledge!

"Brother Guo, you flatter me." Another elder, significantly older than Guo Yan, had completely white hair and beard, yet his face was as smooth as jade, without a single wrinkle, exuding a vibrant spirit and an elegant demeanor

Observing my life, advancing and retreating. Stopping at its back, unable to obtain the person; walking in its courtyard, unable to see the person. The ears of the cauldron are leather, its movement is blocked. Peeling away, it is not advantageous to have repairs go. The ram touches the fence, unable to retreat, unable to proceed. Wang Lie was immersed in the voice echoing in his mind, overjoyed, as the luminous figure in his mind stepped out step by step. With each step taken, a footprint would flash at the point of contact, and after the person passed, the footprints did not disappear, but were connected by green lines, instantly forming a dense set of footwork. Looking at the familiar characters such as 'Gui Mei' and 'Wu Wang', Wang Lie felt as if he had won five million from a two-yuan lottery ticket. Who would have thought he could acquire the 'Ling Bo Wei Bu' here? Among the martial arts he most wanted to learn, 'Ling Bo Wei Bu' ranked at the top.

"This is already the seventh time in half a year. The people from Black Wind Stronghold are so audacious in my Xinyang. How is the investigation of the dispatched personnel going?" Guo Yan said, stroking his beard. This Guo leader had a fiery temper in his youth, but over the years, he had cultivated himself and his temper had softened considerably; otherwise, he would have long since led an assault on Lianyun and eradicated the stronghold of Black Wind.

In his eyes, Wang Lie had already missed the best age for martial arts training, making it difficult for him to achieve great success in his lifetime. However, Guo Yan was not a superficial person who judged others solely by their martial skills; at his level, he valued a person's character even more. While martial skills can be improved through practice, poor character is a serious flaw.

As they spoke, Xiaoyaozi leisurely sipped his tea, while the young man behind him also closed his eyes in meditation, seemingly oblivious to the conversation.

The disciples sent out have reported that the people from the Eighteen Villages of Lianyun Mountain left Lianyun Mountain about a year ago, and are now committing crimes everywhere, not just at Heifeng Village. As for the reason, this group of bandits has no fixed abode, and the disciples have yet to uncover the details.

Xiaoyaozi remained noncommittal, while Guo Yan wore an expression of amusement as if watching a spectacle

"Xiaoyaozi, you are not an outsider; just speak your mind." Guo Yan said straightforwardly

What a remarkable battle! Guo Yan exclaimed in admiration, "Not bad, young man. Although your steps are unsteady and your martial arts skills are still rudimentary, you possess such boldness. If you were a few years younger, I would be tempted to take you as my disciple."

I have met Senior Xiaoyao! Hong Nantong is currently just over forty years old, so it is appropriate to address him as senior. He then looked at Guo Yan with a questioning gaze

Wang Lie stood aside, ignored by everyone, observing these few individuals up and down. Guo Yan needed no further introduction; although he was already over fifty years old, he still exuded a strong and imposing aura while seated. Xian Yaozi appeared to be a handsome old Taoist priest, and the young man should be Wu Ya Zi, with starry brows and sharp eyes, a remarkable figure indeed. No wonder he captivated the hearts of both Tianshan Tonglao and Li Qiushui; he was only slightly inferior to Wang Lie, who added this thought in his heart. Xian Yaozi appeared to be a handsome old Taoist priest, and the young man should be Wu Ya Zi, with starry brows and sharp eyes, a remarkable figure indeed. No wonder he captivated the hearts of both Tianshan Tonglao and Li Qiushui; he was only slightly inferior to Wang Lie, who added this thought in his heart.

Hmm? Three voices sounded simultaneously: Xiaoyaozi, Guo Yan, and the young man who might be Wuyazi. Hong Nantong stood to the side, his face flushed with embarrassment, not daring to speak. He had not expected Wang Lie to say such a thing, and since he had brought him here, he would also be hard-pressed to absolve himself of any blame if something went wrong

Guo Yan spoke in a casual manner. Given that the other person was of considerable age and the leader of the world's largest gang, Wang Lie naturally would not mind that the other was sitting while speaking to him

It is commendable that the youth has such aspirations, but it is essential to practice diligently.

