162: The road of life is long

The next morning, the dawn light was clear and bright.

Chen Linsheng changed into a clean set of dark green martial arts attire and carefully packed several important items into a gray cloth bundle. He took one last look at the small courtyard in Yuqian Lane, which held several months of memories, and gently closed the wooden door.

First stop: the Yang Wei Martial Arts Hall Branch.

Two stone lions stood silently in front of the hall entrance. The vermillion-lacquered gates were wide open, and the shouts of morning practice could be heard faintly from the front courtyard.

Chen Linsheng stepped inside. Dozens of Disciples on the training grounds were practicing the Hunyuan Pile Posture Technique in unison. When they saw him enter, their movements involuntarily paused, their eyes filled with reverence and envy.

“Senior Brother Chen!”

“Good morning, Senior Brother Chen!”

Greetings rose and fell one after another. Chen Linsheng nodded slightly and walked through the crowd, heading straight for the back hall.

Martial Arts Hall Master Zhao Xiong and Master Zhao Zheng were already waiting in the hall.

Zhao Xiong sat in the main seat, a teacup steaming by his hand. Today, he was not wearing his official hall Master uniform, but a set of dark brown casual clothes. His complexion was ruddy, but his gaze was deeper than usual. Seeing Chen Linsheng enter, he set down his teacup, looked him up and down, and nodded slowly. “Your Qi is steady and concentrated, and your Golden Garment is newly formed... Not bad. Sit.”

Chen Linsheng bowed in greeting and took a seat below them.

Zhao Zheng sat beside Zhao Xiong, looking at Chen Linsheng with a gaze that was warm and full of gratification.

“Linsheng, second place in the Martial Examination, the primary merit for breaking the formation, and earning the title of ‘gallant protector’—this is a glory the Yangwei Martial Arts Hall hasn't seen in a hundred years. You have brought great face to the martial arts hall.”

“I dare not forget your teachings, Master,” Chen Linsheng said respectfully.

Zhao Xiong waved his hand and got straight to the point. “You've come today because you're about to set off on a long journey, aren't you?”

“Yes,” Chen Linsheng said frankly. “I want to go to the Northern Border to see the world and seek some Opportunity.”

Zhao Xiong was silent for a moment before taking out a pitch-black token from his robe. It was about half the size of a palm and shaped like a mountain peak. He handed it over. “This is the ‘Mountain-Suppressing Command.’ With this token, you can enter the commandery treasury once and select any Spirit Rank Low Grade Martial Skill or equivalent resources. Since you are going to the Northern Border, this item might be of use.”

Chen Linsheng received it with both hands. The token felt slightly heavy and cold to the touch. The front featured a relief of mountain ridges, while the back was engraved with the ancient seal character for ‘Suppress.’

“Thank you, Hall Master.”

Zhao Xiong looked at him, his tone turning solemn. “Before you leave, there is something I must tell you. Three days ago, a leading deacon from the Army Breaker Manor came to the hall to ask about your current situation.”

Chen Linsheng felt a slight chill in his heart.

Zhao Xiong continued, “He only said one sentence—‘The Manor has its own laws, but it also cherishes talent.’ These words were meant for the martial arts hall, and they were also meant for you.”

Chen Linsheng chewed on these words, lost in thought.

Strict laws that cannot be transgressed—this was the iron rule of the Army Breaker Manor.

Cherishing talent and providing opportunities—this was their attitude toward those with potential.

It seemed contradictory, but in reality, they were two sides of the same coin.

“I understand,” Chen Linsheng said in a low voice.

Zhao Zheng spoke then, his voice gentle yet clear. “Linsheng, the Jianghu is different from a martial arts hall. Inside a hall, there are rules to protect you and elders to watch over you. People in the Jianghu have a more direct and coarse martial way, and their hearts are more complex. Your Foundation is established, but your experience is still shallow. Remember one thing from your Master: always keep three parts of your strength in reserve and use seven parts for observation. Strength is your trump card; observation is your vision. See more, hear more, speak less, and act with caution.”

Chen Linsheng stood up and gave a deep bow. “I will keep your teachings in mind, Master.”

