83: Chapter 82 Hou Niao Makes a Fool of Himself 83: Chapter 82 Hou Niao Makes a Fool of Himself Seeing Hou Niao’s puzzled expression, Yu Xinglie explained,
The reason Junior Brother Wang is slow is actually due to his cultivation technique.
He’s not cultivating a common Inner Method, but the hereditary Sword Elixir Field, which makes it much more difficult for him than it is for others.”
The Sword Elixir Field is a rather obscure branch within the Quanzhen Sect, favorable for the flow of Sword Energy and essentially laying the foundation for Extreme Sword; one who achieves Sword Elixir Field now, should they reach that day in the future, will be able to cultivate into Sword Elixir, which is an exceedingly sharp direction to take.
However, the success rate for such a path is low, and there are many restrictions during cultivation, with requirements for one’s talent, resources, perception, and so on, not something an ordinary cultivator can practice; generally, only those with Upper Cultivators as elders in the family can tread this path.
Take the Wang Family, for instance; they are a major clan within the Quanzhen Sect, with more than one or two elders above the Tongxuan Realm.
“Is your destination set?” Hou Niao was curious about the choices of these second-generation cultivators,
Jiang Nanying replied with a slight smile, “I’m heading to Lv Teng Town in the southern part of Heave Feng Plain, while Junior Brother Yu is going to Jiangyou Town in the north.
In a few more days, the external assignments for Junior Brother Ma and Junior Brother Zong should also be coming down.
Once the news of Brother Hou’s successful Breakthrough is reported, it will take about ten days to get a definitive answer, but by that time, I’m afraid it will just be you and Junior Brother Wang toasting to each other.”
Hou Niao pondered; over these days, he had come to understand the terrain and strategic location of Heave Feng Plain quite well.
With the plain’s size equating to a whole province, it was composed of thirty-nine subordinate towns, categorized as upper, middle, or lower levels based on their locations.
It is commonly believed that the areas surrounding Jin City, at the center, are considered upper-level regions since the formidable force of Jin City itself means few monsters dare to cause trouble; further beyond, it’s not about how far or near they are from Jin City that determines the quality of the region, but rather a specific analysis of each situation.
Lv Teng and Jiangyou, although far from Jin City on the surface, have manageable risks; for instance, Lv Teng has its Mountain Demon, while Jiangyou borders the territory of the Daoist Sect.
These are the kinds of places with plentiful training opportunities yet are unlikely to pose real dangers, regarded by these second-generation cultivators as truly prime locations.
There are few opportunities to train around Jin City, which doesn’t align with the style of the Quanzhen Swordsmen; places that are too ferocious carry rampant uncontrollable risks…
Shouldn’t a swordsman seek danger at every turn?
It seems that even the Demon Sect, denounced as such over thousands of years, has begun to compromise in certain aspects.
Of course, if one were to look at the bigger picture, the Daoist Sect has compromised even more severely.
After three rounds of drinks and an array of dishes, Ma Rujun frowned, “Brother Hou, have you sought any favors in the allocation of territorial assignments?
Though you don’t mention it, the word below is that you have a good relationship with Capital Commandant Li.
If you could use his influence, there shouldn’t be any problem, right?
Is there any place you couldn’t go?”
Hou Niao offered a wry smile, “That’s just hearsay, growing wilder as it spreads.
I have no particular relationship with Capital Commandant Li and don’t wish to humiliate myself.
Besides, it’s just a place for experience, all within the borders of Shan Country, how bad could it really be?”
Before anyone else could speak, Ma’s elder sister slammed her hand on the table, “Well said!
A man’s ambition should not be confined, venturing into the waves, advancing against dangers.
Looking at you lot, scurrying around like rats, you’re tarnishing the reputation of the Quanzhen Sect!”
Her bold statement did not embarrass the others since they were already accustomed to Ma’s elder sister’s temperamental nature, except for Hou Niao; all bark and no bite.
Speaking so grandly, yet why does she still linger around Jin City, frequently running to the city every two or three days?
She’s just straightforward by nature.
Everyone has their own choices, and they cannot be forced.
