Chương 96: , Section 1: From the Imperial Court to Before Liberation

Chapter 96 Back to square one (5K) Despite the reprimand, we still need to find the person who needs to be found.

As the leader of the martial arts team of a prestigious university under the imperial court, Wang Zhanshan was highly regarded by the local martial arts association.

After a brief exchange, the other party immediately sent more personnel to expand the search operation on Mount Emei.

Meanwhile, the Emei Sect also contacted the Emei Sword Sect and searched their location.

Just as everyone was anxiously waiting, good news came from the Emei Sword Sect.

Zhao Rui has been found!

At this time, he was receiving Buddhist teachings at the Emei Sword Sect.

Upon hearing this news, everyone was stunned and couldn't help but smile wryly.

Why would a perfectly normal person skip the exchange meeting and go to someone else's sword sect to receive Buddhist teachings?

Is it that the exchange meeting couldn't keep you going? Or is it that the eminent monks of the Emei School are not explaining Buddhism well?

This is utterly disorganized and undisciplined!

Wang Zhanshan was furious and had made up his mind that he would not let this go easily this time.

Upon receiving the news, everyone hurriedly followed the monks of the Emei Sect to the Emei Sword Sect's headquarters on another mountain.

Although the Emei Sect has monasteries as its inner sect and sword sect as its outer sect, the outer sect is more mysterious than the monasteries.

Buddhist temples primarily focus on propagating Buddhism and do not get involved in secular sectarian affairs.

Many grand events for the exchange of Buddhist teachings and cultural heritage are also held here.

Even ordinary people can worship Buddha, recite scriptures, burn incense, and pay homage in open spaces.

However, the Emei Sword Sect is different. They have always lived in seclusion, avoiding outsiders and usually sending their disciples to travel the world to promote the sect's reputation.

Even Wang Zhanshan never had the chance to witness the splendor of the Emei Sword Sect.

Now, it's actually thanks to Zhao Rui, this "wicked disciple," that he's entered the Emei Sword Sect.

In front of the mountain gate is a straight and steep basalt staircase, which, when you look up, seems to hang down from the clouds and mist.

Starlight fell, and a glint of sword light flashed.

The group were all skilled in martial arts, so traversing this mountain path was no problem for them, and they arrived at the mountain gate in no time.

The gate of the Emei Sword Sect is quite simple, far less solemn and grand than the sect itself.

However, in front of the gate stands a stele commemorating the dismantling of a sword, carved from a unique cinnabar jade stone found only atop Mount Emei.

The inscription on the stele was not carved, but rather its surface was imbued with the aura of a sword.

"All soldiers must bow their heads before this!"

The seven characters are raised like the spine of a sword, and the pine resin fragrance seeps out from between the characters, as if the sword energy has taken shape.

At first glance, it doesn't seem to embody the Buddhist concepts of emptiness, compassion, and the non-duality of form and emptiness.

Instead, it subtly exudes an air of dominance and a competitive spirit.

Seeing everyone looking at the Sword-Unlocking Stele, the monk leading the way smiled and said, "This was left by a virtuous scholar of the Song Dynasty, and it is also a treasure of our Emei Mountain."

Everyone nodded in agreement; indeed, it possessed a profound historical foundation.

"Please, benefactor!"

After a brief announcement at the entrance, Wang Zhanshan and his group followed a beautiful young woman into the heart of the Emei Sword Sect.

After passing through pavilions, towers, and thatched cottages, a pond shimmering with clear light suddenly appeared before them.

Beside the pond is a covered walkway, and at the end of the walkway are some houses.

"Our sect's meditation area is not convenient for outsiders to enter, please wait a moment."

The girl clasped her hands in a salute, then turned and went into the house.

A moment later, everyone saw Zhao Rui, dressed as an Emei disciple with bandages on his arms and a sling around his neck, walk out with a joyful expression.

"Coach Wang, Senior Sister Ye, Senior Brother Gu!"

Zhao Rui greeted him warmly, secretly relieved that things could finally return to normal.

Although the day was short, the experience was truly unbelievable, almost like a dream.

Even in my past and present lives, I've never experienced anything this thrilling.

As for how he came to the Emei Sword Sect, the story begins at the bottom of the cliff.

At that time, after Liao Jing and the others left him, Zhao Rui tried to use his lightness skill to climb the cliff.

Unfortunately, although he had learned many exquisite martial arts, his internal strength was still not up to par, and he was not even at the Grandmaster level.

This cliff stands straight and towering, about a thousand feet high. If one is not skilled enough, it is difficult to climb it.

Don't be fooled by how easily Master Jing and her group come and go; it's because, like the old man they encountered in the Martial Arts Academy's grove before, their skills have long since surpassed human abilities.

He tried several times, but failed each time.