Zhao Xiong stood up, walked over to him, and patted his shoulder firmly. “Go then. You have upheld the reputation of the Yangwei Martial Arts Hall. No matter where you go in the future, remember that this will always be your root. If you encounter difficulties, send word back.”

“Yes.”

Taking his leave of the Hall Master and his Master, Chen Linsheng walked out of the back hall. A warm current flowed through his heart, yet he also felt a heavy sense of responsibility.

Outside the east wing of the front courtyard, Lei Hao, Shi Poyue, Di Moyu, Liu Ruyan, and Zhao Linger were already waiting.

Seeing Chen Linsheng come out, Lei Hao was the first to greet him. He punched him on the shoulder and grinned. “You rascal, are you really leaving?”

Chen Linsheng smiled. “I'm going out to see the world.”

“I'm so jealous!” Lei Hao's eyes lit up. “The vast deserts of the Northern Border, the beacon fires of the frontier cities, and those legendary Immortal Cave ruins... Dammit, once I Breakthrough to the Dragon Tendon realm, I'm definitely going to explore as well!”

Shi Poyue scratched his head honestly. “Senior Brother Chen, be careful on the road. I heard the sandstorms in the North are huge, and there are many barbarians...”

Di Moyu maintained his usual steady demeanor and handed over a small cloth bag. “Inside is some trauma medicine, detoxification pills, and two bottles of ‘Qi Recovery Powder.’ They might come in handy on the road.”

“Thank you, Senior Brother Di.”

Liu Ruyan’s eyes rippled with a smile as she teased, “Once our Junior Brother leaves, the martial arts hall will be much quieter. Remember to write back often, so your Senior Sisters know what kind of trouble you're stirring up out there.”

Zhao Linger said seriously, “Senior Brother Chen, my father said that in some parts of the Northern Border, the magnetic fields are unstable and compasses will fail. If you enter the desert, it's best to find a guide who knows the terrain.”

Chen Linsheng noted each piece of advice, moved by their concern.

Then, Di Moyu took a plain white letter from his robe and handed it over. “This was delivered this morning by a Junior Sister from the Qiushui Sword Sect. She said Miss Mu Qingxue left it for you.”

Chen Linsheng took the letter. It felt slightly cool. There was no writing on the envelope, only a faint ice-blue sword mark at the seal.

He opened the envelope and pulled out a sheet of plain paper.

There was only a single line of elegant small script. The brushstrokes were like swords, yet they carried a rare hint of softness:

“The mountains are high and the waters long; may your martial path progress. Take care.”

At the signature was a small snowflake mark.

Chen Linsheng gazed at it for a moment, then carefully folded the letter and tucked it into his robe.

Lei Hao leaned in, winking. “A letter from Miss Mu? What did she write?”

Chen Linsheng glanced at him. “She wished for you to Breakthrough to the Dragon Tendon realm soon.”

“Tsk, boring.” Lei Hao curled his lip but didn't press further.

The group chatted for a bit longer, promising to meet again in the Jianghu. Chen Linsheng cupped his hands in farewell and walked out of the martial arts hall gates under their watchful eyes.

The sunlight was just right, and the streets were bustling with people.

He took a deep breath and turned toward Yuqian Lane.

In the small courtyard, Su Wan was drying herbs.

Today, she wore a pale green cloth dress, her long hair loosely pinned up, with a few stray strands falling against her fair neck. The sunlight filtered through the grape trellis, casting mottled shadows on her focused profile, looking peaceful and beautiful.

When Chen Linsheng pushed open the door, she had just finished spreading the last basket of processed Sanqi on a bamboo tray.

“You're back?” Su Wan looked up, a smile rippling in her eyes.

“Mm.” Chen Linsheng walked to her side and looked at the herbs filling the courtyard. “You've worked hard these past few days.”

Su Wan shook her head, wiped her hands with a cloth, and said softly, “Is everything ready?”

Chen Linsheng nodded, took off his bundle, and placed it on the stone table to count the items. “I'm wearing the star-sinking iron soft armor. The ‘fierce wind’ bow and two quivers of arrows are in the bag. I have the trauma medicine, detoxification pills, and Qi Recovery Powder ready. I'm leaving two hundred taels of silver for you, and I'll take fifty taels and some loose change.”

