Starting with photographic memory, I've worked my way up to become a martial arts immortal.

Jiang Yuan followed his master into the house with trepidation.

Wei Xuan sat in the armchair, took a sip of tea, and quietly observed the disciples standing below.

These days he's been busy teaching new disciples, and has indeed neglected many others.

Jiang Yuan felt extremely uncomfortable under this gaze. Just as he was wondering how his master would punish him, Wei Xuan finally spoke up: "Is this your first time sparring with someone?"

Jiang Yuan replied, "I usually practice my boxing skills on my own."

"You played well just now."

"real?"

"Your basic skills are solid, and your punches and kicks are quite proficient. What's rare is your ability to react appropriately and counterattack with the right moves in an instant." Wei Xuan nodded.

Jiang Yuan couldn't help but show a look of joy: "It's all thanks to Master's excellent teaching."

In fact, when he was tired from practicing boxing every day, he would always observe the boxing techniques of other disciples in the academy during his breaks from practicing.

Over time, he also secretly memorized the moves of the other two boxing styles.

Whenever he had free time, he would study how to deal with each move.

Before sparring with Liang Shen, he thought he was well prepared.

He just didn't expect that everything would happen so fast in actual combat, leaving him with almost no time to think.

Wei Xuan waved his hand: "When sparring with someone, it's best to find someone whose martial arts level is higher than yours to teach you. Your second senior brother just happened to be back recently, so I'll have him teach you."

"Thank you, Master."

"You rest here for a while, he'll be here soon."

"yes!"

Jiang Yuan stood respectfully to the side, and habitually glanced at the panel, only to be surprised to find that the experience points for Crane Fist had increased considerably.

"Can you gain experience points by sparring with others?"

He was taken aback, then a look of delight spread across his face; it was an unexpected surprise.

"Getting stronger the more they fight?"

He looked towards the door, eager to verify with his second senior brother who was about to arrive.

Soon, a young man in a white robe walked in.

"Fang Yan, this is Jiang Yuan. You can start taking care of him whenever you have time, starting tomorrow," Wei Xuan said, stroking his beard.

Fang Yan bowed, looked up at Jiang Yuan, and frowned: "It's you?"

"You two know each other?" Wei Xuan asked.

"Master, do you remember the day I returned, when I mentioned seeing a disciple slacking off during practice?"

Wei Xuan nodded: "That's true."

Fang Yan stretched out his hand and pointed at Jiang Yuan: "That disciple, that's him!"

"What!" Wei Xuan was taken aback, and hesitated before asking, "Is there some misunderstanding?"

Fang Yan shook his head, his tone solemn: "This disciple witnessed it with his own eyes, how could I be wrong? That day, everyone else went to the kitchen to eat, but he was like a clown jumping around, every move weak and powerless. I reckon he didn't even use half his strength!"

Upon hearing this, Wei Xuan looked at Jiang Yuan and asked, "Is this true?"

"Yes," Jiang Yuan said in a deep voice.

"Oh?" Wei Xuan was surprised; he really hadn't expected Jiang Yuan to admit it so readily.

"Why?" he asked curiously.

Jiang Yuan said in a low voice, "At that time, I had just learned the stance training and was only thinking about mastering it within the time limit. That noon, when it was lunchtime, I had only practiced halfway and was unwilling to give up halfway. Unfortunately, all my strength was almost exhausted, and I could only barely continue. Perhaps at that time, my second senior brother happened to see me and therefore thought I was cheating."

"What do you think of Jiang Yuan's explanation?" Wei Xuan nodded upon hearing this and looked at Fang Yan: "I would like to say a few words in his defense. He is among the most hardworking students in the outer courtyard, and I have seen that myself these past few days. Of course, if you are unwilling, I will not force you."

"This disciple is willing," Fang Yan said.

"Alright, Jiang Yuan, go back first. I still have something to tell your second senior brother." Wei Xuan nodded slightly.

"Yes."

······

A week later.

Jiang Yuan had just gotten up from the ground, clutching his chest, when he heard Fang Yan's cold voice: "Let's end it here for today."

"Thank you for your guidance, Second Senior Brother," Jiang Yuan said, grinning.

Looking up again, the figure in white had already disappeared into the distance.

He couldn't help but smile bitterly. It seemed that his second senior brother's impression of him hadn't changed much. Just as others had said, this person was both rigid and vengeful.

But I don't have any grudges worth holding, do I?

In fact, he was still grateful to Fang Yan. Although Fang Yan's attitude was not good, he always gave guidance with all his heart, which made him make great progress.

He glanced at the sky, hurriedly packed his bags, and prepared to leave.

"Leaving so early today?"

As he passed the doorway, Wei Chong asked in confusion.

"Something's wrong!"

He did indeed have something to do; today was his day to go to the bookstore.

It was evening, and there was still some time before sunset.

Looking at the figures moving on the long street, he was momentarily dazed.

Soon, he arrived outside the study and rang the bell.

The door was locked, and when he pushed it, it wouldn't budge.

Where did they go?

Jiang Yuan frowned and walked into a nearby shop, where he soon learned that the bookstore had been closed for more than ten days.

"What happened?"

Jiang Yuan touched the book in his arms with disappointment; it was a valuable item that he had gone to great lengths to acquire.

As soon as he stepped out of the alley, he habitually looked around, then suddenly narrowed his eyes and quickly retreated.

Just now, he actually spotted Zhang Yong and his two companions in the crowd, who were escorting a handsome young man towards the teahouse.

"It's them!"

Jiang Yuan gritted his teeth, took out a dagger from his bag and put it in his pocket, then followed.

He still remembered how dangerous it was to be followed by these people that day. If he hadn't noticed them early, they might have ambushed him.

He will never forget this grudge.

Soon, Zhang Yong and his companions disappeared into the teahouse.

"The tactics are all the same."

Jiang Yuan cursed under his breath and found a secluded spot to squat down.

There's no such thing as guarding against thieves for a thousand days.

Now that we've run into each other, let's see if there's a chance to eliminate the threat posed by these three directly.

Otherwise, if I'm not careful one day and these people accidentally cause trouble, I'll truly regret it.

It wasn't until dusk that the four of them came out humming a little tune.

Judging by the direction, they were heading straight out of the city.

Jiang Yuan had a better understanding of the situation. He figured Zhang Yong was using the same old trick of hiring people at high prices. He had been wary and escaped before, but this young man seemed to have fallen for it.

It really is true that one trick can make you successful in everything.

He sneered inwardly and crept along the wall toward the city gates.

With his current skills, as long as he's careful, he naturally won't be discovered by these ordinary people.

Once outside the city, they walked along the main road leading to the docks.

It was already dark when they arrived at the halfway point, and suddenly all the people disappeared.

Jiang Yuan was taken aback, then quickly walked a few steps to the spot where the group had disappeared.

After searching carefully, I found a small side road.

A strange look appeared on his face. Wasn't this the path leading to that abandoned ferry crossing?

I couldn't help but marvel at how wondrous fate truly is.

There, he took care of Tian Chang.

Zhang Yong and his group really know how to pick a location.