C17 Victorious Liu Yun(2)

The next morning, just after the rooster crowed, Wu Shanbao felt a smack on his behind. Wincing, he opened his eyes.

"Mother... what time is it?" Wu Shanbao rubbed his eyes, still groggy. He was momentarily transported back to his days at the Wu family home, where if he overslept nearly until noon, his mother would discipline him with a similar smack.

"Little one, you're not at home anymore."

The voice of the old man, tinged with resignation, echoed above him. It was like a splash of cold water to Wu Shanbao's face, jolting him awake.

Memories of the previous day flooded his mind. Wu Shanbao shook his head, casting aside the comforting images of his dreams, and focused his attention on Elder Moo standing before him.

"Elder Moo."

"Is your wound better?" Elder Moo asked, nodding. Wu Shanbao then noticed that the severe pain from the day before had subsided, leaving only a faint soreness.

"Huh? It does seem to be mostly healed."

"The herbal remedy I applied yesterday is quite effective for flesh wounds. Plus, with your youth and strong healing abilities, it's no surprise you've recovered after just one night's rest."

Wu Shanbao nodded, only half understanding.

"Starting today, you will fully embark on your True Dao cultivation journey."

Elder Moo's next words invigorated Wu Shanbao. He was finally going to begin his training.

"However, as newcomers, you must not only practice cultivation but also complete certain tasks assigned by the True Dao. Your task is to tend to this herb garden."

"The work in the herb garden is demanding. You must rise after the first crow to water the plants. The well is right next to the garden; you can draw water from there."

"After the second crow, you may head to the dining hall for your meal. Then, a designated teacher will instruct you in the practice of Taoist Fist. The Taoist priest responsible for these matters will inform you of the other details, so I won't go into them now."

"I understand."

As Wu Shanbao acknowledged this, a resounding crow came from outside.

"Elder Moo, so now I should..."

"Head to the dining hall. I'll take care of watering the herb garden for you today. Your duties will begin tomorrow."

"Alright," Wu Shanbao sighed with relief, swiftly removing the gauze from his body. After giving a respectful bow, he turned and departed.

Elder Moo, puzzled, stroked his beard. "Quite peculiar, this youngster's wound has healed remarkably fast. Perhaps the quality of the herbs from our fields has improved?"

Wu Shanbao arrived at the dining hall over ten minutes after the rooster's crow. People were seated in small groups, some casting curious glances at him as he entered. Wu Shanbao, however, was too hungry to pay them any mind. He hadn't eaten properly all day, and the sight of the food arrayed on the far left of the hall made his stomach growl audibly.

It was then that Wu Shanbao realized he had no money with him. What to do?

"Hey, little brother, why aren't you grabbing something to eat?" Out of nowhere, a firm pat on the shoulder nearly sent Wu Shanbao tumbling to the ground. Startled, he turned to see a pair of eyes twinkling with mirth.

"Hello," he managed to say.

"Little brother, I remember you. You stood your ground against Liu Yun yesterday – that was thrilling to watch. You've got spirit," the man said, giving Wu Shanbao a thumbs up. "The name's Shen Hu. I arrived at True Dao just before you. And you are?"

With Shen Hu's evident goodwill, Wu Shanbao felt his inhibitions melting away. "Wu Shanbao."

"Oh, Mr. Shanbao, it's quite late. Why haven't you eaten yet?"

"I... I don't have any money on me, and I'm not sure how the food is priced here," Wu Shanbao admitted with an embarrassed grin.

Shen Hu's laughter was hearty and genuine. "Shanbao, you must be new here. See, this dining hall is organized by class. To the left, the steamed buns and clear soup are free for us Daoists without means – each of us is entitled to one serving a day, ensuring none of us goes hungry. To the right, the prices go up, catering to the more affluent young masters."

"Oh, I see. Thanks, Big Brother Shen Hu," Wu Shanbao expressed his gratitude.

"Hey, no need for such formality. Just call me Brother Hu, and I'll call you Shanbao. We're both new around here, so let's look out for each other in the future."

"Not at all."

As they conversed, the two headed to the left to collect their portions of steamed buns and soup. Finding a corner, Wu Shanbao eagerly devoured his meal.

With two buns in his stomach, Wu Shanbao finally felt revitalized. The sensation of an empty stomach was truly unbearable.

Suddenly, laughter echoed from outside. Wu Shanbao looked up to see the brocade-clad youth who had ridiculed him the day before leading the way, with Liu Yun and his entourage following.

Liu Yun scanned the dining hall, his gaze settling on Wu Shanbao. He shot a fierce glare before turning away to whisper something to the brocade-clad youth.

The youth glanced at Wu Shanbao, a mocking smile playing on his lips, then continued with his group towards the right side of the hall.

"Shanbao, Liu Yun's bullying yesterday must have been at Ye Lang's behest. Watch out for him. He's arrogant, relying on his talent and his grandfather being the Sect Master of our True Dao," Shen Hu cautioned Wu Shanbao in a low voice.

"I'll keep that in mind," Wu Shanbao replied, turning to ask, "Brother Hu, do you know what level Ye Lang is at? Is he also in the Qi Refining Stage?"

Shen Hu shook his head, a hint of fear on his face. "I'm new here too and haven't seen Ye Lang in action. But from what I've heard from our senior brothers, Ye Lang had already reached the Qi Refining Stage during the last competition. With his talent, he's likely made further breakthroughs by now."

Wu Shanbao's expression grew solemn. The Qi Refining Stage was a far cry from his own level; he hadn't even reached the Body Refining Stage. The difference was substantial.

"However, you shouldn't feel down, Shanbao. We have plenty of time to train. There's nothing to fear," Shen Hu reassured, mistaking Wu Shanbao's pensive look for fear of Ye Lang's prowess.

"I understand," Wu Shanbao responded. He was just about to inquire about when the cultivation would begin when a deep bell tolled from outside the dining hall. The majority of the disciples, still at their meal, hurriedly polished off the food in their hands and rose to leave.

"Shanbao, come quickly. It's time to begin our cultivation."

A look of eager anticipation crossed Wu Shanbao's face. Was the moment he had been waiting for finally here?