Chapter 16 - 20: Mindset. Sword Saint. A Once-in-a-Generation Prodigy. A Lack of Fortune. Holistic Body Tempering.

 After the maidservant left, Li Hao no longer continued the chess game and instead got up and walked towards the courtyard.

Li Fu also stood up, and when Li Hao didn't speak to him, he returned to his expressionless military demeanor, like a silent shadow, following closely behind Li Hao.

Regarding the previous assassination attempt, he had inquired with the servants of the mansion, carefully piecing together the details, and felt a sense of lingering fear.

Especially during these days of playing chess with this child, he had come to realize that the spot he was currently sitting in was where the assassin had been.

Only a chessboard apart.

At such a close distance, it would have been easy to strike and kill a child who was completely defenseless and unaware in an instant!

But for such an assassination attempt to be thwarted, he didn't know if it was because the assassin was incompetent, or if the senior clan member who had intervened was terrifyingly powerful, or perhaps this child truly had incredible luck!

Therefore, Li Fu took it as a warning and stuck by Li Hao's side day and night, whether eating, drinking, or sleeping. Any servant who came within three feet of Li Hao would be subjected to his hawk-like gaze.

This also caused the servants and maids in the courtyard to complain quietly. Each time they reported something to the young master, they did so with trepidation, not daring to lift their heads... They were becoming introverted.

Seeing Li Hao approach, Bian Ruoxue, who was practicing her swordplay, pouted slightly and turned her body to the side, as if she didn't want Li Hao to see her.

Li Hao looked at her aggrieved expression and smiled, asking a servant to bring over a small stool and some pastries and fruits. He sat down and started eating.

"You're not focusing on your sword practice. With such a distracted mind, you won't be able to defeat others," Li Hao said with a smile, noticing the girl's erratic sword swings.

Bian Ruoxue's eyes suddenly turned slightly red, and she stopped her sword practice, lowering her head. "If only Brother Hao could cultivate. With your intelligence, you would definitely surpass me in sword practice and become the most outstanding person."

After cultivating in the martial arts field for a year, Bian Ruoxue had grown up quickly. As she gradually matured, she began to understand why the adults had looked at Li Hao the way they did after his bone assessment.

She also understood what Li Hao had lost during that year.

Hearing Xue'er's words, Li Fu's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and a hint of regret and sorrow flashed in the depths of his emotionless eyes.

This was also the regret of the Li family and the Martial Marquis!

Li Hao felt a bit helpless. He wasn't even sad, but this little girl was heartbroken.

"Don't say that," Li Hao consoled her. "Sword practice is boring. Look at you, practicing under the sun and rain, enduring the bitter cold and scorching heat. It's so tiring. Why would you want to do that when you could be like me, eating chilled watermelon in the pavilion during summer and playing chess, or snuggling under the blankets in winter, sleeping until the sun is high in the sky? Now that's what I call happiness!"

Li Fu glanced at the boy. These were indeed the kinds of things he would say.

Without the Martial Marquis by his side, the madames of the other courtyards didn't dare to discipline him strictly. When he returned, they noticed that the boy had developed a carefree and irreverent attitude.

"You're not afraid of hardship," Bian Ruoxue said, lifting her head.

"You don't understand," Li Hao retorted. "Look at me now. I'm too lazy to even stand. If I can sit, I won't stand, and if I can lie down, I won't sit. Some hardships are meaningless. Why bother with bitterness when you can have sweetness? You're still young and don't understand. Just focus on your sword practice."

"Stop spouting nonsense," Li Fu said, unable to bear it any longer.

What nonsense was this? Saying that enduring hardship was meaningless? The soldiers at the border endured hardships every day.

As a martial artist, one should not fear hardship but only the lack of talent and resources.

This boy, born into a fortunate life, didn't know how lucky he was. Not only did he lack talent, but he also despised hard work. If he continued down this path, he would ruin not only himself but also Bian Ruoxue, who listened to him so obediently.

Li Fu had witnessed Bian Ruoxue's talent in swordplay, and it was exceptional. In the future, she would undoubtedly achieve great things in the path of the sword and become a source of protection for Li Hao. He couldn't let this ungrateful boy talk his own future support out of it.

"Uncle Fu, I think Brother Hao is right," Bian Ruoxue quickly spoke up for Li Hao.

Li Fu glared at her, his anger rising. This girl listened to Li Hao too much. If she was truly led astray by Li Hao, it would be a disaster.

"Don't fill Snow's head with this rubbish. Don't think I won't hit you just because you're the young master. If I do, even your father will thank me!" Li Fu threatened Li Hao, not wanting to take his anger out on the obedient little girl who had lost her parents.

Li Hao smiled awkwardly, knowing that he and this stern and rigid man would never see eye to eye on this matter.

Moreover, the Divine General's Mansion was a family of soldiers, and the Li family had always advocated for frugality and endurance.

Although the madames of the various courtyards lived luxurious lives that aroused the envy of the world, with the status and heritage of the Divine General's Mansion, they could actually live even more extravagantly.

As for the Second Madame, He Jianlan, she had eaten only vegetarian meals twice a week for many years. As soldiers, they had taken countless lives, and she didn't believe in Buddhism. Instead, she did this to remind herself and her children not to be immersed in the luxury and splendor, forgetting the essence and integrity of being a soldier.

"Yes, yes, Uncle Fu is right," Li Hao said to Xue'er. "Look, you've made Uncle Fu angry. Hurry up and continue your sword practice."

Xue'er blinked her eyes and pouted slightly. It was obviously Brother Hao who had provoked Uncle Fu.

However, she didn't argue, and if she could take Li Hao's blame onto herself, she would gladly do so.

Hearing Li Hao's shameless words, Li Fu felt like laughing in anger. He rolled his eyes. This boy was truly difficult to discipline.

"Uncle Fu, please help me watch and guide Xue'er's sword practice," Li Hao said to Li Fu.

Li Fu replied indifferently, "I'm a knife user. I don't know much about swords."

"Knives and swords are similar. There isn't much difference," Li Hao said with a smile.

"What do you know? Even the slightest difference in weapons can make a huge difference in combat," Li Fu retorted, his patience wearing thin. Then he held back his temper, thinking, This boy doesn't understand the martial path, so it's normal for him to think this way.

Li Hao felt helpless and could only continue eating the fruits, sitting with his legs crossed as he watched Bian Ruoxue practice her sword.

"I think there's something wrong with your spinning move," Li Hao casually pointed out halfway through her practice. "If you pull your arm down a bit more, it will look better."

"Don't talk nonsense. You'll distract Snow," Li Fu frowned and scolded.

