Chapter 356: Aspiring from a Humble Family, Going Through Nine Deaths to Live One (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 356: The Cold Gate's Resolve, Nine Deaths to Life (Seeking Monthly Votes)

Chen Yì summoned Yuan Liu’er not on a whim.

Before the examinations, he had already formed a plan—to teach her the ways of martial arts, medicine, and literature.

Though the three disciplines overlapped somewhat, Yuan Liu’er’s talent was sufficient to focus primarily on martial and medical arts.

The inclusion of literature was merely to obscure his true identity, so that discerning individuals might not uncover the depth of his mastery through her.

Chen Yì, noticing her stunned expression, smiled and explained: “Though medicine can heal the sick and save lives, it cannot safeguard one’s own body.”

“Should you encounter peril in the future, having martial arts at your side would grant you some means of self-defense.”

He then pointed to several calligraphy scrolls on the table: “Literature, too, serves a similar purpose.”

“The myriad paths of the Great Way converge in unity.”

“At present, your understanding of martial and medical arts remains shallow; you have not yet grasped their intricacies.”

“When your cultivation and medical skills deepen, you will comprehend that ‘merging one’s spirit with the Great Way’ is the essence.”

Literature, in a single character: *Stillness*.

To cultivate stillness of heart and mind, like the Way of the Board Game, is a method of refining the spirit.

Yet their effects differ once blessed by the resonance of Heaven and Earth.

When martial arts cultivation reaches the middle third rank, breaking through to the upper third requires alignment with the spirit and the cosmos.

Medicine and martial arts are in harmony.

This is reflected in the practice of “using qi to govern the needle.”

Should a healer neglect martial arts, even the most refined medical techniques cannot transcend the pinnacle of the medical path, let alone wield “qi-guided needling.”

Thus, the cultivation of medicine is the most arduous.

This is why those who achieve minor mastery in medicine are honored as “Medicine Way Sages.”

In essence, all paths of the Great Way ultimately seek the cultivation of one’s own spirit.

Other techniques, though useful, are secondary.

Yuan Liu’er nodded faintly, as if understanding, and said, “I have noted this, Master.”

Chen Yì encouraged her briefly, then retrieved two scrolls from beside the table and handed them to her:

“Keep these safely.”

Yuan Liu’er took the scrolls, their covers blank, and hesitated: “Master, what are these?”

Chen Yì gestured to the thicker scroll and whispered, “The *Xuanwu Enxi Qu*, a martial arts technique. It can conceal your martial cultivation, akin to the *Great Spear Posture*. You may practice it once you reach the eighth rank.”

“It is a method to hide your martial prowess—remember, cultivate it with care.”

Yuan Liu’er’s eyes widened. *Xuanwu Enxi Qu*? A technique to mask martial cultivation?

She was no fool.

In fact, she was sharp.

By Chen Yì’s words alone, she realized he was undoubtedly a martial arts master, his scholarly appearance merely a facade to veil his true strength.

She then recalled an incident and asked, “Master, that night—those people… who were they?”

Chen Yì understood she referred to the rescue of Yuan Hao. He nodded and cautioned, “Some things are best kept in the heart; they need not be spoken of to others.”

Yuan Liu’er suppressed her excitement, replying, “Yes, Master!”

She now realized his prowess, no longer dismissing him as a mere scholar.

His reputation with Master Ma Liang indeed made sense.

Earlier, she had assumed Chen Yì was a weak scholar, barely versed in medicine.

Now, knowing he had saved Yuan Hao, she saw him in a new light.

Grateful and humbled, she resolved to dedicate herself wholeheartedly to her studies.

Whether in martial arts, medicine, or the literary path he excelled in, she would strive with all her might.

The cold gate’s resolve—those who commit to it rarely falter.

Though she was a woman, she understood that missing this opportunity, her family’s chance to rise, was akin to climbing a mountain.

How could she afford to slacken?

Chen Yì smiled faintly. “When you break through to the eighth rank, I shall teach you internal skills.”

He then pointed to another scroll: “This is a fist technique called *Bengyue Punches*. At advanced levels, it can cleave mountains and split the earth.”

“Yet your current cultivation is too shallow to unleash its full power. When you reach the sixth rank, I will teach you the remaining techniques.”

He did not withhold instruction out of malice or to starve his disciple.

Rather, *Bengyue Punches* had ascended to the pinnacle of martial arts, matching the *Falling Dragon Spear* in rank.

Its final four techniques demand terrifying power, requiring true essence and martial understanding to execute.

Yuan Liu’er did not overthink it. She carefully stored the two scrolls, bowed respectfully, and said, “Master, I will study these with dedication.”

Chen Yì nodded slightly, adding, “After memorizing their contents, burn them completely. Do not reveal these techniques to outsiders.”

Yuan Liu’er agreed, yet her brow furrowed with doubt. She then asked, “Master, why…?”

She made a gesture to conceal her cultivation. In her mind, Chen Yì’s martial and medical skills must grant him self-protection. Surely, spreading the word would not endanger him.

Chen Yì shook his head: “The reasons are many. Should you achieve success in your cultivation, I shall reveal these matters then.”

