Song of Everlasting Regret - Chapter 2

Word of the disturbance on Xiangri Peak soon reached Lou Xuanzhi.

By then, the guests were departing one after another. Once Lou Xuanzhi was free, he summoned four of his disciples to his study.

Lou Xuanzhi stood before the desk. Seated beside him was their Martial Uncle Lu Yuanding, who had only recently returned.

Lu Yuanding spent most of the year traveling the martial world, upholding justice and helping those in need. He had also taken part in the battle in early February in which the major sects had joined forces to kill one of the Feihua Alliance’s great demons.

He had a kindly appearance, was close to the younger generation, and never put on the airs of an elder. As a result, he was greatly loved and respected by the disciples. They had all eagerly awaited his return so he could recount that exhilarating battle from early February.

Lou Xuanzhi swept his gaze across the four disciples. At last, his eyes settled on Lou Jing, and he scrutinized her from head to toe.

“‘The Zhengyang Sword Art? Utterly incomprehensible rubbish’?”

That single sentence was enough to tell all four of them why Lou Xuanzhi had summoned them.

They remained deathly silent.

With both hands clasped behind his back, Lou Xuanzhi walked over to Lou Jing and leaned slightly toward her.

“What astonishing arrogance. Are you planning to sweep your sword across the Nine Provinces and dominate the Central Plains tomorrow? Hm, Grandmaster Lou?”

Lou Jing pressed her lips together and said nothing.

Lou Xuanzhi straightened, then slowly paced behind her. Though he faced Yu Jingqiu and the other two, his words were still directed at Lou Jing.

“Old Master Cao’s Zhengyang Sword Art is exquisitely profound. Everyone under heaven knows it. Even he and your grandmaster could never determine who was superior. When they laughed and conversed beneath the swords of the realm’s greatest heroes, you had not even entered the cycle of reincarnation yet!”

Three sentences were already the limit of Lou Jing’s patience.

With her dreadful temper, refraining from talking back was even harder for her than refraining from drawing her sword.

“His grandfather is his grandfather, and he is himself. His grandfather’s swordsmanship being unrivaled in the martial world does not change the fact that he is nothing. It only proves that Caoliu Manor has declined. Its reputation is now greater than its actual ability.”

Lou Xuanzhi was so furious that he threw back his head and laughed.

Turning, he pointed at Lou Jing and said to Lu Yuanding, “Listen to her! She makes outrageous claims and somehow even finds a reasonable argument for them.”

Lou Xuanzhi gave a cold snort and addressed Lou Jing.

“Cao Ruxu may be inferior to you today, but that does not mean he will remain inferior tomorrow. And even if Cao Ruxu is inferior to you, that does not mean every person in Caoliu Manor is inferior to you.

“Looking at the wider world, there are countless young geniuses. Those you encountered at the Martial Assembly were merely one or two out of ten. That does not mean every young martial artist is beneath you.

“If someone defeated you, would you willingly accept them saying, ‘The Qianyuan Sword Art? Utterly incomprehensible rubbish’?

“You have not even left the shelter of your sect, yet you already dare to behave so arrogantly and make such reckless declarations!”

“You care only about winning and proving yourself stronger. Your temperament grows more impatient by the day. ‘A sword heart must preserve benevolence and righteousness; without just cause, the blade must not leave its sheath.’ How many words of that teaching have you actually taken to heart?”

The more Lou Xuanzhi spoke, the more agitated he became. Inadvertently, he lost his sense of restraint.

“I do not expect you to be modest and steady, but if you could possess even two-tenths of your senior sister’s character, I would be satisfied. Stop trying to turn everything into a contest where one of you must win and the other must lose!”

It would have been better if Lou Xuanzhi had not mentioned Yu Jingqiu.

The instant he did, it was as though Lou Jing’s fuse had been completely lit.

She stiffened her neck and retorted, “If no one is supposed to compete over who wins or loses, then why hold a Martial Assembly? Why award a victor? You might as well build a stage and let every family take turns performing a few decorative spear routines!”

Lou Xuanzhi raised his brows.

“It is for exchanging techniques and learning from one another! It is to broaden the horizons of the younger generation!”

Lou Jing continued, “If no one competes to determine victory or defeat, how can there be a ‘foremost sword sect under heaven’? How would anyone even know whether the Qianyuan Sect practices the saber or the sword?”

