Chapter 23. Can you make an appointment for acupuncture points?

Hou Gong turned his gaze to the two younger brothers.

"You were telling Miss Ban an interesting story, weren't you?"

"Brother, Miss Ban was being modest. She is the one who is well-versed and knowledgeable. She told us a story about acupuncture points, and it was so fascinating that we were just busy listening."

Ban Jiaoren waved her hand and laughed.

"Hehe, you flatter me. I just spoke about various things without much order."

"Not without order. Oh, by the way, big brother. Do you know what weapon the head of Qingyue Sect uses? Try to guess."

Bu Meng suddenly posed a question.

The head of the sect, Ban Guang, had come without any weapon.

This could be seen as Ban Guang's thoughtful consideration to avoid any misunderstandings.

However, Hou Gong had already read the traces on Ban Guang's right thumb and index finger, so he knew the answer.

- A brush.

Honestly, it was quite unexpected.

Based on his appearance, a hammer would have suited Ban Guang.

His bizarre laughter, a voice as loud as if he had drunk a bowl of lava, and his physique made him look like he would fit in perfectly with a hammer, even standing next to the Green Forest King. Yet, unexpectedly, it was a judge's brush.

After all, a beautiful and graceful female knight of the Nine Heavens had a unique weapon, an iron rod, and she was known as the Iron Rod Witch for using it.

"Hmm."

"It's a judge's brush. It's a brush made of iron. Using it to stimulate acupuncture points, how amazing is that?"

"Oh, so the head of the sect is an expert in acupuncture techniques."

"Yes, big brother, I'm thinking of joining Qingyue Sect this time to learn the secret techniques of acupuncture."

Bu Meng's joke made everyone laugh.

Meanwhile, Ban Jiaoren was growing increasingly puzzled.

She had felt this way the last time they met, but today it was even more evident.

There was no trace of melancholy or darkness in the eldest son of Tianhua Library, no matter how hard she looked.

On the contrary, even though this was only the second time she had seen him, his complexion was radiant, and his manner was naturally likable. He didn't act with pretense, and even when he spoke casually, it didn't feel light. His presence was strong without showing off.

Most surprisingly, as in their last meeting, the eldest son was subtly leading the conversation and the atmosphere.

He didn't talk much, but by adding appropriate interjections, shifting his gaze, and changing his expressions, the atmosphere naturally centered around him. His smiles were relaxed, and his reactions were varied.

Moreover, the brothers seemed to have a good relationship.

'Really, what was the rumor about?'

"Miss? Miss Ban?"

"…Yes?"

Ban Jiaoren, lost in thought, reacted a bit late.

It was the second son of Tianhua Library, Yun, who had called her.

"Haha, it seems I asked a difficult question."

"It's just that…"

Ban Jiaoren hesitated, thinking it would be impolite to say she hadn't heard, when a voice came to her rescue. It was the eldest son.

"Boy, isn't it natural for Miss Ban to be uncomfortable! Acupuncture isn't something you can just leave behind. How can you make it effective hours later?"

"Hehe, that would be a bit too much, I guess."

Fan Yun scratched his head, admitting his imagination had run wild.

'Ah, the question was about whether the effects of acupuncture could manifest hours later.'

With the eldest son's reprimand, Ban Jiaoren understood the question and smiled.

"It's not entirely impossible. Of course, it would be difficult in most cases, but I've heard that among the legendary advanced acupuncture techniques, there is one called the 'Post-Acupuncture Technique.' As you asked, it's said that even after the acupuncture is done, the results only show up much later. It's quite amazing, like making an appointment."

"Wow, so it's possible."

"Brother, what should we do? Miss Ban says it's possible."

"Hehehe!"

Ban Jiaoren laughed.

The second son was teasing, and the eldest son pretended to be annoyed, coughing loudly.

Ban Jiaoren immediately came to his defense.

"But the eldest son's point isn't entirely wrong. The Post-Acupuncture Technique is just a legendary advanced technique, and there's no record of who used it when or how."

"Even if it's a legend, someone must have used it for it to be known, right? What do you think, brother?"

"Kehem."

The eldest son's cough grew louder.

Then, pretending to be angry, he scolded his younger brothers.

"It seems you've developed a habit of teasing me. I don't even want to look at you two, so go away."

Though it was a scolding, the exaggerated and feigned expression was clear, so Yun and Bu Meng understood immediately. The eldest brother wanted to talk to Miss Ban alone.

"Ah, then we'll take our leave. Let's go, Bu Meng."

"Sure."

Once they were alone, Ban Jiaoren smiled, a hint of shyness showing.

"What would the eldest son like to know from me?"

Impressed by her intelligence, Hou Gong laughed.

"Haha, I want to ask about the Ximen Family. The head of the family's direct line, and any families or sects in northern Anhui that have close ties or are hostile to the Ximen Family. I want to resolve this dispute smoothly, but I don't know much about the Ximen Family since I've been secluded."