How could an outsider guide an insider? This was simply preposterous!

However, Bian Ruoxue ignored Li Fu and continued to listen to Li Hao's casual guidance. Although Brother Hao had not stepped into the martial path, whenever she followed his suggestions, she felt that her movements became smoother.

He lowered his head, his eyes narrowed in doubt as he looked at the boy who was nonchalantly munching on fruit with his legs casually crossed. Was this a coincidence?

Or did he actually understand swordplay?

"You need to put more strength into your waist," Li Hao continued, "For this type of spinning slash, you need to use your waist to drive your arm and create a more powerful swing."

Bian Ruoxue nodded slightly and immediately tried the move again, practicing it repeatedly until she fully grasped the essence of the technique. Her sword now danced with the wind, its might evidently increased.

Li Fu raised an eyebrow, astonished. Once could be a coincidence, but twice was something else entirely.

Could this child truly understand the way of the sword, possessing an innate talent for it?

Although Li Fu disliked Li Hao's carefree attitude, he couldn't deny that the boy was exceptionally intelligent, displaying a maturity and wisdom beyond his years.

Could it be that he did have a talent for the sword, but due to his inability to cultivate, he couldn't showcase it?

This thought caused a pang of sorrow in Li Fu's heart. If it were true, what a tremendous regret that would be!

As Li Hao casually pointed out adjustments, Bian Ruoxue's sword technique gradually approached perfection.

There was no other way around it; with Li Hao's profound understanding of the sword, he could easily commit Bian Ruoxue's entire set of advanced sword techniques to memory after just a few glances, and then perfect them.

With his understanding of the flawless level, which compensated for his own deficiencies, he could guide Bian Ruoxue to achieve near-perfection with just a hint of his insight.

Li Hao then asked the young girl to demonstrate the move that had lost her the previous spar.

Bian Ruoxue obediently complied.

Just by watching, Li Hao immediately understood how she had been defeated, and even envisioned the scene of her opponent's victory.

However, he refrained from revealing too much, especially with Li Fu by his side. It was fine to display a hint of his talent for the sword, but going into too much detail would be excessive.

"This sword technique doesn't look good. I think the downward slash should be changed to a diagonal slash, and your elbow should be raised higher."

"Here, instead of a horizontal chop, a straight thrust would be better, and don't shake your wrist."

Li Hao casually offered his suggestions.

Bian Ruoxue was puzzled but listened intently, gradually understanding Li Hao's instructions. She then practiced the move repeatedly, slowly incorporating his feedback.

Li Fu glanced at Li Hao, now convinced that the boy indeed possessed an extraordinary talent for the sword.

Although Li Hao's way of expressing himself was rather amateurish, simply judging the moves by whether they "looked good" or "didn't look good," his ability to appreciate the aesthetics of weapons at such a young age was, in itself, a kind of talent.

After all, in the eyes of a genius, some things simply appeared different.

Li Fu sighed inwardly, feeling an even deeper sense of regret for Li Hao.

The next day, the two of them went to Changchun Court for breakfast, after which Bian Ruoxue eagerly rushed off to the martial arts field.

After the morning practice and lessons at the martial arts field, Bian Ruoxue sought out the illegitimate youth she had sparred with the day before. With a sword in hand, her height almost matching the boy's, she looked at him with a serious expression, challenging him to another match.

Hearing her words, the youth burst into laughter.

The few other illegitimate youths surrounding him joined in, mocking and ridiculing her.

They dared not provoke the direct descendants of the Li family, but Bian Ruoxue, although betrothed to one of the direct descendants, was not yet officially part of the family. Moreover, her fiance was that infamous good-for-nothing of the Divine General's Mansion, who they all believed they would surpass one day.

Thus, they naturally looked down on the one who sat atop the treasure mountain, enjoying endless resources and favors.

"Didn't you learn your lesson yesterday?"

"Do you want to avenge that good-for-nothing? If you have the guts, let him come himself. I'll make him kneel and beg for mercy without even needing White Brother's help!"

"Hmph, White Brother already showed mercy yesterday. If you still don't know your place, that's your problem."

"Your talent may be good, but White Brother has been cultivating here for eight years. If you want revenge, come back in half a year, and you might stand a chance. But by then, White Brother probably won't even be here anymore."

Bian Ruoxue bit her lip, her face determined as she stared at the youth in the middle. "Do you dare to fight me?"

These words ignited the youth's competitive spirit. The youth, named Li Dongbai, was one of the three illegitimate youths with the highest talent in the martial arts field. With a seven-grade battle body and access to resources almost comparable to that of a direct descendant, he had already entered the Zhou Tian Realm.

However, the rules of the martial arts field dictated that in technique competitions, the stronger party must suppress their cultivation to match the weaker opponent.

And Bian Ruoxue's current cultivation was at the tenth level of the Tong Li Realm!

"Today, I'll make you lose so thoroughly that you'll have no doubts!" Li Dongbai said, his eyes cold. He had not intended to provoke this extraordinarily talented young girl, but during a casual conversation with his companions, he had mentioned that good-for-nothing in passing, expressing a few disdainful remarks, which had led to this challenge.

As an illegitimate youth, he possessed a high level of pride, and so he naturally wouldn't apologize. Hence, they had sparred the day before.

"Bring it on!"

Li Dongbai stepped onto the stage in the martial arts field.

Soon, the area around the stage was packed with onlookers, all eager to witness the match between these two talented illegitimate youths and the exceptionally talented young girl.

Off to the side, the military elder who instructed at the martial arts field watched with a smile, encouraging these young hot-blooded individuals to test their mettle against each other.

After all, a sword's edge is forged through sharpening, and it is through struggles and challenges in youth that one improves and matures. It would be a shame if they only faced adversity when they were old and frail.

Soon, the two figures on the stage clashed in an intense battle.

The military elder had witnessed a similar scene the day before, and today's events unfolded similarly. However, Li Dongbai's attacks were even more fierce and relentless.

"It seems like little Xue is going to lose again," the military elder thought to himself. "After all, her cultivation is too short. Even with her extraordinary talent, she still needs more experience and refinement."

Just then, as the two figures on the stage crossed paths, the most intense clash of swords occurred.

A crisp sound rang out, and a sword flew out, tumbling off the stage and embedding itself in the sandy ground.

The figures on the stage froze, their postures locked in place.

The voices of the onlookers, who had been cheering and shouting, also froze in unison.

Even the smile on the military elder's face froze. 

________________________

 Bian Ruxue won.

With a swift strike of her sword, she knocked Li Dongbai's sword into the air and simultaneously thrust it towards his throat, stopping just half an inch away.

