19. Shallow Fortune
Chapter 19: Shallow Fortune
Li Hao took the sword, his mind quickly weighing the pros and cons.
He was no longer concerned with hiding his abilities, but rather with considering the advantages and disadvantages.
Demonstrating his sword skills and showcasing his talent would undoubtedly amaze everyone.
Even if he didn't reveal his true martial prowess, using just an ordinary child's strength to wield the sword, he could still convey a touch of the ultimate essence of the Tidal Sword Technique. With the Sword Saint's sharp insight into swordsmanship, he should be able to see Li Hao's potential.
Having a Sword Saint as a master would naturally deter others from coveting him.
However, becoming the disciple of this elder meant following him to the Sword Lodge in the south.
While the Sword Lodge was a sanctuary for swordsmen, its overall resources might not be as deep as the God General Mansion or as rich as Tingyu Pavilion.
Moreover, he needed to improve through chess and other arts. With the Sword Saint's stern demeanor, he would likely be extremely strict and might not tolerate such "improper pursuits."
Alternatively, he could become the elder's disciple and negotiate to have him stay at the God General Mansion to teach him.
But the God General Mansion might not allow an external powerhouse comparable to the Li family to reside within its walls for long, and the elder might not agree.
"Forget it; he doesn't need to demonstrate."
At this moment, Jian Wudao's voice came, slightly displeased.
Li Hao, in the midst of his contemplation, was taken aback and looked at him.
He Jianlan quickly responded, "Sword Saint Senior, why is that?"
"There is no sword in his eyes; he does not love the sword. At such a young age, his mind is scattered, unsuitable for practicing the sword," Jian Wudao replied, his expression returning to indifference. If this were not the God General Mansion, he would have already turned and left without another word.
"Sword Saint Senior, this child is surely just nervous. Perhaps you could give him a chance to show his abilities..." Li Fu behind him quickly interjected; this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and missing it would be a huge loss.
But before he could finish, Jian Wudao glanced at him.
That cold gaze, sharp as a sword, made Li Fu feel a chill in his throat, as if his life was being cut apart, and he stopped speaking.
"Sword Saint Senior, Hao'er has been in the mansion since he was little, never seen the world, and he can't practice martial arts. It's normal that he hasn't touched a sword much, so he might not like it," He Jianlan said with furrowed brows.
Jian Wudao treated He Jianlan differently than Li Fu, as she was the current lady of the God General Mansion, managing the mansion. He looked at her and gently shook his head:
"I understand your intentions, madam, but you don't use the sword, so you don't understand swordsmanship. If you want him to reach ordinary levels or worldly mastery, I might barely succeed in teaching him."
"But to reach the pinnacle and meet my Sword Lodge's lowest standard, he's far off."
"When practicing the sword, I look for two things: talent and the feel for the sword."
"Great talent, but no feel for the sword, can only reach second-rate."
"And if someone loves the sword, even with average understanding, they might one day grasp the sword heart and enter the first-rate!"
Jian Wudao rarely spoke at length, but he laid it out plainly.
He looked at Bian Ruxue and said to He Jianlan, "Earlier, when this little girl came over with her sword, I could see her eyes held the sword, her love for it. Among a thousand weapons, she'd spot the sword first!"
"Thus, even if her talent were average, with time and practice, honing her sword heart, she'd achieve great things, not to mention her excellent talent."
Then, he looked at Li Hao: "But this child, there's no trace of the sword in his eyes, and even after taking it, there's no emotion. Talent aside, he's not suited for the sword path!"
That was his final judgment.
After his words, He Jianlan was left speechless.
The courtyard fell into silence.
He Jianlan wanted to say more, but upon seeing the determination in his eyes, knew it was futile unless she called upon the family elders, which would be beneath the Li family's dignity.
She glanced down at Li Hao, her gaze complex, and sighed inwardly.
She knew this child's nature was wild, often playing chess with the servants in the courtyard. Such minor skills were mere diversions in prosperous times.
But with Li Tiangang and his wife absent, she couldn't be too strict. A few words of reprimand, and if he didn't listen, secretly letting the servants accompany him, she had no choice.
Indeed, was all this fate?
While He Jianlan remained silent, Jian Wudao said no more. He had made himself clear enough. If the Li family stubbornly tried to push this child into his tutelage, he wouldn't hesitate to refuse.
He turned his attention back to the little girl, his eyes filled with unhidden affection, his stern face softening, and he asked with a smile, "Little girl, what's your name?"
"Bian Ruxue."
The little girl replied honestly.
She then looked at Li Hao and asked the elder, "Can you let Brother Hao try? Brother Hao is very smart, much smarter than Xue'er."
Jian Wudao smiled slightly. What's the use of being smart? Who among the scholars and officials isn't smart?
