"Really going to self-study, huh?" Gui Heshu was somewhat speechless.

He had thought that Zhao Ya was just brushing him off just now, and now it seemed he had wronged him.

But even if the Azure Dragon Temple’s Library is renowned across the world, can one learn anything of substance purely through self-study?

Gui Heshu was skeptical about this.

But the situation was as it was, and there was no use in saying anything else. Gui Heshu instructed his son,

"Don’t worry about what he’s doing. You just focus on practicing martial arts diligently in the Martial Arts Hall. Make sure you don’t skimp on any gifts for the Instructor Elder. If you run out of money, I’ll send someone over, and make sure to maintain good relationships with other disciples. Do you understand?"

"I understand," Gui Xuanqing nodded sincerely.

"Also, don’t distance yourself from Zhao Ya. Everyone has their own aspirations, and we can’t force them, but since you both joined the Azure Dragon Temple together, it’s only right to look out for each other."

"Understood!"

Gui Heshu left.

His visit was indeed a fleeting one.

Considering the vastness of Ink Sea City’s industry, there would naturally be many affairs to manage, especially around the end of the year.

Even so, he made the time to come all the way to the Azure Dragon Temple just to check on his son’s situation, which showed how much he valued Gui Xuanqing.

Watching Gui Heshu depart, Gui Xuanqing turned to Zhao Ya, who had also come to see him off.

"Senior Brother, with just a few days left until the New Year, what do you plan to do?"

At this point, the Martial Arts Hall was long closed, and Gui Xuanqing had plenty of time. It was his first time celebrating New Year away from home, which naturally made him excited.

Zhao Ya replied calmly, "What else is there to do, but cultivate?"

"Cultivate?" Gui Xuanqing was bewildered, clearly not expecting Zhao Ya to say that.

In his mind, after a year of hard work, shouldn’t one take this chance to relax a little? 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Especially with so many resources at hand, it was the perfect time to enjoy a little, but Zhao Ya said he was going to cultivate, which left Gui Xuanqing a bit puzzled.

"Yes, right now, the Library is almost empty. Going there is like having the place to yourself, and it’s the perfect time to cultivate," Zhao Ya said.

"But it’s almost New Year’s..."

"What’s wrong with New Year? Does New Year mean you don’t have to cultivate?"

At this, Zhao Ya patted Gui Xuanqing’s shoulder and said earnestly, "Remember, as a qualified Martial Artist, you must never relax your standards for yourself, no matter the time or place."

After saying this, Zhao Ya turned and left, leaving Gui Xuanqing standing alone in the cold wind, pondering life.

After returning home, Zhao Ya took out pen and paper, pondered for a bit, and began to write.

He intended to write a Boxing Manual, similar to the Five Tiger Fist, but much more advanced. This way, he could probably earn some Sect Contribution.

Zhao Ya had considered submitting existing Secret Manuals but decided against it.

Because those Secret Manuals were too low in level, even if the Library accepted them, they probably wouldn’t earn much contribution.

Take for example the Little Five Paths Chasing Soul Leg, which according to Zhao Ya’s classification, was at most a Yellow Tier high-grade.

Such a cultivation technique might be acceptable in Great Yan, but at the Azure Dragon Temple, it just isn’t impressive enough.

Writing the Boxing Manual was also a comprehensive reflection on himself, allowing him to better see his shortcomings.

Yes, that’s it!

Two hours later...

Looking at the pile of scrap paper before him, Zhao Ya showed a troubled expression.

He underestimated the difficulty of creating a Boxing Manual. After two whole hours of writing and revising, he still didn’t have a satisfactory opening.

This is harder than writing a novel! he muttered silently to himself, and simply stood up and went into the courtyard.

By this time, it was already dark, and Zhao Ya remembered he hadn’t eaten yet.

He wondered what Gui Xuanqing was doing.

So Zhao Ya went out, and knocked on Gui Xuanqing’s door.

A moment later, Gui Xuanqing, sweating, opened the door.

"Eh, Senior Brother, what is it?"

"What have you been doing?" Zhao Ya asked.

"I’ve been thinking carefully. What you said today made perfect sense. I can’t waste any more time. I must seize the time to cultivate, and strive to achieve something, to bring honor and glory to my father," Gui Xuanqing said earnestly.

