Narration System for the Journey of Martial Arts

Su Yuchen shook his head and said, "It's not that I become one with the sword, but that the sword becomes one with me. I am the master of the sword. Don't you understand?"

Ximen Chuixue remained silent, and Lu Xiaofeng couldn't help but shake his head, indicating that he didn't understand.

Su Yuchen smiled and said:

"I am naturally lazy. After the sect survived the crisis, I stayed in the library and did not care about worldly affairs. I devoted myself to reading many classics, covering Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism."

"Read ten thousand books, and your mind will naturally become clear."

"At that time, I had already realized a principle: all martial arts are for protecting the Dao. What I seek is a Dao heart. As long as my heart exists, all external things will exist. External things are not only swords, but also fists, palms, knives, all martial arts, and the rules of heaven and earth."

"Simply put, when I understand the wind between heaven and earth, then my sword is the wind, and my fist is also the wind. When my three treasures come together, all the martial arts in the world are in my heart."

"I do not cultivate the sword, but the Dao, the Dao of Martial Arts. All martial arts are united with me; I am the master of the Dao!"

"It can be said that although the paths are different, the final result is the same: the path and the law are united. For you, it means the unity of man and sword."

"I will name my path: The Only Way!"

"Later, I achieved success in my cultivation, and the three treasures came together. I finally transcended the heavens and earth and formed a martial arts primordial spirit within my body."

"From that time on, I not only plundered the rules of heaven and earth for my own use within heaven and earth, but also created my own world outside heaven and earth, within the primordial spirit. Within the primordial spirit, all the rules of heaven and earth are under my control."

"Simply put, the Heavenly Dao within the range of my primordial spirit is myself, and the external Dao is one with me. I am the great thief of Heaven and Earth."

"At this point, I am the master of the Dao. Heaven and earth are one with me, and I can take whatever I want."

Hua Manlou sighed, "As long as sages live, great thieves will never cease to exist."

Su Yuchen nodded and said, "That's right! As I continue on this path, one day my heart will become the heart of heaven, and the rules of heaven and earth will be determined by me."

As he spoke, Su Yuchen shook his head again, saying disdainfully:

"But this is not what I seek. Heaven and earth are but external things to me. What I want is to transcend heaven and earth, to which time and space are of no use to me."

"Heaven and earth have an end, and time and space have birth and death, but they neither increase nor decrease with me."

Su Yuchen waved his hand and said, "These things are too far away for you. You are currently only at the point of achieving oneness with the sword. Everyone has their own path to choose from, and how you choose to walk it is up to you."

Ximen Chuixue said calmly, "I am devoted to the sword. I am who I am. With a three-foot blade, I can make anyone an enemy."

Su Yuchen sighed, "Another Liu Bai, huh? But you're not him, so your future will be completely different."

Ximen Chuixue looked at Lu Xiaofeng and said, "I will go down the mountain with you to see Dugu Yihe."

[With human form, I test my sword against the world; the path to becoming a sword god begins]

………………

This is an old shop.

Most of the old shops in Shanxi are quite dilapidated. Since the late Tang Dynasty, the area has been constantly windy, and the wind carries sand and dust, making it appear gray and hazy both day and night.

The Guanzhong Plain still possesses geographical advantages, but it is no longer suitable to be the capital. After all, officials value their image and no one wants to meet people covered in dirt early in the morning.

Fortunately, Yan Tieshan was not an ordinary nouveau riche. His jewelry business was very large, and he lived very well. In Guanzhong, where people faced the loess soil and turned their backs to the sky, he actually built a garden with the style of a Jiangnan water town.

So even though Yan Tieshan's steward Huo Tianqing had already sent an invitation as soon as they arrived in Shanxi, demonstrating his strong control, the four of them didn't take it to heart and were actually extremely happy.

Chapter 415 The Passionate Boss

The Pavilion of Pearls and Jewels.

