A master of comedy!

Chapter 105 Spring and Autumn Sword Manual

Despite Zhou Sheng's refusal, Guan Buping practically lifted him up with one arm and forcibly dragged him out of the ghost city.

The two remained silent the entire way, creating an awkward atmosphere.

For some reason, Zhou Sheng, who was fearless in the face of the general, suddenly felt a little flustered when he was alone with Uncle Guan.

"Uncle Guan, why don't you go back quickly? I can walk by myself."

Guan Buping remained silent and offered no response, making the atmosphere even more awkward.

Zhou Sheng had no choice but to bite the bullet and continue trying to break the deadlock.

"Ahem, Uncle Guan, your swordsmanship is truly amazing. Tonight has really broadened my horizons. I feel ashamed that you had to break your vow to seal your sword for my sake—"

"The oath has not been broken."

Guan Buping finally spoke, but what he said startled Zhou Sheng.

“Back then, I swore before the statue of Guan Sheng Di Jun that I would never perform Guan Gong plays again in my life. Although I used Guan Dao tonight, I did not wear a costume, did not put on makeup, and did not use that family heirloom sword. So it cannot be considered a break of my oath.”

He paused, as if trying to convince himself, or perhaps explaining to Guan Yu.

"Second Master is a man of great righteousness. If I were to see a friend in distress and not draw my sword to help, I would truly disgrace Second Master."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Sheng admired Uncle Guan even more.

This is someone who has truly embodied the spirit of Guan Gong in his very being. Whether it is his appearance, physique, swordsmanship, or his aura and character, he has captured the essence of Guan Gong.

"Uncle Guan, why did you swear to sheathe your sword?"

Zhou Sheng asked the question that he had been curious about for a long time.

Upon hearing this, a complex look flashed in Guan Buping's eyes. After a long while, he turned to look at Zhou Sheng.

"Tell me about yourself."

Zhou Sheng's heart tightened immediately, and he asked, "What's wrong with me?"

Will you stay at Juxianlou and perform operas for the rest of your life?

Zhou Sheng remained silent.

Guan Buping showed no surprise and continued, "Fifth Master is no ordinary man. As his apprentice, you are destined to achieve great things in the future."

"A dragon lies hidden in the abyss; Xunyang is merely a temporary refuge for you, and it cannot last long."

"Besides, you have no intention of accepting the general's offer of recruitment. I think you'll be leaving soon."

Zhou Sheng's lips trembled, but he didn't speak for a long time. He just nodded.

Uncle Guan was a loyal and righteous man, and he was unwilling to deceive.

Although his time at Juxianlou was enjoyable, the graduation ceremony a month and a half later remained a sword of Damocles hanging over his head.

Even if they manage to graduate alive, the Yin Opera Master will still travel far and wide, performing plays about ghosts and gods in order to seek even greater breakthroughs.

Although it wasn't as life-or-death as when I first started my apprenticeship, it was still a perilous journey among all sorts of demons and monsters, like walking on thin ice.

This is also why most practitioners of Yin-Yang magic rarely live past the age of thirty.

Seeing his silence, Guan Buping's gaze softened considerably, and he sighed softly.

“You’re a good kid. You didn’t try to fool me with nice words. Since you call me uncle, I’ll treat you like a nephew and say some heartfelt words to you.”

"Uncle Guan, please speak."

"Xiao Feng lost her parents at a young age. She is stubborn, strong-willed, and has her own opinions. Once she has made up her mind about something, she will not turn back even if she hits a brick wall."

“I introduced her to several potential husbands while she was alive, but she would beat them up and chase them away with just a few punches and kicks, and she even said that she would not marry anyone.”

"Don't you want to marry?"

Guan Buping shook his head and laughed, "I won't marry someone whose kung fu isn't as good as hers, I won't marry someone whose opera singing isn't as good as hers, and I won't marry someone who lacks heroic spirit."

“This girl is ambitious. Back then, there were quite a few young men who admired her, but none of them could catch her eye.”

