Chapter 39: Trading Pointers

Chapter 39: Trading Pointers

Paike watched his friend walk back from his most recent challenge.

Guan Li had been entirely underrated when he first arrived at the sect. He had just awakened and had absolutely zero formal training in meditation or how to control his qi. He couldn’t cycle it through even the barest and most basic of methods to reinforce himself. He might not have even known how to collect it in his dantian and use it as the simplest replenishment to power his ascension up the stairs. But ever since he had received the barest of assistance, he had flourished like no one else—like only a natural cultivator could.

He challenged a total of three people, winning each handily in a flash of shadows and speed. At some point, he acquired two knives that he would use to excellent effect. His opponents had no answer for his speed. The last fight was a bit more prolonged. Not because it was close but because his opponent had turtled up, hoping to just outlast Guan Li. Guan Li had to get a little creative to finish it off, but Paike was generally approving of his performance.

He had counseled Guan Li not to push any further right now, as he would already be struggling to regain his lost power before their physical cultivation lesson later in the day. Besides, getting into the top twenty was already a significant achievement, and there was still a lot of time left to go before there was any real reason to fight over a few spots.

Now, at least, he had the respect and a little bit of experience that would hopefully help keep him safe from trouble. Of course, he might still be challenged by more people, but, well, he needed to fight someone strong—not the weaklings he would have had to fight if he hadn’t bothered climbing the ranks.

Paike was certain that at any moment, one of the many people staring at him this whole time would come over and challenge him to a duel. But they were content to just watch. Maybe it was because he was here with a friend, or maybe they weren’t confident in winning. Or perhaps it was because he was here intentionally, and they were waiting to see if he would challenge Li Feng. Li Feng watched him off and on but mostly just lounged in the shadows at the top of the arena stands—if you could call it lounging. Li Feng was a very formal boy, and his slight lean was the equivalent of anyone else’s slouch. But still, it was more relaxed than Paike had ever seen the boy.

Paike just left him alone, not really looking at him more than when his eyes happened to pass over the arena. When Guan Li finished recovering, Paike stood and stretched. His standing caused a ripple to go around the rings of the arena seating as everyone turned and looked his way. Paike blinked, not having been used to being such a center of attention. He stretched and looked around. The intelligent thing to do would be to walk away or sit down again. But he felt the weight of expectation palpable in the air. It was thick enough that he thought he could cut it with a knife.

And, well, he wasn’t afraid of a good fight.

Looking around the arena, though, he didn’t see anyone he wanted to challenge. Of the other top ten, only Li Feng was here, and, well, that wasn’t going to happen. Maybe he should have waited until he had opened his next meridian and started learning his art. But that didn’t seem to matter to him as he was striding down the aisles, hopping from one of the large benches to the next before he jumped into the empty arena. Spreading his arms, he turned around, looking at the crowd, waiting for someone to come down and challenge him.

He looked at Li Feng briefly. Li Feng cocked an eyebrow, and Paike shook his head subtly. Li Feng’s slight tension went away as he relaxed again. No, Paike wasn’t really looking to challenge himself, mostly just to relax a little bit. And, well, if he was going to be a big name, he wanted his name to be remembered. Also, now that he was down here with everyone staring at him, he was feeling slightly embarrassed. This was not how it was supposed to be. He was supposed to have challenged someone, or someone was supposed to challenge him.

He couldn’t really challenge down the ranks. Well, he could, but that was usually looked down upon. Here, he was just here to accept all challenges. There was an awkward handful of moments when Paike thought he might have to leave the arena without anyone taking up his offer. That would be rather embarrassing, though he wouldn’t be sure if it was more embarrassing for him or everyone else. But luckily, someone hopped down.

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Paike looked at the unassuming boy, not having recognized him from anywhere. Reaching out with his senses, he saw that he had just awakened. He was Early Ruby and still hadn’t awakened physically, and the boy stepped forward and bowed.

“Master Kong, I would be honored if you would trade pointers with me.”

In a softer voice, he added, “Please take it easy. I don’t expect to win. I just want to learn something.”