While Fang Du went to Green Ox Gate to fetch his three senior brothers, Huang Xiao had not been idle either. He had spent the past few days in the Hidden Arts Chamber-or, more precisely, on its first floor. That floor alone had taken him three days. During that time, he had finally glanced over all the various manuals and books there. For most, he had only looked at the titles, flipping through the contents only when something caught his interest.
"Greetings, Martial Uncle Hu!" After stepping through the entrance to the Hidden Arts Chamber, Huang Xiao greeted his Martial Uncle, Hu Wei, who was sitting cross-legged on a meditation cushion.
Hu Wei nodded slightly. Huang Xiao bowed, then entered the Hidden Arts Chamber.
Uncle-Master Hu seems to have something on his mind these past two days, Huang Xiao thought. He had noticed Hu Wei's brows knitting tightly from time to time, as though something difficult was troubling him. Still, he did not dare ask. Besides, it was only a guess; he could not be certain.
I have a rough idea of the books on the first floor now. I'll go up to the second floor today! After giving it some thought, Huang Xiao took the stairs in the corner up to the second floor.
Power-Devouring Poison Force! Huang Xiao was positively itching to see it. Ever since learning that he could consult its manual, he had wanted to read it as soon as possible. But it was on the second floor, and he had not wanted to rush straight upstairs as soon as he arrived, lest he leave a bad impression on his Martial Uncle. After all, that would inevitably make him seem like someone who reached for lofty heights without keeping his feet on the ground. This was