Obscuris Labyrinth

Li Ruize nodded slowly, his movement seemingly heavy with memories of the past. There was a touch of remoteness in his eyes as he said, "Back then, I came to Tianwang Fort precisely for those strange characters. At that time, I was full of curiosity and the desire to explore those mysterious characters. It was also for this reason that I got to know Li Yuexuan. In this world, I think she might be the only one who can recognize these ancient Miao characters."

Hearing this, Zhao Yuxuan's eyes involuntarily turned to Grandma Li Yuexuan. He saw that her face had also become solemn, like a dark cloud quietly shrouding it. Zhao Yuxuan thought to himself that it seemed this was true. He quickly said, "So, do you also recognize the characters on the Blue Valley Heavenly Book and the ancient jade?"

A sense of certainty flashed in Li Ruize's eyes as he replied, "Yes, I recognize all the characters in the Blue Valley Heavenly Book. Those characters are like mysterious keys, having countless connections to some great secret. But as for the characters in the ancient jade, I have never seen them before and don't know what they say. It's like an unsolved mystery that has always lingered in my mind."

Zhao Yuxuan felt that this matter was becoming more and more mysterious, like a thick fog gathering in his heart. He couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Li, tell me, what are the two things you want me to do?"

Li Ruize's eyes became deep. He stared at Zhao Yuxuan as if he could see through his soul. Slowly, he said, "First, I want you to climb to the top of Lingjiu Peak bare - handed. Lingjiu Peak is no ordinary mountain. It soars into the clouds, and its cliff walls are as if cut by knives and axes, extremely steep and dangerous. Moreover, there are very few vines on the mountain, making the climb extremely difficult. Second, I want you to become a Black Hawk Warrior at the Eighteen - Village Assembly during the Ganqiu Festival."

At this moment, Zhao Yuxuan was full of a strong desire for the secret in his mouth. He wanted to find out no matter what, so he agreed without hesitation, "Okay, no problem."

At this time, Grandma Li Yuexuan let out a cold laugh. The laughter echoed in the air, carrying a hint of disdain and warning. She said, "Zhao Yuxuan, don't be so quick to agree. Let me tell you, in the historical records of Tianwang Fort for thousands of years, it is said that no more than ten people have been able to climb to the top of Lingjiu Peak. Just think about how insurmountable this challenge is. Also, the eagle is a sacred object worshipped by the Miao people, and the Black Hawk Warrior is the highest honorific title for warriors in the Miao ethnic group. At the Eighteen - Village Assembly, there are at least hundreds of brave men competing for this honor, and all of them possess unique Miao skills. To achieve these two things is probably more difficult than reaching the sky. And you must complete them within three years."

Listening to her words, Zhao Yuxuan's heart sank suddenly, like a huge stone falling into the deep pool at the bottom of his heart. He knew in his heart that he knew nothing about climbing. Since childhood, he had grown up in a pampered environment and had never even climbed a tree. To climb Lingjiu Peak, which was as steep as if cut by knives and axes and had few vines, was unimaginable for him. Moreover, to become a Black Hawk Warrior meant competing with those Miao people who possessed unique skills. But now, not to mention those highly - skilled masters, even an ordinary strong - bodied Miao man, he didn't have the confidence to defeat. This Li Ruize had actually given him such an extremely difficult problem. Fine beads of sweat gradually seeped out on his forehead, and his heart was full of anxiety and uneasiness.

Just then, a flash of inspiration suddenly occurred to him, and he thought of Lin Yaxuan's agile skills. Her agile figure was like a bolt of lightning flashing through his thoughts. His heart lit up, as if he saw a glimmer of hope in the darkness. He bowed respectfully to Grandma Li Yuexuan. The bow was deep and full of sincerity. He said, "Grandma Li Yuexuan, I know you are a highly - skilled master. Please do teach me."

A faint smile appeared on Grandma Li Yuexuan's face, like the warm sun in spring. She said, "Zhao Yuxuan, you're smart. You know to come and ask me to be your teacher. But I tell you, what I've learned can only be passed on to girls. Men are not allowed to learn. This has always been our rule and cannot be easily broken."

Hearing this, Zhao Yuxuan was extremely disappointed, like a basin of cold water mercilessly dousing the newly - kindled hope in his heart. His face became a little gloomy, and his eyes were full of沮丧.

Then, Grandma Li Yuexuan took out a thick item from the pocket of her Miao ethnic costume. Her movement was gentle, as if she were handling an extremely precious treasure. She handed this item to Zhao Yuxuan and said, "Zhao Yuxuan, take this. It might be useful."

