Chapter 3, The Ranger's Nostalgia

"Young man, why not take a look at the pedestal of the statue? His experiences are detailed there," Teacher Guan said as he approached slowly, leaning on his distinctive tiger-head cane.

"Who is he? Why is he always turned away from me?" In order to escape the oppressive feeling brought on by the statue of the swordsman, Tianxiong was very eager to change the subject, so he spoke these words quickly

"Why is he shaped this way, completely different from the statue in the city center?" Tianxiong immediately felt a deep respect for this swordsman and asked cautiously

Of course. Teacher Guan seemed to appreciate Tianxiong's question and answered it very carefully, saying, "He, like the swordsman, has fallen in love with a woman he should not have loved"

"What a joke, I have dreamed of doing this, who gave you this news? Remember to invite him to the store for a good meal. Father, I will go right away." Tianxiong exclaimed with joy as he leaped out of bed.

Not knowing how long I had been running, a voice suddenly came from behind, "Young man, where are you going?"

"The writing is too small, Teacher Guan," Tianxiong sighed, scratching his head vigorously. "You could have just written a few simple strokes; why did you write so much? Each character is only the size of a fly's head, densely packed with tens of thousands of words. I can't read it."

He tremulously raised his bony left palm, and in just a few breaths, that hand, which was nothing but a skeletal frame, suddenly became plump and enormous, as if a small mountain was pressing down towards Tianxiong's face

Tianxiong fixed his gaze on the swordsman's eyes, observing intently. Suddenly, a vast wave of sorrow, as overwhelming as the tide, struck his heart unawares. It was a painful sensation that rendered him momentarily powerless, as if a part of him were being torn away alive. He did not know which part of himself it was, but he deeply understood that it was a part he would never willingly abandon, even at the cost of his life

"What great demon? Is it very powerful?" Tian Xiong asked eagerly.

On that day at noon, Tianxiong, who had returned home to sleep, was tormented by one chaotic dream after another, leaving him utterly exhausted and helplessly waking from the dream.

He is not wealthy. In fact, there is no ranger who is a rich person capable of affording the cost of extraordinary weapons, unless they can forge the weapons themselves, Mr. Guan sighed

This anticipation has transformed into a cruel torment, nearly twisting Tianxiong's heart into a knot, for, although it is quite strange, he is fully aware of this expectation deep within his heart

"Whose weapon is this?" Tianxiong asked curiously, pointing at the long sword.

"Young man, you have not disappointed my efforts in nurturing you; you can actually withstand eighty percent of my strength. In the city of Bikuang, you are indeed one of a kind. Go on in!" Teacher Guan said proudly

"How painful would that be!" Tian Xiong remained silent for a long time before suddenly speaking.

"Wow, Teacher Guan, another exam." Tianxiong said with a sense of boredom, teasingly, "Stop testing, you actually want me to go in, don’t you think I don’t know?"

"You are awake, my son." Tianxiong's father sat down at his bedside and patted his forehead, "Where did you go today? You came back looking listless."

The museum is named the Ranger Nostalgia Museum. In the main hall of the museum, dozens of bronze sculptures and lifelike statues of figures are scattered in an orderly manner throughout the hall. Each statue depicts a legendary ranger who once made a significant impact in the human world, and the bases of the bronze statues are elegantly inscribed with their birth and death years as well as their legendary deeds.

"No one has a stronger will than he does," Teacher Guan exclaimed. "He even transformed this sorrow into the strength that allowed him to roam the world, and he defeated the most terrifying dark lord of that era"

"Teacher Guan! It really is you." Tianxiong exclaimed upon seeing the person, jumping up in joy, rushing to the elderly man, and giving him a hearty hug

"Teacher Guan, I specifically came to see the museum you opened," Tianxiong said eagerly

Tianxiong's mood was as heavy as if it were filled with lead, and even he could not understand why it was so. At this moment, he had only one thought: to quickly leave this oppressive main hall of the museum

Teacher Guan seemed shocked by his words, remaining silent for a long time before quietly saying: "You are right, this feeling is indeed very painful. However, if the wanderers cannot endure this pain, they would not indulge so recklessly in drinking, and thus they would never experience even a moment of happiness in their lives"

"Less nonsense." Teacher Guan seemed to be touched by his words, feeling somewhat annoyed, and no longer spoke further

"Oh, it is like this. Although we are able to completely carve out the appearance of this ranger from ten thousand years ago, we are unable to shape the sorrow that resided in his heart at that moment. That kind of sorrow exceeds our understanding, and I believe this may be the reason he is reluctant to show a sad expression in front of others; that emotion is lethal," Teacher Guan lamented.

"What is the enchantment of love?" Tianxiong asked

"Alright, son, there is something that can make you happy. Do you remember your favorite Qi Master, Master Guan Tianxing?" Tianxiong's father said with a smile

"Who is he? Every day I see his statue in the city, yet no one knows who he is." Tianxiong murmured, gazing into the eyes of the swordsman statue

As he passed by each of the statues of the rangers, it seemed as though the eyes of every statue followed his form, as if they were gazing deeply at him, their looks filled with an indescribable anticipation

Biqiong City is the largest and most populous city on Ranger Island. This afternoon, due to the opening of the museum, the streets became even more crowded. A large group of energetic children showcased the unique lightness skills of the people of Ranger Island, darting across the wide streets, climbing walls, and leaping high and low

Before him, another bronze statue appeared. It depicted a man dressed in a simple warrior's shirt, hunched over, and wearing a bamboo hat. The peculiar aspect of this statue was that no matter which direction Tianxiong moved, the statue would automatically turn to keep its back facing him

"How is this possible? Even if there is a possibility that he could kill this great demon, how could he possibly have the confidence to fight him? The disparity in strength is simply too great." Tian Xiong was even more perplexed, "How could there be such a person in the world"

Regardless of whether Tianxiong was willing or not, Teacher Guan spoke eloquently about the legendary stories behind these murals: how the heroes bravely overcame numerous difficulties to defeat the evil forces threatening humanity, and how they persevered in seemingly hopeless situations, ultimately fulfilling their glorious missions. Perhaps Teacher Guan noticed Tianxiong's low spirits, so he intentionally avoided discussing the painful experiences of the heroes, focusing instead on their heroic deeds of vanquishing demons and their passionate exploits. Gradually, Tianxiong began to recover from his low mood and started to listen with great interest. Perhaps Teacher Guan noticed Tianxiong's low spirits, so he intentionally avoided discussing the painful experiences of the heroes, focusing instead on their heroic deeds of vanquishing demons and their passionate exploits. Gradually, Tianxiong began to recover from his low mood and started to listen with great interest

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Tian Xiong said nothing; he had nothing left to say

"You little rascal, just like before, always late," Teacher Guan shook his head and said: "It's time, the museum is about to close"

His name has become untraceable, yet the legends associated with him continue to circulate in the world. It is said that his swordsmanship was the most exquisite in existence, with a charm capable of captivating nations and cities. He was the finest swordsman among the ancient wanderers, having roamed the world as a chivalrous hero for thirty years. Although most of his legendary deeds have faded into obscurity, the tales that endure could still fill the entire base of a statue. Teacher Guan, with his distinctive hoarse voice, trembled as he recounted the exploits of the swordsman to Tianxiong. He was the finest swordsman among the ancient wanderers, having roamed the world as a chivalrous hero for thirty years. Although most of his legendary deeds have faded into obscurity, the tales that endure could still fill the entire base of a statue. Teacher Guan, with his distinctive hoarse voice, trembled as he recounted the exploits of the swordsman.

"Yes, he has been doing this for nearly five hundred years, and he even wants to open a museum to preserve all the historical artifacts," Tianxiong said excitedly

"It is said that the woman he cherished fell victim to the corruption of love, transforming into a murderous demon that roamed the world, becoming a target for other adventurers. The statue depicts his expression upon hearing this news," Teacher Guan said softly

Tian Xiong felt as if his legs were weighed down with lead; he tensed his body and staggered past the statue of the swordsman.

Tianxiong shrugged noncommittally and asked, "What happened next? Did he go after that woman?"

"Teacher Guan, you ... If you keep this up, I'm going to explode." Tianxiong cried out.

"You don't need to say it, I have already come in." Tianxiong struggled to get up from the ground.

"Can these really be used as weapons?" Tianxiong said, dumbfounded

"Child, this murderer is the beloved of that man." Teacher Guan took a breath and said softly, "You are still young and do not understand matters of love between men and women. Look at the eyes of this swordsman; that expression of deep sorrow is the look he has after making this decision"

"Only heaven knows about this. Perhaps the legend of this ranger is merely a figment of imagination, yet for ten thousand years, people have tirelessly passed down his story through ethereal whispers," said Teacher Guan

"Is that murderer powerful?" Tianxiong asked curiously

"Alright!" Teacher Guan seemed to be afraid that he might change his mind, and quickly said, "As long as you let me test how well you have practiced your recent breathing techniques, if you pass, I will allow you to enter"

I am not sure either. Perhaps this is the mystery of the ancient rangers. However, one thing is certain: this is the source of the many scars on his face said Teacher Guan with conviction

"Throughout his life, he would never attain the profound martial arts skills of a swordsman; his martial arts were not the most outstanding in history," Teacher Guan said solemnly

In an instant, Tianxiong felt as if a massive iron hammer weighing ten thousand pounds had struck down hard on his palms. He quickly summoned the resistance within his body, desperately fighting against this overwhelming sense of heaviness. Gradually, he felt his entire body creaking and cracking, as if a dilapidated building trembling in an earthquake was on the verge of collapse.

"However, this is a rusty sword. How could a swordsman wield such a weapon?" Tian Xiong inquired

He does not care about the issue of glory at all. Teacher Guan looked at the figure of this wanderer with great admiration, but in the end, he finally made the decision to kill this woman and die together with her on the battlefield

At this point, Teacher Guan glanced at the other statues in the main hall, smiled, and said, "Alright, young man, would you like to hear the stories of other heroes?"

"It's done, it's time to go!" Tianxiong cursed the several families that had just blocked his way, turning them over in his mind and scolding them fiercely. He spread his legs and ran towards the east

Tian Xiong executed a somersault and leaped out of the window, his feet pushing off with great force, as if he were a fish swiftly darting away in a stream, disappearing in an instant.

When they reached the last exhibition hall, Tianxiong was stunned by the sight before him. In this spacious exhibition hall, there was a group of wax figures gathered around a wine table. These lifelike wax figures were the very outlaws from the sculptures in the main hall, who had endured a lifetime of unbearable misfortune. At this moment, these outlaws were cheering and drinking at the wine table, their smiles blooming like summer flowers, radiantly and almost extravagantly lighting up their faces. He saw the outlaw who had to personally kill his beloved, one foot resting on the wine table, raising his cup and loudly calling for more wine. Beside him sat the swordsman whose lover he had killed, eyes closed, downing a cup brimming with fine wine in one go. Their faces were aglow with joy, and the aura of happiness was so striking that Tianxiong, caught off guard, found himself in tears.

A statue of a swordsman first caught Tianxiong's attention; the visage of this statue was identical to that of the emblematic statue in the center of Bikuang City. However, the statue in the city center bore a long sword slung over its back, gazing skyward with an air of nonchalance and carefree ease, while the statue in the museum knelt on one knee, its left hand deeply embedding the long sword into the ground. Its long beard was disheveled against its face, with several drops of sweat trickling down its cheek, presenting a pallid and disheveled appearance, while its eyes flickered with a dim light of heartbreak and despair. The statue was crafted with exquisite detail, capturing every nuance of emotion reflected in the muscles of the swordsman's face.

"This child," Tianxiong's father smiled noncommittally, "do you know the way? The museum is located to the east of the Sword Hero statue in the city center"

I... I thought that, just as I felt the sorrow of the swordsman a moment ago, I would feel the sorrow of this ranger as well

"Why is this so? Are they not bearing a lifetime of misfortune?" Tianxiong smeared his cheeks with his hands, trying to wipe away the chaotic tear stains on his face

"Yes," Teacher Guan said, blinking his eyes and speaking in a hoarse voice

I mean, after they finish drinking, they will still remember the misfortunes they bear, while also not forgetting that fleeting moment of happiness. Watching such wonderful happiness suddenly vanish, only to be met with endless suffering, how can they endure it?

What are you waiting for? Teacher Guan turned to look at him

"Please don't do this, Teacher Guan, I beg you." Tianxiong attempted to plead.

It is the long sword of a swordsman, Teacher Guan replied

"I don't want to say anything." Tianxiong gasped several times, stepping back repeatedly, "Teacher Guan, why carve the swordsman in his most sorrowful moment? Why can't it be like the statues in the city center, depicting him in his most spirited time?"

Watching him vanish before his eyes like smoke, Tianxiong's father nodded in appreciation and murmured to himself, "In all these years, the Tian family has only had this one child with such exceptional lightness of body skills"

The face of this ranger is scarred and hideous, resembling a malevolent spirit, which is why he often turns his back to the crowd, using a bamboo hat to shield his forehead, so as not to frighten the timid with his appearance. However, from a credible source, I found that this ranger never dared to show a sorrowful expression in front of others, which is why he always turns his back to the crowd, sometimes even to his own friends. Teacher Guan shook his head as he spoke.

"You should remember that he has been dedicated to compiling all the legendary deeds of the rangers in the human world over the past ten thousand years, and has been organizing them into a book for preservation," said Tianxiong's father, unhurriedly.

"Their combined strength is far greater than that of the sword-fighting couple." said Teacher Guan

"Why is this happening? Is he willing to forsake the honor of a ranger just to save a murderer?" Tian Xiong asked in astonishment

Teacher Guan, with a tone tinged with regret, roused Tianxiong from his chaotic thoughts. He struggled to focus his scattered gaze on the scene before him. In front of him, on a light blue velvet tablecloth, various weapons were neatly arranged, the most striking of which was a bloodstained and rusted emerald green long sword

This display showcases the weapons once used by the rangers. Due to the passage of time, I have only managed to collect a small portion of them

"No, Teacher Guan, I have stayed in the main hall for too long; I want to see other places." Before Teacher Guan could respond, he impatiently strode deeper into the museum.

Teacher Guan unknowingly walked ahead of him, leading the silent figure to tour the rangers' quarters, the remains of the rangers' mounts, and several hundred large murals depicting scenes of rangers in battle

***

How could Tianxiong know that he would come just like that? In a moment of urgency, he shouted sharply and simultaneously thrust both hands forward

Tian Xiong watched the back of the ranger, mentally preparing himself for the inevitable. He knew that, just like before, that immense and painful sorrow would soon wash over him. However, he waited for a long time, yet that feeling of sorrow did not come.

***

Tianxiong was obstructed by those troublemaking, unruly youngsters, as well as by the parents who were rushing about, shouting loudly in an attempt to catch this group of little troublemakers. After much effort, he finally managed to extricate himself from the crowd of jumping and climbing individuals. Looking up at the sky, he noticed that the once high and bright sun was gradually sinking in the west

Teacher Guan fell silent for a moment, then slowly sighed and said: "He risked his relationship with other wanderers to save this woman, and as a result, he lost his qualifications as a wanderer."

"On the contrary, his legend is even more colorful than that of the swordsman we just mentioned." Teacher Guan's eyes revealed a sense of nostalgia, "The woman whom that swordsman loved dearly, the very one we refer to as the murderer, was killed by his hand."

Since he is not remarkable, then his deeds are also few

"Child," Teacher Guan said softly, looking at his expression, "Do you feel something?"

I only want people to know that, as a ranger, one must give up certain things that people would rather forsake their lives than part with—things that even this legendary swordsman cannot relinquish said Teacher Guan with a sigh

"I remember, I remember, we haven't seen each other for a long time. How is he?" Upon hearing the name Guan Tianxing, Tianxiong immediately felt delighted

"How is that possible?" Tianxiong asked in confusion

Tian Xiong nodded silently, his gaze slowly moving over the velvet cloth: a rusty sword, a broken knife, a bamboo stick, a willow branch, a wooden stick, a shattered dagger, a piece of iron stuck in a wooden post, and a bamboo strip cut into long pieces

"You wouldn't want to know," Tianxiong said wearily

"It seems you are quite interested, which is good," Tianxiong's father said with a satisfied smile. "I have received news that Teacher Guan has secured funding from the Sky City Hall of the Ranger Island to establish the long-rumored museum. The museum will open this afternoon, and you should be interested in going to take a look!"

The will of the wanderer is the sharpest weapon in the world, Mr. Guan said solemnly

"Besides the scars, does he have any other sorrows?" Tian Xiong asked with concern. As soon as he spoke these words, he felt a strange sense of irreparable regret, though he could not understand why.

The one who called out to Tianxiong was an old man with long white hair and a long beard. His beard was so long that he had to wrap a large portion of it around his waist like a belt. In his hand, he leaned on a long cane, the top of which was carved in the shape of a tiger's head, with a sharp knife held in the tiger's mouth.

Tian Xiong finally let out a slow sigh of relief, gazing reverently at the solitary figure of the ranger, and softly said: "He must be a person of strong will to endure such immense sorrow"

Tian Xiong quickly came to a halt, as he had been running far too fast. When he stopped, the friction between his soles and the ground was intense, producing a piercing sound, and several wisps of blue smoke rose slowly from the soles of his shoes

Tian Xiong curiously asked, "Who exactly is he?"

He finally abandoned it, abandoned it... the thing he would rather give up his life than part with.

"Children need not understand these things," Teacher Guan said, glancing at him, somewhat awkwardly.

When he arrived in front of the bronze statue, which had a long sword slung over its back and was gazing up at the sky in the city center, the long bell chimes began to resonate slowly in the azure sky city

"How can one clearly express his achievements without tens of thousands of words?" Teacher Guan said slowly, gazing at the bronze statue with deep admiration

What kind of person is he? Is he impressive? Tianxiong asked

"Even wanderers have their moments of joy. When they unexpectedly encounter each other on the path of chivalry, they often go to the nearest tavern to drink heartily, forgetting all their misfortunes and fully enjoying that fleeting moment of happiness," Teacher Guan remarked.

Understood, I will go as well

"Oh, why do you say that?" Teacher Guan asked with a hint of surprise

"Oh—" Tianxiong felt as if his heart was tightly gripped by something. The question that followed seemed to be compelled by a mysterious force, "So, what did he do? Did he also give up the glory of the ranger?"

"In legend, she is as formidable as the swordsman, which is why they are a couple, isn't it?" Teacher Guan nodded self-righteously, then suddenly thought for a moment and added, "Of course, martial prowess does not necessarily relate to their being a couple, but she is indeed very impressive"

Teacher Guan raised his eyebrows slightly and withdrew his left hand. Tianxiong, who had been tensed and exerting all his strength, suddenly lost his support and his body shot forward like a rocket, soaring over Teacher Guan's head and flying forward for nearly one hundred feet before crashing heavily to the ground

"Good boy," said Teacher Guan, who was being hugged so tightly that she could hardly breathe, as she coughed repeatedly and smiled, "You've grown stronger."