“Do you think the Qianyuan Sect built its reputation by bullying the weak with superior strength?” Lou Xuanzhi roared like thunder. “That reputation was accumulated little by little through generations of our ancestors acting with righteousness and virtue, eliminating traitors and destroying evil!

“When one of them raised an arm, people from every direction answered their call. Why? For only two words—benevolence and righteousness!”

Father and daughter stood at daggers drawn, glaring at one another, neither willing to yield.

At that moment, Lu Yuanding rose and pulled Lou Xuanzhi aside.

“Senior Brother, calm yourself. At this rate, people outside the mountain gates will be able to hear you disciplining your disciples. Jing’er is still young. It is perfectly normal for her to care strongly about winning and losing.”

“Our families have shared two generations of friendship with Caoliu Manor. Those eight words of hers may have felt satisfying to say, but they humiliated Caoliu Manor and created resentment between our two sides. Who knows whom she will embarrass next?”

Lou Xuanzhi braced a hand against the armrest of a chair and sighed.

He turned and stared at Lou Jing for a moment.

“I sentence you to light the lamps in the ancestral hall and reflect upon your conduct. Do you accept your punishment?”

Lou Jing stood rigidly without answering.

Lu Yuanding called, “Jing’er.”

“It was Cao Ruxu who started gossiping and speaking recklessly.”

Her tone plainly told Lou Xuanzhi one thing: she remained unconvinced.

Lou Xuanzhi said, “They were guests, and we were the hosts. We should have shown them greater tolerance.”

Lou Jing replied, “He had no manners as a guest and behaved nothing like one. Why should the host be expected to tolerate him? Besides, he agreed to the duel of his own free will.”

“I say one sentence, and you have a thousand waiting in reply! You—you—you! I—”

Lu Yuanding caught Lou Xuanzhi by the wrist and pulled him farther away from Lou Jing.

“Senior Brother, Senior Brother.”

Lou Xuanzhi released a long breath and frowned.

“If you had not provoked him, would Cao Ruxu have chased after you demanding a fight? Even if you had to spar, why did you humiliate him after it was over? That was entirely unnecessary!”

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

Seeing that she showed not the slightest intention of repenting, Lou Xuanzhi shouted, “You still refuse to admit your fault! You understand the rules less and less with every passing day. It seems that unless I teach you a lasting lesson, you will cause serious trouble sooner or later!”

Lou Xuanzhi turned and looked around, seemingly searching for something.

Lu Yuanding held him back and tried to soothe him.

Seeing her master’s behavior, Yu Jingqiu guessed that he was looking for a suitable cane with which to beat Lou Jing. If that happened, Lou Jing would inevitably suffer a painful punishment.

Yu Jingqiu stepped forward.

“Master, this matter was not Junior Sister’s fault alone…”

From the first half of her sentence, Lou Jing could already guess the second.

She did not want Yu Jingqiu pleading on her behalf. More than anything, she hated owing Yu Jingqiu a favor.

Before Yu Jingqiu could finish speaking, Lou Jing dropped to her knees with a thud.

Under everyone’s startled gazes, she said, “This disciple admits her fault.”

Yu Jingqiu froze.

Lou Xuanzhi glanced at Yu Jingqiu. When he slowly turned back toward Lou Jing, he wore an expression that was almost a smile.

He gave a soft snort.

“Now you admit it quickly enough. Very well. Lou Jing, your words and conduct were improper. Go to the ancestral hall, light the lamps, and reflect upon your mistakes. You may come out whenever you have truly understood them.”

“Yes.”

Lou Jing suddenly became exceptionally obedient and readily accepted the punishment.

Her face, however, still had the words I remain unconvinced written all over it.

Yun Yao thought the matter had finally ended and had only just begun to breathe a sigh of relief when Lou Xuanzhi turned to Yu Jingqiu.

“Yu Jingqiu, as the senior sister, you failed to properly restrain your junior. You cannot escape punishment either. Copy the Heart Sutra and reflect upon your conduct.”

Lou Xuanzhi had accepted five disciples in total.

Yu Jingqiu was the eldest senior sister. Whenever one of the other four disciples made a mistake in her presence, she bore a measure of responsibility alongside them.

Her punishment was never severe. Usually, she was merely ordered to copy the Heart Sutra or sweep the stone steps. The purpose was only to remind her that, as senior sister, she had a duty to advise and restrain her junior brothers and sisters.

