Chapter 4, and I do not possess the halo of a protagonist

Yue Fan smiled again: "That day will never come, I will not go to the battlefield, brother, neither will you"

Zhou Tong closed his eyes, let out a deep sigh, and said: "Fan'er, I know you are not an ordinary child. If an average ten-year-old spoke like this, I would certainly punish him severely, rendering his martial arts useless. A coward, even if he learns martial arts, remains a coward; a brave person, even without martial skills, dares to fight. Fan'er, can you tell me why this is? Why are you so obsessed with living a stable life? A practitioner of martial arts should not bully the weak, but when others seek to humiliate you, would you not resist?" Why are you so obsessed with living a stable life? A practitioner of martial arts should not bully the weak, but when others seek to humiliate you, would you not resist?

As expected, in the seventh battle, it was still Yue Fan who was defeated. He hesitated until the last moment, and when Yue Fei realized it, he struck Yue Fan down to the ground with a single blow, bringing the battle to an end. With a sense of regret and confusion, Yue Fei looked at Yue Fan, who lay on the ground without any resistance, and said: "Liu Lang, just now you had several opportunities to defeat me. Why did you not take action? If this were a battlefield, you would have died many times over already"

He always hesitated to deliver a fatal blow to Yue Fei at the most critical moments, allowing the quick-witted Yue Fei to defeat him swiftly, leaving no opportunity to continue the fight

What is this child really concerned about

Yue blinked, as if wanting to say something, but ultimately did not speak. Instead, he deeply bowed to Zhou Tong and said: "Master, it is getting late, I kindly ask you to rest early. I take my leave!"

Yue Fei put away the wooden stick and frowned, saying: "A true man, if he does not fight on the battlefield, why should he practice martial arts? Liu Lang, I have always learned martial arts solely for the purpose of joining the army and going to war. I know you are unwilling to do these things, and I will not force you. You can go study, take the imperial examination, and in the future, when your name is called at Donghua Gate, you will bring glory to our ancestors. However, do not think of me as someone easily defeated. Even if the Northern Liao is strong, I will not be afraid! Even if I have to bear the scars of battle, I will definitely join the army to serve my country and fight on the battlefield! Di Gong is my role model, do you understand?"

Riding horses recklessly is deemed a breach of decorum, while wielding weapons is considered the act of a cultured degenerate. Acquiring swords and knives raises suspicions of rebellion. In the face of an unexpectedly lenient attitude towards scholars, the treatment of martial individuals is marked by unprecedented harshness and suppression. Consequently, the nation's military strength has declined to this day; apart from the Western Army, which still possesses some fighting capability against the Western Xia, the remaining imperial and garrison troops have long since become corrupt and ineffective. Each time Lin Chong visits him, the deep fatigue and disappointment on his face are not lost on Zhou Tong. Thus, the nation's military strength has declined to this day; apart from the Western Army, which still possesses some fighting capability against the Western Xia, the remaining imperial and garrison troops have long since become corrupt and ineffective. Each time Lin Chong visits him, the deep fatigue and disappointment on his face are not lost on Zhou Tong.

Zhou Tong sighed deeply, and as he further perceived Yue Fan's innate talent, this feeling intensified. Yue Fan's talent and comprehension were not only evident in poetry and literature but also manifested in martial arts. While it took three explanations for Yue Fei to understand, Yue Fan could deduce the principles after just half an explanation. This kind of talent, along with an almost photographic memory, left Zhou Tong in admiration.

Zhou Tong deeply understood the kindness within this child. His expression was cold, lacking the innocent smile typical of children. He spoke little, and his tone was also cold and indifferent, treating everyone the same way. However, Zhou Tong still discerned the deep-seated kindness in the child's heart, as well as his concern for his family. This was evident from the piece he personally guided the carpenter to create, called a "recliner," which revealed the child's sensitivity.

Zhou Tong let out a faint sigh, his eyes filled with regret as he looked at Yue Fan. A child of such exceptional talent, he had lived for over sixty years but had only encountered Yue Fan. Throughout his life, he had taught many disciples, yet the talent of Yue Fan was something he had only seen once. Among his other disciples, whether it was Lin Chong, the renowned instructor of the Imperial Guard, or Lu Junyi, the wealthy merchant from Hebei known as the Jade Qilin, none matched Yue Fan in terms of innate ability

However, there is one point that Zhou Tong discovered: no matter the time, Yue Fan seems to lack a certain determination and the spirit of striving regardless of the outcome. He does not possess the most resolute will, a quality in which he falls short compared to Yue Fei. Although Yue Fei may not be as gifted as Yue Fan, once he commits to a path, he charges forward without hesitation, without regret. In contrast, Yue Fan appears to always hesitate and take his time to decide, except for certain matters he seems to have resolved long ago, where he demonstrates remarkable persistence. Although Yue Fei may not be as gifted as Yue Fan, once he commits to a path, he charges forward without hesitation, without regret. In contrast, Yue Fan appears to always hesitate and take his time to decide, except for certain matters he seems to have resolved long ago, where he demonstrates remarkable persistence.