“For now, focus solely on your training; do not dwell on such things.”

Yuan Liu’er ceased her inquiries, silently gripping the scrolls in her sleeve, determined to work harder.

Chen Yì, after a moment’s reflection, continued: “We have discussed this beforehand. Once the Xiao Family Medical Academy is established, you may teach there.”

“You should accompany me there as well.”

Yuan Liu’er paused. “The Medical Academy?”

Chen Yì briefly explained its origins, smiling: “Your dedication to medicine will serve you well there. By then, you should achieve notable success.”

With her talent, absent misfortune, her accomplishments will surely be exceptional.

In martial arts, she may reach the middle third rank; in medicine, the pinnacle; in literature, at the very least, the minor mastery stage.

Chen Yì had read countless texts, naturally understanding that “a master opens the door; cultivation lies within oneself.”

He would not be surprised by the appearance of He Zhongyong.

Talent is one factor; personal effort and fortune, another.

Thus, Yuan Liu’er’s ultimate achievements—and whether she ascends further—depend on her own endeavors.

Later, Chen Yì retrieved a key from a box at the table’s edge and placed it upon the surface:

“This key opens a residence in Pinghuo Alley, outside the Eastern Market. It is not far from your current location in Kangle Alley. You may train there in the future. Keep it quiet; avoid drawing attention.”

If I had time, I would go there to seek you, hmm… Most likely in the dead of night.

Yuan Liu-er carefully gathered up the sleeve, "Thank you, Master."

Chen Yi smiled and waved his hand, "A family doesn’t speak of outside matters."

After chatting at length about the recent affairs of the Bureau of Salvation Medicines, he then sent word for Yuan Liu-er to find Pei Mou-lu.

The person was brought by Hu Xiaotou, and she was responsible for the rest.

Once the study grew quiet.

Under the veil of clouds, the sky dimmed.

The rain fell like before, relentless and loud.

The wind whistled through the gardens of lotus flowers, scattering leaves and petals against the wooden windowsills outside.

Inside the study, several oil lamps flickered to life, their yellow glow swaying gently with the breeze.

Chen Yi sat alone at the desk, his figure upright and imposing, the shadow beside him lengthening and shortening, yet not a muscle trembled in his presence.

He spread a sheet of cypress paper, dipped his brush in ink, and carefully traced a heavy stroke.

Then the brush danced like a dragon and snake, and in mere moments, a figure standing on a high platform appeared on the paper—Ma Shuhuan.

As his features gradually took shape, Chen Yi finally set down his wolf-hair brush, cradling a corner of the cypress paper, studying it intently.

"Liu Hong, Ma Shuhuan… Who will be next?"

…

At the hour of Hai (11 PM to 1 AM).

The rain had lessened slightly.

By the tenth month, an autumn rain brought with it the chill of winter, and the night air could seep into one’s bones.

Even so, the lamps inside the Spring Rain Building burned brightly.

Since the authorities had sealed the place a few days prior, a new manager had taken over, and business flourished all the more. Not only did the local gentry and officials flock here, but also wandering heroes, some claiming to be roguish and free-spirited, found it a pleasant spot to linger.

The place was adorned with rouge and crimson lips, perfect for listening to music and watching performances.

In the midst of laughter and quarrels, many spoke of recent events.

"Ma Shuhuan, the scholar-official of Shu, was assassinated—his killer was Xu Ji-tong, the deputy commander of the imperial guard!"

"He didn’t just kill Ma Shuhuan; they say his entire family was slaughtered, all of them, as if wiped out entirely."

"And I’ve heard the one who struck was…"

The young lord of a wealthy family, dressed in pure white robes, fanned himself gently while whispering two words: "Mountain people."

All who heard froze, their faces marked by caution and fear.

In Shu, who could deny the prowess of the mountain clans?

In recent years, due to their northward incursions seeking imperial favor, many heroes in Shu’s lands had perished, and the mountain clans had grown quiet.

Had it been five years prior, people often saw mountain folk acting in the outer world.

Mostly, they clashed with some of the wandering evildoers and lawless hooligans, striking decisively.

At this point, someone raised an objection: "The mountain clans don’t interfere in court matters. Why would they strike down an official without cause?"

"Perhaps Ma Shuhuan had offended them somehow."

"That must be it. Though they’re bold in their actions, when it comes to matters of honor, they rarely let personal grudges fester."

The noble families of the capital were well-informed, and any shift in the winds or grass would reach their ears. How much more so for an event as grave as Ma Shuhuan’s assassination?

Yet inside the Spring Rain Building, some of the wandering heroes, dressed in short tunics and armed, knew little of the matter.

Thus, upon hearing the news, they largely stood with the mountain clans, speaking disparagingly of Ma Shuhuan.

Their words were unbearable to hear.

Some scholars, eager to speak up, were about to say a few words, when a clear, cold voice echoed from above:

"All of you are guests. This is but a game—do not stir up strife."

Lady Lou Yushu, wearing a light veil, leaned against the railing on the fourth floor, gazing down at the commotion below.

Only when she saw the crowd dispersing did she let out a huff, then turned and entered a chamber.

