Narration System for the Journey of Martial Arts

Page 82

"Let's eat!" The old man snapped out of his reverie, clapped his hands, and broke the tranquility of the side hall. The old butler outside the door bowed slightly, and soon six dishes and a soup were served.

Yi Yuchen glanced at the food and nodded. As expected of a martial arts family with hundreds of years of history, the food was quite good. Just by smelling it, he could tell that a lot of precious medicinal herbs were used. The food was all medicinal dishes that could replenish blood and qi and strengthen the body.

Perhaps the old man wasn't in the mood, or perhaps it was because his family, being of noble birth, upheld the principle of "not speaking while eating or sleeping." The meal was eaten quietly, with only the occasional clinking of bowls and chopsticks; there was no conversation between them.

Yi Yuchen arranged the meal for his younger brother and watched him finish it before speeding up and finishing the food in one go. Yi Yun was slightly taken aback, but he didn't ask any questions. After observing for a moment and confirming that Yi Yuchen wasn't overeating, he instructed, "Yi Liang, tell the kitchen to double the amount of food they give you from now on."

The old steward, Yi Liang, bowed and agreed. He then instructed the servants to remove the tableware. After resting for a while, the group returned to the mourning hall.

Back in the mourning hall, the old man Yi Yun continued to stare blankly at his son and daughter-in-law's coffins, while Yi Yuchen, holding the hand of young Yi Jifeng, knelt in the main seat to greet the guests. The mourning hall returned to tranquility.

The old steward, Yi Liang, bowed and quietly left, and the Famous Sword Manor returned to its deathly silence.

Because he had to deal with uninvited guests that evening, Yi Yuchen had no time to coax the child. Little Yi Jifeng looked at him a few times, and seeing that he didn't react, he pouted and knelt down next to him in a daze.

Knowing he was going to make his move that night, Yi Yuchen used his divine sense to observe the meridians in his body. Those that were slightly wider were undoubtedly where the true energy flowed. Soon, based on the location of the meridians and acupoints, he calculated a rough diagram of the true energy's circulation.

After several attempts to confirm that everything was correct, he then activated his internal energy to accelerate the digestion of the medicinal food and replenish his internal energy.

After a long while, looking at the slight increase in the total amount of true qi in his dantian, Yi Yuchen couldn't help but sigh inwardly. This amount of true qi was too little. If he rashly changed it into his own internal energy cultivation method, he was afraid that he would not even be able to complete one cycle before it was consumed.

The internal energy cultivation method of Mingjian Manor can only be described as superior, but it is still far from being a peerless cultivation method, not to mention its own "Great Dao Azure Lotus Chapter," which integrates many peerless cultivation methods.

"Forget it, I'll start cultivating again after these seven days. Right now, preserving my life is the most important thing," Yi Yuchen thought to himself.

Time flew by, and it was evening. The whole day had passed, and not a single person had come to offer their prayers. Even with Yi Yuchen's strong character, he couldn't help but curse under his breath for being so condescending.

………………

As dusk fell and night descended, the old man Yi Yun finally relinquished his last shred of hope. Looking at the coffin at the head of the table, he muttered to himself, "So be it! So be it! If no one comes, then no one comes!"

He glanced at his two grandsons still kneeling beside him, and a hint of affection flashed across his face. The children were still young, and there was no need for them to suffer with an old man like him.

He turned his wheelchair, reached out and helped his two grandsons up. He glanced at his eldest grandson's clear, unfathomable eyes and nodded. This child had suddenly suffered a great change, yet he could still take care of his younger brother. He wasn't as bad as he had thought. Perhaps with some nurturing, Mingjian Manor still had hope.

He turned his head, pushed the wheelchair away, and said, "Go have dinner! You don't need to stay here. Go to bed early tonight, and you can come back to keep vigil tomorrow."

Xiao Yijifeng didn't understand these things yet. Hearing about eating, he couldn't help but show a hint of happiness, but then quickly lowered his head, afraid that others would see it.

