A lot happened at the Zhu family today.
As the main force suppressing everything, General Wei naturally stayed with Xu Guang at the Zhu family.
Zhu Cheng was busy all the time, occupied with calming the people and thinking about the outcomes of siding with the Iron Armor Sect.
When Zhu Fu was around, everything was handled by him. Now that Zhu Fu is no longer here, with his eldest brother Zhu Ping being a reckless man and his third sister being simple-minded, he can only rely on himself.
Xu Guang did not want to involve himself too deeply. After acting as the Gate God, he locked himself in the side courtyard to study the cultivation techniques obtained from Wei Shuangnian.
Both techniques were the foundation of the White Crane Sect and presumably complete sets at a level that a Seventh-Grade Martial Artist could still use.
Given this, the original strength of the White Crane Sect must have been considerable.
After all, Sixth Grade Innate Techniques were exceedingly rare.
He first practiced the White Crane Longevity Technique breathing method since the two were complementary. With the foundation of the Longevity Technique, cultivating the White Crane Ladder Cloud Soaring would be faster.
He was planning to lock the door and try to cultivate.
Then there was a knock at the door.
Zhu Cheng's expression was gloomy, not directed at Xu Guang, but at the visitor.
"Xiaoguang, this is Second Master Wei from the Wei family, who has come to see you."
Upon hearing this, Xu Guang understood immediately.
The matter of siding with the Iron Armor Sect had not been decided yet. With a visit from the Wei family, Zhu Cheng could not easily refuse.
"Greetings, Mr. Wei."
Xu Guang cupped his fists in salute, appearing very respectful.
"So, this is Brother Xu. Truly young and promising."
"Not quite promising; since joining the Iron Armor Sect, my cultivation has been difficult."
"Hmm?" Wei Shuping was startled, "Brother Xu is a disciple of the Iron Armor Sect?"
He fell silent, not expecting Xu Guang to have already joined the Iron Armor Sect.
"You..."
"Second Master Wei, what business brings you to my sect disciple so late at night?"
A voice suddenly came from behind.
Entering was a middle-aged man with an ancient-looking face.
Xu Guang did not recognize him.
However, Wei Shuping did recognize this person.
"Sect Leader Yu..."
He realized that whether it was to recruit or eliminate Xu Guang, it was now impossible. After a silence, he cupped his fists and took his leave.
Yu Shaohua merely smiled at Xu Guang, seemingly lacking any intention of chatting with him, and turned to leave.
...
Unsurprisingly.
The next morning, Zhu Zhenzhen met with Sect Leader Tie Kuang,
Tie Kuang sighed, "I've heard about the Zhu family's situation. I've already instructed Elder Xiao to take many disciples to help stabilize the situation at the Zhu family."
Zhu Zhenzhen appeared indifferent, merely staring at Tie Kuang.
The atmosphere fell silent.
Zhu Zhenzhen finally spoke.
"My second brother is only at the Ninth Grade Great Cultivation level. He worries about retaliation from the Wei family and wants some of our sect brothers to work at the family shop."
Hearing the string and discerning the intent, a smile appeared on Tie Kuang's face. However, he needed to confirm since these words did not seem like those of the simple-minded Zhu Zhenzhen, "Sure, but as always in the Iron Armor Sect, it's up to the disciples to decide matters among themselves."
What going to work at the shop, it's clearly handing over these shops to the Iron Armor Sect to manage.
This was a sign of the Zhu family's complete allegiance, much to Tie Kuang's delight.
"These are my second brother's exact words. He believes his martial path has been neglected over the years, and once the brothers go over to help, he will also join the Iron Armor Sect to focus on martial training."
Tie Kuang's smile grew even brighter, "That's good. I know Zhu Cheng; he's a diligent kid. If he truly has this intention, of course, I support it."
Pausing, he thought about the intelligence regarding the Kunlun Great Beast.
"By the way, about your family's Kunlun Great Beast..."
Zhu Zhenzhen's eyes flickered, and she said softly, "Only Xu Guang can tame that beast, and he is originally with the Iron Armor Sect. However, my relationship with him isn't very good, so I'm not sure if he will formally join the Iron Armor Sect..."
Tie Kuang smiled broadly, "Well, I've heard that this Tributor Xu is loyal and righteous, never abandoning his allies at crucial moments—a good seedling. Henceforth, the feeding of the Great Beast will be under the care of the sect. You, your eldest brother, and second brother should all focus on cultivation."