To her surprise, upon entering the quiet room, she found someone already seated there.

Not Liu Wu-shi, who was known as "Dragon Tiger"?

Lou Yushu paused, then quickly recovered, her face briefly lighting with a smile as she asked in a composed tone, "What wind has blown the esteemed 'Dragon Tiger' to the Spring Rain Building? I fear I’ve failed to greet you properly from afar."

Chen Yi turned his tea cup in his hand toward her, "Miss Lou, you seem a bit flustered, don’t you?"

Lou Yushu met his gaze, then slightly averted her head, her voice carrying a hint of irritation: "It’s been a while, and you’re still this unrefined, you scoundrel."

Chen Yi chuckled dryly. After thinking it over, he realized it had indeed been some time since his last visit here.

Earlier, to cover his tracks, he had feigned illness after ingesting poison from the Five Poison Sect, resting at Hou Fu’s residence.

Later, he’d been preoccupied with preparations for the imperial examination, so he’d been busy and distracted, which explained her remark.

"Though it’s been a while, Miss Lou, your grace remains as splendid as ever."

Though she wore a veil, her figure was fully exposed, every curve and contour perfectly displayed.

A sheer silk dress clung to her, layered over a red underdress, accentuating her form in all the right places, concealing it in others.

It was a sight to behold.

Lou Yushu glanced at him, her eyes sparkling with light, yet her lips remained unyielding.

"I cannot endure your praise, esteemed 'Dragon Tiger.'"

"Now that you’ve slain the Five Poison Sect’s master, Yan Zhihou, and his deeds have spread throughout the lands, I’m afraid I’m not worthy to speak to you."

Chen Yi raised an eyebrow slightly, "You know of this?"

Earlier, he and the mountain clans had acted together, and he’d deliberately disrupted the spiritual energy of the upper reaches of the Red River, believing he could evade detection.

But to his surprise, Lou Yushu had indeed discovered his involvement.

She hummed, "If one wishes to remain unknown, one must not act. The things you’ve done, though unknown to others, how could White Tiger Guard remain unaware?"

"Tell me, what do you know?"

"The names Liu Hong, the mountain clans, the Five Poison Sect… Must I state it plainly?"

Hearing this, Chen Yi smiled and shook his head, "The White Tiger Guard truly are masters of information."

Then, shifting his tone, he continued, "I have a matter I’d like your help with."

Lou Yushu clenched her silver teeth, avoiding his gaze, her voice stiff: "I will not help."

"Miss Lou, why should I beg your assistance from so far away?"

“This matter is also to your advantage.”

“Hmph. The people who benefit from the things you’ve done…”

Babbling and arguing.

It was not clear which words had soothed her heart or if she had come to understand something herself.

In the end, after a moment, the two of them entered the quiet room.

Lou Yuxue closed the door, looked at Chen Yi sitting at the table, and said in a bad mood, “What’s the matter? Say it.”

She wasn’t really annoyed, of course.

It was just that she’d felt a certain inexplicable restlessness since Chen Yi had come after so long a time apart.

But thinking that she was now a golden-flag officer of the White Tiger Guard and would soon be heading to Jinling, she didn’t want to dwell on things with Chen Yi.

Chen Yi had guessed a bit, but dared not speak further about the matters of filial piety, and asked, “How much have you found out about Ma Shuhuan?”

Lou Yuxue instinctively furrowed her brow, “You did this too?”

Chen Yi couldn’t help but smirked, pointing at himself, “Am I the kind of person who kills innocents?”

“You are.”

“…Miss Yuxue, you’ve mistaken me.”

“I just thought Ma Shuhuan’s death was suspicious, so I came to ask, lest there be unrest in Shouzhou again.”

Upon hearing this, Lou Yuxue paused slightly, “You mean…”

She immediately composed herself and said seriously, “Ma Shuhuan died suddenly, and his family was almost wiped out. We are also investigating this matter.”

“However…”

Lou Yuxue paused for a moment, then lowered her voice, “The judicial investigators suspect it was the work of the mountain people.”

“The mountain people?”

Chen Yi furrowed his brows, slightly doubtful, “Are you sure?”

Lou Yuxue glared at him angrily, “The judicial investigators who examined the bodies of Xu Jisong and Ma Shuhuan’s family found they were all killed by the mountain people’s unique venom.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi’s expression eased, stroking his jaw thoughtfully, “The mountain people…”

That was strange.

Could someone behind them command the mountain people?

After some thought.

Chen Yi asked, “Besides this, what other findings are there?”

Lou Yuxue nodded, then shook her head, “Xu Jisong had been acting strangely at home recently, so he was likely being manipulated.”

“However, we checked his recent whereabouts and found nothing amiss except his trips to the regional governor’s office.”

“You suspect the person who manipulated him is in the regional governor’s office?”

“Very likely.”

“Anything else?”

“Also, Ma Shuhuan had been unremarkable recently, except for one thing…”

“Before the annual census, he had gone out late at night…”

Chen Yi’s heart stirred, “Where did he go?”

Lou Yuxue’s expression was slightly grave, “He went to a painted boat on the curve pool north of the city…”

(The chapter ends)