Chapter 31: The Gathering in the Bamboo Grove

“At most, he’s just practiced a few external martial arts, Brother Feng, you’re overthinking it. If he’d dared lay a hand on Sister Fu earlier, I would’ve taught him a lesson myself.” At that moment, another young lord with handsome features spoke up.

“Enough, let’s leave it at that. Lingnan City isn’t like our little county—it’s truly a place where hidden talents abound. There’s no harm in being cautious. After we eat, we should find an inn to rest. The Bamboo Grove Society is recruiting outer sect stewards—a golden opportunity we mustn’t miss,” Guo Feng said in a deep voice.

“Yes.” A feverish light ignited in the young man’s eyes.

The Bamboo Grove Society was one of the four great gangs of Lingnan, a force equal to the authorities. While the position of outer sect steward wasn’t particularly high, for most wandering martial artists, it was already a coveted post, nearly unattainable. Few could resist such temptation.

“Bamboo Grove Society, outer sect steward?” Ning Xiu softly murmured, then drifted away.

...

The Bamboo Grove Society wasn’t hard to find, with so many martial artists on the roads. Ning Xiu casually asked someone for directions and smoothly arrived at the recruitment site, which was one of the society’s branch halls.

Ordinary wealthy families might place stone lions or other guardian beasts at their gates, but the Bamboo Grove Society had planted two evergreen bamboo stalks at their entrance. It might have lent a scholarly air, were it not for the burly, bald guards who ruined the effect.

These two bald men were tall and broad, their arms as thick as most people’s thighs, standing like guardian deities. Their piercing, intimidating gaze would scare off most passersby.

Should you find yourself stared down by two muscular, bald men, you’d likely give them a wide berth. Thus, the street was sparsely populated—most people preferred to take a detour rather than walk this way, a testament to the society’s power.

“Get lost! This isn’t a place for spoiled rich boys like you!” The gatekeeper barked as a young lord approached.

“I’m here to see someone. Please pass word to him—his name is Zhang Kuo. Tell him Ning Xiu is here to see him.”

Initially, the two guards paid Ning Xiu no mind. Lingnan City had no shortage of wealthy men, but the real power belonged to the authorities and the four great gangs. Yet the moment they heard “Zhang Kuo,” their expressions changed dramatically.

Zhang Kuo, one of the four Bamboo Elders of the society, was a figure they’d certainly heard of—a true leader, far above their station as mere gatekeepers.

One of the guards scrutinized Ning Xiu, uncertain. “You really know Elder Zhang?”

“If you go in and announce me, you’ll soon know the truth. Even if I intended to lie, I wouldn’t choose a falsehood so easily exposed,” Ning Xiu replied with a smile.

“I’m afraid you’ve made this trip in vain. Elder Zhang is away on a mission. When he returns, we’ll let him know you came.” The gatekeeper’s tone softened.

Ning Xiu nodded, but didn’t leave immediately. Instead, he asked, “I hear you’re recruiting an outer sect steward?”

“That’s right.” The entire city knew about it—there was nothing to hide.

“In that case, I’d like to sign up.”

The two guards exchanged glances. One said, “Even if you know Elder Zhang, the position of outer sect steward isn’t his alone to grant.”

Clearly, they took him for someone seeking backdoor privileges.

Ning Xiu chuckled lightly. “Rest assured, I rely on my own skill, not favors. Just take me there.”

With the matter settled, the guards had nothing more to say.

“Once you enter, someone will guide you to the testing grounds. But first, you must pass us.”

Before the last word was spoken, Ning Xiu’s figure flashed, slipping past their defense and leaving the two stunned bald men behind.

After stepping through the branch hall’s gate, he was indeed met by a guide.

“Are you here to apply for outer sect steward?” A green-clad youth approached and asked.

Ning Xiu glanced at him and sensed no trace of martial arts—likely just a regular servant. Still, he spoke with some authority, as if to remind Ning Xiu that even a minor official at a powerful household wields influence.

“I am.”

“Follow me, then.” The youth gave Ning Xiu an extra look, but offered no trouble. After all, anyone who could pass the gates was extraordinary.

Ning Xiu followed him through a bamboo grove, arriving before a grand hall.

“This is the testing site. I’ll leave you here.” With that, the youth turned and left.

Ning Xiu looked up. On the hall’s plaque, two bold characters spelled out “Martial Arts.” He smiled and stepped inside.

As soon as his right foot crossed the threshold, Ning Xiu felt countless gazes fall upon him, each as sharp as sword or blade, though they quickly faded.

He looked around to find more than twenty people in the hall—men and women, young and old. Among them, he spotted the three from Pine Crane Pavilion, whose faces were full of bewilderment at seeing him here.

“All right, quiet!” A voice, thunderous as a bell, rang out, and the previously chaotic hall fell silent.

The speaker was an elder in the Bamboo Grove Society uniform, with four green bamboo insignia prominently displayed on his lapel.

“Four bamboo stalks—so, like Zhang Kuo, he’s an elder.” Ning Xiu observed. Peak of the second rank, deep internal strength, and likely a formidable external martial art as well. The hands hidden in his sleeves were black-purple; his true power likely lay there.

Ning Xiu made his assessment.

“It’s about time. I am Yan Song, and today I will oversee this test.”

Yan Song surveyed the crowd and said in a grave voice, “We are recruiting three outer sect stewards. The competition is simple: paired matches, winners advance, and the top three will be victorious.”

Direct and clear.

Ning Xiu nodded inwardly. He had already claimed one of the top spots in his mind. Among the twenty-odd applicants, none had broken through to the second rank; some were not even ranked martial artists.

Still, those who came must have some confidence. If one had truly mastered hard-style martial arts, they could rival those who had just cultivated internal energy.

Ning Xiu did not wish to reveal his true abilities too soon. He advanced through the rounds using the Three Fatal Blades technique taught by Zhang Heng, suppressing his strength to the third rank.

Even so, none could withstand his three blades.

By now, his understanding of blade technique had reached a higher level.

“The next match: Ning Xiu versus Guo Xiao Fu!” Yan Song declared.