The young boy was so startled that his body stiffened. When he finally came to his senses, he quickly backed away several steps, staring at this half-grown girl in fear.

This turn of events caught everyone off guard. They all stared at Bian Ruxue in disbelief. Li Dongbai had cultivated here for eight years, yet he was defeated by this little girl who had only been cultivating for a year. Was this the gap that talent made?

Bian Ruxue sheathed her sword, her small face radiant with a brilliant smile. She had won.

Then, she tilted her head up to look at the boy in front of her and said seriously, "I want you to apologize to Brother Hao."

Apologize? To that good-for-nothing? Li Dongbai snapped out of his daze, his face turning bright red with shame. He gritted his teeth and said, "I admit that I lost to you, but I will never apologize!"

"You..." Bian Ruxue furrowed her brows, unsure of what to do.

She thought for a moment and then said, "If you don't apologize, I'll challenge you again."

"Childish!"

Li Dongbai was infuriated. He turned and ran off the stage, feeling the weight of everyone's gazes on him. Without saying a word, he dashed out of the training ground.

The elderly soldier did not stop the boy from leaving. Sometimes, setbacks were necessary for personal growth and reflection.

On the contrary, he was rather astonished by the young girl. That sword technique was exquisite and very close to perfection.

This was an advanced sword technique, and its cultivation difficulty was quite high.

The Nine Ranks Combat Body only granted faster cultivation speed, not faster skill learning. This showed that Bian Ruxue's talent in the sword path was as rare as her cultivation aptitude!

"Did she just bring out her potential after a minor loss yesterday?" The elderly soldier couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

In the arena, the illegitimate disciples looked at the little girl with complex expressions.

They witnessed not only Li Dongbai's humiliating defeat but also the gap between themselves, as illegitimate children, and these youngsters from the main family.

"Xue'er, you're amazing."

Several small figures ran towards Bian Ruxue as she stepped down from the stage. They were the siblings from the Fifth Court and Li Yuanzhao from the Sixth Court.

They were the same age as Bian Ruxue, differing in age by just a few months. The youngest among them was Li Yun's sister, Li Zhining, who was only six years old and had just arrived at the training ground recently.

Their sister, Li Wushuang, had already left the mansion to cultivate with a famous master.

It was all thanks to Brother Hao, Bian Ruxue thought to herself.

The three children gathered around Bian Ruxue, chattering excitedly about what had just happened. The most enthusiastic among them was Li Yun, the younger brother of Li Wushuang.

"Xue'er, do you want some milk pastry?"

Li Yun suddenly took out a beautifully crafted wooden lunch box and gently opened it, releasing a rich, creamy aroma. Inside were soft, snowy-white pastries.

"Here, have some."

Bian Ruxue sniffed at the tip of her nose, inhaling the delightful scent. Her eyes sparkled as she said happily, "Are you giving them all to me?"

"Take them if you like," Li Yun said with a grin.

"Thank you," Bian Ruxue said gratefully, taking them all.

It was now time to conclude the day's cultivation, so she waved her little hand, carrying the lunch box in one hand and hugging her sword to her chest with the other as she left.

Li Yun watched her departing figure and couldn't help but smile foolishly.

Beside him, his sister, Li Zhining, lifted her small face and asked curiously, "Brother, wasn't that prepared by Mother for you? I haven't even tasted it yet."

"If you want to eat it, Mother can make more for you later. But Xue'er hasn't eaten this before," Li Yun said nonchalantly, still smiling foolishly.

Li Zhining huffed and turned away, her small face pouty with jealousy.

"Ning'er, I'll give mine to you." Beside them, Li Yuanzhao's short and chubby figure caught up, offering his own lunch box with a cheerful smile.

"I don't want it!" The little girl waved her hands angrily, rejecting the offer.

...

...

In the pavilion, Li Hao was only halfway through his game of chess when he heard Bian Ruxue returning.

He glanced over casually and saw the smile that the little girl was trying to conceal. He already knew the outcome and continued to focus on the chessboard, placing another piece:

"What happened to make you so happy? Tell me so I can share your joy."

"I won," Bian Ruxue said excitedly as she ran into the pavilion, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Li Hao, seemingly awaiting praise.

Li Hao smiled and placed another chess piece, "As expected of Xue'er, well done."

With this praise, the little girl's smile widened, and she said, "Brother Hao, you continue playing. I'll get you something delicious later."

"Oh?"

Li Hao noticed the wooden box in her hand but didn't ask further. He continued his intense chess battle with Li Fu. The game ended soon after.

Li Fu's chess skills were only at an average amateur level, and he hadn't even reached the level of a novice player. This meant that whenever Li Hao played against him, he only gained one or two points of experience, which couldn't help but make him feel a little resentful towards the assassin who had struck too early...

"What delicious treat is this?"

Li Hao turned casually to look at the wooden box beside him.

Bian Ruxue placed her sword on the chair and brought the food box to the table. She opened the lid, releasing a creamy aroma, "It's milk pastry that someone gave me. It looks delicious. Brother Hao, try some."

"Those kids?" Li Hao asked in surprise.

Li Fu rolled his eyes at him. You're a kid yourself.

However, he was already used to Li Hao's old-fashioned way of speaking.

"Mhm." Bian Ruxue nodded.

Li Hao felt slightly relieved. "You, too. After cultivating with them in the training ground for a year, how can you not even remember their names?"

Bian Ruxue pouted, looking a little aggrieved. "They never told me their names."

"They must have mentioned it, and even if they didn't, their attendants would have. It's your fault for not paying attention." Li Hao replied in an exasperated tone.

"I'll ask them next time," Bian Ruxue said, her little face looking dejected.

Li Hao said, "You should be more sociable, or else people will bully you in the future."

"No way!" Bian Ruxue immediately lifted her head, a hint of pride flashing across her small face. "Teacher said that I have excellent talent and will become very powerful. By then, I'll protect Brother Hao, and no one will dare to bully you again."

"Just take care of yourself. I haven't been bullied." Li Hao said. He spent every day playing chess, taking leisurely walks, and living comfortably, almost like a retired elder.

"You brat, Xue'er has good intentions, and this is how you respond?" Li Fu chastised, unable to bear it any longer.

Li Hao glanced at him helplessly. This guy wasn't that old, only in his forties, yet he acted like an old fuddy-duddy.

Not wanting to argue, Li Hao turned to him and said, "Uncle Fu, why don't you try it first and see if it's poisoned? Although those kids aren't bad people, I'm afraid someone might be using them."

