Weak little uncle Xiao

Upon waking up in the morning, Xiao Feng promptly took a bath before setting off to the Sword Master Archive, without giving it much consideration. On getting there, he greeted the library attendant with a warm smile and a courteous nod before making his way to the orb.

As soon as Xiao Feng placed his hands on the orb, it indicated that he would be going to the second floor. He wasn't disappointed; his initial plan was to comprehend the whole of the second floor before ascending.

Xiao Feng's intention was not only to attain proficiency but also to acquire knowledge of all the other sword cultivation techniques to avoid any difficulties when facing opponents. He picked up another book titled "Flying Sword Techniques," which involved using spiritual energy to launch a sword into the air while controlling it remotely.

"I'm mostly adept at that, but it's no fun," he thought to himself. He checked out another technique, "Nine Sword Formation Technique," which involved wielding nine swords simultaneously, each with different sword abilities.

"Hmm, it's okay, but I'll need something more domineering," Xiao Feng mused as he continued reading about the technique. Eventually, he found a flaw in it and concluded that he was safe from these techniques.

Xiao Feng went on to explore more techniques, immersing himself in the knowledge contained within the books. He wanted to expand his understanding and be well-prepared for any situation. He continued this process until he felt a tug on his trousers.

"Little Uncle Xiao, how was your night?" Xiao Zhu asked.

"Good," Xiao Feng replied with a smile.

"I've only seen you reading, don't you practice what you read?" Xiao Zhu asked with genuine curiosity.

"As there is no physical place to practice, I rely on mental simulation of the technique," Xiao Feng explained.

"Would it be okay for us to practice together in the basement?" Xiao Zhu suggested eagerly.

Xiao Feng sighed, acknowledging that his connection with Xiao Zhu could potentially hinder his own advancement, but he chose to attempt it nonetheless.

As they made their way to the basement, Xiao Feng quietly followed behind. Upon arrival, it was immediately clear that this was not your typical storage area for goods. It was a spacious room dedicated to sword training, filled with swords of various grades and materials neatly organized along the walls in ornate wooden racks. The room was well-lit and ventilated, creating an inviting ambiance.

Xiao Feng turned to Xiao Zhu and asked, "You're at the Foundation Establishment Realm, right?"

"Yes, but I am sure I'm stronger than you," Xiao Zhu said confidently. "But I still can't lay my hand on it. Why are you so weak?" he asked sincerely.

Xiao Feng felt the weight of the insult hit him like a stone. He was growing weary of being referred to as "weak" by the child. Although he didn't necessarily mind the label itself, it was the condescending tone that accompanied it that always got under his skin.

"Okay, I understand where you're coming from. Would you like me to waste time explaining why I appear weak?" Xiao Feng replied calmly.

Xiao Zhu immediately went ahead and grabbed a wooden sword, beginning to swing a vertical slash with the appropriate form. He repeated the process over and over again, leaving Xiao Feng wondering why he kept on repeating the same slash.

Many cultivators tend to favor techniques that involve beautiful swordplay, but there was a distinct difference in the way Xiao Zhu was performing his techniques. He had reached a state of deep concentration, his body in perfect form as he worked up a sweat. He remained focused until he had executed a hundred vertical slashes with precision.

Xiao Feng was stunned by his action, unable to suppress his curiosity any longer.

"Why do you repeat the same slash?" he asked.

"My father said to fear a cultivator who has mastered a sword technique to its highest level of perfection rather than one who practices multiple fancy techniques, and I want to be feared," Xiao Zhu replied with a chuckle.

"The library attendant?" Xiao Feng asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, my father doesn't look it, but he is a sword cultivator at the Nascent Soul Realm," Xiao Zhu revealed. "I'm wondering why you're so weak, though," he added, holding his chin up.

"Damn! I just told you to forget about that," Xiao Feng exclaimed frustratedly.

"Okay," Xiao Zhu replied, understanding the seriousness of the situation.

"What's your drive to become a sword cultivator?" Xiao Feng asked, genuinely curious.

