Song of Everlasting Regret - Chapter 2

The disturbance on Xiangri Peak was quickly brought to Lou Xuanzhi’s attention. As guests left one after another, Lou Xuanzhi found a free moment and summoned his four disciples to his study.

Lou Xuanzhi stood before his desk. Sitting nearby was Martial Uncle Lu Yuanding, who had recently returned. Lu Yuanding was a chivalrous man who often traveled the martial world. He had played a part in the joyful event of slaying the great demon from the Feihua Alliance in early February. His appearance was benevolent, and he was approachable to the younger generation, without the stern airs of a master. Thus, he was highly respected and loved by the disciples, who had all been looking forward to his return to hear tales of the gratifying battle in early February.

Lou Xuanzhi’s gaze swept across the four disciples, finally resting on Lou Jing, whom he scrutinized from head to toe. “Zhengyang Sword Technique, meaningless?”

This one phrase was enough for the four to understand why Lou Xuanzhi had summoned them. The four remained absolutely silent.

Lou Xuanzhi walked up to Lou Jing, his hands clasped behind his back, and leaned slightly towards her. “What arrogance. Are you going to sweep across the nine provinces and dominate the Central Plains tomorrow, hmm? Sect Master Lou?”

Lou Jing pursed her lips and did not answer. Lou Xuanzhi straightened up and slowly paced behind Lou Jing, addressing the other three, but his words were meant for Lou Jing. “The Zhengyang Sword Technique, created by Old Master Cao, is universally known to be marvelous. Even he and your late Grandmaster could not easily tell who was superior. When that old man was talking and laughing among heroes with his sword, you didn’t even know which cycle of reincarnation you were on!”

Three sentences already pushed Lou Jing’s tolerance to the limit. Her foul temper made it harder for her not to talk back than it was not to draw her sword. “His grandfather is his grandfather, and he is him. The fact that his grandfather’s sword technique was the best in the martial world doesn’t prevent his grandson from being utterly useless. It only proves that the Caoliu Mountain Manor is declining, and its reputation is now difficult to live up to.”

Lou Xuanzhi was so infuriated that he burst into loud laughter, turned around, pointed at Lou Jing, and said to Lu Yuanding, “Listen to that. She speaks wildly, yet somehow sounds reasonable.”

Lou Xuanzhi let out a cold snort and said to Lou Jing, “While Cao Ruxu is inferior to you today, he may not be inferior to you tomorrow. Even if Cao Ruxu is inferior to you, it doesn’t mean everyone in the Caoliu Mountain Manor is inferior to you. Broadly speaking, there are countless young geniuses; you have only met one or two tenths of them at the gathering. It doesn’t mean that all young people are inferior to you. If someone else defeats you, will you willingly accept the words, ‘Qian Yuan Sword Technique, meaningless’? You haven’t even made a name for yourself, yet you dare to be so arrogant and speak such outrageous remarks.”

“Blindly fighting to win, your temperament is becoming more and more restless. ‘A righteous heart wields the sword, the blade does not unsheath for injustice’—how much of this sentence have you truly engraved in your heart?” Lou Xuanzhi spoke with increasing urgency, and unconsciously lost his temper, saying, “I don’t expect you to be humble and reserved. I would be satisfied if you had even two-tenths of your Senior Sister’s character. Stop thinking about fighting for a victory over me, fighting for a win or loss in everything.”

If Lou Xuanzhi hadn’t mentioned Yu Jingqiu, it might have been okay, but the mention of her completely ignited Lou Jing’s firecracker temper. She stuck out her neck and retorted, “If we aren’t fighting for victory or loss, why hold a martial arts gathering, and why compete for the championship? We might as well set up a stage for various schools to take turns performing tricks and be done with it.”

Lou Xuanzhi raised an eyebrow. “It is for sparring and exchange! It is to broaden the horizons of the young disciples!”

Lou Jing countered, “If we aren’t fighting for victory or loss, how can there be a ‘premier’ sword sect in the world? How would anyone know if the Qian Yuan Sect uses sabers or practices the sword!”

