Chapter Sixteen: Invincible Treasure Codex and Disappointment

The next morning, as soon as Duàn Yì finished washing up, Bái Xī Wén summoned him to the same great hall where he had met him the previous day.

"I've thought about it. Taking you as a disciple, or even having you formally join the Golden Cauldron Sect, is impossible."

Duàn Yì, who had been in high spirits, believing he had the matter in the bag, was suddenly struck dumb by Bái Xī Wén's words. He felt dizzy and disoriented, with only one thought in his mind: It's over. All this effort, and it's all for nothing now.

Seeing Duàn Yì's crestfallen expression, Bái Xī Wén's lips curved into a slight arc. He then added, "However, I can acknowledge you as a sworn brother. You can live within the Golden Cauldron Sect, and I can even teach you martial arts."

"Phew, you scared me! Can you stop giving me such whiplash?"

Hearing that there was still a chance, Duàn Yì calmed down a bit. His mind raced, trying to figure out Bái Xī Wén's intentions.

What was the difference between taking him as a disciple and joining the Golden Cauldron Sect, versus acknowledging him as a brother and teaching him martial arts?

There was a significant difference.

From this, it was clear that Bái Xī Wén still didn't fully trust him, hence the roundabout approach.

Even if Duàn Yì were to act against the Golden Cauldron Sect in the future, it wouldn't create a scandal that would damage the sect's reputation. The impact of a traitor within the sect versus an enemy with no ties seeking revenge was incomparable.

Bái Xī Wén wasn't certain of Duàn Yì's true identity, so he could only plan for the future.

"But before that, you have to promise me two things. If you can't, you must leave the mountain immediately."

The smile on Bái Xī Wén's face vanished again, as if he had changed masks.

"First, help me find Jiāo Nú. This matter is very important. The reason I'm teaching you martial arts and letting you stay on the mountain is entirely for Jiāo Nú's sake. So, you must let me see her. How about it?"

"I promise to do that, but it's impossible right now. I already told you, Brother Bái, that Sister Yuè and I have agreed on a time and place to meet again. I'll bring you along then. It won't be later than three years from now.

I remember Sister Yuè mentioning that your first meeting seemed to be about three years ago. Waiting another three years, you shouldn't mind, right?"

Duàn Yì's expression was calm. Facing Bái Xī Wén's solemnity, he didn't act flippantly, speaking with composure.

However, he didn't know Yuè Jiāo Nú's whereabouts at the moment. He could only hope that the meeting in three years would go without any unforeseen circumstances.

"Alright, three years is not a long time. I can wait.

Second, if you find her, you must help the two of us get together. Put in a good word for me. It's not difficult, is it?"

Bái Xī Wén glanced at Duàn Yì with a subtle look, his intentions completely unconcealed.

It was evident that he had already seen that Duàn Yì and Yuè Jiāo Nú's relationship was unusual. It was far from a simple story of a village boy saving a damsel in distress, followed by the damsel repaying his kindness. He just couldn't figure out the specifics.

However, as long as it wasn't a romantic relationship, Bái Xī Wén didn't care. On the contrary, if Duàn Yì could put in a good word for him and improve his standing in Yuè Jiāo Nú's heart, wouldn't that be even better?

In his heart, Bái Xī Wén felt his connection with Yuè Jiāo Nú had weakened due to the Moon Worship Palace incident. Now that there was a new opportunity, if he didn't seize it, wouldn't he regret it for the rest of his life?

This was also one of the reasons he had ultimately decided to take Duàn Yì in.

"This is even less of a problem. Don't worry, I regard Sister Yuè as my own sister. If Brother Bái is sincere and a reliable person, I will naturally consider Sister Yuè's happiness."

This was Duàn Yì's genuine thought, aligning perfectly with Bái Xī Wén's request.

At the same time, Duàn Yì breathed a sigh of relief. He had been worried that Bái Xī Wén would use this opportunity to prevent him from acting against members of the Golden Cauldron Sect in the future, effectively locking him down. While he could have broken his word, it would have felt wrong.