He paused and looked at Su Wan. “Wan'er, this trip will take a few months at the shortest, and at the longest... there might not be a set date. I worry about leaving you in the commandery city.”

Su Wan reached out and gently took his hand, her gaze clear and firm. “A Sheng, before I was sixteen, I thought life was just following my parents to gather herbs, getting married, and having children—a life I could see to the end in one glance. Later, when my parents passed away, I felt like the sky had collapsed. Then I met you, learned martial arts, and started teaching... only then did I realize that a woman can have her own path.”

She let go of his hand and took a thin booklet from her robe. On the cover was elegant handwriting—'Plain Heart Art Notes.'

“I have already practiced the Plain Heart Art to the fourth level, ‘Clear Mirror Still Water,’ and my Willow Leaf Saber Technique has reached Minor Achievement. Old Madame Lin treats me kindly, and my salary from teaching at the Lin family is enough to live on. I will take good care of this courtyard and the herb garden, and wait for you to return.”

She looked up, her eyes holding an unquestionable determination:

“This is my home, and it is also your home. You can go and explore with peace of mind, to pursue your martial path. I will be here, refining my medical skills and martial arts, waiting for you.”

Chen Linsheng looked at her, an indescribable emotion surging in his heart.

He suddenly realized that this seemingly fragile woman before him had a resilience that was second to no Martial Artist.

“Alright.” He nodded heavily, took the ‘Mountain-Suppressing Command’ from his bundle, and pressed it into Su Wan’s hand. “Keep this. If there’s an emergency, you can use this token to exchange for resources from the commandery treasury, or... go find the Hall Master or my Master.”

Su Wan did not refuse and carefully put it away.

Chen Linsheng then took out a folded piece of silk paper, which was a simple route map he had drawn last night. “I will head north first, passing through the outskirts of the Black Iron Mountain Range, then turn toward the northwest wilderness. I will stop at several large towns along the way. If anything happens, you can ask a merchant caravan to bring a letter to the ‘Yuelai Inn’ in those places and leave it for me.”

“I’ve noted it down.” Su Wan looked it over carefully and tucked the silk paper into her robe.

The two were silent for a moment.

The grape leaves in the courtyard rustled, and the long cry of a street peddler came from the distance.

Chen Linsheng suddenly reached out and gently pulled Su Wan into his arms.

Su Wan’s body stiffened slightly before she relaxed and buried her face in his shoulder.

There were no more words, only the clear sound of each other's heartbeats.

After a long time, Chen Linsheng let go, shouldered his bundle, and gave her a deep look. “I’m leaving.”

“Mm.” Su Wan stood in the courtyard, watching him walk to the door. “Safe travels.”

Chen Linsheng nodded, pushed open the door, and left without looking back.

The sound of footsteps grew further and further away, finally disappearing at the mouth of the lane.

Su Wan stood in place for a long time before she gently sniffed, turned toward the herb garden, knelt down, and began to carefully pull out weeds.

The sunlight was still warm, and the small courtyard was as quiet as before.

It was just missing one person's presence.

But she believed that one day, he would return.

Bringing with him a broader sky and a firmer backbone.

Outside the north gate of the commandery city, on the ancient road by the long pavilion.

Chen Linsheng looked back one last time at the city where he had lived for several months.

The city walls were towering, and the flow of people was like a woven tapestry.

The clamor of the Martial Examination, the brutality of the bloody battle, the solemnity of the Army Breaker Manor, the warmth of friends, the instructions of his Master, and those clear, firm eyes... everything intertwined into a heavy memory that weighed on his heart, yet also transformed into the strength to move forward.

He turned around and faced the north.

The distant mountains were like dark eyebrows, and the sky was high with broad clouds.

The road ahead was unknown, but his steps were firm.

His Dragon Tendons were formed, his Golden Garment newly forged, his five viscera contained Yuan, and his Hunyuan was as one.

The frontier Immortal Caves, the crimson flame feathers, martial opportunities, and the tempering of life and death.

They were all ahead.

He tightened the bundle on his back and set off.

His figure grew more distant, eventually turning into a small dot on the horizon, merging into the vast world.

The road of Jianghu is long, and the martial way is evergreen.