Chapter 301: Chapter 145: Qualitative Change, Meridian Realm

Shen Bai said, "If you keep talking about your master like that, and he finds out, won’t he make you kneel until dawn?"

Ouyang Sword shook his head. "We swordsmen are straightforward. We don’t beat around the bush and we speak the truth. My master understands that."

At this, Ouyang Sword seemed eager not to get sidetracked and said,

"Please, Lord Shen, I ask for your agreement. It will be quite boring for you to travel alone, so why don’t we go together? We could chat along the way."

Shen Bai stroked his chin. After a moment of thought, he said, "Alright. Just come and get me when it’s time to leave."

He could have traveled alone, but a thought suddenly occurred to him. ’Maybe if we go together, we can watch each other’s backs.’

’After all, the internal examination is no simple affair. It’s a gathering of geniuses from every branch of the Observatory. Having an ally would make things much more convenient down the line.’

To be honest, Shen Bai didn’t have a bad impression of Ouyang Sword.

He was a graceful winner and a good loser, able to take things seriously and let them go. Aside from a personality prone to a bit of posturing, he was alright.

The very fact that he would still seek Shen Bai out to travel together proved he wasn’t so bad.

When Ouyang Sword heard Shen Bai agree, his face lit up with joy. "Excellent! Since you’ve agreed, Lord Shen, I can rest easy."

Shen Bai nodded. "Are you staying at an inn here in Fenglin State for the time being?"

Ouyang Sword shook his head. "The Fenglin State Observatory has rooms available for members from other branches. Since I’m from the Huaxing State branch, I can stay here. It saves a bit of money."

Shen Bai chuckled. "The Observatory’s salary is quite generous, more than enough to live lavishly. You need to save money on something like this?"

The Observatory did indeed have rooms open to outsiders—"outsiders" in this case meaning members from other branches.

But these rooms were self-service, meaning that while you could stay there, you were responsible for everything, including cleaning.

You had to leave the room in the same condition you found it.

’It sounded like too much trouble,’ Shen Bai thought. ’It’s better to just stay at an inn.’

Ouyang Sword shook his head, a hint of embarrassment on his face. "I pretty much spend my entire monthly salary."

Shen Bai gave him a curious look. "You spend that much? Don’t tell me you’re at the Music Bureau every day."

Back at the Fenglin State Observatory, the only people Shen Bai knew who were always short on money were Huang Guang and Kong Fang. After all, they frequented the Music Bureau whenever they got paid.

Since Ouyang Sword mentioned he spent a lot, Shen Bai had asked offhandedly.

Ouyang Sword shook his head. "Worldly pleasures would only dull my blade. I never indulge. All my money goes toward practicing my Swordsmanship."

"Practicing Swordsmanship costs that much?" Shen Bai was thoroughly confused.

Ouyang Sword pressed his lips together, a conflicted look on his face.

Shen Bai understood at once. He shook his head and said, "If it’s a secret of your school, then say no more. Go ahead and stay here. Just come get me when it’s time to leave."

Ouyang Sword nodded. "In that case, Lord Shen, could I come to you for advice on Swordsmanship in the meantime?"

Shen Bai shook his head. "No. If you want to exchange pointers, we can do it on our way to the internal examination."

’I don’t have time to be exchanging pointers on Swordsmanship right now.’

’The Poison Avoidance and Rejuvenation Skill is about to undergo its second transformation, and I’m on the verge of breaking through to the Meridian Realm. I need to spend all my time grinding my Skill Level.’

Hearing this, Ouyang Sword looked disappointed.

But he understood that Shen Bai must have his own priorities, so he didn’t press the issue. He simply cupped his fists and said,

"In that case, I’ll take my leave. I’ll see you at the internal examination."

Shen Bai nodded, then glanced toward the resource building in the distance. "Aren’t you going to see Elder Mu?"

Ouyang Sword scratched his head. "No, I’d better not. Martial Uncle Mu and my master don’t see eye to eye. He probably can’t stand the sight of me, either. I know my place."

With that, Ouyang Sword gave a wave and departed.

Shen Bai gave it a moment’s thought, then wasted no time and walked into the resource building.

Inside the resource building, Elder Mu was leisurely pouring himself some tea, taking several sips.

Hearing footsteps, Elder Mu looked up, a faint smile gracing his features.

Shen Bai shot him a curious glance. "Elder Mu, weren’t you worried I might lose?"

Elder Mu shook his head. "If you were to lose, then there would truly be no one in the younger generation capable of handling my junior brother’s disciple. Besides, if you had actually lost, I would have just assumed you were throwing the match."

Shen Bai smiled without explaining, found a seat, and drained his cup of tea.

Elder Mu asked, "You’re about to break through to the Meridian Realm, aren’t you, kid?"

Shen Bai nodded, not hiding it. "I’m just a hair’s breadth away. Once I reach the Meridian Realm, my chances at the internal examination will be even better."

Elder Mu mused for a moment. "You can already defeat someone in the Meridian Realm while still in the Five Organ Realm. Once you reach the Meridian Realm yourself, does that mean you’ll be able to trade a few moves with me?"

Shen Bai chuckled. "Actually, besides coming to share the good news, I also have a small request, Elder Mu."

Elder Mu waved his hand magnanimously. "Speak. I’ll agree to anything, so long as it’s within my power."

Shen Bai grinned. "Once I reach the Meridian Realm, I’d like to have another match with you, Elder Mu, to see where I truly stand."