Now, it was fine. He would simply remain on the mountain as Bái Xī Wén's sworn brother to learn martial arts. This created no direct connection with the Golden Cauldron Sect, which was greatly beneficial to him in all aspects.

"Haha, that's great. Since you call me Brother Bái, I naturally won't mistreat you. Stand up."

Bái Xī Wén was overjoyed by the agreement and had no further doubts. He asked Duàn Yì to stand.

Duàn Yì was a bit bewildered but followed Bái Xī Wén's instructions. He first spread his arms, then allowed the other to feel around his body. A chill ran down his spine. If he hadn't known about Bái Xī Wén's infatuation with Yuè Jiāo Nú, he might have thought he had encountered a homosexual.

"This is called bone-feeling. It allows for a rough assessment of your martial arts aptitude. Hmm, not bad. Your bones are large and strong, your physique is full, and your energy is abundant. You're good material for martial arts training, which saves me a headache."

Seeing Duàn Yì's uncomfortable expression, Bái Xī Wén knew what he might be thinking and offered an explanation.

After Duàn Yì sat down again, Bái Xī Wén took Duàn Yì's hands and examined them closely, continuing his commentary.

"Your skin is delicate, your finger bones are straight, and your hands are slender and strong. When practicing with swords, sabers, or other weapons in the future, you won't be held back."

After this appraisal, Duàn Yì was completely confused, but Bái Xī Wén seemed very satisfied with his physique. He said, "Overall, your foundation is strong, with no signs of deficiency in qi or blood. In the future, as long as your head isn't particularly dull and you're willing to work hard, you will surely achieve something in martial arts."

Duàn Yì was secretly pleased. He wasn't worried about his comprehension; he had the Tower of Hidden Martial Arts, so his comprehension was likely top-tier, if not the best in the world. Now that his physical condition also seemed excellent, he felt even more confident.

Frankly, it was a matter of efficiency. With good aptitude and high comprehension, one could learn anything quickly and achieve results more easily. Otherwise, if it took decades to become a master, it would be too late.

"Then when will we start learning martial arts? And what martial arts within the Golden Cauldron Sect can I learn?"

Duàn Yì asked eagerly. He had longed to learn martial arts for so long that he had even experienced the embarrassing incident of drooling over martial arts manuals with missing sections in the Tower of Hidden Martial Arts.

"Since you are not a member of the Golden Cauldron Sect, I naturally cannot teach you the Golden Cauldron Sect's martial arts.

However, you don't need to worry. When I ventured out into the Jianghu, I obtained several powerful martial arts. They have their own merits and are perfectly suitable for your cultivation. As for your future achievements, that will depend on you."

Seeing the disappointment on Duàn Yì's face, Bái Xī Wén smiled slightly.

"What, you look down on martial arts from other sects? I am known as the strongest in the Golden Cauldron Sect, and everyone within the sect, as well as outsiders, acknowledges it. I achieved this through external martial arts."

Upon hearing this, Duàn Yì's eyes lit up. This was an unexpected discovery – Bái Xī Wén's true strength lay not in the Golden Cauldron Sect's martial arts.

"Then, may I ask, Brother Bái, what martial arts do you practice?"

"It's fine for you to know. The martial art I cultivate is called the Invincible Treasure Codex. It was inscribed in a nameless mountain cave. It is profound, vast, and possesses infinite power, surpassing even the Pure Yang Divine Skill, the direct lineage of the sect leaders throughout the ages."

Bái Xī Wén seemed intent on showing off, his expression smug and lacking any trace of a true master's bearing.

However, Duàn Yì was completely captivated by the four words "Invincible Treasure Codex." They felt very familiar, as if he'd encountered them somewhere before, but he couldn't quite recall. He racked his brain, wishing he could split his head in two to use both halves.

"This martial art, where have I heard of this martial art before?"

