Eternal Life: I Have the Favor System

"Shaorong is knowledgeable and experienced. He has rendered great service to the Court over the years and has the backing of the Wei Family. He might understand more about Sea of Consciousness Power and Elixir Field Power than even I do. When he returns, you two should have a good talk."

Guo Wei said.

"Alright."

Chu Lingguang nodded. He understood that Yang Shaorong had been through a lot over the years. ’His cultivation may not be as high as Master’s, but his breadth of knowledge might be greater.’

The master and disciple emerged from the backyard.

Returning to the Central Courtyard, they saw Hei Hu and Wang Chao sparring. Hei Hu, with his Qi Sea Small Vortex cultivation, had become quite proficient in the Twelve Iron Mountain Saber Techniques. Under Guo Wei’s guidance, he had even found the resonant point for Human-Sword Unity. His Potential Power manifested as a sound—a Sword Cry so powerful it could pierce gold, crack stone, and overwhelm an enemy’s eardrums with a scalp-numbing shockwave.

However, Hei Hu’s control over this power was still clumsy.

Although his raw strength was greater than Wang Chao’s, his combat skill was only on par with the notorious bandit Cai Touli from the wheat fields. Wang Chao’s own cultivation hadn’t changed much in the past two years, but back in Baiyang County, he had been able to fight Cai Touli until both were severely injured, which had allowed Chu Lingguang to take advantage of the situation. Now, over two years later, Wang Chao could achieve a decisive victory over the bandit. Thus, despite being weaker in cultivation than Hei Hu, he could use his combat experience and cunning techniques to hold off Hei Hu’s relentless assault.

But Hei Hu had an impetuous nature. Despite Guo Wei’s strict tutelage, he could never change his temperament. The moment a fight reached a stalemate, he would lose his composure and fall into disarray.

Finally, Wang Chao seized an opportunity. He used three consecutive feints, deliberately toying with Hei Hu. Enraged, Hei Hu unleashed a deafening Sword Sound, channeling his sonic Potential Energy into a series of slashes aimed at Wang Chao’s center.

Wang Chao used his agile footwork to dodge the attacks. The moment Hei Hu’s volley of strikes ended, Wang Chao gathered his strength and attacked from the left, slashing toward Hei Hu’s waist. Hei Hu was about to defend when he realized Wang Chao’s attack was another feint. The real move was a Little Ghost Scout aimed at his ankle.

Caught off guard, Hei Hu leaped three feet into the air. But this, too, was a feint from Wang Chao. The real killing blow was "Scooping the Moon from the Sea"—a flash of cold light swept toward Hei Hu’s lower body. Hei Hu turned pale with shock. He only had time to press his saber down, blocking Wang Chao’s strike by a hair’s breadth. However, this left his upper body exposed. Quick as a flash, Wang Chao kicked Hei Hu in the chest, sending him flying until he tumbled to a stop in front of Guo Wei and Chu Lingguang.

Chu Lingguang stared at Wang Chao in astonishment.

They say a master can only lead you to the door; cultivation is up to the individual.

’Wang Chao’s cultivation might be mediocre, and he hasn’t learned Master’s Flying Leaf Lotus Spear, but there’s no way he picked up all those cunning tricks without Master’s guidance.’

’After he killed Guer Khan not long ago, he and Master had sat down for a talk. Guo Wei had demonstrated these very same changes in tactics. He had taught him that the key to a surprise attack was a one-hit kill. If that failed and you found yourself surrounded, you had to learn to feign weakness, to confuse the enemy just as Wang Chao had done, seize upon their opening, and swiftly break out of the encirclement.’

’Clearly, Wang Chao hadn’t mastered much of Guo Wei’s actual Martial Arts, but he had committed all of his Master’s tricks to heart. He recalled the day in the wheat field when Wang Chao was being chased by Cai Touli. Wang Chao had shouted, "Quick, go inform the Tathagata Buddha!" which had caught him off guard and made Cai Touli target him instead, nearly costing him his life. It was clear that Wang Chao not only knew how to use tricks to confuse his enemies in a fight, but also how to use his surroundings to turn the tables.’

And that was just his personality.

Cunning, slyness, and mystification could be virtues when used correctly. Chu Lingguang didn’t look down on Wang Chao for it.

No matter how underhanded Wang Chao’s tricks were, as long as he was loyal, righteous, and respectful to Guo Wei, he was still his senior brother.

"Master, Wang cheated!"

Hei Hu protested, unconvinced.

"A dog can’t be taught not to eat shit," Guo Wei said angrily.

"Wang, did you hear that? Master’s telling you off."

Hei Hu grinned smugly.

"THWACK!"

Upon hearing this, Guo Wei kicked Hei Hu in the rear. He pointed to an empty spot next to Yang Xiaoning and said, "Get over there and stand with Ning. Practice your Pile Skill, and don’t you dare stop without my command."

"Huh?"

Hei Hu’s face fell.

"’Huh’ what?"

Guo Wei’s face darkened.

"Nothing."

Hei Hu didn’t dare say another word. He went and stood with Yang Xiaoning and began practicing his Pile Skill.

"Master, how was your chat with Junior Brother?"

Wang Chao returned his saber to the Soldier Landing Platform and walked over to Chu Lingguang and Guo Wei with a smile.

"You only got the upper hand because Hei Hu is naive. If you want to pass the examinations, you need to improve your fundamental Kung Fu. Go practice the Iron Mountain Saber Technique a hundred times."

Guo Wei said, his face stern.

Wang Chao’s love for cunning tricks was infamous in Baiyang County. Everyone knew that Chief Wang had a whole repertoire of ways to toy with people. But no matter the trick, once it was seen through, a lack of profound martial skill to back it up would leave one in a position with no hope of recovery.

Guo Wei had a headache.

His six disciples all had completely different personalities.

Yang Shaorong was mature and steady. He had been with him the longest and was the disciple he was fondest of and had the highest hopes for. From the beginning, Guo Wei had raised him like a son, even wanting to betroth his daughter, Guo Fang, to him. Yang Shaorong had not disappointed, distinguishing himself in the Imperial Examination and bringing great fame to his master. Yet, just as Guo Wei was overjoyed for him, Yang Shaorong ended up marrying Wei Fanghua. Although Guo Wei had long since let it go, a ripple of emotion still stirred in his heart whenever he thought of it.

His second disciple, Wu Feihong, was ruthless and reckless. If Yang Shaorong hadn’t been there to keep him in check, he would have likely caused a great deal of trouble.