Since going upwards is not an option, the only choice is to find a suitable low mountain peak at the bottom of the cliff to get out.

His arm was injured again, and the pain was unbearable, so he had to quicken his pace and rush through the woods.

Along the way, we encountered attacks from venomous snakes and harassment from bats.

After walking for most of the day, we finally caught a glimpse of sunlight filtering through the dense forest overhead.

After much trouble, they finally found a mountain stream and followed it upstream.

After expending a lot of energy, we finally arrived at a halfway point in the Emei Mountains. We originally planned to hurry back to the Emei Sect's headquarters to find someone to bandage our arms.

As soon as they reached the foot of the mountain, they encountered Abbess Liaojing, who had already returned to the Sword Sect.

They couldn't win a fight, and they couldn't run away.

He had no choice but to obediently follow them up the mountain and "repent" in front of the Buddha statue for the filthy words he had uttered.

This nun's pettiness, like her martial arts skills, is second to none.

"Is your arm alright?"

Wang Zhanshan did not reprimand him in front of outsiders, but asked him with concern.

"It's alright, the healing medicine here at Emei is very effective, it's already bandaged up. I'm sorry, Coach."

Zhao Rui quickly lowered his head and said.

He was indeed reckless; he shouldn't have wandered around aimlessly. He thought he had achieved some skill in martial arts and became arrogant.

Little did they know how vast the world was.

There are so many extraordinary people and events.

Having learned his lesson, he has decided that he will never visit famous mountains and rivers again during his four years of university.

"Hmm, we'll talk about that when we get back. Let's go!"

After speaking expressionlessly, Wang Zhanshan looked at the monk who was leading the way beside him.

The other party smiled and said, "You are not a disciple of our sect, and you may leave at any time."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Rui hurriedly returned to his meditation quarters, grabbed his worn-out clothes, belt, and shoes, and followed behind Wang Zhanshan.

The group descended the mountain.

Just as everyone was descending the mountain, Abbess Liaojing and an old monk suddenly appeared at the gate.

Gazing at Zhao Rui's figure descending the mountain, the old monk clasped his hands together and asked, "Junior Sister Liaojing, is there anything unusual?"

"The relics did not provide any warning."

The old monk nodded, chanted a Buddhist prayer, and said, "Very well. Now that the divine sword is covered in dust, I will have to trouble you, junior sister, to restore it."

"Don't worry, senior brother! I understand!"

……

The next day!

Wang Zhanshan took Zhao Rui back to Dongqi University early in the morning.

As for any exchange meeting, it has nothing to do with him anymore.

Zhao Rui had originally planned to wait until Wang Zhanshan left, and then find an opportunity to see if he could replicate the sword intent at the door.

But Wang Zhanshan clearly wouldn't give him that chance.

As soon as it was light, I took him to the airport by car.

Wang Zhanshan didn't say a word to him until he returned to Dongqi Province.

He was clearly furious.

Upon returning to school, without saying a word, Wang Zhanshan made Zhao Rui "return" to the meditation room.

Continue to reflect on your mistakes while facing the wall.

The team members were surprised to see Zhao Rui suddenly return. As soon as he arrived, the coach sent him to the meditation room.

He already guessed that Zhao Rui had probably gotten into trouble again.

Especially since his arm was bandaged, it was clear that something serious had happened.

This time, Wang Zhanshan also had school staff install a fence around the area outside the wall-facing room to enclose it.

Unauthorized personnel are prohibited from approaching.

The main point is to make Zhao Rui reflect deeply.

Zhao Rui looked at the familiar place, but didn't have any complicated emotions.

After going through this ordeal, he needed time to process and digest it.

Now that he's in solitary confinement, he can use this time to comprehend the demonic martial arts in his mind that are completely different from what he learned in the past.

For the next week, Zhao Rui attended his professional courses as usual, and after class, he would go back to the meditation room to reflect on his mistakes.

There's no one to supervise, so it relies mainly on self-discipline.

Qin Rui and the others naturally called to ask him what had happened. Zhao Rui only said that he had run away and fallen off a cliff.

Nothing else was mentioned.

Upon hearing this, everyone felt a chill run down their spines. The familiar plot reminded them of the vanished Zhang Kui.

It was a perfectly good exchange meeting; you could have just gone through the motions, but you had to cause trouble.

If they disappear again...

No one dared to think too much about it, and they were quite annoyed with Zhao Rui.

Li Xinran, in particular, directly cursed at him a couple of times.

Zhao Rui actually felt a bit scared when he thought about it.

Fortunately, the outcome was good.

During his time in seclusion, Zhao Rui not only recuperated from his injuries but also devoted himself to studying the newly learned demonic martial arts techniques.

