Chapter Twenty-Three: The Secret Manual

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Wu Yu’s words left Cui Xiu thoroughly astonished.

He had never imagined that the Wu family’s situation could be so dire, forcing even Wu Yu into such a predicament of helplessness.

After all, Wu Yu was still a scholar.

But this also explained why Wu Yu acted with such caution.

Given the unrest within his clan, and now faced with circumstances threatening his very life, it was understandable how Wu Yu had transformed from a spirited youth into someone so prudent.

“I have misspoken,” Cui Xiu admitted.

At this point, he could not press further, though the matter of the short rod still lingered...

“I don’t have any better solution at present. I can only turn to you, Brother Cui, at least to get rid of that malignant spirit for now. The rest will have to be dealt with later,” Wu Yu sighed, then continued, “I hope you can part with it. Beyond the reward I promised, consider it a debt of gratitude—I owe you a favor. Should you need anything in the future, I will not turn you away.”

“Despite my family’s troubles, I am still a scholar. I ought to be able to assist you in some small way,” Wu Yu lowered his stance.

With his words so earnest, Cui Xiu could hardly refuse. Moreover, offering the short rod as part of the transaction was not without its benefits.

At least, it solved his previous concerns about learning martial arts.

After a moment’s thought, Cui Xiu replied, “That item is rather peculiar—I don’t carry it with me. I’ll need to return home to retrieve it. Would you be able to wait, Brother Wu?”

Hearing Cui Xiu’s agreement, Wu Yu’s expression eased, and he answered gently, “That’s no trouble—I can wait a day or two.”

He made no mention of sending someone to fetch the item from Cui Xiu’s residence; such words would have been inappropriate.

Having settled on the terms of their exchange, the atmosphere became warmer.

Wu Yu said, “There’s no need for haste. Tomorrow, I’ll send someone to escort you home to collect it. As for your needs, Brother Cui, tell me what you require. If it’s within my power, I will see it done.”

Wu Yu brought up the matter of compensation.

Cui Xiu was willing to part with the source energy from the short rod precisely for the resources the Wu family could provide. Hearing this, he was naturally forthright.

“To be honest, Brother Wu, there is indeed something I’d like your help with.”

“Oh? Please, speak.”

“You know I failed to make the list in this round of provincial exams. Over the next three years, if you have time, I’d like to visit you for guidance on the classics.”

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Though Cui Xiu didn’t value the imperial examinations as highly as others in this world, he knew that, given his background, lacking the status of a scholar would make life far more difficult. He had no intention of abandoning the exams.

He did not dare hope to become a top-ranked official, but having the title of scholar would at least give him confidence to pursue his affairs.

“That’s easily arranged. The provincial exam is not difficult, and you already have one attempt’s experience. Next time, your chances will be much greater. As long as you are willing to learn, I’ll help you as much as I can.”

Hearing such a modest request, Wu Yu felt relieved. He had passed the provincial exam on his first try, which spoke to his talent in the field. Guiding Cui Xiu in the classics would not be a challenge for him.

“Is there anything else you need, Brother Cui? The provincial exam is not difficult for me, and compared to the help you’ve given, it’s not even a tenth. Don’t be overly polite—though my family is in trouble, we still have some foundation.”

Wu Yu was a gentleman, unwilling to take advantage of Cui Xiu in the slightest.

Cui Xiu smiled, replying, “Brother Wu, you are truly sincere. I am ashamed, but there is indeed another matter I’d like your assistance with…”

…

The banquet passed pleasantly enough between the two.

One was a naturally gifted young scholar; the other, though of similar age, carried memories from a previous life.

After their discussion, as wine and conversation flowed, both found greater favor in each other.

Having received Wu Yu’s definite promise, Cui Xiu took his leave and returned to the inn.

Because of the matter with the short rod, he no longer needed to urgently seek employment to earn money.

His thoughts now turned to the source energy within the short rod.

Thanks to his conversation with Wu Yu, Wu Yu believed the rod was not currently in his possession, giving him a day or two to ponder its mysteries.

He had some ideas.

If he could determine the origins of the short rod in these days, or absorb all its source energy, it would be of great benefit.

Unfortunately…

“A pity—grey mist powers can’t absorb source energy at my command. It happens gradually. As for its origins, I can only hope Wu Yu might find something out for me.”

Besides his own needs, Cui Xiu had asked Wu Yu to investigate the rod’s origins once he acquired it.

No matter how slim the chance, Wu Yu’s status gave him access to far more than Cui Xiu could reach—perhaps there would be unexpected results.

Of course, Cui Xiu had no great hopes, merely kept it in mind. If Wu Yu could uncover its secrets and clarify how to obtain source energy, that would be ideal. If not, he could accept it.

The source energy he’d absorbed was already enough to last him a while.

Of course, he had no use for it yet. When the time came, it would be after Wu Yu procured the martial arts manuals he needed.

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Aside from seeking guidance on the classics, Cui Xiu’s other request was for Wu Yu to collect martial arts manuals for him.

At this thought, anticipation stirred within him.

But soon his mind quieted, and his attention returned inward.

He silently recited a phrase, and the grey mist panel appeared before his eyes once more.

Cui Xiu—

Martial Arts: Basic Swordsmanship Thirteen Forms (Mastered, 100%), Ninth Set of People's Radio Calisthenics (Beginner, 0.8%)

Source Energy: 17.85~

He carried the short rod with him, and its source energy continued to pulse gently. Barring any mishap, it would reach eighteen points by tomorrow.

Otherwise, the panel showed little change.

He had already achieved mastery in Basic Swordsmanship before ever meeting Wu Xiu.

As for the calisthenics…

Though the panel listed it as martial arts, Cui Xiu felt skeptical. After all, in his previous life, no one ever became a master by practicing those exercises.

Regarding his current situation, Cui Xiu was satisfied. Though once he handed over the short rod, he would lose his means of acquiring source energy for a time, nearly twenty points would at least allow him to perfect four martial arts like Basic Swordsmanship.

Martial arts in this world were peculiar, as he had discovered from the man Liu Hu whom he had accidentally killed.

With Wu Yu collecting manuals, it wouldn’t be long before he became a martial arts expert himself.

So long as he avoided facing bizarre threats like the old woman, he’d have some means of self-preservation against ordinary dangers.

Of course.

This was only the beginning of his plans. In such a vast world, he refused to believe there was nowhere else to gain source energy.

Moreover, he was confident that, since ghosts and spirits existed, cultivators must as well.

If he could encounter them in the future, relying on his unique abilities, he would one day become one of their ranks.

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