Chapter 24 Reluctance

Unlike the others, Mo Feng stood to the side, carefully ruminating on Yu Qi’s swordsmanship. "To react with such speed in such a short span of time... could it be that he has already grasped the first level of the State of Mind?"

Mo Feng could hardly believe it. If Yu Qi had truly entered the first level of the State of Mind, how profound must his comprehension of the sword be? One had to understand that even people like Zhou Changshan, who had practiced martial arts their entire lives, had yet to cross that threshold. The difficulty was self-evident. If Yu Qi had attained this state at such a young age, his talent could only be described as terrifying.

***

Meng Po felt the icy chill against his throat, and the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. He stared at the longsword in shock, a bead of cold sweat rolling down his cheek. He dared not move a muscle, terrified that a single flicker of anger from Yu Qi would end his life right there. Meng Po was filled with regret; had he not provoked Yu Qi earlier, none of this would have happened. Now, he was being held at swordpoint, not only losing face but potentially losing his life.

Yu Qi looked at Meng Po with cold, indifferent eyes. He withdrew the blade from against the man’s throat and, with a flick of his arm, sent the sword flying back to Mo Feng before turning to walk out of the town.

Meng Po stood frozen, watching Yu Qi’s retreating figure. His eyes held not only shock but a sliver of fear. He had seen people capable of killing him in a single strike, but this was the first time he had encountered someone so young with such strength.

Zheng Zhiyue was clearly stunned by the power Yu Qi had displayed. However, unlike Meng Po, he had not faced Yu Qi directly, and thus his mind remained clearer. He called out to the retreating figure, "Young Hero Yu, we came here to invite you to join the Wujian Pawnshop. What do you think of that?"

"No need," Yu Qi replied calmly, his figure gradually disappearing from everyone’s sight.

Zheng Zhiyue had not expected a refusal. After all, the prestige of the Wujian Pawnshop was such that countless people would break their heads just to get in, yet this person had refused without a second thought. It made him suspicious of Yu Qi’s background.

"Zhou Changshan, do you know where Yu Qi comes from?" Zheng Zhiyue asked suddenly.

Zhou Changshan hurried over and said respectfully, "I do not. He appeared out of nowhere, with no known origins. I have investigated, but found nothing. That is precisely why I suggested we try to recruit him to our superiors."

Zheng Zhiyue nodded. "Since he is unwilling to join us, so be it. However, keep a close eye on him while he is in this town."

Despite the strength Yu Qi had displayed, Zheng Zhiyue did not link him to the Yu family of Cang County, as that family had long since been wiped out. Furthermore, there were countless people in the world with the surname Yu; it was impossible that every talented person one met was a member of that family.

***

Returning to the villa, Yu Qi saw Li Yuelian still training. Not wanting to disturb her, and feeling a bit drowsy, he returned to his room and fell asleep.

The next day, he continued to guide Li Yuelian as usual. Her swordsmanship was becoming increasingly proficient, and a faint humming sound now accompanied her swings. Yu Qi knew this was the unique sound produced when the Seven-Hum Sword Technique was mastered, though with her current strength, she could only produce a single hum.

After nearly a month of training, Li Yuelian finally mastered the first "hum" of the Seven-Hum Sword Technique. With her current strength, she could basically protect herself against anyone except those like Mo Feng. If she could master all seven hums, she would be considered a formidable expert in this region. As for whether she could enter the State of Mind, that was another matter entirely.

Entering the State of Mind did not rely on strength, but on personal enlightenment. Some entered it at a young age, while others did not begin to comprehend it until their forties or fifties, and some struggled their entire lives without ever stepping inside. It was incredibly difficult. Yu Qi himself had only caught a glimpse of the "Inner Vision" while using the Casting Heaven Clan’s techniques, and relying on his own insights and persistent effort, it had taken him a full two years to enter the first level of the State of Mind.

***

That night, at the dinner table, Yu Qi was eating with Li Changchu’s family when he suddenly said, "Uncle Li, Auntie Li, Xiao Lian’s martial arts are now on the right track. Ordinary petty thieves are no longer a match for her."

The couple smiled, and Auntie Li said softly, "That is all thanks to your teaching." The family was genuinely grateful to Yu Qi. His appearance had not only changed their lives but had also taught their daughter martial arts—something many ordinary people only dreamed of.

"I can finally leave you with peace of mind," Yu Qi said with a long sigh, revealing a decision he had pondered for a long time.

Having spent so much time with them, Yu Qi had long regarded them as his own family. Leaving now brought a sense of reluctance. Yet, he had not forgotten his mission: to avenge his family. Two years had passed, and without a single lead, he could no longer delay.

Li Changchu and his wife, who were in the middle of picking up food, froze. The three of them asked in unison, "Where are you going?" They had long treated Yu Qi as their own son; how could they bear to see him leave?

"I have important matters to attend to," Yu Qi replied with a wry smile. His eyes shimmered with tears, though he quickly masked them. "Uncle Li, Auntie Li, thank you for taking care of me these past two years."

"Master, where are you going? I want to go too," Li Yuelian said, her eyes filled with reluctance upon hearing that Yu Qi was leaving. Over the past two years, Yu Qi had acted as both her brother and her master, and their bond was deep.

"Xiao Lian, you must stay here, practice your martial arts, and protect Uncle and Auntie. Brother Yu has important things to do and cannot take you with him." Although she had grown up, Yu Qi still habitually ruffled her hair.

Everyone was shocked by the news of his departure, and not a single person could sleep that night. Li Yuelian sat alone in the garden pavilion, listening to the chirping of insects and staring up at the moon, lost in thought.

Just then, Yu Qi walked up beside her. "What are you thinking about?"

"Brother Yu, will you come back after you leave?" Li Yuelian’s voice was small, tinged with sobs.

Yu Qi smiled gently and wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes. "I will certainly return. Xiao Lian, you must continue to work hard on your martial arts at home. Master the seventh hum of the Seven-Hum Sword, and by the time you do, I will be back."

"Alright, Brother Yu. I will definitely work hard." Hearing his words, Li Yuelian wiped away her tears and offered a smile.

Yu Qi smiled softly. "It is very late. Go to sleep."