"Hey, Chu Xuan, you're finally willing to show up!"
At the kitchen door in the early morning, Lin Hao was carrying a basin of freshly steamed sweet potatoes, his face smeared with the heat, looking like a copper stove emitting white smoke.
Chu Xuan leaned forward and reached out to grab, but was slapped away by Lin Hao: "Wash your hands!" The eldest brother of the outer gate must also be clean!"
"Master of the Outer Gate? Who sealed it?" Chu Xuan muttered, but still obediently rinsed his PAWS in the bucket.
"I sealed it!" Lin Hao slapped his chest with a thumping sound. "You're now the Outer sect legend, jumping two layers in seven days, and Zhao Tianlei was scared by you to eat the explosive spirit Pill. You don't deserve to be the eldest brother?"
Chu Xuan rolled his eyes: "Nonsense! If you tell me more, I'll become a monster."
With a mouth full of disdain, but a heart full of warmth.
After completing the eighth level of qi refinement, for the first time he truly felt the weight of the word "stronger" --
He walked with the wind, his back straight, and even the kitchen aunts served him two more spoonfuls of spiritual porridge.
But there is trouble behind the weight: Zhao Tianlei is like a mad dog, everywhere he threatens to "see life and death in the big competition"; Elder Li even made things difficult for him, either by sending him to sweep the snow or by ringing the bell in the middle of the night for him to patrol.
Chu Xuan rubbed the remaining ice chips on his shoulder and sneered: I've endured it for so long. If I endure it any longer, I'll become a turtle.
"Let's get to the point." He took a bite of the sweet potato, exhaled in the heat, "I'm going to form a team and do a big deal."
Lin Hao's eyes lit up: "Who?"
"Zhao Tianlei." Chu Xuan narrowed his eyes. "To be precise, it's about his backer - Elder Li."
"Hiss -" Lin Hao gasped, "That's the elder, our two little arms and legs, are they enough for someone to pinch?"
"So we have to get help." Chu Xuan swallowed the last mouthful of mashed potato, the corners of his mouth curled up. "I'm eyeing two people. You come with me to be a mediator."
...
Northwest corner of the outer gate, Lingyao Garden.
A thin, dark boy was squatting on the ridge of a field, using his bare hands to get rid of the insect in the elixir, with mud in the crevices of his nails.
"Zhang Asheng?" " Chu Xuan waved from a distance.
The young man looked up, his face trembling habitually: "Chu... "Senior Chu?"
"Don't be nervous. I'm not here to collect protection money." Chu Xuan crouched down and looked straight at him. "I heard that Zhao Tianlei seriously wounded your brother last month and snatched the Red Fire spirit seed you had saved for three years?"
Zhang Asheng's pupils constricted and his fists clenched, but he still lowered his head: "Senior brother, you're joking, I... I'll admit my bad luck."
"Damn it." Chu Xuan's voice was not loud, but it was fierce. "He beat your brother and snatched your grain. How could you endure it? Endure until next year, and he will still ride on your neck to poop."
Zhang Asheng's body trembled, not knowing whether it was anger or fear.
Lin Hao patted him on the shoulder: "Brother, we're not here to mock you, we're here to hand you a knife. Zhao Tianlei has a strong backing? "We have stronger backends --" he nudged Chu Xuan, "this one, the eighth level of Qi refinement, the first in the Qingyun Sect, the companion of Elder Ling... Uh, prepare a partner!"
Chu Xuan kicked him in the bottom: "Shut up, bring up the pot that doesn't open."
Zhang Asheng, however, was amused with a "giggle" and most of his tension dissipated.
Chu Xuan took the opportunity to pull out a small cloth bag, and with a whoosh, he poured out more than a dozen low-grade spirit stones, and then pulled out an ice crystal grass - which he had casually picked at the forbidden area last night.
"The spirit stones will heal your brother's wounds, and the ice crystal grass will be my investment. There is only one condition - in the big match, team up with us and take down Zhao Tianlei."
Zhang Asheng stared at the spirit stone, his eyes red-rimmed, and suddenly clenched his fist: "Go!"
...
In the evening, at the corner of the outer gate training ground.
The second target was practicing his sword. His sword moves were crooked, but he was sweating profusely.
"Wang Tiezhu, take a break?" Chu Xuan leaned against the armrest and greeted with a smile.
The young man drew his sword, panting as if pulling a bellows: "Chu... "Brother Chu?"
Wang Tiezhu, nicknamed "Tiezhu", is as thin as a bamboo pole. His most distinctive feature is his ability to withstand beating.
According to Lin Hao's gossip, last month Zhao Tianlei was in a bad mood and used him as a sandbag to practice for half an hour, but Tiezhu didn't make a sound and was able to get up for morning class the next day.