“People who are better at kung fu than her can’t sing opera, and people who sing opera better than her are not as good at kung fu. These two points alone make many people hesitate, not to mention that they also need to have heroic spirit. Tell me, where is such a person—” Guan Buping’s voice grew softer and softer as he spoke, and he looked at Zhou Sheng with a very strange gaze.

How come this kid... seems to fit every single thing?

His kung fu skills were undeniable, enough to force the general to fight seriously, and his opera singing talent was exceptional, leaving even the general amazed.

As for his heroic spirit, one can tell from his fearlessness in the face of a great general, and his willingness to emulate Wu Song in capturing Fang La with one arm that this young man possesses extraordinary courage and spirit.

"It's a pity you're alive."

Guan Buping sighed, "If you were dead, or if Xiao Feng were still alive, I would not only not object, but I would also try my best to bring them together, and even entrust my family heirloom sword and the entire Juxianlou to you."

"Alas, the living and the dead are separated, and fate is cruel!"

Zhou Sheng was a little embarrassed and said, "Uncle Guan, Boss Feng and I... are just friends."

Upon hearing this, Guan Buping sneered, feeling unwilling instead. He tightened his grip on Zhou Sheng's hand slightly, causing Zhou Sheng to gasp.

"What, is my Xiaofeng not good enough for you?"

Zhou Sheng immediately rolled his eyes.

The two looked at each other, and after a moment they couldn't help but laugh.

The two remained silent for a long time afterward, but their heart-to-heart talk under the moon had dispelled the awkward atmosphere and made them feel much closer.

"Here we are, right here."

At his doorstep, Zhou Sheng wanted to invite Uncle Guan in for a chat, but he shook his head and declined.

"It's getting late, I need to hurry back, otherwise I'll be in trouble once the city gates close."

"By the way, this is for you."

Uncle Guan took something out of his pocket and tossed it to Zhou Sheng.

He reached out with his right hand and found a slightly yellowed ancient book with four large characters written in bold, sharp strokes, each stroke resembling a blade, exuding an invisible, powerful aura.

Spring and Autumn Sword Manual!
Just looking at those four words, Zhou Sheng felt an indescribable aura rushing towards him, as if a large sword was being wielded under the moon, its blade as sharp as a bolt of lightning, so dazzling that it hurt one's eyes.

"There are many versions of Guan Yu's Spring and Autumn Saber Technique. I'm sure Fifth Master has taught you his Spring and Autumn Saber Technique. This one is my family's version, which may inspire you."

The book was clearly very light, but Zhou Sheng found it to be quite heavy in his hands.

He had witnessed Uncle Guan's knife skills firsthand tonight. They were more than just impressive; if his knife hadn't been so bad, he might have had an even more amazing performance.

The Spring and Autumn Saber Technique passed down in Guan Yu's family is a martial art that any martial artist would dream of, and for him, who is currently learning the Guan Gong opera, it is an invaluable gift, like charcoal in snowy weather.

Guan Buping thus handed over his family's secret martial arts, and then turned away gracefully, just like a chivalrous knight in a storybook, generous, bold, and upright.

Just as his figure was about to disappear into the night, Zhou Sheng had a sudden thought and called out.

"Uncle Guan!"

Guan Buping paused slightly in his steps.

"You said you'd entrust your family heirloom sword and the entire Juxianlou restaurant to me, is that true?"

Guan Buping nearly tripped and turned around, laughing and scolding, "You brat, give me back my book!"

"late."

Zhou Sheng quickly put the sword manual into his pocket, turned around and closed the door.

"Uncle Guan, see you tomorrow."

With a bang, the door was slammed shut, and a talisman for warding off evil spirits was casually stuck on it. It hadn't been blessed; it was just a cheap one bought from a street stall, with the words "Evil spirits begone" written on it.

Guan Buping's face darkened, but after a long while he couldn't help but shake his head and smile.

This kid really wants to squeeze him dry...

(End of this chapter)