Torsten Hewson
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v3c7: Trading Pointers
🕑 Added 2022-04-26 05:46:27 +0000 UTCA blade whistled through the air in a quiet section of the forest. It cut the air, descending towards the earth almost gracefully, before curving back up. A slight bit of sweat followed it from my fist.
I was in a quiet section of the forest near Hong Yaowu, practicing with my sword. Everybody else was asleep for the night.
My muscles strained. The sword felt wrong in my hands. The grip was nothing like a shovel, or even an axe. I glanced again at the scroll, wondering what I was getting wrong, but as I looked at it, I somehow knew that I should be moving right. I should be following it perfectly.
And yet, it still felt off.
The movements were right, but there was something deep in my body rejecting it.
An old fear bubbled inside, that I wasn’t good enough, I was weak. Worse still, I couldn’t help but feel shame because I was failing Gramps’.
Rou’s memories always started coming up more when I thought about the old man, and the bitter feelings that came with it.
I sighed and put the sword down, swapping to the other form Gramps had taught me, the one I did every morning. This at least didn’t feel too bad… until I started trying to shadowbox an imaginary opponent. The second I thought of it as more than a way to defend myself, my limbs started to creak.
It was a disconcerting feeling, so I pushed it aside and concentrated on both the movements… and what I had learned today.
The Lord Magistrate’s first lesson had been… interesting, I guess. Politics was never a field I was versed, or really interested in at all. Where I had come from the view of the government was one of thinly veiled disdain. Rou hadn’t really thought of it at all either. Gramps certainly hadn’t taught him anything on it, and cultivation had consumed his world since he had been picked up. At least I wasn’t completely unarmed. The courtly characters that Rou had been taught were invaluable, but I still didn’t know exactly what to expect.
So it was with trepidation that I had walked into the lesson. It was an empty, private room that was quite well appointed. We had drinks, and proper seats, and I had a rough list of things to go over. It just really felt like he had invited me into his house until he rose, his face all business. Seeing him standing in front of me with his hands behind his back as he gave a lecture seemed almost… modern.
But I suppose lectures hadn't really changed much since the dawn of schools, except with the addition of Powerpoint.
You could kind of ape Powerpoint with a recording crystal…
Nope, keeping that idea to myself. I’d already introduced the wedding slideshow, and that had been a pretty big hit. Maybe I could unleash it on the Azure Jade Trading Company, so I could conquer the world with colorful graphs and commercial blitzes.
Though the Lord Magistrate didn’t need all of that to be engaging. His stern looks and voice had me enraptured. He had that calm charisma everybody talked about, one that I finally got to see first hand.
“There is no one true path for this.” The Lord Magistrate had declared. “Essentially, one must pick a… face for lack of a better term. To act out your chosen role. How did you act when you first met the other members of the sects? If you clearly remember that, then continue, for the most part, to act that way. If you disregarded decorum at the start, then you can continue to do so. Acting in a consistent manner is what is key. Some disregard of decorum can in this case be in your best interest—for it either shows you have no idea what you’re doing as you said—or you’re so powerful that such petty things are beneath you. I believe, from what you have told me, that the latter is the assumption. So we must feed this assumption.”
His starting speech wasn’t quite what I expected, but it all made sense. Leverage what you have. Use all your strengths. He said it with such complete and calm authority that I couldn’t help but trust him.
He did look a bit tired though, but I suppose I had given him quite a bit of stress by forcing him to make time for me, the poor guy.
I’d have to get him something nice.
After the first lecture he moved onto a strange sort of quiz, where he asked me a bunch of questions and I had to essentially roleplay answers.
Though it revealed what would be considered a flaw in this world.
I apologized too much.
For the first time in my life, I was told being as polite as I was was a detriment. Part of me recoiled when I was told I couldn’t reflexively say sorry.
I’d have to fight every fiber of my being to do it but it was something I’d need to do when I talked to people.
After that, I got a bunch of scrolls to learn proper decorum, so I could know when somebody was trying to insult me subtly and to know which ones I could “safely” ignore.
All in all it was remarkably structured for something that looked like he had put it together in a single night. At least this time he had seemed a bit more happy when I gave him some of the Spirit Herbs. His wife had told me he sometimes had stomach problems and that the herbs helped with that.
