Chapter Seventy-Seven: The Art of Acting

Chapter Seventy-Seven: Acting
Chapter Eleven: The Hidden Delights of Jinglin—The Seven Titans Stir Chaos in the Spring and Autumn (7)

When Ye Hua heard Ma Fei’s suggestion, he hesitated for a long while. He had never intended to linger in the capital; his plan was to make a brief stop and then return to Ye Dou Peak, the northern summit of Wutai. Yet now, surrounded by these passionate young men, each harboring lofty ambitions, he felt as though he had known them for decades, their sincerity and warmth reminiscent of old friends. Such companions were rare and precious, and the thought gave him pause. He turned to the group and said,

“Brothers, I am merely passing through the capital this time. If I can find my uncle, it would be best; if not, I shall return to Wutai at once. Now that I have met you all and you insist on keeping me here, I…”

The others, hearing Ye Hua’s words, sensed his unspoken concerns and thought, “Ideally, he could find his uncle and be persuaded to remain in the capital, perhaps to join us in greater endeavors.”

Though Ye Hua was a newcomer, his manner and bearing spoke of a pure heart, a respect for teachers and tradition, and none of the arrogance often found among disciples of renowned sects. It was even more impressive that, at such a young age, he had subdued Gu’s flying sword with his bare hands—a feat that revealed profound mastery and astonishing potential. Each of them felt compelled to persuade him to stay.

Zhang Ke said, “Tomorrow, why not accompany me to the Capital Martial Hall? We can visit a few elders. Their wide connections may lead us to news of your uncle. Since you have no place to stay, why not rest here tonight?”

Ye Hua was grateful and nodded, “Thank you, Brother Zhang.”

Zhang Ke replied, “It’s only proper, Ye. No need to be so formal. The hour grows late; let’s go to the inner courtyard for supper. Everyone has worked hard today; we should rest early.”

The group rose and left the hall, walking a hundred paces or so. On either side, flowers, willows, and rocky landscapes intertwined. Turning right, a verdant ridge blocked the path; white stones jutted up like fierce beasts, their surfaces mottled with moss and hidden by tangled vines, through which a narrow winding path appeared.

Everyone paused. Zhang Ke waved his right hand, and a glow of multicolored light arose, shrouding the artificial hill in five-hued clouds. Bathed in the light of sunset, it looked like a pile of embroidered silk. When the glow faded, the ridge and hill vanished, revealing another scene: amid mist and haze, a hundred pavilions and towers stood tall, nestled among trees and stones, exuding a lush, tranquil atmosphere.

Ye Hua was astonished and thought, “The Minor Sumeru Divine Art! Who would have thought there was a hidden realm within this residence?” Though amazed, he quickly reasoned, “Brother Zhang’s father must be a figure of great importance to Prince Wen Zheng! Only a household of such status could possess such restrictions and divine arts.”

Ye Hua followed the group into the depths of the mist. Looking back, though the haze outside had dissipated, everything remained vague and indistinct.

After supper, everyone retired to rest. Lying in bed, Ye Hua gazed at the bright moon outside, his thoughts drifting: “I wonder if the moon over Cold City is as cold and pure as this one. Can this thousand-mile moon carry my longing? Has Senior Sister Ling Yun’er sensed that I am now in the capital, wandering alone...?”

He did not know how much time passed, as memories and past events flickered through his mind, scenes overlapping so that he could no longer tell which were real and which were mere illusions. Eventually, sleep claimed him.

When he awoke the next morning, the sunlight was just beginning to brighten. He heard sounds of movement outside and wondered, “Who could be up so early, practicing their skills?”

He rose and stepped outside. There, on the open ground, Zhang Ke and Ma Fei were each wielding a long sword and a three-pronged fork, their movements swift and dazzling, silver light flashing, and energy radiating in all directions. Ye Hua knew little about Ma Fei’s weapon, so he watched Zhang Ke instead.

The sword danced and twisted like a divine dragon soaring through the sky. A nearby boulder was struck by the force, sending chips flying. Suddenly, the sword’s shadow scattered, transforming into countless beams slashing outward. In the air, ripples appeared, and a transparent shield materialized, bearing marks of the attack that seemed ready to shatter at any moment.

Ye Hua thought, “I can muster the internal force for such a sword strike, perhaps even surpass it, but to split a long sword into countless blades and strike simultaneously—this ‘Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers’ technique—I could never execute it so flawlessly.”

Zhang Ke finished the move and stopped, seeing Ye Hua watching. He approached with a smile, “My skills are shallow, Brother Ye, forgive the display.”

Ye Hua replied, “You’re too modest, Brother Zhang. Watching your swordplay, your realm must be nearing the peak of the Seven Treasures stage!”

Zhang Ke shook his head, “I only broke through to the seventh layer of the Seven Treasures stage last year, still a long way from the peak. This set of Scarlet Gauze Mysterious Sword techniques is only a third mastered. But tell me, Brother Ye, which layer have you reached?”

Ye Hua said quietly, “I only recently advanced to the sixth layer of the Seven Treasures stage, still far behind all of you.”

Zhang Ke was surprised, then smiled, “That means your cultivation in the Four Noble Truths must be exceptional!”

Ye Hua blushed, “I’ve only reached the fifth layer of the Four Noble Truths, still inferior to many of my fellow disciples at Wutai.”

But Zhang Ke was secretly astonished, “Could the fifth layer of the Four Noble Truths be so powerful? Impossible! I’ve met many disciples from Wutai, all at the sixth layer of the Seven Treasures stage, yet none compare to Brother Ye. He must have mastered some secret art. Yesterday, when Gu’s flying sword was lost, with my own strength, I could have subdued it, but Brother Ye did so gently, smiling all the while, his internal energy already deployed—something I could never match.”

Zhang Ke regarded Ye Hua with newfound curiosity. When Ma Fei finished and withdrew his weapon, he looked over at Zhang Ke and Ye Hua, breathing heavily, and called out, “What are you two talking about, brothers? Ye, when did you arrive? Ha! Why not show us a bit of your skill? I’ve long admired the divine art of Wutai’s Four Noble Truths—let me see it for myself!”

Ye Hua shook his head, “My meager skills are hardly worth displaying. I’d rather not embarrass myself before you two.”

“Nonsense!” Ma Fei retorted. “Yesterday, you subdued Gu’s sword with your bare hands—that truly astonished me. I believe I could do it with effort, but it’s certainly not easy. Come, show us a few moves, let your brothers see!”

Ye Hua, hearing Ma Fei’s insistence, became even more embarrassed, “What happened yesterday was reckless and rude—Brother Ma, please don’t make fun of me. But if you two truly wish to test my humble abilities, I will obey. Please, offer your guidance!”