Vol 1 Chapter 6 (1/2)

Martial Arts building

It is late in the evening. Xuan Luo went to the Martial Arts’ building on his own. He had promised Master Li that before he left, he would come here. Master Li has something to say to him.

“Li ye ye, are you here?” Inside the main hall, he doesn’t see anyone. Although the building wasn’t considered big, a dozen or so can practice at the same time.

Seeing the empty place, Xuan Luo thought to himself, did I go to the wrong location? But then again, that’s not possible.

Since no one was around, he decided to practice his shallow fist techniques in the main hall.

Although these shallow movements were basic; sometimes, the most simple techniques were the most useful.

Xuan Luo practiced while waiting for Master Li to appear. But after practicing for his 7th or 8th time, Master Li was still nowhere to be seen.

He decided to go home.

By now, the moon was already way high up; surrounded by stars. Everything looked very still.

Xuan Luo looks up at the sky and sighs, “Stepfather, I am leaving tomorrow…”

“Xuan Luo, you’re here!” Master Li calls out, as he sees Xuan Luo leaving. He had just arrived back to the building.

“I had to do something. That’s why I’m late. Hope you weren’t waiting for too long!”

“Don’t worry about it, Li ye ye. I’m planning to secretly leave tomorrow. I’m just wondering why you wanted to see me before I go?” rushed Xuan Luo. Originally, he wanted to leave tonight with Bai Tian. But it’s already too late, thus he is feeling anxious.

“Come inside with me!” Master Li waves Xuan Luo in and goes inside the building.

When they were inside, Master Li throws Xuan Luo a book that came from nowhere. “This is a book on hanging fist techniques. I wrote this down last night. I used to practice this as well, but this technique doesn’t have much power unless you’re able to use nei li. That’s why after I got hurt, I wasn’t able to practice it again. The shallow techniques I have taught you is a shorten and simpler version of this. This is the original.”

Xuan Luo catches the book; his mouth opened wide. How can Master Li give him such a valuable book so easily?!

Seeing Xuan Luo‘s expression, Master Li smiled. “These moves from the book will be useful to you. Once you get out there, this is another item that might save your life!”

Master Li’s caring tone caused a warm sensation in Xuan Luo‘s heart.

“As you know, some people in our jiang hu are very dangerous. You have to be careful. By the way, when you arrive at Wu Dang, if you see someone named Xiao Yun, please tell him this…” Master Li whispers in Xuan Luo‘s ears.

“Okay. If I see him, I will pa.s.s your message to him!”

——-

It’s a very quiet and peaceful night in Qian Deng Zhen. Aside from the chirping insects, there are no other sounds.

Although all the lanterns were lit, it isn’t as glamorous as one would imagine. When the Sun is up, people work. When the Sun sets, people rest. That’s how things work here.

By the time Xuan Luo got home, it was already midnight. Guan Shan Jue had gone to bed long ago. Xuan Luo silently looked at Guan Shan Jue‘s wrinkled face. His heart is filled with longing and he doesn’t want to leave. But, there’s no other choice. Seeing his Stepfather injured was like getting stabbed in the heart. It was that moment when he decided he must get stronger…

He actually did not have to pack. He just wanted to see Guan Shan Jue one more time.

Very gently, he shuts the door.

“Are you leaving now?” Hearing the voice, Xuan Luo‘s body froze.

Guan Shan Jue slowly walked out; his eyes filled with longing. But at the same time, the longing is filled with love -even though Xuan Luo is not his actual son.

“Stepfather…you’re awake..” Xuan Luo quietly said.

The two of them looks at each other. The moonlight becomes the background, and at that moment, those two are the main characters of the Heaven and Earth.

“Haha. Wow, you’re planning to leave without a word? You want me to look for you outside on the streets tomorrow?” Guan Shan Jue looks slightly angry, but there is no hint of anger in his voice. He smiles at Xuan Luo.

“Stepfather…” Xuan Luo is tongue tied. He doesn’t know what to say, and continues looking at Stepfather.

“Stay and talk to me..” Guan Shan Jue grabs Xuan Luo‘s hand and walks back into the room.