At the end of the day all that was left was a run back to Hong Yaowu, and a wife who commiserated with the pile of scrolls I had to read.
Meimi had her own stuff with Lady Wu, who was apparently a slave driver, making her sit through an entire mock formal event.
She had certainly been more proactive than me at getting prepared, but I wasn’t going to be slacking any longer.
And it was a bit of a balm on my mind that, well, I wasn’t alone. Meimei had taken up her lessons with Lady Wu of her own volition, to help me.
If there was one person in the entire world I could count on, it was Meimei. But I did have more than her, didn’t I? I had an entire family of people who would be happy to help.
I brought myself out of my thoughts and grimaced as I was soaked with sweat from the forms I had been practicing.
I sighed. I wasn’t really getting anywhere.
I got out of my stance and sat down beside the blade and the scroll. I stared at the sky, a beautiful band of stars that dyed the sky silver and the moon shone as a silver crescent, high above.
Well, I had already asked one person for help, and Lanlan knew more about this cultivation stuff anyway. Or maybe Big D would be able to see what was wrong—
“Great Master?” A voice interrupted me and I glanced back, staring at Big D. The rooster had been with Rizzo all day, both of them helping Pops out by collecting mushrooms. Speak of the devil… or I guess it’s Speak of Cao Cao here.
Except instead of a warlord of the Three Kingdoms, he was some super powerful cultivator who had a Qi projection of himself laughing at you, appearing if you spoke his name in anger.
I raised a hand and waved at the approaching bird. “Hey, how are you doing tonight, buddy?” I asked, lowering my shoulder slightly so he could hop on.
The rooster, however, remained on the ground, his eyes serious.
===================
Bi De had had a wonderful day in Hong Yaowu. He had spent it largely with Sister Ri Zu and Yin, exploring the forests, and examining the village, while his Lord was off in the Verdant Hill, consulting with his servant.
The First Disciple himself still had unfinished business there, with the strange old woman who had given him his map, but he would find out what exactly was in the crystal before he was going to confront her.
He had been preoccupied with how to approach his Great Master. His Lord hadn’t exactly been secretive about his training, and his struggle was obvious.
Yet he persisted.
Bi De had convened a quiet gathering before they had come to Hong Yaowu to discuss the issue with Sister Xiulan and Tigu. Xiulan had posited that perhaps it was his cultivation that prevented him from taking up the sword, and that this was merely a bottleneck.
Tigu thought it foolish to bother him with their worries. She had simply declared that she would get so strong she would never need to be saved again, and the Great Master could remain at Fa Ram. He would hear not a word of enemies, for there would be none.
For his part, Bi De was unsure. All he knew was that his Master needed aid. Something he had little idea how to give it.
All were in agreement: They would aid the Great Master, little though their power was.
Their plans, however, had been interrupted by the sweet ambrosia that was the mead; and then, by preparations for the festival, as the great Master cut back on his evening bladework.
Tonight, his master had once more gone to practise alone. Sister Tigu and Sister Xiulan had both agreed that he should be the one to approach the master. He was First Disciple and thus the closest to him.
Besides, Bi De had been with him when he had received this technique, after all.
Yet now, he felt trepidation as he gazed at his Great Master.
His Lord’s face was slick with sweat, and his arm, the one with which he had struck the interloper Zang Li with had little lines of gold trailing up it.
Like the wound was still there, just beneath the surface.
“Hey, how are you doing today, buddy?” his Master asked, as he made the gesture to allow Bi De to sit upon his shoulder.
His smile was the same as always as he beheld his Disciple, even through the strain.
Bi De honoured his Master’s teachings. In this he thought perhaps he had found a way through the puzzle of how to help him. One of his greatest yet simplest lessons..
He asked.
“Your Disciple is well, Great Master.” he said, bowing. “Yet, it is not for my well being that I have come to you… there is something that troubles you.”
His Lord grimaced at the question, and Bi De was afraid he had overstepped himself.
But his Master merely sighed, and glanced at the scroll of war.
“...yeah. Yeah, this is troubling me, a bit.” His smile was crooked, as he trailed off, and shrugged. “This stuff… its a bit much, sometimes, ya know?” he asked, gesturing at the sword.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Bi De pressed, forging ahead. “We have all noticed your discomfort. Your Disciples are concerned, Great Master.”