Yun Yao muttered, “She has to copy it again?”

It would have been better had she remained silent.

The instant she spoke, Lou Xuanzhi’s sharp gaze shot toward her.

“You—and you as well.”

Seeing that she had drawn the fire onto herself, Yun Yao hurriedly said, “Master, we did not do anything!”

Lou Xuanzhi walked over to Yun Yao and Di Hou.

He said to Di Hou, “That is precisely the problem. You did nothing. You watched your junior sister behave foolishly without knowing to stop her…”

Then he turned to Yun Yao.

“And you neglect your studies and spend every day thinking only of amusement. Neither of you is permitted to descend the mountain for the next several days. Stay properly on Xiangri Peak.”

“Master…”

Yun Yao looked as though she wanted to cry.

Had she known this would happen, she would have pretended to be ill and refused to come.

Lou Xuanzhi swept his sleeve.

“Enough. All of you, leave. Shanjun, you remain.”

Each harboring their own thoughts, the disciples bowed and withdrew.

When Lou Jing rose, her gaze swept briefly across Yu Jingqiu. Then she followed Yun Yao and Di Hou out of the study.

After the three had gone far enough away, Lou Xuanzhi beckoned Yu Jingqiu closer.

The severity vanished from his expression, replaced by fatherly affection.

“Master instructed you to lose your match against Jing’er. Do you resent me for it?”

Yu Jingqiu shook her head.

Lou Xuanzhi asked, “I heard Jing’er became angry about this and drew her sword against you?”

“Yes.”

“Why did you not tell her that it was done on my instructions?”

Yu Jingqiu smiled helplessly.

“She was already angry with me. Why tell her and make her angry with Master as well?”

“You… honestly…”

Lou Xuanzhi was much gentler with Yu Jingqiu. He had never spoken harshly to this disciple.

Yet at that moment, even he could not prevent worry from showing on his face.

“Will you not ask why Master made you do it?”

Yu Jingqiu did not understand his reaction.

She answered honestly, “When Master wishes to tell this disciple, you naturally will. If Master does not speak of it, this disciple will not ask.”

Lou Xuanzhi lowered his head slightly and clasped his hands behind his back, shaking it again and again.

The disobedient one had her infuriating way of causing worry, but the obedient one also had her own way of causing worry.

Lou Xuanzhi said gently, “Go.”

Yu Jingqiu bowed.

“This disciple takes her leave.”

She returned to Chengxin Waterside Pavilion.

Once all four disciples had departed, Lou Xuanzhi returned to the desk.

He lightly struck the tabletop with his fist. His face was filled with concern, and he sighed repeatedly.

Lu Yuanding asked, “Senior Brother, why do you keep sighing?”

Lou Xuanzhi replied, “You saw them yourself. Not one of my disciples gives me any peace of mind.”

Lu Yuanding folded his arms.

“I think they are quite good.”

Lou Xuanzhi sighed again and looked toward the sky beyond the window.

“I do not know who among them can become the pillar that succeeds me as sect master and supports the Qianyuan Sect.”

Lu Yuanding laughed openly.

“Senior Brother, in my opinion, all five of your disciples are talents worth carving and polishing. Given time, they will certainly become extraordinary figures. Why would you worry that there is no one to succeed you?”

“Hmph. Those five…”

Lou Xuanzhi waved his hand dismissively.

“What about them?”

Lou Xuanzhi said, “Shanjun possesses exceptionally rare talent, but those with excessive brilliance are often doomed to die young.”

Lu Yuanding nodded in agreement.

“I understand. That was also why you made her lose at the Martial Assembly—to conceal her true ability.”

“Her heart is also far too compassionate and soft. She would rather suffer some grievance herself if it meant everyone else could remain harmonious. But how could that ever be possible? When people have different principles and temperaments, conflict is inevitable. One day, that disposition of hers will leave her wounded by both sides.”

Lou Xuanzhi’s voice was filled with regret.

“She has no anger and inspires no fear. Look throughout the entire sect—who is afraid of her? Without an iron hand, without the resolve to make ruthless and decisive choices, how could she possibly command more than two hundred people throughout the Qianyuan Sect?”

Lu Yuanding frowned thoughtfully and nodded.

“That is true.”

Lou Xuanzhi continued, “There is another flaw in that child. She obeys every command of her elders and possesses no temper of her own.”