Zhou Tong sensed the undercurrent of insecurity within Yue Fan, which was the greatest obstacle to Yue Fan's development. Without this barrier, Zhou Tong believed that Yue Fan's future would not be comparable to that of Lin Chong and Lu Junyi; perhaps even Yue Fei would pale in comparison.

As for Yue Jialiu, Yue Fan, his youngest disciple, he felt the most regret. It is not that he believed this disciple's future was bleak; the entire Zhao Prefecture was aware of how much County Magistrate Zhang valued Yue Fan. People were spreading the word that Yue Fan was the next "Little Yan Xianggong," holding him in high esteem. In the realm of scholars, Zhou Tong had reason to believe that Yue Fan could reach the pinnacle of success. Therefore, when Yue Fan took the initiative to express his desire to practice martial arts to strengthen his body, Zhou Tong was so excited.

The impression one gets seems to be just that; there is no sense of aggression, no ambition or determination for attack. It appears that Yue Fei attacks to achieve victory, while Yue Fan merely seeks to confirm his own martial skills, showing no desire to attack. When his techniques are executed with a bit more force, he immediately pulls back. Even when cornered by Yue Fei, he can muster some ferocity to turn the situation around, but is instantly countered—he does not like to fight and fears injury

Zhou Tong has reached the age of sixty, and he is fully aware of the world. The current state of affairs is increasingly unstable, with corrupt officials rampant and the common people living in hardship. More than two years ago, the Yue family was still classified as a fourth-class household, belonging to the lower class, living in poverty and barely making ends meet. It was common for them to suffer oppression from tax officials and the government, and in his view, Yue and his brothers, Yu Fei and Yue Fan, grew up witnessing the oppression of the common people by the government and the strong preying on the weak.

Yue Fei frowned and said, "When it comes to the battlefield, with real swords and guns, can you truly bring yourself to act?"

Yue Fan sighed, shook his head, sat up, and said with a helpless smile: "Brother, your opponent is not Beiliao!" After saying this, Yue Fan stood up and walked towards Zhou Tong, leaving Yue Fei with a face full of confusion and astonishment... My opponent... is not Beiliao? Then, who is it? Besides Beiliao, who else is an enemy of the Song Dynasty? Xixia? A mere small country, even the eunuch Tong Guan can suppress it, what does that count for? Then, who is it? Besides Beiliao, who else is an enemy of the Song Dynasty? Xixia? A mere small country, even the eunuch Tong Guan can suppress it, what does that count for?

However, why does Yue Fan, who grew up in the same environment as him, possess such a character? He knows that Yue Fan is astute and has profound insights, holding his own views on any matter. Yet, even when dealing with others, he would never take action himself; instead, he seeks assistance from others. He is the mastermind behind the scenes, but certainly not the executor. He lacks the courage to step into the limelight and seems to prefer being an unknown individual rather than exposing himself to the public eye. In the face of villains, Yue Fei chooses to fight, while Yue Fan opts to retreat, unless the villains press him urgently; otherwise, he will never take action. He lacks the courage to step into the limelight and seems to prefer being an unknown individual rather than exposing himself to the public eye. In the face of villains, Yue Fei chooses to fight, while Yue Fan opts to retreat, unless the villains press him urgently; otherwise, he will never take action.

For the sake of the last sentence and the age at which Yue Fei was initially involved, Zhou Tong forgave Yue Fei for his disrespect towards the court and his indifference towards the country. He insisted on taking him as a disciple. However, considering Yue Fei's reputation and the potential impact of martial arts training on him, Zhou Tong instructed Yue Fei not to mention this matter in front of outsiders. As long as he accompanied Yue Fei, Zhou Tong would naturally impart martial skills to him. The bond between master and disciple is known to you, me, heaven, and earth.

Scholars practicing martial arts embody the ideal of being well-rounded in both literature and martial prowess. In this day and age, such well-rounded individuals are becoming increasingly rare, as scholars are increasingly drawn to a life of indulgence and excess. The entire Song Dynasty is permeated with an atmosphere of hedonism and escapism, a captivating scent wafting in from the capital, which even Zhou Tong can detect while hiding in the countryside. Most alarmingly, this intoxicating blend of hedonism and literary allure has not only captivated scholars but has also ensnared warriors and the military.

