"Uncle Sun, your sword technique talent is extraordinary; no wonder your sword skills are so impressive."
Bai Ziyue timely praised, seeing Sunx Neng reveal a proud expression; he quickly took the opportunity to ask, "What is it like to achieve Eighteen Linked Blades Perfection, and how powerful is it?"
"Eighteen Linked Blades Perfection... as far as I know, no one has ever cultivated this sword technique to perfection.
But I guess it is turning these eighteen cuts into one, one cut combining eighteen cuts, its power is at least three times stronger than before."
Sunx Neng was silent for a while before speaking.
Bai Ziyue nodded in understanding.
Just achieving Small Success takes an ordinary person three to five years, and to cultivate to Great Success would take about ten years. This sword technique itself is not top-notch martial arts, so naturally, few people would spend too much time and effort on it. It is quite normal that few people reach Perfection.
However, for Bai Ziyue who has Soul Energy to accelerate improvement, this is not a big issue. Instead, he feels that this fast-executing martial art, which can burst out with great power, is more suitable for him at this time.
In the following period, Sunx Neng began to explain in detail the force transmission technique of Eighteen Linked Blades. Almost every cut has a different frequency of force application. Bai Ziyue spent more than an hour memorizing it thoroughly.
Of course, to integrate it fully and perform it without any mistakes also requires a period of practice.
...
In the afternoon, after the peak period at Ming Pearl Restaurant, Bai Ziyue left together with Sunx Neng.
"Uncle Sun, who exactly is Mr. Hou?"
On the way, Bai Ziyue asked curiously.
This time, he was going to see the elusive Mr. Hou, led by Sunx Neng.
"Mr. Hou is a remarkable person.
He is one of the few in the Sunburst Gang with only External Forging strength but holds a position comparable to a figure at the Peak of Inner Cultivation, having substantial weight in the Qinghe Town branch.
Not only does he hold half the shares of Ming Pearl Restaurant, but he also owns a silk shop, a rice store, and even has properties in Wujiang County.
If you can gain his recognition, becoming an Inner Sect Apprentice is an exceedingly easy matter."
Sunx Neng said with a hint of admiration on his face.
In terms of strength, Mr. Hou might not be better than him, but the former's status and position were tenfold, a hundredfold superior.
"Everything still needs Uncle Sun's recommendation."
Bai Ziyue said sincerely.
He knew that Sunx Neng was invested in this matter due to his own pursuits, but he was still grateful; mutual benefits were not a bad thing.
As they spoke, an old-fashioned yet expansive mansion appeared before them.
This was Mr. Hou's residence.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Sunx Neng stepped forward to knock on the door, bending slightly.
With a creak, the door opened. A person who looked like a steward poked his head out and asked, "What's the matter?"
"Master Xu, it's me, Little Sun from Ming Pearl Restaurant. I have a very important matter and wish to see Mr. Hou."
Sunx Neng immediately stepped forward and said respectfully.
"Wait!"
With that, the door closed with a creak, and the sound of footsteps gradually faded away.
Despite being turned away, Sunx Neng did not show any impatience and waited calmly.
Bai Ziyue stood behind silently, feeling a bit more nervous inside.
About ten minutes later, the door opened again, Steward Xu glanced at the two and said, "Come in, sir has agreed to see you."
"Thank you, Master Xu."
Sunx Neng quickly expressed his gratitude and entered.
Bai Ziyue followed closely behind.
The two then followed Steward Xu into the mansion.
Entering the mansion, Bai Ziyue found it even more spacious than he had imagined. Not only were there many plants in the yard, but there was also a pond about 300 square meters in size. With the arrival of winter, the lotus flowers in the pond had withered and broken, but through the water surface, many golden, white, and red carp could still be seen swimming, densely packed and full of ornamental appeal.
After passing through the courtyard, they confronted a tall threshold. Crossing it, they saw an elderly man looking somewhat emaciated, sitting by a fire drinking hot tea in the main hall.
A maid stood by, occasionally offering a piece of pastry to put into his mouth.
"Mr. Hou… Sunx Neng greets Mr. Hou."
Seeing the old man, Sunx Neng immediately spoke respectfully.
"Speak."
Mr. Hou glanced at Bai Ziyue following Sunx Neng and said indifferently.
"Mr. Hou, this is Bai Ziyue, a martial arts genius.
While working at Ming Pearl Restaurant, he mastered the Zen Meditation Posture at the Entry Level within ten days and further reached the Small Success within just forty days.
I know Mr. Hou appreciates talent and does not wish to see a martial arts genius remain hidden, so I boldly recommend him to you."
Sunx Neng took a deep breath, knowing his future in this matter was at stake. He spoke with some excitement.
"Oh?"
Mr. Hou's previously calm expression showed a hint of surprise. He sat upright and re-examined Bai Ziyue before saying, "Demonstrate the Zen Meditation Posture."
"Alright."
Bai Ziyue knew that gaining recognition required showcasing his abilities. Without hesitation, he demonstrated the Zen Meditation Posture at the Small Success Level.
"Changing from a Fixed Posture to a Lively Posture, the Zen Meditation Posture indeed reached Small Success!"
Nodding, Mr. Hou turned to Steward Xu and said, "Go and inquire."
"Yes, sir."
Steward Xu promptly nodded and left.
Seeing this, Bai Ziyue and Sunx Neng remained composed.
Mr. Hou, who started as a miscellaneous disciple, and himself having only an External Forging level strength, had significant status today; naturally, he was not someone who would believe everything said easily. Sending someone to verify was normal.
During the waiting period, Mr. Hou did not neglect them, offering them pastry, seats, and tea, casually asking a few questions in between.
Bai Ziyue and Sunx Neng answered each one until Steward Xu returned.
"Good, indeed a martial arts genius."
Listening to Steward Xu's whispers and reading the detailed report on Bai Ziyue, Mr. Hou praised and stood up from his chair.
"Sunx Neng, you did well. A martial arts genius like Bai Ziyue should not be buried. It would be a loss for the entire Sunburst Gang." Speaking, Mr. Hou looked at Sunx Neng and continued, "Do you have any requests? Feel free to ask, and I will consider fulfilling them."