A Matter of Root and Bones

After several rounds of drinks...

The atmosphere grew increasingly lively.

By this time, the traditional generational hierarchy would generally be confused.

Ruan Xiu had already put his arm around her shoulder and said with hazy eyes:

"Brother Zhong, actually our master's most prized skill is swordsmanship. It's just a pity that not many people can learn it. According to Master, the Flying Eagle Nine Strikes is too ambitious, aiming to fight against the heavens. If your constitution isn't strong enough, you can't suppress it."

"Even the advisor died young after only mastering the skill."

Miao Jin, who was leaning against the railing, nodded.

"That's right. Our advisor died young, and we didn't learn the essence of his teachings. Otherwise, our lineage might not be inferior to Master Qian's."

Speaking of it.

Both of them looked on with regret.

Disappointed with their swordsmanship, the two senior brothers had to take on other martial arts, gradually neglecting the Flying Eagle Nine Strikes, which often aroused Zheng Yue's dissatisfaction.

Zhong Xuan slowly raised his wine cup and took a sip.

Zheng Yue rarely told him about these matters within the sect.

According to Zheng Yue, those were all old, rotten things, not worth bringing up and exposing, so this was the first time he had heard about them.

"Brothers, what do you mean by 'not having enough bone structure'?"

Ruan Xiu was taken aback.

He really is a peasant?

Although he had heard that Zhong Xuan had only started practicing swordsmanship five months ago after buying a book on Eagle Strike Sword Technique, he was surprised to find that Zhong Xuan knew so little about martial arts.

Ruan Xiu quickly concealed his surprise and coughed lightly:

"Brother Zhong is an educated man, it's normal that he doesn't know."

"This bone structure is divided into five grades: grass, human, earth, mystery, and heaven. However, for bone examiners, they all recognize the weight of the bone structure. The heavier the weight, the higher the grade of the bone structure. For example, my bone structure weighs five ounces. If it weren't for the poor shape attribute, it would be considered a human grade bone structure."

"Junior Brother Miao has a meager physique, but he has the bones of a tiger, and his combat strength is in no way inferior to mine."

Miao Jin chuckled, "Senior brother, don't flatter me. I'd be lucky if I could last ten moves against you."

Even so, one can still sense Miao Jin's confidence.

After all, he was ten years younger than his senior brother Ruan Xiu, so it was already amazing that he could achieve this level.

Zhong Xuan suddenly realized.

Simply put, the weight of one's natal chart determines their potential, while the zodiac sign associated with that chart determines the results that will be achieved.

Zheng Yue had high standards, so his requirements for selecting apprentices were extremely high, and the number of apprentices he had was far less than that of the head of the school, Qian Hong.

Although he was quite dissatisfied with his two disciples, both Ruan Xiu and Miao Jin were outstanding figures in the Flying Eagle Martial Arts School, and their physical talents were among the best in the martial arts world.

"How much talent do I possess?"

Zhong Xuan couldn't help but be curious.

He vaguely guessed that the reason he was so talented in the Nine Strikes of the Flying Eagle was not because of his good comprehension, nor simply because his innate talent was compatible. Rather, although his innate talent was not strong enough, his status was too high because of the Myriad Things Renewal Destiny, which was why he was able to suppress the intent of the Nine Strikes of the Flying Eagle.

There are bone-reading masters in Baisha City.

But Zhong Xuan had no intention of verifying it.

After all, with the renewal of all things, his innate talent will increase. This is his biggest secret. The best way to keep this secret is not to test it. Even he himself cannot determine the extent of his talent, let alone others.

Ruan Xiu: "I've heard that some grandmasters in the Central Plains have bone structures weighing over a thousand pounds, which is simply unimaginable."

Miao Jin also sighed:

"You can't raise a dragon in the water. A person's innate talent is only determined at the age of ten. Those great clans and families occupy precious lands and start nurturing their talent from the womb. They have the perfect combination of timing, location, and people. We simply can't compare."

