Hao Xin's fighting style was also criticized in the original novel. He grew up in the countryside, facing many life-threatening situations and resorting to any means to survive. Therefore, when fighting others, he would unconsciously use all possible means, which inevitably led to criticism of his "barbaric" nature.
"Huaining." Shen Qingmang looked Huaining in the eye. "It was my oversight this time. I didn't specify any additional conditions when I signed the contract, only the win-lose situation. If you feel that Xin's victory wasn't impressive enough, and you can't accept this unconventional approach, then you can choose another day to compete. We'll defeat you again in a way you approve of."
"No need." Huaining shook his head. "Master is right. Losing is losing. I accept it."
"Then you should take a good rest today and compete in the remaining two matches tomorrow."
"Alright, alright. What else is there to compete for?" Qi Xiao said, "Peak Master, you don't really want Huaining to compete with your outer disciples, do you? Winning is meaningless. We admit defeat this time."
"It's been ages since I've heard you call me 'Master Qingmang Peak Master,'" Shen Qingmang said with a forced smile. "What? Are you being sarcastic again? You've really used up all your patience on me. When you talk to others, you never resort to roundabout insults; you always make direct jokes."
"Hiss... You've really wronged me this time, Junior Sister." Qi Xiao spread his hands. "I'm not scolding you. You're a good teacher. Even if your methods were a bit extreme, they're understandable. We lost, so we lost. There's nothing wrong with admitting it."
"Brother, do you still remember the original intention of our bet?"
"Um?"
Shen Qingmang said word by word, "It's because you and your disciples think that outer disciples are useless and there's no need for me to waste my time on them. So I want to prove to you, and to everyone, that outer disciples are not inferior to others."
"Alright, Junior Sister." Qi Xiao grabbed her sleeve, pulling her closer, and whispered, "Haven't your outer disciples made enough of a splash at the sports meet? The entire Taichu Sect knows how powerful they are now, right? I'm doing this for your own good. Do I really have to make things so bad that our sects become enemies?"
"Brother, what are you talking about? How did we become enemies? Isn't it common for disciples to compete with each other? Besides, don't you also want to win the fight? After all, if you win, you can dethrone me from the position of Peak Master."
"Didn't I think you weren't fit to be the Peak Master back then? Now it seems you're quite capable, even more so than my eldest brother. I can't control you anymore. You want magical instruments, right? I'll gather some and give you over 30 in a few days. You can divide them among your disciples." Qi Xiao waved his hand impatiently. "Let's go."
"No," Shen Qingmang said sternly. "Brother, this is disrespectful to me, and even more so to my disciples. I can give up those thirty-plus magical instruments, but I must complete these three matches."
"Why? Why are you as stubborn as my senior brother against all the rules and regulations?" Qi Xiao looked helpless.
Shen Qingmang pointed at the outer disciples behind him. "They've worked hard for a whole year for this bet, to avoid being looked down upon. Even some who felt they could handle being looked down upon persevered for the sake of the others in the sect. If you and I treat this bet as a joke, then their year's hard work becomes a joke too. You casually conceded, seemingly giving them face, but it actually hurts them. It makes everyone think they won this by luck. Brother, if you still have any respect for me and them, then fight them squarely."
"Master, let's finish the competition." Huaining said, "I'm willing to finish it. Even if... even if I lose, I'll accept it."
"Okay. Let's compete then." Qi Xiao looked around and said, "But next time we compete, don't let so many people in, okay?"
Shen Qingmang suppressed a smile and said, "Okay, Brother."
It seems this guy has a social anxiety attack again. It turns out that every time he gets more sarcastic, it's because there are a lot of strangers around.
The two groups of people went back home. After Shen Qingmang encouraged the outer disciples to prepare for the battle, he noticed that Hao Xin was hesitant to speak, so he said, "Ah Xin, come with me. Let's talk alone."
Hao Xin followed her back to Yushu Hall, took the tea that Shen Qingmang poured, and drank it in one gulp. He said, "Master, why did you tell Huaining that we can have another match today? I clearly won, but can it be disregarded?"
"Of course not. I told him that if we compete again, you will win."
"But Master thinks I was wrong this time." Hao Xin looked unhappy.
Shen Qingmang patted his head. "It's not that I did anything wrong, it's just...Axin, do you know why they question you?"
"Isn't it because he thinks I took away the spiritual energy that Jian Huaining gathered? But he can't control himself. The fat meat is already in front of my mouth. Wouldn't it be a waste if I don't eat it? Then just let it scatter into the air. Won't it be gathered by me after a while? I don't understand what the difference is. Besides, I didn't do it on purpose. It's completely a habit. He really can't accept it. I won't take away his spiritual energy. Let's have another good fight."
"Actually, the core of the conflict lies in the nature of the match," Shen Qingmang said. "Axin, you have to understand that this is a sparring match, not a life-and-death duel. If it were a life-and-death duel, using every possible means to win wouldn't be questioned. But sparring requires a sense of restraint. The most important thing is that both sides gain combat experience through the back-and-forth, learn from each other's strengths, and make up for their own shortcomings. So there's no need to resort to extreme methods. If you do, you'll likely be considered unjustified."
"Master, are you trying to get me to be more civilized? Even a wolf with all its teeth plucked out wouldn't sneak into a flock of sheep. I can't do that."
"Then you must be prepared to face doubts, Xin. This situation today is the first time, but it won't be the last. I will fight for you while I'm here, but if one day I'm gone, I hope you can hold on and not be defeated by doubts."
"Master, why are you not here? Do you think I'm doing this wrong and don't want me anymore?" Hao Xin bit his lip. "Well... then, I'll try to change. Please don't be disappointed in me. I finally have family, and I don't want to lose them again."
"As long as Master is still alive, he will stand on your side." Shen Qingmang looked at him gently.
She knew Hao Xin had many flaws, or rather, the rough edges that hadn't been polished by worldly experience. But she wouldn't deny that he was, at heart, a good child. Hao Xin seemed somewhat out of place within the Taichu sect. In times of peace and prosperity, he might be accused of being uncivilized, but in times of chaos, his brilliance would be fully realized.
He is not a saint or hypocritical, and can achieve victory to the greatest extent possible. It is for this reason that he becomes the male protagonist in the original novel and leads the sect to resolve the crisis.
She is willing to explore the most appropriate way of dealing with the world with this child.
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