Narration System for the Journey of Martial Arts

Emperor Yang Guang relocated wealthy households and artisans from all over the country to Luoyang, making Luoyang even larger. The city had a network of streets, connected neighborhoods, and numerous shops. Merchants from home and abroad all stopped in Luoyang, making its commerce the most prosperous in the world.

The Luo River runs through Luoyang from north to south, dividing the city in two and connecting them only with four large bridges. This creates a scenic view of boats sailing through the city, and its beauty is in no way inferior to that of Jiangnan. Moreover, because of its distinct style, it is even more unique.

That morning, Xu Ziling and Ba Feng Han traveled to Luoyang. The two headed south along Tianjie Street and arrived at Xinzhong Bridge on the south bank of the Luo River.

As Ba Feng Han introduced the various unique features of Luoyang, Xu Ziling also benefited greatly. He looked out at the boats sailing on the south bank of the Luo River, and the bridge was crowded with pedestrians.

As his gaze swept across the bridge, Xu Ziling suddenly froze, staring blankly at a spot.

Ba Feng Han followed his gaze and saw only early-rising merchants, farmers, woodcutters, hunters, and the like at the market; there was no one special. "Ziling, did you run into someone you know?"

Xu Ziling gave a wry smile and lowered his voice, saying, "Old Ba, could you please go first? We'll meet again someday!"

Seeing Xu Ziling's serious expression, Ba Feng Han was slightly taken aback, then smiled nonchalantly and said, "In that case, I'll take my leave now. We'll meet again someday!"

After saying that, he turned around and slipped into the crowd of pedestrians, quickly disappearing from sight.

Once Ba Feng Han had gone far away, Xu Ziling finally let out a breath, then stepped onto the long bridge and stood beside the figure who stood silently gazing at the highest point of the bridge. The passersby seemed oblivious to this, and naturally avoided the area.

"Is Master Shi still so unfathomable? If Master Shi didn't want to, would I even be able to see him?" Xu Ziling asked from the side.

"The current state of Luoyang is inseparable from the actions of Yang Guang. Unfortunately, he no longer has the opportunity to enjoy this prosperous era."

Su Yuchen looked at the boats sailing under the bridge, remained silent for a moment, and then sighed.

Xu Ziling nodded and said, "Master Shi's comments on Yang Guang have already spread throughout the world! If Yang Guang had acted as Master Shi said, the Sui Dynasty might have been able to hold out for a longer period of time, but given Yang Guang's character, he would have inevitably reached this point sooner or later."

Su Yuchen smiled dismissively and said:

"Do you think I feel sorry for Yang Guang? I just don't want such a prosperous era to be ravaged by war again."

"Alas! It is ultimately unwise to entrust the rise and fall of the world and the suffering of the people to one person. Unfortunately, people are foolish, so we can only proceed step by step."

"One day, everyone in this world will be like a dragon! But I won't be able to see it!"

Speaking of regrets, Su Yuchen's eyes remained cold and indifferent. He looked Xu Ziling over and nodded, saying, "It seems that your trip to the Pegasus Ranch has benefited you greatly. Have you already begun to walk the path of nature? Your talent is truly astonishing; you can find your own path even without guidance."

Xu Ziling laughed and said, "I never expected to meet a senior at Pegasus Ranch and be taught by him knowledge of architecture, mechanisms, star observation, numerology and so on."

"You mean Lu Miaozi, right?" Su Yuchen nodded and said, "His talent and ability are quite good, but unfortunately he was too arrogant when he was young and could not concentrate on his path, so he achieved nothing."

Xu Ziling did not wish to comment on the old man who had devoted himself to teaching him, and asked, "Master Shi, do you know whether Lu Miaozi was injured by 'Empress Yin' Zhu Yuyan?"

Su Yuchen couldn't help but glance at him again. Judging from Xu Ziling's reaction, he already knew that Xu Ziling had made up his mind. He said, "You want to avenge him? That's right, the injuries in Lu Miaozi's body are indeed caused by the Heavenly Demon True Qi."

"However, if you want revenge, I'm afraid it will be difficult. Zhu Yuyan is nothing compared to Wanwan, Zhu Yuyan's disciple, whom I met last time. She has already reached the Grandmaster level."

Xu Ziling calmly watched the river flowing beneath the bridge and said with a smile, "I'm confident I have a chance to reach the Grandmaster realm. Besides, I have Xiao Zhong who can help me."

Su Yuchen didn't object. Judging from his mental state, he knew that he had already caught up with the level of Shi Qingxuan, Wanwan, and others. It was just a pity that he only had the level but didn't know how to use it. However, this level would, in turn, promote the improvement of his martial arts.