Li Fu nodded slightly and glanced at Li Hao again. This kid always gave people a contradictory impression. Sometimes he was thoughtful, and sometimes he was a bit clueless.

Li Fu picked up a piece of the milk pastry and ate it, then closed his eyes.

After a while, Li Hao grew impatient and asked, "Well? Is it alright? Say something, Uncle Fu."

"The taste is not bad," Li Fu said as he opened his eyes.

Li Hao rolled his eyes at him and immediately urged Bian Ruxue, "Hurry up and eat, don't let it get cold."

He picked up a piece and tasted it as well. Indeed, it tasted wonderful. "It's a bit like Fifth Madam's cooking. Was it Li Yun or his sister Li Zhining who gave it to you?"

"It was the brother," Bian Ruxue replied. She could still distinguish between an older and younger sibling.

"Next time, ask that kid to bring more. This amount isn't even enough for one person," Li Hao said as he devoured the pastries, leaving the other half for Bian Ruxue.

"Mhm," Bian Ruxue nodded, remembering his words.

Li Fu shook his head secretly on the side. This kid was so young, yet he had a shameless aura about him, which was quite different from the solemn and dignified style of the Li family.

...

...

Several days later, the Divine General's Mansion suddenly welcomed a distinguished guest.

The news caused a stir within the mansion, and the madams from various courts rushed to greet the visitor upon receiving the message. They were astonished to learn that the esteemed guest was the renowned Sword Saint from the Sword Lodge.

If they could establish a connection and have their children accepted as disciples under the Sword Saint, their future achievements would be extraordinary.

Among them, the concubines were the most proactive, as their children lacked the same cultivation resources as the legitimate offspring. Therefore, they had to compete for the top-quality resources themselves.

He Jianlan received the guest in the Changchun Court and sensed the bustling presence of the ladies outside the court. She understood their thoughts but was only mildly surprised when she heard the words of the rumored Sword Saint.

After a conversation, He Jianlan nodded slightly and stood up to see the guest off, accompanying them personally.

Soon, the Shanhe Court became lively as a large group of people rushed over.

Li Hao, who was playing chess in the pavilion, was perplexed by the commotion. Then, he saw the leading figure—the Eldest Madam—accompanied by an old man with snow-white hair that fell to his shoulders.

The old man had sharp eyebrows and prominent cheekbones, giving off a very lean and robust impression.

Beside this unfamiliar elder was another old man—the elderly soldier from the training ground, whom Li Hao had met several times and was quite familiar with.

"What's going on?" Li Hao asked, confused.

Li Fu, who was sitting across from Li Hao, saw the white-haired elder and suddenly narrowed his eyes, startled. He stood up abruptly, feeling both shocked and suddenly enlightened about something, which made him secretly excited.

Li Hao rarely saw Uncle Fu so agitated and immediately understood that the unfamiliar old man was an important figure. However, there weren't many people who could make the Li family treat them with such respect.

Looking at the unfinished chess game, Li Hao felt a bit helpless and could only put it aside for now. He turned and calmly awaited their arrival.

"Li Fu."

When He Jianlan saw Li Fu, she gently beckoned to him and then called out, "Hao'er, come here quickly."

Li Hao had no choice but to get up and walk over.

"Where's Xue'er?" He Jianlan asked.

Li Hao pointed to another part of the courtyard. "She's practicing her sword over there."

"Xue Jian, go and call Xue'er over here," He Jianlan instructed the maid beside her. 

________________________

 "Senior Sword Saint, this is Tian Gang's son, Li Hao."

Taking advantage of the maid's absence to call for Bian Ruxue, He Jianlan introduced the white-haired old man beside her: "Speaking of Hao'er's name, it was also given by the Emperor Yu. What do you think of this child?"

At the mention of Emperor Yu, the white-haired old man glanced at the woman, instantly understanding her little scheme. He felt slightly displeased but didn't say anything and instead turned his attention to the child before him.

Li Hao also looked up, studying the old man.

Hearing the maid address the old man so respectfully, Li Hao was surprised and understood why Fu Bo had reacted so strongly earlier.

Previously, while searching for chess manuals in the Listening Rain Pavilion, he had also come across some interesting tales and achievements of notable figures in the jianghu.

In the past hundred years, only three individuals had been known to bear the title of Sword Saint.

One resided in the Southern Sword Lodge, another had retired to the Yellow Sands Green Lake in the North, and the last was as elusive as a mythical dragon.

These three masters had shocked the world with their sword skills and were revered as Sword Saints.

Which of the three Sword Saints was the strongest was a topic that had been debated endlessly by enthusiasts over the past century.

Li Hao's third uncle possessed extraordinary talent in the way of the sword, cleaving through half of Jingzhou's jianghu and demon forests with a single strike, yet he had not earned the title of Sword Saint. This gave Li Hao an idea of just how formidable the old man before him truly was.

Which of the three Sword Saints was this man?

As the gazes of the old man and the boy met, Li Hao saw a profound sword intent hidden deep within the old man's eyes, as vast and profound as the ocean.

However, this sword intent was veiled beneath the old man's dark and calm irises, and if not for Li Hao's own understanding of the sword at the second level of the Sword Path, he wouldn't have been able to perceive it.

"I heard that Tian Gang's child failed to build a foundation and assimilate blood, and has no talent in martial arts?"

Jian Wudao gazed indifferently at the child before him. The Qilin child of Shenjiang Fu was an extremely noble existence in the eyes of the world, second only to the imperial lineage. But in his eyes, it wasn't that impressive, and he saw no need to treat a child with special courtesy.

He Jianlan's expression stiffened, and she nodded slightly.

"That's right. That's why I wanted Senior Sword Saint to take a look and see if this child has any talent for the sword. If he can cultivate his body and refine his sword skills in the future, he can also contribute to the country and guard a region for the Great Yu."

At the mention of 'guarding', Jian Wudao's eyes flickered, and his gaze softened slightly.

With his status, as long as the older generation of the Li family didn't interfere, he didn't need to pay attention to the thoughts of the second generation and the younger generation.

However, the Li family's achievements over the centuries were truly admirable, especially in recent decades, with occasional border wars. Six of the nine Li siblings had perished on the battlefield, and this fact alone was enough to command respect!

"We can take a look together in a moment." Jian Wudao said calmly.

He Jianlan was delighted and nodded.

Soon, Bian Ruxue was led by Xuejian to stand before everyone. The little girl looked at the crowd of adults, obviously feeling nervous.

She instinctively stood behind Li Hao, using him to block half of her body.

She had witnessed such a scene before, when Li Hao had attempted foundation building and bone measurement. But the gazes of the adults afterward had made her feel sad.

