Gauntlets

Elder Shi looked at Li Xiao's wide-eyed expression, a smug smile appearing on his face.

These were the possessions he had accumulated over more than half a lifetime. Every single one was a carefully selected treasure.

He reached out, took out the pair of dark silver gauntlets, weighed them in his hand, then held them out before Li Xiao.

"This pair of gauntlets is a high-grade weapon, called Shattered Iron.

"They won't affect the flexibility of your fingers when worn, but they can increase the power of your fist techniques by several degrees.

"Most importantly, they can protect your fists." Elder Shi spoke with a serious look in his eyes.

"Iron Wire Fist emphasizes meeting force with force. But no matter how hard your fists are, they are not as hard as weapons.

"With these on, at least you won't shatter your own bones from the recoil."

Li Xiao took the gauntlets. They felt faintly cool to the touch, smooth yet resilient.

He tried one on and clenched his fist. It felt as though his knuckles were wrapped in a soft yet tough layer of power. It neither hindered his exertion of strength nor buffered the impact during collisions. They truly were an excellent match for Iron Wire Fist.

Elder Shi then pointed at the few booklets in the chest. "Take those cultivation method copies back and read them at your leisure.

"If any suit you, practice them. If not, just leave them be.

"As for the pills, come find me when you need them. For now..."

He closed the lid and patted the top of the chest. "Use these gauntlets first.

"As for those boots, come find me again once you've trained Flying Cloud Leg to perfection."

Li Xiao accepted the gauntlets with both hands and solemnly bowed to