Chapter 45: Chapter 45: A Glimpse into an Idea
What is he saying?!
Upon seeing the befuddled Yu Fangge, the Sect Master, everyone present was shocked and left speechless.
In people’s impressions, he was always someone who never bothered about small matters, nor asked about significant issues, spending all his time training.
He held the power-usurping Grand Elder in high esteem without doubt.
Who would have thought that upon his return, he would catch everyone off guard?
Has the Sect Master trained his brain into mush?
The Third Elder and others thought maliciously.
The most embarrassed one was the Grand Elder. Suggesting that he should leave the sect was his idea, but now Yu Fangge’s respectful demeanor had turned his face beet red.
Shi Xiaole, on the other hand, was keenly observing Yu Fangge, oddly reminded of his aunt.
"Grand Elder, you weren’t careful! I was secretly present during the attempted assassination of Xiaole by Martial Minister Wu."
Yu Fangge continued his shocking revelations, suddenly bursting out with another big news.
"You, you were the one with the mask..."
The Grand Elder let out a strange cry, but immediately shut up. Unfortunately, it was too late. Everyone heard the first part of his sentence and knew the truth.
Most importantly, even the Sect Master had exposed the Grand Elder, who would dare to say anything now?
Sneers or contemptuous gazes fell on the Grand Elder. For many apprentices, doubt is one thing, confirmation another!
The Grand Elder, taking advantage of his position, publicly ordered the assassination of Shi Xiaole. This action was beyond unacceptable.
"Grand Elder, considering your years of effort for the Huajian Sect, whether meritorious or laborious, you should leave with Qin Zhao. I won’t make things difficult for you."
Having had his say, Yu Fangge nonchalantly turned his head aside.
"Yu Fangge, you wasted no time in turning against me, well done, well done. Hahaha..."
Having his conspiracy exposed in public, the Grand Elder knew that he had to leave today. After letting out a wild laughter, he snuck a glance at Shi Xiaole and left with the equally disoriented Qin Zhao.
After their departure, Yu Fangge ordered the clean-up of the scene, and announced loudly, "Everyone, continue your practice, don’t let this delay you. Xiaole, go take a bath, and come to my room." Then, he left, hands behind his back.
Shi Xiaole’s eyes flickered, watching Yu Fangge’s retreating figure, lost in thought.
On a trail of the mountain.
"Uncle, I can’t accept this."
Qin Zhao gritted his teeth, his face was twisted in rage and malice.
"That bastard Yu Fangge, I only see his true colors today. Zhao’er, a gentleman’s revenge is never too late! Whether it’s Yu Fangge or that dog Shi, they both will die!"
The Grand Elder echoed, brimming with bitterness.
Just as he was considering hiring assassins from the Martial World, a straight figure in a green robe suddenly appeared ahead.
"That dog Shi!"
Qin Zhao was horrified.
The Grand Elder turned pale, and asked, "What are you doing here?"
Shi Xiaole smiled and said, "I’m here to finish what’s left undone."
Fifteen minutes later, silence returned to the woods. Shi Xiaole wiped the blood off his sword with a leaf and left without looking back.
Huajian Sect, Sect Master’s study.
"Xiaole, you’ve come."
The incense burned on the desk as Yu Fangge sat across, appraising Shi Xiaole through the smoke, as if admiring a piece of art.
"Sect Master, what exactly is your relationship with my aunt?"
Shi Xiaole stood still and asked directly.
Yu Fangge mentioned seeing Martial Minister Wu trying to kill him, which instantly reminded Shi Xiaole of Meng Qi. He therefore inferred that today’s events were somehow connected to his aunt.
Yu Fangge chuckled, "You are indeed a smart boy. Going by seniority, you should be calling me uncle."
What?
Shi Xiaole suddenly looked up, his face filled with disbelief.
"Surprised, huh? Hehe, Xiao Ru is my half-sister. If she hadn’t sent me a letter to take care of some things, I wouldn’t have left my retreat so early."
Shi Xiaole stood there dazed, until it finally dawned on him.
It must have been Meng Qi who told his aunt about his situation in the Huajian Sect. His aunt, trying to protect him, had secretly written to Yu Fangge.
No wonder his aunt always referred to Yu Fangge as if he were not an outsider, turns out they weren’t outsiders at all.
But why didn’t his aunt ever mention this relationship?
As if seeing through Shi Xiaole’s confusion, Yu Fangge gave an embarrassed smile, waving his hand and saying, "It’s all stuff from the previous generation, never mind."
Changing the topic, Yu Fangge looked squarely at Shi Xiaole and asked seriously, "Xiaole, I heard from Xiao Ru that you have comprehended the essence of the move?"
Shi Xiaole hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
Yu Fangge was delighted, and immediately asked Shi Xiaole to demonstrate. After the performance, Yu Fangge enthusiastically applauded, "Xiaole, you are indeed a genius. Your uncle did not misjudge you. However, your comprehension has just begun. You need a lot of hard work in the future."
"From what you said, Uncle, it seems that you know a lot about it?"
Shi Xiaole raised an eyebrow.
The word "Uncle" delighted Yu Fangge enormously. He laughed heartily, "I wouldn’t say I know a lot, but I am qualified enough to guide you at your current level."
Clearing his throat, Yu Fangge asked, "Xiaole, what do you think the ’essence’ really is?"
The question stumped Shi Xiaole. He had never given this serious thought before.
