Gui Xuanqing never expected Zhao Ya to have such an attitude, so he was stunned for a moment before he couldn’t help but speak.
"Senior brother, why don’t you apologize to Elder Xia? If he refuses to accept, then I’ll help you send a gift. In any case, don’t let the relationship become too strained, after all, you still have to remain in the Azure Dragon Temple."
"There’s no need, and it’s not something that can be solved just by apologizing or sending a gift."
Zhao Ya knew well that if he had conceded yesterday, there would have been room for reconciliation, as Xia Jiye was trying to force him to bow down.
But after making him apologize publicly, there was no room for retreat.
However, Zhao Ya did not regret it.
Besides the reason that a great man must know what should and should not be done, more importantly, Zhao Ya wanted to test the attitudes of certain people through this method.
Judging from Guo Luming’s attitude towards him yesterday, this step should be considered a correct gamble.
Although he refused Gui Xuanqing’s suggestion, Zhao Ya was still very grateful for this junior brother’s kindness.
After all, this matter had nothing to do with him, yet he was so concerned, which is a rare form of warmth.
After chatting for a while, Zhao Ya sent Gui Xuanqing off and then headed straight to the Library.
"You said you had an epiphany while practicing boxing last night?" Guo Luming said in surprise.
"Yes, disciple suddenly felt a sense of mastery while practicing last night, as if a new world appeared before my eyes." Zhao Ya said seriously.
"Oh?" Guo Luming raised an eyebrow slightly and said with interest, "Then throw a few punches at me, let me see how much you’ve improved."
"Okay."
Zhao Ya did not hesitate, even though they were now on the first floor of the Library, surrounded by dense shelves of books.
But Zhao Ya knew well how terrifying the strength of Elder Guo, who had guarded the Library for many years, was.
Even though he was only in the Fifth Realm now, even after Meridian Opening, he estimated it would still be hard to challenge him.
So, Zhao Ya took a deep breath, exhaled fiercely, and then launched a punch.
This punch seemed like a fierce lion in pursuit, much like a powerful tiger descending the mountain, carrying immense power, directly attacking Guo Luming.
Guo Luming, who had been half-listening with half-closed eyes, couldn’t help but be slightly startled upon seeing this. He then smiled with interest, "This is interesting."
Saying so, he lightly raised his hand, blocking Zhao Ya’s incoming punch at an almost impossible speed.
Not only that, but even the punch’s accompanying wind was blocked by Guo Luming, so much that the nearby bookshelf didn’t budge an inch.
"Again!" Guo Luming said with a smile, then loosened his hand.
Zhao Ya certainly wouldn’t be polite, immediately throwing punches like rain while constantly moving his body, attacking various parts of Guo Luming’s body.
No matter how fast Zhao Ya’s fists were, how tricky the angles of attack, Guo Luming’s palm seemed like it had foreknowledge, always appearing just right in front of his fists, lightly blocking them.
After a storm-like barrage of attacks, even someone as enduring as Zhao Ya was slightly out of breath.
Guo Luming’s eyes, however, grew brighter, like a glutton seeing a table full of delicious dishes.
Finally, after completing a full set of Immovable Ming King Fist, Zhao Ya stepped back, stopped, cupped his fists, and smiled wryly.
"This is all I have comprehended in the fist techniques. If there’s any inadequacy, I hope Elder Guo will point it out."
Guo Luming didn’t say anything but gave Zhao Ya a deep look before he couldn’t help but sigh heavily.
"A hero indeed emerges in youth; this set of fist techniques, though clearly just beginning with some parts relatively crude, has already reached a high level both in terms of fist principles and other aspects. I certainly couldn’t comprehend it at your age."
"With more refinement, in time, you will surely become a great master of fist techniques."
Such high praise left Zhao Ya a bit overwhelmed. Just as he was about to say something, Guo Luming waved his hand.
"No need to be modest, this is the praise you deserve. After all, your set of fist techniques fuses the Five Tiger Fist, Great Vajra Fist, and the Little Arhat Fist I taught you into one, while also innovating and improving them, sufficiently proving your extraordinary talent."
"What you lack now are some experiences, and compared to the fist techniques, your leg skills have become a notable shortcoming. Once you improve these aspects, your achievements will be limitless."
Regarding Guo Luming’s evaluation, Zhao Ya wholeheartedly accepted.
In fact, he also clearly felt that as his strength grew, his leg skills severely lagged behind.
After all, the Little Five Paths Chasing Soul Leg originally practiced was just a very ordinary cultivation technique, with very limited accomplishments.
"Disciple understands." Zhao Ya said.
"I heard you had some conflict with your Instructor Elder?" Guo Luming suddenly asked, changing the subject.
Zhao Ya felt a stir in his heart, knowing that his gamble finally brought about an opportunity.
He nodded without hiding anything, candidly saying, "Yes."
"Alas, I know Xia Jiye, he indeed can be quite petty." Guo Luming sighed and then said.
"Since your relationship is completely strained, naturally you can’t go to the Martial Arts Hall, but your martial arts skills can’t be neglected. How about this, if you’re free, just come over here; anything I can guide you in, I will teach you without reservation."