Among them, the Heavenly Demon Illusionary Sound Technique is a complete and profound demonic martial arts manual, involving many aspects of demonic martial arts.

This one thing alone broadened his horizons and knowledge by more than seven or eight levels.

If it weren't for my lack of skill, I could easily impersonate a demonic patriarch.

As for the other demonic martial art, Mirage Finger, it is a strange sealing finger technique, different from ordinary acupoint striking finger techniques.

It can autonomously operate within the opponent's body using their true energy, continuously sealing them off.

Without corresponding techniques or methods of restraint, it is absolutely impossible for an ordinary person to solve this problem.

Unfortunately, since he had to use the demonic energy, Zhao Rui didn't dare to use it recklessly for the time being.

Although I didn't participate in the Golden Summit exchange meeting during this trip to Emei Mountain, I still gained a lot.

Fortune favors the bold!

A horse gallops past the window, leaving no room for even a fleeting glimpse!

Soon, Ye Jingqiu and Captain Gu ended their exchange and returned to the Martial Arts Academy.

The two already knew that Zhao Rui had been put in solitary confinement. As soon as they returned to the martial arts team, they went to the meditation room on the front mountain and talked to Zhao Rui about the exchange meeting through the fence.

Besides the usual exchange of experiences and sharing of martial arts, the main purpose of the exchange meeting was for eminent monks of the Emei School to preach Buddhism and martial arts, as well as for the invited schools to make friends through martial arts.

In both of these aspects, the two of them did not hold back and told Zhao Rui everything they had heard and seen.

"Li Jiansheng from Southeast University and Yu Haoran from Tsinghua University have both comprehended the essence of swordsmanship, and it's said they were secretly taken away by the Emei Sword Sect!"

Even the usually calm and collected Ye Jingqiu now spoke with a hint of envy on her pretty face.

"Comprehended the essence of swordsmanship?"

Zhao Rui frowned slightly, clearly not expecting that someone could comprehend sword intent from just a remnant of sword energy, and that it was two people at that.

This talent is terrifying.

"Li Jiansheng? Yu Haoran, what good names!"

Zhao Rui silently recited a few words in his mind, thinking that he would definitely exchange skills with them when he had the chance to meet them in the future.

Okay, let's copy it once or twice.

Sword intent is far more elegant than sword energy.

"Junior brother, after you finish reflecting on your actions, sincerely apologize to the coach. I think he will be lenient with you, after all, you didn't mean it."

Ye Jingqiu was still quite concerned about Zhao Rui's situation. Although there were many geniuses in the freshman year, she originally only had a different opinion of Miao Miaomiao.

Now, Zhao Rui has also been added to the list.

"Okay, thank you, senior!"

Ye Jingqiu nodded and left the meditation room on the mountainside with Captain Gu.

Another week has passed in the blink of an eye.

Zhao Rui's arm was almost fully healed, and his ban was lifted.

But the punishment did not end there.

Wang Zhanshan read out the punishment for Zhao Rui in front of all the team members.

His right to enjoy the benefits of a regular team member was revoked, his status as captain of the second team was revoked and he was reassigned to a training group member, and his eligibility for year-end performance evaluation was revoked.

The punishment caused an uproar.

This punishment is indeed a bit too severe.

This is essentially equivalent to canceling all of Zhao Rui's benefits, making him just like a freshman who has just joined the team.

"Zhao Rui, do you have any objections to this punishment?"

Wang Zhanshan said coldly.

"No, I listen to the coach."

Zhao Rui smiled nonchalantly, explaining that he joined the martial arts team to improve his skills.

As for treatment, status, and such?

It doesn't matter.

"Disband!"

After Wang Zhanshan finished speaking, he left the side hall with Zeng Hongyi and the others.

As soon as the coach left, many freshmen, especially those from his team, gathered around Zhao Rui and began to defend him.

They said the coach's punishment was too harsh, and everyone should go and plead with the coach on their behalf.

Some say that while others may disagree, they admire Zhao Rui for being the team leader.

After listening to the whispered words of comfort from everyone, Zhao Rui clasped his hands in thanks, but his expression showed no sign of frustration.

Where there are those who stand up for justice, there are also those who gloat.

Gongye Lingchen sneered. If he weren't outmatched by Zhao Rui, he would have loved to go over there right now and stomp on him a couple of times, and make a few sarcastic remarks.

Cai Zhengyang shared the same sentiments as him.

However, this kid was so scared of Zhao Rui's beating that he didn't even dare to show his gloating.

I secretly put on a fireworks display in my mind to celebrate.

After the punishment was handed down, Zhao Rui's life returned to peace and routine.

Previously, I was responsible for teaching martial arts to the first-year students of the second team, but now I don't have to worry about that anymore.

All you need to do is be a good sparring partner.

