Slaying Demons: Starting with Upgrading my Calligraphy

But when that sky-obscuring sleeve, like an abyssal maw, descended, all the techniques he employed became a joke.

After a dizzying spin, he found himself locked in that pitch-black, chaotic space.

"I never expected that after just over twenty years, you, my Little Junior Brother, have grown to such an extent. Sigh. The later waves of the Yangtze River push on the former waves, and the former waves die on the sandy shore."

Confirming his inability to break Qi Xiu's Universe in the Sleeve, Wei Wujie chuckled and shook his head in surrender. Although surprised, he also felt somewhat relieved. Being naturally optimistic, he wouldn't harbor resentment or jealousy just because his Little Junior Brother had surpassed him. And with his Little Junior Brother possessing such formidable techniques, perhaps it was indeed more appropriate for him to undertake this mission than himself.

"Since that's the case, let Qi Xiu take on this mission. Wuji, you may leave first; I still have some matters to discuss with Qi Xiu."

Wei Wujie gave Qi Xiu a sly wink and a surreptitious thumbs-up before striding away, head held high, as if Qi Xiu's strength were his own glory.

Waving his hand to motion Qi Xiu to sit down, Dongfang Qing picked up a blade of grass and slowly began to fold it.

"Universe in the Sleeve?"

"Mhm, I resorted to a trick. Eldest Senior Brother hesitated, afraid of hurting me. Otherwise, with his strength at the Blood-Stained Peak, he could have torn open the Cosmic Bi of the Universe in the Sleeve. If it had been an unrestrained fight, I might not have been his match."

Qi Xiu answered Dongfang Qing's question honestly. Lying to a Primordial Spirit Boss was like inventing scriptures in front of Buddha.

"You rascal..."

The slender grass blade gradually transformed into a lifelike bird in his hand as Dongfang Qing chuckled lightly, "You don't have to be modest in front of me. Wuji is a child with great talent and a good temperament, truly someone fated with the Dao. Unfortunately, he's too playful. Though he has learned a myriad of skills, he has mastered none. You, on the other hand, are different. You claim you wouldn't be Wuji's match in a real fight. However, in my opinion, if it were truly a life-or-death struggle, the gourd tied to your waist alone would be enough to sever his three blood-stained bodies. And that's not even counting your other hidden techniques. Eh, are you some kind of hamster? Why do you like hiding all your good things?"

When Dongfang Qing pointed this out, Qi Xiu shrugged and smiled sheepishly. "It's not that I fear thieves stealing, but I do fear them coveting my things."

"Heh, young as you are, you're plenty suspicious—just like I was in my youth."

Chuckling, Dongfang Qing blew a breath of air. The grass-folded bird in his hand suddenly came to life, blinked its eyes, and immediately flew away, flapping its wings. Qi Xiu's eyes widened in astonishment at this display of bringing an inanimate object to life.

"This mission is extremely dangerous, yet it is vital to the future of our province. Among the disciples in the Blood-Stained Realm, you weren't originally the best candidate. However, an incident occurred with the disciple I had initially chosen, and he won't be able to return anytime soon. Therefore, this task falls to you. I'm sorry for the burden."

Dongfang Qing reached into his sleeve and pulled out an ancient scroll. He brushed the dust from its surface and handed it to Qi Xiu. "Your aptitude for comprehending cultivation methods is high. I'm lending you this Yellow Official Document. Learn it and remember to return it to me."

Qi Xiu took the Yellow Official Document Dongfang Qing handed him. Glancing down, he saw four ancient seal characters emblazoned on its cover: *Sowing Beans into Soldiers*.

His pupils contracted slightly. Qi Xiu composed himself, stowed away the Yellow Official Document, and then looked up at Dongfang Qing. "Sect Master, there is one more thing I would like to ask. Please, you must tell me the truth."

"Speak." Dongfang Qing plucked another blade of grass.

"Is Senior Sister Nangong also where I'm being sent?"

Dongfang Qing's hand paused. He raised an eyebrow and glanced at Qi Xiu.

After a moment, he chuckled lightly. "Sly little fox."

...