His Lord grimaced. “It's that obvious?” he asked, his frown stretching across his face. “I’m sorry if I’ve made you worry.”
Bi De shook his head. “Do not apologize, Great Master. We all know why you pursue this path…. yet it does not take away from the fact that it does concern us to see your pain in practicing the arts of war.”
His Great Master went quiet at Bi De’s words. He glanced at the scroll. He looked towards the direction of verdant Hill, as his eyes went far away for a moment.. “...I ran away from this life.” he whispered, frustration in his voice. “I never wanted any of this. The politicking, the sects, the fights… I hate it. I just wanted to be a farmer.”
“And yet you do it anyway, don’t you?”
“Yeah. I started it, so I’ll see it through to the end.” he snorted, looking away from Bi De. “Sorry if I’m not that great of a Master.”
Bi De glared at his Master, for the tone in his voice.
“No. You are our Great Master. You shoulder this burden for us, even though you hate it. But Great Master…. It does not have to be this way. Let your humble Disciples be your blades, if such things are required.”
The words were delivered calmly, as the rooster bowed his head. His Great Master seemed struck, as he shook his head.
“I can’t ask people to shoulder a burden I’m unwilling to take up.” His Great Master returned.
“You do not need to ask us, Master. We all chose this. For the things you have created. Your dream that you told us of… I, your Disciple, must say… it is not yours alone anymore. When you first asked me my goals, after our battle with Sun Ken… I said it was to defend Fa Ram. I stick to that oath.”
Nearly a year ago, in the snow, after Sun Ken’s demise, his Great Master had confided in them his goal. His reasons for coming to the Azure hills. His Master’s goal of creating a heaven upon the earth.
Bi De had seen the world. And yet, his goal had not changed, even with his experiences. He would defend Fa Ram. That was his proudest goal, and greatest ambition.
His Great Master stared at Bi De.
“To defend your home, huh?” he asked. He took a breath. “But.. even if this isn’t working out, I need something. I’m not going to be a liability. Bi De. Will you help me?”
The First Disciple swept into a bow, pride surging in his breast at his Lord’s trust. “Would you do this Bi De the honour of trading pointers with him?”
He was going to get to directly spar with his lord.
He glanced up, to see his master flinch at the question. Bi De wondered if he had overstepped himself. His Master’s hand rose up, unbidden, as he clutched at his heart. He sucked in a breath, and closed his eyes.
Then, he nodded. His Master rose to his feet, and bowed.
“Please treat me kindly, Master Bi De.” He intoned.
Bi De felt his heart leap up into his throat, and his feathers puffed out as his Lord referred to Bi De as his Master.
“Please, Great Master. You do not need to embarrass your disciple so!” he squawked.
His Lord laughed at Bi De’s cracking voice, as both rose from their bows.
“Alright. Lets do this!” His Master demanded.
Bi De lunged forwards. His Master, who had raised him so high, asking him for pointers.
The Crescent moon shone above, in its most perfect form.
====================
=============
And, for the first time, Master truly spars with disciple.
Editors: Massgamer, Ayje, Brandon “Philosophysics” Zhang-Leong, Heavenly Daoist
Comments
Kevin Menard
me too. Hell, I only found V1 a bit ago.
Ashlazaria
Playing catchup after a crazy 10 months - yay for binge reading!! As always, thank you so much for such a wonderful tale. “Something he had little idea how to give it.” should be “Something he had little idea how to give.”
Mugatu9
I think if he's gonna fight, he should use either his fists or a farmer's tool. Maybe an axe or a scythe
Xegzy
hmm, so I've been thinking about it for a bit while cleaning and there's one thing you got totally right in this chapter. when a martial art form is technically perfect but not owned by the user, its actually a hard concept to grasp and you least have a good starting point of showing it and describing it. this is coming from a martial artists of 16 years.
BlueMage_VT
I remember earlier in the story it being mentioned that rice goes beyond even gold grade. If their sample of gold grade doesn't compare, could this have also been misidentified? Or is it just the qi?
JazBird
Honor, respect, humility and friendships, beautifully written. Thank you.