Yi Yuchen grasped his hand, watching him raise his head and smile. Little Yi Jifeng smiled, took his brother's hand, and chased after their grandfather.

At dinner, seeing that the amount of food had almost doubled, Yi Yuchen couldn't help but sigh at the extravagance, calling it "inhumanly extravagant." This one meal alone could cover an ordinary person's expenses for a year.

"Do things in moderation, don't be greedy, or you'll regret it," Yi Yun suddenly said.

Yi Yuchen smiled slightly, looked around at the food, and said, "It's just about right, Grandpa, don't worry. Wealth adorns the house, virtue adorns the person, therefore a gentleman must be sincere in his intentions."

This means I will be sincere and upright, will not waste my wealth, will not change my nature, and will do my best. The old man Yi Yun showed a hint of surprise, then nodded and said nothing more.

After dinner, the two brothers held hands, with Yi Jifeng leading Yi Yuchen, and walked towards their residence.

………………

Back at my lodgings, I pushed open the gate to the courtyard. The courtyard was clean and tidy, with nothing but a weapons rack in the corner. Pushing open the door, I found myself in a bedroom, complete with a round table, round stools, and a bed. To the left, a curtain was lifted, behind which was a table, and behind that table against the wall was a row of bookshelves.

When Xiao Yi Jifeng returned here, he breathed a sigh of relief. He then let go of Yi Yuchen's hand and ran towards the bed. After he took off his shoes and socks, a servant quickly brought a copper basin to help him wash up.

Yi Yuchen waved his hand and said, "It's still early, you can go now. Just leave the water here, we can clean it up tomorrow."

The servant didn't say much, bowed in agreement, and left.

Yi Yuchen didn't know how to coax the child. Looking at the child's adorable eyes on the bed, he couldn't help but feel a little worried. He turned his gaze to the table in the left side room and glanced at it. On the table were a copy of "Yi Family Sword Manual" and a copy of "The Great Learning".

He picked up the sword manual, then found a light novel on the bookshelf, before leaning back on the bed, waving the book in his hand, and asking, "How about I tell you a story?"

Xiao Yi Jifeng nodded, lay on the bed, looked at Yi Yuchen, and suddenly said, "Brother is a little different!"

Young Yi Jifeng was the first to notice your difference, but he thought it was a good thing; what bad thoughts could a child possibly have?

Yi Yuchen raised an eyebrow and asked curiously, "Oh? How is it different?"

Xiao Yijifeng thought for a moment, shook his head, and said, "I don't know either."

Yi Yuchen patted his head and asked, "So, do you like it?"

Xiao Yi Jifeng nodded: "My brother is treating me better than before."

"That's good! Okay. Lie down, I'll tell you a story. Hmm, how about the story of Mencius' mother moving three times?" Yi Yuchen opened a novel and found one he remembered.

Seeing Yi Jifeng nod, Yi Yuchen turned to the passage and said, "Mencius' mother moved three times to choose a good neighborhood, which means that when Mencius was young, his mother..."

Chapter 165: Breaking the Ghost of the Guest at Night

After a long time.

Looking at the sleeping Yi Jifeng, Yi Yuchen breathed a sigh of relief, put down the novel in his hand, covered him with a blanket, and leaned against the bed to read "Yi Family Sword Manual".

After reading it once, Yi Yuchen pondered for a moment and then looked at it again. Under the quiet night sky, apart from the occasional burst of light from the lamps, the entire Mingjian Manor was shrouded in tranquility.

After a long while, Yi Yuchen closed the sword manual in his hand and thought to himself: No wonder Yi Jifeng grew up to be so rigid and inflexible, more like a dull gentleman who was ignorant of the ways of the world.

The fundamental martial arts philosophy of Mingjian Villa actually comes from the Confucian classic "The Great Learning." No wonder there is a copy of it on the desk, placed together with the sword manual. A gentleman strives for the highest good, and his swordsmanship is upright and honorable, behaving like a gentleman.

