Over the past several days, aside from occasionally strolling to the island's shore to watch the tide and admire the scenery for relaxation, Shen Xiuhan spent most of his time behind closed doors, cultivating tirelessly in his small courtyard.
The fifth profound acupoint in his body, the “Huiyin acupoint,” was nearing great perfection. In another ten days or so, he would be able to start opening the sixth acupoint, the “Yingxiang acupoint”!
In the early morning, a light mist draped over the courtyard like a thin veil of gauze.
Standing as firm and immovable as a mountain in the center of the courtyard, Shen Xiuhan finished practicing a set of the 《Thousand-Wave Sword》.
The moment the sword returned to its scabbard, a low hum still lingered in the air, and his boiling blood qi gradually settled.
He drew a bucket of cold water from the well, poured it over his head, and gave himself a refreshing wash.
Just as he was about to light the fire to cook, the courtyard gate was suddenly knocked.
“Thump, thump, thump.”
“Excuse me, is Junior Brother Shen Xiuhan inside?”
A clear voice asked from outside the door.
Shen Xiuhan raised his eyebrows slightly, walked to the door, slid back the bolt, and looked out.
Standing outside was a round-faced young man, around his early twenties, dressed in a blue robe. His back was straight, and he looked high-spirited.
Shen Xiuhan sized him up unobtrusively, then cupped his fists, speaking politely but with a hint of confusion, “I am Shen Xiuhan. May I ask who you are, Senior Brother...?”
The young man laughed heartily and returned the gesture. “I am Liu Chong of the Liu clan of Nanxiang Prefecture. I currently serve in the Elixir Hall and live right next door to you. Half a year ago, I was sent by the sect to Hongfu County to guard the Gold Marrow mineral vein. I only just completed my duty and returned to the island today. As soon as I came back, I saw that you had moved in, so I came over to introduce myself and say hello.”
His words were warm, making no secret of his desire to make friends.
Disciples who could enter the Star-Plucking Sect either had deep backgrounds or astonishing talent.
Taking the initiative to socialize and get acquainted was only natural.
Realization dawned on Shen Xiuhan.
The Liu clan of the prefecture capital...
Although they lacked the deep heritage of hundred-year-old clans like the He or Huo clans, they were still considered a powerful local family in Guangwu Prefecture.
The Liu's Sword Shop he had seen in Nanxiang Prefecture was one of the Liu family's businesses.
Thus, he stepped aside and made a gesture of invitation. “So it is Senior Brother Liu. Please, come in. It is a humble place, so I hope you do not mind.”
Liu Chong smiled and waved his hand. “No, no, you were practicing, right? It seems I came at an inconvenient time. Let me hand in my duty and collect my salary first. In a few days, I will treat you to some wine, and we can have a proper chat then.”
“Very well, we shall do as you say, Senior Brother. Take care...”
After a few polite exchanges, he saw Liu Chong off.
Shen Xiuhan turned back into the house and prepared a simple meal.
Once he finished eating, he sat cross-legged on the couch.
He took out the 《Four Seas Heart-Linking Disc》 and held it in his palm to examine it.
In the center of the disc, other than the light representing himself, there was only a faint, flickering white dot gathered on it.
Judging by the direction, it belonged to Ji Ning in Changyun County.
As for Xiao Wu, Han Li, Wang Lin, and the others, they were completely out of range.
Shen Xiuhan guessed that they were simply too far away for the treasure to detect them.
Stowing the jade disc away, he took out the 《Green Wind Sword Array》 and gently caressed it.
Although this sword array was wonderful, once its Yuan Stones were depleted, it would be no different from ordinary, lifeless metal.
In fact, he did have one Yuan Stone left—the one embedded in the back of the 《Water-Stone Maze Formation》.
However, that Yuan Stone had been heavily depleted, with less than ten percent of its energy remaining. If he transferred it to this sword array, it probably wouldn't even be able to unleash two strands of sword-qi.
“The power is great, but the consumption is also high.”
Shen Xiuhan shook his head and put the array plate back into his storage bag.
He had already comprehended sword-qi and could control it at will, which was far superior to this dead object.
Furthermore, ever since the 《Green Wind Sword Array》 was forged, its upper limit seemed to have been locked.
Although the sword-qi was powerful, it was rigid and inflexible, far less agile and versatile than the sword-qi he had comprehended on his own.
To him, the usefulness of this item had already been greatly reduced.
“Still...”
“If I can obtain some Yuan Stones in the future, it would be a good protective trump card to leave for Momo when she grows up and starts practicing martial arts.”
While he was lost in thought, the courtyard gate was knocked once more.