"Since your relationship with him isn't good, I'll have someone else reach out to him."
Zhu Zhenzhen nodded, "Thank you, Sect Leader."
...
A day later.
The Iron Workshop is one of the three most prosperous streets in Qingshuo County and also the residence of the Iron Armor Sect.
Adjacent to this street are numerous houses, home to the sect's disciples.
Looking at his new home, Xu Guang felt a sense of disorientation.
Yesterday, he was still with the Zhu family; today, he became an official disciple and Sect Guardian of the Iron Armor Sect, all while still being Unranked.
He knew this was because of General Wei.
"Dharma Protector Xu, this courtyard once belonged to an old Dharma Protector who left Qingshuo County years ago to seek breakthroughs in martial realms elsewhere. See if the courtyard's size is adequate for General Wei's activities."
Even Xu Guang felt the difference in environment. Even Han Song was more bewildered at the moment.
Xu Guang had not even passed the entry test, yet somehow had become a sect Dharma Protector.
But after taking one more look at General Wei behind Xu Guang, he suppressed his bewilderment.
With the presence of the Great Beast, Xu Guang rightly earned the role of Dharma Protector.
Seeing Han Song's comment, Xu Guang reviewed the courtyard's environment.
This courtyard used to belong to an Elder, about three or four hundred square meters in size. At the back lay the riverbank, ample space for General Wei's activities.
Xu Guang nodded in satisfaction, "Thank you, Instructor Han."
"No need to call me instructor. Dharma Protector Xu can just call me Han Song from now on."
Han Song waved his hand continuously.
Xu Guang didn't argue, just nodded.
Before leaving, Han Song spoke, "Dharma Protector Xu needn't worry about the Wei family approaching you again. The Sect Leader personally visited the Wei family, likely to discuss your matter."
Hearing this, Xu Guang felt relieved. After rejecting the Wei family that day, he became cautious of them.
After all, he initially spoiled the Wei family's plans and then refused their recruitment—thoroughly offending them.
Tie Kuang stepping in was indeed fortunate.
Nonetheless, Xu Guang didn't relax too much. He resolved to be cautious in the coming days, always being accompanied by General Wei when going out.
...
The next day.
The Martial Arts Academy was relatively close to Xu Guang's residence, only a seven or eight-minute walk away. Seeking more experience, Xu Guang visited the academy again.
"You're here."
Han Song was exceedingly welcoming.
Xu Guang nodded, similar to before, as he was there to gain experience again.
It might seem inhumane to spar with children, but it was for their growth, and he hoped they could understand his sincere intentions.
"He's back again!"
Zhao Fang cringed, wanting to hide among the group, but his age made him stand out among the children, and Xu Guang spotted him first.
"Hello everyone. From today on, I will be your practical training instructor."
Xu Guang smiled, appearing very kind.
The children were scared silent, not wanting to face Xu Guang.
However, they had no choice.
A moment later.
"You ten, come at me together! I want to fight ten of you!"
A loud yell echoed through the courtyard.
Watching from afar, Han Song's mouth twitched as he looked at the enthusiastic Xu Guang.
He was at a loss for words.
How could a Dharma Protector enjoy beating up kids?
Shaking his head, he had no intention of intervening.
The man was a Dharma Protector, addressing him respectfully as an instructor, and if not, simply as Xiaosong. He had to greet him with a smile either way.
Before noon, Xu Guang left the Martial Arts Academy with a beaming smile.
Sparring with kids wasn't exactly easy work. It took more than two hours to take turns with over sixty kids.
However, the rewards were great, having defeated them a second time, yielding about three experience points per child on average.
Of course, there was some variation. Xu Guang noticed that those kids who still had fighting spirit in the second defeat continued to give five experience points.
Thus, his gain today was over two hundred points of experience.
Xu Guang calculated: with sixty experience points from sparring kids daily, thirty from walking, fifteen from caring for General Wei, plus the daily martial artist cultivation of seven or eight points, he already exceeded a hundred points a day!
With such gains, Xu Guang was very satisfied. Soon, his Martial Artist Level would rise to Level 5.
He had a strange feeling that once the Martial Artist Level reached a high enough level, some change might occur.
He didn't want to give up just yet.
In the afternoon, after returning home and tending to General Wei, interacting with him for a while,
Xu Guang once again took out the slightly yellowed book "White Crane Longevity Technique."