Renowned masters

Brilliant light shone down.

A century-old tree cast a broad swath of shade.

Standing in the shadows, Lao Xu's bearing changed completely, revealing his heartfelt respect for powerful martial artists.

"If we're talking about skilled martial artists in Suming County, you couldn't count them on four hands. But as for renowned masters who've made a name for themselves, there are only two."

His voice rose and fell, pitched like a storyteller's in a teahouse. Zhou Muzhi, also standing in the shade, nodded at the right moment, signaling him to continue.

Lao Xu maintained his theatrical tone.

"Li Jingfei, known as the Astonishing Wind Leg. A veteran master of the county, he claims to be a disciple of a major sect, though I, Lao Xu, don't know which one. This master once made quite a name for himself in the Commandery City, and his strength is unfathomable."

Lao Xu changed his tone again, delivering a straightforward account. "Zhao Chenfeng. His origins are unknown, and he's very powerful. He caused quite a stir in the Commandery City in his younger days, then settled here in his old age."

When Lao Xu finished, Zhou Muzhi nodded again to show he understood.

Lao Xu's expression returned to normal. Rubbing his hands, he unconsciously bent slightly at the waist and spoke quietly to the young master.

"Fourth Young Master, when you go to study martial arts, could you let me guard you? It would be an extra safeguard."

Zhou Muzhi raised an eyebrow at the thick-browed, large-eyed Lao Xu and chuckled inwardly.

It was good to have the drive to better oneself.

"That can be arranged."

If he could bring someone along, that would also help ensure his own safety.

Who would complain about having too many people protecting them?

Delight appeared on Lao Xu's face. If he could follow the Fourth Young Master and pick up even a move or two from either master, it would be better than figuring things out on his own.

With his inquiries settled, the next step was to move quickly through the process of finding a master and learning martial arts.

Beyond the moon gate, Xiaozi came running over, her youthful voice drawing close to Zhou Muzhi's ear.

"Fourth Young Master, Steward Chen is waiting outside. He said he has something important to tell you once you've finished talking."

Zhou Muzhi's expression tightened at her words.

It seemed Uncle Chen had fresh news.

He waved at Lao Xu. "I have something else to attend to. If I'm allowed to bring someone, I'll send for you."

Lao Xu repeatedly voiced his agreement, handling his attitude to perfection.

Having said that, Zhou Muzhi could not help quickening his steps.

Once through the moon gate, he immediately spotted Uncle Chen waiting outside. Uncle Chen's face alternately relaxed and creased, as though he did not know how to put something into words.

The old steward also spotted Zhou Muzhi. Seeing the young master so lively and rosy-cheeked, he was immediately startled.

He had already been somewhat doubtful about what the maid had told him, but seeing the young master only deepened his puzzlement.

Still, judging by his condition, being safe and sound was the greatest blessing.

Zhou Muzhi approached him. "Uncle Chen, did you find anything?"

He had sent Uncle Chen out to investigate certain matters in the first place.

Uncle Chen nodded and gestured for the young master to step aside to talk, glancing at Xiaozi as he did so.

Xiaozi immediately moved several meters away, ensuring she remained in sight but could not hear her master's conversation.

Only then did Uncle Chen speak, lowering his voice. "This old servant did uncover a few things. That man from the teahouse did indeed encounter something like a vengeful spirit. He had also studied martial arts. According to him, he had already succeeded in Gate Knocking before the encounter, so he kept practicing and combined it with certain methods to drive it away."

"Drive it away?"

Zhou Muzhi sounded doubtful.

From the looks of things, martial arts really were useful against ghosts and spirits, but he had started too late, to the point that no one thought his prospects were good.

Yet remembering that he possessed the deduction panel, he steadied himself again. Whatever else, I've got a cheat. The advantage is mine.

"Yes!" Uncle Chen nodded emphatically, his voice carrying a sigh. "Only driven away. This old servant couldn't find out whether it was dealt with for good."

Zhou Muzhi did not reproach him, knowing this was the limit of what the old steward could uncover.

He patted the man's shoulder and offered a few reassuring words.

"What you've found is enough, Uncle Chen. Next, send word to my father and mother. Don't let them worry. If they can secure the help of a True Person from a Daoist temple, that would be wonderful. If not, they should come home first."

"This old servant understands. I'll go at once."

The two then exchanged a few more words. These were not the only matters Zhou Muzhi had previously asked him about, but aside from the martial artist's story, he had found no leads on anything else.

