24: Setting Plans In Motion (3)
"Do any of you want to spar with me?" Wen asked.
All three of them quickly raised their hands as they considered sparring with a senior would be a good learning opportunity. However, Wen already had someone in mind.
"Chu Hua, you'll spar with me," Chu Hua excitedly skipped to the training grounds while Zhao Feng and Guang Hu sighed and dejectedly sat back down to prepare themselves for an exhilarating performance.
Wen and Chu Hua stood in front of each other, preparing themselves. "Remember, consider this as a learning experience. I will only be focused on defending and correcting your mistakes so try as hard as you can and show all of your skills,"
Chu Hua nodded in understanding as the boys on the sidelines made saddened expressions, as they would most likely not see an exciting performance as they had expected. "When do we start?" Chu Hua asked.
"Whenever you're ready-"
-Shiiiing!
Chu Hua unsheathed her sword, "I'm ready," Wen nodded and the practice session began.
. . .
(Guang Hu's perspective)
Guang Hu watched with eager eyes as the two of them fought. 'Senior Shen seems to e confident in himself! Even among the older disciples Chu Hua's knowledge of using the sword would be considered talented! It wouldn't be surprising if Senior Brother Shen focuses only on wielding swords and neglected his cultivation!'
-CLANG!
Guang Hu watched as Chu Hua carefully approached Shen's figure. Within less than a blink, Chu Hua jabbed at Shen and withdrew but Shen quickly sidestepped while keeping his sword in place, as if preparing himself for more hits.
'I see what Senior brother is doing. When Sister Hua does a few random small hits, instead of blocking them, he completely dodges it so he can protect himself if she suddenly attacks him,'
"That is indeed a good method but it's a little too risky," A voice calmly advised. "For example, I could've stabbed you just now. I'm honestly surprised at how well you can withdraw your blade but no matter what, it's just a little too risky.
"However, this could work as a good trap. If you randomly jab at them but they sidestepped, as I did just now, if they attempt to hit you, you could also easily block them. HOWEVER, if you jabbed at them TOO HARD thinking they would definitely block but they didn't and then attempt to hit you, you blocking them would be much harder to do because of the amount of strength you used on your first hit, which would make it harder for you to drag your arm back and defend.
"And although this would most likely only affect you a little, every small variable is important in any situation." Shen spoke sincerely because he usually used the phrase he made up, "every small variable is important," every time he made or used a plan or idea.
After stopping for a few seconds to think, Chu Hu nodded and continued assaulting Shen.
Guang Hu and Zhao Feng also started to think about what he had said. 'Although it most likely affects you a little, every small variable is important.'
In the end, Guang Hu also used this dual as a learning session for himself.
. . .
(Zhao Feng's perspective)
Sitting next to Guang Hu was Zhao Feng who was busy watching everything Chu Hua was doing. From her stance to how she attacked, Zhao Feng watched carefully. He was someone who had a lot of pride so losing against her today had seriously wounded him mentally. However, he was also not reckless enough to protest or make excuses about the lost dual.
He also had an idea of why Senior Brother Shen did not pick him or Guang Hu. It could be because Shen wanted him to study her movements because he was going to spar with them later, or because they simply weren't qualified. 'Damn, I admit it, those are some pretty dumb reasons,'
Zhao Feng wouldn't usually eye someone so specifically but this was an exception. They were using their swords in a different way than him. And although they weren't dual wielding, they were still using a sword. So, instead of silently watching, he also made this into a learning session for himself as well, by looking at how one would defend or attack with only one sword, which he thought was difficult because, how could someone attack and defend with only one sword?
And just like the other two disciples, Zhao Feng used this experience to benefit himself as well.
. . .
Wen quickly glanced at the two boys from the corner of his eyes. After seeing their serious cogitated (thinking) expressions he resisted a smile.
'Just as I thought! These kids aren't normal and would actually turn this dual into a learning experience! And, how many steps was that just now? Third step? Fourth? My plans have harmoniously laid out just as expected!' Wen proudly exclaimed inwardly.
Feeling relaxed and a feeling of fertility, Wen started body cultivation while instructing Chu Hua.
And just like, all four of them gained something that would beyond any doubt help them in their lives.
* * *
"Damn! The sun is so hot right now!" Zhao Feng complained.
Wen barely gave him a glance as he spoke, "Well, can we change it? Wait no, can anyone change it for that matter?"
Zhao Feng and the others shook their heads.
As a senior Wen respectfully advised, "Then don't complain about it,"
Guang Hu scoffed, "Easy for you to say, you aren't even sweating right now despite dueling with someone earlier, do you have a secret technique or something? No wait, you definitely do,"
Wen shrugged as they continued walking to the Sect's official Tavern, 'The Divine Sword Sect's Tavern' for lunch. A lame name but, who would care, right? Like, it is an elite sect so...?' Wen chuckled inwardly as he thought about the lazy naming.
At last, they reach the Tavern. It was a large three-story building that seemed to be made of a material that looked like wood. However, because this wasn't a simple sect, Wen guessed that it probably wasn't actually made of wood. A huge arc hung over the entrance of the regal-looking Tavern. As they entered a ringing sound rang.
-Ding!
A late teenager in a uniform immediately turned his head over to the door, where four disciples walked into the noisy tavern. "Welcome fellow disciples, we don't serve alcohol to children under 16," The server immediately informed after seeing the three younger disciples.
Wen spoke first, "Don't worry, I'll be the only one drinking,"
"Woah, senior, you drink?" the three disciples asked incrediously in unision.
Wen looked back at them with a puzzled face, "No, this'll be my first time-"
"Senior, isn't wine unhealthy for you?" Chu Hua asked.
"Well, it's only my first time..." Wen muttered. "I guess I won't drink today,"
The server nodded and pointed at an empty table, "The menu's on there, have a good one,"
"Thank you," Wen lightly bowed his head in thanks as they sat down. "What do you guys want?" Wen asked after showing them the menu.
Guang Hu, Zhao Feng, and Chu Hua then eagerly held up their menu's and pointed at what the each wanted. "I want these cooked spirit meat!" Zhao Feng earnestly said.
"I'll get a few egg rolls for now," Guang Hu said.
"I'll just get these egg noodles," Chu Hua answered lastly.
'Sigh, just as I thought, Chu Hua and Guang Hu chooses cheaper things while Zhao Feng orders the most expensive,' Wen smiled wryly at the expected outcome."I only brought a couple silver coins with me so don't order things that are too expensive for me," However, Wen actually had a lot more money than one would expect,he just didn't want to spend to much on these kids...
"Alright senior brother Shen," Zhao Feng grinned, "I'll take three pieces of spirit meat,"
"If you're going to by that much, just use your own money," Chu Hua rolled her eyes, and at this point Wen started getting annoyed, as spirit meat was not cheapest thing on the menu.
"Sister Hua is right, spirit meat isn't as cheap for others as it is for you," Guang Hu complained.
"Fine fine, I'll use my own money," Zhao Feng rolled his eyes, as if he was annoyed.
The server then came back, "You guys ready to order?"
"Yes please, 12 pieces of spirit meat please," Everyone who heard those words immediately widened their eyes in shock. However, Wen inwardly grinned hideously.
* * *