"This must be a powerful martial art, but it's too obscure, which is why it hasn't achieved the same renown as other supreme skills."

Suddenly, Duàn Yì's eyes lit up. He finally remembered the origin of this martial art.

One possibility was that it was a legendary martial art from the ancient lineage, one that had never truly appeared, only mentioned in passing. Another was that it was a divine skill from the Gu Long Wuxia comics, possessing infinite power and playing a significant role.

Duàn Yì didn't know much about the comic version and wouldn't comment on it.

Duàn Yì leaned more towards it being a legendary martial art from the ancient lineage.

In "The Legend of the Condor Heroes," the Happy King, Chái Yù Guān, had made his fortune through a colossal scam, and the Invincible Treasure Codex was the catalyst for this deception.

The whole story was that the Invincible Treasure Codex, which had allowed the monk Wú Dú to dominate the Jianghu over a hundred years ago, had appeared on the peak of Mount Hengshan's Returning Goose Peak. This sparked a fierce competition among the major experts of the Jianghu, resulting in a brutal battle with countless casualties.

In the end, after a prolonged struggle, six top masters, including Shen Láng's father, Shen Tiānjūn, finally reached the peak of Returning Goose Peak. They opened a secret cave, only to find it empty, with five large characters written in red lacquer: "You've all been tricked."

Never mind what happened afterward; just based on its impact, a phantom Invincible Treasure Codex could ignite the entire Jianghu at the time, driving countless experts to madness. Its power was self-evident.

This was similar to the status of the Nine Yin Manual in the Jin Yong lineage.

However, the difference was that the Nine Yin Manual was eventually obtained by the peerless Wang Chongyang, while the Invincible Treasure Codex never truly appeared from beginning to end; it was merely a scheme by Chái Yù Guān.

Of course, there was another theory: that the martial arts of the foremost hero Shen Láng were the long-lost Invincible Treasure Codex, which was why he could always handle any opponent with ease, even the Happy King, without being at a disadvantage.

This speculation was not entirely credible, but it wasn't impossible either. In any case, Duàn Yì preferred to believe it was true.

"Although the Invincible Treasure Codex has no famous battle records, its reputation alone suggests it must be a supreme skill from the ancient lineage."

Duàn Yì was incredibly excited. Though he didn't dance with joy, his breathing quickened, and his fair skin flushed red. Looking at Bái Xī Wén, he felt an overwhelming sense of affection; recognizing this brother was worth it.

"Big Brother Bái, are you going to teach me the Invincible Treasure Codex? I wonder what mysteries this skill holds?"

"No.

This martial art is my secret, one I wouldn't even teach my own sect leader senior brother when he pressured me with his influence. It's something I'm saving for my future son."

Bái Xī Wén's words almost made Duàn Yì gasp for air. He hadn't even gotten married, so where would he get a son?

However, his words also helped Duàn Yì regain some composure. After a moment's thought, he understood it was only natural.

If you had billions in assets and were in your prime, would you pass it on to a sworn brother you'd just met yesterday, or would you wait until you had a son to leave it to?

While the Invincible Treasure Codex wasn't a consumable item, it was incredibly precious. As long as one's mind was sound, they wouldn't let such a martial art be passed on to outsiders. Therefore, Bái Xī Wén's thinking was understandable.

But understanding was one thing; Duàn Yì's expectations had completely vanished, leaving him feeling rather bored.

Martial arts like the Invincible Treasure Codex weren't like common cabbage that could be had for the asking. Whatever Bái Xī Wén was going to teach him must be a flawed version.

It was like eating a Michelin three-star meal and then going to an ordinary restaurant afterward.

"Seven years ago, I pursued the wanted fugitive Xú Bīn of the Six Gates and eventually killed him in his lair. I obtained several martial arts legacies, which were quite profound and seemed to be from the same lineage. I'll pass them on to you."

Hearing this, Duàn Yì finally felt a bit better. Several martial arts, all from the same lineage, that was still quite good.

"What exactly are they?"