"Sword Saint, this is the sword genius I asked Bai Jing to mention to you."

As Bian Ruxue approached, the elderly military man beside her took a small step forward and said respectfully.

Jian Wudao nodded slightly. The reason he had come was mainly due to the persistent requests of his third disciple, who had spoken of the young girl from Shenjiang Fu in glowing terms. He himself had a love for talent, so he had left the Sword Lodge to witness this genius for himself in the flourishing world.

"The tenth level of the Tongli Realm, perfect. Abundant bones, excellent."

Jian Wudao instantly discerned the little girl's cultivation level, and satisfaction flashed in his eyes as he heard that she was a ninth-grade battle body, an exceptional talent. From now on, he wouldn't need to worry about her cultivation progress.

"Little girl, demonstrate your most proficient sword technique for me." Jian Wudao said.

Bian Ruxue looked at the unfamiliar yet awe-inspiring old man and felt nervous, glancing at Li Hao involuntarily.

Li Hao understood that this was an opportunity for Xue'er and immediately smiled as he pushed her forward, saying, "Don't be afraid, don't be nervous. I'm right here.

This essence was immediately captured by Jian Wudao, who had immersed himself in the sword path for nearly a century. The old man's sharp and narrow eyes, like sword peaks, widened slightly, and a look of surprise shone in their depths.

This was more than just having a talent for the sword; she was a once-in-a-generation sword prodigy!

At such a young age, to be able to cultivate an upper-tier sword technique to perfection was already enough to rival his most outstanding disciple, not to mention the hint of ultimate refinement and subtlety she displayed.

She was an incredible talent for sword cultivation!

"Hahaha..." Jian Wudao couldn't help but burst into hearty laughter, his resonant voice causing the dry leaves on the nearby trees to rustle and fall.

It was worth it, so worth it!

This trip to the mortal realm had not been in vain.

Hearing the Sword Saint's booming laughter, those around knew that the little girl's fate had taken a turn for the extraordinary from this moment on.

Although being part of the Shenjiang Fu already bestowed upon her an esteemed and enviable status, encountering a master like the Sword Saint was truly ascending to the pinnacle. Her future held the promise of becoming a household name, leaving a legacy that would be remembered for generations.

In an instant, countless complex gazes in the courtyard converged on the young sword-wielding girl.

Bian Ruxue paused in her swordplay, sensing the weight of the gazes upon her, and looked nervously toward Li Hao.

However, Li Hao only smiled at her, giving her a thumbs-up.

Bian understood what that gesture meant—it was his way of telling her that she had done wonderfully.

So the little girl relaxed and smiled back.

"You recommended well, very well indeed!"

The previously stern-faced Jian Wudao, whose very presence exuded an aura of authority, was now laughing heartily as he slapped the shoulder of the elderly military man beside him. If it weren't for his connection to his third disciple and the latter's persistent recommendations, he wouldn't have stumbled upon such an incredible sword prodigy.

"Senior, you are too kind," the military elder said, flattered by the praise. "It is Xue'er's fortune to be able to apprentice under the Sword Saint."

Though the two men appeared similar in age, with both sporting the appearance of being in their sixties, the gap in their status and true age was vast.

Jian Wudao smiled and, feeling pleased, walked up to the little girl. He bent down and asked gently, "Little girl, do you like the sword? Would you like me to take you to a place to practice?"

Bian Ruxue was taken aback and asked, "Where to?"

"The Sword Lodge," Jian Wudao replied with a smile, revealing the sacred site that sword practitioners across the land dreamed of. "I will teach you how to wield the sword there and impart to you the finest sword techniques."

Bian Ruxue didn't understand and simply asked, "Is it far?"

"It's about nine thousand li to the south, which is quite a distance for you," Jian Wudao explained with a smile.

Bian Ruxue immediately looked toward Li Hao, who was standing not far away, and asked, "Will you be coming too, Brother Hao?"

It was then that Jian Wudao realized he had forgotten about another child.

He Jianlan seized the opportunity and gracefully smiled as she approached. "Sword Saint, you've also yet to observe Hao'er's talent for the sword. I've heard that he also has a certain affinity for it."

"Yes, Senior," Li Fu added excitedly.

Seeing the opportunity, he continued, "Xue'er often practices her swordplay with Little Young Master watching by her side, and he even gives her some good suggestions. Though Little Young Master hasn't cultivated before, I believe he has his own understanding and talent for the sword path."

Jian Wudao was somewhat surprised and glanced at Li Hao, his brows furrowing slightly. However, as He Jianlan was standing nearby, he said, "Very well, give him a sword and let him perform some moves. Any sword technique will do."

"Thank you, Sword Saint!"

Overjoyed, Li Fu expressed his gratitude and then turned to Bian Ruxue. "Miss Xue'er, please lend your sword to Young Master for a moment."

Bian Ruxue obediently nodded and handed her sword to Li Hao. 

________________________

 Li Hao took the sword, his thoughts racing.

He was no longer concerned about deliberately hiding his abilities but was instead weighing the pros and cons of the situation.

Displaying his sword technique and revealing his innate talent would undoubtedly astonish everyone present.

Even without exposing his physical cultivation, merely wielding the sword with the body of an ordinary child, although he couldn't unleash the pinnacle level of the Tidal Sword Technique, as long as he infused a hint of that ultimate state, with this Sword Saint's sharp eye for swordsmanship, he should still be able to discern Li Hao's potential in the sword path.

With the Sword Saint as his master, he wouldn't have to worry about others coveting his talent, either.

However, becoming his disciple would mean following him to the Sword Lodge in the south for cultivation.

While it was a sacred place for swordsmen, its overall foundation might not be as deep as the Divine General Mansion or as abundant as the Listen to Rain Pavilion.

And since he needed to improve through the path of chess and other arts, with the Sword Saint's stern and unsmiling demeanor, he would most likely be extremely strict and might not tolerate Li Hao's "diversion from the proper path."

Or perhaps, he could become his disciple, negotiate with him, and have him stay at the Divine General Mansion to instruct him?

But the Divine General Mansion might not tolerate the long-term presence of an extremely powerful outsider comparable to a generation of the Li family... and the Sword Saint might not agree to this arrangement, either.

"Never mind, he needn't perform."

At this moment, Jian Wudao's voice sounded, carrying a hint of displeasure.

Li Hao, who had been deep in thought, was startled by these words and turned to look at the speaker.

He Jianlan reacted and quickly said, "Sword Saint Senior, why is that? May I ask the reason?"