This is a business established by Yan Tieshan of the Yan family, a jewelry family in Guanzhong. Just by looking at the name, you can tell his confidence in the Yan family's jewelry business.

Only by stepping inside can one truly appreciate its grandeur and magnificence, a place that combines the gentleness of the Jiangnan water towns with the boldness and grandeur of the North, creating a unique style.

Seven people were seated in a waterside pavilion surrounded by flowing water. In addition to the four guests, there was Huo Tianqing, the chief steward of the Yan family, and two other guests he had invited.

The host who sent the invitation was not present, but fortunately, Huo Tianqing's status was high enough.

Huo Tianqing was the youngest son of the former Tianqin Elder, so in the martial arts world, he was of the same generation as Wudang Mu Daoren. Purely in terms of seniority, there are not many people in the martial arts world who can be as famous as him.

Fortunately, Huo Tianqing didn't dwell on seniority, so it wasn't considered impolite for him to entertain the guests on behalf of the host, and everyone got along quite naturally.

Unfortunately, the worst thing is to regret something.

Originally, Lu Xiaofeng was the person Huo Tianqing was most familiar with, but now Lu Xiaofeng was distracted and failed to respond to the conversations Huo Tianqing brought up several times.

It's not surprising that he was anxious. After all, his two friends had already opened the door to another level, leaving him the only one still lingering "outside". Even if Lu Xiaofeng was very open-minded, he couldn't help but feel a little anxious.

As for the others, Ximen Chuixue was aloof by nature. If Su Yuchen hadn't been here, he probably wouldn't have shown up at all. In the past, when he did show up, it was always to kill someone.

Even though Huo Tianqing was of a high seniority and had received the true teachings of the Heavenly Bird Elder in martial arts, he was not qualified to joke with Ximen Chuixue, because few people could bear the consequences of joking with Ximen Chuixue.

Of the remaining two, Hua Manlou is blind and rarely travels in the martial arts world, while Su Yuchen is a thin, sickly-looking young man.

And just like that, the atmosphere became incredibly awkward.

Fortunately, apart from two guests who were just there to make up the numbers, everyone else was quite composed. So, although the pavilion was quiet, and although everyone knew the banquet might not be very enjoyable, they all managed to maintain a semblance of politeness.

Until a sharp, thin laugh came from outside the moon gate, before anyone else could react, Lu Xiaofeng had already raised his head, simply because he recognized the laugh.

Sure enough, a plump, fair-skinned man in splendid brocade robes walked in along the covered bridge. As soon as Pu appeared, his laughter became even louder, less jarring and more boisterous.

The visitor was none other than Yan Tieshan, the head of the Yan family.

Looking at Yan Tieshan, a hint of realization and certainty flashed in Lu Xiaofeng's eyes. Then, he glanced at Huo Tianqing, who had already stood up, as if he understood something again.

Hearing Yan Tieshan's laughter, Lu Xiaofeng realized he was a eunuch. At the same time, he also thought about how Yan Tieshan, with such a vast fortune, had no descendants.

When Yan Tieshan first entered Shanxi, he narrowly escaped death, but was later protected by the Elder Tianqin, which allowed his business to flourish. His secret was also discovered by the Elder Tianqin.

As the only descendant of the Heavenly Bird Elder, Yan Tieshan felt obligated to take care of Huo Tianqing. Therefore, after Huo Tianqing's death, everything in the Yan family would belong to Huo Tianqing.

Therefore, although Huo Tianqing was of a higher generation, he treated Yan Tieshan as both a teacher and a father, simply because Yan Tieshan, on behalf of Elder Tianqin, taught him the principles of conduct and interpersonal relationships.

The narration failed to pique Su Yuchen's interest. He merely glanced at Yan Tieshan and couldn't help but marvel at how the environment could indeed change a person.

Originally, eunuchs, due to their inherent defects, inevitably developed distorted minds and various peculiar hobbies. But just by looking at Yan Tieshan's features, one could tell that he was a forthright and generous northern man, not someone who was pretending.