"I heard you want to learn the Greenwood Sword Technique, but you have no wood spirit root?" Chu Xuan got straight to the point.
Tie Zhu's eyes dimmed: "Yes... But I have poor aptitude and the elders won't teach me."
"I'll teach you." Chu Xuan pointed his finger, and a wisp of ice-blue sword light condensed into a fine thread, forming a beautiful arc in the air. "The sword cultivator's essence remains the same: ice can cut wood, and it can also grow wood. My own 'Ice Silk guide' can simulate the energy movement of the wood spirit root to help you understand.
The iron pillar's eyes instantly lit up like lanterns: "Really?"
"Really, but on one condition - in the big match, be my shield against Zhao Tianlei's hidden arrows."
Tie Zhu scratched his head and chuckled, "As long as you can learn the sword, I'll give you my life!"
"What do I need your life for?" Chu Xuan chuckled, "I want you to live well, stand straight, and let everyone know - the one who gets beaten can fight back."
...
Night, in the outer gate Disciples' quarters.
The big oil lamp flickered. Chu Xuan, Lin Hao, Zhang A Sheng, Wang Tiezhu sat around a small table with a hand-drawn map on it - the terrain of the Outer Gate training ground.
"Zhao Tianlei is left-handed sword, attacking up three lanes, and his speed will increase by 30 percent after the boost of the spirit pill." Chu Xuan's finger glides across the map, "Asheng is responsible for luring the enemy, using the terrain of the Spirit Medicine Garden to lead him into the narrow passage; The iron pillar takes frontal damage, remember, don't fight hard, use 'ice silk guide' to disrupt his rhythm; Lin Hao provides remote support, and your Fireball talisman is specifically aimed at his lower body; I'll wait for the right moment to cut and strike him off the sword."
"What if Elder Li gets involved?" "Zhang Asheng whispered.
Chu Xuan sneered, "Then drag him down as well. I have evidence of his embezzlement of spirit stones in my hands and will send it to the Law Enforcement Hall tomorrow. He's so preoccupied with his own affairs that he has no time to take care of us."
Lin Hao rubbed his hands excitedly: "If this is done, the outer gate will have to change his surname to Chu!"
"No, change to 'we'." Chu Xuan corrected, his eyes burning, "From today on, the four of us --"
He stretched out his fist and gently touched the table: "Advance together, retreat together, win together."
Three fists piled up.
The light shone on the boys' faces, green but terrifyingly bright.
Snowy night, the hut behind the outer gate.
The wick of the oil lamp burst with a "pop", casting four shadows on the wall, long and short.
Chu Xuan folded the map into the size of a palm, tucked it into his bosom, looked up and glanced over the three men: "Draw lots at the training ground at morning. Zhao Tianlei is sure to keep a close eye on me. Let's sing 'Lure You into the Trap' for him."
Lin Hao rubbed the backs of his hands: "I have only six fireball talismans left. Is that enough?"
"Enough." Chu Xuan took out a small cloth bag and gushed out a dozen crimson jade pieces. "Last night I took the time to refine the 'Ice and Fire Double Explosion Talisman', with ice threads wrapped around the legs and fire balls exploding the legs, specifically breaking the protective energy of the body."
Zhang Asheng gasped: "You..." Can you make talismans?
"Learn and practice." Chu Xuan laughed with sharp teeth and a sharp tongue, "With Sister Su Mei 'er who is a master of both alchemy and talisman... Well, with friends around, resources are wasted."
Wang Tiezhu chuckled, "Then I'll take the beating and make sure Zhao Tianlei doesn't get close to you."
"Don't force it." Chu Xuan patted him on the thin shoulder. "Remember, as soon as Bingsiyin makes a move, you step sideways and slide the shovel, specifically sweeping his lower body. If he falls, Asheng's potion powder will come up."
Zhang A Sheng pulled out a paper package from his bosom, his hand still shaking: "Really... Do you really want to give the elder's son a sweat potion?"
"What are you afraid of? If something goes wrong, I'll carry it." Chu Xuan raised his eyebrows. "He bought the explosive elixir first and wanted to nullify my cultivation. I just reciprocated the favor."
The three of them nodded in unison, their eyes shining with the vigor of a young man --
After being bullied for a long time, who wouldn't want to turn over and bite back?
...
At midnight, the mountain wind howled.
Chu Xuan went out alone, treading through the snow towards the Law Enforcement Hall.
In his bosom lay an anonymous letter - a copy of the account book of Elder Li's embezzlement of spirit stones and private sale of sect resources.
"Old man, let you take care of yourself first."
