Chapter 536: Living Up to the Teachings

Li Ruojian tidied up the Cave Abode, then wrote down the missing items on a list, came to Duan Rong's Cave Abode, performed a salute, and handed the list to Duan Rong.

Duan Rong took the list, swept his eyes over it, and his spirit was instantly stirred.

He saw a piece of flowing, unrestrained running script, possessing quite a bit of character!

"What a fine hand!"

Duan Rong could not help but exclaim in praise; through the Devouring Artifact Spirit, his attainments in calligraphy and painting had long since far surpassed those of ordinary masters.

Although this piece by Li Ruojian was just a casual scribble, Duan Rong could tell at a glance that it was extraordinary.

Li Ruojian said, "Brother Duan, you flatter me!"

He thought Duan Rong was merely offering a polite compliment, so he responded with courtesy as well.

Duan Rong smiled and said, "To be able to write like this, diligence alone is not enough; one must have natural talent. Form can be imitated, but character cannot be learned!"

Li Ruojian was slightly stunned; he had not expected Duan Rong to start discussing the Dao of calligraphy with him. He had been obsessed with calligraphy since he was a child, and he did not know how many baskets of worn-out brush tips he had gone through.

Duan Rong said, "Observing Brother Li's piece, it actually bears quite a bit of the legacy of the Ouyang style!"

Hearing Duan Rong point out the two words "Ouyang style," Li Ruojian's eyes lit up instantly. "Brother Duan has a keen eye!"

The so-called Ouyang style refers to the great calligrapher of this realm, Ouyang Tong.

Li Ruojian was obsessed with calligraphy and had applied himself deeply, blending the styles of a hundred masters, but he had put the most effort into Ouyang Tong.

Through years of copying and pondering, he felt that five or six years ago, he had already grasped the essence of Ouyang Tong, reaching a state where it "looks like nothing in particular, yet looks like everything."

Through these years of dedicated study, he had gradually developed his own character, and some of Ouyang Tong's elements had long since been integrated into his own style.

If one were not a great expert, it would be absolutely impossible to point it out at a glance.

Li Ruojian had originally thought Duan Rong's praise was just empty politeness, but he had not expected him to truly understand his brushwork.

Thinking of this, Li Ruojian could not help but blush, and he sighed, "I did not know Brother Duan was an expert; this sloppily written piece has offended Brother Duan's discerning eyes."

Duan Rong smiled and said, "The way of splashing ink is a marvelous creation of Heavenly Machine; to do it with intent is, on the contrary, not beautiful. Brother Li's writing already shows character! The slight sloppiness in the details is not worth mentioning!"

Li Ruojian was delighted to hear this. "Brother Duan, these words truly resonate with me."

Although he was obsessed with calligraphy and had applied himself deeply, this realm valued martial arts, and the literary atmosphere was sparse. He had loved the way of splashing ink since childhood, but because he delved into it so deeply, for a long time there had been no one he could talk to. Those who feigned refinement were mostly without real talent or learning, merely the likes of charlatans.

Therefore, Li Ruojian felt very lonely regarding this path.

But unexpectedly, here in the secluded deep valley of the Taiyi Sect, while serving as a Sect Hostage, he had encountered a kindred spirit, which instantly became a comfort to his lonely state of mind.

Li Ruojian really had not expected that Duan Rong, who looked like a martial artist with no literary air, would have the keen eyes of a master of calligraphy.

Duan Rong smiled and said, "Brother Li, when you have time in the future, we can explore this thoroughly."

Li Ruojian said happily, "I shall certainly keep you company!"

Li Ruojian's gaze shifted, and he said again, "If Brother Duan has nothing to do, you could provide some guidance on my writing right now."

Li Ruojian was so happy in his heart, how could he wait for another day? Moreover, discussing calligraphy with someone could just happen to soothe the pain of being a Sect Hostage; it was better than returning to his Cave Abode to sit alone in silence!

Hearing this, Duan Rong smiled lightly and said, "I dare not claim to provide guidance, but sharing some shallow views is certainly possible."

"Brother Duan, please speak, I am all ears!" Li Ruojian looked at Duan Rong with anticipation.

