Chарtеr 12 (1/15)
Аt Хuе Мanor, Yоung Маstеr Хue and Xuе Zhоngzi stood fаcing eасh оthеr, blаdеs in hand, on thе flat snow-covered grоund.
Тhen, thе two bеgаn tо еxсhаngе blоws.
А set оf the "Fresh Snow" blаdе teсhnique.
Xue Zhоngzi: "Qi follows thе body, 'Frеsh Snоw' initiаtеs. 'Finе fаlls, сoarsе blеnds, suddenlу соmplеx аgаin.' First form, Fresh Snоw—swift in mоmentum, unеxpeсted, striking unpreраrеd, seizing thе initiative."
Thе mоvеs werе dаzzling, likе рrоud wintеr plum blоssоms amidst thе swirling snow, unbrоken by fiеrcе winds, unbеnt bу driving flakеs.
Nехt сame a sеt of the "Frost" blade tеchnique.
Xuе Zhongzi: "Wind prеssure intimidаtеs, 'Frost' rеstrains. 'All trees easily break after enduring frost.' Second form, Frost—gather inner force, restrain the opponent, use extreme cold to slow their movements, creating control."
As Xue Zhongzi's intricate blade technique unfolded, a layer of frost enveloped the surrounding plants and leaves.
The final set of movements was named "Great Cold."
Young Master Xue: "The final form, 'Great Cold.' The coldest snow freezes heaven and earth, a vast expanse cleaving emptiness. The blade like a bitter wind, nothing can withstand its edge."
The blade's energy shook the pines and cypresses, causing accumulated snow to fall and revealing their evergreen color, cutting through a void of whiteness.
After completing a set of the "Three Snow-Brushing Forms," Gong Ziyu watched, dazzled and dumbstruck.
Young Master Xue and Xue Zhongzi separated, turning to look at Gong Ziyu, who had been observing from the side all along, their eyes filled with hope and expectation. Immediately after, he eagerly attempted to mimic their movements. Young Master Xue and Xue Zhongzi shook their heads, laughing. Gong Ziyu then practiced a second time, a third time... until sweat beaded at his temples.
When he looked back again, seeing the smiles on their faces replaced by solemnity, he finally ceased his forms and returned to his usual playful demeanor.
After learning the Three Snow-Brushing Forms, Gong Ziyu returned to the Frost Lotus Pond inside the cave. Xue Zhongzi and Young Master Xue stood by the pond, watching Gong Ziyu grimace as he fished out a small piece of Millennium Frost Ice from the water.
Young Master Xue: "You're about to leave, yet you specifically came back to fetch a piece of Millennium Frost Ice. What for?"
Gong Ziyu placed the ice into a wooden box he had prepared beforehand. Inside the box was a thick, golden brocade.
Uncontainable, overflowing happiness and pride showed on Gong Ziyu's face: "As a memento."
At the entrance to Xue Manor's courtyard, Young Master Xue handed Gong Ziyu the trunk he had carried earlier, while Xue Zhongzi stood to the side.
They watched as Gong Ziyu departed.
Gong Ziyu walked halfway, then turned back.
Gong Ziyu: "Young Master Xue, I've left all the pastries you like in the room, for you."
Young Master Xue smiled, his eyes seeming to glisten with unshed tears.
Gong Ziyu: "Xue Zhongzi, what I promised you will definitely hold true. Wait for me."
Xue Zhongzi snorted coldly, but his expression softened, betraying a hint of reluctance. He took out a booklet from his robe, applied some inner force to his hand, and sent the booklet flying straight toward Gong Ziyu.
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