"There is no sword in his eyes, and he does not love the sword. At such a young age, his thoughts are already scattered. He is not cut out for the path of the sword."

Jian Wudao's face resumed its indifferent expression. If they weren't in the Divine General Mansion, he would have turned and left without another word of explanation.

"Sword Saint Senior, this child is probably nervous. How about giving him a chance to showcase his skills..." Li Fu, standing behind them, hurriedly spoke up. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and missing it would be a huge loss.

But before he could finish his sentence, Jian Wudao glanced at him.

That cold, sword-like gaze made Li Fu feel a chill in his throat, as if his life was being severed. He couldn't help but stop speaking.

"Sword Saint Senior, Hao'er has been raised in the mansion and hasn't experienced much of the outside world. Moreover, since he can't cultivate, he probably hasn't held a sword much, so it's normal that he doesn't show any particular fondness for it," He Jianlan said, her eyebrows furrowed.

Jian Wudao treated He Jianlan differently than Li Fu. After all, she was the current mistress of the Divine General Mansion and its temporary ruler. He glanced at her and gently shook his head.

"I understand your intentions, Madam, but you don't know how to use a sword, nor do you understand the sword path. If you were to cultivate to an ordinary level or even the level of a master in the secular world, having me as your teacher would be sufficient."

"But if you aim for the pinnacle, for the lowest level of my Sword Lodge, then the gap is too wide."

"When it comes to sword cultivation, I only consider two things: sword talent and feeling for the sword."

"With good talent but no feeling for the sword, one can only reach the level of a second-rate swordsman."

"However, if one truly loves the sword, even with average comprehension, once they grasp the heart of the sword, they can step into the ranks of first-rate swordsmen!"

Having already spoken so much, Jian Wudao continued, clearly explaining his thoughts.

He looked at Bian Xue and said to He Jianlan, "Earlier, when this little girl walked over with a sword in her arms, I could see the sword reflected in her eyes. She loves the sword. Out of a thousand weapons, she would immediately spot the sword!"

"Therefore, even if her talent is slightly lacking, as long as she continues to cultivate the sword and refine her sword heart in the future, she will achieve great things. Not to mention, her talent is already exceptional."

After saying this, he turned to Li Hao, "As for this child, there is not a trace of the sword in his eyes, even after taking hold of it. There is no emotion, and thus, his talent is no longer important."

"He is not suited for the path of the sword!"

That was his final verdict.

After these words, He Jianlan was left speechless.

Silence fell upon the courtyard.

He Jianlan wanted to say something but stopped when she saw the firm determination in Jian Wudao's eyes, knowing that further persuasion would be futile unless they called upon the clan elders, which would be a great loss of face for the Li family.

She lowered her head to look at Li Hao, her eyes complex, and sighed softly.

How could she not know that this child was wild at heart? He often played chess with the servants in the courtyard, treating such trivial skills as mere playthings in this prosperous era.

But with Li Tiangang and his wife not present, she couldn't discipline him too strictly. She had scolded him a few times, but the child didn't listen and secretly had the servants accompany him. She could do nothing about it.

Indeed, was all this predetermined by fate?

As He Jianlan remained silent, Jian Wudao didn't bother to address the thoughts of others. He had already made his position clear, and if the Li family insisted on forcing this child upon him as a disciple, he wouldn't be polite about it.

At this moment, he looked at the little girl standing beside Li Hao, his eyes unable to hide his favor. The coldness on his face softened a little as he smiled and asked, "Little girl, what's your name?"

"Bian Xue," the little girl replied honestly.

She then looked at Li Hao and said to the elderly man in front of her, "Can you let Hao gege perform, too? Hao gege is very smart, much smarter than Xue'er."

Jian Wudao smiled faintly. What use was intelligence? Weren't all those scholars and officials in the imperial court intelligent?

Moreover, he had just seen the complexity in Li Hao's eyes, the myriad thoughts within. At such a young age, his heart was already impure. It would be even harder for him to lay a solid foundation during the initial stages of sword cultivation, and he would only end up half-hearted and distracted, hindering himself.

This was why some precocious children eventually faded into mediocrity, while some silent and inconspicuous children ended up achieving greatness later in life.

Some children, who appeared to be clever and could hold their own in adult conversations, entertaining the elders with their wit, were often praised for their intelligence. However, when it came to cultivation, nothing was more detrimental than being self-proclaimed smart.

A solid foundation and a touch of spirituality were the hallmarks of the best candidates.

"Xuer, come with me to the mountains for cultivation," Jian Wudao said gently.

"Will you take Gege with us?" Bian Xue asked, looking up.

"Just you."

"Then I don't want to go."

Bian Xue immediately took a step back, as if afraid that he would forcibly take her away. She hid behind Li Hao, hugging his arm. "I want to stay with Gege. I won't go anywhere."

Jian Wudao's expression changed slightly, and his eyebrows furrowed.

However, despite Bian Xue's exceptional talent, she was still just a child, and he did not get angry. Instead, he turned to He Jianlan and said, "Madam, I will take this child away with me. When she achieves success in her cultivation, I will bring her back. Perhaps, in just a few years, you will hear of her fame outside these walls."

He spoke with great confidence, for by announcing her as his disciple, the name "Bian Xue" would instantly become known throughout the land.

He Jianlan nodded slightly. Naturally, she had no reason to refuse Jian Wudao's offer.

Li Hao had also regained his composure by now. He twitched the corners of his mouth but remained silent, grateful that the choice had been made for him.

"Gege, I don't want to go," Bian Xue said, clutching Li Hao's arm tightly, her eyes welling up with tears.

Li Hao was also reluctant to let the little girl go, but he understood that this was her opportunity.

If she stayed in the Divine General Mansion, her world would revolve around him. However, by becoming the Sword Saint's disciple, she would not only gain access to his esteemed teachings but also to a vast network of connections, and she would get to experience a much broader world.

Out of his own selfishness, he wanted to keep this little tail by his side, as her presence brought him a sense of comfort and happiness.

However, considering Bian Xue's best interests, he chose to let her go for now, whispering, "Xuer, be obedient. Go and cultivate with this old gentleman. Once you achieve success, you can come back to me, and I'll take you to eat delicious food again."

"I don't want to go. I don't want to cultivate. I hate the sword!" Bian Xue burst into tears.

Jian Wudao's eyebrows furrowed deeper as he realized he had underestimated the depth of the little girl's feelings for Li Hao.

It made sense, as they were said to have grown up together like childhood sweethearts.

He thought to himself that if it really didn't work out, he could always take Li Hao as his disciple. Even with a broken trinket as a token, a genius like Bian Xue would still be worth fighting for.