Why don't you mention Ba Feng Han? Are you afraid I'll kill him?

Xu Ziling awkwardly touched his nose: "So Master Shi saw it? Well, I shouldn't have expected such a small trick to fool Master Shi. But Old Ba is not a murderer. Could Master Shi spare his life?"

Chapter 388 An Encounter in Luoyang (Part 2)

Do you take me for a murderer?

Hearing Xu Ziling's words, Su Yuchen smiled and said.

Xu Ziling shook his head and said:

"Master Shi is definitely not a murderer!"

“But I know that Master Shi takes racial identity very seriously. In Master Shi’s eyes, ‘those who are not of our race must have different hearts.’ Master Shi is full of murderous intent towards races outside the Central Plains.”

Su Yuchen nodded and said, "Your natural way, combined with the Longevity Formula, does indeed make you very perceptive. I didn't expect you to be able to sense my mind."

He then smiled and said, "Don't worry, since I said that day that as long as he doesn't kill innocent people and cause bloodshed, I won't bother with him. However, I'm afraid it will be difficult for him to advance to the Grandmaster realm."

I wonder if the He Shi Bi jade can erase the mark I left on his subconscious. Su Yuchen silently thought of the strange energy contained within the He Shi Bi jade.

Thinking of this, the original plan to take the He Shi Bi from the Jingnian Zen sect was interrupted. After all, even the system reminded him to handle it with caution. Who knows what's inside the He Shi Bi in this world? It's better to play it safe.

"Why is that?" Xu Ziling pondered for a moment and then understood: "Is it a method planted by Master Shi?"

Su Yuchen did not deny it, saying, "Back then at Wang Tong's residence, seeing how arrogant he was, I taught him a lesson. When he broke through to the Grandmaster level, he had to clash with the spiritual imprint I left behind. If he succeeded, he would naturally have a chance to become a Grandmaster; if he failed, he would naturally die and perish."

Xu Ziling smiled wryly and said, "Although I don't doubt Lao Ba's talent and martial arts, I'm afraid he himself doesn't have much confidence in getting past the spiritual imprint left by Shi Shi."

"That's his own problem, what does it have to do with me? Just look at his arrogance back then, how he regarded the Central Plains as nothing. I'm already showing pity for his background by not killing him."

Su Yuchen gazed at the aura above, then walked back along the long bridge to the south bank, saying as he went, "The heavens evolve into fifty, of which forty-nine are used, and one is eliminated."

Xu Ziling's spirits lifted, and he said, "Master Lu once told me this. Does Master Shi mean that Old Ba still has a glimmer of hope?"

The two walked through the bustling crowd. Su Yuchen looked at the shops along the street and said, "That's inevitable, but how likely it is depends on his own fate."

Xu Ziling respectfully said, "Please enlighten me, Master Shi."

Su Yuchen shook his head: "The opportunity is in Luoyang City, but you need to go find it yourselves."

………………

Su Yuchen turned his foot and did not step onto the nearby Tianjie Avenue. Instead, he turned to the bridge and strolled along the riverbank, saying, "His aura is fierce and domineering, full of blood and fire. He is indeed a military genius."

You met Li Jing, the military genius of the Tang Dynasty.

Xu Ziling and Kou Zhong encountered Li Jing when they first entered the martial world, and entrusted a woman named Su Su to him. Unfortunately, their fate was not meant to be, and they were ultimately not destined to be together.

She once had a chance encounter with Liu Heita, a general under Dou Jiande, but unfortunately, she was vain and infatuated with Xiang Yushan of the Baling Gang, missing out on a good match.

[Comment: Born into humble circumstances, filled with self-pity and inferiority, yet lacking the courage to resist, she is merely one of the masses and not worthy of pity.]

[By helping Xu Ziling resolve his inner conflicts and guiding him towards the path of nature, he may encounter unexpected opportunities.]

Hearing his praise, Xu Ziling looked up and was startled. Su Yuchen sighed and said, "Go! See him, settle your worries, and you'll be able to focus more on your martial arts from now on."

Xu Ziling looked at the burly man approaching from the opposite direction, hesitated for a moment, and then nodded.

Watching the two talking not far away, Su Yuchen stood quietly by the river, observing the swaying willows on the riverbank, the endless stream of boats, and the Western Region merchants in their exotic attire curiously looking around.

A moment later, Xu Ziling returned looking dejected. Beside them, Li Jing looked around anxiously for a moment, then left with a grim expression.

"What, are you very disappointed?" Su Yuchen looked at the flowing water.