Heidao
It's not the fighting to protect, it's when his mind touches on the thought to attack beyond the means of defense, for himself and for others, like when he killed Lu Ban it was under the concept of "killing a rabid animal" something within the scope of a farmer protecting his flock and farm.
is_dave
It doesn't show across the actual dialogue is me point.
Liam Rafferty
I thought excessive apologizing was assumed because he’s Canadian.
Shadow Gaming
Better see this fight
Imspinnennetz
Chapter is delayed till tomorrow.
Notcreepycreeper
Nah, I kinda like that the pacifism is a core aspect of his character. Every good MC has to have a weakness. Jin is a farmer, he's going places with farming no one has in thousands of years. Having to rely on someone else for the fighting is a nice balance
Chris
While it was kind of obvious how the conversation was going to go, I hoped it would be a bit different. He doesn't want to fight at all, so it seems he's having issues with learning how to fight more of a mental block than anything else. Somehow I hope it comes to him that it's okay to fight to protect, and hopefully soon so we can move past it since this has been an issue the entire time. I would also be really disappointed if Big D just handles him in the spar.
JohnJohn2195
Maybe its exaggerated a bit but some of the times he has done it havent been that bad. Like if we got him apologizing to lanlan for pushing credit for for sun ken death cause of the stress it put her under to fixing the guys house he destroyed. Its not totally bad but if they wanna give him a image to project it has to stay in line with what they got so cut back a bit and more serious and stern image pushed forward more.
BZD
This is like the highest honor for Big D.
BZD
I believe that’s the case.
BZD
There’s a reason this is called Beware of Chicken.
is_dave
Is it just me, or is Jin's excessive apologizing more told than shown? It's not something I picked up from past chapters.
Carl Mason
You mean a mattock? That would be a reasonable weapon to use, and he probably already has one.
J6
Fan art of this moment now!
Len
While lanlan would be good from the cultivator side for the young master aspect, the politics of the cultivator side is, I am stronger, bow to me weakling. No negotiations, just my fist is bigger, i win.
Guy L.
Loving this still. Seeing your updates is the highlight of my week.
Heidao
I'd say this could go either way, with other cultivator stories where masters are involved, they can make a fight difficult for a disciple from the sheer pressure of qi they release. Unless Jin takes it seriously enough to release his power, then Bi De would have an even hand by being able to tap into and release his full might for the spar, instead of fighting a two part front of fighting and not getting crushed by the pressure. I'm gonna guess or dear birb will try and invoke Jin to at least get over the strain of attacking beyond defense.
BargleNawdleZouss
10 silver says that Bi De beats Jin like a rug during spring cleaning.
SuperiorFreak
Yeah but the LM isnt a cultivator. He would be great for general political stuff and how to deal with the trading company. But lanlan would be superior when it came to inter Sect politics. Thats why I was saying Lanlan should be helping him alongside the LM. So he gets both sides of the coin. (Mortals and Cultivators.)
SuperiorFreak
Well yes, but LM is a mortal politician. Lanlan is a cultivator. LM is good training for dealing with the Jade Trading company. Meanwhile lanlan would be better for teaching him how to navigate sect politicts with fellow cultivators.
Nicholas Roberts
I both agree and disagree. Ya, for sect appearances, Lanlan would be great for teaching him how to act like a young master. But he doesn't want to be like a young master; the only authority figure he really respects is the Lord Magistrate, who has dealt with him fairly the entire time he's known him. He wants to emulate that kind of leadership, not the arrogance of a young master, especially since he were driven off from the cloudy sword sect by an arrogant young master.
BargleNawdleZouss
Canadianity? Canadianosity?
Noah
I want him to use a Kuwa (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuwa_(weapon)). It’s basically a reinforced farming hoe, and was used in Okinawan martial arts. I’m pretty sure he’ll need a reinforced hoe someday anyway, since his normal farming swings are probably super powerful. Another option would be an axe, but I think a hoe fits better with his identity as a farmer. I do like your idea of a shovel too.
Noah
Jin forgot to Beware the Chicken
Joe Smith
That’s a good one and more in keeping with the original phraseology.
Eric Manwill
Or perhaps, "hold to that oath."