"Well, I just stated it: to be one of the greatest sword cultivators," Xiao Zhu replied.

"Hmm, one of the greatest and not the greatest?" Xiao Feng probed further.

"Let me achieve being one of the greatest first, then I'll aim for the greatest thereafter," Xiao Zhu explained confidently.

Xiao Feng burst into uncontrollable laughter, holding his stomach as tears trickled down his cheeks. This kid's ambition was insanely impressive.

Curiosity got the better of Xiao Feng, and he held Xiao Zhu's hand to check his pulse.

"Hmm, Sword affinity, huh? This is becoming even more interesting," he thought to himself.

Xiao Feng turned around and started to make his way out of the basement, leaving Xiao Zhu behind.

"Little Uncle Xiao, aren't you practicing with me again?" Xiao Zhu called out.

"No, I think it's best to ask permission from your father first," Xiao Feng replied, continuing his ascent out of the basement.

"I doubt my father would comply," Xiao Zhu mumbled, hiding around the corner, hopeful to avoid trouble.

Xiao Feng made his way up to the library attendant. "I would like to be your student," he said upfront, not beating around the bush.

The library attendant simply replied, "Rejected."

"What! You didn't even ask why I want to be your disciple," Xiao Feng said, feeling flustered.

"I would rather not hear it," the library attendant replied, continuing with his work.

Xiao Zhu watched as Xiao Feng approached the library attendant, and his heart sank when he heard the rejection. He realized that he didn't even know when he had started to develop affection for Xiao Feng.

Quietly approaching Xiao Feng, Xiao Zhu whispered softly, "Remember, I owe you a favor. I'll try my best," accompanied by a bright smile.

"What a loquacious kid," Xiao Feng smiled back at him.

Despite the disappointment of not becoming the library attendant's disciple, Xiao Feng remained focused on his routine. He continued waking up early, eating his meals, taking a bath, going to the library, staying there until late at night, and then returning to the inn to sleep.

On a particular day when Xiao Zhu's father was absent, Xiao Feng found himself alone in the library with only Xiao Zhu for company. He continued his studies, but there was an air of unpredictability surrounding them.

Xiao Zhu, who had always been quiet, seemed more comfortable around Xiao Feng. They engaged in conversations about their studies, and Xiao Feng patiently explained what he was reading and studying. Xiao Zhu listened intently and asked thoughtful questions.

Hours flew by, and they were still engrossed in conversation. Xiao Feng realized that he had found a new friend in Xiao Zhu, someone who shared similar interests and passions for learning.

As they were about to part ways for the day, Xiao Zhu invited Xiao Feng to have dinner at his house. After careful consideration, Xiao Feng concluded that being in proximity to Xiao Zhu's family could enhance his chances of learning from the library attendant.

Since it was already late, they closed the library earlier than usual. Xiao Zhu led Xiao Feng to his house, where they were warmly welcomed by his mother. Xiao Feng greeted her with a polite gesture and immediately began helping her with the house chores.

Xiao Zhu looked towards his mother and nodded, silently acknowledging their secret plan.

During the chore completion, Xiao Zhu's mother proceeded to the kitchen to start cooking. Xiao Feng offered to help, but she politely declined, explaining that he was a guest. However, Xiao Feng insisted on helping and ended up taking care of every little thing around the house.

After finishing the chores, Xiao Zhu gave Xiao Feng a tour of the house, showing him around all the rooms and pointing out interesting features. Just as they were finishing up, Xiao Zhu's father arrived home and was surprised to find both Xiao Zhu and Xiao Feng waiting for him at the entrance of the house.

At first, he was stunned, but then finally spoke, "What are you doing in my house?" he asked sternly.

Xiao Feng was about to explain when he heard the library attendant's voice resonate through the quiet space.

"Come with me!" the library attendant commanded.

Xiao Feng withdrew his hand from Xiao Zhu's and followed the library attendant slowly, leaving Xiao Zhu behind, feeling terrible about the situation.

As they found a quiet space, the father started to speak, and Xiao Feng listened attentively.