Yue Fan did not offer any explanation; he approached Zhou Tong and bowed deeply, saying: "Master, I have failed once again"

Thus, when he took the two brothers of the Yue family as his closed-door disciples in his twilight years, he still had some hesitation. If it were not for observing that the eldest son of the Yue family, Yue Fei, had a deep passion for martial arts and a keen interest in military texts, Zhou Tong would never have allowed this child to ruin his future. Yue Fei's innate talent was also exceptional, but being in the Song Dynasty was his misfortune

Yue Fan took a deep breath, gritted his teeth, and launched an attack on Yue Fei with a wooden stick. Each move flowed seamlessly, like clouds and water. Yue Fei continuously blocked, appearing to handle the situation with ease. Although he was retreating step by step, he maintained a solid defensive position, advancing and retreating with purpose. In contrast, while Yue Fan's techniques, speed, and strength were not inferior to Yue Fei's, he lacked a certain aggressiveness in his attacks. Although it was practice and meant to be restrained, there was a complete absence of aggressive strikes, rendering it ineffective against Yue Fei. Again, while Yue Fan's techniques, speed, and strength were not inferior to Yue Fei's, he lacked a certain aggressiveness in his attacks. Although it was practice and meant to be restrained, there was a complete absence of aggressive strikes, rendering it ineffective against Yue Fei.

"Elder brother, they are coming!" Yue raised his hand holding a wooden stick, staring intently at Yue Fei

Zhou Tong had no unexpected expression, silently watching Yue for a while, then spoke: "Fan'er, I have told you more than once, your defeat is not due to martial skills or physicality, but rather in your heart. Fei'er regards you as a rival, yet you do not see Fei'er as a rival, nor do you see anyone as a rival. If this is the case, what does it matter if your martial skills are the best in the world? Injured? Fan'er, that is not an excuse. Throughout your martial training, how many times have you been injured?" Injured? Fan'er, that is not an excuse. Throughout your martial training, how many times have you been injured?

Yue lay on the ground and smiled, saying: "Because you are not an enemy, but a brother!"

Yue looked through it very clearly. When he requested to accept him as a disciple, he said that the court was weak, the army was corrupt, and its fighting capability was nonexistent. If the northern enemy did not invade the south, it would be fine; however, once the northern enemy invaded the south, the Song Dynasty's territory would be like a paper window, easily pierced. At that time, amidst the chaos of war, if one did not possess martial skills, facing iron cavalry and steel blades, what use would a belly full of poetry and literature be

Suffering is a test tube, placing individuals into this test tube results in varied outcomes. Those who choose to resist become heroes, those who choose to collude become demons, and those who choose to endure become cowards. Zhou Tong was certain that Yue Fei chose the path of resistance. He first heard of Yue Fei's name when, at the age of ten, Yue Fei, along with a few friends, beat up a tax collector who was extorting the people. After taking him as a disciple, Zhou Tong came to understand that this disciple was one who chose to resist and would never compromise. Zhou Tong was certain that Yue Fei chose the path of resistance. He first heard of Yue Fei's name when, at the age of ten, Yue Fei, along with a few friends, beat up a tax collector who was extorting the people. After taking him as a disciple, Zhou Tong came to understand that this disciple was one who chose to resist and would never compromise.

When did practicing martial arts become something shameful?

Zhou Tong also felt a slight dissatisfaction regarding the court's personnel policies, which suppressed military officials and elevated scholars, resulting in the complete disappearance of the martial spirit left by the Former Tang. In his view, Lu Junyi was a rare military talent, while Lin Chong was an exceptional general. Had they been in the Former Tang, their achievements would not have been inferior to those of the military generals in the Lingyan Pavilion. However, in the Great Song...

Yue Fei and Yue Fan witnessed from a young age how the strong plundered and possessed in various ways, and were respected and envied, while the weak were bullied and looked down upon. The Yue family belonged to the impoverished peasantry, which was the lower class of society, the weak in a world of chaos, and their lives were filled with suffering

Lin Chong's unfulfilled ambitions were evident to him, and he also noticed that Lu Junyi preferred to engage in business rather than join the military

In terms of martial arts, Zhou Tong believed that Yue Fan, who was three years younger than Yue Fei, had already surpassed Yue Fei in terms of technique and speed. Aside from the lack of strength due to his younger age, Yue Fan was superior to Yue Fei in other aspects. However, in the seven practice battles, except for this one where the outcome was still undecided, Yue Fan had lost all six previous encounters. As for the reason, Zhou Tong felt it was the same each time—there was no aggressiveness, and he did not have the intention of defeating Yue Fei. In the seven practice battles, except for this one where the outcome was still undecided, Yue Fan had lost all six previous encounters. As for the reason, Zhou Tong felt it was the same each time—there was no aggressiveness, and he did not have the intention of defeating Yue Fei.

Yue opened his mouth and said: "That is merely to avoid injury after mastering martial arts, nothing more. Master, I have never wished to engage in conflict with anyone; I only hope for a peaceful and prosperous life."

Come on, Liu Lang, this is the seventh time, you must not lose again!" Yue Fei held a wooden stick, smiling confidently, and fixed his gaze intently on Yue Fan