C14 To Walk Well

In the Lin family's Sparring Courtyard, it wasn't unheard of for a disciple to rise through the ranks. Yet, for a low-level sparring partner to leapfrog directly to the status of a core disciple was unprecedented. Such a promotion had never occurred in the history of the Lin family, nor among any of the families in Omynabel City.

Meng Yang was unclear about the machinations behind the scenes that led to his sudden elevation. What had prompted the Lin family to promote him so directly to the core disciple rank? Nevertheless, he understood that this marked a turning point: Meng Yang had finally earned the right to truly live. He could now do as he pleased, eat what he desired, and dedicate himself wholeheartedly to growing stronger.

He had initially thought that defeating Gao Yubo might earn him a promotion to a senior sparring partner—a stroke of immense luck. But the reality was far more astounding, and it had come without any mental preparation. Of course, Meng Yang saw through it all, recognizing that these changes were the fruits of his increased strength. Without it, he would remain just a sparring partner, a human punching bag at the mercy of others.

With a deep breath, Meng Yang regained his composure, allowing a relieved smile to cross his face, returning to his usual serene demeanor. Lee Shen, ever observant, took in every nuance of Meng Yang's expressions. He marveled at how this striking young man, who had been with the Lin family for just over four months, possessed such an expansive spirit. At merely seventeen, he could master his emotions in the blink of an eye. His self-control and depth of character were the marks of a heroic youth, and Lee Shen foresaw even greater achievements in his future.

"Master Meng, please come to the Disciple Courtyard in three days to collect your reward," Lee Shen said with a slight smile, gesturing to the attendant holding a red tray behind him. The change in status made Meng Yang reflect on the transformative power of strength—it even dictated where one lived. Indeed, it was a world where strength was the ultimate arbiter.

"Thank you, Lee Shen," Meng Yang replied with a nod and a gracious smile, which only served to elevate Lee Shen's already high opinion of him. He couldn't help but admire Meng Yang's composure and foresight, qualities rare in someone so young and yet so essential for a promising future.

I couldn't help but admire him; so young, yet with such a steady composure. Despite wearing tattered hemp clothes that were hardly appropriate, he was undeniably a graceful and talented young man.

If Meng Yang were aware of Lee Shen's high regard for him, he would likely be mortified, blushing with embarrassed praise.

As a model young man who had transmigrated from a modern city, he had no concept of subservience or superiority. He treated everyone with courtesy, unless they managed to anger him—then he became quite formidable.

"If Master Meng has no further instructions, please visit the Steward Courtyard within the next three days. There are some follow-up matters that require your assistance. I shall take my leave now and not impose any further."

With that, Lee Shen bowed with a cupped fist and departed without waiting for a response from Meng Yang, seemingly preoccupied with other matters.

Meng Yang watched Lee Shen's retreating figure until he vanished around the corner, then closed the door and returned to his room.

"Now do you believe me?" Meng Yang asked.

Nan Chenhai, looking at the fine food and wine on the red wooden tray, opened his mouth to speak, then paused and nodded.

Meng Yang, who had been ready to tease Nan Chenhai, found himself unable to muster a laugh. His keen intuition had picked up on something amiss when the three elders had brought the tray into their room, but he had kept his composure while dealing with Lee Shen.

Now, with a complex expression, he approached Nan Chenhai, clapped him on the shoulder, and gestured for him to sit. In the ensuing silence, Meng Yang tossed aside the inferior wine jug he had been holding and, feigning a boisterous spirit, boasted, "You accused me of bragging, but just smell this wine—that's the real deal. This jug is more than enough for the two of us."

Nan Chenhai flashed a toothy grin and playfully punched Meng Yang in the chest, saying, "You, my friend, have truly surprised me."

"I remember when you first walked into this room, I thought to myself, 'What kind of fool sells himself to the Lin family at such a young age, squandering his prime?' It wasn't until you were sobbing under the blanket, talking about saving your sister, that I realized you were a man deeply committed to your loved ones."

Reflecting on the conversation, Nan Chenhai let out a sigh and shook his head. "These days, people like you either die the fastest or get taken advantage of the worst. Luckily, you smartened up after that serious injury and finally got what you wanted."

"Aren't you the same..." Meng Yang looked at the man who had been both a teacher and a friend to him for four months, yet they had only spoken for half of that time. Meng Yang was overwhelmed with emotions, but he knew the inevitable was approaching.

"You already know?" Nan Chenhai asked, a smile breaking through as he spoke.

Meng Yang nodded, a tinge of sadness pulling at the corner of his mouth. "The Lin family's sparring partners only get porridge twice a day, even on holidays. If you can drink and eat meat without noticing anything amiss, then I, Meng Yang, must be adorably foolish."

"Every person meets their end one day, unless they're one of the Mighty who seek the pinnacle of cultivation. Otherwise, we all become dust and bones," Nan Chenhai mused. "I've experienced wealth and loss in my life, once rich enough to be envied, with bandits' blood staining the mountains at my hand, and even causing thieves to tremble at the mere mention of my name. But life is fickle, like a cruel joke. I should have died five years ago, and now that my time has come, it feels justified."

Meng Yang remained silent, but he could sense the deep regret and reluctance in Nan Chenhai's calm voice. He didn't know what had happened to Nan Chenhai. If his words were true, then Nan Chenhai must have been a well-known and honorable man. Yet, why had he ended up in such dire straits? In the half month they'd spent together, Meng Yang hadn't asked, and Nan Chenhai hadn't offered any explanations, just as Nan Chenhai never inquired about Meng Yang's family.

"When?" Meng Yang finally asked.

"Tomorrow!" Nan Chenhai replied, taking a sip from his wine jug, pausing thoughtfully before reaffirming, "Tomorrow morning."

"The promise I made before still stands..." Meng Yang took the jug from Nan Chenhai and gulped down a mouthful. But he didn't swallow the wine; instead, he let the fiery liquid course through him, mirroring the bittersweet emotions swirling in his heart that he couldn't shake off.

The next morning, as the sun shone through the window, six people appeared at Meng Yang's doorstep. Three were from the Lin family, and the other three were government officials.

Of the six individuals, three were from the Lin family, and the other three were officials who had come to the scene. Upon knocking on the door, they were greeted by Meng Yang and Nan Chenhai, who had been eagerly awaiting their arrival.

Meng Yang was in the dark about where these six people intended to take Nan Chenhai, and he was equally clueless about the charges that would justify Nan Chenhai's execution. He refrained from asking any questions, aware that no inquiry would alter the grim reality.

As Nan Chenhai departed from the Disciple Courtyard, vanishing from sight, Meng Yang remained motionless, rooted to the spot. Time seemed to stand still until a chill of autumn air swept through, prompting Meng Yang to bow deeply in respect.

To the first friend he had ever made in this world, the one who had taught him the deficiencies in his martial arts, and the very friend he had playfully bickered with, Meng Yang's bow was prolonged and solemn. It took a considerable time before he lifted his gaze, now blurred with emotion.

At that moment, the first light of dawn was breaking at the edge of the sky. With a sense of solemn farewell, Meng Yang spoke his parting words.

"My friend, farewell..."