Chapter 252: Unspoken Understanding, Shifting Tides
“Cultivating one’s body is a good thing, but remember that too much of anything can be harmful.”
Lin Tianlu smiled, patting the middle-aged man’s shoulder. “Being able to live a peaceful life is more valuable than any martial arts skill. Instead of obsessing over cultivation, why not enjoy the local customs and appreciate the beauty of nature on your way home? That might be more beneficial for you.”
“…”
The martial artists, despite having countless arguments prepared, were silenced by his display of power.
The middle-aged man gulped nervously, sheathing his sword. “I’ll keep your advice in mind, sir. But… if I may ask, why do you possess such extraordinary abilities at such a young age?”
“Knowledge is power.”
Hua Shuya, who had been standing quietly behind them, suddenly spoke. “Senior hasn’t taught me any secret martial arts techniques, only classic texts, explaining the profound principles within them. By applying these principles and connecting them to my own practice, even simple techniques can become incredibly powerful.”
“That’s… impossible!”
A young martial artist scoffed indignantly. “If studying classic texts is enough to gain extraordinary martial arts skills, then what’s the point of our arduous training? Does that mean any scholar can surpass us?”
“Practical training and theoretical understanding are both essential.”
Hua Shuya’s expression remained calm. She tapped her foot, and a nearby tree branch snapped off, landing in her hand. She assumed a fighting stance. “Let’s have a simple spar, without using internal energy or sword intent. Just pure technique.”
“Alright! I’ll—”
“You don’t need another branch.”
The young lady’s eyes were unwavering. “Draw your sword.”
“…”
The young martial artist froze.
Then, his face flushed with anger, and he drew his sword, lunging forward without a word!
Hua Shuya’s eyes narrowed, and she sidestepped gracefully, her slender body displaying remarkable agility, narrowly avoiding the blade. The branch in her hand moved like a viper, wrapping around his sword and striking his chest with lightning speed.
“Ugh!” The young man grunted, channeling his Qi as he struck out with his palm, twisting his sword and unleashing a series of fierce attacks.
The wind howled with the force of his sword and palm strikes.
But Hua Shuya’s movements were even more agile and fluid, her seemingly casual footwork and technique perfectly countering his attacks, deflecting his blows and striking back with pinpoint accuracy. Her hair and dress billowing around her, her swift strikes left marks on his neck, forehead, and abdomen.
She remained untouched, her movements graceful and mesmerizing, a whirlwind of motion.
Until…
Whoosh!
The branch stopped inches from his forehead, freezing him mid-strike. Hua Shuya stepped on his sword, pinning it to the ground, the blade bending slightly.
She raised an eyebrow. “Well?”
The young man stared at the branch, his fear slowly giving way to understanding. He took a deep breath, the anger fading from his face.
As Hua Shuya removed her foot, he stepped back, bowing respectfully, his eyes filled with admiration. “Your skills are truly remarkable, Miss. I… I concede.”
“You’re too kind.”
Hua Shuya returned the bow.
“You’re so young, yet your movements and techniques are masterful, almost… mystical.”
Liu Meng coughed, his face filled with awe. “The difference in your foundations is vast. This young lady’s understanding and mastery of martial arts far surpasses yours. As she said, if you wish to improve, you must reflect on your own practice.”
“I… understand.”
The young man didn’t argue, readily admitting his shortcomings.
He bowed deeply to Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya, sheathed his sword, and left without another word.
The other martial artists fell into contemplation, their eyes flickering.
If they were to spar with this young lady…
The outcome would likely be the same.
“Do you still have any doubts, gentlemen?”
Lin Tianlu smiled, turning to the remaining martial artists.
After a moment of silence, the middle-aged man bowed respectfully. “Thank you for your guidance tonight, sir, and Miss. You’ve shown us the path forward. We have no more questions. We’ll return home and cultivate our minds and bodies, and study the classics.”
“We… apologize for disturbing your rest tonight, sir.”
“There’s no need to apologize.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “If you truly feel remorse, then warn the other martial artists when you leave Changling tomorrow. Tell them that the so-called opportunities here are just rumors spread by Prince Pei’s son. He wasn’t recruiting talented individuals, but… sacrifices.”
The middle-aged man’s eyes widened. “Sacrifices?”
“Most likely… they won’t survive.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned serious. “They’ve learned some dark and sinister sorcery, using martial artists as… ingredients. If you value your lives, leave this place as soon as possible.”
“Are you… serious, sir?!”
“Of course.” Lin Tianlu smiled faintly. “If you don’t believe me, stay in Changling for a while longer and you’ll see. But I can’t guarantee your safety.”
The martial artists’ expressions shifted, and after a hasty bow, they left, using their lightness techniques.
Clearly, they believed his warning.
If an ordinary scholar had said such a thing, they wouldn’t have taken it seriously. But after witnessing his extraordinary abilities, this warning… was a matter of life and death!
“Even martial artists who pursue strength still value their lives.”
Lin Tianlu watched them leave, sighing, then turned to the two remaining figures.
One of them…
“You seem… more subdued than when we last met, my friend.”
It was the burly man from earlier.
Yi Heng straightened his back and bowed respectfully. “I’ve taken your lesson to heart, sir. I won’t act recklessly or cause any trouble in Changling again.”
Although he seemed rough and imposing, he wasn’t stubborn and was willing to listen to advice.