Lu Yuanding found this amusing.

“Would you be pleased if she contradicted you every day like Jing’er?”

Lou Xuanzhi gave two bitter laughs.

“Jing’er is unruly and impossible to tame. She does not know restraint and is far too reckless. If she became sect master, I would not fear her being unable to control the Qianyuan Sect. I would fear that she would become sect master today and, in a fit of enthusiasm tomorrow, set out to dominate the martial world and declare herself supreme.

“Teaching her to settle her heart, conceal her edge, and understand human relationships and worldly ways—that will be difficult.”

Lu Yuanding said, “Jing’er is good by nature. She is merely somewhat unwilling to submit to discipline. There is no need to restrain her deliberately. Once she grows older, she will naturally understand certain principles.”

“Do you think I do not know my own child?”

One could criticize one’s own children as much as one wished, but one could never leave those criticisms for outsiders to make.

“I know she is not one of those tyrannical, spoiled young wastrels. She simply cannot tolerate the slightest injustice, and her personality makes it far too easy for her to offend others.”

After speaking, Lou Xuanzhi’s expression fell, and sadness crept over him.

“Then there are Yun Yao and Di Hou. Yun Yao’s talent may not be inferior to Shanjun’s or Jing’er’s, but she is lazy by nature and cares only about eating, drinking, and enjoying herself. Were it possible, I would also wish for that child to remain carefree and unrestrained for her entire life.

“Di Hou is loyal and upright, but he sees people and matters only in black and white. He does not know how to adapt. That which is too rigid will inevitably break.”

Lu Yuanding considered this for a moment.

“Lang Ye has always been beyond reproach.”

Lou Xuanzhi smiled.

Lu Yuanding quickly realized the problem and laughed as well.

“Indeed. That child is so bound by propriety and tradition that he would never be willing to pass over his senior sister Shanjun and inherit the position of sect master.”

“But…”

Lu Yuanding offered reassurance.

“There is no urgency for anyone to succeed you as sect master. They are still children—young saplings. One day, they will grow into timber.”

When Lu Yuanding looked toward Lou Xuanzhi, he was suddenly startled.

Lou Xuanzhi’s expression was filled with bleak anguish.

For an instant, his senior brother’s towering figure seemed like a helpless fallen leaf swept through the desolate northern winds of late autumn.

Unable to stop himself, Lu Yuanding called, “Senior Brother?”

Lou Xuanzhi lowered his voice until it was barely audible.

“I fear I will not live long enough to see it.”

Lu Yuanding’s entire body shook, and cold sweat broke out across his back.

He rushed forward and caught Lou Xuanzhi by the arm.

“Senior Brother, your old injury…”

“Has Junior Brother Yu examined you?”

Though deeply shaken, Lu Yuanding forced his voice to remain steady.

“I understand my own condition.”

Lou Xuanzhi patted Lu Yuanding’s hand.

“This matter…”

“For now, you are the only one who knows.”

Books were stacked at the corner of the desk.

Lou Xuanzhi ran a hand across their covers and spoke hoarsely.

“When the bitterest cold arrives and frost and snow descend, only then do we know the flourishing strength of the pine and cypress.

“Yuanding, I seem able to see the days ahead. My five disciples will endure countless hardships.”

Having learned the truth, Lu Yuanding tasted bitterness in his mouth.

He sighed softly.

“Senior Brother, children and grandchildren have their own blessings. Before Heaven entrusts a person with a great responsibility, it must first torment their resolve and exhaust their bodies. Everyone must rise through hardship. We were the same in our youth.

“The younger generation is formidable. Do not underestimate them.”

Lou Xuanzhi’s voice carried so much sorrow that it nearly broke into a sob.

“No, you do not understand. The loftiest peak is the easiest to break, and the purest white is the easiest to stain. With personalities such as theirs, how much suffering will they have to endure?

“I fear the rain and mist of the martial world will rust these green-edged blades and snap these precious swords in two.”

Lu Yuanding had never seen Lou Xuanzhi so melancholy or heard him express so many mournful reflections.

Inwardly, however, he did not agree.

He had watched Lou Xuanzhi’s five disciples grow up. In his eyes, those five were as steadfast as boulders and as difficult to break as tempered steel.

Thus, he disagreed completely.

“Senior Brother, you worry too much.”