Chapter 35: The Way of a Teacher

"Zhiwei, do you have anything to say about today's sparring match?"

"Master, it was just a case of curiosity getting the better of me. When I saw Zhao Zhen's Golden Escape Flowing Light technique, I couldn't help but want to experience it for myself..."

Two familiar voices drifted into the ears of Zhao Zhen, who happened to be taking a stroll nearby. Turning his head, he saw Zhang Zhiwei kneeling before Zhang Jingqing, wearing a fawning, oily smile.

"I know, Master. You don't get along with that Master Jinguang, so you wanted me to spar with Zhao Zhen to show him up and bring some prestige to our Tianshi Mansion. Besides, you've long been interested in that Golden Escape Flowing Light technique yourself. Picking me out was also a way for you to learn more about it, wasn't it? Although I disappointed you by accidentally ending the match in a draw, please rest assured, Master. After having experienced his technique firsthand, I will never take such a risk again. If there is another chance to spar, I guarantee I will defeat him in the shortest time possible!"

Seeing Zhang Zhiwei still failing to grasp his deep-seated intentions, Zhang Jingqing glared at him, frustrated by his lack of growth.

"Prestige? Showing someone up? Do you think your master is such a petty person? Setting Zhao Zhen aside, that Duan Chuan is nothing but a wretched scoundrel of the Quanzhen sect; I have never once held him in any regard! The only thing about him worth my attention is that Golden Escape Flowing Light technique! You fool! Do you still not understand the true purpose behind me having you spar with Zhao Zhen?"

Zhang Zhiwei was slightly taken aback. He didn't understand; he had only been caught off guard by Zhao Zhen once, and it wasn't even a loss—just a draw. Why was his master so furious?

"Master, it was truly an accident during the day. I just wasn't careful enough..."

"Not careful! Zhang Zhiwei, that was no accident! From the very beginning, you never took Zhao Zhen seriously at all!"

"I..." Zhang Zhiwei opened his mouth, but no words came out.

"Back on the mountain, yes, you are talented. None of your fellow disciples are your match, and you certainly have the right to be proud. But Zhang Zhiwei, I have warned you more than once: the world is full of heroes, like carp crossing a river. No matter where you are, you must remember that there is always someone better, and there is always a sky beyond the sky. You didn't win today. To be blunt, if Zhao Zhen were truly a malicious villain and your encounter hadn't taken place at the Lu family banquet, you would have already paid the price for your arrogance with your life! You act like a foolish lion, looking at everyone with utter indifference, thinking you are above it all! We practitioners should hold ourselves to the standards of saints, but we must also understand others through the eyes of mortals. Zhang Zhiwei, ask yourself: have you achieved the latter?"

Zhang Jingqing’s words were heavy, almost shouted by the end. It was clear that he was truly incensed by Zhang Zhiwei’s refusal to learn his lesson. Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhiwei’s pupils constricted. He finally realized that his master’s true purpose in bringing him along was to humble him.

Recalling his past with his fellow disciples on the mountain and the battle with Zhao Zhen during the day, Zhang Zhiwei finally lowered his head in shame.

"Master, this disciple was wrong!"

Seeing Zhang Zhiwei finally acknowledge his own flaws, a flicker of gratified relief appeared in Zhang Jingqing’s eyes. While a leopard cannot change its spots and fixing his foolish disciple’s arrogance would not happen overnight, he had made a good start. By waking him up now, he trusted that with his disciple's aptitude, he would eventually come to understand his master's painstaking efforts. Such is the way of a mentor.

As for that little fellow eavesdropping nearby... Heh, let it be. Considering he did me such a big favor, I’m in a good mood; I’ll let it slide this time.

Meanwhile, in the woods behind them, Zhao Zhen quietly and consciously retreated. He knew Zhang Jingqing must have discovered him long ago; the fact that he hadn't exposed him was likely out of consideration for Zhang Zhiwei’s dignity. As he walked back to his room, Zhao Zhen sighed softly.

A teacher does more than pass on knowledge and solve puzzles; they must teach a student how to be a person. Zuo Ruotong, Zhang Jingqing—to have had the fortune to study under such men is a blessing earned over many lifetimes. As for himself, that old man who left behind such a massive "legacy" before disappearing without a word, never even returning to check on him all these years... Sigh, they are both masters, but why is the gap between them so vast?

Forget it, there's no use envying others. I might as well think about how to navigate the days to come. But why does he always run into such eavesdropping situations?

"Time to sleep."

***

Early the next morning, the guests who had attended the Lu family banquet gathered at the entrance of the estate to bid farewell to the Elder Lu and Lu Xuan. Zhao Zhen was no exception. With the banquet over, there was no reason to stay. Besides, he still had to deal with Liu Wanshan.

With that thought, Zhao Zhen clasped his hands toward Lu Jin. "Brother Lu, I shall take my leave. Thank you for your hospitality over these past two days."

"What hospitality? There is no need for such talk between us," Lu Jin said with a laugh, patting Zhao Zhen on the shoulder. "After we part, where do you intend to wander next?"

"My travels will have to pause for a while. I have a person I need to deal with."

"Oh? Who?" A hint of confusion crossed Lu Jin's eyes.

"Liu Wanshan."

Zhao Zhen recounted the events of the village massacre he had witnessed on his way to the banquet. As he spoke, the fire in Lu Jin’s eyes seemed to turn into a physical force.

"Outrageous! That beast is utterly devoid of conscience! If I weren't required to return to the Sanyi Sect with my master, I would follow you and help slaughter that wretch myself!"

Zhao Zhen smiled wryly. Since he hadn't had the chance to call for "group support" at the banquet, he had already given up on that idea. "No need, Brother Lu. I believe I can handle it on my own."

As they spoke, Guan Shihua of the Guan family approached them. "Are you two talking about that traitor from the Xiangxi Corpse Puppeteer Sect, Liu Wanshan?"

"Yes, that's him," Zhao Zhen nodded.

"But he's already dead."

The moment those words were spoken, a look of surprise flashed across Zhao Zhen’s face. "Dead? When?"

"Yesterday. I heard it from a friend. Like you, they had heard of his atrocities and intended to bring him to justice, but before they could set out, they heard the news from the Xiaozhan intelligence network."

"May I ask, Miss Guan, do you know who killed him?" Lu Jin asked.

"My friend said it seemed to be his own people in the Quanzhen sect, though I don't know the specifics. It’s not surprising, though. In the eyes of those Quanzhen scoundrels, there is no such thing as a companion. Killing someone just because they don't like them is common enough."

"His own people..." Zhao Zhen stroked his chin, lost in thought. He had offended Liu Wanshan just two days ago, and now he was dead? Killed by his own sect? Could it really be such a coincidence?

The Quanzhen sect... Could it be Wugensheng who did it?