Lin Tianlu gestured towards the street. “You heard my warning. Aren’t you leaving with the others?”
“I wouldn’t dare disturb you any further, sir.” Yi Heng hesitated for a moment, then asked, “But I want to know… how can I reach the pinnacle of martial arts?”
“Why are you so fixated on this… pinnacle?”
“I lost my father when I was young, raised by my mother alone. We were poor, but happy. But during my youth, I witnessed a great battle between martial artists. My mother was caught in the crossfire and killed, and I could only watch helplessly as the villain, a so-called Grandmaster, escaped. The other martial artists couldn’t even slow him down!”
Yi Heng’s eyes were bloodshot, his voice filled with hatred. “From that day forward, I knew that weakness and cowardice were useless in this world. Even without a sect or a master, I’ve spent the past decade honing my saber skills, hoping to avenge my mother’s death one day!”
Lin Tianlu was taken aback.
Seeing the burning hatred in his eyes, he sighed inwardly.
These martial artists… many of them were driven by circumstances beyond their control.
“I don’t ask for your guidance, sir, only an answer—”
Yi Heng looked up, a strange glint in his eyes. “Is my path of honing my skills through constant battle… wrong?”
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment, then turned to Hua Shuya. “Shuya, please fetch a book from the study. The ‘Classic of Pine and Elegance.'”
“Yes, Senior!”
A short while later, Hua Shuya returned with the book.
Lin Tianlu weighed it in his hand, then handed it to Yi Heng. “The answer you seek… is in this book.”
Yi Heng looked puzzled. “Sir, what do you mean…?”
“Your ambition and desire are not wrong, my friend, but your methods are a bit… extreme.” Lin Tianlu smiled, pointing at the book. “This book contains many principles of life, teaching kindness and compassion. It also speaks of karma and retribution. It might be difficult to understand at first, but if you can grasp its essence, it will greatly benefit you.”
“This… this…”
Yi Heng looked surprised and delighted, his expression a mixture of emotions. His large hands seemed awkward holding the delicate book.
After a moment of hesitation, he blurted out,
“Sir, I… I can’t read.”
Lin Tianlu’s smile froze, his lips twitching. “Then perhaps you should find a tutor after you return home and learn to read. It will be beneficial for you in the long run. After all… if you can’t read, how will you decipher this ‘secret manual’?”
Yi Heng hesitated, then gritted his teeth.
“…Alright! I’ll follow your advice, sir! I’ll learn to read after I leave Changling!”
Lin Tianlu sighed in relief.
Thankfully, although this man seemed rough and simple, he was reasonable and willing to listen.
Yi Heng carefully tucked the book away, bowing deeply. “I won’t disturb you any further, sir. I’ll take my leave.”
With that, he left without hesitation.
…
“That man… he’s more straightforward than I thought. I underestimated him.”
Liu Meng scratched his withered face, sighing. “It’s a pity. If he had a good teacher in his youth, his martial arts skills would be even more formidable.”
“Are you feeling sympathetic towards him, Elder?”
Lin Tianlu chuckled.
Liu Meng quickly waved his hand. “Just an old man’s ramblings. Please don’t mind me, sir.”
“Although you have a fierce appearance, Elder, you have a kind heart.” Lin Tianlu gestured towards the house. “Would you like to come in and sit down for a chat?”
“You’re too kind, sir.”
Liu Meng coughed and smiled wryly. “I’ve already imposed on you enough with my uninvited visit tonight. I’m too embarrassed to intrude any further.”
“However, I overheard your conversation earlier.”
His expression turned serious. “Is this hero’s gathering truly a sham?”
Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow. “Judging by your tone, Elder, you already suspected something?”
“I know a little about the schemes and power struggles in the officialdom. And the royal family is even more ruthless.” Liu Meng’s wrinkled face twisted into a grimace. “Besides, Prince Pei’s son’s actions were too strange and sudden. It aroused suspicion. Many, including myself, suspected that Pei Yan was trying to stir up trouble.”
Lin Tianlu hesitated. “Are you aware of… the existence of demons and ghosts, Elder?”
“!”
Liu Meng’s eyes widened in shock. “I’ve rarely encountered them, but I’m aware of their existence… Do you mean to say, sir, that this matter is related to those demons and ghosts?!”
“Indeed. It seems Prince Pei is involved with them.”
“This is truly…”
Liu Meng’s expression shifted several times, then he said decisively, “I’ll inform my old friends tomorrow morning and spread the word, warning those martial artists to leave Changling as soon as possible.”
Lin Tianlu nodded slightly. “Thank you, Elder. But please be discreet. We don’t want to cause panic.”
“I understand.”
…
Liu Meng didn’t stay long, leaving after a brief conversation, clearly eager to act.
Lin Tianlu returned to the courtyard, and Mao Ruoyu, wearing a shawl, greeted him with a warm smile. “Those martial artists were more reasonable than I expected.”
She had anticipated a fight, but most of them had been polite and respectful, which was surprising.
“Those who dedicate themselves to martial arts are usually straightforward,” Lin Tianlu smiled, adjusting her slightly disheveled shawl. “Shall we retire for the night?”
“There’s no rush.”
Mao Ruoyu’s eyes twinkled, and she chuckled softly. “But I overheard your conversation at the door, Tianlu. It seems you haven’t been fulfilling your duties as Miss Shuya’s teacher lately. Don’t forget to teach her.”
