Chapter 114: Chapter 114: Grandmaster

Archery is a profound form of Kung Fu.

To shoot a powerful and fast arrow, one needs more than just coordination between eyesight and Qi Power; it demands a mind as calm as still water.

Only with a mind free of ripples can one’s arrows find their mark every time.

Chu Lingguang was not naturally gifted and understood little.

But with Guo Wei’s personal instruction, helping him steer his aim at critical moments, Chu Lingguang was finally able to grasp that feeling of the target being within arm’s reach.

His arrows flew faster and faster.

The bullseye ahead seemed to draw closer and closer.

By the time the archery event ended, night had fallen. Chu Lingguang’s hands were utterly exhausted. As he stared at the target fifty meters away, it felt as if it were only five meters distant.

“SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!”

In front of Guo Wei, he fired three arrows in quick succession.

The three arrows finally formed a single line in midair.

Chu Lingguang had finally achieved the Three-Star Linked Pearls.

“THUNK! THUNK! THUNK!”

The three arrows struck the bullseye, one after the other. The last two arrows split the shafts of the ones before them, combining the three into what looked like a single, thick arrow.

“Incredible!”

Guo Wei was overjoyed.

He had never imagined Chu Lingguang could master the Three-Star Linked Pearls at this moment. The joy he felt was even more thrilling than watching Chu Lingguang defeat Yan Chengdu in the archery event.

After all, that feeling of the target being within arm’s reach had only been a fleeting flash of insight for Chu Lingguang. That he could now grasp it firmly and achieve the Three-Star Linked Pearls was a testament to the perfect synergy between master and disciple.

Had they lingered at the examination grounds for even a moment longer, that sensation might have vanished completely.

At the same time, Chu Lingguang had been incredibly diligent. Ever since entering the archery range, he had been shooting nonstop, and in his perception, the target grew ever closer.

He trained until his arms were completely exhausted, each draw of the bowstring requiring all his strength. Fortunately, the physical agony did not disturb the stillness of Chu Lingguang’s mind.

Late that night, Chu Lingguang finally perfected the Three-Star Linked Pearls.

“Congratulations, Senior Brother.”

“Congratulations, Master.”

“Congratulations, Junior Brother.”

Master Yan, Hei Hu, and Wang Chao were all at the archery range, watching as Guo Wei meticulously instructed Chu Lingguang. Seeing him achieve the Three-Star Linked Pearls, all three were in disbelief and offered their heartfelt congratulations.

“Master.”

Chu Lingguang looked at Guo Wei. At this moment, no words of gratitude or repayment could carry more weight than that single word: “Master.”

“Are your arms alright?”

Guo Wei squeezed Chu Lingguang’s arms.

“They’re fine. It just feels like I can’t lift them anymore.”

Chu Lingguang said with a smile.

“You’ve overexerted both your arms. I’m afraid your performance in the free-sparring event tomorrow will suffer. You don’t blame your master for pushing you to learn the Three-Star Linked Pearls, nearly ruining your arms in the process, do you?”

Guo Wei said with a wry smile.

“No, Master. I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Chu Lingguang said in alarm.

“First, eat and replenish your Qi Blood. I’ll figure something out for your arms.”

Of course, Guo Wei knew Chu Lingguang’s character.

「In an alley of the Central Courtyard.」

Wang Chao and Hei Hu flanked Chu Lingguang, each massaging one of his arms. Master Yan personally fed him, stuffing all sorts of ingredients meant to replenish his Qi Blood into his mouth.

「The third watch of the night.」

Guo Wei returned from outside.

He had acquired two bottles of medicinal wine for dispelling bruises and invigorating blood from somewhere. After he applied it to both of Chu Lingguang’s arms, Chu Lingguang felt a warm current spread across the surface of his skin.

Feeling gradually returned to his arms.

“Chao’Er, apply the medicinal wine for Lin Guang every thirty minutes.”

Guo Wei handed the remaining medicinal wine to Wang Chao.

“Yes.”

Wang Chao nodded.

The Martial Arts Examination was not yet over.

Hei Hu had already fallen asleep.

Wang Chao attended to Chu Lingguang by himself.

Chu Lingguang closed his eyes and circulated his energy, using the Tidal Breathing Technique to replenish his Qi Blood. In his exhaustion, he unconsciously began to circulate the Turtle Breath Technique. The world around him became so quiet he felt he could hear a pin drop, and he noticed many sounds that were normally imperceptible.