“Do you think the Qian Yuan Sect’s reputation came from bullying the weak, huh? That reputation was built up piece by piece by the Grandmasters, who upheld justice, virtue, and eliminated evil. When we rally people, they respond from all directions. Why? Only for the sake of justice and virtue!” Lou Xuanzhi’s voice roared like thunder. The father and daughter faced each other fiercely, their eyes locked, neither willing to yield.

Just then, Lu Yuanding stood up and pulled Lou Xuanzhi aside. “Senior Brother, calm down. People outside the gate can almost hear you lecturing your disciples. Jing’er is young, and it is common for her to have a strong desire to win.”

“We have had a two-generation friendship with the Caoliu Mountain Manor. Those eight words she spoke were so satisfying to her, but they embarrassed the Caoliu Mountain Manor and caused friction between the two families. Who knows who she will offend next time.” Lou Xuanzhi leaned on the armrest of a chair, sighed, and turned to look at Lou Jing for a moment. “I fine you to light the lamps in the ancestral hall and reflect on your mistakes. Do you accept the punishment?”

Lou Jing stood there, unresponsive. Lu Yuanding called out, “Jing’er.”

“It was Cao Ruxu who was gossiping and slandering first,” Lou Jing’s tone clearly told Lou Xuanzhi that she was unconvinced.

Lou Xuanzhi said, “They are guests, and we are the hosts. We should have indulged him a little.”

Lou Jing argued, “If he, as a guest, is immoral and doesn’t act like a guest, why should the host tolerate it? Moreover, the fight was his own choice.”

“I say one thing, and you have a hundred answers waiting! You! You! You! I—” Lu Yuanding grabbed his wrist and pulled him further away from Lou Jing, interrupting him. “Ah, Senior Brother, Senior Brother.”

Lou Xuanzhi took a deep breath and frowned. “Without your provocation, would Cao Ruxu have rushed to fight you? The fight was enough, but why must you shame him with words afterward? That is truly inexcusable!”

Lou Jing said in a low voice, “I was merely speaking the truth.”

Lou Xuanzhi saw no hint of remorse in her and shouted, “Still refusing to admit your mistake! You are becoming more and more undisciplined. It seems if I don’t teach you a lesson, you will eventually cause trouble!”

Lou Xuanzhi turned his head and looked around, as if searching for something. Lu Yuanding held him and gently tried to calm him down. Seeing Lou Xuanzhi’s state, Yu Jingqiu realized her master was looking for a suitable cane to give Lou Jing a beating. In that case, Lou Jing would inevitably suffer physical pain.

Yu Jingqiu stepped forward. “Master, this matter is not entirely Junior Sister’s fault…”

Yu Jingqiu had only spoken the first half of the sentence, but Lou Jing could guess the rest. She did not want Yu Jingqiu to plead for her; she absolutely disliked being indebted to Yu Jingqiu. Before Yu Jingqiu could finish, Lou Jing dropped to her knees in front of everyone, surprising them, and said, “Disciple admits her mistake.”

Yu Jingqiu was momentarily stunned. Lou Xuanzhi glanced at Yu Jingqiu, then slowly looked at Lou Jing, a half-smile/half-snort on her face. “You’re quick to admit it now. Very well. Lou Jing, for your misconduct in word and deed, go to the ancestral hall, light the lamps, and reflect on your actions. You may come out when you have truly understood your fault.”

“Yes.” Lou Jing was exceptionally obedient this time, accepting the punishment readily, though her face still clearly displayed the words ‘I am unconvinced.’

Yun Yao thought the matter was over and was just about to breathe a sigh of relief, but Lou Xuanzhi turned around and said to Yu Jingqiu, “Yu Jingqiu, as the Senior Sister, you failed to properly supervise, so you too are not exempt from punishment. Copy the Heart Sutra as reflection.”

Lou Xuanzhi had a total of five disciples. Yu Jingqiu was the head senior sister. Whenever one of the other four disciples made a mistake and she was present, she also bore collective responsibility. The punishment was never severe, usually just copying the Heart Sutra or sweeping the stone steps, merely to remind her that as the Senior Sister, she had the duty to admonish her junior brothers and sisters.