The "Lingbo Microstep" is not merely a matter of walking; each step taken is intricately connected to one's entire body movement and internal energy. Although Wang Lie possesses a slight amount of internal energy, it is far from profound and insufficient to support him in completing the Lingbo Microstep. Furthermore, while he remembers the footwork, he is still unskilled in executing it, needing to think about the next step with each movement. Despite his extremely slow pace, Xiaoyaozi and the others did not urge him on; instead, they observed as Wang Lie progressed, their expressions shifting from initial ease to increasing seriousness. This set of footwork had only recently been perfected by him, and there were no more than three people in the world capable of using it. He did not believe that anyone could learn this footwork just by glancing at it, especially since Wang Lie had not fully witnessed Wuyazi's demonstration. Could it truly be a divine bestowal? Xiaoyaozi felt somewhat shaken, while Wang Lie was wholly focused on his movements, starting from "Mingyi," passing through "Bi," "Jiji," and "Jiaren," ultimately traversing all sixty-four hexagrams, completing a large circle to arrive at "Wuwang." Wuyazi could finish it in a moment, but Wang Lie took a full hour to complete it.

Xiaoyaozi narrowed his eyes slightly, a glimmer of brilliance flashing within. "Oh, from where did you hear about the Xiaoyao Sect?" Although Xiaoyaozi was a practitioner of the Dao, he was not a naive or simple-minded person. The Xiaoyao Sect had always been secretive and undisclosed, unknown to outsiders. If someone were to hear about it, the disciples of the Xiaoyao Sect would take action to silence them.

What else did that immortal say? Although most people now believe in ghosts and deities, Xiaoyaozi is not so easily deceived

Opportunities must not be missed, for they may never come again. Wang Lie certainly would not leave so easily; a tremendous opportunity has fallen right before him, and failing to seize it could lead to dire consequences.

Is it true that Senior Xiaoyaozi is the leader of the Xiaoyao Sect? Wang Lie asked directly

"This is a divine revelation," Wang Lie said, his eyes glinting. "Since I was young, I have had a dream in which a white-haired immortal grandfather told me that I would one day join the Xiaoyao Sect as a disciple. He even showed me a portrait of my future master, who looked just like the esteemed Xiaoyaozi, with an identical immortal demeanor." Wang Lie spoke freely, thinking that no matter what, he had to find a way to become a disciple. Xiaoyaozi was indeed a divine being, the most suitable support for him.

Wang Lie moved his hands and feet slightly, recalling the footwork in his mind, and completed a full recollection in his thoughts. Just as the others were becoming somewhat impatient, Wang Lie suddenly took a step forward

Continue to send people to investigate said Guo Yan, waving his hand

Nantong, take this young brother to settle down, treat him as a distinguished guest. Guo Yan instructed, having issued the order to dismiss the guests. He still needed to continue discussing martial arts with Xiaoyaozi

This young hero Wang, upon witnessing injustice on the road, rescued a bodyguard from the Zhenwu Escort Agency. One of his companions was severely injured as a result, and the disciple took the liberty of inviting them to rest and recuperate. Hong Nantong had not forgotten Wang Lie after all

The elder chuckled and said, "Nantong has returned, just in time, to meet this esteemed friend of our gang. Although this brother Xiaoyao rarely steps into the martial world, his martial arts are unparalleled, far surpassing mine"

"Our Beggar's Sect values righteousness above all else. If you do not act in this manner, I would be the one to blame you," Guo Yan said with a smile, waving his hand towards Wang Lie. "This young hero may treat this place as his own home. If there is anything you need, just instruct these disciples. Our Beggar's Sect may lack in other areas, but we have plenty of people who value loyalty."