8mi Chapter 34 Letter
Chapter 34 Letter
Seven days is not a short time.
However, for martial arts practitioners, that is by no means a long time.
Especially in external martial arts training, many martial artists are stuck at one level their entire lives, unable to make any progress.
This is because you lack comprehension; if you can't understand it, you can't understand it, and practicing won't help.
"Mo Er, it's our fault for dragging you into this," Zhao Tong said guiltily.
"That's right, I'll cover your ten thousand taels bet!" Wang Yuan said.
If the two of them hadn't insisted on bringing Mo Zheng to this martial arts arena, the matter would most likely have ended with them getting a beating, and there would never have been this much trouble.
Ten thousand taels is no small sum. Even though martial artists can hunt monsters to earn money, Mo Zheng has only been here for a month.
Based on their understanding of Mo Zheng's family situation, they knew that Mo Zheng couldn't afford ten thousand taels of silver.
Upon hearing this, Mo Zheng couldn't help but smile faintly and said, "You all think I'll lose?"
"How could I not?"
Jiang Xiaoyu asked curiously, "Are you confident that you can pass the first level of the Tower of Ascension? You were struggling to deal with those six people working together just now. The first level of the Tower of Ascension is even more difficult than them working together."
Although she admired Mo Zheng's talent and his loyalty in standing up for his friend, she didn't think he could win.
While multitasking and wielding two swords can greatly increase combat power, it is still far from enough based on Mo Zheng's demonstrated strength.
A martial artist's combat power can be improved in two ways: first, by improving their realm, and second, by cultivating external skills. The latter is especially important, as each improvement results in a qualitative leap in combat power.
"Forget it, it's just ten thousand taels of silver. Consider it a lesson learned. No one can accept either of You Chendong's two choices."
The woman following Jiang Xiaoyu said, "Anyway, Junior Brother Mo, you're still young. Wait until you're stronger in your cultivation before you fight back."
"A martial artist becomes stronger with each setback."
Clearly, neither of them had a high opinion of Mo Zheng.
Mo Zheng wasn't angry. He simply handed his sword to Jiang Xiaoyu, bowed respectfully, and said, "I must thank Senior Sister Jiang for lending me this sword. I will remember it forever."
"If you're really worried about the money, just ask Senior Sister Xiaoyu. If she says a word, you might not have to fight anymore," the woman added.
Jiang Xiaoyu's beautiful eyes lit up, and she looked at Mo Zheng with a hint of anticipation.
Given the close relationship between their two families, if she were to actually approach You Chendong, he would certainly not refuse.
However, Mo Zheng did not respond, but said, "Thank you for your kindness, senior sisters. I appreciate it."
After saying this, he cupped his hands in farewell and took his leave with Wang Yuan and Zhao Tong.
"Hey, this kid doesn't appreciate kindness!"
The woman watched the three figures disappear into the distance, her expression somewhat resentful. She had spoken out of good intentions, but Mo Zheng showed no appreciation whatsoever.
Jiang Xiaoyu advised her, "Alright, Junior Sister Xuan'er, among martial artists, strength is everything. Even if I help him this time, given You Chendong's temper, there will inevitably be conflict sooner or later. Rather than that, it's better to spend some money now to settle this matter."
She paused, pursed her lips, and thought about Mo Zheng's expression just now, then said, "Besides, I always felt that he seemed very confident."
"Hmph, what's the use of confidence? You Dongchen may be annoying, but he did actually pass the first level of the Tower of Ascension. This time he's going to get a good lesson." Xiao Xuan pouted and said with some dissatisfaction.
After leaving the training ground, Wang Yuan and Zhao Tong felt they had burdened Mo Zheng, and apologized profusely and felt guilty. Mo Zheng only offered kind words of comfort and did not take it to heart.
He had ten thousand taels of silver; it would only mean killing a couple more first-tier demonic beasts. Compared to the two choices You Chendong had given him, he didn't regret it.
Moreover, since he agreed, he must have been quite confident.
In the past few days, he first witnessed the spear technique used by Lan Jun, the master of the Deadly Spear, and then he understood the principle of mastering two swords at once. This was very inspiring for his cultivation of the Wind Shadow Sword Technique, but unfortunately he didn't have much time to digest it.
If given a few days to fully grasp these concepts, his strength would likely increase dramatically, and he might even be able to pass the first level of the Tower of Ascension.
After seeing the two off, he went straight to the Treasure Shop and bought another sword before returning to his dormitory to diligently practice his swordsmanship.
For Mo Zheng, using his sword while distracted was not difficult; it was simply a matter of proficiency.
He practiced until midnight, and his left-hand swordsmanship improved to a new level.
As time passed, everything that happened in the training ground had quietly spread throughout the entire training hall.
……
Xiaohan Peak, inside a small courtyard.
Liu Qing, dressed in a moon-white robe, was sitting in his study reading when he suddenly heard the door creak open. A figure in red tiptoed in. He raised an eyebrow and said, "Rou'er, you're back so late. Come in quickly."
"Grandpa, I won't go in. I'm too tired from practicing today and I've sweated too much. I'm afraid the smell will bother you," the woman said sweetly, though her tone carried a hint of guilt.
