Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
Supreme Celestial Master
墨書 Inktalez
Huangshi Village is located in the southeastern corner of the Snow State Great Chu Dynasty, a small village with a population of less than a thousand, nestled against Azure Mist Mountain.
As the saying goes, those who live by the mountains eat from the mountains, and those who live by the water eat from the water. The people here are no exception, making a living through hunting and gathering herbs. Although not wealthy, they manage to live comfortably, with enough food and warm clothing.
In the village, there is a private school situated in the northeast corner. At this moment, the room is filled with students aged between eight and fourteen, all bobbing their heads as they read aloud.
The sound of their reading can be heard through the paper windows. Passersby can't help but smile, perhaps reminded of their own children studying inside.
Sitting at the front is a middle-aged man who looks weathered by time. His temples are already graying, and his somewhat cloudy eyes are focused on an old, yellowed book in his hands. He leans slightly forward, as if this position is more comfortable for him.
He is the only teacher in this private school, known as Ren Xingkong.
From his appearance, he seems completely unaware of the students below who are slacking off.
"Alright, you little rascals, it's time to go home. That's enough for today," Ren Xingkong says after about a tea break, putting down his book and waving his hand at the Little Ones who have long lost interest in studying.
"Oh, thank you, Teacher!" The children bow to Ren Xingkong before tossing their books onto the table and cheering as they run out.
"Lifelong, come here!" Ren Xingkong glances at the student who is slowly packing up his books. "Father, what do you need?" This student is Ren Xingkong's son, who has been studying and learning to read under his father's guidance in the private school.
"Lifelong, you're going to turn fourteen next year! Time flies; it feels like just a moment ago that you were born," Ren Xingkong reflects. "Tell me what you've learned over these years."
"Of course I've learned a lot of knowledge. Father, I've memorized everything you've taught me and read many books. I've understood many principles of being a person. Why do you suddenly ask these things?"
Looking at his plain-looking yet obedient son, Ren Xingkong can't help but sigh. He turns to gaze out the window, unsure of how to express his thoughts.
"Father, what's wrong? Did I answer incorrectly?" Ren Pingsheng asked, feeling a mix of confusion and grievance. He didn't know where he had gone wrong.
"Lifelong, you haven't said anything wrong. I've seen what you've learned over the years. The reason I called you here today is to talk about some things; there are some decisions you need to make for yourself."
Although his tone was calm, the clenched fists behind him revealed that Ren Xingkong's inner feelings were not as light as he appeared.
Ren Pingsheng glanced at his father and felt that today he was somewhat hard to understand, so he could only remain silent for the moment.
"Lifelong, have you thought about what you want to do in the future?"
"What do I want to do? Of course, I want to be knowledgeable like Father and hold an official position in the Lord's Mansion in the future. I heard that Father was highly valued by the Lord back then and held important positions continuously," Ren Pingsheng replied matter-of-factly.
"Heh, that was a long time ago. Lifelong, there are actually some very special people in this world. They can fly through the sky and dive into the earth, turning rivers upside down and destroying countless lives with a mere flick of their hands."
Ren Pingsheng was stunned for a few seconds before exclaiming, "Ah, isn't that just like those immortals written about in books? That's amazing!"
"Actually, those written in books really exist. Lifelong, if such an opportunity were presented to you, what would you think? Would you prefer to continue studying or..."
He suddenly turned to look at Ren Pingsheng, his eyes sharp and an indescribable aura surrounding him.
"Uh... can I also... fly through the sky and dive into the earth?" Ren Pingsheng stammered with excitement. For some reason, just thinking about those scenes of soaring through the heavens made his blood boil and an uncontrollable ambition surge within him.
"There’s nothing that you can't do. The outside world is vast, far beyond your imagination. There are many people like that out there, and opportunities abound."
"Really? Then these people are much more impressive than Uncle Wang; Uncle Wang can't even fly."
The Uncle Wang that Ren Pingsheng referred to is the owner of the blacksmith shop not far from the private school. He appears to be in his thirties, with a sturdy build and considerable martial skills. He is a well-known figure within a ten-mile radius, and it is said that even the tigers, lions, and black bears in Azure Mist Mountain turn and run when they see him.
During his free time, Ren Pingsheng would learn martial arts from him. Over the years, he has learned quite well and can throw punches with great vigor.
"Lifelong, you will be fourteen next year, which means you are growing up. So whatever you want to do in the future, whatever path you choose, it will be up to you."
"Father, I want... I want to become an immortal! I want to fly one day. Isn't it said in books that a man should carry a three-foot green blade and traverse the vast mountains and rivers?" Ren Pingsheng's tone was somewhat excited, his face flushed red, and his eyes sparkled. That slightly ordinary face revealed a different kind of aura at this moment.