People often say that a place has a unique ambiance or that a painting possesses a distinctive mood, but how many can truly explain the concept of mood and ambiance?
"Alright, you may go now. When you’re able to answer this question, I believe you will have taken a significant step forward in understanding the concept of ambiance."
Looking at Yu Fangge as he pretentiously acted profound, Shi Xiaole found it amusing but remained silent. He respectfully bowed and exited the study.
"A fascinating young man."
Yu Fangge quietly chuckled to himself.
Following this day, significant changes took place within the Huajian Sect.
With the departure of the Grand Elder, the Second Elder naturally took over the affairs of the sect, becoming the most powerful figure under the Sect Master. With Yu Fangge’s tacit agreement, the Second Elder began a series of personnel changes.
For instance, the Third Elder who was originally in charge of the Book Collection Building was now reassigned to overseeing punishments in the isolation chamber, a considerable demotion in status.
Additionally, all members who were aligned with the Grand Elder were relocated to various positions and marginalized within the sect.
The upheavals among the sect’s upper echelons didn’t significant affect the disciples.
Interestingly, even days later, many students were still discussing the battle that had taken place. Some even believed that Shi Xiaole’s current strength was comparable to that of their second senior brother, Xiao Yuanbo.
Unaware and uninterested in others’ perceptions, Shi Xiaole had spent these past few days wandering alone within Mountain Luyan, deliberately seeking out perilous locations to gain insight and deepen his understanding.
One day, he stood on a precipice, beneath his feet was a cloud-covered abyss of ten thousand feet.
The wind howled.
The clouds rolled on.
As Shi Xiaole stared down, his consciousness seemed to have detached from his body, lost somewhere deep within the clouds.
"Ambiance, is a combination of meaning and context, with the former being an objective existence and the latter being a subjective thought. When applied to martial arts, it is the combination of moves and momentum in a certain way, creating the ambiance!"
After an unknowable amount of time, Shi Xiaole experienced an epiphany. The question that had plagued him for a while dissipated like the clouds, revealing a clear blue sky.
At this moment, he felt enlightened.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.
In one smooth motion, Shi Xiaole danced amongst the wind under the morning sun, with the glow of his sword whirling around, oblivious to the outside world.
If an outsider were here, they would be astounded.
As at this moment, Shi Xiaole seemed to have merged with the cliff, the mountain peak, and the white clouds all into one, presenting a perfect integration of movement and stillness, appearing as a complete ink painting.
Half an hour later, Shi Xiaole came to a halt.
"If I go by my aunt’s explanation, ambiance can be divided into ten levels. At this moment, I believe I have barely reached the first level."
Before fully understanding it, the concept of ambiance was elusive and nebulous. Yet, strangely, once initiated, one could clearly intuit their own progress.
In his previous fights with Wang Bufan and the Grand Elder, Shi Xiaole’s understanding of ambiance was merely embryonic. Only after several days of reflection had he genuinely elevated to the first level.
As to how powerful the first level ambiance was, Shi Xiaole had no idea. He would probably have to find a formidable opponent to test this out.
Ding.
"Congratulations, host. For grasping the first level of profound ambiance, you have earned one opportunity to choose a third-tier martial art skill. Would you like to use it?"
Finally, the long-expected mechanical voice sounded in his mind.
However, Shi Xiaole felt somewhat helpless.
Previously, all he had to was to practice a martial art until he reached the Transformation Phase, and he would earn an opportunity to choose a third-tier martial art skill.
Although the system later raised its standards, he hadn’t expected that developing understanding of ambiance warranted him only the opportunity to choose a third-tier martial art skill.
Wasn’t this a bit unfair?
In response, the system explained that this reward was only awarded to the host as a bonus, so it was up to him whether he chose to accept it or not.
Alright then.
When under the eaves, one has no choice but to bow the head. Furthermore, if he could select a third-tier offensive martial art skill, it would be quite beneficial for the current Shi Xiaole.
The Heaven and Earth Net Force was, after all, merely a supportive martial art technique.
Looking at the rectangular halo flashing on the first floor of the Martial God Hall, Shi Xiaole, having accumulated considerable experience, didn’t feel too nervous.
Eventually, the rectangular halo settled on a blank spot on the rock wall.
He had drawn a blank...
Shi Xiaole exited the system, his face grim. Fortunately, he calculated that there were still three days left until the middle of the month, by when he would have another opportunity to draw.
In the blink of an eye, the middle of the month arrived.
Ding.
"The middle of the month has arrived. Would the host like to proceed with the martial arts draw?"
"Draw."
This time, the rectangular halo flickered across the five floors, hinting that he could possibly draw a Divine Martial Art if he was lucky.
Unfortunately, the system wouldn’t be so generous.
According to the system’s explanation, the odds of drawing a blank in the free draw were fifty percent, the chances of drawing a third-tier martial arts skill was twenty-five percent, and so on. For Divine Martial Arts, the odds were slightly more than one percent.
There was absolutely no room for luck.
"Congratulations, host. You’ve drawn a premier third-tier martial art, Yue Buqun’s Taiyue Three Green Peaks."
Taiyue Three Green Peaks?
Shi Xiaole was momentarily dumbfounded, and then a smile appeared from the corner of his mouth.
Though Yue Buqun was a controversial figure, his self-created Taiyue Three Green Peaks was commendable, at least for the current Shi Xiaole.