Under the moonlight, the young man's back was drawn long, like a sword just drawn from its scabbard.
...
The next day, as soon as the morning bell rang, the outer gate training ground was already filled with the sound of people.
A long queue formed in front of the draw table. Zhao Tianlei stood in the most conspicuous place with his arms crossed, his left scabbard glowing with a deep blue cold light, and bloodshot eyes
The aftereffects of the explosive elixir kept him awake all night, but also caused his spiritual energy fluctuations to surge to the peak of the ninth level of qi refinement.
"Chu Xuan, no one can save you today!" He growled in a low voice, drawing glances from the disciples around him.
Behind the crowd, Chu Xuan's group of four appeared.
Lin Hao deliberately shouted, "Oh dear, why are some faces as red as a monkey's bottom? Did you overdo it?"
There was a burst of laughter around.
Zhao Tianlei turned his head sharply, looking menacing.
Chu Xuan, however, gave him a gentle smile and even bowed his hands: "Senior Brother Zhao, good morning. You look good."
"You --" Zhao Tianlei was about to draw his sword when suddenly a solemn bell rang in the direction of the Law Enforcement Hall.
"Elder Li is suspected of corruption and will be detained for trial at once!"
The sound rolled across the training ground, like a thunderclap that pierced the ears.
Zhao Tianlei's face turned pale in an instant - his backer was down!
Chu Xuan narrowed his eyes, the corner of his lips slightly curved: "Senior brother, the draw, good luck to you."
...
The results of the draw are out --
Zhao Tianlei, Ring 3, Round 1.
Opponent: Wang Tiezhu.
There was an uproar in the stands.
"Isn't the iron pillar a sandbag? How dare you be the first to go up?"
"I heard he's been hanging out with Chu Xuan recently. I'm afraid he's courting death."
On the ring, Wang Tiezhu trembled as he drew his wooden sword, looking as if he were about to kneel at any moment.
Zhao Tianlei sneered, shook his left sword with a thunderous roar: "Roll yourself down and save yourself from suffering!"
Tie Zhu chuckled: "Master, senior brother... My legs are weak, I'll go first!"
With that, he actually threw himself on the ground and rolled to Zhao Tianlei's feet --
The crowd burst into laughter.
Zhao lifted his foot contemptuously, trying to kick him off the stage.
Just as the tip of his foot touched the iron pillar --
"Ice Silk Guide!" "
A flash of cold light in the iron column sleeve, ten ice threads wrapped around Zhao Tianlei's ankle, pulled along!
Bang!
Zhao Tianlei lost his balance and fell back, his head hitting the bluestone of the ring, and gold stars were flying around.
"Fireball talisman!"
Lin Hao raised his hands off the stage, and three red talismans broke through the air, the target - Zhao Tianlei's lower abdomen!
Boom!
The flames burst, and the heat sent the disciples on the edge of the ring back three steps.
"Potion powder!"
Zhang Asheng had gone around to the side of the stage at some point, and with a shake of the paper, a white mist hit his face.
Just as Zhao Tianlei was about to jump up, he was choked by the powder and tears streamed down his face, his spiritual power stagnated.
"Frost Cut - Star Fall!" "
A cold voice descended from the sky.
Chu Xuan descended from the sky, and the sword light on his fingertips condensed into a three-inch ice cone, pointing straight at Zhao Tianlei's dantian!
Puff!
The ice cone passed close to the flesh and tore through the storage bag at his waist, the opening of the bag burst, and the jars rolled all over the ground --
There were three explosive elixirs in it!
The audience fell silent in an instant, followed by an uproar --
"Bursting the Elixir? ! He really dares to bring!"
"The ban on elixirs in martial arts, Zhao Tianlei is done for!"
The law enforcement disciple rushed onto the stage and lifted up Zhao Tianlei, who was convulsing all over his body.
Chu Xuan took back his position, clasped his fists, and said calmly, "I slipped my hand for a moment and disturbed you all. Excuse me."
Below the stage, Lin Hao whistled: "Perfect."
Zhang Asheng's legs were so weak that they were shaking, but he grinned foolishly: "I... Did I win?"
Wang Tiezhu got up and scratched his head in a silly way: "I, I won before being beaten?"
Chu Xuan turned back and winked at the three men: "Advance together, retreat together, win together - as he said."
The sunlight pierced through the clouds and fell on the young men, reflecting the snow so brightly that it was impossible to open the eyes.
In the distance, Ling Qingxue stood with a sword in her arms, her lips slightly curved, and said softly, "Well done."
The wind swept across the training ground, bringing a deafening cheer.
The sky at the outer gate has turned upside down from today.