Chapter 22: Mysterious Wooden Box

Another day passed, leaving only four days remaining before the duel between Liu Fan and Huang Xiang. Tang Jian and Li Bai were still comfortably sleeping in their dorm room when a sudden knocking sound echoed through the door. Stirring from his sleep, Tang Jian opened his eyes and nudged Li Bai. "Li Bai, go and answer the door," he groaned, rubbing his sleepy eyes.

Li Bai rolled over, covering his ears, and mumbled, "No, you go. You should open it since you're the younger one."

Annoyed, Tang Jian got out of bed and shot Li Bai an irritated glance. "Why should I go? Just because I'm younger doesn't mean I have to do all the menial tasks."

Li Bai, still half-asleep, continued to cover his ears. "I don't know anything. I just don't want to get up."

Tang Jian's frustration grew as the knocking on the door persisted. He threw off his blanket and opened the door with a loud slam. Standing before him was Zhao Zhiming, whom Tang Jian had instructed to search for something.

Rubbing his eyes, Tang Jian greeted Zhao Zhiming, saying, "You're up early, Zhao Zhiming. Did you find what I asked for?"

A proud smile formed on Zhao Zhiming's face as he replied, "Indeed, Saviour Tang. I have obtained the item you requested." He handed a wooden box to Tang Jian.

Tang Jian's face lit up with a genuine smile as he received the box and thanked Zhao Zhiming for his efforts. "Now, you may take your leave, Zhao Zhiming. I hope you will be successful in your own endeavors," Tang Jian said graciously.

After Zhao Zhiming left, Tang Jian and Li Bai prepared to head to their classes. Curiosity sparkled in Li Bai's eyes as he noticed the wooden box in Tang Jian's hands. "Tang Jian, what's inside that wooden box?" he inquired.

Tang Jian examined the box, clutching it tightly, and replied, "It's just a gift for someone. You don't need to worry about it."

Li Bai's curiosity grew even stronger, observing Tang Jian's unusual behavior. As they walked, Tang Jian and Li Bai arrived at the General Studies Hall. Liu Ying, as usual, shot Tang Jian a glare filled with animosity, while they both went about their own business. When Instructor Xin concluded the day's class, he dismissed the students.

While others dispersed to attend to their own matters, Tang Jian trailed behind Liu Ying. As Liu Ying reached a secluded spot, she paused and said, "You can come out now. Did you think I wouldn't find you if you tried to hide with such flimsy skills?"

Tang Jian raised his hands slightly and walked out slowly towards Liu Ying. "I mean no harm, student Liu Ying. Why would a mortal like me want to make an enemy out of a noble lady like you? Wouldn't that be inviting my own demise?" Tang Jian spoke with a slight smile.

Liu Ying's face contorted with annoyance as she retorted, "Is that so? Then did you come here to mock me because of the recent incident? Do you want to witness my family's humiliation? Why are you here?"

Tang Jian smirked in response and said, "You've misunderstood my intentions, student Liu Ying. I'm here to lend you a helping hand, nothing more."

Liu Ying's anger surged even higher upon hearing Tang Jian's ridiculous statement. "Huh... Did you just say you're here to help me? Then tell me, how will you ensure my brother's victory in the duel in four days?"

Tang Jian approached Liu Ying and extended his hand, presenting her with the wooden box he had been carrying. "You just need to place this wooden box secretly at the Huang family's residence. Make sure to carefully place it in Huang Xiang's elder brother's room," Tang Jian explained confidently.

Liu Ying erupted in fury and swung her fist at Tang Jian, narrowly missing him but grazing his cheek. Annoyed by Liu Ying's actions, Tang Jian decided not to give her the wooden box. "If you don't want it, just say so. Why are you swinging your fists around like a mad person? I'll take my leave, student Liu Ying," he said sternly, turning to walk away.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

Seeing Tang Jian's sincere reaction, Liu Ying calmed down and stopped him. "Wait, forgive me for my rudeness, Tang Jian. I've been incredibly frustrated with the current situation. Please assist my brother so that our family's reputation remains intact," she pleaded, bowing to apologize.