Such a person, even if he were to go bankrupt, would not be willing to owe others, so there is no reason to say that he owes money and does not pay it back.

………………

“Lu Xiaofeng, you’re still the same as ever. Last time we watched the sunrise at Mount Tai, you treated me, Old Yan, to drinks. Now that you’re on my turf, I’ll let you taste the best Fenjiu.”

Yan Tieshan held Lu Xiaofeng's hand and spoke sincerely. Anyone could hear the sincerity in his words; they were not false.

Su Yuchen's lips twitched slightly as he used a secret telepathic technique to deliver his analysis.

Lu Xiaofeng and Hua Manlou were taken aback and carefully 'examined' Yan Tieshan.

Yan Tieshan was no ordinary man to have built such a large business; his ability to read people was certainly on par with the cunning old foxes in the imperial court. Therefore, he naturally noticed Lu Xiaofeng's unusual expression.

"What's wrong? Is there something wrong with me, Old Yan?" Yan Tieshan took two steps back and carefully examined his clothes.

Lu Xiaofeng's eyes flickered, and he suddenly laughed, "No, I just realized that I seem to have never really understood the big boss."

"Hahaha……"

Yan Tieshan burst into loud laughter. He patted Lu Xiaofeng's shoulder hard and said with a smile, "If that's how you put it, then I, Old Yan, will punish you with a few more drinks. I won't stop until you're thoroughly drunk."

While patting Lu Xiaofeng on the shoulder, he didn't neglect the others...

"This must be the seventh child of the Hua family? Haha, the Hua family and I are business friends, you should come often."

Hua Manlou laughed and said, "If it weren't for the inconvenience of travel, Qi Tong would also be happy to come to the North for sightseeing."

Yan Tieshan said "What a pity," then patted his forehead and said repeatedly, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm so happy that I don't know how to talk. Qitong, please don't take offense. I'll punish myself with three cups later to apologize to you."

Hua Manlou shook his head and said softly, "I am blind, that's a fact. Boss Yan is willing to be friends with me, so there's no need for friends to take offense."

Yan Tieshan himself was also a person with a disability, so he thought he could understand Hua Manlou's suffering.

Hearing this, he took a good look at Hua Manlou and said with emotion, "Qi Tong is indeed extraordinary. I, Old Yan, will make you a friend."

Yan Tieshan then looked at Ximen Chuixue beside him and said, "This must be Master Ximen! Master Ximen's swordsmanship is extraordinary. I just hope that I, Old Yan, will never see him."

Ximen Chuixue spoke, but Yan Tieshan and Huo Tianqing both hoped he wouldn't, because if Ximen Chuixue opened his mouth, some people here might never have to speak again.

“This is…” Yan Tieshan asked, looking at Su Yuchen.

Hua Manlou and Lu Xiaofeng were always with Su Yuchen, so they didn't notice, but to others, Su Yuchen's appearance had changed drastically.

His face held the naivety of youth, the composure of middle age, and the serenity of old age; a complex blend of traits that made him seem unrelated to the missing eldest son of the Su family.

"I am Su Yuchen." Su Yuchen never hesitates to introduce himself to people he likes.

Yan Tieshan nodded and said, "Alright. Brother Su's presence makes him a friend of mine as well."

……

Just as Yan Tieshan was exchanging pleasantries, Huo Tianqing clapped his hands. The banquet was already set out. Yan Tieshan's hospitality was lavish and thoughtful, with dishes from both the north and south, a complete range of flavors, taking care of every aspect.

No one could find fault with this master and servant pair.

Chapter 416 Betrayal and Betrayal

After three rounds of wine, five flavors of food.

The wine was good, and I was slightly tipsy.