Zhao Ya was overjoyed, ready to call out ’Master’ without hesitation.
But unexpectedly, Guo Luming waved his hand, indicating not to do so.
"I just think your talent is remarkable, and it would be a pity to let it be wasted, so I’m just giving you some guidance, not saying to take you as a disciple. In the future, just continue to call me Elder Guo."
"Yes, disciple understands."
Although Guo Luming wouldn’t let him call him Master, Zhao Ya still showed great respect and adopted the disciple’s etiquette.
Guo Luming didn’t interrupt this time, but continued, "Actually, fists and kicks are just applications; the realm of Martial Dao is the root of everything. You’ve been at the temple for a while now, how is your Azure Dragon True Power progressing? Any insights?"
"Replying to Elder Guo, I have some insights."
Zhao Ya didn’t lie. After all, when he discovered a faint trace of Azure Dragon True Power in his dantian, he didn’t ignore it but practiced whenever he had spare time. Although the cultivation speed was not as fast as Star-devouring True Power, it still showed some progress over time.
"Oh? To what extent? Has the True Power Seed been fully nurtured?" Guo Luming asked.
"Not yet." Zhao Ya shook his head.
Although the Star-devouring True Power Seed has been fully nurtured, the Azure Dragon True Power Seed is still far from complete.
"That’s not good. You can’t always indulge in fists and kicks. The cultivation of Azure Dragon True Power must also be prioritized. Come with me."
Saying this, Guo Luming led Zhao Ya up another flight of stairs to the top floor of the Library.
This room was a Quiet Chamber, with mats placed on the floor.
When Guo Luming opened the window, Zhao Ya saw the Cliff Dragon Painting in the distance at a glance.
"This Quiet Chamber was set up by me during my cultivation years, facing directly at the Cliff Dragon Painting, which is beneficial for you to comprehend Azure Dragon True Power."
As he spoke, Guo Luming rummaged through the miscellaneous items on the side, eventually finding a dust-covered booklet, which he casually tossed to Zhao Ya.
"Here, these are some of my insights when practicing Azure Dragon True Power. Take a look, and feel free to ask if you don’t understand something."
"Understood."
Zhao Ya received this Little Booklet with great care.
Then Guo Luming left.
He managed this enormous library and naturally couldn’t stay here all the time.
Zhao Ya didn’t rush to read the booklet but sat quietly on the mat until much later when he chuckled softly.
"Luckily, this step was the right one."
Compared to Xia Jiye, who at most possesses top Meridian Opening Realm strength, Guo Luming, who likely is at the Primordial Sea Realm, is undoubtedly a better choice.
However, reaching this step is extremely difficult as it requires Zhao Ya to have very keen insight.
First, Zhao Ya must understand Guo Luming’s attitude towards Xia Jiye and others.
If he doesn’t find Xia Jiye’s behavior problematic, then anything Zhao Ya does would be futile.
Next is to understand Guo Luming’s temperament. If he is truly indifferent to worldly affairs and unconcerned about the outside world, focusing solely on managing his responsibilities, that wouldn’t work either.
However, from the first meeting, when Guo Luming took the initiative to guide him, it was clear that he has a cold exterior but a warm heart.
Lastly, Zhao Ya vaguely felt that the state of Azure Dragon Temple being in turmoil due to Xia Jiye and his people would not last forever.
Especially Elder Guan Xuejiang, although Zhao Ya only met him once, he felt that Guan Xuejiang is not someone who would willingly be overshadowed.
Not to mention the looming threat of North Canglong.
Although the details of the past split war were deeply hidden and Zhao Ya still doesn’t know the specifics, it’s evident that North Canglong’s influence in the outside world is no weaker than South Canglong.
One must know that South Canglong occupies the main Azure Dragon Temple.
Even so, both sides are only barely evenly matched, which speaks volumes about North Canglong’s strength.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that North Canglong is a pure and innocent entity.
In fact, through these days of understanding, Zhao Ya discovered that most sects in the outside world have a variety of internal issues.
This is not surprising, considering that even a small company with a dozen people can have various open and hidden struggles; let alone a large sect with numerous members.
However, Azure Dragon Temple has too long a history, and the exposed issues are severe.
To rectify, a catalyst is always needed.
So Zhao Ya took the initiative to become that catalyst.
Of course, this move involves risks, as offending Xia Jiye equates to offending all Instructor Elders.
Even though Zhao Ya has strong self-learning abilities, he would still fall into a disadvantage.
But the rewards are proportionate to the risks and are immensely rewarding.
The Little Booklet in his hands alone has proven to be worth all the effort.
Not to mention that Zhao Ya also received Guo Luming’s personal promise to guide him continuously.
Zhao Ya believed that the days of reckless behavior by Xia Jiye’s group wouldn’t last much longer.
Otherwise, with such a big commotion created, if the Grand Elder leaned towards Xia Jiye’s group, he should have made a statement long ago.
The current silence proves everything.
At this moment, Zhao Ya felt like he had successfully conquered a top-level NPC in a game, filled with a sense of accomplishment.
Then Zhao Ya carefully opened the pages and began to read intently.
Meanwhile, in a nearby room, Guan Xuejiang smiled and asked, "Has Senior Brother finally been moved?"