Yan Hao glanced indifferently: "You are too greedy, it might be difficult for you to truly achieve mastery in the Broken Demon Spear. You may end up practicing yourself into foolishness; you better leave."
Li Xian said: "I dare to make a wager with you, senior. If I can truly achieve mastery in the Broken Demon Spear, I hope you can give me the chance to learn the Five Elements Strange Dodges."
Yan Hao replied impatiently: "Practice the Broken Demon Spear to mastery within a month, then we will speak about it. You really donât know your limits. Many elders have acquired the Residual Demon Map, scrutinized it day and night for the essential points, yet failed to even reach the beginner level, ending in foolishness. And you dare speak of achieving mastery in the Broken Demon Spear?"
"If you truly achieve mastery, then todayâs words are neither humble nor arrogant, displaying exceptional talent. People like you wouldnât be undeserving of learning the Five Elements Strange Dodges. But if you donât achieve mastery and fail to even become a beginner, resulting in foolishness, you are truly delusional, becoming a laughingstock, and dare to touch my Five Elements Strange Dodgesâyouâre utterly ridiculous."
Li Xian was not at all angry, he laughed and said: "Very well... Then I shall take this wager as established. I bid farewell." Yan Hao flicked his sleeves and departed, unwilling to speak further.
After Li Xian went far, Shi Yufei walked out from beside him, followed by a woman. She had a slender figure, wearing a conical hat with a veil hanging like light silk water, completely covering her form. Her visage was unclear, but Shi Yufei was very respectful, keeping half a step behind her.
Yan Hao bowed to the woman and then said to Shi Yufei: "Chief Shi, you misjudged this time. This kid did show promise before; he maintained calmness in danger. But as the saying goes, a horseâs strength is known only after a long journey, and a personâs character is revealed only after prolonged contact. You heard the words just now."
Shi Yufei looked at the woman beside him and asked: "Miss Chu... what do you think?"
The womanâs surname was âChuâ, named Liu Qing, and she had no connection to the Flower Cage Sect but a deep affiliation with the Candle Sect. She arrived at the Water Altar a few days ago, meeting Shi Yufei to quietly cultivate on the island for a month. Shi Yufei respectfully agreed to arrange a fine residence for her, untouched by anyone.
During casual conversations, Shi Yufei spoke of Li Xian. Chu Liuqing was not particularly interested, but since she was borrowing another place, she agreed to take a look and promised to slightly recommend her if indeed suitable and deeply connected with the Candle Sect.
Upon hearing this, she shook her head gently and said lightly: "In my view, it is unnecessary to expend effort on this person. I can see he comes from a poor background, hence he strives upward. This type of person has commonality; due to impoverished childhood, their vision is very narrow, not knowing the height of the heavens and the depth of the earth. Even if they have ambition in youth, itâs due to ignorance. Once they luckily climb higher, their spirit inevitably diminishes."
"Todayâs event is a living example. Had it been a disciple from a noble family, they would not dare to speak recklessly. It is precisely because he doesnât know his depths, playing in a shallow pond, he may make waves for a time, but when entering larger arenas, facing true geniuses and heroes, his spirit will be deflated, failing to rise again."
"The higher he climbs, the more his limitations become apparent."
"The Candle Sectâs downfall was due to too many such people, and if one doesnât wish to repeat the mistakes, adaptations are necessary."
Shi Yufei said: "Alas, this boy indeed disappoints me. Initially, I observed his demeanor in life-threatening danger; it was quite dignified, and his strength was decent. Looking at it this way, I need to reconsider."
Chu Qingqiu glanced indifferently, utterly unconcerned, saying: "No need to reconsider."
...
Li Xian hid the Residual Demon Map safely and rowed away from the Inner Island. At this time, the sky was dark, filled with eerie Yin Qi, causing discomfort. Li Xian looked up at the moon, which was obscured by clouds and mist, revealing nothing.
He thought of Nangong Liuli and didnât expect it would take so long to acquire martial arts. His stomach growled in hunger; he reckoned Nangong Liuli must feel the same. Passing a roadside pond, he picked up four stones and threw them into the water. With a few "popping" sounds, splashes rose, and four pound-sized grass carps were stunned, belly-up, floating to the surface.
Li Xian struck the fish across the air, the palm force pushing them to the shore. He threaded through the fishâs mouths with the Golden Leopard Tendon, carrying them back home. He walked quickly, his pace swift, and soon saw Peach Blossom Town. Peach Blossom Town imposed no curfew; the island was isolated from the world, criminals had no route to escape, hence peaceful and harmonious, with little thievery.
Yet, tonight there were no signs of people on the road. Li Xian found it odd, but he didnât ponder much, heading to Cyan Ox Street. The more he walked, the stranger it felt; the road seemed familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. After half an incense stickâs time, he hadnât reached his residence.
He felt an oddness, his guard up. Knowing this was unlike usual times, he activated his lightweight skill to accelerate through the maze of lanes, turning about aimlessly. Peach Blossom Town wasnât big, but its many streets tangled him in confusion.
Li Xian furrowed his brows, thinking: "Small spirits dare to blind me?"
The Heavy Pupils manifested.