Guo Luming shook his head with a smile, "It’s not exactly moved, but I do think Zhao Ya is indeed a talent worth nurturing. If such talent is buried, it would be a great loss for our Azure Dragon Temple."
Guan Xuejiang couldn’t help but sigh upon hearing this, "Indeed, such talent should not be buried."
"How is the progress on your external sect’s rebuilding efforts?" Guo Luming asked.
"There’s some headway. I’m planning to formally begin preparations after the New Year," Guan Xuejiang replied.
"So soon?" Guo Luming was a bit surprised.
"There’s no choice, time waits for no one. The matter with Xia Jiye woke me up; if we don’t speed up, these parasites will eventually ruin Azure Dragon Temple’s future."
"Therefore, I will not hesitate this time. At worst, I’ll resort to killing a few to make those lawless people remember to have some respect."
As he finished speaking, the usually benevolent Guan Xuejiang rarely showed a trace of killing intent.
Guo Luming sighed.
If possible, he really didn’t want to see any more bloodshed within Azure Dragon Temple.
Because the bloodshed from that split battle back in the day was already enough.
But he also understood Guan Xuejiang’s difficulties, knowing how hard it was for him to hold the position of Grand Elder.
Despite being just Instructor Elders, Xia Jiye and others had contributed significantly during the split battle back then.
Though later, they became arrogant and deteriorated, because of this reason, no one could make a move against them.
Otherwise, it would chill the hearts of contributors and lead to unpredictable variables.
This is why Guan Xuejiang has endured without acting for so many years.
But as things stand now, circumstances have forced Guan Xuejiang to make changes, and so, even if criticized behind his back, he must grit his teeth and do it.
"If someone must act, let it be me. I don’t go out from the Library anyway," Guo Luming said.
Yet Guan Xuejiang shook his head, "No need. It’s not easy to maintain your reputation over these years, especially having not stained your hands with blood during the split battle. There’s no need to tarnish it now."
"As the Grand Elder, I’m meant to be criticized, and carrying another blame means nothing to me."
Guan Xuejiang seemed very relaxed when he said this.
But Guo Luming secretly sighed, knowing well that this matter was not as simple as it sounded.
Even if things were to succeed in the end, with the reputation of killing contributors, Guan Xuejiang’s fate would likely not be much better.
"It’s best to avoid violence if possible. Although their actions are currently inappropriate, they once shed blood for Azure Dragon Temple, so even if action is necessary, keep it controlled and avoid harming the innocent," Guo Luming advised.
"Don’t worry, Elder Brother, I know what I’m doing."
Just then, tiny snowflakes drifted in through the window.
Guo Luming and Guan Xuejiang moved to the window, watching the dancing snowflakes fall outside, falling silent.
"Another year is coming to an end," Guo Luming suddenly sighed.
"Indeed, another year. Hopefully, by this time next year, Azure Dragon Temple will be rid of its积弊 and full of vitality again," Guan Xuejiang said.
As the end of the year neared, even Azure Dragon Temple felt increasingly festive day by day.
The bare trees were adorned with small red lanterns made by the young disciples, creating a festive atmosphere.
Many disciples living nearby wore expressions of excitement, counting down the days.
Because come the end of the year, Azure Dragon Temple would grant a holiday, allowing them to return home to visit their families.
Those living farther away, though unable to return, could still enjoy a rare break and maybe even a trip downhill, so they were excited too.
In contrast, Zhao Ya remained calm, not even having time to savor the increasingly festive atmosphere.
Each day he chose between reading in the Library under Guo Luming’s tutelage or honing his martial arts and cultivation technique in his courtyard, living a straightforward life.
And Zhao Ya didn’t find it tedious but rather enjoyable.
Thanks to Guo Luming’s careful guidance, Zhao Ya felt his martial arts improving each day.
This feeling was truly intoxicating.
This state continued until the twenty-third day of the last lunar month, a day for worshipping the kitchen god. The canteen was busy with cleaning and rituals, so no breakfast was served.
Zhao Ya simply had a piece of dried meat and went to the Library.
At the time, Guo Luming was busy counting books, as the Library also needed an inventory check at year-end, making Guo Luming busy.
Zhao Ya did not disturb him, instead heading to the second floor and resuming the Leg Skills secret manual he hadn’t finished yesterday.
Currently, Zhao Ya’s Fist Technique had reached a high level, making Leg Skills his weakest point.
At the same time, it was time to enhance his Body Technique.
And the two were closely connected, both indispensable.
One cannot be a master of Lightweight Skill with poor Leg Skills.
Thus, Zhao Ya decided to start with his weakest Leg Technique. Once it improved, his Lightweight Skill would also progress significantly, possibly even breaking through again.
But while he was immersed in the book, the guard in charge of registration on the second floor approached him.
"Zhao Ya, your sect contributions are about to run out. In half an hour, you’ll exceed your limit. Be prepared and don’t make me remind you later."