Danwu Refining Spirit

Chapter Thirteen: Deception Also Has Its Benefits

"Um... Tiger, you can go now." Xiao Kaixin stared intently at Xiao Chong, his orange-peel-like old face suddenly becoming smooth and lustrous. Without turning his head, he issued the order to expel Xiao Tianhu.

"What tiger? What kind of monster is that?"

Xiao Tianhu was still immersed in the patriarch's admiring gaze and was momentarily stunned by the impolite words, standing there motionless for a long time.

"I told you to get down, but what do you mean by standing here like a blockhead? Are you ignoring what I said?" Xiao Kaixin's old face darkened, then quickly transformed into an orange peel expression.

"Yes." Xiao Tianhu was so frightened by the clan leader's sudden change that his heart pounded wildly. He forgot the basic etiquette of a junior and fled without bowing. However, a hint of resentment flashed in his eyes as he stepped out the door.

"No manners!" Xiao Kaixin snorted heavily at the door, then turned around and put on an expression that said, "Of all the people in the world, you understand me best." He said earnestly, "Chong'er, let's continue our previous topic. Do you have any suggestions for the future of the family?"

"So you're going to talk about life and ideals now? This is the first time we've met since Dad died, okay? And Chong'er, are we really that close?"

Xiao Chong was sweating profusely, goosebumps rising on his skin, but outwardly he maintained a composed demeanor, bowing politely again and saying, "Clan Chief, you are wise. I have no suggestions, but I can share some immature ideas. Please correct me if I'm wrong..."

"..."

"Chong'er, if you're tired, sit down and talk." Half an hour later, Xiao Kaixin pointed to a chair behind him and said.

"This disciple is not tired..."

"Chong'er, if you're thirsty, have some tea first." An hour later, Xiao Kaixin pointed to the teacup on the table and said.

"This disciple is not thirsty..."

What a joke! You think you can just sit down because I tell you to? You think you can just drink because I tell you to? Didn't you see how quickly the old orange peel changed? What are we going to do if all the good impression we've worked so hard to build is ruined?

Xiao Chong firmly declined the patriarch's show of tolerance and care. Thus, the conversation proceeded in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere.

"Master, it's time for your lunch." The pleasant and friendly conversation was finally interrupted by the old butler as noon approached. Having already peered out the door three times, the old butler couldn't forget his duty and went inside to remind him.

"Then... let him have his meal at the manor." Xiao Kaixin, who was still feeling unsatisfied, finally remembered his place and didn't say anything absurd like asking Xiao Chong to eat with him.

"In that case, this disciple will take his leave." Xiao Chong stopped speaking, wiped the fine layer of sweat from his forehead, and felt a burning sensation in his throat.

It's so torturous. If I hadn't specifically read books like "The Art of Conversation" in my previous life, I really wouldn't have been able to endure it.

"This child is polite and modest, and knows how to behave appropriately. He is a promising talent worth nurturing."

Watching Xiao Chong bow, salute, and turn around once again, performing each movement with perfect decorum and meticulousness, Xiao Kaixin secretly praised him, feeling that it would be a disservice to his status as clan leader if he didn't do something.

After a moment's thought, Xiao Kaixin instructed the old steward: "After he finishes lunch, take the child to the Martial Fortune Pavilion and have the elders there pass on the first level of the Seven Transformations of the Stars to him. Also, take him to choose a suitable weapon."

"Is the transfer of skills about to begin? Wasn't it said that one had to become an elite disciple before having the opportunity to learn the Seven Transformations of the Stars? It seems that the conversation just now had a great effect. It wasn't for nothing that I painstakingly searched my brains to find this old knowledge."

Xiao Chong's heart stirred. He remembered the cultivation method of the Mind Master that he urgently needed, and he secretly made up his mind. However, when this idea was expressed on his face, it was perfectly transformed into a hesitant expression that seemed to want to say something but stopped.

"Is there anything else?" Xiao Kaixin was in a good mood, but when she noticed that Xiao Chong seemed to be in a difficult position, she became a little puzzled.

"This disciple wishes to learn the method of mind control. I wonder if the clan leader can grant my request?" After weighing the matter carefully, Xiao Chong continued to advance by retreating, "If it is really against the rules, then the Seven Transformations of the Stars technique is fine without it."

"Is this child confused? Or does he not understand the importance of the Seven Transformations of the Stars? Countless disciples in the clan yearn for it but cannot obtain it, yet you want to use it to exchange for some method of chanting for a master?"

The old steward couldn't recall how many disciples who had successfully tempered their bodies had been received by the clan leader here, but he knew that none had ever received such attention from the clan leader as this disciple before him. He wanted to agree on Xiao Chong's behalf, but dared not say so openly, and kept blinking at Xiao Chong anxiously.

"Oh, I thought it would be a difficult matter. I'll just pick another one when I go to the Martial Arts Pavilion later." Xiao Kai smiled and readily agreed at first, but then he was taken aback and asked, "Why do you want to choose the Mind Master method? Do you want to cultivate the Path of Mind Master?"

The Xiao family has passed down martial arts as their family tradition. What does it mean that you, a disciple who has passed the martial arts body tempering test, are only thinking about the method of remembering your master?

Although many disciples in the clan pass the martial arts tempering test before the age of sixteen every year, and it's impossible to see this disciple's future achievements at the moment, his knowing when to advance and when to retreat, and his understanding of the bigger picture, are truly commendable. What's even more remarkable is that I've indeed gained a lot of inspiration from our conversation just now.

That's absolutely unacceptable. No, I need to make him give up on this idea as soon as possible.

Xiao Kaixin was ready to give Xiao Chong a good talking-to.

"This disciple has no other intention than to learn more about this subject, so that I won't be at a disadvantage when I encounter a Nen Master in the future. Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. I think I heard the clan leader mention this principle before."

Seeing that Xiao Kaixin's expression changed, Xiao Chong quickly explained, and then flattered him with another compliment.

Did I say that? When? But it sounds simple, direct, and concise—quite satisfying. Perhaps… I really did?

Xiao Kaixin finally felt relieved: "Our clan does have some methods for cultivating mind masters, but we've never produced any truly powerful mind masters. If you just want to learn about it, just take a look. Don't get too engrossed in it, lest you neglect your martial arts cultivation."

After thinking for a moment, he added, "If there's anything else you don't understand, you can ask Xiao Fangzheng, the legal supervisor at the Imperial Academy. I remember he seemed to have done some research on this back then."

"Looks like you've been quite fooled by me. Should we press on and bring up the matter of the ancestral property while we're at it?"

"Forget it, it's not good to snatch food from a tiger's mouth. Taking an inch and then a mile is a taboo thing to do anywhere. Let's deal with the current crisis first, and we can ask you for the rest later."

After much deliberation, Xiao Chong finally didn't dare to say thank you, bow, pay his respects, and turn around to bid a reluctant farewell to the lovable, foolish clan chief.