Chad Hagner
TYFTC, great chapter! The webnovel has so much feels in it.
Oskatat
'uphold my oath'?
Oskatat
Steven becomes rather poetic, but I do understand his point. It doesn't matter why you wield the sword, the purpose of the sword is solely for killing humans. It's for fighting another being that uses weapons, tools. You don't take a sword to hunt animals, except in silly fantasy stories.
Dion Crump
And it turns out the first two books were a prologue about the greatest demon in the land. Sun pales incomparison of the one who committed the crime of killing his great master. Tales are spread across all of Azure hills about the wondering abomination that is Big D, one phrase summing up the feelings of all those he crosses. Beware of Chicken
Randall Norman Pick
His Canadianness showing is great.
Deinos
And then he died. Big D didn’t expect that he wouldn't block or avoid the attack properly. Alas, now the story continues with Big D.
taukid
He has to fight "every fibre of [his] being" in order to not apologize. Yep, definitely Canadian. And I think he has such trouble with the sword because it is exclusively an instrument of war. He should use something like a knife, hammer or ax that is a tool first and foremost but can also be used in combat. Though, maybe he should stick with his "mighty spur" the shovel, it works for Broccoli Bunch.
Undead Writer
I love it!! I can’t wait for the next chapter! It’s so good to see Big D finally having a proper talk with his master. Thanks for the chapter!
Cory C.
From Jin’s perspective he says “Hey, how are you doing tonight, buddy?” from Bi De’s he says “Hey, how are you doing today, buddy?”
Carl Mason
There is definitely a mental block, but there may also be a more direct block in a weapon compatability sense.
Steven Whitfield
Thou shalt not Murder. Killing a thinking being on purpose is murder. Blood on your hands tears a chunk out of your soul. And for display? Dance with a ribbon or a ring, impress me with your skill and coordination, not me being ready to duck if you loose your grip.
Carlos Torres
"I'd have to get him something nice." Even though the misunderstanding has been cleared up, Jin is still finding ways to upset the Great Magistrate.
Elias_Baker
I agree, I think ‘abide’ fits better than ‘stick to,’ but I think ‘honor’ would be best
Nim
Someone is hopefully going to point out to Jin eventually that a sword is not the only weapon out there. The idea of training to kill is his problem as much as the object, but maybe he'd do better with...I dunno, a staff. Something he wouldn't feel conflicted about just carrying, letting alone fighting with
PaulRovinsky
That's a matter of perspective. Is a sword being used to murder when it's defending the weak? Or freeing the enslaved? Or even just being used to display skill as an art form?
StarBat
12 zodiac farm style is a goooooo!
James Squibb
It started raining towards the end of the chapter.
Joe Smith
I usually try not to criticize because I’m just here to enjoy the wonderful story but I feel the phrase “stick to that oath” does not fit Bi De. Bi De is usually very formal - stick to has a colloquial feel (although I couldn’t determine whether the etymology matches). I would suggest perhaps “honor that oath” or “abide by that oath” instead?
Sebastian Rubin
This is the perfect example of this fic. Jin pushed through his trauma and stepped up for his friends, but trauma doesn't disappear just because you overcame it once. And his disciples, wonderful people that they are, notice his struggle and use the most precious of arts, which they learned from him - they simply asked him, and offered their help.
Steven Whitfield
The Sword. It is used almost solely for one on one combat with men. It is the Mankiller. It's only use is for murder. Spear to hunt. Bow to hunt. But when one must manipulate and lead people, the way of the sword, both the threat and the strategy of its use is invaluable.
Michael Foat
I think.. that it's possibly a combination of all three. First, we have the fact that this is an offensive art and the tangents with this is what he was getting away from (with the "seniors" trading "pointers" with him.). Second, his ties with Earth Spirit and her inherent issues with seeing the perverted forms of her friends in the ages passed and what this might be seen as. Finally, simple part of gramps probably chose the style based on either his own experiences or where he might have seen Jin going and Jin's been knocked off course since then
ericksond
This chapter pretended to be trivial then ended up a punch in the gut. Maybe because I read it while waking up from a sleepless night. This was emotional. It was beautiful. I don’t know why but Jin’s interactions with Bi De to me is always something to cherish.