"So, you’ve been home cultivating the whole time since you got back?" Zhao Ya couldn’t help but laugh.

"Yes."

"Have you eaten?"

"Not yet, I completely forgot about eating."

"Come, let’s eat at my place. Your father sent various New Year goods, and I’ll cook up a few dishes, and we can have a drink," Zhao Ya said.

"Uh, but I still need to cultivate!" Gui Xuanqing exclaimed in surprise.

"Cultivation doesn’t have to be rushed. One must balance work and rest."

Gui Xuanqing thought about it deeply and realized it made a lot of sense.

Having trained for so long, he was truly starving, so he followed Zhao Ya home.

The New Year goods sent by Gui Heshu were certainly valuable. Zhao Ya picked out two fish and cut a large piece of meat from a specially bred deformed deer for consumption.

Then he began to skillfully prepare food.

In fact, Zhao Ya’s cooking skills were quite good.

However, since Zui’Er started living with him, Zhao Ya rarely cooked himself.

Now that Zui’Er was far away in the Yan Capital City, he was all alone, and if he wanted some dishes to go along with alcohol, he had to make them himself.

Gui Xuanqing helped out on the side.

Watching Zhao Ya’s dexterous movements and smelling the aroma of the gradually wafting dishes, Gui Xuanqing couldn’t help but admire him.

Senior Brother Zhao truly is an all-rounder, not only reasoning well but also skilled in cooking.

In no time, fragrant dishes were served.

The wine, also sent by Gui Heshu, was a twenty-year-old vintage. When the cap was removed, a rich aroma wafted out.

Zhao Ya and Gui Xuanqing sat facing each other, each pouring a bowl of wine before Zhao Ya raised his bowl.

"Come, let’s have a drink first."

With that, he downed the bowl.

Gui Xuanqing followed suit, raising his head to drink.

"Eat!" Zhao Ya said, picking up his chopsticks.

He didn’t know the fish’s species, but its meat was incredibly tender. Combined with Zhao Ya’s skills, once in the mouth, it was absolutely delicious.

Gui Xuanqing couldn’t stop after just one taste.

They drank and ate as they leisurely chatted about recent events, finally relaxing.

Especially Zhao Ya, who had been intensely cultivating as if on a constant cycle, keeping his nerves tense.

Such a rare opportunity to relax was naturally cherished by Zhao Ya.

As the two were joyfully eating, Zhao Ya suddenly sensed something, turning to look outside the courtyard.

"Senior Brother, have a drink... what’s wrong, Senior Brother?" Gui Xuanqing asked in surprise.

Zhao Ya didn’t respond, instead standing up and cupping his hands, "May I ask if it’s Elder Shen?"

A chuckle came from afar, "Good lad, you actually noticed me. You’ve got some skills."

With these words, a shabby middle-aged man appeared on a tree outside the wall.

The visitor was Elder Shen Yunshen from the Sect Contribution Department. He smiled and said,

"Even from afar, I could smell the wine coming from your courtyard, so I came to get a drink. Hope it’s not an imposition."

Zhao Ya smiled too, "You’re too polite, Elder Shen. Visiting at this hour makes you our guest. How could it be an imposition? Please, have a seat."

"Haha, it’s true, whoever comes is a guest, so I won’t be polite."

With that, Shen Yunshen flickered and in the next instant was already at the table.

Gui Xuanqing naturally recognized Shen Yunshen too, and upon his arrival, quickly stood up.

Shen Yunshen, however, waved his hand, "No need for such formality. Since I’m crashing your meal to drink and eat, there’s no need for all this politeness."

At this point, Zhao Ya brought a chair, and Shen Yunshen, without hesitation, sat down.

Gui Xuanqing hurriedly poured wine.

Shen Yunshen picked up the bowl, gently sniffed it, and showed a look of deep appreciation.

"Good wine, truly unadulterated twenty-year aged wine. It’s rare indeed."

With that, he reluctantly sipped it.

Zhao Ya smiled slightly at this, "I must say, it seems I’m benefiting from Junior Brother Xuanqing. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be drinking such fine wine."

"Come, Elder Shen, I toast to you."