Zhao Yuxuan reached out to take it and saw that it was a booklet made of homespun cloth. The homespun cloth looked a bit rough but exuded a primitive simplicity. He opened it and saw that it was full of human figures embroidered with red thread. Those red threads outlined vivid human figures on the homespun cloth. Each figure had different fighting postures when punching and kicking, and it turned out to be a boxing manual. This boxing manual was like a mysterious treasure, exuding an alluring charm.

Grandma Li Yuexuan then continued, "I got this book accidentally in a special place. It was by chance that I found it in a remote corner. But this book is not suitable for me to practice. I'm lending it to you now. Let's see how much you can learn from it. I hope it will be helpful to you."

Zhao Yuxuan knew that this boxing manual must be extraordinary. He was overjoyed, like a traveler on the verge of dying of thirst in the desert suddenly finding an oasis. He bowed to her again, this bow full of gratitude, and said, "Thank you, Grandma Li Yuexuan."

Grandma Li Yuexuan said, "Zhao Yuxuan, there is a rule in Tianwang Fort that Han people cannot stay in the fort for more than one month. Since you are my guest, I let you stay an extra month. But as you can see today's situation, we need to find a way to let you stay. This is not an easy task and needs careful consideration."

Zhao Yuxuan quickly put on a smiling face and said, "Grandma Li Yuexuan, I know you are so powerful and omnipotent. You will surely be able to come up with a solution. I don't need to worry about this. I have full confidence in you."

Grandma Li Yuexuan also laughed, with a hint of teasing in her smile. She said, "Yaxuan said you were glib - tongued, and it seems she was right."

Zhao Yuxuan still smiled and said, "I'm speaking sincerely, not flattering. Grandma Li Yuexuan, to be honest, I'm really curious about you. You are like a book full of stories, and every page has mysterious content waiting for me to explore."

Grandma Li Yuexuan gently shook her head and said, "Actually, being eloquent is not a bad thing. Moreover, if you achieve the two things Ruize just mentioned, the tasks you will undertake will be extremely arduous. If you are not good at speaking, you will never be able to complete them. During this process, you need to deal with all kinds of people. Being eloquent will bring you a lot of convenience. Even being able to get close to girls is also an advantage. What we need is a well - rounded talent, Zhao Yuxuan. I hope you are that person because we probably don't have much time left." At this point, a great melancholy suddenly showed in her eyes, like a haze covering the bright sky, and it seemed that there was even an indescribable look of fear.

Seeing her eyes, Zhao Yuxuan's heart couldn't help but skip a beat. Just now, Li Ruize had mentioned something about not having much time. Unexpectedly, Grandma Li Yuexuan mentioned it again at this moment. He wondered to himself. Li Ruize was one thing, but Grandma Li Yuexuan looked youthful and full of vitality. Why was she so pessimistic?

At this time, Grandma Li Yuexuan said again, "Zhao Yuxuan, although I won't teach you anything, for the sake of hiding the truth and making it convenient for you to stay, you can call me master from now on. As long as you worship me as your master, you will be considered half - Miao. According to our local rules, no one will be able to drive you away, and only in this way can you participate in the Eighteen - Village Assembly and compete for the title of Black Hawk Warrior. This is also the best solution we can think of at present."

Zhao Yuxuan quickly said, "Okay, Grandma Li Yuexuan. Starting from now, you are my master." As he said this, he was about to kneel down. His movement was eager and sincere.

Grandma Li Yuexuan shook her head and said, "There's no need for this, Zhao Yuxuan. Didn't I just say? This is just a way to deceive others. You are not my real apprentice, so there's no need for such courtesy. We are just dealing with the current situation."

Li Ruize, who was standing beside them, also said, "Alright, let's go back now. Achieving the two things I mentioned will be very difficult. It's not something that ordinary people can complete. Ordinary people can never do it, but what I want is an extraordinary person, Zhao Yuxuan. Everything depends on you. You should be fully prepared psychologically."

As he said this, he walked towards Tianwang Fort. His steps were steady and firm, as if carrying a trust and expectation for Zhao Yuxuan. Grandma Li Yuexuan, on the other hand, calmly took out a small bottle. The small bottle flickered faintly in the sunlight. She applied something to Lin Junhui, whose arm was injured. Lin Junhui let out a low growl, and the growl echoed in the woods. Then, like a black shadow, he quickly disappeared into the nearby trees. It seemed that he usually hid around here.