Duan Rong stared at the piece in his hand, frowned slightly, and said, "Forgive my bluntness, Brother Li, but your writing, on the surface, may have the momentum of an Influential Style, but it lacks follow-through and will find it difficult to become that of a master!"

Hearing this, Li Ruojian's originally expectant eyes suddenly dimmed, and his face stiffened.

He had been obsessed with calligraphy since he was a child and had worked hard, and later, the discussions he had with others were all words of flattery. Moreover, he truly had talent and high standards; this was the first time he had heard someone say he would find it difficult to become a master.

Although Duan Rong saw the change in Li Ruojian's expression, he continued, "Brother Li's writing starts from form, and through years of immersion, you have gradually polished your own character. There are many traces of 'using stones from other hills to polish jade' in this."

"In my view, Brother Li, the brushwork and form of this piece are already severed from the character within, yet you are completely unaware of it. You remain conservative and path-dependent, still using the form you have immersed yourself in for years to evolve your character; this is putting the cart before the horse!"

"Once the character is formed, you should discard the old form and, using the character as the foundation, generate a new form yourself!"

Li Ruojian had originally felt disdain, thinking Duan Rong was being arrogant, but at this moment, he felt as if he had been struck by a bolt of lightning, standing there dumbfounded!

"Once the character is formed, discard the old form, use the character as the foundation, generate a new form..." Li Ruojian muttered Duan Rong's words repeatedly; his entire world of calligraphy seemed to turn upside down in an instant.

Seeing Li Ruojian standing dumbfounded and muttering, Duan Rong knew he had gained some insight, so he continued, "Brother Li, the old form is like a raft that carried you across the river. You developed your own character because you immersed yourself in the old form. But, Brother Li, since you have already crossed the river, why must you still carry the raft on your back?"

It was as if lightning had flashed through Li Ruojian's heart, and it became instantly clear.

"That's right! I have already crossed the river, why do I need to carry the raft?"

"The old form should be discarded, and a new life will naturally emerge!"

Li Ruojian looked at Duan Rong blankly, then suddenly bowed and said, "Brother Duan's words are like a silent thunderclap to me!"

He now fully understood why Duan Rong said he lacked follow-through and would find it difficult to become a master.

It was because the old form he had achieved through years of immersion was the very thing he had relied on to gradually develop his character.

But that character was his accumulation of insights over time; it was born from his own heart!

It had its own life, and therefore, it had become severed from the old form he had created by blending the styles of a hundred masters.

It was just that he was trapped within it and had remained completely unaware. It was only because he was too familiar with the old form and too dependent on it.

Just as Duan Rong said, conservative and path-dependent!

These eight words were truly pearls of wisdom! They were like eight muffled thunderclaps, striking his heart until it was clear!

Duan Rong smiled and said, "I was just speaking in jest, Brother Li, please don't take it to heart! If I have offended you, please do not blame me!"

Li Ruojian said solemnly, "I am obsessed with calligraphy; if not for Brother Duan's words, I fear I would have been unable to return from the wrong path!"

Duan Rong said, "It is not too late to mend one's ways. Brother Li's future path in calligraphy will be limitless."

Li Ruojian said happily, "When the new form is achieved in the future, I will certainly ask Brother Duan to view it first!"

Li Ruojian swept away the gloom in his heart; it was as if the sorrow of being a Sect Hostage had also vanished into thin air. The path of calligraphy in his heart suddenly opened up, as clear as the sky after rain!

After discussing the Dao with Li Ruojian, Duan Rong took the list and walked out of the Cave Abode.

He prepared to leave the valley and return to Yunfu Peak. The Inner History Department was responsible for the allocation of Sect supplies, and the items on Li Ruojian's list were merely daily necessities; once handed over to the History Supervisors of the Inner History Department, they would be provided quickly.

When Duan Rong reached the entrance of the deep valley, he suddenly saw a figure walking out of the Deadwood Forest. His expression froze slightly; the person who had arrived was Lv Zhongtang.

Lv Zhongtang was a powerhouse of the Dongming Realm and an Elder of the Elder Council. Moreover, he was of the bloodline of the Ancestor Lv Yinlin, and furthermore, Lv Qingzhu lived permanently in the deep valley.

No matter how one puts it, he really should have come to walk about in this valley often, but in the time that Duan Rong had been living in the deep valley, this was the first time he had seen Lv Zhongtang enter the valley.

Duan Rong cupped his hands in a salute and said, "Senior Lv!"

Lv Zhongtang cast a glance at Duan Rong; the deaths of Ge Rusong and Pei Du both had a great deal to do with Duan Rong, and moreover, Duan Rong had stirred up quite a few matters recently, of which he had also heard some rumors.

Lv Zhongtang made a sound of acknowledgment in his nose and then walked past.

Duan Rong did not pay much mind to it either. If there was anything about this Lv Zhongtang worth his respect, it was likely the identity of being Lv Qingzhu's father. Aside from that, Duan Rong really did not care much for him.

Duan Rong then walked into the Deadwood Forest.

Carrying some bamboo-leaf Eight-Treasure Zongzi, Lv Zhongtang stood in the valley and peered toward the direction of Lv Qingzhu's Cave Abode, but he did not walk over; instead, he hung a few of the Zongzi on a pine tree beside him, then carried the remaining Zongzi and walked toward the Ancestor's Cave Abode.

Those emerald-green Zongzi, hanging on the branches of the dark, secluded pine tree, looked from afar as if they were strange fruits that had grown there.

Lv Zhongtang stood at the entrance of the Ancestor's Cave Abode, his heart feeling slightly nervous.

Counting it up, it had been over a year since he last came into this valley to pay his respects.

Although he was of the Ancestor's bloodline, he did not have the right to enter the valley to pay respects at any time. This was certainly because the Ancestor, Lv Yinlin, was by nature indifferent to human sentiment, but it was also because Lv Zhongtang was mediocre in talent, and Lv Yinlin was not very willing to see him.

In fact, this was also the reason he wanted to contend for the next Sect Master position; although the Ancestor did not concern himself with Sect affairs, as the Taiyi Sect Sect Master, there were still many matters that needed to be consulted and reported to the Ancestor! Because of this layer of reason, he would be able to come to the valley often to see the Ancestor.

Lv Zhongtang felt that if they spent time together often, perhaps the Ancestor's attitude toward him would change!

Lv Zhongtang stood at the entrance of the Cave Abode! From deep within the Cave Abode, a faint, ancient voice came. "Zhongtang! Come in!"

Hearing that the Ancestor's voice calling him today was quite cordial and not as cold as usual, Lv Zhongtang felt a sudden warmth in his heart and hurried into the cave.

Lv Yinlin sat deep within the Cave Abode, watching as Lv Zhongtang hurried in and knelt on the ground, calling out, "Unworthy descendant Lv Zhongtang pays respects to the Ancestor!"

Lv Yinlin's gaze shifted slightly; he had not seen this only surviving male descendant of his bloodline for over a year.

If not for the matter of the marriage alliance this time, he would not have let Chu Wushang call him here.

Lv Zhongtang had no children, and this branch of his bloodline was sparse in numbers!

However, Lv Yinlin had lived for over a thousand years and had long since grown indifferent to matters of bloodline; in fact, many times when he looked at Lv Zhongtang, it was as if he were looking at a stranger.

Lv Zhongtang could also feel this point, which was why he was often filled with trepidation in his heart.

But this time was different; Lv Yinlin's attitude toward him seemed much more cordial, and Lv Zhongtang could not help but feel flattered!

"Zhongtang, rise! No need for such formalities!"

"Thank you, Ancestor!" Lv Zhongtang stood up and bowed.

Lv Yinlin glanced at the emerald-green items Lv Zhongtang was carrying and asked, "What are you carrying in your hand?"

Lv Zhongtang said, "Reporting to the Ancestor, it is freshly wrapped Eight-Treasure glutinous rice Zongzi, containing lotus seeds, red dates, peanuts, dried tangerine peel, and other items. I do not know why, but this batch of Zongzi has a particularly fragrant scent, so I specifically brought them for the Ancestor to taste."

"Is that so?" Lv Yinlin smiled slightly and said, "Peel one for me to taste."

"Yes!" Lv Zhongtang responded, full of gratitude.

