BIRTH OF DRAGON WARRIORS
38 - Towards Chang'An City

In the Xing Hall, Elder Xia Feng Hua was in a room together with Wang Zhong Xian, Wei Ji Han, Zhang Lao, and Physician Yun Zhen. These four men were the elders of the Wushi Mountain Sect.

Elder Xia Feng Hua knew that there were still some sect elders who did not come because they preferred to adventure in the outside world. He didn't think too much about them either.

Wang Zhong Xian was a man with a thick white beard. He was the elder who taught the new disciples of the Wushi Mountain Sect about the foundation of cultivation. On the other hand, there was Elder Wei Ji Han who was a 65-year-old swordsman and with white hair and facial skin that had loosened.

The only young-looking elder here was Elder Zhang Lao. He is a 36-year-old man and is famous for his good looks. Meanwhile, Physician Yun Zhen was one of the elders of the Wushi Mountain Sect that was not widely known to the disciples, it was because he was more often in the Lixing Hall and focused on just treating.

Elder Xia Feng Hua took a breath and said, "The Wulin Sect Members came and brought a message. Most of them lowered the self-esteem of the sect, but in essence they doubted Master Zhuang's decision in choosing the Dragon Swordsman."

"I've already investigated it," Elder Zhang Lao opened his voice. "The reason why Lianyi City and this sect were attacked by the members of the Dead Moon Sect was because it wanted to avenge the death of their comrade,"

"The information I have, is among the disciples of this sect who killed the members of the Dead Moon Sect," Elder Zhang Lao said. "That disciple is not to blame for the members of the Dead Moon Sect coming to finish off the Dragon Swordsman."

Elder Wang Zhong Xian breathed slowly and then rubbed his thick beard. He also opened his voice, "What killed the members of the Dead Moon Sect was... Xia Ling Qing's? Only he was exposed to the cold poison. It's as if the enemy wants more of his suffering than his death,"

"No matter who," Physician Yun Zhen was not a voice, "They had already made a mess in the city and injured many people. Whatever the reason, this is not at all justified."

Elder Xia Feng Hua nodded slowly. He took a breath and said, "Due to the mess that the members of the Dead Moon Sect have made, the name of our good sect is at stake. I have absolutely no doubt about every remark of Master Zhuang, but the views of others vary."

Elder Xia Feng Hua said, "Master Zhuang chose a completely unexpected person as the Dragon Swordsman. His choice... Making a lot of speculation and one of them is the statement that this sect has been hopeless until even ordinary people are chosen to become Dragon Swordsmen. To be honest, I'm very angry about this."

Elder Xia Feng Hua again opened his voice, "There will be a young swordsman conference in Chang'An City and it can be followed by anyone. I was thinking of sending Chu Kai to go and participate in this conference. I thought that it could prove itself and also prove that Master Zhuang's choice could not be doubted. What do you think?"

"Elder Feng Hua," Elder Wang Zhong Xian opened his voice. He said, "I know that the good name of this sect is at stake. But the boy... He's still too beginner. He hasn't learned much about the basics of cultivation and if I may say this... The age to learn basic cultivation was at least 7 years old, but the young man... He's beyond average age."

Wei Ji Han took a breath and said, "I didn't have much chance to teach him either. The attack by the members of the Dead Moon Sect.... Coming in early he came to my place. So how can... The young man took part in the conference?"

"Time doesn't wait for anyone," Elder Zhang Lao opened his voice. He looked at Elder Xia Feng Hua and said, "The young man should come to the conference. Send a message to the elders who are on a mission and ask them to educate the young man. He had to learn in a different way,"

Elder Xia Feng Hua nodded, "Right now Chu Kai is with A-Yan. I've already sent him a message, but Elder Zhang Lao's proposal has a point. I'll send a message to the other elders to assist in resolving this matter,"

Elder Zhang Lao frowned and asked, "That young man is with Wei Zhang Zihan? Where are they?"

"On the way to Chang'An City."

*

*

During the three days in the forest, Chu Kai continued to be taught by Wei Zhang Zihan. He was indeed only focused on the practice of piercing with the sword, but due to the repeated activities of it-there were some changes to him.

Chu Kai had originally found it difficult to practice a puncture a hundred times. He felt his hands would be released, not to mention that Wei Zhang Zihan could very ruthlessly tell him to repeat the count if he stopped making stabbing moves.

It was tiring at first, but in Wei Zhang Zihan's guidance it was worthy of praise. The Sacred Swordsman not only focused on paying attention to the piercing movements that Chu Kai made, but also directed the young man in breathing techniques.