To master this sword technique, one must be an honest and upright person.

Yi Yun initially demanded that he be a gentleman, but later sent him out to gain experience, probably because he saw his inflexibility and wanted him to experience the dangers of the martial world.

After all, Yi Jifeng's martial arts skills were already very high at that time, and he had also absorbed Yi Yun's power. Apart from two or three people, no one was his match. As long as he was careful, he should be fine. But as it turned out, something happened.

Thinking of this, Yi Yuchen shook his head. He couldn't say that Yi Yun's upbringing was wrong; he could only say that he was unlucky. He ran into the protagonist when he went out, and he was destined to become a stepping stone.

………………

After putting the sword manual under his pillow, Yi Yuchen flicked his finger, extinguishing the candle flame with a burst of energy, and then lay on the bed fully clothed, practicing his martial arts.

After an unknown amount of time, Yi Yuchen's ears twitched. He heard a faint sound of footsteps outside the courtyard. He glanced at the sleeping Yi Jifeng, who was fast asleep, seemingly dreaming of something, a smile on his face. Seeing that the boy was sleeping soundly and hadn't noticed anything, he got up and went outside.

He selected a light and slender sword from the weapon rack in the courtyard, then held the sword upside down and stood in the moonlight in the courtyard: "A guest has come to visit, why hide your face? Come out!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a series of cold laughs rang out from all around. Yi Yuchen frowned and said, "Has anyone ever told you that your laugh is awful? Stop laughing, or you'll disturb other people's sleep."

The laughter stopped abruptly. The person in the shadows seemed extremely annoyed and muttered, "I didn't expect that even in this state of decline, you can still be so sharp-tongued. I hope you can keep up your tough act."

As they spoke, six figures in black leaped in and landed in the courtyard, surrounding Yi Yuchen.

You've encountered a bunch of clowns, fools who're just there to do the work for others. You even feel that killing them would be an insult to your sword.

As the last descendant of the Famous Sword Manor, Yi Yun cares deeply about you. He's watching from the shadows right now. Show him the strength of the heir to the Famous Sword Manor and shatter his expectations.

“Even a broken ship has three nails left. No matter how much Mingjian Manor has declined, it is not something that you worthless fish and shrimps can provoke.” Yi Yuchen said while looking at the six people and reading the narrator.

One of the burly men in black clenched his fist and said disdainfully, "Little brat, you think you're some old man like Yi Yun with a sword? Today, I'll twist your head off."

Yi Yuchen shook his head, too lazy to engage in verbal sparring. He brandished his longsword and looked at him, saying, "You've mastered the Great Monument-Splitting Hand technique quite well. Unfortunately, you probably won't have a chance to use it after today."

The man paused slightly, his hands awkwardly tucking into his sleeves, his gaze shifting from disdain to more seriousness. Yi Yuchen ignored him and glanced around.

He pointed to a tall, thin man to the left of the burly man in black and said, "Besides that idiot who has mastered the Great Monument-Splitting Hand, your Shaolin Arhat Fist is also quite good. No wonder no one from Shaolin came to pay their respects. It turns out they were planning to use cannon fodder to test the waters."

The tall, thin man's pupils contracted, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes, a hint of murderous intent disappearing in an instant. Yi Yuchen smiled disdainfully and turned to look at the others.

He then pointed down the techniques: "Six Harmony Saber, Tongbei Fist, Iron Sand Palm, Tantric Great Handprint—they are all things that are not presentable."

The six men in black exchanged bewildered glances, for he had described their prized martial arts skills. The tall, thin man among them exclaimed, "Famous Sword Manor is indeed Famous Sword Manor. As expected of a prestigious family, you have such insight at such a young age. In that case, we cannot let you live."

Yi Yuchen was too lazy to say anything more. With a flick of his wrist, he twirled five sword flowers, sighed, and said with dissatisfaction, "Time was short and my skills were insufficient, so I can only use two moves!"