Wang Chao stood guard by Chu Lingguang’s side.

Suddenly, he felt Chu Lingguang’s entire aura retract, as if even his heart had stopped. If Wang Chao hadn’t noticed that Chu Lingguang’s pores were open and he was breathing through his skin, he would have thought Chu Lingguang had died from overexertion.

He stared at Chu Lingguang in utter disbelief, continuing his silent vigil without daring to disturb him.

“Senior Brother, with your skill, and based on Lin Guang’s performance in the examination, he would have mastered the Three-Star Linked Pearls within a month even if he didn’t get it today. So why did you push him to master it now? His arms are severely injured. Even with the medicinal wine, his abilities will be severely diminished in the free-sparring tomorrow. Don’t you want Lin Guang to take the top spot?”

Master Yan had known Guo Wei for a very long time; he knew his strength and his ambitions.

“I do, of course I do,” Guo Wei said without hesitation, but then he sighed. “It’s just… Junior Brother, what do you think Lin Guang’s chances of winning are?”

“Well… based on his performance, I’d say thirty percent.”

Master Yan said.

Guo Wei shook his head and said with utmost seriousness, “Not even ten percent.”

“What?”

Master Yan was incredulous.

“If I hadn’t seen the notes Shaorong sent over, and if I didn’t know how formidable the Yan Family’s Ultimate Killing Saber Technique is, I might also think Lin Guang has a thirty percent chance of winning, just like you.”

Guo Wei explained.

“But… if that’s the case, Senior Brother, why did you let Lin Guang injure his arms? With their current rankings, they’re certain to meet in the final round. Even if he loses, you can’t let him lose too badly!”

Master Yan asked in confusion.

“What do you think of Lin Guang as a person?”

Guo Wei asked with a smile.

“He’s a dependable young man. If he ever makes a name for himself, he’ll definitely put you first.”

Master Yan said without a hint of hesitation.

He had seen everything Chu Lingguang had done these past few days with his own eyes.

Though not naturally gifted, he was mentally steady and composed. He had dared to challenge a Noble Family Disciple to make a name for Guo Wei, even suppressing Yan Chengdu in the Qiao Pass Spear Technique.

“I know that. But there’s one thing you don’t know. Lin Guang’s most valuable trait is his mastery of the Heart Guarding Skill. But this very skill can be his making… and his undoing.”

Guo Wei said gravely.

“Uh… I don’t quite understand.”

Master Yan’s face was a mask of confusion.

“The Yan Family’s Ultimate Killing Saber Technique demands blood with every strike. It won’t be able to shake Lin Guang’s mind, but it can take his life!”

Guo Wei said with a sense of helplessness.

“This…”

Master Yan seemed to have realized something, and he froze.

“Previously, at my Martial Arts Hall, a fellow named Lin Yuanfu came to challenge Lin Guang. His Pointing Stick technique was superb, and Lin Guang was on the verge of defeat. In the end, he relied on his Heart Guarding Skill to turn defeat into victory.

However, that was just a sparring match. Winning or losing didn’t really matter to either of them.”

Guo Wei added.

“Senior Brother, are you worried that tomorrow, Lin Guang will rely on his Heart Guarding Skill to stubbornly hold out against Yan Chengdu, forcing Yan Chengdu to use a killing blow? Are you afraid Lin Guang will lose his life because of it?”

Master Yan cried out, as if he’d been struck by lightning.

“The Yan Family is incredibly ambitious. Yan Zhen has already rushed from the Governor’s Mansion to South City. They are dead set on winning the top spot. Letting Lin Guang stand in their way will only get him killed.”

Guo Wei nodded.

“So that’s why, Senior Brother, you used the excuse of archery practice to let Lin Guang injure his arms. So that when he faces Yan Chengdu tomorrow, he’ll be defeated quickly and avoid the harm of the Ultimate Killing Saber Technique.”

Master Yan said, his voice trembling.

“It’s the only way he won’t try to stubbornly endure.”

Guo Wei nodded.

“But what about the Grandmaster title you wanted?”

Master Yan asked.

“If the title of Grandmaster must be paid for with my disciple’s life, then I’d rather not have it!”

Having said his piece, Guo Wei turned and strode coolly toward his room.

“Senior Brother, you haven’t changed!”

Master Yan shouted at Guo Wei’s retreating back, tears streaming down his face.

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