In this library, over three hundred martial arts books at the entry-level glimmered with flowing light, as if a divine resonance was responding, surrounding Li Guanyi. Xue Daoyong's lips curled into a grin, nearly bursting into laughter as he patted the shoulder of the Old Shopkeeper beside him, saying, "Hahaha, I win!"
The Old Shopkeeper replied, "You guessed ten books, and that is still incorrect."
Xue Daoyong laughed heartily, "Closer than yours!"
He stepped forward and called out, "Guanyi, the first technique must be the most compatible; do not be greedy, take it one step at a time."
Li Guanyi nodded in agreement.
However, there were too many techniques here, each one like a peacock spreading its tail, striving to showcase its own charm and brilliance, hoping to attract the attention of the young man. Among them were techniques from Confucianism, Mohism, Daoism, and Yin-Yang schools, each with their own unique styles.
As he opened the cover page, each book was filled with various transformations and powerful techniques.
Anything placed here by Xue Daoyong would certainly not be ordinary martial arts circulating in the Jianghu.
Mundane items had no qualification to enter this place.
Yet, because of this, selecting the right one became an exceedingly difficult task. Li Guanyi naturally understood the principle of not being able to chew more than one can swallow, so he casually flipped through the books, searching for those that emitted the clearest 'qin sound' in his ears.
"Jade Arm Divine Bow Technique"
"Howling Wolf Steps"
"Thunderfire Forging Body Technique"
Just as he was about to search carefully, an unexpected change occurred. Accompanied by the flowing light of spiritual resonance, the Xuan Gui法相, which had been imprinted on the bronze cauldron and had not moved since, slightly swayed. The dark-colored Xuan Gui crawled onto Li Guanyi's shoulder, still quite small, with golden patterns on its shell.
The patterns resembled the tortoise shells burned by diviners in flames, radiating different trajectories.
Li Guanyi suddenly understood the guidance of the patterns on the shell.
"Favorable in the west."
Li Guanyi released the "Jade Arm Divine Bow Technique" in his hand and followed the guidance of the Xuan Gui to a certain place, where he saw the ancestral name of General Xue enshrined in the Xue family loft. In front of this offering place stood a large, ancient incense burner.
Li Guanyi glanced at the place and then at the Xuan Gui.
His lips twitched.
No, it couldn't be...
The Xuan Gui had already jumped down from his shoulder and was now lying motionless on the incense burner.
It seemed satisfied after finally finding something good.
The Xuan Gui did not appear to be a combat-type法相, but rather one for divining celestial phenomena, seeking auspiciousness and avoiding misfortune.
Li Guanyi pondered for a moment and flipped over the incense burner in front of General Xue, rubbing it gently. With a heavy 'crack,' the bronze burner opened, revealing a small copper scroll inside. Li Guanyi saw a line of text on it.
"[Disrespecting Ancestral Laws]!"
It seemed extremely angry.
On the reverse side, there were two characters.
"[Great Good]!"
Li Guanyi smirked, as expected of you.
The General Xue in the eyes of his descendants was entirely different from the world's number one; he was carefree and unrestrained. Li Guanyi held the copper plate hidden in the incense burner and flipped through it, finding it recorded a technique called "Tiger Howl Forging Bone Technique," which was a martial art to assist cultivation after entering the realm.
It could not possess the explosive power of the Jade Arm Divine Bow Technique.
Nor did it have the strong agility of Howling Wolf Steps, with its continuous internal energy.
This technique had only one characteristic.
"[Enhances the root bone of the martial artist by one level, refines hidden injuries, and removes hidden toxins]."
"[The final step requires seeking assistance from the Eastern Land Star-Gazing School; if this opportunity is not available, put this down]."
Related to Yaoguang...
Li Guanyi realized that this might be one of the gifts prepared by the divine general for the chaotic world. The principle of having multiple escape routes was a basic quality for a general. Li Guanyi did not know how many legacies General Xue had left for his descendants.
He looked at the removal of hidden toxins and pressed his hand against his chest.
The path guided by the Xuan Gui was indeed correct.
This was the most suitable technique for him.
