In the following days, Xu Yang set aside time every day to practice the Thunder Shock Fist. After only five or six days, he had already reached the Sixth Layer but got stuck on superimposing the Seventh Layer of Force.

Superimposing the Seventh Layer of Force was more than ten times harder than the Sixth Layer. The slightest mistake, and all the previously accumulated Force would dissipate.

Over the next few days, everyone was adapting to life in the Purple Sun Sect. Lu Ren, Zhang Yong, Zhao Zhifei, and the others would occasionally drop by for a chat.

Some of the more impatient people had already started doing missions to earn contribution points.

One day, he returned from practicing the Thunder Shock Fist outside when Sun Tao and Lin Wei found him. They told him directly that they had found Xiao Hua’s residence and were going to pay him a visit.

"Wait for me a moment, you two!"

Xu Yang washed off his stinking sweat, changed into a fresh set of clothes, and only then went out with Sun Tao and Lin Wei to head for Xiao Hua’s residence.

Lin Wei was holding a Sandalwood Box. Inside was the gift prepared by Lin Cheng: a thirty-year-old stalk of Wild Ginseng, worth a hundred taels of silver.

The residences of Outer Sect Stewards were in a separate area. The environment was much better than that of the Outer Disciples, with more exquisite and impressive courtyards planted all around with rare flowers and exotic trees.

Lin Wei led the other two to the front of a courtyard. She stepped forward and gently knocked on the door. After a short while, there was a sound from inside, and a young man opened the door and walked out.

Seeing Xu Yang and Sun Tao’s Outer Disciple attire, the man first furrowed his brow slightly. But when he saw Lin Wei, with her delicate features and heroic air, a smile immediately spread across his face.

"Excuse me, is this the residence of Steward Xiao Hua?" Lin Wei asked.

The man nodded, his gaze landing on Lin Wei’s face. "And what business does this Junior Sister have with my father?"

Lin Wei’s eyes lit up. "So you must be Brother Xiao Chen. I am Lin Wei, daughter of Lin Cheng from Weiyuan Hall in Qingyuan County. Along with my two fellow disciples, I have come on his instruction to visit Uncle Xiao. I ask that Brother Xiao Chen please announce our visit."

As she spoke, she handed over the letter written by Lin Cheng.

"Ah, so you’re Junior Sister Lin Wei from Uncle Lin Cheng’s family. Please wait a moment, Junior Sister. I’ll go inform my father."

Xiao Chen took the letter, turned, and walked into the courtyard. He soon found his father, Xiao Hua, in the study and informed him that Lin Cheng’s daughter and two other disciples had come to visit.

"Lin Cheng?" Xiao Hua said. "We haven’t exchanged letters in years. Does he still not understand that I have no desire to associate with him? A failure, and he still thinks he can be my friend."

He raised an eyebrow, taking the letter from Xiao Chen’s hand and opening it.

"Xu Yang, Lin Wei, Sun Tao... He wants my help looking after his daughter and two disciples. Lin Cheng really is dreaming."

If he recalled correctly, those three names weren’t among the top three in this year’s Qingyuan County Martial Arts Examination. If they had been, he wouldn’t have minded granting Lin Cheng this favor.

After skimming the letter, Xiao Hua said, "Tell them I’m in the middle of training and don’t have time to see them."

"They brought a gift!" Xiao Chen reminded him.

Xiao Hua glanced at his son and said coolly, "Lin Cheng’s daughter is good-looking?"

Xiao Chen let out a sly chuckle.

"In that case, let’s meet them."

The three of them were soon invited into the courtyard and met Xiao Hua in a side hall.

The three of them cupped their fists in unison. "We, disciples Xu Yang, Lin Wei, and Sun Tao, pay our respects to Senior Uncle Xiao."

Xiao Hua’s gaze swept over them. He noted that Lin Cheng’s daughter was indeed delicately featured and possessed a heroic air that most women lacked. As for Xu Yang and Sun Tao, his eyes merely skimmed past them.

"Back in the day, Brother Lin and I were not disciples under the same master. You may address me as Steward Xiao."

Xiao Hua spoke indifferently, the distancing intent in his words obvious. The message was clear: his relationship with their master wasn’t as good as they thought, and they shouldn’t try to claim connections that weren’t there.

A bitter feeling rose in Sun Tao’s heart. He hadn’t expected Lin Cheng’s words to become a self-fulfilling prophecy. ’People’s hearts change so easily,’ he thought. ’His best friend from the old days no longer considers him a friend.’

But just then, Xiao Hua’s tone shifted. "However, Niece Lin Wei, you may call me Uncle Lin in private."

A joyful look appeared on Lin Wei’s face. She stepped forward and said, "Uncle Lin, this is the gift my father asked me to give you."

Xiao Chen stepped forward, took the Sandalwood Box, and handed it to Xiao Hua. Xiao Hua opened it, glanced inside, and then calmly set it aside, clearly unimpressed by the Wild Ginseng that was worth a mere hundred taels.

"Thank Brother Lin for his generous gift. Niece Lin Wei, you should get closer to your Senior Brother Xiao Chen from now on. If you run into trouble, you can ask him for help. I have to get back to my training, so I’ll let your Senior Brother Xiao Chen entertain you."

Lin Wei wanted to say more, but seeing this, she could only cup her fists and say, "Then we won’t disturb you and Brother Xiao Chen any longer, Uncle. It is getting late. My two fellow disciples and I will take our leave."

Xiao Hua nodded and said, "Xiao Chen, on my behalf, see Niece Lin Wei and your Uncle Lin’s two disciples out."

After speaking, he rose and left without another word.

Xiao Chen stepped forward, trying to warmly persuade her to stay. "Junior Sister Lin, why leave so soon? Let your big brother here show you some proper hospitality before you go."

Xu Yang watched his hands, which looked like they were itching to grab hold of Lin Wei.

Lin Wei smiled. "There’s no need to trouble you, Brother."

Xiao Chen sighed. "Alright, then. It is indeed late. I’ll find time to come see you later, and I’ll show you that hospitality then."

Guided by Xiao Chen, the three of them quickly exited the courtyard.

Xiao Chen added, "Junior Sister Lin Wei, if you get bullied in the Outer Sect, you can mention my name. I have some small amount of influence here. And if there’s anyone who still doesn’t get the message, you can come find me. I’ll stand up for you."

"Thank you, Brother!" Lin Wei’s eyes curved into crescents as she smiled.

"That was just outrageous. To think Master still considered him his best friend and even prepared a thirty-year-old Wild Ginseng as a gift," Sun Tao said indignantly after they had walked a little way in silence.

Xu Yang shook his head. "Master hasn’t seen him in years, and they’re not on the same level anymore. This is all very normal. Besides, didn’t Master predict this might happen?"