9 Chapter 9 - Method of the Pros (1/2)

The Heaven-Defying Guild members were filled with much chagrin as they witnessed the utter defeat of their leader. They all glared scornfully at Gu Fei and Fireball before taking their leave.

Fireball showed no mercy by whistling and sneering at them now that the tides had changed. In his mind, the glorious online gaming expert that he used to look up to was now reduced to just a single word – Pftttttt!

”Drunk bro!” Fireball had already decided on his new idol as the Heaven-Defying Guild's members left.

”How did you know he was behind you?” Fireball asked.

”Because of his killing intent,” Gu Fei laughed.

”Killing intent… Does something like that really exist?” Fireball asked softly.

”Of course,” Gu Fei nodded, ”My ability at detecting killing intent is nowhere near perfect. My fourth uncle is the best at it. For instance, he can sleep very soundly when you make any noise near him, but he would wake up immediately as soon as you focus all your attention on him!”

”Do you really know wushu?!” Fireball said.

”It's not wushu; it's kung fu!” Gu Fei corrected.

”What's the difference?”

”Wushu is for strengthening your body. Kung fu, on the other hand, is about vanquishing your enemies and protecting your homeland!” Gu Fei sighed as he said that. This was where his father's viewpoint clashed with his. His father repeatedly insisted that they learned wushu, but Gu Fei felt that it was definitely kung fu.

”Protecting the homeland – is there still a need for that in the current times?” Fireball said.

”No,” Gu Fei laughed, ”Which is why I'm playing this game!”

”Oh… Can I learn it too?” Fireball had developed an interest.

”You're…” Gu Fei hesitated.

”Am I too old for it?” Fireball was slightly disappointed as he was in his twenties already. Judging from the tropes of some wuxia novels, a protagonist at Fireball's age would have long ago become a prominent figure in the Jianghu. If Fireball just started learning martial arts at his current age, all the ladies would have hooked up with others by the time he finished.

Surprisingly, Gu Fei shook his head, ”Kung fu is intended to be learned after puberty, at least at the age of fifteen or sixteen. Your age is close to mine, so how can you be too old? It's just that learning kung fu is very time-consuming. I think you'd need to spend at least eight to twelve hours every day. Do you have that much free time?”

”No,” Fireball replied without even thinking twice.

”Or you could use the time you spend in-game—”

”No no, that's fine. I'll not learn it. Let's just continue with the game!” Fireball interrupted Gu Fei abruptly.

Gu Fei could only smile bitterly at this.

The six Vagabonds by the pond had respawned at the moment. Gu Fei was about to charge at the enemies after picking up the meat-carving knife that had been dropped during the battle when Fireball said from his side, ”Drunk bro, the monsters here are too high-level. I'm not as skilled as you, so I'm gonna go to another map to grind.”

”I don't mind you tagging along!” Gu Fei said.

”I am not here to tag along with others! I am here to play the game!” Fireball proclaimed firmly.