AWB Chapter 257 Hesitation Leads to Defeat
Chapter 257 Hesitation Leads to Defeat
The Lingxu Sect's Martial Arts Hall was filled with a mix of killing intent and spiritual energy, yet it also held a hint of the lively atmosphere of the eve of the grand competition.
Tomorrow is the day of the sect competition!
The entire martial arts hall was filled with the disciples' final sprint of training. The shouts, the sounds of spiritual energy colliding, and the clash of weapons were exciting and exhilarating, yet also filled with anticipation.
In the open space in the center of the martial arts hall, three figures stood out—Xue Yang, Xuan Qing, and Wei Yu, who was watching the battle from the side.
Xue Yang was dressed in a crimson outfit, his muscles were sharply defined, and his spiritual energy surged like a raging fire. Every punch he threw was accompanied by a whooshing sound, making the surrounding air slightly hot.
Xuanqing was dressed in a moon-white Taoist robe, holding a long sword. His figure was graceful, and his sword moves were agile but hesitant. He would subconsciously hold back a bit of his strength at the last moment of his attack.
"Bang!"
With a muffled thud, Xueyang's fist slammed into Xuanqing's sword sheath. The immense force sent Xuanqing staggering back three steps, his hands going numb, and his sword nearly slipping from his grasp.
"Stop!" Xue Yang withdrew his fist and stood up, his brows furrowed so deeply they could trap a mosquito. His tone was filled with disappointment. "Xuan Qing, is this what you call combat training? It's like playing house!"
Xuan Qing scratched the back of his head, looking innocent and a little aggrieved: "Third Senior Brother, I was just afraid of hitting you too hard and hurting you. After all, we're going to participate in the competition together tomorrow."
"Hurt me?" Xue Yang was so angry he almost laughed out loud. He took a step forward and patted Xuan Qing's shoulder with such force that Xuan Qing stumbled. "With your dawdling manner, tomorrow you won't even be able to protect yourself, let alone hurt others!"
Wei Yu, who was standing nearby, quickly stepped forward and tried to smooth things over with a smile: "Brother Xueyang, please calm down. Brother Xuanqing is just kind-hearted and didn't want to hurt his fellow disciples."
As he spoke, Wei Yu picked up the wooden sword beside him and cupped his hands in greeting to Xue Yang: "How about I spar with Brother Xue Yang for a few moments, and take this opportunity to learn a thing or two from him?"
Xue Yang's eyes lit up, and he nodded in agreement, "Alright! Brother Wei, this is the perfect opportunity to show you what real combat is all about!"
Xuan Qing also moved over, pulled up a small stool and sat down, muttering, "Good luck, Brother Wei Yu! Don't get beaten too badly by my third senior brother, he doesn't hold back!"
Wei Yu gripped the wooden sword, took a deep breath, circulated his spiritual energy, and charged towards Xue Yang.
His swordplay was sharp, yet it carried a subtle hesitation—every time the tip of his sword was about to touch Xueyang, it would subconsciously shift slightly.
"Bang!"
Xue Yang swung a punch with his backhand, striking Wei Yu's wooden sword precisely and sending it flying. He controlled the force perfectly, without harming Wei Yu in the slightest.
"Brother Wei, stop!" Xue Yang's tone turned serious, his previous impatience replaced by a more earnest one. "Your problem was even more serious than Xuan Qing's!"
Wei Yu paused for a moment, bent down to pick up the wooden sword, and said somewhat embarrassedly, "Brother Xueyang, I'm sorry, I..."
"No need to apologize." Xue Yang interrupted him, his tone solemn. "Brother Wei, we cultivators must act decisively! Procrastination will only lead you into endless danger!"
"Think about it, tomorrow is the sect competition. Your opponents won't show you any mercy, and they won't wait for you to hesitate!"
"When you strike, you must be steady, accurate, and ruthless. Either don't strike at all, or strike directly at the vital points. Otherwise, you'll only find yourself in a situation of utter ruin!"
These words, each one powerful and resounding, struck Wei Yu right to the heart.
Looking at Xueyang, Wei Yu felt a mix of guilt and agreement: "Brother Xueyang is right. I was too indecisive."
Xuanqing, who was standing nearby, also came over, scratched his head, and said with a helpless expression, "Third Senior Brother, please stop scolding Brother Wei Yu. Not everyone can act as decisively as you."
"Even I, who have been training with you for so many years, cannot do what you do. I am always hesitant and timid when I make a move."
As he spoke, Xuanqing pouted, looking so aggrieved, just like a primary school student being criticized by a teacher, which made Wei Yu burst out laughing.
Seeing Xuan Qing's expression, Xue Yang was furious. He reached out and patted Xuan Qing's head again: "You! You overthink everything you do, always hesitant and afraid of everything, which is why your cultivation has stagnated!"
Xuan Qing shrank back after being slapped, not daring to argue, and could only mutter softly, "I didn't want to either, but I just couldn't control myself, afraid of making a mistake, afraid of hurting someone..."
"Fear? Can fear lead to great things?" Xue Yang said with exasperation. "The path of cultivation is inherently defying the heavens; how can one avoid risks and mistakes?"
"Alright, after the competition, you'll come with me to gain experience!" Xue Yang's tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation. "I'll take you to see the dangers outside, and see if those demonic beasts and rogue cultivators will show you mercy because of your hesitation!"
Xuan Qing's eyes lit up, but then she hesitated: "Go out and gain experience? But... I'm afraid I'll hold you back."
"If you're holding me back, then practice! Practice until you're no longer holding me back!" Xue Yang patted his shoulder, the force still strong, but with a hint of expectation. "I refuse to believe that my junior brother, Xue Yang's junior brother, can keep dawdling like this forever!"