Hou Niao didn’t want to speak up, and regardless of his reasons, it was not right for the others to keep persuading.
As for being assigned to an upper or lower region, different people hold different views.
The atmosphere gradually became lively as everyone returned to the topic they cared about most, cultivation.
Discussions on the choice of cultivation techniques, difficulties, and puzzles were abundant.
At such times, although Hou Niao was nominally the eldest among the few, he was very clear in his heart that this was but a jest for the moment.
In the Cultivation World, strength was revered.
He might have stood out during the Energy Induction stage, but that didn’t guarantee his future status.
As long as a cultivator doesn’t die, anything is possible; comebacks, turning the tables, newcomers overtaking the old are not unheard of.
Temporary strength doesn’t equate to lifelong dominance, especially at such a trivial realm as Energy Induction.
In the eyes of those from families with generations of cultivation heritage, their profound foundation almost guaranteed they would accelerate faster in the future.
This was not wishful thinking; in most cases, it was the truth.
When the topic turned to skills, Yu Xinglie was carefree as he said, “I’m from the Magic Sword Sect.
There are some wind techniques in the Sword Storage Tower that suit me perfectly.
In time, the Wind Blade Sword Edge will be unmatched…
It’s funny how the old gatekeeper, Baquan, thought I was an easy mark and tried to deceive me.
Hehe, I gave him a good tongue-lashing.”
Everyone nodded in understanding and burst into laughter.
Hou Niao was a bit puzzled, “The gatekeeper?
Why do you call him Baquan, the old man?”
Jiang Nanying explained, “In the Cultivation World, nine is respected.
To be called Baquan means to lack something, suggesting the person is a bit simple-minded—it’s just a nickname that everyone in the sect knows.”
Hou Niao was even more confused, “Simple-minded?
I didn’t see that coming.”
Ma Rujun thought of something, “Eldest brother Hou, don’t tell me you were fooled into buying his table leg shim?”
Hou Niao was even more surprised, “How did you know?
That cost me ten spirit stones!”
The crowd was beside themselves with laughter.
Yu Xinglie laughed until he staggered, “Eldest brother, you’ve been had!
That family treasure is specifically for conning clueless newcomers.
It’s a pity we didn’t warn you earlier; it’s been sold for decades, and who knows how many newbies have been tricked.
The thing is just a worthless piece…
Eldest brother, open it and have a look.
The first page is sure to say: If you wish to practice this skill…”
Hou Niao realized something was wrong.
He was a straightforward man and wouldn’t deny or make excuses.
He took out the dark bamboo slip, opened it up, and sure enough, the first page read: If you wish to practice this skill, raise your sword and go mad!
Flicking through the pages, it was unbearable to witness…
He laughed at himself, “I can’t believe I fell for such a scam!
My heart realm slipped, and I have no one to blame but myself.
What’s strange is that Baquan has been able to deceive people for so many years; he is truly an oddity.”
Hou Niao’s experience became a topic of conversation, with endless variations on how Baquan had deceived others.
But the underlying theme remained constant: if the deceived cultivators weren’t hoping for a stroke of luck, they wouldn’t have been fooled in the first place.
In the end, the reason always came back to the person themselves.
Zong Qian, who seldom spoke, had a different view, “Actually, it might not be such a bad thing.
Why has Baquan been able to deceive people for decades and still be safely hidden in the Sword Storage Tower?
Are the upper cultivators truly unaware?
Looking at Hou Niao, “Eldest brother, I mean no offense to you, don’t take it personally!
I believe this is tacit approval from within the sect!
The purpose is to dispel the unrealistic notions of the young disciples, the illusion of overnight success.
It’s through such an obvious scam that the disciples are warned: this is the result of craving good fortune!”
Hou Niao raised his glass in homage, “Wise words from a wise man!
Meeting Baquan was my luck, and meeting all of you is my blessing!
Life has its ups and downs, and to be able to sit here unharmed after such an experience, I should indeed thank my lucky stars!”
…For strings, Lian Qin is straight, for chess, it is because the game is clear-cut.
Without comparing gains and losses, how can one consider the musical tones?