Chapter 22: The Resident Son-in-Law

If Su Ling had not already become the disciple of Ruan Qiong, Old Man Yang would have long since set aside his pride to take him on as an apprentice.

"Hmph, you brat, as far as talent for the martial path goes, you rank right about here." Old Man Yang was in a rare good mood, holding up a thumb while glancing at Su Ling.

"Your temper is also quite fiery, but it suits my taste—unlike those scholars from the Shanya Academy, all refined and elegant."

It was clear that Old Man Yang was being derogatory; the target of his jab was none other than Qi Jingchun, the sage who guarded the Lishui Cave Heaven.

A dignified 14th-realm Great Confucian with heaven-reaching abilities, he had willingly bound himself to this world. He was even intent on defying the heavens, an act that could be called overreaching, yet it was impossible not to admire him. At the very least, it was something that he, Old Man Yang, could never bring himself to do.

"Old Master Yang is right," Su Ling said, unsurprised. He knew Old Man Yang felt a complex mixture of love and hate for Qi Jingchun.

"Hmm... regarding your natal porcelain, I do have some leads."

"However, you must wait until this whole affair is over before coming to see me again."

Old Man Yang’s implication was clear: wait until the collapse of the Lishui Cave Heaven had passed before returning.

Receiving this thrilling news, Su Ling could not help but grow excited. Though he could not recover his lost natal porcelain immediately, there was finally hope, unlike the total dead end he had faced before.

Yet, in his heart, Su Ling suspected that the mastermind was, in all likelihood, the very man before him—Old Man Yang.

He arrived at this conclusion because Old Man Yang met every criteria for the culprit who had stolen his natal porcelain. Old Man Yang was the last of the gods from the era when the divine path had perished, a figure who had been plotting for eternity to revive it. His identity was unimaginably lofty, and his strength stood at the absolute pinnacle of this world. Furthermore, to evade the detection of Ruan Qiong, an 11th-realm martial artist, one would need profound power; without it, carrying out such a theft within the Lishui Cave Heaven would be impossible.

Even the resident sage, Qi Jingchun, had been questioned by Ruan Qiong, and the result had been unbelievable. Qi Jingchun had claimed that the heavenly secrets could not be revealed, implying that this was a matter he could not—and had no authority to—interfere with. Even though he was the sage guarding the Lishui Cave Heaven, and nothing within the town could escape his eyes...

The only person within the town who could make the favorite disciple of the Wen Sage avoid the topic was the man before him, the simple-looking elder puffing on a dry tobacco pipe.

Although Su Ling was certain Old Man Yang had stolen his natal porcelain, he lacked evidence and could not confront him directly. He understood that even if he did, it would likely yield no results; it was better to wait and see how things unfolded.

"Thank you. I shall take my leave now." Since Old Man Yang had cast his bait, there was no reason for Su Ling to linger, lest complications arise.

"Hmm, go on then."

Old Man Yang blew a white ring of smoke and waved his hand dismissively, signaling that Su Ling could depart.

***

Once Su Ling’s figure vanished, a sharp glint flickered in Old Man Yang’s squinting eyes.

"This brat really was cut from the same cloth as Ruan Qiong."

"I just wonder, is he a disciple, or a child-husband in the making..."

Old Man Yang seemed to find the thought amusing, his stern, weathered face breaking into a grin.

"Come to think of it, the reincarnation of the Fire God has been spending time with that boy for two years now, hasn't he?"

...

As soon as Su Ling walked out of the clinic, he ran into Chen Ping'an, who was busy delivering letters.

"Big Brother Su? What a coincidence." Seeing Su Ling emerge from the clinic, Chen Ping'an looked slightly worried, seemingly concerned that Su Ling was unwell.

"It’s nothing, I was just paying a visit to Old Man Yang."

Seeing through Chen Ping'an’s thoughts, Su Ling, feeling refreshed, stepped forward and patted his shoulder.

"That's good. Easy there, Big Brother Su, you're a bit heavy-handed."

"Haha, your physical constitution needs some work."

"I think so too..."

"Let’s go. Where’s the next stop?"

Chen Ping'an paused, looking at Su Ling with some surprise. "Big Brother Su, you want to come along?"

"Exactly. I’ve nothing better to do lately, so I might as well stroll around with you. What, you don't want me to?"

"No, I’d be delighted, it’s just..."

Seeing the strained expression on Chen Ping'an’s face, Su Ling knew exactly what he was thinking.

"Spit it out."

"It just doesn't seem right to have you tagging along while I run these errands."

Chen Ping'an scratched his head, looking embarrassed. He knew that Su Ling was no longer an ordinary person; it didn't make sense for a master like him to follow him around.

"What, have we become strangers?"

"No, it's not that..."

Chen Ping'an hesitated, but when Su Ling gave his shoulder a firm squeeze, the pain forced him to offer a sheepish, embarrassed smile.

***

"Let's go. Where to?"

"Shanya Academy."

"Hmm, what a coincidence. That’s where I was headed next."

"...Whatever you say, Big Brother Su."

"..."

It was the season of spring, and the breeze was pleasant. On the way to Shanya Academy, Su Ling and Chen Ping'an chatted and laughed, enjoying a leisurely walk.

The Shanya Academy was located at the top of a famous mountain in the town. Its students were all local children, taught Confucian classics by the sage Qi Jingchun. During the climb, the mountain scenery was as beautiful as a painting, and even the breeze carried a natural fragrance that washed away any lingering irritation in their hearts. The site chosen by Qi Jingchun for the academy was a rare and beautiful spot, even if the mountain itself wasn't the most spectacular.

From a distance, Su Ling could hear the melodic chanting of the students drifting down from the summit. Under the sound of those youthful voices, his mind grew calm.

After receiving permission from the middle-aged man sweeping the courtyard, Ma Zhan, Chen Ping'an walked humbly up the bluestone steps with his letters.

Not long after, once Chen Ping'an had finished his deliveries, Su Ling indicated that he had other business and would not be accompanying him further.

"Well then, Big Brother Su, come to my place for dinner tonight, how about it?" Chen Ping'an asked with genuine sincerity.

Su Ling smiled and politely declined, explaining that he had other matters to attend to. Chen Ping'an looked a bit disappointed but quickly brightened up. After saying their farewells, he turned and headed down the mountain.

Su Ling straightened his attire, climbed the steps, and walked into Shanya Academy.

As the sound of the students' chanting reached him, Su Ling looked up at a tall figure in the schoolroom.

The man wore a plain white Confucian robe. His stature was tall, yet he lacked any oppressive or overbearing aura; instead, he possessed an easy-going, natural quality, like a refreshing spring breeze. This teacher, a refined middle-aged man, held an ancient Confucian classic in one hand while his other was clasped behind his back, pacing the room as he taught his students the principles of the way.

Watching this, even Su Ling couldn't help but admire him: truly, a refined and elegant gentleman.

Though Qi Jingchun appeared a bit unkempt, his presence was incredibly natural; it was evident that the depth of his learning was unimaginably vast.

The outer appearance reflects the inner heart, and Qi Jingchun was the perfect example of this.