However, since it involved Yaoguang, Li Guanyi simply recorded this technique and returned the copper plate, then chose the "Jade Arm Divine Bow Technique." This was the Xue family's ancestral martial art, capable of refining both arms at the entry-level, surpassing other techniques during body forging.
When the internal energy circulated, it would leave a lingering aftereffect in both arms.
Every complete cycle could accumulate an explosive attack that exceeded the limit.
It perfectly matched the path of the Xue family's martial arts, with extremely strong explosive power, though the recovery speed was relatively weak, seeking short bursts. Once the enemy closed in, wielding heavy weapons, the power would still be formidable. Xue Daoyong was extremely satisfied with his choice and laughed heartily:
"Not bad. With my Xue family's martial body at the entry level, it's sufficient."
"The power is strong enough, but it has one weakness: the recovery speed is insufficient."
"That part was placed in the War Spear section by our ancestor."
"His War Spear techniques are continuous, not merely relying on pure force to suppress the opponent. The combination of the upper and lower sections of the techniques results in unparalleled explosive power, yet allows for rapid recovery, comparable to the top ten ultimate skills of the Central Plains."
He knew that his family's martial arts were powerful, but they also had obvious weaknesses, so they could be considered superior martial bodies, but not peerless. Thus, the court could rest assured, saying, "However, although this martial body has a slightly slow recovery, the vast majority of opponents cannot withstand the explosive power of my Divine Bow Technique."
"With the Divine Bow, at a distance, the enemy won't survive until you need to recover."
"And if the explosive power of my family's Divine Bow Technique is ineffective against the opponent, even recovery would be futile."
"Guanyi, your fortune is quite good."
"One day, traveling the world, you may complete this technique, who knows?"
The old man comforted Li Guanyi, but he did not take this statement to heart.
Li Guanyi held the "Divine Bow Technique." Both Xue Changqing and Miss Xue were part of the entry-level portion of this technique. Xue Daoyong personally taught Li Guanyi this internal skill. He was merely limited by toxins affecting his root bone, but his comprehension ability had not been diminished, and he had the inheritance of top martial artists.
After several days, the Divine Bow Technique was learned.
All the internal energy from "Breaking the Formation Tune" was completely transformed into the "Divine Bow Technique," and the "Tiger Howl Forging Bone Technique" was also being slowly cultivated. Li Guanyi could feel the speed of his internal energy operation gradually increasing, from three complete cycles in a single incense stick to slowly achieving four cycles.
Recently, he could not find the old man of Destiny.
That Wang Tong, the scholar, had not shown himself either.
Li Guanyi roughly understood that the powerful figure of divination had come here, and Yue Qianfeng's first step had been completed. Wang Tong, the scholar, the old man of Destiny, and that great figure of the Mo family should be contacting the significant figures of Jiangzhou and the capital, attempting to complete the final step and enter the stage of the capital.
The competition among various forces might have already reached its peak in the shadows, and Yue Qianfeng had not returned.
However, this had nothing to do with Li Guanyi. As spring blossomed and flowers bloomed, willow branches drooped down, and many men and women were enjoying the shade and spring outings. His birthday was approaching, and Li Guanyi practiced archery daily, breathing techniques, and wielding the war spear to practice spear techniques, leading a fulfilling and simple life.
However, Changsun Wuchou encountered some issues.
Later, the Golden Feather Flying Eagle delivered a letter, but unlike before, it was not a single letter.
It was two letters.
One of them was directly addressed to Li Guanyi.
Changsun Wuchou looked at the letter written to him, surprised that the Second Miss wanted to pass that letter to Li Guanyi. In the past, although the Second Miss had asked him to pay attention to the talents of the world, she had never personally written a letter for communication.
After pondering for a moment, he used the excuse of drinking tea and listening to stories to invite Li Guanyi out and handed the letter to him, saying, "It is the second son of my affiliated merchant association. He heard your poetry and was very interested, so he specially wrote to chat with you."
The second son of the merchant association?
Is it the second son of the Duke from the Ying Kingdom outside Longxi Pass?
Or is he really just the second son of the merchant association?