"Be a good girl. You're a big kid now, so no more crying," Li Hao said gently as he wiped her runny nose with his sleeve, his heart also tugging with a sense of reluctance.

The adults in the courtyard remained silent, simply watching as one child consoled another.

Many of them had complex expressions on their faces, feeling a mix of jealousy and envy. Children were innocent and naive, unaware of the opportunities that lay before them. If their own children had been given such a chance, they would have kicked them out the door without hesitation, letting them experience the tough love of a mother's foot.

Finally, Li Hao managed to calm the little girl down.

Bian Xue, with tearful eyes, said, "Then we have an agreement, Gege. You have to wait for me here and promise not to go anywhere, okay?"

"Mm-hmm," Li Hao nodded with a smile as he caressed her forehead.

Jian Wudao's expression also softened, and even the way he looked at Li Hao held a hint of gentleness.

Although he could have ignored Bian Xue's wishes and taken her away by force, after all, she was just a child, and her current reluctance would likely fade with time spent in the Sword Lodge.

However, it was better that she willingly followed him.

With such extraordinary talent, time was precious and must not be wasted.

"Xuer has a soft personality, old man. You must protect her and not let anyone bully her," Li Hao said earnestly to Jian Wudao.

Jian Wudao's eyebrows twitched at Li Hao's address, but he did not get angry, considering the child's age. "Rest assured, little one. I will take good care of Xuer. By my side, no one in this world will be able to bully her!"

"Okay," Li Hao said, looking deeply into Jian Wudao's eyes. Then, turning to Bian Xue, he added, "Xuer, if anyone bullies you in the Sword Lodge, remember their names, and I will get back at them for you in the future."

Everyone present simply saw these words as a display of the children's deep affection, not taking them seriously.

Before leaving, Jian Wudao paused and said to He Jianlan, "I have a body-refining secret manual in my Sword Lodge. I'll send someone to deliver it here. If you place it in the Listen to Rain Pavilion, it should be enough for this child to reach the sixth level."

He Jianlan expressed her gratitude, and a glimmer of hope sparked within her. "Can Hao'er really not become your disciple?"

Jian Wudao left.

He left behind only one sentence: "That child has good fortune, but his blessings are shallow." 

________________________

 As Jian Wudao left with Bian Ruxue, they were seen off by all the ladies of the manor, their graceful figures flocking to bid farewell.

Some had even arranged for their children to practice their sword skills along the path leading away from the manor.

However, none of this caught Jian Wudao's attention.

The Sword Lodge was not easily accessible, which was why so many yearned to enter.

With the departure of the ladies, the courtyard seemed to lose its vibrant colors once more, returning to its desolate and quiet state with the falling autumn leaves.

Li Hao held the sword that Bian Ruxue had been practicing with, gazing quietly at the gate for a long while before slowly withdrawing his gaze.

He then handed the sword to Li Fu behind him and said, "Fu Bo, please put this on the sword rack in my bedroom so that the maids don't have to clean it every day."

Li Fu took the sword with a dejected expression, looking at Li Hao's profile with a mix of reluctance and self-blame in his eyes. "From today onwards, I won't indulge you anymore. I'll confiscate the chessboard, and you need to start cultivating."

Li Hao was taken aback and asked, "Fu Bo, do you think the reason I wasn't accepted as his disciple was because of chess? That's unfair!"

"I don't care," Li Fu said, his face gloomy. "Opportunities like this are rare. If you don't seize them when they present themselves, it's because you weren't prepared enough. From now on, you must always be at your best, ready to grasp any chance that comes your way."

"Opportunities in life are scarce," Li Hao protested. "If you miss them, what else can you do?"

Feeling wronged, Li Hao asked, "Then, Fu Bo, what do you consider to be a successful outcome?"

"A true scion of the Li family should strive to make a name for themselves across the land, guarding the borders and protecting the people of the nation. That is what success looks like," Li Fu replied solemnly without hesitation.

"Being a member of the Li family is too difficult, then," Li Hao said with a bitter smile.

"You bear the Li surname and enjoy the immense wealth that comes with it. You must also shoulder the responsibilities that come with such privilege," Li Fu said coldly.

"Have I really enjoyed that wealth?" Li Hao thought bitterly. But then he remembered the delicious pastries and fresh fruit sent by Fifth Madam, as well as the nutritious porridge made by First Madam... Perhaps he had, after all.

"Fu Bo, when you say cultivation, do you mean body tempering?" Li Hao asked.

"Of course," Li Fu glanced at him. Aside from body tempering, what other path is there for you? The reason body tempering is not popular is that it is a difficult path with a low ceiling. It requires extremely high insight and must be combined with techniques to compete with other masters.

Those who are forced to choose the path of body tempering may be able to grit their teeth and endure the hardship, but they may not necessarily have the necessary insight.

After all, while the pain of sculpting may create something beautiful, it can also twist the soul.

Li Hao and Li Fu went back and forth, eventually reaching an agreement. Li Hao agreed to cultivate, but he refused to give up the chessboard. He insisted that Li Fu continue to play chess with him every day.

Li Fu had no choice but to agree, deciding to address the issue once Li Hao took his first steps on the path of cultivation.

In the following days, Li Hao was forced to spend some time cultivating according to a basic body tempering manual taught to him by Li Fu.

However, with his understanding of the Way of the Flesh, he made swift progress, much to Li Fu's delight. He had not expected Li Hao to be such a talented body temperer.

Li Hao slightly controlled his cultivation progress to ensure that Li Fu wouldn't completely deprive him of entertainment. It took him three months to master the basic body tempering manual.

Even so, this achievement moved the battle-hardened man to tears. He immediately wrote a letter to Yanbei, sharing the good news and his joy with the couple on the border.

With persistent effort, Li Hao's Third Rank in the Way of the Chess finally improved.

Name: Li Hao

Age: 7

Cultivation: Tongli Realm, Tenth Level

Sword Art: Second Rank (Fei Duan)

(Cang Gong)

Skills: Limitless Sea · Tides (Ultimate)

Falling Snow Sword Art (Ultimate)

Way of the Flesh: First Rank (Myriad Phenomena)

(Tiger Suppressing)

Skills: Stone Skin Hundred Refinements (Great Accomplishment)

Thousand Flood Dragon Sacred Body (Flood Dragon Body Small Accomplishment)

Primordial (Starry Body Entry)

Wild Bull Vigor (Great Accomplishment)

Way of the Chess: Fourth Rank (1/10000)

Chess Diagram Collection: Myriad Phenomena, Tiger Suppressing, Fei Duan, Cang Gong

Mental State: Heart of Chess

Artistry Points: 1

Li Hao glanced at Li Fu, who had been constantly by his side, and decided not to use the artistry point for an immediate boost.