What had happened to him made Zhou Muzhi scent something unusual. Otherwise, how could he have failed to catch even a whisper?

Could I be the only person in this vast county town to encounter something like this?

Absolutely impossible!

Their conversation ended, and Uncle Chen left, but Zhou Muzhi's heart felt even heavier.

How much longer he could survive was already an enormous problem, and now he could vaguely sense the scent of some conspiracy as well.

"This is a tough one."

He set those matters aside for now, walked over to Xiaozi, and instructed her, "I'm going to see my second brother. Make the arrangements, then come find me in my room."

"Yes."

Xiaozi curtsied, then hurried away with her head lowered and light steps.

Zhou Muzhi also returned to his room to wait for news.

By the time the brothers met again, four hours had passed.

Clear Wind Tower.

A fairly upscale two-story restaurant in Suming County.

Built entirely of blue-gray bricks, with a colorfully painted exterior, it stood out distinctly from the black-and-gray buildings around it.

In a private room on the second floor.

The brothers sat opposite each other beside the window, with blue skies and white clouds outside. Three dishes and a soup sat on the round table before them, and each held a pair of bamboo chopsticks and a rice bowl.

Zhou Muzhi was a little hungry. He reached out with his chopsticks, shoveling down rice and eating the dishes in large mouthfuls.

Zhou Buren, however, was distracted. Seeing his fourth brother looking so healthy, he feared this might be a final flare of life before death.

Only after a long while, once Zhou Muzhi had put down his bowl and chopsticks, did he speak. "Fourth Brother, who do you want to take as your master? I can deliver a calling card. It's just that our Zhou family is a small household. I'm afraid they might refuse."

Zhou Muzhi picked up the wooden bowl of green tea by his other hand, took a sip to ease his breath, and replied, "I'll take whichever of the two is willing to accept me. Don't put yourself under pressure, Second Brother. If I can't become their disciple, that's fine too."

At worst, I'll find someone a notch below them and start practicing.

It was not as though Gate Knocking specifically required a martial arts master. As long as the person he studied under had reached a sufficient realm, that would do.

It was not that other martial artists were no good; the prospects were simply brighter under a renowned master.

Zhou Buren also lifted the tea beside him and took a sip before speaking with emphasis.

"It's rare for you to want to better yourself, Fourth Brother. As your elder brother, I have to find a way!"

Hearing this, Zhou Muzhi gave a few light coughs.

He had not expected such a slight change in himself to excite his brother so much. Clearly, his predecessor had done more than enough outrageous things.

With the minor matter settled, what he needed to ask next was the major one.

Zhou Muzhi asked about the matter that concerned him most. "Second Brother, do you have any more Buddhist pendants like the one from before?"

"Hmm?"

Zhou Buren was a little puzzled.

The jade pendant did have some value, but it hardly warranted special mention. Still, remembering that his fourth brother had always liked such refined objects, he assumed he wanted to collect similar pieces.

So he said, "There aren't many Buddhist pendants. I have one more. I'll have a servant send it to your room later."

Hearing there was another, Zhou Muzhi smiled.

"Thank you, Second Brother!"

"We're family. No need for thanks."

Once the meal was over, Zhou Buren left the private room, preparing to seek favors and try to get his fourth brother accepted by a renowned martial arts master.

Zhou Muzhi left Clear Wind Tower afterward, with Lao Xu and Xiaozi following beside him.

Upon learning that the Fourth Young Master was about to become a renowned master's disciple, Chief Guard Xu's professional ambition had erupted with unprecedented fervor.

Wherever the Fourth Young Master went, he followed. If anyone asked, he replied that he had to protect the Fourth Young Master properly and could not let him fall victim to another vicious attack.

"Xiaozi."

He called to her.

Xiaozi, his bed-warming maid, lowered her head and answered.

"Let's go look at some old objects. Find somewhere and take your young master there."

Xiaozi looked a little blank. Most of what she usually did involved attending to the young master at his side. She really had not been out much and did not know where such things could be found.

All right, then.

Seeing her expression, Zhou Muzhi turned to ask Lao Xu instead.

"Do you know, Lao Xu?"

Lao Xu immediately nodded. "I do. Follow me, Young Master. I guarantee we'll find some old objects!"

Zhou Muzhi nodded in satisfaction and had him lead the way, following behind with Xiaozi.