The room fell silent, and after a long pause, Guo Luming let out a sigh.
"The world is vast and full of wonders. Even though we have reached a considerable level in the Martial Dao, it’s impossible to grasp all its mysteries. Perhaps within the mist of the Wuyang Sea, there may be some hidden, unknown places."
Guan Xuejiang smiled wryly and said, "I thought the same, so as soon as I returned from the Wuyang Sea, I hurried back to share this news with you."
"Why tell me?"
"Senior brother, your strength far surpasses mine, as does your knowledge, so I wanted to ask if you know any secrets about this."
Guo Luming frowned and pondered for a moment, then shook his head.
"Based on the records I’ve read, there are indeed no mentions of the Wuyang Sea. However, our Library holds an ocean of records, and I’ve merely skimmed through a small fraction, so whether there are any relevant records among the rest, I cannot say."
Guan Xuejiang nodded, "There’s no rush on this matter; we can slowly search for clues later. Did you see the two children Jianji brought back?"
"Yes, I saw them. They were at the Library yesterday."
"Oh? What did you think?"
"The young master from the Gui Family of Ink Sea City has average talent; I suspect he reached the Fifth Realm by relying on resources. However, that Zhao Ya is rather interesting."
"Oh? How so?" Guan Xuejiang asked with interest.
He knew that his senior brother had very high standards, and it was rare for any disciple to catch his eye.
Being described as ’interesting’ was already a high compliment.
"After coming to the Library yesterday, he spent an entire day and night studying the Boxing Manual, seemingly oblivious even to his companion’s departure."
"I became interested and tested him a bit, finding that his skills were quite impressive, particularly the Great Vajra Fist. Though he learned it through unconventional means, he has practiced it to a decent level."
"However, since he is also practicing another fist technique, the conflicting doctrines have prevented him from breaking the realm, so I gave him a boxing manual to help reconcile the conflicting techniques."
Guan Xuejiang was somewhat surprised to hear this.
He never expected his senior brother, Guo Luming, to value Zhao Ya so highly.
Not only did he test him, but he also personally advised him, which was a significant honor for a disciple of the Azure Dragon Temple.
"I had someone look into it. The person who taught Zhao Ya the Great Vajra Fist is named Lu Dingtai, who was indeed an Outer Disciple of the Azure Dragon Temple more than twenty years ago," Guan Xuejiang said.
Though only a few encouraging words were exchanged in the main hall today, in reality, the Azure Dragon Temple had already thoroughly investigated Zhao Ya in private.
"Lu Dingtai?"
"Why, do you know this person?" Guan Xuejiang asked.
Guo Luming pondered for a moment and shook his head, "I seem to have a vague impression, but I can’t recall exactly who he is."
Guan Xuejiang didn’t mind.
Having guarded the Library for forty to fifty years, Guo Luming had seen many disciples, including those of incredible talent.
Compared to them, Lu Dingtai was merely an Outer Disciple back then; it was already impressive that Guo Luming had any recollection at all.
"It seems that the Azure Dragon Temple’s strategy of widely recruiting Outer Disciples to expand its influence was the right move. Otherwise, how could we have attracted such outstanding talent?" Guan Xuejiang sighed.
Guo Luming didn’t reply because he knew Guan Xuejiang definitely meant more than he was saying.
Sure enough, Guan Xuejiang continued, "Senior brother, during my recent travels down the mountain, I was deeply moved. I saw all major sects striving for progress and vitality. In contrast, our Azure Dragon Temple, since the rebellion and division, has become closed off and lifeless."
"Your observation is indeed accurate," Guo Luming nodded in agreement.
Although he stayed in the Library and seemed indifferent to worldly affairs, he was well aware of the changes outside.
Over these years, the Azure Dragon Temple had indeed become much more isolated.
"Therefore, I want to make some changes, to prevent the Azure Dragon Temple, which has been passed down for over a thousand years, from collapsing in my hands," Guan Xuejiang said seriously.
"Very well, I support you." Guo Luming immediately expressed his approval.
"But how do you intend to proceed?"
"The first step is to expand and restore the Outer Disciple system of the past. Before I returned, I secretly visited the outer sect and found it neglected, in name only, with even some ill-intentioned people mingling in, tarnishing the reputation of our Azure Dragon Temple," Guan Xuejiang said.
"So the first task is to rebuild the outer sect system, followed by eliminating the accumulated problems!"
Guo Luming nodded at the mention of rebuilding the outer sect, but when Guan Xuejiang talked about eliminating the accumulated issues, a flicker of surprise crossed his face.
"You must think carefully about eliminating the accumulated issues. The division back then was largely due to this, and with over twenty years of development, numerous interests are now involved; it won’t be easy if you decide to intervene."
Guan Xuejiang chuckled softly, "Of course I know it’s difficult, but does that mean we shouldn’t do it? Senior brother, you and I both grew up in the Azure Dragon Temple, witnessing its century-old glory. Seeing our once-illustrious sect fall into this state, don’t you feel saddened?"
