Chapter Twenty-Two: The Fourfold Realm of Meaning

When Li Changchu first moved in, he always felt uneasy, but after a few days and with Yu Qi’s persistent encouragement, he gradually came to accept it.

Every morning, Yu Qi trained Xiao Lian, and by evening, he quietly practiced the Seven Clan Demon Seed technique.

News of Shi Mingfeng’s death at Yu Qi’s hands somehow spread throughout the town; it became common knowledge. Many would discuss this prodigious youth during their leisure time, though no one knew what he looked like.

As time passed, two years went by. Xiao Lian’s physical training was complete, and Yu Qi had officially begun teaching her swordsmanship.

In the center of the training ground, Yu Qi stood before Xiao Lian. Two years had brought little change to him.

In contrast, Xiao Lian had changed considerably. Her once tender face had matured, her bright eyes now radiated resolute determination, her lips were rosy, and clad in a fitted white shirt, she exuded a heroic aura. She was no longer the fragile girl she once was.

Yu Qi held an iron sword, continuously tracing elegant sword patterns. “Training in martial arts requires immense perseverance. You cannot give up halfway. Let me first teach you some basics.”

“There are countless paths in martial arts: sword techniques, fist techniques, hammer techniques, axe techniques, and so on. Each requires its corresponding weapon to truly manifest. No matter which weapon you use, you can comprehend four levels of insight,” Yu Qi spoke continuously, adopting the demeanor of a seasoned teacher.

Li Yuelian nodded, half understanding, then asked, “Master, what are the four insights?”

“The first is called Observing the Subtle. You learn to perceive every minute detail with your naked eye. This allows you to better detect your enemies. Mastering this level alone is enough for you to dominate this small town.” Yu Qi finished speaking, then flicked his arm. The iron sword in his hand shot forward with a whistle, piercing a drifting fallen leaf before embedding itself in the tree trunk.

To achieve this requires extremely careful observation and a solid foundation. Clearly, this was the essence of Observing the Subtle.

Currently, in this town, Yu Qi was the only one to have reached such an insight. No other martial artist had come close, showing just how difficult it was to enter this realm.

Li Yuelian gazed at the trembling iron sword lodged in the tree, her eyes filled with yearning.

“The second insight is called Entering the Path. It means knowing which path you intend to follow in the future. This accelerates your martial progress. Those who reach this insight are considered martial masters, respected by all factions,” Yu Qi said, folding his arms as he explained the second level.

“The third is called True Transformation. It means evolving along the path you have chosen, generating a unique intent. Strong warriors at this level emit an aura so powerful it makes others tremble. These are the elites within great families.” Yu Qi’s eyes gleamed with admiration as he described it.

After a brief pause, Yu Qi revealed the final insight. “The fourth is called Unity—the legendary realm of man and weapon becoming one. Your weapon is no longer just a tool but an extension of your arm, an indispensable part of you. Only then can your weapon possess a spirit.”

“But remember, these insights only represent how you wield your weapon. A higher insight doesn’t automatically mean greater strength. So don’t blindly chase the insights and neglect cultivating more formidable martial techniques.”

Yu Qi’s eyes shone with intense envy. “Only seventeen people in the entire world have reached this level. In swordsmanship, only one—known as the Sword Sage Jian Li—has attained it.”

Originally there were twenty, but three had died, all formidable swordsmen from the Yu family. Yu Qi hadn’t mentioned them because they were his kin.

This was why Yu Qi had killed Shi Mingfeng and his men after they discovered his identity. He had now identified his enemies among the last surviving supreme warriors. If they learned of the Yu family remnants, Yu Qi’s current strength wouldn’t be enough to avoid total annihilation.

“Well, you don’t need to worry too much. Just take it one step at a time, and someday you will reach that realm.” Yu Qi walked over to the tree and pulled out the iron sword embedded in its trunk. “Starting today, I will teach you the Seven Cry Sword.”

He handed the iron sword to Xiao Lian and picked up a branch himself.

“Begin.” With that, Yu Qi used the branch to guide Li Yuelian.

Whenever she made a wrong move, Yu Qi’s branch intercepted it, preventing her from completing the error.

After several awkward attempts, Li Yuelian’s movements grew more skilled, and mistakes became fewer.

About a week later, seeing she no longer erred, Yu Qi stopped supervising.

He instructed Xiao Lian to practice diligently and then headed toward the town.

For these two years, he had stayed at the manor, with food delivered to him. Today, he went out because someone had invited him.

Mounted on a swift horse, his black robe billowing in the wind, he galloped rapidly toward the town.

After stabling his horse, Yu Qi entered the town.

Suddenly, a commotion and curses erupted behind him.

Turning around, Yu Qi saw a crowd chasing a ragged man, shouting and yelling.

The man fled in Yu Qi’s direction, and the pursuers called out, “Young master, please stop him!”

Yu Qi instinctively extended his palm. As the man dashed past, a gentle tap pinned him to the ground.

“Thank you, young master.” The pursuers, seeing him caught, thanked Yu Qi before kicking him. “Daring to eat without paying? I’ll kick you to death!”

Yu Qi had no desire to interfere. Paying for food was only right; the man was at fault, and Yu Qi would not protect him.

The man moaned in pain after several kicks.

Yu Qi glanced sideways at his face and suddenly froze. He recognized this man.