Chapter 13: Concealing True Skill Beneath Subtle Grace

Under Wu Shanlong’s appraisal, the old matriarch of the Lu family and Madam Sun of the main branch both wore broad smiles.

People naturally enjoy hearing flattering words.

Moreover, Wu Shanlong’s praise was neither empty nor exaggerated; it was grounded and well-reasoned.

“This child still falls short compared to his father at the same age. There is much room for improvement. Shanlong, now that you’re here, you must give him more guidance.”

Upon hearing the old matriarch’s words, Wu Shanlong nodded and began offering some advice.

“The second young master’s martial foundation follows a path of raw power and forcefulness, somewhat akin to the cultivation methods of Dragon King Mountain. All worldly techniques boil down to force and speed—any obstacle can be overcome by either. This principle of cultivation is certainly aligned with the great path. However, I do have some suggestions, which I would like to share with the second young master.”

Wu Shanlong paused briefly, his gaze turning more serious.

Those listening around also became more attentive.

As the person involved, Lu Zhi was naturally focused, eager to hear Wu Shanlong’s insights.

“The Lu family’s martial arts are rooted in the military, tempered by years of bloodshed, and thus carry a unique depth. It seems the second young master wishes to blend the martial techniques learned at the Wuzong Academy with the Lu family’s methods. The idea is good and has yielded some results. However, the Wuzong techniques emphasize subtlety and finesse—striking the enemy without leaving a trace on oneself. These notions contradict the Lu family’s martial philosophy, which stems from the battlefield, where victory is won through sheer courage and relentless combat. By mixing these two approaches, the second young master inadvertently causes them to hinder each other.”

Wu Shanlong’s critique was somewhat tactful. Without restraint, he would have been much more frank.

To put it plainly, it was as if he implied Lu Zhi had mastered neither the Wuzong techniques nor the Lu family’s methods adequately. The talk of mutual interference was merely an excuse to soften the blow.

Top-tier prodigies master multiple martial arts without their strength faltering. Even if such interference existed, its impact would be minimal.

Xue Shiwei naturally caught the underlying meaning of these words, while Lu Zhi himself seemed not to fully grasp it.

He truly believed that his slow progress stemmed from practicing these two systems simultaneously.

“Thank you, Senior Shanlong, for clearing this up. Over the past two years, I have indeed felt my advancement slowed, often encountering many obstacles during cultivation. Now that I understand the root cause, I know how to proceed. I am grateful, Senior Shanlong.”

Judging from Lu Zhi’s demeanor, he was genuinely pleased and moved, repeatedly expressing thanks.

In truth, Wu Shanlong’s advice was more courtesy than substance.

To be blunt, Wu Shanlong thought Lu Zhi simply lacked the ability to cultivate two martial arts simultaneously. Focusing solely on one would yield the best results.

Of course, this suggestion was beneficial for Lu Zhi as well.

“Lu Qiao, your second brother has already demonstrated his cultivation achievements. Now it’s your turn. With Senior Shanlong here, make sure to seize this opportunity.”

At the center, the old matriarch smiled gently as she arranged the next tasks for everyone.

Before Wu Shanlong’s arrival, Lu Zhi and Lu Qiao had already known they would be showcasing their strength today. Each had prepared beforehand.

Lu Xiao, the fourth young master of the Lu family, was supposed to present after Lu Qiao.

Yet, he was suddenly passed over in favor of Lu Yun.

Lu Xiao was not surprised; many matters in the Hou residence often excluded him. This was nothing unusual.

After Lu Yun, two younger cousins, Lu Du and Lu Lei, also displayed their skills.

Wu Shanlong watched these young men’s martial demonstrations quite attentively.

He was skilled in speech and always prefaced his advice with some cushioning, pointing out that today’s performance had flaws due to objective reasons.

In this way, he delivered his suggestions while preserving the dignity of the Lu family and its young heirs.

“Lu Xiao, since Senior Shanlong is here today, you should also show the progress you’ve made recently. Ask Senior Shanlong for some guidance. Otherwise, if you fail the Wuzong Academy’s assessment later, you might blame us elders unjustly.”

Lu Xiao, having watched his siblings finish their presentations, thought the display session was over.

Though the old matriarch had mentioned him before, he took it as a casual remark, not to be taken seriously.

He did not expect to be called upon to perform.

After a brief hesitation, Lu Xiao did not refuse or demur.

He stepped into the center of Meixiang Garden.

His cultivation centered on the “Gang Qi Heart Formula,” focusing solely on the practice of the technique without learning any related martial moves.

He had learned only one footwork technique, the “Spirit Wind Step.”

What he showed others was naturally a very basic routine.

Lu Xiao had no intention of revealing his true strength.

If the old matriarch and others knew of his recent progress, they might devise ways to interfere.

Martial cultivation refines oneself through inner principles.

Only after strengthening oneself can one manifest martial techniques before others.

Even if he did not hide his skills, there was little worth demonstrating.

With this understanding, Lu Xiao began to perform his fist techniques.

These were the most fundamental punches from the “Gang Qi Heart Formula.”

This formula uses fist techniques as a medium to hone one’s foundation.

These punches appeared to have almost no practical combat power.

After a few moves, everyone saw it plainly.

“‘Gang Qi Heart Formula,’ and he actually showed the Gang Fist…”

“Quite shameless, displaying such inferior techniques before Senior Shanlong…”

Nearby, Lu Zhi and Lu Qiao both looked on with disdain.

More than disdain, their expressions carried a hint of amusement.

Lu Xiao’s martial prowess was notably inferior to that of the other Lu family juniors.

Especially for those unversed in martial arts, they could only watch the spectacle and form superficial impressions.

Lu Xiao’s punches were plain and unadorned, naturally falling short compared to Lu Zhi and the others.

Yet, Xue Shiwei sensed a subtle profundity in Lu Xiao’s movements.

She watched more intently than when observing the other Lu family youths.

His fist speed was swift, his power fierce.

Every slight movement triggered a corresponding force in the whole body.

From Lu Xiao’s punches, Xue Shiwei felt a trace of true martial momentum.

But these were all basic punches from the “Gang Qi Heart Formula.” Could such a technique cultivate real momentum?

Her curiosity deepened. She scrutinized again but found the momentum seemed to vanish.

Recalling the first time she saw Lu Xiao cultivate, she also felt his punches carried a certain force.

Yet upon closer inspection, they remained crude punches from the “Gang Qi Heart Formula.”

This puzzling inconsistency intrigued Xue Shiwei even more.

Compared to her curiosity, Wu Shanlong appeared quite indifferent.

In just a few glances, it seemed he had already seen through everything.