In addition, Chu Kai had a proportional body. The young man had decent body muscles and Wei Zhang Zihan could tell for sure that this subject was actually training his muscles quite often and that was evidenced by what he saw now.

Chu Kai practiced piercing 150 times while practicing the breathing technique that Wei Zhang Zihan had taught him. He did not complain at all because if it was done, then the training time would be increased.

Chu Kai even had to bathe in sweat as he continued to train and even under the scorching sun. The sweat made her clothes wet and it felt uncomfortable.

"In your county... Are all servants trained to have muscles like you?" Wei Zhang Zihan finally opened his voice. He could see the muscles on Chu Kai's arm because the clothes of this subject were wet.

Chu Kai turned his head to hear the question and then shook his head, "No. Why why?"

"Physically, you have good stamina." Wei Zhang Zihan crossed his arms and explained, "I told you to do 150 stabbing moves actually wasn't very hopeful. Ordinary people... Generally only able to stab as much as 50 times and they will lose stamina faster because this is a sword technique,"

"What?" Chu Kai blinked. He looked startled, "Ha-only fifty times?!"

"Mn, but you practiced 150 times. I even told you to repeat the count and you did. Not just that, basically... The piercing movements of ordinary people will weaken further as their stamina decreases. But you... Your puncture strength remains just as great even though it looks exhausted."

!!

Wei Zhang Zihan saw the eyes of this young man widen, it was obvious that Chu Kai looked dumbfounded and as if in disbelief. He walked over and said, "You even did it for three days in a row. I honestly didn't expect to get results like this,"

"But-but... Isn't that because of the breathing technique you taught me?"

"Breathing techniques only help to make it easier for you to swing a sword. Basically it all depends on your own stamina,"

Wei Zhang Zihan noticed Chu Kai and then said, "I asked about whether the maids in your area are trained to increase their muscles, it's because your physique looks like this. You obviously have a strong physique,"

Chu Kai blinked. He looked at his arms and opened his voice, "Aah... Swordsman Wei asked these children of mine?"

Chu Kai smiled and said, "I do practice a lot. Just the usual stuff like push-ups and sit-ups,"

Chu Kai scratched his head and said, "Girls like men whose bodies are muscular. I'm not good-looking, so I think I can at least shape up with a little exercise."

"How much do you do every day?"

"Ehm... Fifty times. I also practiced from lifting large pieces of wood. I do it at least twice a day,"

"Hmph, it's worth it then." Wei Zhang Zihan drew his sword and then said, "If it's just a simple gesture, but you pay attention to yourself. Exercise is needed to maintain body fitness and even if you start practicing the sword late, you are actually not too far behind."

Wei Zhang Zihan turned around and said, "Take a position. This time I'm gonna teach you a technique in increasing the puncture speed,"

"Good!" Chu Kai fixed the position of his legs and began to follow Wei Zhang Zihan's movements. The blowing wind blew away the leaves and toyed with the grass as they practiced.

"When swinging a sword, make it a part of your own limbs." Wei Zhang Zihan gave the order. He continued to repeat the two movements and Chu Kai gradually began to be able to equalize his speed with it.

Long enough to practice, Wei Zhang Zihan stopped when he felt that Chu Kai was starting to memorize his sword-sucking technique and how to regulate breathing. He was now focused on paying attention to the movements of the natural green-eyed youth.

Wei Zhang Zihan felt the presence of something and looked up. There was an owl that flew over, he raised his arm and the animal stopped slowly.

Wei Zhang Zihan picked up a cloth tied to one of the owl's legs. The Wuya is the message-carrying bird of the Wushi Mountain Sect.

'To my beloved disciple, A-Yan.

This teacher asks that you can go and study for yourself there. Sorry if this Master always bothers you,'

Wei Zhang Zihan exhaled. The message sent to him clearly had another purpose. The members of the Wulin Sect certainly did not come to the Wushi Mountain Sect just to break the news about the young swordsman conference. That's too simple.

"Declaration Wei?"

Chu Kai's voice made Wei Zhang Zihan turn his head. He rubbed the owl's head on his arm before flying the bird. Chu Kai seemed to hurry up and approach him.

"Fantom dragon?"

"really. It was the message-delivering bird of the Wushi Mountain Sect," Wei Zhang Zihan replied as he was.

"What message is there from Elder Xia Feng Hua? Is Miss Xia Ling Qing okay?" Chu Kai looked worried.

Wei Zhang Zihan took a breath and said, "Xia Ling Qing was exposed to a cold poison. It's an excruciating poison and it's hard to find an antidote,"

Chu Kai was surprised, he lowered his gaze and would only blame himself when he heard Wei Zhang Zihan speak again.