Therefore, Lu Xiaofeng didn't want to beat around the bush anymore. Whether it was Yan Tieshan who owed money and refused to pay, or the Great Golden Roc King who used him as a tool to kill, Lu Xiaofeng decided to find out the truth.

Just like Su Yuchen said, after listening to the victims, shouldn't we also listen to the debtors?

Only in this way can it be fair.

They clinked glasses again, but Lu Xiaofeng held up his glass without drinking. Instead, he smiled and said, "I want to have a heart-to-heart talk with the big boss. I believe the big boss is a real man and would never lie to me."

Upon hearing this, Huo Tianqing and his two companions put down their wine glasses. The lively atmosphere dissipated, and the scene returned to its initial tranquility.

Yan Tieshan held his wine glass and looked at Lu Xiaofeng intently. After a long while, he nodded and said, "As long as they are friends, I, Old Yan, will never lie to them."

“Alright, Lu Xiaofeng also trusts his friends.” Lu Xiaofeng nodded, raised his head and drank the wine in his cup.

Su Yuchen said calmly, "But before we discuss this, shouldn't we ask those who are not necessary to leave? I think there are some private matters that Boss Yan doesn't want outsiders to know."

No one spoke. Huo Tianqing stood up and said, "Chief Escort Ma is my friend, and this Young Master Su is the tutor in our household. There are no outsiders here."

Su Yuchen shook his head: "They are your friends, but not Boss Yan's friends. I think Boss Yan wouldn't want his private affairs to be heard by other people's friends either."

Hua Manlou said calmly, "Besides these two, Boss Yan has also ambushed six people underwater, and six more under the wall outside the Moon Gate. There are also twelve breathing sounds coming from behind two gates."

Yan Tieshan's eyes narrowed, because what Hua Manlou said was completely right. A blind man could not only hear the breathing sounds underwater, but also the breathing sounds three hundred meters away. This skill had already surpassed all the masters in the martial arts world.

Even the Wudang Wood Taoist and the Shaolin Great Compassion Zen Master might not possess this level of skill.

Yan Tieshan said, word by word, "I never expected Hua Qitong to have such skill. Everyone underestimates you."

Hua Manlou shook his head: "I'm blind, so I inevitably have to put in more effort in other areas."

Lu Xiaofeng said calmly, "Why does the big boss think we harbor ill intentions?"

Yan Tieshan said coldly, "Ximen Chuixue only leaves Wanmei Manor four times a year, and each time he leaves, it is to kill someone. Apart from that, he never leaves Wanmei Manor."

Ximen Chuixue glanced at the group indifferently, his calm gaze sending a chill down their spines. Then, he rose and vanished without a trace.

………………

Ximen Chuixue's decisive departure surprised Yan Tieshan.

"Lu Xiaofeng really meant no harm?" Yan Tieshan asked.

“Lu Xiaofeng was originally a big fool, but now, Lu Xiaofeng would like to hear what the big boss has to say. I believe that the truth of the matter can be revealed.” Lu Xiaofeng said.

Yan Tieshan nodded and said, "Okay. No matter what it is, as long as we're friends, I won't lie to you."

With that, Yan Tieshan waved his hand, and Huo Tianqing, though unwilling, endured it. He clapped his hands, and the two guests, naturally perceptive, chose to leave.

Even underwater, a "splashing" sound could be heard fading away.

Hua Manlou nodded firmly, while Su Yuchen remained silent.

Lu Xiaofeng nodded and asked calmly, "Who is Yan Liben?"

"Did he ask you to come? No, he's trying to avoid us, why would he ask you to come?" Yan Tieshan, or rather Yan Liben, suddenly stood up and said.

Lu Xiaofeng sighed, "It seems the big boss already knows who sent me. But why did you say he was avoiding you? Is it because you owe him money and he wants to kill you to cover it up?"

Yan Tieshan couldn't help but curse, "You're talking nonsense!"

In his haste, Yan Tieshan couldn't help but blurt out a phrase in Shanxi dialect.