Xuan Qing felt a warmth in his heart upon seeing Xue Yang's resolute gaze, and nodded heavily: "Alright! Third Senior Brother, I'll go out with you to train! I'll definitely train hard and won't hold you back anymore!"
Watching the interaction between the two, Wei Yu was filled with envy and couldn't help but sigh, "Brother Xueyang, you are truly insightful, outspoken, and decisive. I wish I could be like you."
These days, he has been troubled by his obsession with returning home, and he also has to worry about the fragments of his soul. He thinks twice before doing anything. He has never lived as freely and decisively as Xueyang.
Xue Yang laughed heartily, patted Wei Yu on the shoulder, and said in a cheerful tone, "Brother Wei, you're being too polite!"
"You're just thoughtful and considerate, which isn't a flaw. You just haven't learned to be decisive when you need to be."
"As you gain more experience and knowledge, you'll naturally understand that sometimes hesitation only harms you; decisive action is the only way to seize opportunities!"
Xuanqing chimed in, "Yes, Brother Wei Yu, although my third senior brother has a bit of a temper, he always speaks the truth! You should learn from him; you'll definitely become more decisive!"
Wei Yu nodded, a smile appearing on his face: "Thank you, Brother Xueyang, thank you, Brother Xuanqing, I'll remember it."
The three of them smiled at each other. The little incident earlier had not affected their friendship at all; on the contrary, it had brought them even closer together.
Afterwards, the three began making final preparations to build up their strength for tomorrow's sect competition.
Xueyang continued to practice his punches, each punch full of power. As the spiritual energy surged, the ground around him trembled slightly, causing the surrounding disciples to turn their heads and not dare to approach.
Xuanqing gripped his longsword, practicing basic sword moves over and over again, deliberately reminding himself not to hesitate and to strike quickly, accurately, and ruthlessly. Although he would occasionally unconsciously hold back his strength, he was much better than before.
Wei Yu sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, circulated his spiritual energy to stabilize his cultivation, recalled Xue Yang's words, and simulated a real battle scenario in his mind, reminding himself to act decisively and not hesitate.
The disciples in the martial arts hall were all busy with their own tasks. Some were sparring, some were meditating and adjusting their breathing, and some were polishing their weapons. Everyone's face showed tension and anticipation.
After all, the sect competition is not only about personal glory, but also about everyone's future. Everyone wants to shine in the competition and gain the attention of the sect leader and elders.
Just as the three of them were fully engaged in the final preparations, a gentle voice came from the entrance of the martial arts hall, instantly attracting everyone's attention.
"Okay, okay, stop practicing!"
Everyone looked up and saw Jingming wearing a light blue Taoist robe, with a slender figure, gentle face, and carrying a food box in her hand. She slowly walked in, exuding a faint spiritual aura and possessing a gentle and charming temperament.
"Second Senior Sister!" Xuan Qing was the first to react. She quickly sheathed her sword and skipped over, a sweet smile on her face. "Second Senior Sister, what brings you here?"
Jingming smiled and looked at Wei Yu and Xueyang. His tone was gentle. "Senior Brother needs to see the three of you. Come with me. Don't keep him waiting."
Xueyang stopped cultivating, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and nodded: "Okay, Second Senior Sister, we'll go with you now."
Wei Yu opened her eyes, stood up, and cupped her hands in a gesture of respect to Jingming: "Thank you for your trouble, Second Senior Sister."
Along the way, Xuanqing kept muttering to himself, "Is Senior Brother looking for us to give us a lecture and tell us we must behave well tomorrow?"
Xueyang rolled his eyes at him: "Otherwise what? Are you here to eat spirit fruit cakes? Stop talking nonsense, walk properly, and don't embarrass yourself."
Jingming laughed and said, "You two stop arguing. Senior Brother really has something important to tell you, and it's something Master just instructed him to do."
Upon hearing the word "Master," Xuanqing instantly fell silent, no longer daring to mutter, and obediently followed behind Jingming with a well-behaved expression.
A hint of doubt arose in Wei Yu's heart.
Huaiqing Hall was not too far from Yanwu Hall, and soon the four of them arrived at the entrance of Huaiqing Hall.
Inside Huaiqing Hall, Yu Huai was sitting at a stone table, his brows slightly furrowed, holding a cup of spiritual tea in his hand. His expression was somewhat solemn, quite different from his usual gentle demeanor.
"Senior Brother!" Xuan Qing spoke first, breaking the silence in the hall, "Second Senior Sister said you wanted to see us. What important matter is it?"
Yu Huai looked up, saw the three of them, and the seriousness on his face eased slightly. He nodded and said, "You've come. Please have a seat."
Jingming poured spiritual tea for the three of them, sat down next to Yu Huai, and said in a gentle tone, "Senior Brother, stop keeping me in suspense and tell them what Master instructed you to do."
Yu Huai took a sip of spiritual tea and slowly spoke, his tone solemn: "My master just called me over and instructed me on something. There are some unusual voices within the sect this time."
"Different voices?" Xuan Qing frowned slightly, looking puzzled. "What different voices? Could it be that someone doesn't want to participate in the sect competition and is complaining behind my back?"
Xue Yang frowned, his tone serious: "Senior Brother, is this related to those who have always opposed the Sect Leader's cultivation methods?"
Wei Yu sat silently to the side, not saying a word, just listening quietly, his doubts growing deeper.
He had been at the Lingxu Sect for some time now, and occasionally heard Xuanqing and Xueyang mention that some disciples in the sect had some complaints about the sect leader's cultivation methods, but it had never caused much of a stir.
Yu Huai nodded, his tone becoming even more serious: "That's right, it's them."