Zhang Jian's gaze swept around, these manor guests were certainly extraordinary, but his eyes mainly fell on three figures.
Previously, he couldn't distinguish the strengths and weaknesses of these manor guests, but now he began to see some subtleties.
The ferocious punch wind and leg strength, which looked equally menacing, seemed to have differences.
Yet, this difference, for Zhang Jian, was like looking at flowers through a fog.
This is how an outsider regards an expert.
"It must be the effect of the Fire Apricot, truly worthy of being an Immortal's item!"
His gaze was peculiar, stirring some of the manor guests, but upon realizing it was Zhang Jian, they didn't mind, relaxed, and continued their morning exercises.
Zhang Jian was not an outsider.
Others would not be allowed to spy.
For these battle-hardened men, rules were rules, maintained with blood, with no room for flexibility, only power could make these rules yield.
A figure silently appeared in front of Zhang Jian.
Clad in black, with a Lotus Crown atop, a grim face, but the gaze upon Zhang Jian was slightly relaxed.
Zhang Jian just turned back, giving a gentle smile.
His eyes bore a hint of amusement.
"Uncle Yi, I see all these masters have extraordinary skills, exuding mighty prowess. I wish to learn a move or two from them, what do you think?"
Hearing Zhang Jian's words, the other manor guests noticeably paused slightly.
Zhang Yi glanced at the crowd, frowning silently.
Zhang Jian was the Wenqu of the Zhang Family, having passed the provincial examination at a young age, destined to follow the orthodox path in the Court. He worried that martial training might distract Zhang Jian, and if it affected the Ministry of Rites examination, it would be a loss.
Besides, he had no authority to comment on this matter!
Zhang Jian noticed Zhang Yi's hesitation at a glance and proactively dispelled his concerns.
"Uncle Yi, you know I barely crawled out of the exam courtyard during this provincial exam, my body too weak. Even if I become a local magistrate in the future, it would be highly inconvenient. I don't aim to match those who train in the military for years, but at least aim for a healthy body, strive for longevity!"
Zhang Jian spoke earnestly.
He had entertained thoughts of martial arts before, but indeed limited by energy, he could only choose the optimal path. Now, after consuming the Fire Apricot, he felt energetic enough to attempt martial training.
Zhang Yi nodded slightly, saying, "So, whose skills do you wish to learn from?"
Zhang Jian replied, "I feel that Uncle Yi seems to have skills too, why not take you as my teacher?"
This was an idea long harbored by Zhang Jian.
Zhang Yi was surprised, looking at Zhang Jian with a curious expression, "Brother Jian, why do you wish to take me as your teacher?"
Zhang Jian didn't hide his thoughts, "Because I noticed these masters seem to fear Uncle Yi!"
These are men who lick blood from the edge of the blade; if the gap wasn't substantial, they wouldn't be afraid. Only when the gap reached a dramatic disparity would they show such expressions.
Another reason is that, in Zhang Jian's eyes, he could 'see through' the essence of other manor guests to some extent, but Zhang Yi always gave him a sense of elusiveness.
A slight smile appeared on Zhang Yi's grim face.
He looked Zhang Jian up and down, then shook his head.
"The threshold for my skills is extremely high, not easily accessible to ordinary people; it requires a special affinity!"
"A special affinity?"
Zhang Jian was a bit stunned; he hadn't heard that martial arts required a special affinity, but Zhang Yi didn't seem to be casually brushing him off.
"Could it be aptitude?"
Zhang Jian, curious, asked, "Uncle Yi, could you explain?"
Zhang Yi stroked his beard with a gentle smile; his previously grim face showed a hint of gentleness as he looked at Zhang Jian, "Brother Jian, have you ever understood the two paths a martial artist must take?"
Zhang Jian nodded, "I've heard, Body Forging and Inner Cultivation!"
"Uncle Yi, do you perhaps practice the method of Inner Cultivation?"
Zhang Jian's gaze shifted, becoming solemn.
Though he was on the path of the imperial examination, destined to become a civil servant, he was not ignorant of martial matters.
He had also carefully explored it.
As a transmigrator, upon discovering the presence of martial arts in his environment, how could he contain his fervent desire?
Yet, after weighing the pros and cons, he still chose to pursue studies and the imperial exams.
This had been Zhang Jian's long-standing regret.
A person's energy is ultimately limited; Zhang Jian knew well where his limit lay, choosing the path of least resistance—studies and exams. Being a small-town scholar, the path of studies was undoubtedly more achievable.
This also promised the greatest value to the entire clan.
Regarding martial arts, in the short term, it could only offer limited personal gains and couldn't bring substantial benefits to the Zhang Family, nor consolidate his position as the eldest son.
In fact, the Zhang Family had martial practitioners, and having recruited so many experts as manor guests spoke volumes.
They didn't lack a battle-hardened man.
Zhang Jian also realized that even if he pursued martial arts, there was no guarantee he would achieve anything notable.
Martial arts was not a path where one easily stood out.
Training hard in winter and summer!
Also requiring esteemed teachers and resources, both of which are scarce.
Zhang Jian had long inquired that martial practitioners distinguish between Body Forging and Inner Cultivation.
The former involves refining the skin, training the muscles and bones, refining the organs, and cleansing the bone marrow.
The latter primarily focuses on cultivating Inner Qi.
He had thoroughly investigated the pros and cons of both.
Body Forging is easy to learn but hard to master, with apparent benefits, lower entry thresholds, and strong practical abilities.
Martial artists focusing on external Body Forging techniques can form fighting capabilities in a shorter time.
While Inner Qi cultivation initially emphasizes nurturing one's internal organs, it's difficult to form explosive power directly.
Yet, reaching a profound state in cultivation could wield unimaginable power.
However, such existences are exceedingly rare.
Furthermore, Inner Qi cultivation differs from external Body Forging, as the former demands higher requirements and more comprehension.
It essentially boils down to logical thinking; many cultivation techniques contain too many terms and traps, which, if practiced carelessly, may harm oneself even before others, easily leading to an untimely death.
Zhang Jian speculated that Zhang Yi was referring to the method of Inner Cultivation.
For only Inner Qi gathering required aptitude.
Zhang Yi gave Zhang Jian a slightly surprised look, his gaze wavering, nodding.
"Inner Cultivation, you could say that!"
"But the affinity I mentioned is more unique than ordinary Inner Cultivation practice, you must consider it well. Just like studies, martial arts too is an entirely new discipline, not generally a simple one. If you ever feel overwhelmed, you can quit anytime!"
Zhang Yi wasn't particularly concerned, assuming Zhang Jian's desire to pursue martial arts was merely a passing fancy.
After all, Zhang Jian was already of an age where starting martial training was late.
"Uncle Yi, I'd like to give it a try!"
There was a glimmer of light in Zhang Jian's eyes, a brightness within them!
Even succeeding in the provincial exams didn't evoke such excitement in him. Success in the exams was owed to familial obligations, whereas martial training and self-empowerment spoke to his deepest desires.
Moreover, knowing of the Immortals' existence, Zhang Jian felt a deep curiosity and yearning for cultivation.
"In that case, follow me!"
Yet, as Zhang Jian entered Zhang Yi's study, he was somewhat stunned.
In Zhang Yi's study, there were innumerable dense diagrams, all filled with intricate meridian routes, as if stepping into the domain of a scholarly expert in a particular field...
"Still have to tackle problems..."