Having him as a sparring partner is exactly what he wants.

Previously, due to various reasons, many of the martial arts skills of freshmen were not copied.

I originally planned to apply to Coach Wang Zhanshan after teaching the new students Prajna Palm.

Now it's much better, it saves us the trouble.

So Zhao Rui resumed his previous training mode of working with He Zhiyan as a sparring partner.

This time, however, He Zhiyan dared not order him around. Zhao Rui could even beat up Gongye Lingchen, so who would dare to order him around?

As one of the few remaining third-year students, He Zhiyan is a rather astute individual.

Zhao Rui is carefree; when he encounters a suitable teammate, he goes on the field as a sparring partner, giving guidance while earning advancement points.

In just a few days, I earned two advancement points.

He didn't rest in the evening either, and he also put the task of helping Miao Miaomiao rebuild the Enchanting Immortal Technique back into his daily schedule.

This time, with the added benefit of the top-tier demonic sound technique, his understanding of the Enchanting Immortal Technique has deepened once again.

As a result, Miao Miaomiao's recovery also accelerated somewhat.

"You're not allowed to kiss me!"

That day, the two were hiding in a tree, cultivating the Enchanting Immortal Technique, when they suddenly heard a man and a woman running towards them playfully in the distance.

"Just let me give you a kiss!"

"You're annoying!"

As the two drew closer to the courtyard wall, their bodies gradually leaned against each other. The girl's back rested gently against the wall, and she slightly raised her chin.

The boy lowered his head, gently licked her rosy lips, and then kissed her whole mouth.

"Sizzle... hiss!"

Miao Miaomiao, who was meditating and practicing her internal energy, suddenly blushed and opened her eyes to secretly glance at Zhao Rui.

But then they saw that this guy was craning his neck and secretly looking down at the two people below.

He looked on with great interest, watching the spectacle unfold.

Enraged, he snapped off a tree branch and threw it with a whoosh.

Zhao Rui raised his left hand, gently pinched the branch between his fingers, turned to look at her, and asked in confusion, "What are you doing?"

His voice was at a normal volume, so it was naturally heard by the young couple standing by the courtyard wall below.

The two of them hurriedly grabbed each other's hands and ran away into the distance.

"Look at you, breaking up such a great opportunity for learning! You ruined it all."

Zhao Rui shook his head and sighed.

"You want to..."

Miao Miaomiao blushed slightly and whispered two words, but couldn't finish them.

"What?! You... hurry up and practice your skills!"

Zhao Rui snorted coldly.

He sat cross-legged again and began chanting the incantation for the Enchanting Immortal Technique.

"snort!"

Miao Miaomiao looked unhappy and snorted, but she still obeyed his words.

After practicing for about half an hour, the two got up to stop and used their lightness skills to jump down from the treetops.

"Your current skill in the Enchanting Immortal Technique is about 30% complete, which is more than enough for you to protect yourself, so I won't see you off."

Zhao Rui waved his hand, climbed over the courtyard wall, and walked towards his rented room.

"Hmph! You big idiot, you deserve to be single!"

Miao Miaomiao turned her head away and angrily headed towards her home.

Halfway there, I suddenly remembered that Qin Rui had mentioned that Zhao Rui had a female classmate with whom he was quite close.

Her delicate eyebrows furrowed immediately.

It's like I'm the one who's single; this bastard has no shortage of kissing partners.

My mood immediately soured a bit more.

……

The rain falls in torrents during the Qingming Festival, and the travelers on the road are heartbroken!

"Where can I find an inn?" the shepherd boy asked, pointing towards Xinghua Village.

Before we knew it, it was April, a time of gentle spring rain. On university campuses, students had long since shed their heavy winter clothes and donned lighter attire.

That weekend, Zhao Rui rode his bicycle at breakneck speed, heading alone to a martial arts gym more than 20 miles from the school.

I contacted them online a couple of days ago; they're recruiting part-time coaches and sparring partners.

However, the requirements are very high; one must be a martial artist of level eight or above.

Zhao Rui talked with the other party for a long time, and the conditions were all suitable.

The salary is also relatively high.

So I took advantage of the weekend and rode my bike over here.

Wang Zhanshan cut off his "food supply," so he had to find a part-time job.

We can't just sit around and live off our savings.

Of course, one of the goals is also to gain some advanced points along the way.

This martial arts dojo is very large.

It occupies an area as large as several football fields.

There were at least forty or fifty cars parked at the entrance alone.

This martial arts gym is not for children, but for adults.

It's very similar to the martial arts club where I used to work part-time in Lincheng.

This needs to be more formal.

The trainees are also at a higher level, and are able to participate in some amateur competitions and stunt double selections.

After locking his bicycle at the door, Zhao Rui walked into the store.

(End of this chapter)