"That's right."

Ruan Xiu nodded: "This is the inheritance of tradition; otherwise, how could there be ever-changing dynasties but enduring aristocratic families and clans?"

"We've gone off on a tangent, we've gone off on a tangent."

Ruan Xiu was alarmed.

Although everyone here is an outsider, there's still the fear of eavesdroppers. If any unfounded comments about the imperial court get out, it would be a serious crime.

"Let's drink, let's drink."

Ruan Xiu raised his wine glass and downed several more glasses.

It went on until late at night.

The three of them then staggered out of the restaurant, drunk.

"Brother Zhong, the city gates are closed. Master's shop has several beds, which are more comfortable than the inns in the city. Why don't you go there to rest for the night?"

"That's right."

Zhong Xuan nodded in agreement.

Ruan Xiu and Miao Jin insisted on sending Zhong Xuan back to the Flying Eagle Martial Arts School before returning to their own homes.

There are several rooms in the backyard of the martial arts school, which were previously occupied by Zheng Yue's disciples.

After Ruan Xiu and his friends got married, the place was abandoned.

However, apprentices clean it every now and then, so it's still fairly clean.

It's almost midnight.

The effects of the alcohol on Zhong Xuan's face had mostly dissipated.

Having lived for decades, he knew quite a few ways to sober up, and he had already boiled some salt water soup and drunk it.

One should not be a loner, but one should also not forget one's responsibilities because of indulging in pleasures and sensual pleasures.

Zhong Xuan sat cross-legged on the bed.

I went through the Eagle Seven Breathing Technique during the transition between Yin and Yang before going to sleep.

......

......

The next morning.

When Ruan Xiu and Miao Jin, the two brothers, arrived at the shop, the bed had already been tidied up, and Zhong Xuan was nowhere to be seen.

Ten miles away.

Zhong Xuan returned to his house in Xiahe Village at dawn.

"Once I've saved up some money, I'll renovate the house."

Zhong Xuan thought to himself.

Although he was not a person who enjoyed luxury and pleasure, his status was different now. Now that he had become a scholar, if he continued to live in a dilapidated thatched hut, he would only be looked down upon, which would not be conducive to his future actions in the village and the martial arts school.

Clothes make the man, and a saddle makes the horse.

It should not be believed entirely, nor should it be completely disbelieved.

Even the Holy Emperor of Qing Kingdom needs to dress in fine clothes, let alone a scholar like him.

Zhong Xuan was from the older generation, so he knew very well that behind every rule lay a painful lesson.

Back in the house.

Zhong Xuan then cooked himself another bowl of hangover soup.

The last trace of alcohol in his body vanished completely.

Standing in the courtyard, Zhong Xuan set up his sword stance and began practicing his skills.

It continued until noon.

There was a knock on the courtyard gate.

open the door.

Xu Tian was standing at the door with a smile on his face. Besides Xu Tian, ​​there was another person at the door, a steady and sturdy man.

It was none other than the village head, Xu Mao.

"Village Chief, Elder Xu."

Zhong Xuan cupped his hands in greeting to the two men and invited them inside.

Xu Tian and Xu Mao did not enter the main room.

After all, there weren't even three stools in the main room of the Zhong family, so it would be awkward to go in. Knowing Zhong Xuan's situation, they simply decided to talk things out in the courtyard.

"Brother Zhong, Liu Li's condition worsened last night and he couldn't make it. This morning, Liu's children and grandchildren are already setting up the mourning hall."

"The village elder is extremely important to Xiahe Village, and his office cannot be left empty."

"I discussed with the village chief that after the seventh day after the death of Old Man Liu, we would go to the city to invite Registrar Feng to discuss the matter and settle the matter of Old Man Liu."

Zhong Xuan did not rush to answer.

Instead, they focused their attention on the village chief, Xu Mao.

Xu Mao chuckled:

"Both of my uncles watched me grow up, and I listen to both of them."