"There will be a young swordsman conference in Chang'An city. Shizun asked that you take part in the conference. It's time to test the exercises you're doing,"

"What?" Chu Kai blinked. "A-i? But I haven't even practiced for a week..!"

Chu Kai said, "Founder Wei. You know Holy Swordsman Nalan Shu, right? He was a Holy Swordsman despite being much younger than me. He's very good. Miss Nalan Shu alone is very strong, then what about the warriors present in the conference?"

Chu Kai gulped and shook his head slowly, "I can tell you this. If I take part in the conference, it's the same as giving up my life to be ripped apart by them."

"There was a physician named Diao Lin Wang. He was a great healer and knew a lot about antidotes. Only by becoming a winner at the young swordsman conference can you meet him."

Chu Kai flinched. Wei Zhang Zihan did not reply to his remark but said information about a person. He could even understand the intent of this young man's words.

"Decoyar Wei..."

"I couldn't be a participant at the conference, but it's different from you. After all, if you really intend to save Xia Ling Qing-then you should do this."

!!

Chu Kai looked at the young man before him and breathed slowly. He nodded, "Specker Wei is right. Miss Xia Ling Qing was injured because of me. He helped and saved my life several times. This time there's a chance for me to repay her kindness, I'll definitely try."

"Mn, now get ready. Clean yourself up and we'll head to Chang'An City,"

"Good."

Wei Zhang Zihan noticed Chu Kai rushing towards the river while carrying his pack. He himself walked towards the forest and allowed the natural green-eyed youth to clean up.

Wei Zhang Zihan sat under a tree. He took out the paper and stationery from his sleeves. He moved his brush and started writing a reply letter to Elder Xia Feng Hua who was in the Wushi Mountain Sect.

Wei Zhang Zihan let out a whistling sound as he called out to the messenger owl. Wuya came and perched on a medium-sized stone beside Wei Zhang Zihan.

The reply letter was folded small and tied to one of Wuya's legs. Wei Zhang Zihan rubbed the owl's back and Wuya flew back.

'My respect to Shizun,

This student is on his way to the conference. Shizun don't worry about anything, we'll be fine.

This disciple will try to never let Shizun down,'

*

*

The trip to Chang'An City takes about 12 days on foot, especially often resting at night. But that hefty time was still not slow to register as a conference participant.

During his time in the forest, Wei Zhang Zihan continued to guide Chu Kai. He even told the young man to hunt in the forest even though in fact-he helped Chu Kai more.

They arrived at Chang'An City when the sky had already changed to orange. Chu Kai felt happy to see this city and the lively feel made it seem like it was coming back to life. Indeed, all this time he had only seen a grove of trees and the only human with him was Wei Zhang Zihan.

"I've only eaten burned food and fruit all this time..." Chu Kai took a breath and muttered, "Can smelling the aroma of the cooking spice really brings my life back. It's awesome,"

"Broker Wei," Chu Kai's eyes twinkled. He was just about to point to a diner when Wei Zhang Zihan suddenly walked ahead of him.

"Executor Wei, where are we going? The shop there has a wonderful aroma. Swordsman Wei,"

"We didn't come to eat," Wei Zhang Zihan opened his voice. "We must register your name to participate in the conference first,"

"What?" Chu Kai flinched. "But I-we can do it later? You really don't want to go to that store over there?"

"Follow me,"

"Decoyar Wei..!" Chu Kai did not believe it. He sighed and was somewhat disappointed at not being able to fill his stomach first.

"Shouldn't we rest first, Swordsman Wei?" Chu Kai opened his voice. He was still trying to persuade the young man, but Wei Zhang Zihan was completely unaffected.

Chu Kai was about to reopen his voice when Wei Zhang Zihan suddenly stopped stepping. He frowned and noticed that they were currently in front of a fairly large building.

"You went in there to do the registration. I'll be gone for a while" Wei Zhang Zihan turned his head and looked at Chu Kai. He said, "There's something I need to take care of. It won't be long,"

"But, Swordsman Wei-!!" Chu Kai was startled Wei Zhang Zihan rushed away as if in a hurry. He looked up to take a good look at the building in front of him.

Wei Zhang Zihan did not simply leave Chu Kai for granted. He left because from the very beginning of entering the city, his premonition was already unusual. It was as if someone was watching over him and Chu Kai.

Wei Zhang Zihan chose a small hallway that was quite remote and not much for people to pass through. He stood quietly right in the middle of the hall before starting to open his voice.

"Comeout. I know you're here,"

******