<h4>Chapter 872: Chapter 869: Bearing Thorny Branches to Atone</h4>
In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Xu Wendongpletely absorbed the swordsmanship recorded in the first jade slip.
He then picked up the second white jade slip, embedding all the basic sword techniques recorded inside deep into his sea of consciousness.
At first, Xu Wendong thought that after reviewing so many sword techniques, he would certainly have a deeper understanding of swordsmanship.
However, as the number of sword techniques in his sea of consciousness increased, he found that his mind seemed to turn to mush.
He simply did not understand what swordsmanship was!
Afterward, he recorded those intermediate sword techniques into his sea of consciousness as well.
He originally thought that perhaps those basic sword techniques were too superficial, and he believed he would gain profound insights after studying the intermediate sword techniques.
But the facts proved otherwise.
He was wrong again.
Even after reviewing the intermediate sword techniques, he still did not have a profound understanding of swordsmanship.
"Could it be that I’m inherently unsuited for cultivating sword techniques?"
A big question mark rose in Xu Wendong’s heart. He then observed those advanced sword techniques, and after memorizing them, he examined the thirty-six ultimate sword techniques.
After viewing them, Xu Wendong feltpletely numb.
He had a feeling akin to skimming through them superficially, as if the sword techniques he had seen before were all forgotten.
"Aunt, why is it that after observing all these swordsmanship techniques, there isn’t a single one retained in my mind?" Xu Wendong looked at Si Youyou, his gaze full of confusion.
Si Youyou’s pupils trembled slightly, and then she disyed a charming smile: "This is a good thing because subconsciously, you dislike these sword techniques. You can create your own swordsmanship!"
"But, how should I go about creating my own sword technique?" Xu Wendong was at a loss,pletely devoid of ideas.
Si Youyou said, "This is not something that can be rushed. Perhaps, inadvertently, you will have your own ideas, and by then, you will create your own supreme swordsmanship!"
"I’ll take your auspicious words to heart!" Xu Wendong then asked, "Aunt, does the Sword Pavilion have any books on formation arrays?"
He had previously learned artifact refining techniques, but his master said that to be a powerful artifact refiner, one must first be an expert in formations.
However, he only understood some very basic formations, and they were all auxiliary types.
Therefore, he wanted to ask if the Sword Pavilion had any formations.
"There are some basic formations, but not many." Si Youyou thought for a moment and a yellowed book flew from the bookshelf to Xu Wendong’s front.
Xu Wendong excitedly opened the book, which recorded seven types of formations, including ughter arrays, confinement arrays, and illusion arrays.
However, these formations were only capable of killing Foundation Establishment cultivators.
They weren’t a match against Golden Core Period experts at all.
Si Youyou said, "Among the Four Great Sects of Qingzhou, the Jade Maiden Pce has the most formations. If you’re interested in formations, perhaps you can try your luck there."
Xu Wendong responded with a hum, thinking that once he left the Sword Pavilion he would go to the Jade Maiden Pce, wondering if they would be generous enough to let him freely visit their Book Collection Pavilion.
If he received the same treatment as in the Sword Pavilion, wouldn’t that be splendid beyond measure?
Of course.
Even without such treatment, it would still be quite delightful, wouldn’t it?
"Alright, I’ll take you to the Sword Pavilion, and you can freely choose a weapon you like." Si Youyou slowly stood up, leading Xu Wendong out of the Book Collection Pavilion.
At this moment, a brilliant star river appeared in the night sky, those stars hanging high in the depths of the night, yet giving a sense of being within reach.
Just then, Meng Hao approached from the front, respectfully bowing to Si Youyou, saying, "Master’s wife, Master has instructed that dishes be prepared in the arena, intending to feast Junior Brother Xu."
Si Youyou responded with a hum, saying, "Then let’s eat first. I’ll take you to choose a weapon tomorrow."
As the guest follows the host, what could Xu Wendong say?
Momentster, he followed Si Youyou and Meng Hao to the Sword Pavilion arena.
Looking around, dozens of tables were neatly arranged under the starry sky, as ifden with sumptuous dishes, emitting a tantalizing aroma that made mouths water.
In front of each table sat ten Sword Pavilion disciples, chatting andughing, creating a lively atmosphere.
Bonfires zed fiercely in the night, their fiery light dancing, adding fervor and vitality to the tranquil night.
Upon witnessing this scene, Xu Wendong’s eyes lit up instantly; he enjoyed eating in such an open-air setting, whether it was attending banquets in rural viges during childhood,
or dining at street-side food stalls in the city, he found it very down-to-earth.
When Si Youyou appeared with Xu Wendong, the originally lively scene instantly fell silent, the Sword Pavilion disciples all stood up in unison.
Their gazes toward Xu Wendong were filled with awe.
They had already heard about Xu Wendong’s performance in the recentpetition.
Looking through history.
Who could stand shoulder to shoulder with him?
It’s not an exaggeration to say he’s unmatched in both ancient and modern times.
Xu Canghai waved at Xu Wendong: "Come, today you are the guest, you should take the main seat!"
Xu Wendong looked at the empty table beside him: "Can I sit with the kids?"
Xu Canghai shrugged: "No, you can’t!"
Xu Wendong secretly sighed; he didn’t like eating with strangers, especially a group of elders with white hair and beards.
You say eat, just eat, why do you keep staring at me? Moreover, there’s a hint of a smile in your eyes?
Your gazes are really creepy and quite impolite!
"Let that mischievous disciplee out!"
As Xu Wendong sat down, Xu Canghai shouted loudly.
His voice was like booming thunder, echoing under the starry sky, giving a deafening sensation.
In the next moment.
Gong Bo walked over with a bundle of canes, shirtless.
Seeing the canes in his hand, everyone present gasped; these were not ordinary canes, but a rare presence that even a Golden Core Period expert would find hard to endure when struck.
The pain caused by these canes directly targeted the soul.
Xu Canghai shouted angrily, "Mischievous disciple, why haven’t you knelt yet?"
Thud!
Gong Bo immediately knelt in front of Xu Wendong, raising the canes above his head, anxiously saying, "Junior Brother Xu, I have realized my mistake, please punish me!"
During the ghost and goblin hunt in the dungeon, Xu Wendong saved them all, yet he attacked stealthily, and it was Meng Hao who stepped forward, using his own body to block that sword.
Otherwise, it would have led to a great disaster.
After that, Gong Bo returned to the Sword Pavilion and had been in seclusion for reflection.
Eventually, realizing his fault, he came to bear the canes and beg for forgiveness!
Xu Wendong had already almost forgotten about that incident, but seeing him so solemn, he took the canes and struck Gong Bo’s back fiercely.
Because he knew, if he made no gesture, even if Gong Bo forgave him, the other disciples of the Sword Pavilion would not forgive him!
Crack!
After one strike, a blood mark appeared on Gong Bo’s back, and blood instantly stained his back, looking horrific.
His handsome face contorted, the pain piercing to the soul was indescribable in words.
Xu Wendong looked at Xu Canghai: "Can we start the feast now?"
Xu Canghaiughed heartily and immediately announced themencement of the feast.
However, Si Youyou called Meng Hao to the side.
Meng Hao couldn’t help but ask, "Master’s wife, do you have something to discuss?"