A sinister smile crept across Tang Jian's face as he turned back to face Liu Ying. "Ahem! That's the spirit, student Liu Ying. I knew you would eventually trust me. Here, this wooden box will pave the way to your brother's victory. And remember, tell your brother to endure for at least the duration of an incense stick," Tang Jian advised seriously, handing the wooden box to Liu Ying.

Liu Ying accepted the box, gripping it tightly while being cautious. "I will place it safely in Huang Xiang's elder brother's room without opening it. I hope trusting you won't lead to regrets, Tang Jian," she said, still harboring doubts.

Tang Jian's radiant smile faded as soon as Liu Ying left, replaced by a stern expression. "What a fiery temper this young lady has. She's rather naive compared to others. Well, I suppose it's understandable considering her age and being an external cultivator," Tang Jian muttered, wiping the blood from the graze on his cheek before continuing on his way.

Arriving at the Practice Hall, where students trained diligently, Tang Jian scanned the area for a while before picking up a bow from the corner of the weapons section. Approaching the target practice area, he greeted the instructor standing there. "Nice to meet you, Instructor. I am Tang Jian from the Alchemy and Soul Cleansing Hall. May I inquire about your name?" he asked politely.

The instructor scrutinized Tang Jian, giving him a once-over. "You can call me Instructor Long," the instructor smirked, his eyes focused on Tang Jian. "Judging by your appearance, it's evident that you're from the Alchemy and Soul Cleansing Hall. What a fragile body you possess, child. I advise you to focus on your respective hall's studies and not meddle in things beyond your capabilities."

Instructor Long's arrogant remark struck a nerve with Tang Jian. While the Practice Hall was open to everyone during the middle of the day, Tang Jian had genuinely wanted to practice his archery skills before attending his Soul Cleansing Hall class. However, the instructor's rudeness had stirred his emotions. Nevertheless, Tang Jian, no longer the influential man he once was in his past life, managed to restrain his feelings.

Still wearing a polite smile, Tang Jian replied, "You're right, Instructor Long. My body is indeed frail, as you say. However, I still need to practice my archery skills; otherwise, I'll forget them. I hope you can grant me the opportunity to test my skills here."

Instructor Long chuckled, thinking of Tang Jian as a clueless brat who hadn't experienced the world. "Fine, do as you please, little brat," he replied, maintaining his composure.

The distance between the shooting point and the target was a staggering 50 meters. This distance was challenging even for five-year-old kids, let alone hitting the bullseye. Only the seniors who had reached the Body Forging Stage were successful in their attempts.

Radiating with confidence, Tang Jian pulled back the bowstring, preparing to shoot at the target 50 meters away. With steady hands, he released the bow but missed the target on his first attempt. Disappointed, Tang Jian muttered, "It's harder than I thought. I'm still too young to handle this bow properly."

Seeing Instructor Long chuckling at his embarrassing moment, Tang Jian grew furious. He opened the shop section of the system.

[Shop] Faith Value - 16

Faith Value - 16

Basic Fist Technique - 10 Faith Value

Eagle Eye Technique - 15 Faith Value

Dark Shadow Technique - 20 Faith Value

Recovery Elixir - 15 Faith Value

"I should choose this technique if I want to improve my archery," Tang Jian thought to himself, gazing at the options on the status screen. After deciding which technique to learn, he purchased the Eagle Eye Technique from the system, using 15 faith value.

Suddenly, various instructions and images flooded Tang Jian's mind, causing him to wince in pain.

As the instructions and images flooded Tang Jian's mind, he felt a sharp pain coursing through his head. He clutched his temples, trying to endure the overwhelming sensations. It was as if his mind was being rewired, and new knowledge was being imprinted within him.

After what seemed like an eternity, the pain gradually subsided, leaving Tang Jian slightly disoriented but eager to test out his newly acquired technique. He regained his composure and turned his attention back to Instructor Long, who was observing him with curiosity.

"Now, let's see if this Eagle Eye Technique lives up to its name," Tang Jian thought to himself, determination shining in his eyes.

Tang Jian took a deep breath, drawing upon his newfound knowledge. He focused his gaze on the target, channeling his energy and sharpening his senses. With each passing moment, the world around him seemed to slow down, and the target became clearer and more distinct.

Instructor Long watched with growing interest as Tang Jian prepared to shoot once again. He had expected another failed attempt, but there was an air of confidence emanating from Tang Jian that intrigued him.