Demian Buckle
So what do you think Jin's problem is with training for war. Is it a mental block regarding war or is it related to this connection to the earth and that the sword and style are not compatible with him?
AG
“ Part of me recoiled when I was told I couldn’t reflexively say sorry” oh yeah he’s definitely Canadian
Finley Lord
Really solid chapter…. Hit me in the feels at the right time
Mantiqore
Xianghua could also play the role of the arrogant young master
Cody
I know you’ve had a bit of time struggling with the last chapter but, I’m enjoying the world you’re creating very much.
Demian Buckle
Thank you for the Chapters.
KnightRider007
Especially considering that Jin aside, Bi De is *literally* the mightiest warrior of his generation in the entire Azure Hills. After Xiulan got burned back to Initiate, he’s the only Profound-level combatant around who isn’t a clan elder.
KnightRider007
“He would hear not a word of enemies, for there would be none.” That is so Tigu…
BelligerentGnu
Man, I can't wait to find out how Bi De's technique compares to Jin's raw power.
BlueMage_VT
Idk, Xiulan had to learn how to handle the farm tools rather than the sword she had been taught, she knows what it's like to learn a new form totally alien to what you re used to. I do still think Bi De is the better choice, but I feel like Xiulan might have some insights for him.
Philipp Zander
I really hope he gets to terms with needing power in this world and being able to defend what you´ve build. Having prowess in the arts of war does not have to be a negative, it does not make him a bad person. This feels like the issue he had where Meimei helped him through and it made him stronger for it. Here´s hoping for a similar outcome
Philip
Enjoyable.
Kawika Myers
Oh man, I can just see the scene in my head, too. both of them on opposite sides of the clearing, a leaf falling as they talk, End credits for the episode playing softly in the back ground. They both bow, take up stances (with cut ins from either side), and, with the leaf finally hitting the forest floor in the foreground, leap towards each other as the camera does a quick pan up to the moon while the full version of the Ending credits hit the first main chorus. it's just so glorious
Vylet Raku-n
I am thinking it's more LM is better for the general world of politicking. He can guide in the ins and outs of dealing with other magistrates and high society. Xiulan would be able to kind of teach him but politics are not a way of life for her like they are for LM.
SuperiorFreak
Personally I think that Jin should be asking Lanlan to help train him in the arts of politicking. At least when the Magistrate isn’t working on him. Like while they are at the Farm for example. She is a young mistress and should have been raised with that stuff shoved down her throat. Sure she may not have enjoyed it, but she certainly should be able to act like a “proper” cultivator around Jin to help him practice.
SuperiorFreak
She would certainly make a good roleplay partner for practicing. Have her act like a conceited young master and have him attempt to navigate the political perils that come with it.
Justin
That's a great chapter and a tease. Look forward to the next chapter!
The Dapper Lemon
You never fail to amaze me, CF. Every time I think the story couldn't possibly get better, that the chapters couldn't be any more touching, you go and pull back the curtain and prove me wrong. This glimpse into Jin and BD's relationship just feels perfect. I'd say keep up the good work but you're already doing that. Instead, I'll just say thanks for another great portion of this story and I can't wait for the next.
RJKY
Jin: My greatest challenge yet, apologizing less.
Valderan
I think that Bi De is a better choice to teach him that a sword is not his tool. Nobody asked Bi De to pick up a sword, nor would it be particularly effective in his talons. Xiulan I suspect would muddy things greatly.
Imspinnennetz
Jin about to have his Karate Kid training moment.
S. Nutter
I am excited to see how this spar will go. Jin will probably fall back on his normal skills rather than his martial skills, right?
Green0Photon
> apologizes too much Who does he think he is? Wei Shi Lindon?
Mad Max
I feel that, as much as we have a good resource in LM as a teacher, we are ignoring the potential of another closer to home. Just why isn't Jin talking to Xiulan about this? The YM of Verdant blade would have a few thoughts of her own on decorum in the cultivator world, no?
Nicholas Roberts
Aw this chapter is so sweet. Big D's lookin out for his ol man, huh? I love that Jin is able to put aside his pride and ask for help.
Imspinnennetz
Jin apologizes too much. He truly is from Canada. Really love the master disciple moment between Bi De and Jin.
Konrad2
Corrections:
