Chapter 11: Seeking Guidance

Lin Yang looked up at Yu Daiyan, surprise evident in his eyes.

However, he quickly understood.

Literacy in ancient times was already quite low.

Moreover, Wudang was a martial arts sect, not a Confucian academy devoted to scholarship.

It was perfectly normal for even accomplished martial artists to be unfamiliar with certain obscure characters.

Lin Yang’s astonished expression made Yu Daiyan feel somewhat embarrassed.

Turning his head away, he muttered,

“When I was young, I hated studying.

All I ever wanted was to roam the jianghu and uphold justice.

Reading has always given me a headache.

Otherwise, this collection wouldn’t have been gathering dust in my study all these years.”

Though slightly embarrassed, he still took the time to explain.

“Compared to me, Lin Hu is probably better in this regard.

He’s spent years teaching the novice daoists, so his literary knowledge is much deeper than mine.

You could try asking him.

Of course…”

He glanced at the thick collection.

“There are still plenty of obscure characters in these books.

Even Lin Hu probably won’t recognize all of them.

How about this?

If you’re willing, I’ll have Qingyuan take you to your Martial Uncle Zhang Songxi.

He’s the strategist of Wudang—the one everyone relies on for wisdom and learning.

If you can receive his guidance, not only will you have no trouble understanding these books, but it will also benefit your future cultivation greatly.

However…”

A faint smile appeared on Yu Daiyan’s lips.

“Your Martial Uncle is utterly obsessed with books.

Whenever someone goes to seek his advice, he tends to make things rather difficult for them.

If you decide to visit him, prepare yourself mentally.”

As he spoke, he couldn’t help recalling the many daoists who had left Zhang Songxi’s company looking utterly defeated after being questioned.

Lin Yang lowered his head and thought for a moment.

He also believed Daoist Lin probably recognized more characters than Yu Daiyan.

But this collection contained hundreds of thousands of words, written in difficult classical script.

Given Daoist Lin’s background, expecting him to know every single one would be unrealistic.

Since he would inevitably have to consult Zhang Songxi sooner or later…

He might as well go now.

“Master, I’d rather go directly to Martial Uncle Zhang.”

“Very well.”

Yu Daiyan nodded.

“If you’re not afraid, then go.

Qingyuan, take your junior brother to the Library Pavilion.

Inform your Fourth Martial Uncle that I’d like him to teach Qingyang.

And while you’re there, report it to the Sect Leader as well.”

“Yes, Master.”

Qingyuan immediately accepted the task.

Lin Yang returned to his room, gathered the entire collection of books, and followed Qingyuan out of Yu Daiyan’s courtyard.

Together, they headed toward the rear mountain.

After walking only a short distance, Lin Yang spotted a tall pavilion rising above the surrounding buildings of Wudang.

It stood six stories high, constructed entirely of wood.

Under Qingyuan’s guidance, they gradually approached the building.

Soon, they could see numerous daoists constantly entering and leaving.

Every one of them carried one or two books in their hands or tucked beneath an arm.

As they noticed Lin Yang carrying an enormous stack of books toward the pavilion, many cast curious glances his way.

None of them stopped to speak.

The two entered the Library Pavilion and stepped into the first floor.

Qingyuan saluted the young daoist guarding the entrance.

“Senior Brother, we’re disciples of Third Hero Yu.

We have business with Martial Uncle Zhang.

Could you please announce our arrival?”

“Oh?

Disciples of Martial Uncle Yu?”

The young daoist returned the salute.

After taking a closer look at Qingyuan’s appearance and age, recognition dawned on his face.

“You’re Qingyuan, aren’t you?”

He then glanced at Lin Yang but asked no questions.

Instead, he immediately led them upstairs.

The three climbed several flights before arriving at the third floor.

Behind a large desk stood a lean middle-aged daoist.

He was completely absorbed in reading a Daoist scripture.

As he read, the index finger of his right hand slowly traced each line of text, as though silently reciting every word while pondering its meaning.

Sensing their arrival, the daoist finally looked up.

The young guide bowed respectfully.

“Martial Uncle, these two are disciples of Third Martial Uncle Yu.

They’ve come to see you.”

“Oh?

Third Brother’s disciples?”

The middle-aged daoist immediately stepped out from behind the desk.

“You’re Qingyuan, aren’t you?

And this young one is…?”

Qingyuan bowed.

“Disciple Qingyuan greets Martial Uncle.

This is the disciple Master accepted today.

His daoist name is Qingyang.”

“Qingyuan… Qingliang… Qingyang…”

Zhang Songxi chuckled.

“My Third Brother certainly has a fondness for the character ‘Qing.'”

Then his gaze settled on Lin Yang.

“You said you came looking for me.

I assume it’s you who has something to ask?”

Lin Yang gently placed the massive collection on the floor before bowing.

“Yes, Martial Uncle.

I came seeking your guidance.

Today I found this collection in Master’s study.

It explains the body’s meridians and acupoints, but there are many characters whose meanings I don’t understand.

I heard that Martial Uncle is renowned throughout Wudang for your vast learning.

That’s why I’ve come to seek your instruction.”

Zhang Songxi’s eyes suddenly lit up.

He hurried forward and crouched beside the books.

The moment he saw the collection clearly, excitement filled his face.

“This set!”

He quickly flipped through several pages.

“I’ve been looking everywhere for these books!

So Third Brother secretly hid them away!”

His tone was filled with both delight and a trace of indignation over such a treasure being neglected.

Holding the books in his hands, he turned back toward Lin Yang.

“For someone just beginning martial arts, thoroughly studying this collection can bring immeasurable benefits.

But…”

He looked Lin Yang up and down.

“You’re starting these books at your age?

Isn’t that a little too early?”

“Martial Uncle, I’ve already cultivated internal energy, so I can now be considered a martial artist.

Since I intend to practice martial arts, I believe I should understand the Twelve Primary Meridians, the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, and all the body’s major acupoints.

Besides…”

Lin Yang smiled slightly.

“I’ve always loved reading.

I’m confident I can finish this collection.”

A satisfied smile spread across Zhang Songxi’s face.

“It’s rare to see someone your age with such determination and patience.

Very few people nowadays are willing to quietly devote themselves to books.”

He sighed softly.

“A temperament like yours…

It’s rather unfortunate that you became my Third Brother’s disciple.”

“Martial Uncle!”

Qingyuan immediately panicked.

He certainly didn’t want to take his junior brother out for a visit only to have him poached by someone else.

Zhang Songxi waved his hand dismissively.

“Relax.

Since Qingyang has already entered my Third Brother’s lineage, then fate has already decided the matter.

I’m not the sort of person who steals another’s disciple.”

Then he looked warmly at Lin Yang.

“Still…

Since you enjoy reading so much, you’re welcome to visit the Library Pavilion often.

This place contains the most complete collection of books on Wudang Mountain.

There’ll be more than enough here to satisfy your curiosity.”

“Yes, Martial Uncle.

I’ll surely trouble you often in the future.”

Lin Yang answered immediately.

He knew full well what kind of system he possessed.

The Scholar System would undoubtedly require him to read countless books in the future.

Building a good relationship with Zhang Songxi would greatly help him complete future missions.

“Very well.”

Zhang Songxi hugged the newly recovered collection to his chest.

“I’ll stop here for today.

Let me read through these books first.

Come back in a few days.

Once I’ve refreshed my memory, I’ll teach you properly.”

Now that he had finally recovered the books he’d been searching for, he clearly had no interest in continuing polite conversation.

His dismissal couldn’t have been more obvious.

Seeing this, Qingyuan and Lin Yang wisely chose not to linger.

They agreed that Lin Yang would return three days later for instruction before quietly leaving the Library Pavilion.

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