"Hmph, you little rascal, I bet you didn't go to practice your skills, you went out for a drink!"
Liu Qing smiled and said, "Your smell of alcohol can't be hidden from my nose."
"grandfather……"
Liu Rou called out in a coquettish voice, reluctantly walking into the study, her face still showing the embarrassment of her lie being exposed.
She explained, "Grandpa, today is a small gathering of several senior and junior sisters from our ancestral hall. Don't you often say that we can't just focus on practicing martial arts; we also need to build connections for the Liu family?"
According to the Liu family rules, those who have not reached the physical cultivation level before the age of thirty are not allowed to drink alcohol, as this is for the sake of cultivation.
Among the Liu family's generation, she was considered to have high talent and had entered the Martial Arts Hall. Therefore, Liu Qing had stricter requirements for her. Although she had already entered the Physical Realm, she could only play and drink once a month at most.
"No need for further words, this is the second time this month. Go and kneel as punishment."
Liu Qing ignored all explanations, his face smiling, but his words were filled with an unyielding tone.
Liu Rou didn't want to kneel all night.
She suddenly remembered the news she had overheard during dinner, and her beautiful eyes lit up. An idea came to her, and she said, "Grandpa, I really didn't go to drink. I went to find out some information. Do you remember that young man named Mo Zheng that Senior Brother Zhou Xian mentioned this afternoon?"
Liu Qing didn't speak, he just looked at her quietly.
There is a play!
Seeing her grandfather interrupt her as before, Liu Rou was delighted. Knowing her grandfather as she did, she knew he was interested.
She continued, "My sister said that today in the martial arts arena, he was like Lan Jun, the master swordsman, multitasking, wielding two swords, and taking on six opponents single-handedly, beating the six outer disciples to a pulp. He really stole the show!"
"Oh?"
Liu Qing raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and said, "He can multitask and wield two swords?"
"Indeed, he wields both swords with the Wind Shadow Sword Technique, which is incredibly powerful. It has already spread throughout the entire Martial Arts Hall. If you, Grandpa, are willing to nurture him, he might just become a genius like Lan Jun." Seeing Liu Qing respond, Liu Rou quickly told him everything she knew, saying, "However, the six people he fought have a deep relationship with You Dongchen, the direct descendant of the You family. So You Dongchen has already challenged him to a duel at the Tower of Ascension in seven days, and I heard they're betting ten thousand taels of silver."
He paused, then added, "I heard that You Dongchen has already passed the first level of the Tower of Ascension today."
"Has that little guy from the You family already made it past the first level of the Tower of Ascension? Interesting, very interesting."
Upon hearing this news, Liu Qing couldn't help but find it even more intriguing.
Liangzhou is very large, with eighteen prefectures, and its inhabitants number in the hundreds of millions.
However, Liangzhou is a small place, and there are only a few large families with the Zangfu Realm in charge, including the You family and the Liu family, which he is naturally familiar with.
That little guy named You Dongchen has only been in the Martial Arts Hall for half a year, and he has already passed the first level of the Tower of Ascension. This speed is considered fast. You should know that most disciples of the Martial Arts Hall take a year or even two years to pass the first level of the Tower of Ascension.
The reason for this is the same old saying: internal energy is easy to cultivate, but external skills are difficult to master.
Therefore, he has a very good chance of challenging the true lineage in the future, or even being among the top three in the true lineage.
Mo Zheng, this little guy, has become an outer disciple after only one month in the sect, and he also has the talent to multitask.
Even a master like Liu Qing, who was at the Internal Organs Realm, became somewhat interested when these two geniuses faced off.
"Grandpa, can I go back and rest now?"
Seeing Liu Qing deep in thought, Liu Rou cautiously asked him a question.
"Um."
Liu Qing nodded slightly.
Immediately, Liu Rou felt as if she had been granted a pardon. Her beautiful face was filled with joy as she said, "Thank you, Grandpa."
Don't argue, I still have to thank you for saving me this time.
She thought to herself.
He couldn't wait to leave the study, and thoughtfully closed the door behind him, happily heading towards his own room.
Seeing his granddaughter retreat as if granted a pardon, Liu Qing couldn't help but gently shake his head.
The reason he was so strict was mainly because of her martial arts.
If you endure hardship in your youth and focus on martial arts, you will achieve greater success in the future.
Once you reach the age of forty, it becomes increasingly difficult to make breakthroughs in martial arts.
However, this little guy named Mo Zheng has a kendo talent that allows him to multitask, and he is truly worth cultivating.
"That little fellow You Dongchen has his ancestor guiding him, so I can't let Mo Zheng suffer. I'll give him a little pointers, and once he becomes an inner disciple, he'll definitely choose me as his master. With careful nurturing, he might even reach the Visceral Realm in twenty or thirty years, which would be quite a remarkable story."
As Liu Qing secretly pondered, a smile unconsciously appeared on his face.
……
As dawn broke, after having breakfast, Mo Zheng headed towards his small courtyard.
He is also preparing to hunt monsters today.
Martial arts training cannot be limited to arduous practice; it also requires combat.
