Chapter 41: The Cause and Effect
Faced with three consecutive questions, the young man remained composed and simply shook his head, saying, “My surname is Duan, given name Yu. I belong to no sect or school, nor am I any kind of prodigy.”
If he were affiliated with a sect or a disciple of a renowned martial artist, Zuo Zimu would have had to show some respect and not press too hard. But hearing this, he felt no need to hold back.
He instructed his disciple, Gong Guangjie, to go and “seek guidance.”
Though termed as seeking guidance, it was essentially meant as a lesson.
Unexpectedly, the young man paid no heed and remained seated, unmoved.
“I’m not one for fighting and killing. If you wish to instruct, go ahead. If you want to wield your sword, feel free. I’ll just watch,” Duan Yu said straightforwardly.
These words not only angered Gong Guangjie but also caused other martial artists present to shake their heads.
If his martial arts were lacking, receiving some punishment and apologizing to the Wuliang Sword Sect would suffice, especially with witnesses present. If he were highly skilled, Zuo Zimu might even seek to befriend him. But speaking in such a manner clearly showed disdain for the Wuliang Sword Sect. In the martial world, reputation is paramount. Disrespecting others on their turf is bound to create enmity.
Gong Guangjie stepped forward and delivered two slaps, causing Duan Yu’s cheeks to swell and redden.
Everyone was astonished.
Seeing Duan Yu retreat hastily after being struck, Gong Guangjie exclaimed in surprise, “You dare to be so arrogant without knowing martial arts?!”
Previously, observing Duan Yu’s indifferent attitude, he had wondered if the young man possessed some extraordinary skills. But upon making a move, he realized he had been mistaken.
This was no hidden master, but rather a fool.
This farce drew varied reactions: some watched coldly, others took pleasure in the misfortune, some clicked their tongues in wonder, while others paid no attention.
None present noticed the arrival of uninvited guests at the Sword Lake Palace.
Fang Han and Cheng Lingsu had been seated on a wooden beam for quite some time.
Both had mastered the “Lingbo Weibu” (Lingbo Microsteps), making their lightness skills exceptional within the Wuliang Sword Sect.
Thus, no one noticed their arrival.
Fang Han quietly observed the events unfolding below, deep in thought.
He pondered the events of his first life simulation.
At that time, he had escaped from the Wuliang Sword Sect around this period.
It aligned with the current timeline.
He had noticed that the Wuliang Sword Sect seemed understaffed then.
It turned out that the sect’s disciples and members were gathered at the Sword Lake Palace for the quinquennial duel between the East and West branches.
This reduced patrols, giving him the opportunity to escape.
Simultaneously, Fang Han realized why he had missed a significant opportunity.
Although he escaped during this period, it took him considerable time to locate the Langhuan Blessed Land.
During this time, Duan Yu had already retrieved the two secret manuals of the Xiaoyao Sect from the stone cave.
Understanding this, Fang Han felt more frustrated than relieved.
Damn!
He had missed it by just a bit!
Had he been a month or two earlier, he might not have risen immediately, but he would have had a solid foundation to do so.
He wouldn’t have wasted years.
If it had been a year or two earlier, it wouldn’t have mattered much. But missing it by merely a month was truly vexing.
Fortunately, in his current life simulation, he had already obtained the two manuals and successfully mastered the divine skills.
This eased his frustration.
As for why he only now confirmed this situation:
Firstly, upon realizing the opportunity was gone, he had abandoned that path and sought other chances.
Secondly, the Wuliang Sword Sect had intensified its patrols around Wuliang Mountain, making it risky to be caught again, especially since he had escaped once before.
Given the unpredictable nature of martial sects, he couldn’t expect leniency.
Thus, upon realizing the opportunity was lost and his life was at risk, Fang Han had left Wuliang Mountain without delving into the details of when Duan Yu had obtained the manuals.
After all, knowing wouldn’t change anything. It was better to seek new opportunities.
In his first life simulation, Fang Han had only determined that the manuals had been taken within a year or two, but not the exact date.
In his second simulation, arriving early at the Langhuan Blessed Land allowed him to narrow down the timeframe.
As long as Duan Yu hadn’t arrived, it meant the opportunity was still forthcoming.
After spending three and a half years there, he had narrowed it down to a few months.
Now, seeing Duan Yu at the Wuliang Sword Sect, he had fully confirmed it.
Fang Han felt a mix of emotions.
“Without the opportunity in the Langhuan Blessed Land, can this kid still cheat fate?”
He didn’t know.
Though curious, Fang Han didn’t wish to delve deeper.
Let it be. It had nothing to do with him.
Cheng Lingsu noticed Fang Han’s peculiar expression and softly asked, “Brother Fang, are these the ones who wronged you?”
Earlier, Fang Han had mentioned a past grievance.
Fang Han nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on Zuo Zimu and Gong Guangjie, eyes gleaming with a hint of danger.
A man who had always been cautious and valued his life had, for the first time, experienced being at the mercy of others. Fang Han had never forgotten this and had no intention of repaying kindness with kindness.
Footnotes:
- 凌波微步 (Língbō Wēibù):A lightness skill from the Xiaoyao Sect, allowing the practitioner to move unpredictably and swiftly, akin to walking on waves.
- 北冥神功 (Běimíng Shéngōng):A profound internal energy technique from the Xiaoyao Sect, enabling the user to absorb others’ internal energy and convert it into their own.
- 无量剑派 (Wúliàng Jiànpài):A fictional sword sect based on Wuliang Mountain, featured in Jin Yong’s novel “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.”
- 剑湖宫 (Jiànhú Gōng):The main hall of the Wuliang Sword Sect, located beside Sword Lake.
- 段誉 (Duàn Yù):A character from “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils,” known for his aversion to violence and accidental acquisition of powerful martial arts.
- 左子穆 (Zuǒ Zǐmù):The head of the East Branch of the Wuliang Sword Sect.
- 龚光杰 (Gōng Guāngjié):A disciple of Zuo Zimu.
- 琅嬛福地 (Lánghuán Fúdì):A secluded cave on Wuliang Mountain containing the Xiaoyao Sect’s secret manuals.
- 逍遥派 (Xiāoyáo Pài):A fictional martial arts sect known for its profound and carefree techniques.
- 人生模拟 (Rénshēng Mónǐ):A concept where one simulates different life paths to gain insights or advantages.