Before the six could figure out what he meant, Yi Yuchen moved his feet, his movements as fluid as flowing water, and leaped into the air.

With a single, powerful strike of his longsword, "Qi Piercing the Rainbow," his figure streaked across the night sky like a silver rainbow, leaving a trail of afterimages under the moonlight.

After landing, he stepped on the Four Symbols, twisted his wrist, and slashed his longsword diagonally, transforming it into the second move of the Yi Family Sword Manual, "Upholding Righteousness and Eliminating Evil." Before the last person could make a move, the longsword, like a gazelle hanging from its horns, pierced into his throat and withdrew immediately upon contact.

As soon as Yi Yuchen sheathed his sword, the six men behind him had just gotten into position when the burly man in black asked, "Such a fast sword, what's its name?"

There wasn't a trace of blood on the longsword; it was as smooth as new. Yi Yuchen held the sword in his hand, shook his head, and said, "It's just an ordinary move from the introductory sword manual of the Famous Sword Manor."

The burly man chuckled twice, a thin line of blood appearing on his neck, blood gushing out like a fountain. He reached out, one hand covering his neck, the other pointing at Yi Yuchen, and chuckled, "I regret it so much!"

After saying that, he fell to the ground with a thud, and the other five people also fell to the ground as well.

However, Yi Yuchen's first sword slashed through the throats of five men, and the last one also had his throat pierced. They died silently, without causing the slightest ripple.

Shaking his head, Yi Yuchen turned to look at the corridor of the small courtyard, where a figure in a wheelchair looked at him with admiration before leaving.

A moment later, the old steward Yi Liang arrived with several servants. These men looked at Yi Yuchen with excitement in their eyes, but they didn't say a word. They bowed and then carried away all the corpses.

After listening quietly for a while, and confirming that no one was hiding in the shadows, Yi Yuchen put the longsword back in its place before quietly pushing open the door and going inside.

Looking at the little kid on the bed, Yi Yuchen smiled, lay down next to him fully clothed, and said, "Go to sleep! We have to get up early tomorrow."

Xiao Yi Jifeng was startled and subconsciously opened his eyes, only to find it was pitch black and he couldn't see anything. He stuck out his tongue, snuggled up next to Yi Yuchen, and fell into a deep sleep.

………………

The next morning, just as dawn broke, Yi Yuchen got up and picked up a longsword from the weapon rack, slowly wielding it.

"Upholding justice and fighting for righteousness", "Upholding righteousness and eliminating evil", "Awe-inspiring spirit", "A spirit that soars high", "With righteous indignation", "Loyal and devoted", "A spirit that endures", "To sacrifice oneself for righteousness".

As soon as he came out, Xiao Yi Jifeng followed him out and stood at the door watching him practice swordsmanship. His little hands waved along with him. When he saw Yi Yuchen smile at him, he waved even more vigorously, kicking and making "whoosh" sounds.

After finishing a set of sword techniques, Yi Yuchen put the longsword back, and then servants came to help the two of them wash up. Once they were ready, Yi Yuchen took Xiao Yi Jifeng's hand and headed towards the side hall.

Chapter 166 An Unwelcome Guest Arrives: A Small Punishment as a Warning

In the side hall, the old man was already waiting. When he saw the two of them arrive, he gestured to the butler to serve the dishes.

After exchanging greetings with Yi Jifeng, Yi Yuchen sat down at the old man's gesture. Looking at the dishes that were served, he realized that this time, the preparation was clearly more meticulous. Yi Yuchen smiled knowingly; this was the effect of skill.

There was plenty of breakfast, including a bowl of expensive medicinal porridge and several snacks and side dishes. Yi Yuchen looked at them and said to Yi Yun, "Ji Feng is still young. If you have a cow, it would be best to raise one. Give him a cup of milk every day; it will help with his bone development."

Yi Yun nodded, and the old steward who was waiting for instructions immediately nodded and said, "I will give the order right away, and we will find a few more to raise on the estate in a couple of days."

Nothing more happened after that. After finishing their meal, the group headed towards the mourning hall. On the way, Yi Yun didn't turn his head back, but unusually said, "Your swordsmanship is good, and you used it well. You didn't disgrace the Famous Sword Manor."

Yi Yuchen didn't care and said, "I am a descendant of the Yi family, this is what I should do."

The old man seemed to be thinking of something, his hands slowed down, and he paused in his wheelchair. He didn't say anything else, and the group quickened their pace towards the mourning hall.

[Your attitude reminds Yi Yun of his rebellious second son, your uncle, Yi Tianxing. He loves him deeply and hates him to the core.] The narrator prompts from the side.

Yi Yuchen shook his head, also showing disdain for this second uncle he had never met before.

He didn't even come back to see his own elder brother after his death; deep down, he probably felt no affection for his brother, only his self-righteous resentment at having his wife stolen. Knowing his father was crippled, he didn't care whether the Famous Sword Manor was being targeted. How could a crippled tiger with two cubs escape a pack of wolves? This kind of person who disregards his own father's life is truly…

"What's the point of just pretending to cry a couple of times and then letting it go after everyone's dead?" Yi Yuchen thought.

………………

After offering incense at the mourning hall, Yi Yuchen and Xiao Yi Jifeng knelt to the side to keep vigil and wait for guests to come and pay their respects; the old man, Yi Yun, continued to stare blankly at the mourning hall.

Time flew by, and as noon approached, a voice suddenly announced something from outside the gate…

"Grandpa Gong from Liuhemen in Cangzhou has come to pay his respects!"

"Hong Entong, the founder of the Iron Fist Sect of Hejian Prefecture, pays his respects!"

"We pay our respects to Master Liaofan of Shaolin!"

"Paying homage to Master Zhishan of Mount Wutai!"

Yi Yun, in his wheelchair, opened his eyes, his imposing aura flashing before vanishing, and then he said disdainfully, "A bunch of clowns, are they scared now!"

After the four were welcomed in, the old steward Yi Liang offered incense and candles. After the four paid their respects, Yi Yuchen pulled Xiao Yi Jifeng to return the greeting.

Yi Yun sat in his wheelchair, not looking at them, and the four of them looked at each other in bewilderment.

Yi Yuchen had no choice but to stand up, cup his hands, and say, "My father has just passed away, and my grandfather is heartbroken. There is no one in the house to entertain guests, so please leave without keeping us. Please go back!"

Upon hearing this, the four men blushed. Although sending someone to test them last night was indeed "well-intentioned," wasn't this just "human nature"? This family had orphans and cripples; who wouldn't want to bully them?

Now they've been blatantly humiliated and driven away like unwelcome guests. If this happens outside, their clandestine dealings will be exposed, and they'll only be ridiculed by their fellow martial arts practitioners.

Master Zhishan of Wutai Mountain looked furious, his right palm bloodshot, a manifestation of the ultimate mastery of the Great Seal of Tantra. Before he could speak, Yi Yuchen stepped forward, extending his right hand, and said, "Before my father's spirit, Master, please do not lose your temper. Anger is harmful to your health."

Zhi Shan revealed a hint of mockery and immediately extended her right hand to grasp Yi Yuchen's. Yi Yuchen smiled slightly, and as their palms approached, he joined his fingers together to form a sword, lightly touching Zhi Shan's palm with his fingertips.

Zhi Shan blushed, his right hand felt like it had been stung by a scorpion, and he instinctively pulled back. He glanced at Yi Yuchen, his expression changing, and finally flicked his sleeves and left.

The other three looked at each other, wondering why he was acting this way, but since their companion had already left, they cupped their hands in greeting and chased after him.

"You're really bold. It's one thing to deal with Zhi Shan, but Shaolin Liao Fan's Vajra Palm is no joke," Yi Yun said, sitting in his wheelchair without turning his head.

Yi Yuchen just smiled...