"The man from yesterday is called Liu Feng, with a scar on his face, earning him the nickname Scarface Three on the streets, specializing in underhanded jobs."
In the wooden cabin, Zhu Cheng was talking about the identity of the assassin from the previous day.
After a pause, he looked at Xu Guang, who still wore a gravely serious expression, and spoke softly.
"I have confirmed that the man came through the Cowherd Diao Li's introduction into the manor, claiming to be Diao Li's distant cousin. When we went to find Diao Li, he was already dead, having died at 5 p.m. last night!"
Xu Guang's eyes snapped open. He was attacked close to midnight, which meant Diao Li died before then.
This indicated that the assassin eliminated any loose ends before committing the crime!
"Who do you think did it, second brother?"
Zhu Cheng paused for a moment, shaking his head. "For now, I don't know. Our Zhu Family has been established in Qingshuo County for many years. Although my father is kind to others, we have inevitably offended many people..."
"The only thing certain is that there must be a mole within our Zhu Family who leaked information about you, Xiaoguang, attracting the assassin."
Xu Guang merely stared blankly at Zhu Cheng, listening to his explanation.
Zhu Cheng looked seriously at Xu Guang and said earnestly.
"Xiaoguang, believe me, this is the last time. From today onwards, I'll stay with you day and night!"
Xu Guang remained silent for a moment, then shook his head.
"I'll stay with General Wei. It has reached a critical period in its growth and needs my constant care."
Zhu Cheng also stayed silent.
After a long pause, he slowly spoke.
"Alright!"
After saying that, he strode out.
Upon reaching the door, he stopped.
"Our Zhu Family will give you an explanation."
This was not only for Xu Guang but also for the Zhu Family.
Imagine, Xu Guang became a Tributor of the Zhu Family for only a few days before being attacked.
If the Zhu Family does not take action, who would dare join the Zhu Family!
Xu Guang also understood this reasoning and simply nodded.
"Thank you, second brother."
...
"Martial Dao, I must engage with Martial Dao as soon as possible!"
Xu Guang resolved fiercely in his heart. Yesterday was merely a stroke of luck, being able to hold out until General Wei arrived was largely due to Scarface Three's caution.
Though Scarface Three died, Xu Guang learned caution from him.
Failure could be accepted, but losing one's life could not.
He took out the Elixir obtained from Scarface Three and sought Zhu Cheng for advice.
Zhu Cheng wore a gentle smile.
"This is a Qi Gathering Pill, which can quickly replenish your vitality. Normally, it can be used for cultivation, and it can also be life-saving at critical moments."
No wonder Scarface Three carried it with him.
From this day on, Xu Guang moved back to the Elephant House, and he no longer went outside; even the daily food delivered for General Wei was carefully inspected and cleaned by him.
Since someone wanted to kill him, even after Scarface Three's failure, there might be other tricks up their sleeve.
Meanwhile, he wandered around the manor daily, searching for people possibly connected to Scarface Three.
He did not believe that merely relying on the cowherd Diao Li, Scarface Three could sneak in undetected.
Day after day passed.
Xu Guang persisted in walking over thirty kilometers every day. In conjunction with interacting with General Wei, more than half a month passed, and his Elephant Envoy Skill increased to Level 4.
His physique became increasingly robust.
Standing by the pool, looking at the reflection in the water.
An imposing six-foot stature, a skin tone slightly darkened, yet he appeared to have restored his health, surpassing even the fitness-loving former self.
Xu Guang was quite pleased with his progress.
Zhu Cheng was also satisfied with General Wei's progress.
Under Xu Guang's cultivation, in just over half a month, General Wei's size once again grew considerably. Unlike ordinary creatures, a growth in its immense size meant its weight had at least doubled.
Now, General Wei stood at a height of about three and a half meters, with sharp ivory over a meter long, gleaming coldly, leaving no doubt that this ivory could pierce the strongest walls of Qingshuo County.
"Xiaoguang, you're truly a genius; General Wei's condition is simply perfect."
Zhu Cheng's expression was filled with excitement.
Xu Guang only smiled modestly.
General Wei's growth wasn't just due to his own Golden Finger; the Zhu Family's uncompromising support had significantly contributed as well.
Currently, it's winter, making food harder to acquire, with General Wei's daily meals costing over fifteen taels of silver!
This truly was a big eater, consuming nearly a family's monthly food expenses each day.
Xu Guang was grateful to the Zhu Family.
Putting other things aside, the past month's stability was thanks to the Zhu Family, despite uninvited guests like Scarface Three, it was merely an accident.
He believed this wasn't what Zhu Cheng and Zhu Fu father and son wanted to see.
He didn't dare claim absolute loyalty to the Zhu Family, but if the branch of Zhu Fu faced a crisis, he would spare no effort to assist.
Late at night.
Zhu Cheng furtively entered Xu Guang's room.
He had brought some things along.
"Second brother, this is..."
"I bring good news; tomorrow the Iron Armor Sect will conduct a new batch of disciple evaluations. You can start practicing martial arts tomorrow."
This indeed was good news.
Xu Guang felt a stir in his heart. He had longed to practice martial arts every day, but Zhu Cheng's Martial Arts belonged to the Zhu Family, and Zhu Fu didn't hold absolute authority in the Zhu Family. Such a breach of ancestral teachings by passing cultivation techniques to outsiders was not something Zhu Fu could decide alone.
However, during this period, Zhu Cheng thoroughly explained the basic knowledge of martial arts to Xu Guang.
Regarding Martial Dao, Xu Guang had already gained significant understanding.
"Xiaoguang, when you go to the Iron Armor Sect for martial arts training, your safety is paramount, so today I'll teach you some Disguise Techniques..."
...
The next day.
Xu Guang, holding the letter of introduction, was personally escorted by Zhu Cheng to Qingshuo County.
Taking advantage of the still dim sky.
Zhu Cheng left Xu Guang at the entrance of an alley.
"Xiaoguang, the meeting point for new disciples of the Iron Armor Sect is in the courtyard up ahead. Just take your letter and head over."
After a pause.
He spoke again hesitantly.
"Once inside, focus solely on martial arts. Zhenzhen will take care of you, and our Zhu Family will fully support you, ensuring you safely pass the entry exam. Don't worry about others' opinions."
At first, Xu Guang didn't understand what he meant.
Until he entered.
He finally understood why Zhu Cheng told him not to mind others' opinions.
Among over sixty new disciples, he was the oldest. The rest were mostly twelve or thirteen-year-old lads, and the youngest were even toddlers with runny noses.
Xu Guang: ...
"Are you Xu Guang?"
A young man approached Xu Guang, examining him with amusement in his eyes.
Seeing a contemporary, Xu Guang was slightly relieved, but the man spoke again.
"I am your Instructor. Since you're recommended by Senior Sister Zhu, you should know the rules of the Iron Armor Sect's entry test. The older you are, the less time you have for the Entry Grade. Those kids have several years, but you only have three months. Understand?"
Han Song looked at Xu Guang and spoke eloquently.
Xu Guang's heart sank, but he maintained a calm demeanor, cupping his fists.
"Xu Mou understands."
"Good that you understand. I have a good relationship with Senior Sister Zhu; I'll look out for you as much as possible, but whether you can truly join depends only on yourself."