Chapter 18: A Breakthrough in Swordsmanship
As the wine flowed and the conversation deepened, a sense of camaraderie filled the air.
They discussed everything from local customs and anecdotes to the intricacies of politics and the ever-shifting tides of power. Mo Hong, seemingly delighted to have found a kindred spirit, shared tales of his travels, his voice growing more animated with each passing moment.
…
“You’re over a hundred years old, Master Mo? I would never have guessed.”
“Haha! Longevity is my only claim to fame, Master Lin. But after a century, I still haven’t found a worthy successor. What a shame.”
“Fate will bring you the right person when the time is right.”
Lin Tianlu offered words of comfort, taking a sip of his wine.
He couldn’t discern the quality of the wine, but he enjoyed the convivial atmosphere.
Mo Hong drained his cup, the initial cheerfulness fading from his face.
As the alcohol took hold, a shadow of melancholy settled over him.
“…Master Lin, let me be frank.”
He gazed up at the night sky, his eyes distant and unfocused.
“I’ve wandered the world for decades, seeking a breakthrough in my swordsmanship. I’ve honed my skills, nurtured my sword, hoping to reach a realm beyond the grasp of ordinary mortals.”
“A noble pursuit.”
“But after all these years, I’ve made no progress. I’m a dull blade, incapable of reaching its full potential.”
He slowly untied the straps securing his sword, laying the ancient weapon across his lap. His calloused fingers traced its worn surface, his voice barely a whisper. “This old friend has been with me for over half my life. I fear it won’t live to see me achieve my goal. In the end, it will become nothing but scrap metal, and I will return to the dust, forgotten by the world.”
Lin Tianlu set down his cup, watching the old man with a mixture of surprise and sympathy.
His words were laced with a profound sadness, a sense of resignation that tugged at Lin Tianlu’s heart.
“My lifelong dream… it’s nothing but an illusion. I’ve wasted my life chasing a phantom.”
Mo Hong chuckled bitterly. “What a pathetic existence.”
“Master Mo, don’t give up hope.”
Lin Tianlu’s voice, firm and reassuring, snapped him out of his despair.
“A swordsman who loses his spirit, his sword heart… he has no chance of achieving true mastery.”
Mo Hong’s eyes widened, his body trembling as a wave of realization washed over him. He bowed deeply, his voice trembling with gratitude. “Thank you, Master Lin! You’ve saved me from myself. I was losing my way.”
“It’s understandable that you feel frustrated, Master Mo. You’ve dedicated your life to your craft, and yet you haven’t achieved the breakthrough you seek.” Lin Tianlu paused, choosing his words carefully. “I’m just a young man. I can’t offer you profound wisdom or guidance in swordsmanship. But…
You’ve traveled the world, Master Mo. You’ve seen more than most people could ever imagine. Perhaps… what you need is not more knowledge, but a shift in perspective, a moment of clarity.”
Mo Hong chuckled wryly. “Such moments are rare, Master Lin. Fate is unlikely to smile upon an old man like me.”
“Fate?”
Lin Tianlu shook his head. “Don’t underestimate yourself, Master Mo. The journey you’ve taken, the mountains you’ve climbed, the rivers you’ve crossed… those are the opportunities, the ‘fate’ you’ve earned.
The beauty of nature, the vastness of the world… it’s all within you. You just need to stop, look back, and reflect on the journey you’ve taken.”
Mo Hong stared at him, his eyes wide with a mixture of confusion and hope.
“Ah, forget it!”
Lin Tianlu chuckled, waving his hand dismissively. “I’m just a scholar, spouting empty words. I’m sure you’ve heard it all before.
Why don’t you teach me how to play Go instead? It’ll help you relax.”
He gathered the scattered Go stones, pushing the white jade box towards Mo Hong. He picked up a handful of black stones, a playful smile curving his lips.
“I’m still a bit confused about the rules. I need your guidance.”
“…”
But Mo Hong stared at the empty board, his eyes unfocused, his mind elsewhere.
A swirling mist, ethereal and dreamlike, enveloped them. Peach trees blossomed around them, their branches laden with fragrant pink flowers, creating a scene of otherworldly beauty.
Lin Tianlu’s form shifted, transforming into a white-haired youth, dressed in flowing robes, his aura radiating an almost divine power. He gestured towards the stone table, where a Go board now sat, its surface polished to a mirror sheen.
The board was covered in black and white stones, their arrangement intricate and complex.
The stones seemed to represent opposing forces, yin and yang, their interplay creating a tapestry of life and death, joy and sorrow, victory and defeat.
It was a reflection of Mo Hong’s life, a game that had reached a stalemate, with no moves left to play.
And then, the ‘Lin Tianlu’ smiled, his sleeve sweeping across the board, scattering the stones, both black and white.
“This—”
Mo Hong’s mind reeled, the illusion shattering around him.
But the knot that had been constricting his heart for decades loosened, a sense of clarity washing over him.
He gripped his sword, his head thrown back as a wave of exhilaration surged through him. His aura shifted, his entire being radiating a newfound power, sharp and focused like a newly forged blade.
He rose to his feet, his voice booming through the courtyard as he let out a triumphant roar.
Lin Tianlu blinked, startled by the sudden outburst.
This old man had some serious lungs. And built-in echo effects?
What was he yelling about at this hour?
Before he could intervene, Mo Hong bowed deeply, his face flushed with excitement. “Master Lin, I will never forget your kindness! You’ve shown me the way!”
And then, with a burst of speed that belied his age, he leaped into the air.
“If fate allows us to meet again, I will repay your kindness tenfold!”
His laughter echoed through the night, his sword intent soaring towards the heavens, a mixture of relief and joy.
He landed on the courtyard wall, his foot shattering a large section of brick and mortar as he vanished into the darkness.
“…” Lin Tianlu stared after him, speechless.
“Master, what happened?!”
Hua Shuya, her hair still damp from her bath, rushed out of the house, her sword drawn.
“What was that crashing sound—?”
She stopped short, her eyes widening as she saw the gaping hole in the courtyard wall.
“The… the wall! What happened?!”
Lin Tianlu sighed. “That old man yelled really loud and then jumped over the wall.”
Hua Shuya blinked, processing his words. Her face hardened, and she drew her sword, her voice cold and sharp. “That old man has no manners! Don’t worry, Master. I’ll bring him back!”
“Wait, it’s late. There’s no need to chase after him.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled, waving his hand dismissively. “We can report it to the authorities tomorrow.”
He would make sure that old man paid for the damages.
“Yes, Master! I’ll make sure he’s brought to justice!”
“Ahem, ahem!”
A cough echoed from the doorway.
Hua Shuya whirled around, her sword raised, her body shielding Lin Tianlu.
Mo Hong stood there, a sheepish grin on his face. He bowed apologetically. “My apologies, Master. I had a sudden breakthrough, and I got a bit carried away. I didn’t mean to damage your wall.”
“You will repair it, Old Master Mo,” Hua Shuya growled, her voice laced with a chilling authority. “Or you won’t leave this courtyard.”
Mo Hong’s face paled. “Of course, of course! I came back to fix it!”
…
A short while later, Hua Shuya returned, carrying a bucket of mortar and a stack of bricks. She supervised as Mo Hong, two towels draped over his shoulders, his sleeves rolled up, set to work repairing the wall. He handled the trowel with surprising skill, his movements swift and precise, like a seasoned mason.
Lin Tianlu watched from a distance, munching on peanuts, a thoughtful frown on his face.
This sword master…
He was a surprisingly humble man.
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