Chapter 216
Chapter 216
-----------------------------------------------------------------
>Translator: Ryuma
>Chapter: 216
>Chapter Title: Fellow Disciples
>-----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 216: Fellow Disciples
>
>>
> Gao Zhijian, his face flushed red, mustered every ounce of strength he had and, trembling, lifted the massive halberd back onto the ox cart.
>
>>
> Without even catching his breath, he grabbed a piece of cloth and wrapped up the sharp halberd blade.
>
>>
> Senior Brother Li had told him that once training with the halberd was done, it had to be wrapped up. Its previous owner had been a Later Shu general, and if anyone from the Qingqiu authorities recognized it, there could be trouble.
>
>>
> Gazing at the wrapped-up giant halberd, he scratched the back of his head helplessly.
>
>>
> He'd been practicing with it for so long, and all he could manage was to lift it. Meanwhile, that woman had wielded it like it was made of paper.
>
>>
> He gestured with his hands to measure its length. Gao Zhijian figured shortening it a bit might make it lighter. Plus, at a full twelve feet, it was too long for him anyway.
>
>>
> Standard spear lengths were twelve feet, but unless you were fighting from horseback, that made it too unwieldy on the ground—easy for enemies to get in close where you couldn't counter.
>
>>
> He pulled back the ox cart's curtain and examined the pile of heavy armor inside, holding pieces up to his body now and then to check the fit.
>
>>
> These plates could block Senior Brother Li's sword, so Gao Zhijian knew they were no ordinary gear.
>
>>
> But that woman was much bigger than him, so if he wanted to wear it, he'd need a blacksmith to refit it.
>
>>
> And then there was the weight—a few hundred pounds. He'd have to build up his strength more.
>
>>
> "Fool, what're you doing? Come here quick—I got something to talk to you about. Good news!"
>
>>
> Gao Zhijian turned around reluctantly, looking down at Gouwa with a displeased expression.
>
>>
> "See those women over there? A few of 'em seem sweet on you."
>
>>
> Gao Zhijian looked up and spotted the cluster of women sneaking peeks at him. The moment he noticed, they all ducked their heads away.
>
>>
> "Hey, Fool, you want a wife? If you do, ol' Cao Cao here'll play matchmaker for you."
>
>>
> Pulling a sour face, Gao Zhijian turned back to fuss with the armor plates, completely ignoring Gouwa.
>
>>
> "What, you think they're too dirty for you? You complaining about them being dirty when they haven't even griped about you being simple? Folks like us shouldn't be picky—grab one quick before the chance is gone."
>
>>
> "I'm telling you, I've got something lined up already. Won't be long before you're at my wedding feast."
>
>>
> "Go... go... go." Gao Zhijian stammered from his mouth.
>
>>
> "Go? Alright, let's head over then."
>
>>
> "Go... get lost!" The shout startled Gouwa.
>
>>
> "I'm treating you like a brother here, worrying about your future. Later on, you might not even get the chance."
>
>>
> Gao Zhijian shoved him with a palm, sending Gouwa stumbling and straight onto the ground.
>
>>
> Cursing under his breath with a sour look, Gouwa stalked off toward Zhao Wu on the nearby ox cart.
>
>>
> "Chii-chii-chii~!" Gao Zhijian made kissing noises at Mantou, who was resting under the cart, to call the dog over.
>
>>
> Hearing him, Mantou stretched out his front paws in a big lazy yawn, then flattened his ears against his head and trotted over to Gao Zhijian, shaking his head playfully.
>
>>
> Gao Zhijian carefully scooped the dog into his arms and stroked him over and over, delighting in the feel of that soft fur brushing his palms. A dopey grin spread across his face.
>
>>
> He reached into his own bosom and pulled out half a flatbread, dangling it in front of Mantou. Spotting the food, the dog's tail started wagging even harder.
>
>>
> Gao Zhijian tore off some crumbs from the bread and held them in his palm, quietly savoring the sensation of Mantou's tongue lapping them up.
>
>>
> Mantou scarfed it down fast, and soon the half piece was gone. Gao Zhijian closed his eyes and buried his face in the dog's fur, rubbing against it happily.
>
>>
> He liked dogs. Dogs were better than people. Gao Zhijian even fantasized about asking Junior Brother Li to give him this dog.
>
>>
> After rubbing for a bit, he opened his eyes and carefully drew the military tactics book from his bosom, poring over it intently.
>
>>
> He couldn't understand why he never tired of reading it over and over. Some parts he didn't get at all, but there was just something so familiar about the book.
>
>>
> From afar, Gouwa watched Gao Zhijian hugging Mantou and shook his head helplessly. "Sigh, this fool really hasn't wised up. Women throwing themselves at him, and he'd rather play with a dog."
>
>>
> "Gouwa, I'd advise you to behave yourself. If you get rough with those women, Senior Brother Li might be too busy to care, but Little Full will cut you down with one sword," said Zhao Wu, who was tallying supplies with an old abacus in his arms.
>
>>
> "What kinda talk is that? You didn't come along yourself, and now you're ragging on me? Does ol' Gouwa need to get rough to snag a wife?"
>
>>
> "I'm an expert with women! Just watch—before we hit Liang Kingdom, I'll have one hooked for sure. Wanna bet?"
>
>>
> "Fine, fine, you're the expert. Go hook one already and stop bugging me. I've got accounts to settle here. Mess up the rations, and you'll be drinking northwest wind for your next meal."
>
>>
> Gouwa scratched at the vitiligo on his face and eyed Zhao Wu's uneven shoulders, still trying to persuade him. "You really not coming with? Folks like us gotta know our place. Miss this shot, and you'll be a bachelor for life."
>
>>
> Zhao Wu was getting fed up. "Senior Brother Li's hurt that bad, and you're still yapping about this?"
>
>>
> "Even with a hand chopped off, it'll grow back. What's to worry? You're all just fretting over nothing."
>
>>
> "I've seen it all this journey—Senior Brother Li's got this!" Gouwa stuck out his thumb high. "Don't sweat it. Even if the King of Hell himself came calling, he'd be fine."
>
>>
> A flicker of worry crossed Zhao Wu's eyes as he recalled everything he'd witnessed lately. No matter how he looked at it, Senior Brother Li didn't seem like he'd come to harm.
>
>>
> They all had their flaws, but Senior Brother Li's were invisible—the worst kind, or maybe the best.
>
>>
> "Why worry? Senior Brother Li's basically half an immortal now, with all those divine powers. If real trouble hits, you think we could even help?"
>
>>
> "Zhao Wu, like I said—know your limits. I know I'm no big shot, so I ain't bothering with that."
>
>>
> "How can you have no ambition?"
>
>>
> "Spare me. Like you're full of ambition yourself. Anyone but Senior Brother Li with ambition would've gotten killed by that leper-head back in the cave." Gouwa sneered.
>
>>
> The clacking of the abacus suddenly stopped. Zhao Wu's voice held a hint of hesitation. "Gouwa... do you think Senior Brother Li could teach us those divine powers of his?"
>
>>
> At those words, Gouwa clutched his belly and bolted. "Oof, oof—my stomach's killing me! Gotta go take a dump. Talk later."
>
>>
> He'd figured it out long ago—Senior Brother Li's powers didn't come free. Little Full had just used one and lost a hand. Terrifying.
>
>>
> And who knew if those powers were what was driving Senior Brother Li madder and madder. Gouwa wanted no part of that fate.
>
>>
>(End of chapter)