"Child, this path is not easy; there are dangers everywhere. Once you step onto it, there is no turning back. You either reach the peak or perish."
Ren Pingsheng's tone was gentle yet somewhat melancholic, as if he had anticipated that his son would choose this path. For a moment, he felt a mix of emotions swirling within him, his expression somewhat dazed.
It seemed he recalled a long time ago when another young man resolutely walked the path of a warrior. He had experienced countless hardships, faced life-and-death situations, endured betrayal and failure. In the end, he defeated one talented individual after another and grew rapidly.
He left Snow State, a place vast and boundless in the eyes of ordinary warriors—where one might never escape in their lifetime. He stirred up storms in the Eastern Region Nine Provinces, battling against the top geniuses with bloodshed over thousands of miles, fighting fiercely to the point of madness. He clashed with extraordinary talents from other regions, competing for supremacy.
In that era, he relied on an indomitable spirit and endless trials to surpass many gifted individuals who were more talented than him. He reached the pinnacle among the younger generation across the four regions, leaving behind a figure that others could only look up to.
Ultimately, he entered the center of martial arts at its peak and contended with those unparalleled monsters, stirring up tremendous storms. He was hunted by the most powerful forces and escaped from the hands of top-tier experts, carving out a bloody path to ascendancy.
Yet in the blink of an eye, everything had changed dramatically. The affairs of the world are like a grand dream—joys and sorrows, separations and reunions; only one can truly savor these experiences themselves.
"Father, I understand your concerns. If I didn't know about the outside world, I might continue living this mundane life, becoming a knowledgeable and respected scholar. But now that I know, I can't bear to give it up."
Ren Pingsheng carefully considered his tone and continued, "The world is so wonderful; how can I just stay in a remote corner and let my life pass by? No matter how much suffering or hardship there is, I'm not afraid! I want to live passionately; even if I die, I have no regrets!"
This was the first time he felt such a strong desire to do something.
Seeing his previously obedient and quiet son express his thoughts so fervently, Ren Xingkong realized that his mind was already made up. Any further discussion would be futile. Despite this outcome, he felt a sense of relief in his heart.
He had always hesitated about whether to tell him, but now that a choice had been made, whether good or bad, it was ultimately his own decision. Whatever the future held, he would have to bear it himself.
Some things can only be understood through experience; that is life.
"I understand. You can go home now. You don't need to come to the private school for the next couple of days. In a few days, I'll take you into the city."
Glancing at Father still standing by the window, Ren Pingsheng happily agreed and closed the door as he left.
As Ren Pingsheng reached the entrance of the blacksmith shop, he happened to catch the eye of a man who was busy forging iron.
"Hey kid, why are you out of school so late? Those little ones left long ago!"
"Uncle Wang, Father just talked to me about some things, so I was a bit late! By the way, Uncle Wang, let me tell you a big secret: people can fly in the sky!" His expression was somewhat mysterious.
"People flying in the sky? Silly boy, have you read too many books and lost your mind? How can people fly? Even if you practice lightness skill to perfection, you can only run swiftly; you won't get higher than fifty feet!"
"But my Father said that in the outside world, many people can fly and even turn the seas upside down," Ren Pingsheng argued angrily, convinced that what his Father said was undoubtedly true.
"That's just your Father joking with you. I've practiced my skills for almost half my life and consider myself no worse than anyone else. But look at you, you can't fly either. Your Father is just a scholar; he must have read too many books!"
"If you don't believe me, that's fine. When I learn to fly, I'll come back and show you."
"Alright, if you really can learn to fly, then I'll take you as my master."
Both the elder and the younger were determined, each wanting the other to concede! However, the final outcome would likely only be known years later.
Of course, perhaps in the end, no one would know. The world changes, and who can say for sure?
Back home, Ren Pingsheng's emotions remained unsettled. He couldn't sit still or stand still, helplessly practicing his punches in the yard, as if this was the only way to vent his excitement.
After a few rounds of punches, he began to sweat slightly on his forehead. It was now May, and the hottest season of the year was approaching. After venting his feelings, he felt much better, and his heart gradually calmed down.
He had no doubt about his Father's words; in his heart, his Father, who had held an official position in the City Lord's Mansion, was all-knowing. He approached this decision about his future with firm determination.
Perhaps there would be many difficulties ahead, but this path was one he chose for himself. No matter how bitter or difficult the future might be, as long as he drew breath, he would continue on this journey. This was his promise to his Father and also to himself.
As the sun set in the west, its fiery light painted the horizon red. Whether he would stand at the pinnacle of existence or sink into eternal despair could only be awaited.
Comment 0 Comment Count