Xu Ziling was shocked and said with a bitter smile, "From now on, he and I will not be brothers! I never thought... I never thought he was that kind of person."

Su Yuchen shook his head and pointed to the flowing water, saying, "Look at the Luo River, it flows on and on, never to return. The past is like smoke, and today's loss is just another memory for you. Once you see it clearly, just move forward. Why dwell on it?"

Looking at the flowing water, Xu Ziling said, "I know what Master Shi means, but I didn't expect Li Jing to be that kind of person. Moreover, he is now obsessed with personal gain and even wants me to join Li Shimin!"

Su Yuchen said:

"You did think of it, you just didn't want to admit it."

"Li Jing is indeed a ruthless man. Doesn't he know about the feud between Kou Zhong and the Li clan? You ruined the Li clan's plans at the Pegasus Ranch, and he still wants to win you over!"

Xu Ziling's face was grim. He said, "Of course he knows. And he should also know that the south is about to be pacified, and the Song clan has the greatest chance of seizing power. Yet he still supports the Li clan. What does this have to do with his talk of benefiting all people? Does he think that Li Shimin is the only wise ruler he can support?"

"Moreover, putting aside the Song clan, just the fact that Li Shimin was only Li Yuan's second son shows that internal strife had already arisen within the Li clan, and the brothers were at odds. As far as I know, although Li Jiancheng did not have outstanding military achievements, he appointed virtuous and capable people and was well recognized by the Li clan. Li Shimin, on the other hand, had already developed a rebellious nature. What kind of wise ruler is he?"

"Just because Li Shimin conquered all the territories of the Li clan, does that make him a wise and virtuous ruler? Just because someone conquers the world on horseback, does that mean they can rule the world?"

Su Yuchen said indifferently, "Now that you've put an end to one of your worries, you should learn to let go. Nothing in this world is perfect; just strive to have a clear conscience."

Xu Ziling gave a wry smile and said, "I am worried about Sister Su! If something happens to her, I'm afraid Kou Zhong and I will both feel uneasy."

"Is she the woman you and Kou Zhong entrusted to Li Jing?" Su Yuchen said, "Wasn't that her own choice?"

"Master Shi also knows Sister Su Su?" Xu Ziling asked in surprise.

Su Yuchen smiled dismissively: "If I wanted to know, there are very few things in this world that can be hidden from me. Like I said, how do you know that wasn't her own choice?"

Xu Ziling paused upon hearing this, then argued, "But... but how can I watch her live an unhappy life in her later years?"

Su Yuchen scoffed and said, "So you're unhappy living with Xiang Yushan?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Ziling said urgently, "But Xiao Zhong and I have met Xiang Yushan, and he is definitely not a good person."

Su Yuchen nodded and said:

"Judging from his actions, Xiang Yushan is indeed not a good person. The Baling Gang traffics people, forces women into prostitution, and operates a large number of restaurants and brothels to collect intelligence."

"But like I said, your sister Susu chose Xiangyushan herself, so why do you think she won't be happy? Just because Xiangyushan isn't a good person?"

"Besides, wasn't Xiangyushan her own choice? People always have to pay the price for their choices, don't they?"

"If you truly cared for her, why didn't you marry her then? You pity her only because she was the first pitiful person you helped. There are countless pitiful people in this world, why don't you pity others?"

"Didn't you try to persuade her that day? Wasn't that her own choice? What right do you have to decide whether someone else's choice is right or wrong?"

"For her, happiness is all that matters. And she has hands and feet, yet she is humble, timid, and drifts with the tide; who can she blame but herself?"

"If she is willing to improve herself, putting everything else aside, if you send her to the Shilong Dojo, wouldn't that be a good place for her to settle down?"

Ultimately, your worries are nothing more than a desire for peace of mind.

"Your good brother has arrived outside Luoyang City, do you still have the leisure to care about anything else?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Su Yuchen didn't even look at Xu Ziling's reaction and started heading towards Tianjie Avenue.

Chapter 389 An Encounter in Luoyang (Part 3)

Not far from Tianzhong Bridge, Xu Ziling hurriedly caught up again. He had returned to normal and had completely forgotten about Li Jing, Su Su, and the others.

“Master Shi is right, but I need to think about Xiao Zhong's matter first. Other things can only be put on hold!” Xu Ziling explained, looking at Su Yuchen’s expression.

Su Yuchen did not turn around, but only sighed that Xu Ziling was also a heartless person.

Stepping into a restaurant on the street, the waiter immediately came to greet them. The two went up the stairs to the second floor, where Su Yuchen chose a seat facing the street.