Moreover, he had seen the complexity in Li Hao's eyes, so many thoughts at such a young age. His mind wasn't pure, which would hinder his ability to lay a solid foundation during the arduous early stages of sword training, causing distraction and delaying his progress.
This is why some precocious children later fade into obscurity, while some silent, unremarkable kids mature into greatness.
Jian Wudao disliked the term "late bloomer," seeing it as the folly of the worldly, failing to see the true talent beneath the protective facade.
Focus, singularity—these are the marks of a genius.
Some seemingly clever children, knowing a bit of everything, can interject in adult conversations, earning laughter and praise. Yet in cultivation, the greatest taboo is being too clever for one's own good.
Steadfastness and a touch of insight make the best foundation.
"Xue'er, come with me to the mountain to train," Jian Wudao said gently.
"Will you take Brother Hao too?" Bian Ruxue asked.
"Just you."
"Then I won't go."
Bian Ruxue immediately said, stepping back, seemingly afraid he would forcibly take her, clinging to Li Hao's arm: "I want to be with Brother Hao; I won't go anywhere."
Jian Wudao's expression changed slightly, his brow furrowing.
However, though Bian Ruxue was extraordinarily talented, she was ultimately a child, and he was not angry. He turned to He Jianlan and said, "Madam, I'm taking Xue'er with me. When she achieves success, I will bring her back. Of course, in a few years, you might hear of her name causing a stir."
He spoke confidently, for once he announced it, many would know the name "Bian Ruxue."
As the new apprentice of Wu Dao Sword Saint, this title alone was enough to make her famous across a province!
He Jianlan nodded slightly, naturally having no reason to refuse Jian Wudao's words.
Li Hao, having returned to his senses, tugged at his mouth without speaking. It's fine; the decision was made for him, saving him from pondering.
"Brother Hao, I won't leave."
Bian Ruxue clutched Li Hao's arm tightly, her eyes red, and she spoke with some trepidation.
Li Hao also couldn't bear to see this little girl leave, but he understood this was her opportunity.
Remaining in the God General Mansion would confine her training mostly to his side.
Becoming a disciple of the Sword Saint meant a great lineage and the chance to see a broader world.
Out of personal desire, he wanted to keep her around. Having her as a little companion gave him a sense of peace and happiness.
But considering Bian Ruxue's future, he chose to let go for now, gently saying, "Xue'er, be good and go train with this elder. When you've succeeded, you can come back to see me, and then I'll take you to eat delicious food."
"I won't go, I don't want to train, I won't practice the sword, I hate the sword!" Bian Ruxue cried out.
Jian Wudao's brow furrowed, realizing he underestimated the little girl's attachment to the boy.
After all, they were said to be childhood sweethearts, growing up together.
He considered that if necessary, he could take Li Hao too. With such an exceptional talent, a little extra baggage was worth it.
"Be good; you're a big girl now, don't always cry," Li Hao said softly, using his sleeve to wipe her tears, feeling a pang of reluctance himself.
The adults around watched silently as one child comforted another.
Many looked on with complex emotions, envy, and jealousy. Children, after all, don't understand. To have the opportunity to go to the Sword Lodge was an incredible fortune. If their children had the chance, they would send them off immediately, letting them taste a mother's swift kick.
Finally, Li Hao managed to calm the little girl.
Bian Ruxue, tearful and rubbing her eyes, said, "Promise you'll wait for me to come back, right here. You can't go anywhere."
"Okay." Li Hao patted her head and nodded with a smile.
Jian Wudao's expression softened, even casting a gentler look at Li Hao.
While he could ignore Bian Ruxue's feelings and take her away, knowing that once at the Sword Lodge for six months, time would ease her attachment, having her willingly go was preferable.
Such talent couldn't afford delays.
"Xue'er is gentle, old man; take good care of her, don't let anyone bully her."
After calming Xue'er, Li Hao looked at Jian Wudao seriously.
Jian Wudao's brow twitched slightly at being called "old man" by the child, but he wasn't angry, replying calmly, "Rest assured, little one, I'll take good care of Xue'er. With me, no one in this world can bully her!"
"Good." Li Hao looked deeply at him and then said to Bian Ruxue, "Xue'er, if anyone bullies you at the Sword Lodge, write it down, and I'll help you get back at them."
The child's words were taken lightly by everyone, seen as heartfelt but naive.
Before leaving, Jian Wudao thought for a moment and told He Jianlan, "I have a body refinement manual at my Sword Lodge. I'll send it later. It should rank on the sixth floor of your Tingyu Pavilion. Have the child try it."
He Jianlan, delighted, thanked him and held onto a sliver of hope: "Is there really no way for Hao'er to be your disciple?"
Jian Wudao left.
He only left one comment: The child's fortune is good, but shallow.