This time, it was the sect's courier.
Since Shen Xiuhan had transferred from Bixia Villa to the Star-Plucking Sect, he naturally had to inform his family.
Ten days ago, he had specifically sent out three letters—to his home, the Mei Courtyard, and the Ji family—explaining the situation.
Now, all three sides had replied.
The reply from the Mei Courtyard was written by his master.
The letter mentioned:
After Shen Xiuhan's departure, Jiang Qinghong had also developed the desire to leave, wanting to go to the Meishan branch of the Biwu Sect for further training.
Changyun County was, after all, a shallow pond. It was rare for the younger generation to even reach the Anjin Rank, and staying in such a remote corner would easily dull one's ambition.
Therefore, even though she had obtained the 《Golden Eagle Soaring Technique》, Jiang Qinghong still yearned to venture out and test herself in the grand waves of Guangwu Prefecture.
“Lei Jun mentioned that the demonic path is rampant in Guangwu Prefecture, and the Biwu Sect is struggling to manage everything. I wonder if it is a good or bad thing for Senior Sister to go there now...”
Shen Xiuhan pondered for a moment and decided to write another letter to warn his master and senior sister.
As for the letter from the Ji family, it was written by Ji Ning.
He first thanked Shen Xiuhan for saving his life and stated that his injuries had mostly healed.
The letter also casually mentioned that Ji Xue had broken through her blood gate and entered the Mingjin Rank, so if there were any running errands or trivial matters, he could freely call upon her.
Sent along with the letter was an official banknote worth one hundred taels of silver, clearly a token of the Ji family's gratitude.
Shen Xiuhan understood their intention.
This was a request for him to look after the sisters, Ji Xue and Ji Yao, who were at the Wuji Academy.
As for the final letter from home, it made Shen Xiuhan chuckle despite himself.
The handwriting on the paper was crooked and messy, drifting left and right—one look was enough to tell it was written by Shen Momo.
The page was filled with childish ramblings like “I miss you so much,” “Big brother, come back soon,” and “Momo is being good.”
Shen Xiuhan read silently, a warm smile unconsciously gracing his lips.
...
Meanwhile.
In the Affairs Hall, sandalwood incense curled upward.
Tian Ji walked in quickly. Seeing the young man leisurely sipping tea with his head lowered, he reported in a low voice, “Senior Brother Tunan, the person sent to Changyun has returned.”
“Oh? And?”
He Tunan's hand lifting the teacup paused slightly, his tone indifferent.
“According to the investigation, Junior Brother Shen comes from a poor background and previously studied martial arts at a hall called the Mei Courtyard. At the same time, he held a temporary placement at the Ji Mansion in Changyun County...”
“The Ji Mansion...” He Tunan suddenly looked up, a sharp light flaring in his eyes. “Is this confirmed?”
Knowing full well the recent grudge between He Tunan and the Ji family, Tian Ji's expression immediately turned solemn as he confirmed, “Absolutely certain! It is said that Junior Brother Shen even saved the life of the Ji family's genius, Ji Ning, and the two share a very close relationship!”
“Hmph... No wonder!”
He Tunan slammed his teacup onto the desk and let out a cold snort, his face turning grim. “I was wondering why the Ji family was so bold as to cut off our family's annual retainer. It turns out they felt my family wasn't willing to put in the effort, so they planned to nurture their own person within the Star-Plucking Sect...”
“Wishful thinking!”
He stood up abruptly, putting his hands behind his back, a cold sneer playing on his lips. “They dare to stretch their claws into Tingquan Academy? Do they take me, He Tunan, for a dead man?”
“Tian Ji!”
“Senior Brother!”
“Take note of my instructions!”
Hearing this, Tian Ji hurriedly bowed respectfully, listening intently.
“Three days from now, when the sect distributes duties, use your connections in the Logistics Hall to assign Shen Xiuhan to Taihe County, Tanxi County, or the Lingui County area!”
“Those places are currently plagued by constant disasters, and the scoundrels from the Yinsha Sect branch are highly active there...”
At this point, He Tunan's eyes flashed with undisguised, venomous killing intent as he smiled sinisterly. “I want to see if this Junior Brother Shen, whom the Ji family has pinned their hopes on, has the fortune to achieve anything in our Star-Plucking Sect!”
Hearing this, Tian Ji's expression changed slightly, and he reminded in a low voice, “Senior Brother Tunan... that Shen Xiuhan came with a recommendation letter from the Chief Disciple of Chiming Academy, Chief Disciple Zuo.”
“...”
The air in the grand hall seemed to freeze in an instant.
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