Xu Ziling took the initiative to order breakfast tea and fruit before sitting down opposite Su Yuchen and said, "I haven't had a chance to ask yet. Master Shi suddenly arrived in Luoyang. Is there anything you need? If you need anything from me or Xiao Zhong, please feel free to ask."

"Aren't you going to find Kou Zhong?" Su Yuchen asked.

Xu Ziling shook his head: "Shi Shi just said that he has arrived outside Luoyang City, so he must be with Wang Shichong right now."

Xu Ziling then spoke of his plans after leaving the Pegasus Ranch with Kou Zhong, and said with a wry smile, "Although Xiao Zhong has given up on conquering the world, he still hasn't let go of Li Xiuning's contempt for him that day, and is determined to go north to cause trouble for the Li clan and prevent the Li clan from unifying the north."

"Just then, we and Ba Feng Han encountered Li Mi's pursuit on our way north. Before we were separated, Kou Zhong decided to first find Wang Shichong and help him defeat our great enemy, Li Mi. Then he would persuade Wang Shichong to defend key places such as Tongguan and confine the Li clan to Guanzhong."

Su Yuchen shook his head and said:

"To put it nicely, Wang Shichong is cautious in his actions; to put it bluntly, he is hesitant and indecisive. He is not destined for great things. Before the situation in the world becomes clear, I'm afraid he simply cannot make a choice."

"Forget it, let's not talk about him anymore. Do you know about the He Shi Bi jade?"

Xu Ziling looked surprised upon hearing this and nodded, saying, "The He Shi Bi, which is as famous as the 'Yang Gong Treasure Trove'?"

Seeing Su Yuchen nod, he frowned and said:

"Legend has it that if one obtains either the 'Yang Gong Treasure Trove' or the He Shi Bi jade, one can obtain the world."

"Yang Gong's treasure vault is understandable. It's said that Yang Su buried a large number of weapons, treasures, and so on before he raised his army. It could also be used to fund the army and arm the soldiers!"

"But what use is the He Shi Bi? Does obtaining the He Shi Bi make all the powers in the world submit? Then why bother fighting? We can just send our best warriors to fight for the He Shi Bi!"

Su Yuchen glanced at him and asked bluntly, "Did Lu Miaozi hand over the location of Yang Gong's treasure vault to you?"

Xu Ziling looked strange and embarrassed, and nodded, saying, "Before Master Lu passed away, besides entrusting the business to Song Shidao, he also left me his entire body of work, which includes information about the Yang Gong Treasure Trove."

Su Yuchen said calmly:

"Lu Miaozi was once known as the most skilled craftsman in the world. Yang Su used him when he built the treasure vault, a fact known to many. And you brothers have been to the Pegasus Ranch. Given your personality, I'm not surprised that Lu Miaozi passed it on to you."

"Furthermore, I also know that Yang Gong's treasure vault is divided into seven levels. In addition to rare treasures, weapons and armor, there is also the 'Evil Emperor's Relic' that Xiang Yutian entrusted to him."

"Did you and Kou Zhong conceal this matter in order to activate the 'Evil Emperor's Relic' in the treasure vault and use the primordial essence within the relic to improve your cultivation?"

"Then you two boys need to be careful. Zhu Yuyan also knows the method of extracting the essence from the relic. The reason she injured Lu Miaozi back then was for the Evil Emperor's relic."

Xu Ziling said awkwardly, "The Yang Gong Treasure Vault is located in Guanzhong. Xiao Zhong and I felt that if we opened it, it would only benefit the Li Clan. So we decided to only take the 'Evil Emperor Relic' from it. After the Song Clan pacifies the world, we will take out the treasure and use it for the benefit of the people."

Su Yuchen shook his head and said, "Then you underestimate Lu Miaozi. He can be called the most skillful craftsman in the world. Do you think he wouldn't consider the problem of transporting the treasure out? Forget it, it's just a treasure vault anyway, it's not very useful. You two can keep it and live like rich old men."

Xu Ziling asked curiously, "Why is 'Empress Yin' Zhu Yuyan so determined to find the Evil Emperor's Relic? Judging from Master Shi's words, she is determined to obtain the Evil Emperor's Relic?"

Su Yuchen sighed, "This involves the old grudges of the Demonic Sect. Do you know Shi Zhixuan?"

Xu Ziling nodded: "He is Miss Qingxuan's father. Master Shi mentioned him before. It is said that he is the most talented master in the Demonic Sect and the one with the greatest hope of unifying the Demonic Sect."

Su Yuchen nodded and said: