When Situ Feng got up, his head was throbbing with pain. When he walked to the courtyard, he found Li Xi practicing his sword there.
Sunlight filtered through the sparse clouds, dappling the courtyard and adding a touch of gentle color to the morning.
Situ Feng rubbed his temples, his steps slightly unsteady, but his gaze was drawn to the sword light, and he involuntarily stopped in his tracks.
Li Xi was dressed in plain clothes, with a tall and straight posture. The long sword in her hand was like a dragon emerging from the sea, sometimes light and graceful, sometimes sharp as lightning.
The sword tip lightly touched the ground, creating a gentle breeze that mingled with the occasional birdsong from afar, forming a symphony of the morning.
Her every movement was so natural and fluid, as if she were one with the spirit of heaven and earth.
Situ Feng watched quietly, filled with admiration.
After completing a set of sword techniques, Li Xi slowly sheathed his sword, calm and composed, as if he had returned from another world.
She let out a soft breath, her gaze inadvertently sweeping over Situ Feng standing to the side, a hint of surprise on her face: "Are you awake yet?"
Situ Feng smiled slightly. Although his head was still a little dizzy, he felt a warm feeling in his heart when he heard the caring words.
"It's nothing, I was just still hungover and attracted by the sword light, and unknowingly I ended up here."
As he approached, his eyes were full of admiration. "Brother Li, your swordsmanship is truly breathtaking."
Li Xi chuckled and said, "Not at all, Brother Situ, you flatter me. The path of the sword is endless, and I am merely constantly seeking knowledge."
As she spoke, she gently shook the longsword in her hand; the tip trembled slightly, as if responding to its master's humility.
She then asked, "Brother Situ, did something troubling you last night?"
Upon hearing this, Situ Feng's eyes dimmed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and sighed softly, "These are just trivial matters, not worth mentioning. On the contrary, Brother Li, your daily diligent sword practice and perseverance make me feel ashamed of my own lack of skill."
Situ Feng's words carried a hint of sincere admiration as he continued, "I often think that if I had half your focus and determination, I might have already made significant achievements in martial arts. But the world is full of distractions and people's hearts are fickle; I am ultimately too impetuous."
Upon hearing this, Li Xi slowly lowered the tip of her sword, looked tenderly at Situ Feng, and said softly:
"Brother Situ, you flatter me. Everyone has their own path to walk. Perhaps your path is more tortuous and complicated, but it is precisely because of this that your experience is richer and your growth is more profound."
Beyond the way of the sword, there are countless aspects of life, which must be experienced and understood with the heart. Though I am passionate about the sword, I also understand that true strength lies not only in the level of martial arts skill, but also in the resilience and magnanimity of the heart.
She paused for a moment, seemingly considering how to continue offering comfort, before saying, "If you're willing, you might as well tell me what's bothering you. Perhaps I can help you. Friends are meant to support each other and move forward together."
Although they were just casual acquaintances, she couldn't help but be moved when she saw how lost he looked.
Situ Feng: "Actually, I envy you. You're so free-spirited. Your sword follows your heart, as if nothing in the world can stop you. But I'm just a useless piece of trash..."
Situ Feng's voice was low and trembling slightly, each word seemingly squeezed out from the deepest part of his heart. He looked up into the distance, a hint of confusion and resentment flashing in his eyes.
Upon hearing this, her gaze softened, and she gently stepped forward to stand beside Situ Feng.
A gentle breeze blew by, causing her clothes to flutter lightly, and seemingly dispelling some of the heaviness around her.
"Everyone has their own path to walk. Behind what seems like endless glory, there are often untold hardships and challenges. What you call doing whatever you want is nothing more than getting up again after countless falls, and persisting and not giving up after countless failures."
She turned to look at Situ Feng: "You call yourself a useless piece of trash who has been abandoned, but what I see is someone with infinite potential who has just temporarily lost his way. Everyone's value is never defined by others, but created and proven by yourself."
Situ Feng was slightly taken aback, seemingly touched by these words.
He lowered his head, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly said, "Perhaps I've been too self-pitying and have overlooked the beauty and opportunities around me."
She gently patted Situ Feng on the shoulder: "First and foremost, you are the captain of your own life, controlling the direction and speed of your journey. Don't let the shadows of the past obscure the light of the future. Every sunrise is a new beginning, and every breath contains the power to start anew."
It's rare for her to offer such inspirational words, and I didn't expect anyone to be willing to listen.
Situ Feng took a deep breath, as if trying to expel all the gloom from his body. "Thank you for listening to me. I thought no one would care about someone like me, let alone understand me."
She sheathed her sword: "Want to go for dim sum?"
"go!"
She got a little tired of giving long lectures, but to her surprise, Situ Feng found them very helpful.
Li Xi took him to Baichuan Academy.
"Big brother, you're here!" Li Yi was very excited to see her.
He had just finished his piano lesson. All students at Baichuan Academy, regardless of their social status, practiced the "Six Arts of a Gentleman," and the academy placed great emphasis on the students' physical fitness.
Master Luo, who was leaving the lecture hall, saw the group of people, nodded in acknowledgment, and then left.
"Is he your teacher?" Situ Feng suddenly asked.
Upon hearing this, Li Yi immediately replied, "Yes, this is our teacher, Mr. Luo Yun! He is not only proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but also has a high level of skill in martial arts. He is a highly respected teacher in our Baichuan Academy."
Upon hearing this, Situ Feng nodded slightly, a hint of surprise and curiosity flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
He said softly, "I see. Baichuan Academy truly lives up to its reputation. Even the teacher is so talented."
His tone carried an indescribable quality, making it impossible to discern his true thoughts.
Just then, Li Xi suddenly greeted Luo Yun and invited him to have tea together.
"Hehe, General Li, you're too kind. I was a little tired from teaching today. I will gladly go next time to enjoy tea and chat with you." Luo Yun looked at her apologetically.
"It was my rudeness. Since you seem tired, you should rest well and recharge. I will prepare some fine Longjing tea for you another day and invite you to chat. I hope you will not refuse."
It's always good to be polite to your younger brother's teachers and elders. Next time, have someone send some good wine and tea over. 'Courtesy' should not be neglected.
"Alright, then I'll be waiting."
After exchanging pleasantries, Luo Yun also left their sight.
"Xiao Yi, come on. Big brother will treat you to a meal!"
She hadn't been back here for quite some time and missed the taste of their first restaurant terribly...
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