Lul Zijian, Lul Bai, and the others listened to the two 'elders' speak, shame flashing across their faces.
Yet, if asked to practice martial arts themselves, they would undoubtedly refuse.
The family lacked for nothing, especially not money.
Hiring skilled boxers to protect the household was enough; there was no need to personally train in martial arts and engage in conflicts.
When one becomes wealthy,
one starts cherishing life, unwilling to endure hardship.
...
"Mr. Chen, I—I—I want to practice martial arts!"
Beside Lul Yu, Lul Changshou raised his little hand high in the air, his voice crisp and clear.
"Changshou!"
Lul Yu and Lul Zijian's expressions shifted instantly.
They were about to rebuke him.
Chen Jichuan waved his hand, stopping them, and asked Lul Yu, "Is this your child, Changshou?"
"Yes, old Class Leader, this is Changshou."
"Changshou is just being ignorant—"
Lul Yu's face turned flustered as he tried to explain.
Chen Jichuan chuckled and said, "In my quarters, I have a copy of 'The Martial Arts Essence,' a recent compilation that includes my lifetime reflections on martial arts, training methods, and techniques. It also contains the Lul Family's 'Iron Bull Skill' and 'Jade Belt Skill.' Take a copy with you later. If Changshou still wishes to practice martial arts when he's older, he can seek instruction from the martial masters of your uncle's branch."
"Old Class Leader—"
Lul Yu froze, unsure how to respond.
However, his son, Lul Changshou, knew how to seize the moment. His small face lit up with joy as he stepped forward, knelt before Chen Jichuan, and said crisply, "Thank you, Mr. Chen! I'll grow up to be just as great as you!"
"Good."
"Then I'll be waiting for that day."
Chen Jichuan couldn't help but laugh at the scene. He gestured for Lul Yu to help the child up, then turned to Lul Xiong and said, "If I weren't leaving Langning Mansion in the coming days, I might have taken this child under my wing."
At these words, Lul Yu's heart skipped a beat, caught between delight and disappointment.
He was delighted that the old Class Leader seemed to have a fondness for his son, Changshou.
But he was disappointed, as the old Class Leader's words clearly indicated he had no intention of taking Changshou under his care.
The old Class Leader had never married and was without children.
If Changshou could follow him to learn martial arts, though it would be tough for the child, after the old Class Leader passed on someday—
As this thought occurred,
Lul Yu's mind began to whirl with possibilities.
Meanwhile—
"The Class Leader summoned us here, just for this matter?"
Lul Xiong was taken aback.
Over the years,
Chen Jichuan disappeared for six months each year without explanation, and they had grown used to it. There was no need to make such a formal occasion out of it, was there?
"This time, I might be gone for a while."
Chen Jichuan hesitated momentarily, his expression shifting slightly, though he said little else. "Everything in White Jade City will remain as it was. Just manage it well. As for this house, leave it as it is. I'll dismiss the servants, and you only need to send someone to clean it monthly."
"How long will the Class Leader be gone?"
Lul Xiong was stunned as he listened.
It was supposed to be another 'routine disappearance,' yet it sounded almost like the Class Leader was tidying up his affairs.
"Hard to say."
Chen Jichuan glanced at Lul Xiong.
The old companion had turned sixty-six this year. They had known each other for forty-one years. This time, when he left, he might never see him again.
Chen Jichuan was someone who valued old bonds deeply.
After some thought,
he asked someone to fetch some paper and swiftly penned several hundred words, which he handed to Lul Xiong.
Lul Xiong looked at the paper.
His eyes widened, his face a mix of shock and fury. He slammed it onto the table and demanded, "What's the meaning of this, Class Leader?"
"It's nothing."
"Take it."
"It'll save you some trouble."
Chen Jichuan was utterly nonchalant.
Lul Yu sneaked a glance at the paper on the table. The snippets of content he saw made his heart pound wildly. He couldn't believe it, nor did he dare to look further, so he quickly lowered his gaze.
"Class Leader—"
Lul Xiong looked at Chen Jichuan, utterly perplexed.
"That's all there is to it."
"In the coming days, I'll write letters to my peers in Lingnan and friendly officials. No one will bother the Lul Family."
Seeing that Lul Xiong still had more to say, Chen Jichuan interjected, "Keep this safe. Let's speak no more of it. I've had plenty of dishes prepared in the kitchen—let's make the most of tonight."
...
At the banquet,
some were melancholic, some bewildered, while others beamed with joy.
Seven days later.
Name: Chen Jichuan [Instance One]
Age: 59
Immortal-order: None
Official position: None
Level: 5
Gift: Creation·Insight
Techniques: Iron Bull Skill (fifth layer), Jade Belt Skill (fifth layer), Land Flying Skill (fifth layer), Water Dividing Skill (fifth layer), Golden Shovel Finger (fifth layer), Iron Broom Technique (fifth layer), Lying Tiger Skill (fourth layer), Golden Blade Changing Palm Technique (fourth layer), Eagle Claw Skill (fourth layer), Wave Wrapping Skill (fourth layer)
Immortal Salary: 1
Source Power: 14,263
Forty-one years of grueling effort, all for this moment.
"It's time to leave."
Chen Jichuan took one final look and, with a thought, returned to reality.
...