***

"You'll have to travel a long distance again."

Hou Gong bid farewell at the gate.

Behind him stood Yun, Bu Meng, and the guards.

"Kehem, eldest son! I'll invite you once the sect's event is over."

"Thank you for welcoming us despite our sudden visit. I hope to see you again."

The father and daughter also said their goodbyes.

When the Tianhua Library group was out of sight, the head of the sect, Ban Guang, spoke in a subtle tone.

"Jiaoren, about the eldest son."

"Yes."

"Didn't he seem a bit strange?"

"Why?"

"Kehem, he looked fine but laughed strangely, like he was mumbling. But even while laughing, he seemed unaware of it."

"…"

Ban Jiaoren stopped and looked at her father silently.

"Kehem, why are you looking at me like that?"

"Father."

"Kehem, why do you look so worried?"

"…"

"Kehem, you're even sweating."

"Let's go."

"Kehem, we should go together. Did something happen?"

***

'Qingyue Sect is settled, and now there's only the Ximen Family left.'

Walking slowly in the courtyard late at night, Hou Gong organized his thoughts.

Even with just the Ximen Family, it wasn't going to be easy.

The strength of the Ximen Family, a renowned family with a long history in the martial world, couldn't be underestimated.

Right and wrong weren't the main issues.

In the martial world, what's more useless than the truth?

The truth can always be distorted.

Crying for belief is just whining.

It only makes you look ridiculous.

Seeking help from the Martial World Alliance?

It would only bring laughter.

Fame and power can be used in many ways.

Therefore, realistically, there was no way to oppose the Ximen Family.

Everyone knew this, and the Ximen Family would think the same.

'But… that belief might be the only way.'

Life is paradoxical. When belief turns into overconfidence, it creates a gap.

If you can slip into that gap and strike precisely, you can bring down the Ximen Family.

Thinking about it another way, the weapons we have are sufficient.

The living evidence, the chief overseer.

The arrogance of the Ximen Family.

The ingenious formations and mechanisms in Tianhua Library.

Fan Hang's vast knowledge and talent.

And the experience and ability of the former leader of the Martial World Alliance.

'Kehem, I need to improve my abilities a bit more…'

Another thing to add is the need for external assistance.

With that, a rather impressive picture could emerge.

Of course, to complete the picture, every step must be handled smoothly without any mistakes.

While deeply pondering and meticulously reviewing the plan, he must have looked quite serious. Three people had been following him quietly from behind.

"Bu Meng, it seems the eldest brother is deeply absorbed."

Yun whispered.

Bu Meng nodded.

"Yes, he seems to be thinking a lot."

"About who?"

Songhua whispered, joining their conversation.

Bu Meng was puzzled.

"Songhua, you claim to be the eldest brother's shadow, but you're not very perceptive."

"Are you talking about Miss Ban?"

"Of course. He's been in a daze ever since she left."

Songhua stared at Bu Meng and Yun.

For some reason, her expression was one of pity, which made the two brothers slightly uncomfortable.

"What's with that pitiful look?"

"Excuse me, but neither of you have ever had a girlfriend, right?"

"Th-that's right."

Yun and Bu Meng stammered.

Songhua smiled.

"If he's deeply absorbed, it's probably Miss Ban. On the other hand, the eldest son doesn't seem interested at all."

"H-how do you know that!"

"Hehe, I know. Women don't give in easily. If you had ever been in a relationship, you would have known."

Yun and Bu Meng's faces turned pale.

Songhua smiled sweetly.

"I'm not teasing you, so don't misunderstand."

"Then why is the eldest brother so serious?"

"That's easy."

Is this a woman's intuition? While the two younger brothers were making wild guesses, Songhua was different. She seemed to see through it, so Hou Gong unconsciously perked up his ears.

'She's not just a shadow.'

Songhua spoke.

"Is the eldest son an ordinary person? He must have been thinking of a grand plan to oppose the Ximen Family. Then, he got stuck and fell into another dilemma."

"Another dilemma?"

"Yes, it's about late-night snacks."

"Late-night snacks?"

"He always says that when you can't find an answer, nothing beats a late-night snack. Now, he's probably wondering what to eat."

Songhua's attitude was very confident.

Yun and Bu Meng clenched their teeth to hold back their frustration.

Hou Gong also looked puzzled.

Who did he believe in?

'I shouldn't have believed in a shadow…'

After a moment of stiffness, Hou Gong strode back to his quarters.

Soon after, he called Yun alone.

"Brother, did you call me?"

"Yun, I have a favor to ask."

"Anything, please tell me."

"I'll give you two days. With your abilities, it should be enough. Extend the external formation of the library beyond the cliff."

It was an unexpected request, and there seemed to be no need for it, so Yun was puzzled.

"Brother, may I ask why?"

"It's nothing special. I just want to strengthen the defenses in case of an emergency. And I'll be in meditation for a few days, so be aware of that."

"…Yes."