Changsun Wuchou held the tea, listening to the songs, smiling like a fox.
Li Guanyi opened the letter, and after a simple and plain greeting, it praised the young man's actions, expressed appreciation for the letter, and mentioned having seen Li Guanyi's views on the Western Regions, but did not know how he felt about the world.
Li Guanyi glanced at the flowing characters on the letter, then raised his head to look at Changsun Wuchou.
He looked again at the text on the letter, noticing that when the world was mentioned, it was as if it was referring to the jade stones on the table.
Changsun Wuchou smiled and asked, "What's wrong?"
Li Guanyi carefully considered his words and said, "The ambition is quite grand; to discuss these matters in the first meeting..."
Changsun Wuchou replied, "That's because the second son truly believes you have talent, Guanyi."
"I am a merchant, just like having a rare commodity, naturally, I must pay a high price to buy it."
"If convenient, you can give a reply. If you are unwilling to discuss these matters, you can also politely decline."
The second son of the Duke of the Ying Kingdom.
He was an absolute noble in the Ying Kingdom, which currently occupied the Central Plains and vast territories, making it the most prosperous nation in the world. After Li Guanyi and his aunt left the Chen Kingdom, they would also go to the Ying Kingdom and befriend the top nobles there, which was not a bad thing.
Rather, Li Guanyi hoped to live a better life in the future.
For someone of this age and demeanor, how should he respond?
He could reply to the other party without leaving any incriminating evidence.
Li Guanyi ground the ink, and after a while, he had an idea. He picked up the brush and wrote a line of text on the white paper. Changsun Wuchou, watching from the independent compartment, saw the young man write with a steady hand, calm and unhurried.
"[The great trend of the world, what has been united must eventually be divided, and what has been divided must eventually unite]."
Li Guanyi set down the brush.
He folded the letter and handed it to Changsun Wuchou, saying no more.
Changsun Wuchou's eyes twitched, and he sighed inwardly.
He knew that with the Second Miss's demeanor, the weight of these twelve characters was heavier than a hundred exquisite poems, and would attract her attention even more.
Have all the heroes of the world become so young?
Sure enough, the Golden Feather Flying Eagle returned the next day.
The returning eagle was larger than ordinary eagles, with full wings and golden feathers marked with red streaks. This was the most outstanding among eagles, or rather, it was no longer an ordinary eagle but a golden-winged Peng bird.
A rare beast capable of soaring thousands of miles in a day, its claws as strong as gold and iron, able to crush the skulls of horses as if they were tofu. It could circle over the desert, snatch armored warriors, and then throw them off cliffs to their deaths. The Turkic king demanded ten thousand taels of gold and a hundred thousand cattle and sheep, but could not get it back.
Using a golden-winged Peng bird to deliver messages was excessively extravagant, also representing how much the Second Miss valued this.
Changsun Wuchou sighed.
He felt like he had become the middleman for both of them, and this talented merchant had to shamelessly linger in the Xue family without leaving. After giving the letter to Li Guanyi, the letter inside began to discuss specific matters with him.
It did not involve any disputes but rather discussed historical heroes and battle formations.
Li Guanyi raised his eyebrows.
Why was he still studying after leaving General Xue?
However, the insights of that young man from thousands of miles away were also extremely sharp, carrying a certain edge that astonished Li Guanyi. The teachings imparted by General Xue became increasingly clear to him through this exchange, even leading to his own understanding.
Another day, a letter arrived. Li Guanyi set down his war spear and read the contents of the letter.
"The Chen Kingdom's military strength is repressed, encircling Yue Qianfeng. The Tuyuhun are moving southward to invade the flat plains of the Chen Kingdom, extending the battle lines. The Tanguts and Tuyuhun have a blood feud; according to your plan, what should be done now?"
Changsun Wuchou's pupils constricted as he looked at the letter.
This exchange was no longer a fictional situation.
This was the current state of the Western Regions!
In the peaceful and calm Guan Yi City, a thousand miles away, the Tuyuhun were sharpening their blades and preparing to march south, aiming to invade the flat interior plains of the Chen Kingdom and turn its granaries into their pastures. The blood feud of the Tanguts was fierce and nearly uncontrollable.
