Volume One: First Steps on the Path Chapter Sixty-Seven: May There Be Gentleness to Remember

After watching Sun Yu make his way to the stage, Ye Junze let go of any thoughts about the test Sun Yu had mentioned. Instead, he gripped the small cauldron in his hand and began to study it closely once more. After all, since its manifestation, he hadn’t properly explored its true purpose.

As Ye Junze focused his attention on the small cauldron, the sensation of the connection he’d felt during its manifestation grew even stronger. Sensing this, he concentrated all the more intently on the feeling. After a while, Ye Junze’s expression cleared, a look of sudden understanding crossing his face as he murmured, “So that’s how it is.”

“I never imagined the cauldron could be controlled like this,” he muttered to himself, as if he’d just learned an astonishing secret from his perceptions moments before.

“In that case, let me see what other secrets the cauldron holds that I haven’t yet discovered.” From the start, Ye Junze had been speaking only to himself.

While Ye Junze busied himself with uncovering the secrets of the small cauldron, Sun Yu had already made his way through the crowd and back onto the stage. Inevitably, on his way, he was stopped by several students eager to question him about what had just happened to Ye Junze. Sun Yu didn’t elaborate much, telling them only that they’d understand soon enough and not to concern themselves with others’ affairs.

Beyond such interludes, Sun Yu also patiently addressed the various doubts raised by students who’d encountered difficulties while practicing the Intent Guide.

Back on stage, Sun Yu thought of the minor incidents just past and shook his head, bearing no grudge against these students, merely attributing it to the curiosity and playfulness of youth. Thinking of these lively and endlessly energetic students, a smile naturally crept onto his face, as if recalling some joyful memory.

He quickly collected himself, smoothing away his smile and preparing to announce the next stage of proceedings. Sun Yu cleared his throat and coughed lightly, “Everyone, quiet down for a moment.”

Clapping his hands, he signaled to the lively students below to settle. Seeing this, the crowd fell silent at once, showing him due respect.

Satisfied, Sun Yu nodded and said, “Very well. You’ve all just practiced the Intent Guide, and I’m sure you’ve made some discoveries of your own. Does anyone have any thoughts they’d like to share?”

The crowd hadn’t expected this and began whispering among themselves.

Sun Yu didn’t mind, showing no impatience at all as he let them discuss freely.

At that moment, a girl raised her hand eagerly, her eyes filled with anticipation as she looked at Sun Yu and said, “Teacher, I’d like to share my thoughts.”

Sun Yu looked at her encouragingly, “Go ahead, speak freely. Share whatever you’ve experienced.”

At his words, the girl’s face flushed red and she lowered her hand, a bit embarrassed, before speaking: “I just think it’s really hard. If you hadn’t guided us earlier, I probably wouldn’t have managed to condense even a wisp of Qi, let alone successfully manifest a weapon.”

Others nodded in agreement, some even murmuring under their breath, “Yes, it’s really hard.” “Exactly.”

Someone else chimed in, “But perhaps it’s not that the art is too difficult—maybe we’re just not smart enough.”

Those around him looked uncomfortable, thinking, “That might be true, but do you really have to say it out loud? You’ll have trouble making friends this way!” Yet the speaker seemed oblivious to the shift in mood, continuing, “Just think—if we were a bit smarter, we wouldn’t have had so many issues. Look at that white-haired student—he not only succeeded in manifesting a weapon early but, unsatisfied, did it again to create an even more perfect weapon. So, I think the problem is just that we aren’t talented enough. If only I had his gifts.”

Having been mentioned for no reason, Ye Junze thought to himself, “I just want some peace and quiet, please leave me be.” Though he didn’t know why he’d been singled out, he was nevertheless pleased to hear others praising him. After all, as a famous person once said, “Frequent praise brings progress.” Of course, who exactly had said that, Ye Junze couldn’t quite recall.

While the crowd whispered among themselves, Sun Yu had, of course, heard the girl’s response. He said nothing at first, only smiling, his thoughts drifting: “Wasn’t I once the same?”

...

“Big sister, cultivation is too hard! I don’t want to do it anymore!” A younger Sun Yu, holding his scraped knee from practice, sobbed to the girl by his side, who looked only a few years older.

“There, there, little Yu. If you don’t want to cultivate, then we won’t. I’ll take you to get something tasty later,” the girl squatted beside him, gently patting his head in comfort.

Consoled by his sister’s tenderness, Sun Yu’s tears quickly turned to laughter as he replied, “Big sister is the best. I like you most!” Whether it was the promise of treats or something else that stopped his crying, only the Sun Yu of that age would know.

“But if father comes home and finds I haven’t practiced today, he’ll surely blame you,” little Sun Yu said, his face creasing with worry.

“It’s all right, Father loves us most. Don’t worry,” the girl said, ruffling his hair.

Yet at these words, a spark of determination appeared in Sun Yu’s eyes. Encouraged by his sister, he stood up, spun around, and declared, “See? I’m fine now. I’m a man!”

Fearing his sister might not believe him, he thumped his chest, “Look, big sister, I’m fine!” But before he’d finished speaking, his small body gave in to the force and, still just a child, he couldn’t help but cough.

The girl laughed, seeing her brother’s efforts to reassure her. She stroked his head and said, “Yes, yes, our little Yu is a man now and can protect his sister.”

“Hehe, of course! I’ll definitely protect you when I grow up!” Little Sun Yu raised his tiny fist with all his might.

“Then our little man mustn’t go back on his word,” she said, hooking her little finger around his, “Come on, pinky swear—one hundred years, no change.”

“One hundred years, no change!” Sun Yu repeated solemnly, imitating her.

“So, if you want to protect your sister, shouldn’t you work hard at cultivation?” she asked gently.

Sun Yu’s pretty face crumpled at this, glancing at his scraped knee and then at his sister, clearly torn.

But the girl was in no hurry, her face full of warmth as she watched her adorable brother.

After a moment, Sun Yu seemed to make up his mind, waved his little fist, and said, “Big sister, I’ve decided! I’ll start practicing again. Don’t worry, I’m not afraid of pain now that I’m grown.”

“Good, I knew our little Yu was the bravest. Let’s keep going,” she said, affectionately tousling his hair.

Sun Yu nodded vigorously, “Mm!”

...

“Teacher?” A student’s voice broke the silence, seeing Sun Yu lost in thought with a gentle expression, as if recalling something beautiful.

Jolted from his reverie, Sun Yu returned to himself, confused for a moment as if he didn’t know what had happened. Realizing where he was, he grew a little embarrassed and addressed the crowd, “Sorry, everyone. I was just lost in thought for a moment—my apologies.”

The students waved off his apology, “It’s all right, Teacher, please continue.”

Seeing their easy acceptance, the warmth on Sun Yu’s face deepened, unwittingly charming the girls in the audience all the more.

Regaining his composure, Sun Yu continued, “Now, returning to what this student just shared—I think many of you must feel the same way, don’t you?”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Sun Yu went on, “But what I’d like to say is that even as you all continue your cultivation, feelings like this will always be there. So don’t put too much pressure on yourselves. Just approach it with equanimity.”

“If you feel you can’t do something, then do it more. If once isn’t enough, do it a hundred times. If a hundred times isn’t enough, do it a thousand times. Someday you’ll succeed—as long as you don’t give up.” Thinking of his own experience, Sun Yu spoke with heartfelt encouragement.

The students nodded thoughtfully, deeply moved by his words.

“That’s all I wanted to say. Now, it’s time for the highlight of today’s lesson.” Seeing their thoughtful expressions, Sun Yu announced.

Still pondering his earlier advice, the students now looked at him with curiosity, their eyes plainly asking, “What is the highlight?”

But Sun Yu didn’t answer immediately, instead changing the subject, “You’ve all succeeded in manifesting your own weapons, haven’t you? Is there anyone who hasn’t succeeded yet?”

A few in the crowd looked embarrassed, but still raised their hands honestly for Sun Yu to see.

He wasn’t angry, but rather encouraging, “That’s all right. Just keep trying. But for what’s next, you might have to observe for now.”

Hearing this, the students grew even more curious, guessing that whatever was about to happen required successful weapon manifestation.

“I’m sure you’re all very curious,” Sun Yu said, not keeping them in suspense any longer. “Look at the stone monuments around you.”

Everyone turned to look, then back at Sun Yu, clearly eager for his explanation.

Seeing their expectant gazes, Sun Yu spoke again, “Next, you’ll all be participating in a test—and the props for this test are these very monuments.”