From childhood to adulthood, although he was of the Ancestor's bloodline, he had never had the fortune to serve him even once. Today, with Lv Yinlin suddenly asking him to peel a Zongzi, the joy in Lv Zhongtang's heart could be imagined.

His eyes were even slightly reddened.

"Come, Zhongtang! Sit here!" Lv Yinlin pointed to the Stone Chair not far away and said.

"Yes!"

Lv Zhongtang sat down, peeled a Zongzi on a clean wooden tray, then hurried over and held the Zongzi in both hands before Lv Yinlin.

Lv Yinlin took it, supported the emerald-green bamboo leaves, took a light bite, swallowed it slowly, and said with a faint smile, "It is indeed soft, glutinous, and fragrant!"

"If the Ancestor likes it, I will wrap more and bring them another day!"

Lv Yinlin said, "You are a thoughtful child. These years, I have neglected you!"

Upon hearing this, Lv Zhongtang immediately prostrated himself, saying with a choked voice, "The Ancestor's virtue is like the heavens! It is this descendant who is unworthy! For the Ancestor to say such things, Zhongtang feels even more as if ten thousand arrows are piercing his heart!"

Lv Yinlin said, "Enough! Rise, I have something to tell you!"

Hearing this, Lv Zhongtang stood up and wiped the tear stains from the corners of his eyes.

Lv Yinlin placed the half-eaten sticky rice dumpling on the wooden tray on the table and said, "Zhongtang, have you heard about the matter of Zhuang Tairu of the Divine Medicine Sect reaching the Nascent Soul Realm recently?"

Lv Zhongtang said, "I have heard some rumors. However, it seems this matter was first leaked by the Shenyi Sect themselves, which is somewhat strange."

Lv Yinlin nodded and said, "The matter of Zhuang Tairu reaching the Nascent Soul Realm is true. As for why the Divine Medicine Sect leaked the news themselves, that is another matter."

Lv Zhongtang's gaze shifted. Previously, he had discussed this matter with Xu Qie, Zheng Yi, and the others; if Zhuang Tairu had truly reached the Nascent Soul Realm, then...

Lv Yinlin said, "Today, the Ancestor of the Tianyan Sect, Li Ku, came to see me. He spoke with me about the matter of an alliance between our two Sects."

Lv Zhongtang listened intently, his heart surging.

Only to hear Lv Yinlin suddenly change the subject and say, "Zhongtang, do you think it would be a good marriage if that child Qingzhu were to be wed to the Young Sect Master of the Tianyan Sect, Li Ruozhou?"

Savoring Lv Yinlin's tone, Lv Zhongtang cupped his hands and said, "The status is certainly compatible, it is just that I do not know..."

Lv Yinlin said, "This matter was proposed by Li Ku, and I have already agreed to it."

"Then..." Lv Zhongtang said, "The Young Sect Master of the Tianyan Sect, Li Ruozhou, is rumored to have good talent; he will likely advance to the Dongming Realm within ten years or so, and whether he can eventually reach the Nascent Soul Realm is not yet known..."

Lv Yinlin looked at Lv Zhongtang and said, "The marriage alliance between Qingzhu and Li Ruozhou is to endorse the alliance between the two Sects. Never mind that Li Ruozhou has good talent; even if he were a cripple, Lv Qingzhu would still have to marry him. Zhongtang, do you understand what I mean?"

"Ancestor! Zhongtang understands! In these troubled times, I, as a descendant of the Lv surname, should naturally contribute to the Sect."

Lv Yinlin nodded and said, "It is good that you understand! That child Qingzhu has a stubborn temperament; you must persuade her well and let her understand that this matter is of great importance."

"The Ancestor can rest assured! Marriage has always been a matter of the parents' command and the matchmaker's word. For such a major event, how could she be allowed to indulge her temper!?"

"Still, persuade her gently; do not pressure her too much. That child Qingzhu is a person of inner clarity and should understand the greater good!"

"Yes, Ancestor!" Lv Zhongtang said, "Qingzhu has been by the Ancestor's side since she was young, receiving teachings before you day and night. If she does not even understand this bit of propriety, would she not be failing the Ancestor's teachings?"

(End of chapter)