Free Web NovelChapter 234: Weak and Strong [2]
[A flashback...]
In Ji An’s mind, his mother was in front of him, showing how powerful a word could be. Words were not simply used to communicate; they were one of the most powerful weapons in the world that could not only be harmful in a physical manner but also mentally and emotionally.
As there were three different types of attacks using words, Ji An was only able to see the other two, which were the emotional and mental attacks.
He was entranced by his mother’s movement, but he didn’t realize it was just an illusion created by her with words. It was his first brush with a mental word attack.
"In both of my hands are two rabbits, black on the left and white on the right. Can you see it?" A beautiful lady in white robes asked while looking at one young boy.
The eyes of the boy were flickering in amusement as two rabbits appeared in the hands of his mother. He happily nodded and then expressed his joy.
"Yes, mother! I can see them. How did you do that?"
Ji An’s mother smiled sweetly and then stated, "Now, they are gone."
Ji An’s eyes widened as just after his mother said it, the rabbits disappeared like bubbles that had popped. He tried to look for the rabbits desperately but failed to find them.
"Where are the rabbits, Mother? Where did you hide them?" Little Ji An asked with teary eyes.
"You don’t have to worry. In the near future, you will be able to create a rabbit by yourself with just words from your mouth."
"Mother, I am confused. Please tell me where the rabbits are. I want to see rabbits! Rabbits!"
Ji An’s mother chuckled after seeing her son’s tantrum. She then shook her head and gave him another sweet smile and said, "My son, always remember that desires, when fulfilled, are only temporary. But, I want you to learn that these techniques are important."
"I don’t want to learn! I want rabbits!"
Ji An sighed as he remembered an incident from his childhood when he was still living with his mother. He remembered her mother teaching him wordplay techniques, but he ignored them. Furthermore, he remembered his mother’s desire for him to shine and achieve a good reputation.
’I was immature at that time, but now I can understand why Mother wanted me to learn word techniques. I already know about mental and emotional attacks, but I still don’t know the physical ones, which is basically a thing that my grandfather showed me.’
Another flashback occurred in his mind, where he was in the garden with his grandfather, mourning his mother’s death.
"Weak and strong divide the world widely. Weak-spirited people tend to be slaves to those who are strong and have the spirit to overpower weak people. That also serves in the wild, where strong beasts eat weak beasts."
"I don’t understand, grandfather. And, I am still curious: why do you still hide from Father? Are you two not on good terms?"
"Hahahaha! Ji An, you don’t have to worry about it. Watch this. This is important."
Ji An’s grandfather stood still and opened his mouth. Just when he was about to speak, unique Qi gathered in his mouth, and when he spoke, strong soundwaves were produced that destroyed nearby trees.
Ji An was greatly baffled by it, and that made him stand up from his seat. He looked at the tree with a shocked expression and couldn’t help but be speechless. freewēbnoveℓ.com
"Did you see that? That is what I am talking about. It is important. Your mother only taught you mental and emotional, but you didn’t take them to your heart. But, I am gambling on this one, thinking that you might get interested in the physical manner."
Ji An became silent after hearing his mother being mentioned in the conversation. His eyes became gloomy as if his spirit had disappeared. He dropped his body to the ground and didn’t make any sound, which made his grandfather surprised and guilty.
"I am sorry, my grandchild. But this is really important, so I hope you don’t mind learning it."
"I will learn it if I want to. Not today..."
Ji An finally reached his seat with Lucas behind him. Lucas still guarded him, and the vigilance didn’t drop. His eyes also observed the judgemental gazes of the audience, which he just understood since he also knew that this was normal.
’For being a disappointment in the past, it seems that people have started anticipating him now since they saw me. However, I am not prepared enough to break it as I still don’t know where to start to learn the Speech Curse in this world as unique cultivation. I can sense that Ji An’s aptitude could be inserted into mine as well since the darkness and light around his unique cultivation is already existing in mine.’
Lucas continued to assess Ji An to learn more about Ji An’s Speech Curse. And as he was about to see more of it in this event, he couldn’t wait to see others as well. There were plenty of word techniques and books present in this sect, but it was not enough. He needed to see them by himself.
"Sighs... Just when would this start? It felt like since I arrived, everyone’s attention was on me and that bald one. Were they expecting a battle in the showcasing event? We just have to exhibit our best technique and skills. That’s all. What should they expect anyway." Ji An grumbled as his eyes closed from the irritation he felt. His arms were also crossed.
***
"Hooo... I can see that this event has made other disciples expect more from your second son, Great Elder." Lion Ge stated while watching the crowd below, who were getting hyped by the first disciple to exhibit his talents.
Displaying their progress could benefit them financially and improve their reputation. The stronger a disciple’s reputation in the sect, the more funds they may get as sect assistance. Furthermore, because the sect would promote individuals with talent, the disciple who was recognized by the sect would be given additional resources to help them progress.
However, the event didn’t only have that kind of agenda for the disciples. It was also for the factions, for them to learn which disciple could be helpful to them, and also which disciple could represent their legacy in the future.
But, the seclusion of the sect hindered it for some reason, which weakened the elders’ and faction leaders’ interest in the matter. Because of the ongoing war, they couldn’t shout to the outside world more than they did in the past, afraid of the complications of being included in the war.
"Directly looking at your second son’s eyes. He seemed to have made his own resolution. Does he think that this is the right time to show the talent that he inherited from his parents? Let us see, we have expected things from him now."
"I am curious as well. Where did those rumors of him being incompetent come from? Practicing word techniques isn’t easy, but he was able to get his first word servant just after two months of learning. That’s what you call a talent!"
Dalin Xian secretly released a sigh. His companions in this room were so hyped about the situation that they were forgetting an important matter in this event: it was to learn about the progress of the sect and guide the disciple much better than before.
Dalin, however, could only shake his head in bewilderment and disappointment because they had witnessed this even as a form of entertainment. He had unrealistic expectations of them, as well as the Sect Leader. However, it was natural for the Sect Leader to act in this manner because he was only charismatic and a scholar, both of which the sect needed.
Since scholars established the sect and only kinds of the current sect leader were present and rare enough to be the sect leader of the sect, Dalin couldn’t think less of him.
"Patriarch Shang, I think highly of my sons, but I hope you won’t be disappointed if one of them doesn’t perform well in the event. I still lacked as their father, and didn’t attend much of their training and practice as a Word User." fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm
"Hoho... I understand, Great Leader Xian. You don’t have to worry about it."
"Thank you." Dalin cleared his throat and waited for the third-rate disciples to finish. And as they were already done, he stood up and reached the podium.
The audience was curious why their Great Elder was at the podium preparing a speech. And as Dalin started to gather everyone’s eyes on him, he started to initiate his speech.
"I want to congratulate everyone for the achievements they have reached and the progress of their practice. But, I am here for an important speech. Today... the two young masters of the Xian Clan will be the focus of the year’s event. It will determine who will be the heir to be the next clan leader of the Xian Clan."
As Dalin ended his short speech, everyone was surprised until a representative/announcer continued to explain the idea of the year’s event.