While it would be easy to improve his sword art through memory infusion, he wanted to use this point for the Way of the Flesh first to ensure his physical strength and safety.

However, insights into the Way of the Flesh could lead to changes in the body tempering manual, and any alterations to his body would be noticeable.

One day, Li Hao followed Li Fu to the Listening to Rain Pavilion.

Upon learning of Li Hao's talent for body tempering, He Jianlan granted him special privileges, allowing him to enter and exit the pavilion at will to select secret manuals.

Of course, Li Fu was not allowed inside.

Although he was Li Tiangang's confidant, he was not a direct descendant of the Li family's core lineage, and thus, his identity was different.

Li Fu didn't mind. The Listening to Rain Pavilion was a heavily guarded area. Despite the lack of visible guards, no one would dare to come here to steal treasures.

It was safer than any of the ladies' courtyards.

Li Fu waited downstairs while Li Hao ascended the pavilion alone.

Now that he was of a more mature age, He Jianlan didn't assign Xue Jian to accompany and supervise him.

Dragon Cicada's Vacuum Body

Li Hao flipped through the pages.

With his understanding of the Way of the Flesh, he quickly grasped the basics of the manual.

[Acquired].

Soon, the panel displayed this body tempering secret art, and he had reached the second layer of Great Perfection.

The Dragon Cicada's Vacuum Body had six layers, and with each layer tempered, his body could condense a different type of physique.

The first layer was the Silent Cicada Body, which allowed him to perceive the subtle traces of air flowing on the surface of his body.

The second layer was the Coiled Dragon Body, which accumulated a dragon-like power within his body.

The third layer was the Leaping Shell Body, which enabled him to step on air and move through the skies.

...

Li Hao's body made slight creaking sounds as he could feel that with the entry into the Coiled Dragon Body, a new power had emerged within him, estimating to be over ten thousand catties!

Although he was still at the tenth level of the Tongli Realm, his strength was now vastly different from that of an ordinary cultivator at the same level.

Li Hao's thoughts stirred, and he wondered if he would be able to accumulate even more strength by cultivating several more body tempering secret manuals. With that in mind, he began searching through the various floors of the Listening to Rain Pavilion.

Before long, he found seven or eight body tempering manuals, all of which were of medium to high quality. Cultivating them to the pinnacle would barely allow him to step into the ranks of first-rate warriors.

As he acquired one manual after another, Li Hao felt his body undergoing strange transformations, his hands and feet becoming more robust.

There were no changes in his cultivation level displayed on the panel, and Li Hao initially thought his strength would increase further, but it didn't. However, these body tempering manuals focused on different aspects, such as claw techniques, leg techniques, bone tempering, and organ refinement.

He could feel that while his overall strength hadn't increased significantly, these techniques enhanced specific parts of his body.

Li Hao guessed that his body was already too strong, having unleashed most of his physical potential. Therefore, these slightly inferior manuals couldn't stimulate further growth in his raw power but instead enhanced corresponding parts of his body.

His Stone Skin Hundred Refinements secret art enhanced the hardness of his skin, but it was overshadowed by the Thousand Flood Dragon Sacred Body's Dragon Demon Body.

The enhancement brought about by the Dragon Demon Body was like having dragon scales, far surpassing the effects of the Stone Skin Hundred Refinements. Thus, the benefits of the latter were not easily noticeable.

However, the other body tempering manuals complemented the areas not covered by the previous manuals he had acquired from the sixth floor.

His bones, liver, ears, and eyes all underwent enhancements.

While his overall strength didn't change much, the practical application of his power in battle had undergone a revolutionary transformation.

Li Hao realized that he needed to collect various body tempering techniques to temper his body comprehensively. If he could bring every part of his body to the same level of excellence, he would be invincible!

At that moment, Li Hao truly appreciated the richness of the Listening to Rain Pavilion's collection, realizing how invaluable such a resource was for a warrior.

There weren't many chess manuals, but there were plenty of body tempering secrets!

Ecstatic, Li Hao eagerly searched through the pavilion for more body tempering manuals, acquiring them one by one.

Time flew by.

By the time the sun set, Li Hao finally emerged from the pavilion, holding a body tempering manual in his hand.

In the distance, a crow flew by at dusk, and the faint aroma of cooked meals and firewood drifted over from the front courtyard, signaling that it was time for dinner.

Li Hao stretched his lazy bones and flexed his limbs.

There were too many secret manuals in the Listening to Rain Pavilion, and he had only managed to go through a tenth of the collection in one afternoon, and that was just the body tempering category.

Li Hao didn't acquire all the manuals; for instance, he skipped the Wild Bull Vigor manual that Li Fu had forced him to practice, as it offered him little improvement due to the existence of stronger techniques.

For example, if he had two claw technique manuals, the stronger one would have already enhanced his palms to a high level, rendering the weaker one ineffective.

Unless the weaker technique focused on a different aspect, it could then serve to complement the stronger one.

"You're finally out," Li Fu said, a little exasperated, having waited for Li Hao the entire afternoon. "Did you get tired of looking?"

He picked up the manual Li Hao was holding, which turned out to be a medium-grade body tempering secret called Dragon Spine, obviously meant to train the back primarily.

"Is this the only one you picked? Didn't you go to the sixth floor?" Li Fu asked, a little disappointed.

"I went, but I couldn't understand any of them," Li Hao replied casually.

Li Fu nodded in understanding. The manuals on the sixth floor were all top-grade, and even he would need to cultivate diligently for months to grasp some basics. How could Li Hao understand them?

"Don't rush into cultivating this one. Let me ask the First Madam if there are any suitable manuals for you in the Listening to Rain Pavilion. This one is too specialized," Li Fu advised.

He hoped that Li Hao would cultivate a comprehensive body tempering technique that strengthened his entire body, leaving him without any glaring weaknesses.

"Alright," Li Hao agreed without objection. "Let's head back for dinner first. I'm hungry. What's for dinner tonight?"

Li Fu felt a bit helpless about Li Hao's lack of enthusiasm for martial arts. The two of them turned and left the Listening to Rain Pavilion.

Soon, they ran into an old man wearing a straw hat. The man carried a fishing rod on his shoulder and a basket of fish in his hand. His attire was simple, and he looked rather ordinary.

When Li Fu saw the old man, his eyes narrowed slightly, and his expression turned solemn. He immediately stopped and bowed respectfully. "Li Fu greets Second Uncle." 

________________________