noveltune 031 The Concubine's Son and His Brother-in-Law
031 The Concubine's Son and His Brother-in-Law
Li Yu put away the scroll titled "Guo Ju's Pit," and after Wang Zhang calmed down a bit, he handed him another scroll.
The scroll was casually slapped by Wang Zhang, but there was no reaction.
After examining the item for a moment with a frown, Wang Zhang told Li Yu that it was an item of either the Earth Grade or the Heaven Grade, beyond his ability to appraise with his Profound Grade of Knowledge and Memory.
Li Yu nodded and handed over the [animal hide].
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"Sword Master"
[Rank] Mysterious.
[Attribute] Learning this skill will grant you the "Humble Beggar's Sword Technique".
[Description] Bian Zhuangzi wanted to stab a tiger, but the servant boy stopped him, saying, "Two tigers are about to eat a cow; when they eat something sweet, they will surely fight..."
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Wang Zhang was startled; it was actually a sword technique.
In this world, spear techniques, swordsmanship, and immortal arts all have their own names. Some are called "Exorcising Ghost Techniques," some are called "Donkey-Headed Prince Techniques," and others are called "Palace Pavilion Fish-Gathering Techniques" or "Mishan Jade-Eating Scripture."
Each has its own unique charm, making them difficult to compare.
However, there's also a more subtle saying: Among those of the same rank, skill is inferior to technique, technique is inferior to method, and method is inferior to scripture.
The fact that this book, "The Young Master of the Institution," has been given the name "Dharma" speaks volumes about its value.
Wang Zhang even thought that if Li Yu intended to sell the "Thrusting Sword Technique," his unfilial son Wang Bin would sell himself to raise the money.
The story of Bian Zhuangzi and Guan Shuzi comes from the "Biography of Zhang Yi" in the Records of the Grand Historian.
The protagonist is not Zhang Yi, but Chen Zhen, the one who "spoke of 'drawing legs on a snake' and persuaded Zhao Yang to leave."
A renowned strategist and advisor during the Warring States period.
When Chen Zhen was sent as an envoy to Qin, King Huiwen of Qin consulted him on governance.
It is said that the states of Han and Wei have been at war for a year without ceasing. King Huiwen of Qin wanted to mediate and persuade them to make peace, but his ministers had differing opinions. He asked Chen Zhen for advice.
Chen Zhen did not answer, but first told a story—
Bian Zhuangzi wanted to assassinate a tiger, but his servants stopped him. One servant said, "When two tigers eat a cow, they'll start fighting over it. And if they fight, the larger one will be injured, and the smaller one will die. If you then take advantage of the situation to kill the tigers, you'll gain fame for killing two tigers in one fell swoop." Bian Zhuangzi agreed and indeed killed both tigers.
Chen Zhen advised King Huiwen of Qin to observe the struggle between the snipe and the clam and then reap the benefits of the fisherman's life.
The "Scholar's Sword Technique" adopts the offensive concept of "sitting on the mountain and watching the tigers fight," and summarizes a set of sword techniques that take advantage of the situation and strike after the opponent has made a move.
Although it was ranked in the [Mysterious Grade] and did not meet Li Yu's standards, it was still a treasure.
Moreover, this method has other opportunities.
If planned properly, it could lead to more involvement with the legendary "True Lord Tianpeng". At that time, this "Thrusting Sword Technique" might even be able to enter the [Earth Grade] category.
If it weren't for the insights gained in the dream and Li Yu's other plans, he really... well, wouldn't have practiced this method.
"Zai Sheng, here you go." Li Yu tossed the "Humble Beggars' Sword Technique" to Xiong Ba.
Caught off guard, Xiong Ba hurriedly stretched out his hands to catch it. The animal skin swayed left and right before landing in his arms, and he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"This treasure... is given to me?" Xiong Ba couldn't believe it.
My lord, you don't even have a decent weapon, let alone swordsmanship. Now that you've obtained this treasure, you're giving it to him first?
Li Yu nodded.
In both dreams, Xiong Ba remained utterly loyal and devoted to the cause. Granting him a [Mysterious Grade] wouldn't be excessive.
Moreover, sword techniques like the "Humble Beggar's Swordplay" don't add attributes or increase martial prowess. What they enhance are the means of attack. In contrast, Li Yu's spear technique has reached the "Saintly" level, and his sword, shield, and bow techniques have all reached the "Great Perfection" level, so he has no shortage of offensive means. Naturally, he would look down on it even more.
Xiong Ba's gratitude was palpable. Although he couldn't express it due to Wang Zhang's presence, nor could he address him as "Lord," he still knelt on the ground and performed a deep bow.
