Guan Xuejiang spoke from his heart.
In recent years, the comfortable lifestyle has caused many elders to become complacent, content only to guard their little territories and live a leisurely life, entirely ignoring the fact that the foundation of the Azure Dragon Temple has long been crumbling under such erosion.
As the Grand Elder, Guan Xuejiang was agonized by this phenomenon, yet he did not know how to tackle it.
Although in terms of martial power, aside from the retired elders, he and his junior brothers together could sweep through the entire Azure Dragon Temple.
But the problem is if you really did that, the Azure Dragon Temple would be left in name only.
There’s no way such a large sect would have only the two of them left as elders.
Moreover, if pushed to the limit, these elders are capable of anything; if a rebellion were to occur, or worse yet, they colluded with the ever-watchful North Canglong, the situation would be even more dire.
For this reason, Guan Xuejiang racked his brains, yet he still did not know what to do.
Until today, when news came that Zhao Ya and Xia Jiye tore into each other, ultimately forcing Xia Jiye to apologize publicly, Guan Xuejiang’s eyes lit up, feeling he finally had some clues.
This was the real reason for his excitement.
Guo Luming understood this very well, and asked with a frown, "So you want to use Zhao Ya to break the deadlock?"
"That’s right."
"Regardless of Zhao Ya’s talent, just the fact that this kid dared to confront Xia Jiye head-on, first deliberately showing weakness and then forcing him to apologize publicly, shows he is definitely someone worth cultivating." Guan Xuejiang said.
"But don’t you think doing this is unfair to Zhao Ya? After all, he’s just a Martial Artist in the Fifth Realm, not even having opened his meridians, yet you’re dragging him into the disputes among us elders," Guo Luming said.
"I understand what you mean, but I’m not planning to use Zhao Ya as a pawn. On the contrary, during this period, I will provide him with the greatest resources, like letting you teach him personally."
Guo Luming chuckled in exasperation, "You provide resources, and I end up teaching him?"
"Heh, isn’t that fine? Don’t say you’re unwilling; I see you also appreciate this child, don’t you?"
Guo Luming didn’t say much, "Teaching him is fine, but what do you plan to do next?"
"The internal structure of the sect has become entrenched, so I plan to start from the outside. I haven’t been idle recently; I have been planning the reconstruction of the Outer Sect. The preparations are almost complete, and in a short time, it will be rebuilt, at which point we can start recruiting Outer Disciples."
Guo Luming nodded, "Alright, you did well in this regard."
"There is no choice; only by introducing enough fresh blood can we dismantle the solidified interest groups." Guan Xuejiang said with a sigh and then stood up.
"Alright, I should be on my way."
"Not staying for another drink?" Guo Luming asked.
"No, I won’t drink. There are still many things to take care of."
As he spoke, Guan Xuejiang opened the window and disappeared in a flash.
Guo Luming watched the direction of his departure, feeling a mix of emotions.
In fact, Guan Xuejiang did not drink at all before, but ever since he became the Grand Elder, he has become increasingly fond of drinking.
Guo Luming knew that Guan Xuejiang wasn’t keen on drinking itself, but rather the state of complete relaxation and unguardedness when drinking with him.
After all, outside, he is the Azure Dragon Temple’s Grand Elder, a position that, while honorable, brings with it immense pressure.
Thinking of this, Guo Luming couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty, feeling that while he was finding quiet in the Library, his junior brother was out there busily running about; it seemed he wasn’t acting rightly.
Oh well.
He thought he should see if he could provide more help to his junior brother in this matter.
With this thought, Guo Luming went downstairs, and when he reached the second floor, he immediately saw Zhao Ya immersed in the ocean of martial arts.
Guo Luming didn’t disturb him.
After all, the second floor is different from the first; time spent here is bought with Sect Contribution, and any interruption is a waste.
He found a spot to sit and drink tea.
Just like that, a whole day passed, until it was late at night, and only then did Zhao Ya wake up abruptly.
"Finished reading?" a voice came from behind him.
Zhao Ya put the Secret Manual back on the shelf and turned around to see Guo Luming smiling at him.
"Yes, I’ve finished."
"So, have you gained anything?"
"I have gained a lot, but also have many questions," Zhao Ya answered honestly.
"Oh?" Guo Luming raised an eyebrow.
"Since I’m free today, come, let’s go down to the first floor, and let me hear about your gains and questions."
Zhao Ya followed Guo Luming to the first floor, and after settling his Sect Contribution, he only had 190 points left.
But the actual available points were only 90, because once it dropped below a hundred, he wouldn’t be eligible to go to the second floor.
Zhao Ya once again realized the value of Sect Contribution.
At this late hour, there weren’t many people on the first floor.
Guo Luming found a quiet corner, listened to Zhao Ya sharing his gains, and then said.
"Hmm, I can see you’ve indeed put your heart into it, so what are your questions?"
Zhao Ya didn’t hold back, sharing the perplexities he encountered while browsing through the boxing manuals.
Guo Luming addressed each query.
It must be said that with Guo Luming’s mastery in the art of fist techniques, calling it visionary is not an exaggeration.
Thus, questions that seemed puzzling to Zhao Ya were often resolved by him in just a few words.
Half an hour later, after hearing the answer to his final question, Zhao Ya felt an unprecedented clarity, and the sensation of having all his doubts resolved was truly delightful.
He sincerely bowed to Guo Luming.
"Disciple, many thanks for Elder Guo’s teachings."
"Hahaha, I was just idle, and it so happens you have quite the talent, so I gave you a few pointers, no need for this formality."
Zhao Ya didn’t say anything further, but nodded and left.
Watching his retreating figure, Guo Luming stroked his chin, for the first time considering taking him as a disciple.
No choice.
The talent Zhao Ya has displayed is indeed astonishing.
Not to mention, the questions he asked earlier are not ones that any ordinary Martial Artist could come up with.
Only someone with a deep understanding of the principles of the fist could think of them.
No wonder Guan Xuejiang chose him.
Zhao Ya was unaware of this, as he hurried towards his residence.
Because today’s gains, coupled with Guo Luming’s guidance, gave him many new ideas, Zhao Ya couldn’t wait to test them out.
Soon, after returning to his small courtyard, Zhao Ya closed the courtyard gate and then took out an eighth-level jerky he had taken from Hei Yunzi, cautiously placing it in his mouth.
The surging Qi Blood continuously absorbed into his body, and Zhao Ya then began his training.
Starting with the most familiar Five Tiger Fist, then the Great Vajra Fist, and finally the Little Arhat Fist taught by Guo Luming.
Zhao Ya’s execution of the fist techniques wasn’t quick, allowing each move to be seen clearly.
Moreover, his punches didn’t produce much sound, nor much wind.
But the more it went on, the more serious Zhao Ya’s expression became.
Gradually, Zhao Ya’s fist techniques became more graceful, and the three previously different sets of fist techniques began showing signs of fusing together.
In his heart, Zhao Ya felt neither joy nor sorrow, practicing slowly according to his insights.
Suddenly.
Zhao Ya felt a tremendous shock in his mind, and then felt an unprecedented clarity.
The sensation was just like driving through a pitch-dark tunnel and suddenly emerging out into the light.
A series of prompts appeared before him.
[Five Tiger Fist Proficiency increased by 18%]
[Great Vajra Fist Proficiency increased by 19%]
[Little Arhat Fist Proficiency increased by 88%]
[Fist Techniques beginning to fuse...]
[Fist Techniques fused successfully, obtained the Immovable Ming King Fist]