Chapter 4, The Heart of the Way

The wrist injuries of these individuals are quite severe; it is not merely a case of being dislocated at the tiger's mouth, but they have also sustained damage to their meridians and bones. It is uncertain how long they will need to recuperate before returning to their former condition

In the next moment, a series of mechanical clicks "ka-da" emanated from within the box, and the wooden panels on both sides of the box unfolded outward, resembling a pair of wings

You should return and report to that young master about the declaration, and think about how to resolve this matter properly

Cough cough

He is merely showing off in front of the younger generation, to the point of becoming addicted and overly enthusiastic

He said to these people: "You have already caused trouble for the young master of your family!"

However, even at this moment, he still did not take these people to heart

Jiang Sibai : `` ... ... ''

Just a moment later, a multitude of bronze swords appeared before Jiang Sibai, along with a group of malicious guests who clutched their own wrists as if they had seen a ghost

This sword is fine

Jiang Sibai widened his eyes and asked, "Is this the method of the immortals?"

Now the consequences have arrived

The traveler then patted Jiang Sibai's shoulder and said: "Alright, little Bai, I shall not trouble you any longer. I will return to Jicheng in three days, and then we shall meet again in Jicheng."

Wait a moment

Jiang Sibai hesitated for a moment and then said: "The disciple believes that one should leave room for maneuver in their actions; the people behind the scenes should know when to advance and when to retreat."

Jiang Sibai was not pretentious; he directly pulled out a large box from beneath the soft cushion.

Certainly, on one hand, that is indeed the consequence of his own actions; on the other hand, he suddenly desires to maintain the state of being devoid of external distractions that Jiang Sibai embodies

He feels that referring to it as 'Shishu' might be somewhat disrespectful to the Daoist from the countryside who is about to become his apprentice

That step taken, in an instant it vanished without a trace, truly remarkable in its mystery

It is said that 'A lord's humiliation leads to a servant's death.' Among them, someone immediately shouted loudly: 'You may humiliate me, but you must not shame Young Master Shenming!'

Bang

He received no response, and when he turned around, he realized that there was nothing behind him.

Jiang Sibai did not want to be too entangled with such troublesome matters, so he was too lazy to even ask these people about their true intentions and simply drove them away to settle the issue

Then, he suddenly slapped his forehead in pain and said: "Oh no, I've forgotten it again. Is it true that with age, my mind is not as sharp as it used to be?"

He walked into the crowd at a measured pace, yet with a seemingly effortless flick of his sword, he struck at the blades of his opponents, causing them to lose grip as their weapons shattered in their hands.

More than ten swordsmen unexpectedly transformed into a ground-hugging whirlwind and vanished without a trace

Just at that moment, those malicious guests burst into the small courtyard, and among this group of people, there were indeed the six whom I had seen during the day.

Jiang Sibai and the book silently swung the sword, pushing the person away and saying: "I do not want to dirty my home, quickly get out of my way"

The Great White Fox snorted coldly, raised its head proudly, and said: "I am friends with the old Daoist of the unknown path. Since he is willing to take you as his disciple, you may address me as 'Master Great White' or 'Shishu' as you wish"

The traveler on the road shook his head and said: "You, child, are thinking too simply. Their actions may not necessarily be in accordance with their master's intentions, and likewise, their master may not be as kind and perceptive as you imagine."

Jiang Sibai said, "Good Teacher Bai."

The traveler on the road shook his head upon hearing this: "Virtuous reputation? Judging by the methods employed by these individuals, it is likely that such a virtuous reputation cannot be genuine"

In fact, when Jiang Sibai first took hold of this sword, he felt it was not very comfortable to wield. After all, it was something he practiced with when he was a beginner five years ago, merely forged through thirty temperings, and could hardly be considered of high quality

Jiang Sibai did not make much of a selection, casually drawing a long-handled bright silver sword from among them. With a gentle shake of his hand, the room seemed to be filled with a cold gleam.

The arrival of an unwelcome guest did not cause Jiang Sibai to feel any concern

Upon hearing the words of the traveler on the path, the swordsmen each displayed expressions of indignation

With a flick of the sword, it struck against a person's bronze sword. In that moment, with a shake of the wrist, it was as if a heavy hammer had struck, causing the swordsman to lose grip of the sword in an instant.

It is essential to know my identity as a humble practitioner, who is the Daoist from the Shennong Valley at the foot of the Yuandao Peak in the Luoyun Immortal Realm

As his voice fell, a dark ruler suddenly slipped from his hand, drawing a circle on the ground

He turned to look at the Daoist on the path, and saw the old Daoist making a gesture of "please go ahead," as if he wanted to see him perform

However, the hand holding the sword had already cracked at the base of the thumb, trembling like a sieve.

The box thudded onto the ground, emitting a dull buzzing sound

I vaguely feel that this approach seems quite interesting, so I might as well try it this way from now on.

Having no concerns in one's heart is, in fact, the best mindset for cultivation

Jiang Sibai shook his head and said: "That is the son of the noble family from the neighboring country of Lai. It is said that he is quite renowned for his virtues, but he has been frail and sickly since childhood"

Jiang Sibai looked on with a face full of envy, but when she turned her head to prepare to tidy up the dishes, she suddenly found herself at a loss for words as she exchanged glances with the large fox on the soft couch

Even though it was not sharpened, in the hands of Jiang Sibai, it naturally exuded a sense of sharpness

The sound is rustling and highly magnetic, akin to a middle-aged man speaking

Do not make that face, I am merely staying behind to take care of the apprentice for the old priest

There is no need to employ any intricate swordsmanship; he simply utilized the strength, precision, and control over power that he has honed through years of forging and tempering.

This statement clearly struck at the lungs of those swordsmen, who glared back with reddened eyes. One of them even shouted and attempted to charge at Jiang Sibai's sword.

Jiang Sibai initially struck casually, but did not expect such an effect to arise

The traveler on the road turned and asked: "Young master, is Shen Ming also from your Jiang family?"

Upon glancing at the newcomer, he could not be bothered to utter another word

Jiang Sibai glanced at them and said: "If you burn my autumn grain, I will also inflict harm upon you as a form of punishment"

Now, leave quickly!

At that time, Jiang Sibai's entire focus was on the traveler from the path, and he did not pay any attention to what would happen to the six individuals.

He said triumphantly, "This time I really struck gold, don't you think?"

As soon as the words were spoken, he casually flicked his sleeve and walked away with remarkable nonchalance

His heart is truly large

He simply slapped that large box with a "bang!"

It is appropriate to address him as 'Teacher' in a polite manner

Then the great fox unexpectedly coughed once and spoke human words

If one wishes to have a tranquil mind, one must first be indifferent to matters

Then he respectfully asked, "May I ask how you are addressed, esteemed senior?"

The great fox is a spiritual beast raised by the traveler on the road; it should not be surprising that it can speak

The traveler appeared gracefully before the majestic city gate of Jicheng.

He looked at the illustrated book and asked Jiang Sibai, "Are you really going to let them go back just like that? Aren't you afraid they will come back to trouble you?"

Just now, he can be said to have personally taken on that trouble, and there will inevitably come a time for recompense in the future

The traveler on the road shook his head and chuckled, saying: "Very well, since this matter arose because of me, I shall also settle it for you"

The traveler on the road suddenly called out to those people

In the eyes of the old Daoist, Jiang Sibai is in this state; apart from that heart devoted to the Dao, he truly has no concern for worldly matters.

He did not change his sword again; he simply tightened his grip on the hilt, and with a twist of his wrist, he moved forward into the crowd.

Yet the sword that had been released lingered momentarily in mid-air, emitting a piercing buzzing sound.

He waved his hand and said, "I am too lazy to listen to your troublesome matters, leave quickly, and do not disturb my peace again"

Then, a row of exquisite swords unfolded from the box like a peacock spreading its tail, stunning everyone present into a momentary daze

The traveler on the road, on the contrary, finds it quite appealing

... ...

Jiang Sibai is so certain about this

It seems that saying even one more word to them is a waste of time

Jiang Sibai immediately cast aside any thoughts of what Young Master Shenming had said, focusing solely on what his future achievements in cultivation would be like

The traveler on the road said: "It is merely a small technique of slight movement. If you can successfully refine essence into qi, you will also be able to perform similar Daoist arts."