After the ceremony, Xiong Ba returned the animal skin with both hands, respectfully saying, "Ba... I am ashamed to accept this. Brother Yu... please allow me to do my best and make a small contribution before I shamelessly accept this generous gift."
Since entering the [Immortal Abode], Xiong Ba has only done odd jobs and trade. Anyone else could have done better. Moreover, even a hundred or a thousand times more effort wouldn't be worth a [Mysterious Grade] treasure.
Needless to say, he had already received permission from his lord to bring his parents into the [Immortal Paradise].
Given such generosity, Xiong Ba would not dare accept the treasure without making some achievements.
Li Yu offered it again, but Xiong Ba insisted on refusing it.
Wang Zhang stared blankly at this scene.
One must be given!
One is not allowed!
Of the entire Wang family, only his [Mysterious Grade - Learned and Knowledgeable] skill is presentable. As for the others, let alone [Yellow Grade] treasures, even Huang Mao doesn't have any.
Before our eyes, a magnificent [Mysterious Grade] treasure, something countless noble families would fight tooth and nail for, was being tossed around like a brocade handkerchief played with by women and children.
Wang Zhang is exhausted from watching!
Xiong Ba repeatedly declined, but Li Yu insisted on seeing him off again. Wang Daru couldn't bear to watch any longer and turned to Xiong Ba, saying, "Zai Sheng, would you like to come to your house again?"
Xiong Ba nodded and then asked Li Yu whether he was studying at the Wang family's house or going out to level up today.
Li Yu said it was for leveling up.
Wang Zhang and Xiong Ba went to find the Xiong family elders.
With nothing else to do, Li Yu decided to go to his study. Before he even arrived, he saw Little Sparrow hopping around under a large mulberry tree near the entrance to the inner courtyard. She was holding a thin stick and trying to poke it upwards.
Li Yu followed the thin stick and saw that it was a paper kite.
The kite's head was planted in the tree crown, and its silk threads were wrapped around the branches.
Perhaps hearing footsteps, the little sparrow stopped hopping and turned around. Seeing that it was Li Yu, she rushed over, stick in hand.
"My lord, my lord, come quickly and help me get my kite!" The little maid shouted as if she had seen a savior, and her thin stick almost poked Li Yu's face.
Li Yu took the thin stick and was pulled forward quickly by her.
The kite string was tangled and looped among the branches, forming many layers. You couldn't poke it off with this thin stick.
Li Yu threw the stick back, told the maid "Wait," and took a few steps back.
Then, with a running start, he jumped up, took a few steps on the mulberry trunk, and grabbed a thick branch.
With a pull and a push, I stepped onto the tree.
Li Yu turned to the side, looking for a suitable angle to pick up the kite.
As he turned his head, his gaze swept across the inner courtyard and he saw a young girl dressed in a straight-hemmed dress.
Standing tall and graceful, she is beautiful in every way.
Through the gaps in the leaves, the two looked at each other.
The young woman blushed, but was not intimidated. She gave a graceful bow and said, "Greetings, Young Master Li."
Li Yu, perched in the tree, didn't know how to return the greeting, so he simply said, "Hello, Miss Wang."
This was Wang Rong's second time meeting Li Yu, but it was Li Yu's countlessth time seeing her, and she was filled with emotion.
"You lecherous scoundrel! Get down here!"
A sudden, loud shout came from under the tree, ruining this reunion that existed both in and out of a dream.
Li Yu rubbed his temples. Without even looking, he knew that the spoilsport below was none other than his "dream brother-in-law," Wang Bin, who had just been confined to his home by Master Wang.
Li Yu didn't look at him. She slowly straightened the kite string and took it out of the tree canopy. Then she jumped down from the tree and handed the kite to the little maid.
The maidservant bowed her head, took the money, and ran back to the inner quarters in a flash.
Wang Bin glared at Li Yu with an unfriendly expression: "You scoundrel, don't even think about hitting my sister..."
"Shut up," Li Yu interrupted Wang Bin.
Wang Bin had long disliked Li Yu, and when he heard Li Yu tell him to shut up, he became even more enraged and threw a punch, yelling, "You rat! Eat me..."
Before he could finish speaking, Li Yu dodged to the side and tripped him with his right foot.
Wang Bin immediately lost his balance and staggered.
Li Yu stepped forward and kicked him to the ground.
Wang Bin rolled around a few times.
Boom!
It crashed into a tree again.
Meanwhile, inside the inner courtyard...
The maidservant pulled Wang Rong away quickly, shouting, "Young lady, young lady, Master Zijun is going to beat Master Li!"