The insights gained in battle can validate the results of arduous training; the two complement each other.
Of course, there was also a bit of the intention to earn contribution points.
To conquer the Tower of Ascension, one must accumulate 100 contribution points per attempt, which means that even ten Tier 1 demonic beasts are not enough to make one attempt.
"Hmm, what's this?"
Mo Zheng pushed open the door and saw two letters lying quietly on the ground, both addressed to "Mo Zheng".
He opened the first letter, which was clearly a challenge from You Chendong, specifying the time and the amount of the bet, along with the other party's signature.
"So eager, are you afraid I won't accept the challenge?"
"Hmph, we'll only know who wins after the fight. After I digest what I've learned in my recent training over the next few days, you might not be my match!"
Mo Zheng muttered to himself and went straight to the study, where he signed his name on the challenge letter.
Of course, that's not enough. The challenge letter and the bet must also be sent to the Treasure House for registration. The winner can go and collect the bet, while the loser will get nothing.
"This letter..."
Mo Zheng couldn't guess who would write to him again. He opened the letter, which read:
"【Mo Zheng: Zhou Xian has already told me about you. You are able to multitask and wield two swords. Your talent is truly remarkable."
Since you are practicing the Wind Shadow Sword Technique, I suggest you go to the Scripture Pavilion to exchange for a set of "The Twelve Swords of Wind." If you thoroughly study the twelve sword techniques within, passing the first four levels of the Tower of Ascension will be a piece of cake. This is the most suitable technique to aid in the practice of the Wind Shadow Sword Technique. I hope you will work hard and win the duel in seven days. [Liu Qing]
Liu Qing?
Mo Zheng felt that the name was familiar, as if he had heard it somewhere before.
Did he write to himself because of his senior brother Zhou Xian?
And is there a matching cultivation method for the Wind Shadow Sword Technique, along with the Twelve Swords of Wind?
He seemed to be deep in thought.
Instead of rushing to hunt monsters, he went straight to the Scripture Pavilion to exchange for the Twelve Wind-Riding Swords.
"Hmm? Junior Brother Mo, what brings you to the Scripture Pavilion today? Could it be that you've mastered the Wind Shadow Sword Technique?"
When Xiao Nan saw Mo Zheng, he was surprised. It had only been six days since the other party last came. If he didn't want to exchange for a cultivation technique, why would he come here?
"Greetings, Senior Brother Xiao and Senior Brother He."
Having received the gifts twice, Mo Zheng already knew the names of the two disciples. He explained with a smile, "It's not that fast. I just wanted to exchange for a different cultivation method to assist my training. We can learn from each other."
"I see. That makes sense. The Unity Realm Sword Technique is not easy to master; some people never manage to master it in their entire lives."
Xiao Nan was relieved to hear the purpose of the visit.
It was because he was frightened by Mo Zheng's cultivation speed that he behaved this way.
"Junior Brother Mo, according to the rules of the Martial Arts Hall, unless you cultivate the Wind Shadow Sword Technique to the Unity Realm level, you are not allowed to exchange for such a supreme skill. You can only exchange for basic techniques. I wonder which one you would like to exchange for?" asked Senior Brother He, who was tall and standing to the side.
"How many contribution points are needed for the Twelve Swords of Wind?" Mo Zheng asked.
"Your basic sword skills won't exceed fifty points, so don't worry, Junior Brother Mo."
Xiao Nan laughed, searched for a moment, and said, "Wow, the Wind Chaser Twelve Swords actually has fifty points! Impressive!"
Basic sword techniques generally cost between 10 and 50 points, while techniques at the Unity Realm level cost between 100 and 1000 points.
The fact that the Wind Chasing Twelve Swords can sell for fifty points among sword techniques of the same level must mean it has something special about it.
"Of course it's powerful. Don't you two know that this sword technique was created by the famous Blood Sword Martial Saint Di Xiao seven hundred years ago?"
Senior Brother He explained, "He was once a disciple of our Martial Arts Hall, a true peerless genius. Initially, his cultivation speed wasn't fast; it took him eight years to pass the fourth level of the Tower of Ascension and become a true disciple. But from then on, he soared to great heights, passing the seventh level of the Tower of Ascension in the tenth year and being accepted as a personal disciple of the Martial Saint!"
"After graduating from our martial arts academy, he trained diligently for more than ten years and broke through to the Enlightenment Realm. He was revered by the martial arts world as the Blood Sword Martial Saint, and his long sword was invincible and unstoppable."
Such a prodigy, however, later perished while fighting several beast kings during a battle against a beast tide; otherwise, he might have achieved even greater things!
As Senior Brother He spoke, his tone became somewhat wistful, and Mo Zheng and Xiao Nan couldn't help but feel sorry for him as well.
A peerless genius, indeed a peerless genius.
Clearly, this person was someone who had accumulated knowledge and experience before unleashing their full potential. After mastering the true teachings, their cultivation speed increased rapidly, eventually leading them to become a Martial Saint.
If he hadn't died in the beast tide, he probably would have achieved even greater things in the future.
"Let's not talk about that. I'll go get you the cultivation method."
……