Guo Luming was silent.
Because what Guan Xuejiang said was indeed the truth. Though he secluded himself in the Library, indifferent to external affairs, he couldn’t help but feel troubled by the declining situation.
"Our mentors and senior uncles are either gone or indifferent to worldly matters, leaving only us to bear the burden. That’s why I always wanted to do something to repay the sect for nurturing me all these years," Guan Xuejiang said.
"Alright, I support you. If there’s anything you need me to do, just say the word," Guo Luming said seriously.
Guan Xuejiang smiled, "That’s not necessary. After all, senior brother, you now stand as the stabilizing force for Azure Dragon Temple. With you here, those rebels and petty folks wouldn’t dare to act rashly."
"Moreover, clearing out lingering issues doesn’t necessarily mean heads must roll. Every person is valuable to Azure Dragon Temple right now, so let’s try to minimize the bloodshed."
Guan Xuejiang left.
Before leaving, he didn’t forget to take away the jar of wine brewed by Guo Luming, justifying it by saying he needed to make good plans for the sect, and that such hard work deserved some reward.
Guo Luming was left both amused and exasperated, and simply let him go.
After he left, Guo Luming went downstairs and saw Zhao Ya, who was browsing through some materials.
Upon seeing Guo Luming, Zhao Ya quickly walked over.
"Elder Guo, the Little Arhat Fist manual you gave me, I went back and practiced a few times, and I feel I’ve made some progress. However, there are a few parts I don’t quite understand, so I’d like to ask you about them."
"Oh? You practiced it so quickly? You should be careful not to aim too high or bite off more than you can chew," Guo Luming replied with some surprise.
Because he had only given the boxing manual to him yesterday, and now he was saying he had somewhat gotten the hang of it. Even with a foundation in the Great Vajra Fist, this was quite fast.
"I understand, but there are indeed a few issues I’m not clear about, so I wanted to ask you."
"Alright, go ahead and ask."
So Zhao Ya explained the issues he encountered while practicing the Little Arhat Fist.
The more Guo Luming listened, the more surprised he became.
Because these problems were ones that typically only came up after reaching a certain level of proficiency.
Which meant that in just one day, he had already brought his fist technique to an entry level. Such talent was truly formidable.
"The issues you’ve mentioned might not even be considered by those in the Fifth Realm. You are indeed exceptional," Guo Luming remarked.
Then, he proceeded to answer all of Zhao Ya’s questions.
Upon hearing the explanations, Zhao Ya had a moment of epiphany and instantly felt he had gained a deeper understanding of the principles behind Little Arhat Fist and even the Great Vajra Fist.
[Little Arhat Fist Proficiency +1223]
As this prompt appeared, Zhao Ya was somewhat startled.
It was the first time his proficiency had increased to over a thousand.
But then Zhao Ya felt at ease.
Firstly, Little Arhat Fist was a simplified version of the Great Vajra Fist, making it easier for him to pick up.
Secondly, the one explaining it to him was the creator of the fist technique, whose realm greatly surpassed his own.
With these factors combined, gaining over a thousand proficiency from one session wasn’t unusual.
"Thank you, Elder Guo, I understand everything now," Zhao Ya expressed his gratitude earnestly.
"Good, understood. Tomorrow is the day for transferring techniques, isn’t it?"
"Yes."
"Currently, the elder in charge of the Transmission Hall is Xia Jiye. His skills are decent, but he’s a bit lacking in patience. Generally, he’ll just transmit the cultivation technique and leave it at that, not bothering to answer further questions," Guo Luming explained.
Zhao Ya listened with a wry smile.
In sects or Martial Arts Halls, this kind of dismissive attitude is actually quite normal.
There aren’t many masters who would burn the midnight oil trying to teach their disciples meticulously.
In that sense, Zhao Ya was somewhat lucky.
The first master he met, Meng Lei, was responsible and caring.
Later, when he went to Yunxiao County, Lu Dingtai treated Zhao Ya like his own as well.
But for most martial artists, that wasn’t the case.
Unless it’s a parent-child relationship, there is often more suspicion and caution between master and disciple.
After joining a large sect like Azure Dragon Temple, suspicion and caution decreased, but complacency and perfunctoriness became more common.
After all, once you’ve mastered your skills, it doesn’t have much to do with the Instructor Elder, so naturally, no one wants to go through the trouble of helping you grow.’
"But lately, I’ve been quite free, so if you have any questions, you can come ask me," Guo Luming said.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Ya felt a slight tremor in his heart, and when he looked up to see Guo Luming’s smiling eyes, he was even more taken aback.
This Elder Guo first guided him in his fist technique, then gifted him a boxing manual, and now even offered to answer any future questions.
All this when none of it was his responsibility.
Towards this, Zhao Ya felt deeply grateful.