Yun Yao muttered, “Copying again.”

It would have been better if she hadn’t said anything. Lou Xuanzhi’s gaze shot toward her. “You, and you.”

Yun Yao realized she had drawn fire upon herself and quickly said, “Master, we didn’t do anything!”

Lou Xuanzhi walked up to Yun Yao and Di Hou. He addressed Di Hou, “It’s precisely because you did nothing! You saw your Junior Sister acting foolishly, yet you failed to stop her…”

Then, he tapped Yun Yao on the forehead. “And you, you neglect your studies and only care about playing around all day. The two of you are forbidden to leave the mountain for the next few days. Stay properly on Xiangri Peak.”

“Master…” Yun Yao was on the verge of tears. If she had known, she would have feigned illness.

Lou Xuanzhi waved his large sleeve. “Alright, all of you out. Shan Jun (Yu Jingqiu) stays.”

The three departed, each with their own thoughts, bowing as they left. As Lou Jing rose, her gaze briefly passed over Yu Jingqiu before she followed Yun Yao and Di Hou out the door. Once the three had gone, Lou Xuanzhi beckoned Yu Jingqiu closer.

Lou Xuanzhi’s severe expression softened, replaced by a look of loving concern. He said to Yu Jingqiu, “I instructed you to lose the match against Jing’er. Do you resent your master?”

Yu Jingqiu shook her head. Lou Xuanzhi asked, “I heard Jing’er was angry about this and drew her sword against you?”

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you tell her it was my instruction?”

Yu Jingqiu smiled helplessly. “She is already angry with me. Why tell her and make her angry with Master as well?”

“You, oh you, sigh…” Lou Xuanzhi was much gentler with Yu Jingqiu. He had never been stern with this disciple. Yet, at this moment, he couldn’t help but show worry. “Don’t you even ask why Master did this?”

Yu Jingqiu was not confused by Lou Xuanzhi’s reaction and answered truthfully, “When Master wishes to speak, he will tell me naturally. If Master does not speak, your disciple will not ask.”

Lou Xuanzhi lowered his head slightly, hands clasped behind his back, and shook his head. The disobedient ones had their annoying aspects, but the obedient ones also had their causes for worry. Lou Xuanzhi said gently, “Go now.”

Yu Jingqiu bowed. “Disciple takes her leave.” She returned to the Chengxin Waterside Pavilion.

After all four disciples had left, Lou Xuanzhi returned to his desk, lightly drumming the surface with his fist, his face etched with sorrow, sighing endlessly.

Lu Yuanding asked, “Senior Brother, why do you sigh so much?”

Lou Xuanzhi replied, “You’ve seen them. My disciples—each one gives me more cause for worry than the last.”

Lu Yuanding folded his arms. “I think they are doing quite well.”

Lou Xuanzhi sighed again, looking out at the sky. “I wonder who can serve as the pillar, take over my Sect Leader position, and support the Qian Yuan Sect.”

Lu Yuanding was candid. “Senior Brother, if you ask me, all five of your disciples are talented and can be molded. In time, they will surely become great individuals. Why are you troubled about having no successor?”

“Hmph, those five…” Lou Xuanzhi waved his hand dismissively.

“Why?”

Lou Xuanzhi said, “Shan Jun (Yu Jingqiu)’s talent is rare, but great wisdom often leads to an early end.”

Lu Yuanding nodded, agreeing with the statement. “I know. That’s why, Senior Brother, you had her lose the match at the gathering—to hide her talent.”

“She is also too kind-hearted and soft. She would rather suffer a little grievance herself than have everyone be harmonious. How is that possible? With different philosophies and temperaments, there are bound to be conflicts. Her nature will cause her to be hurt on both sides when that time comes,” Lou Xuanzhi’s tone was full of regret. “Without anger, without deterrence, look at everyone in the sect—who fears her? Without an iron fist, without the ability to make decisive, even harsh, judgments, how can she command two hundred-plus people in the Qian Yuan Sect!”

Lu Yuanding furrowed his brow and nodded. “Indeed.”

Lou Xuanzhi continued, “There is one more flaw with this child: she is overly subservient to the elders’ commands and lacks any temper of her own.”

Lu Yuanding laughed. “Would you be happy if she were like Jing’er, contradicting you all day?”

Lou Xuanzhi gave two bitter laughs. “Jing’er, that child, is untamed and willful. She doesn’t know how to restrain herself and is too rash. If she were to succeed as Sect Leader, I’m not afraid she couldn’t command the Qian Yuan Sect; I’m afraid that today she becomes the Sect Leader, and tomorrow, on a whim, she goes to dominate the martial world, proclaiming herself supreme. It is difficult to get her to calm down, learn to conceal her talent, and understand worldly wisdom.”

Lu Yuanding said, “Jing’er’s nature is good; she is just a little resistant to discipline. There’s no need to intentionally restrain her. As she grows up, she will naturally understand some truths.”

“I know her well enough.” A parent must be the one to state all the faults of their own children, not leave it for outsiders. “I know she is not one of those arrogant, spoiled youths. It’s just that this child cannot tolerate injustice and her temperament makes it too easy for her to offend people.”

After his words, Lou Xuanzhi’s expression grew melancholic and sad. “Then there are Yun Yao and Di Hou. Yun Yao’s talent is not necessarily worse than Shan Jun’s or Jing’er’s, but she is inherently lazy and only cares about food, drink, and play. If possible, I wish for that child to live a life of freedom, unrestrained by anything. Di Hou is honest and loyal, but he sees people and things as purely black or white, lacking flexibility. A blade too rigid is bound to break.”

Lu Yuanding pondered for a moment. “The child Lang Ye is always faultless.”

Lou Xuanzhi smiled, and Lu Yuanding realized, laughing along. “You’re right. That child is bound by propriety and would certainly be unwilling to bypass Senior Sister Shan Jun to take the Sect Leader position.”

“However,” Lu Yuanding consoled, “there is no need to rush the succession of the Sect Leader. They are still children, mere saplings; there will come a day when they mature.”

When Lu Yuanding looked at Lou Xuanzhi, he was suddenly startled. Lou Xuanzhi’s expression was utterly desolate. In that instant, his Senior Brother’s towering frame seemed like a lonely, swept-up leaf caught in the fierce north wind of late autumn. He instinctively called out, “Senior Brother?”

Lou Xuanzhi kept his voice extremely low. “I fear I cannot wait.”

Lu Yuanding was deeply shaken, a cold sweat breaking out on his back. He quickly stepped forward and grasped Lou Xuanzhi’s arm. “Senior Brother, your old injury… Have you had Junior Brother Yu check it?” Despite the shock, Lu Yuanding forced his voice to remain steady.

“I know my own limits,” Lou Xuanzhi patted Lu Yuanding’s hand.

“This matter?”

“Only you know of it for now.”

Touching the stack of books on the corner of the desk, Lou Xuanzhi said in a choked voice, “When the great cold arrives and the frost and snow descend, only then do we know the vigor of the pine and cypress. Yuanding, I feel as though I see the days ahead, where my five disciples will be subjected to immense hardship.”

Upon hearing the news, Lu Yuanding felt a bitter taste in his mouth and sighed softly. “Senior Brother, children have their own destiny. When Heaven confers a great responsibility, it must first test their will and exhaust their strength. They all need to persevere through trials, just as we did when we were young. The young are to be feared; you mustn’t underestimate them so much.”

The sorrow in Lou Xuanzhi’s voice was almost a sob. “No, you don’t understand. The towering are easily broken, and the pure are easily stained. With their temperaments, they will suffer so much. I fear the smoke and rain of the martial world will corrode these sharp blades and break these precious swords!”

Lu Yuanding had never seen Lou Xuanzhi so sentimental and full of lament. While he felt a myriad of emotions, he didn’t quite agree. He had watched Lou Xuanzhi’s five disciples grow up and instinctively felt that these five disciples should be as unshakable as a rock and as unbreakable as steel. Thus, he disagreed completely. “Senior Brother, you worry too much.”