Chapter 006: Assistance and Repair

Hong Yu firmly pressed down on his shoulder, looking into his eyes: "Elder brother, I am truly different from before!"

Hong Lie's expression was somewhat dim, but he quickly adjusted himself: "Did you come to see me for something?"

He extinguished the lamp, yet did not leave the room. He sat in the darkness for quite a while, feeling that the vast Hong family estate was just like himself at that moment, surrounded by darkness, unable to find a direction

... ...

The airflow generated by the book lifted a strand of hair from the elder brother's forehead, along with his somewhat unkempt and rugged stubble from having just woken up in the morning. This all contributed to an air of calm and composure, as if strolling leisurely between life and death, prompting Hong Yu to ungraciously applaud and exclaim loudly: "What a display of mastery!"

After making a wish for the duration of an incense stick, the novice monk Fa Xiang seemed to finally sense his sincerity, slowly raising his head and opening his eyes

He sighed helplessly, and there was only one explanation: Hong Yu's effect was only effective for himself alone

... ...

After returning, Hong Yu asked Hong Xi to go to the kitchen to get something to eat. After a simple meal, he locked himself in his room to study, seeking a way to enhance Hong Lie's realm.

Hong Lie was indeed standing silently in the courtyard, looking around. He was completely unaware of Hong Shen's earlier state. It was only at this moment that Hong Lie saw Hong Shen in the bamboo grove, and he hurried over: "Uncle Shen"

The Xuan soldiers can harness the formation to unleash the powerful energy contained within their cores. The cores of the Xuan soldiers are made from the brain crystals of wild beasts or mineral crystals. There are even more powerful Xuan soldiers, said to be able to draw upon the ambient energy between heaven and earth, causing the winds and clouds to change color. This has already reached the level of the "First Grade Harmonization" realm

In the past two nights, Hong Yu did not actively cultivate; he merely allowed the novice monk Fa Xiang to automatically tend to the martial energy at the designated time

Elder brother, I..." Hong Yu wanted to say something, but found it hard to express. He fell into the same old habit from his previous life, unwilling to easily reveal his feelings

In contrast, the ancient magic elephant totem is much more grandiose in its presence

For instance, Cao Guixiong, one of the five top-tier figures in the rumored Great Xia, possesses the mysterious weapon "God-Slaying Axe," which is indeed a remarkable artifact. Among the five top-tier figures, Cao Guixiong ranks among the strongest, and the contribution of the God-Slaying Axe cannot be overlooked

Whether it is the monk's Dharma characteristics in the "Secret Research Sutra" or the ancient demonic totem in the "Northern Wilderness True Sutra," each has its own set of cultivation principles, along with specialized martial techniques to complement them

This discovery stirred a slight excitement within him, but for the Hong family as a whole, it was bad news

As soon as he approached, a strong smell of alcohol wafted from the room. He frowned and knocked on the door: "Brother?"

Hong Shen was outside, still sitting among the cluster of green bamboo. The starlight was quite good tonight, and Hong Lie had not yet arrived. Hong Shen seized the opportunity to practice under the light.

The novice monk recited the scriptures slowly, the Sanskrit sounds lingering in the air, while the golden light mist quietly flowed through Hong Yu's meridians, resembling a vast underground river. Although immensely powerful, it remained hidden and unobtrusive.

Hmm? Hong Shen felt a sense of strangeness. He pointed out something to Hong Lie, who followed his instructions and corrected some details, yet he still could not connect with that grand and radiant feeling

Upon arriving at the Military Book Repository, Hong Yu entered. Seizing this opportunity, Hong Shen handed Hong Yu over to Hong Yin, who was guarding the repository, and hurried off to meet Hong Shengri

Although he had already read all the foundational texts in the first library, the first-grade "Beihuang Zhenhe *Tu* Shujing" was still too advanced, and Hong Yu could only grasp it partially. Fortunately, he already possessed the Ancient Demon Elephant Totem within him, which, when combined, further deepened his understanding.

A continuous surge of destruction, fragmentation, and chaos emanated, as the dark golden martial energy swiftly circulated through Hong Yu's left arm's meridians, surging like a great river breaching its dam

Hong Yu was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, estimating that the main character had likely used this phrase to trick Hong Lie many times before. He quickly waved his hand: "That's not what I meant. You have been stuck at the initial stage of the eighth rank for two years now; do you want to break through?"

Yes, Grandpa! Hong Lie was filled with excitement; the grievances he had endured at Liling Academy could fill dozens of wine jars. As long as he could advance to the mid-stage of the Eighth Rank Body Tempering, he would be able to hold his head high and vent all the grievances and frustrations he had accumulated over the years. Who wouldn't look forward to such a liberating feeling

Hong Yu need not look; Shen Shu is surely nearby

Sighing, he instructed, "Hong An, take my name card tomorrow to invite Du Jincheng. Just say that I am hosting a banquet at Chunhui Building and would like him to grace us with his presence."

He still meticulously checked the military library, confirming that Young Master Yu had not stolen any of the texts before allowing him to leave

Strangely, Hong Lie did not come either

Hong Lie nodded: "I remember."

Hong Shen was also uncertain: "It doesn't quite look like it. Could it be that Young Master Yu has some other method?"

Hong Shen bowed and stepped back out

Hong Shengri had not slept at all; he was waiting for news from Hong Shen and Hong Lie

He laughed loudly: "Ha! Good, I believe you. As brothers from the same mother, if I can't trust you, who else in this world can I trust?"

As the effect of "self-evident" faded, the golden characters before Hong Yu slowly sank into the "Northern Wilderness Scripture." He closed his eyes, sitting upright in front of the long table, immersed in silent contemplation, remaining motionless for a long time.

Hong Lie looked at him with suspicion: "Second Brother, you..."

On this day, Hong Yu unknowingly spent time in the military library.

Some skilled weapon craftsmen on the Qingyuan Continent can forge weapons with special powers through unique methods. These weapons are famously known as "Xuanbing".

Master! Hong An was astonished: "Given your status..."

Hong Yu turned back to look at the house, sighing inwardly, "Grandfather's arranged marriage is truly harmful."

As the golden mist of the monk's Dharma began to circulate through the meridians of the left arm, the ancient demonic elephant totem erupted in a furious rage. Its four pillar-like legs sank deeply into the earth, and its eyes emitted nine streams of crimson flames. Its ears flapped, creating a thunderous roar. One of its trunks relentlessly struck the ground, causing massive fissures to form, from which magma surged forth

Hong Shengri's Sun-Slaying Sword is also a mystical weapon, though it is not as powerful or renowned as the God-Slaying Axe.

If there is anyone in the entire Hong family who can unreservedly trust Hong Yu at this moment, it would be Hong Lie

Hong Shengri pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said: "No, we cannot let this brat act recklessly. You should go find Lier and tell him about your experiences... Forget it, send someone to bring Lier here, and the two of us will talk to him together. Then tonight, you will protect Lier, allowing him to quickly improve with the help of that brat"

At last, after further reinforcing those feelings and understandings in his heart, Hong Yu opened his eyes, slightly bowed to the "Northern Wilderness Scripture" and the *illustration*, while the ancient magic elephant totem in the Heavenly Spring Cavern let out a roar towards the sky, its imposing aura seemingly capable of contending with the entire universe

Hong Yu arrived at the family restaurant early in the morning, waiting patiently. The words spoken by Hong Lie yesterday had a profound impact on him. Today, he wanted to have breakfast with his grandfather

After Hong Shen left, Hong Shengri worked alone for a while. The breath that had been sustaining him seemed to suddenly deflate, and the old man appeared significantly older.

However, after waiting for a while, my younger sister Hong Yilan arrived, yet there was still no sign of grandfather. Usually, Hong An, who would be by grandfather's side, was also nowhere to be seen

In just half a night's time, Hong Shen felt that the results were comparable to his training from the previous night. He became increasingly reluctant to leave Hong Yu's side. Looking at the time again, Hong Lie was about to arrive. He put away the mental techniques of the "Starfire Divine Furnace" and opened his eyes

Hong Lie immediately became alert: "What do you want to do? It is impossible for me to help you sneak out, and it is also impossible for me to lend you more than 1,000 taels..."

In the shadows, Hong Shen furrowed his brow: What does Young Master Yu mean? Can he help Young Master Lie elevate his realm? Is it possible that it is the same as helping me?

However, it can only be this way; its dark golden martial aura can only yield to the golden mist, regardless of how indignant the ancient magic elephant totem may be

Finally feeling relieved, Hong Yu sighed as he wiped himself with some grass paper and got up

He thought that his elder brother had another argument with his sister-in-law, which was why he did not come for breakfast. However, upon inquiring in Hong Lie's courtyard, he learned that after the argument yesterday, the sister-in-law had returned to her parental home in a huff, and last night, only the elder brother was present.

Hong Lie sat cross-legged, his five hearts directed towards the heavens, as he slowly released his spiritual awareness while circulating the "Beihuang Scripture." Hong Shen furrowed his brow slightly; Hong Lie was merely at the initial stage of the eighth rank body refinement, with a spiritual awareness range not exceeding one zhang. With a push of his hands through the air, Hong Lie's body floated up lightly and landed outside Hong Yu's window.

Hong Yu was taken aback, as certain tender places in his heart were stirred. These matters, the old master Hong had not mentioned a single word to him.

Even if Hong Yu realizes his mistakes, his character is not suitable for taking over the Hong family, and this is something Hong Shengri is well aware of. Moreover, Hong Yu is the second son; according to tradition, the younger son does not inherit before the elder, which is not in accordance with propriety.

In this way, with both sets of mental techniques operating without issue, Hong Yu made rapid progress in his cultivation throughout the night

The two brothers arrived at the back garden and found a pavilion to sit down. Hong Lie gave a wry smile and said, "After all, we are brothers, so I am not afraid of you laughing at me. If you see it, you see it; just don't tell Grandpa and the others"

Hong Shengri said: "You should go back and prepare. Strive to break through and improve tonight. If that is not possible, then take a few more days. You are cultivating the 'Northern Wilderness True Scripture,' which grants you exceptional combat power. As long as you reach the mid-stage of the Eighth Rank Body Strengthening, none of those peers in your class will be your match!"

However, he did not expect that such a small change, merely because he recently wanted to read books, would secretly excite Old Master Hong to the extent of spending one hundred thirty thousand taels of silver in one go

Soon, Hong Lie was summoned, and Hong Shengri stood by as a witness. When Hong Shen recounted his experiences, Hong Lie was left dumbfounded: "Grandfather, Uncle Shen, are you saying that the second one has become a treasure now?"

Hong Yuduan sat upright in the military library, before him was a long table crafted from gold and silver, upon which lay a scroll of the "Northern Wilderness Scriptures"

Hong Lie, following what Hong Shenbai mentioned during the day, connected his spiritual perception with Hong Yu and the books. However, he was unable to find that grand and luminous sensation.

Hong Lie pulled him and said, "Second Brother, are you looking for me? Let's go outside to talk"

Hong Shen felt a moment of doubt; Hong Yu had already broken up with Hong Lie and went to the military library.

Then if I tell you that I can help you break through, would you be willing to take a gamble with me

Hong Yu pondered for a moment, feeling somewhat unsure of how to begin. After hesitating for a while, he finally said: "Elder brother, do you believe me?"

The "Northern Wilderness Scripture" unfolded, and large characters of light rose from it, flowing in an orderly manner before Hong Yu, resembling a golden river.

Failed

What is going on?" Hong Yu asked, but was met with a roll of the eyes from his younger sister, which left him feeling quite disheartened

Hong Shengri had lost the desire to inquire further. With a long sigh, he waved his hand and said, "Enough, you may go."

This process is contrary to that of ordinary martial artists, who must diligently cultivate martial skills to generate martial energy before they can practice mental techniques. Hong Yu is quite unconventional; whether it is the novice monk's dharma form or the ancient demonic totem, both have already brought forth their respective attributes of martial energy

The Hong residence is immensely large, with fixed annual expenses likely around 1,500,000 taels. This means that the additional funds available this year, all of which the old master Hong has invested in him, have also overdrawn 300,000 taels from next year's budget

Yes

He always carried the wooden fish brick with him, tucked close to his chest. When he came out of the military library, he instinctively reached for it. The brick was still there, which gave Hong Yu a sense of reassurance.

Thus, after several attempts, there was still no success. By the last attempt, Hong Shen asked Hong Lie to describe his feelings, and Hong Shen was already very certain that Hong Lie had done nothing wrong. At this point, it was entirely possible to connect with that feeling.

Hong Lie smiled and said, "You are my brother, so of course I believe you"

Thus, a suitable mysterious weapon can significantly enhance a warrior's combat power, even doubling it

Hong Shen pondered for a moment, then turned and vanished into the night.

After three days of vomiting and diarrhea, I became exhausted, yet the outcome remains substandard.

Hong Yu entered the room and was immediately met with a barrage of a woman's scolding. Shortly after, the sound of a door slamming echoed, and Hong Lie stumbled out in a disheveled state, followed by a book that came crashing down on him.

Hearing only the footsteps of one person outside, Hong Shengri could not hide the disappointment on his face. If it had been successful, Hong Lie would surely have come with Hong Shen to share the good news

Hong Shengri frowned after listening to his report: "Does this little beast already know his own capabilities?"

Hong Shen truthfully reported: "I do not know why, Young Master Lie has always been unable to connect with that feeling."

Hong Shen also believes that this is the most prudent approach. If Hong Yu were to act independently, it is uncertain what consequences might arise. Hong Shengri's method has at least been validated by himself and is safe and feasible

Hong Yu looked at his elder brother apologetically, while Hong Lie's expression was peculiar, clearly recalling that past experience.

Old Master Hong actually harbored great expectations, but for some reason, it seems that over the years, fate has been working against him, and nearly all of his hopes have come to naught

Moreover, the Xiushan Autumn Festival was originally participated in solely by disciples of Confucianism. This time, in order to secure your place, grandfather specifically sponsored the highest award of the Xiushan Autumn Festival. However, there were several other sponsors as well. Grandfather spent 600,000 taels of silver to commission the renowned craftsman Sun Banshan from Wudu to create a precious mysterious weapon, which ultimately allowed him to outbid the other sponsors

Hong Lie patted Hong Yu's shoulder and said earnestly, "You must not let your grandfather's heartfelt intentions go to waste."

Hong Shen tried again and easily connected.

The outcome of tonight, in fact, determines the future of the Hong family to a certain extent

Clear at a glance

Hong Lie blurted out: "Nonsense, who doesn't want to break through?"

In the small building, Hong Yu is already sound asleep

However, tonight, Hong Yu actively circulated his martial energy, achieving better results than last night

Hong Lie's somewhat hoarse voice came through: "Second brother, come in."

He arrived at Hong Lie's courtyard, but today was somewhat different. The servants were all hiding outside, peering in curiously.

Alright, follow that method of practice. I will protect you; feel free to ask me any questions at any time

Until now, the content displayed by the "Clear Insight" skill remains random. In other words, if one uses Clear Insight to observe a martial artist, the first display might show their level, the second might change to the cultivation method they practice, and the third might indicate their combat power level

Hong Yu squatted in the toilet, his face turning blue from holding it in

The ancient fierce creature roared and howled incessantly in his Tianquan acupoint, stomping like thunder, causing the heavens and the earth to tremble. Within the Tianquan acupoint, it became a small world belonging to the totem of the ancient demonic elephant.

According to Hong Yu's plan, he originally intended to read all the foundational martial arts classics in the three libraries before re-entering the military library.

Hong Yu could only silently wish towards the monk's Dharma appearance, hoping to attain "clear understanding".

This time, under the phrase "clear at a glance," Hong Yu's understanding of the "Northern Wilderness Scripture" has gained an additional layer of profound complexity. He himself cannot articulate it clearly, as he currently lacks a solid foundation. However, that feeling is deeply rooted in his mind. It is indeed markedly different from before

"Er, don't think that Grandpa doesn't care about you. You had diarrhea this morning, didn't you?" Hong Lie suddenly said

Hong Yu understood that he still needed assistance that was "clear at a glance"; however, this skill seemed to activate randomly at present, and he had no control over what content could be revealed.

Hong Lie's face flushed with embarrassment, and the elder sister-in-law in the room must have also heard that the second brother had arrived, making it inappropriate for her to continue her outburst in silence.

Hong Lie expressed some envy, saying: "The beast meat porridge you had this morning contained nine precious herbs, a prescription specifically obtained by grandfather from the chief physician at Wansheng Hall, tailored for your constitution to eliminate toxins and strengthen your foundation. The chief physician at Wansheng Hall charged a hefty sum for this service, and combined with those nine precious herbs, it cost a total of seven hundred thousand taels of silver! Our Hong family, with all our enterprises combined, only earns about two million five hundred thousand taels annually. Grandfather specifically called you to breakfast just for that bowl of porridge! From now on, your cultivation will be twice as effective with half the effort, and the aftereffects of your previous indulgences will be significantly mitigated in terms of their impact on your martial arts."

Hong Lie possesses a character that is sincere, steady, and reliable. If he could transform from mediocrity into genius, he would undoubtedly be the best candidate to lead the Hong family

Only Hong Shengri remained in the study, his eyes glimmering with a mysterious light, lost in thought.

It is simply that Hong Yu's physical condition is too poor, so he wishes to cultivate his martial energy from the inside out first, and then, after his body becomes robust, he will focus on mastering martial skills

He suddenly looked at the book in surprise and said to Hong Yu: "You wouldn't have been deceived by someone outside into buying some elixir to enhance your realm, would you? Let me tell you, those are all frauds, and you cannot trust them. Some of those elixirs are even toxic..."

Hong Shen smiled and nodded: "Young Master Lie, do you remember the matters I discussed with you during the day?"

He took a deep breath, suppressing his somewhat excited emotions, and looked at Hong Lie once more: "Elder brother, do you believe in me?"

Hong Lie was extremely disappointed; his situation at Liling Academy was truly dire. He yearned to break through his current realm to improve his circumstances, to gain the respect of the entire Liling Academy, and to hold his head high in front of Song Youran.

Hong Yu's smile had become somewhat forced. Upon arriving in this world, his closest connection was naturally with his elder brother, Hong Lie. As for his grandfather, Hong Shengri, he understood him well; after all, anyone in charge of such a large family, faced with a prodigal grandson like him, would not have a favorable attitude. However, understanding aside, he still could not cultivate any feelings of warmth towards him.

He bid farewell to Hong Shen and left with a heavy heart. Hong Shen gazed at his noticeably desolate figure and let out a soft sigh

Oh, the crow's mouth! Just now, without any reason, I mentioned going to the toilet, and now it's happened—I've really got diarrhea! After Lord Hong left, Hong Yu had breakfast, and then within half an hour, he set a remarkable record of going to the toilet six times. It is estimated that no one in the Hong residence will be able to break this record in a hundred years!

Hong Yu shook his robe and emerged from the military library, while Hong Shen had been waiting outside, as if he had never left.

Lightning flashes and thunder rumbles, volcanoes erupt

"Shen Shu, why have I been unable to find that feeling?"

However, due to the incident involving the elder brother, Hong Yu made a slight adjustment to his plans and re-entered the military library to study the "Northern Wilderness Scriptures"

Thank you, Uncle Shen

Hong Yu felt a wave of disappointment and picked up his chopsticks. His appetite was now enormous; even for breakfast, he consumed twenty buns and drank three bowls of porridge

Hong Yu questioned: "How do you know?"

Hong Shengri waved his hand and said, "I have no particular status; I am simply Lier's grandfather now"

Hong Yilan was eating slowly, and after a while, she finally replied to him: "Grandfather left for the morning court long ago today"

Hong Lie, at the initial stage of the Eighth Rank Body Technique, displayed his cultivation without a doubt. Clearly seasoned by countless battles, he faced the incoming attack with calmness, gently tilting his head to narrowly evade the book that was hurled at him.

After wiping his mouth, Hong Yu went to find Hong Lie

Hong Yu let out a quiet sigh, acknowledging that his elder brother was indeed honest. Clearly a victim, he still worried about their grandfather's concerns. He nodded slightly and said, "I am aware of the situation."

Hong Shengri and Hong Shen nodded together. Hong Lie smacked his lips: "I didn't expect it, recently I've been feeling that the second one is a bit different, and it turns out he really is quite different!"

Hong Yu recalled that he had done something similar before, saying something like "one piece elevates one rank." In his foolishness, he bought ten pieces at once and consumed them all in one go, wanting to see what the realm above the first rank truly looked like

Hong Yu smiled: "Alright, I will prepare, and you wait for my news"

Strangely, one would expect that having diarrhea would make one feel increasingly weak, yet he felt more energetic. Hong Yu was somewhat puzzled, but now he truly felt better, so he tidied himself up and went to find his elder brother, Hong Lie

After several deductions, he finally devised a plan. After contemplating it multiple times and feeling a high likelihood of success, he finally breathed a sigh of relief, set the matter aside, and began to focus on his cultivation.