The famous figures of the Ying Kingdom were balancing the Turkic forces.
Yet the seven kings of the Turkic had suddenly left the center of the grasslands, their whereabouts unknown.
The Central Plains were filled with song and dance, while the Western Regions concealed the sharpness of swords and blades.
In another letter given to Changsun Wuchou, the second son had already written his own strategy, divided into upper and middle strategies, asking Changsun Wuchou to see what Li Guanyi would write. Changsun Wuchou looked at Li Guanyi, noticing that he was calm this time, then turned to him and said:
"Is the Western Regions in such chaos now?"
Changsun Wuchou was startled.
Did he see through it?!
He worried that the young man before him was from the Chen Kingdom, loyal to the emperor of the Chen Kingdom, and would angrily throw down his brush.
But he saw Li Guanyi pick up the brush and write.
"With this opportunity, one must not remain inactive. As before, when the Tuyuhun mobilize, and the Chen Kingdom and Tanguts are held back, the strategy of breaking through with elite forces from the middle is ultimately insufficient. If it were me..."
He paused and said, "If it were me now, I would consider that the enemy also has famous generals."
"They will prevent their supply lines and troops from being cut off in the middle."
"There will be generals leading troops to protect the formation."
"Instead, I would feign an attack on the enemy openly, harass their guards, while secretly having a general lead eight hundred light cavalry, not attacking the enemy army, but taking a small road straight into the Tuyuhun's royal tent. Their hearts are set on invading the south, and they are wary of their own troops being disrupted. If they have ambition, why not directly seize the royal tent!"
Changsun Wuchou's tense heart relaxed.
This was the upper strategy of his own second son, dangerous yet full of heroic spirit like hers.
Then he saw Li Guanyi not stop but continue writing, and what he wrote was different from the fourteen-year-old second son at this moment.
"And then eliminate their kings and nobles, without plundering their land."
"Take all their cattle, horses, military provisions, gold, silver, ironware, and people back."
"Claim defeat to the outside."
"Without obtaining their land, do not seek great fame."
"Accumulate provisions widely, delay claiming fame, as the great trend of the world has decayed to this point, quietly waiting for change. This is my strategy..."
Li Guanyi halted his brush, set it down, and pointed to the previous strategy, saying:
"This last sentence is my upper strategy."
Changsun Wuchou was stunned, staring intently at the record of accumulating provisions widely, delaying claiming fame, and quietly waiting for change, as if he saw the winds of the world rising and falling, cold sweat dripping from his forehead. He then raised his head to look at this thirteen-year-old boy, as if he saw a terrifying military strategist's shadow behind him.
His gaze was cold, seeing through the great trend of the world.
That was not merely a strategist for military affairs, but a planner for national strategy!
Had he ever seen such a strategy?
No, this world had never seen such a history of battle formations; that was... himself?
Changsun Wuchou held the letter in both hands, as if lifting something heavy, saying:
"Thank you, I will take your teachings to heart."
Li Guanyi exhaled. His past knowledge allowed him to have a natural strategic vision in certain special situations. Under the sunlight, there was nothing new; however, such words, leaving the Chen Kingdom, might also provide assistance.
At this moment, the young man only wanted to create a good relationship for himself and his aunt.
That night, the golden-winged Peng bird flapped its wings and left, while in the sky.
As Li Guanyi practiced with the war spear at night, he suddenly felt a change in aura. He looked up and saw the White Tiger Seven Stars shining brighter than before. His White Tiger法相 suddenly appeared, gazing up at the tranquil sky.
It seemed that some indescribable existence descended from the night sky, absorbed by the White Tiger.
"Hmm? Who?!"
Li Guanyi suddenly sensed an aura, his gaze sharp as he turned, gripping the war spear and looking towards—
The corner of the wall.
A head popped out from the wall.
The old man of Destiny?
No!
Li Guanyi's eyes widened as he saw a head popping up from the high wall like a sprouting radish, wearing a hood, with silver hair slightly raised at the temples, tilting its head.
It answered Li Guanyi's question:
"Me."
(End of Chapter)