Chapter 190 – Setting Sail Toward Distant Horizons

Returning to Zhixuefu Academy, Ye Kuang’s mood was visibly heavy.

As for the bodyguard matter, it had been scheduled for the middle stage of the winter break.

Now, without even knowing how to explain things to his family, he had to hastily embark on a journey to a foreign land.

Though not his first time leaving his hometown to set foot on unfamiliar soil, an inexplicable sentiment inevitably arose in his heart.

This demeanor, of course, did not escape the notice of Pang Hu and the other two.

“Little Ye, what’s going on with you?”

“I bet this guy’s thinking about some girl again. After all, winter break starts tomorrow—wonder which unlucky lass will fall prey to him this time.”

“Hey, since ancient times, heroes have struggled to resist beauty’s allure. It’s only human nature. If one must die, better to perish amidst flowers than live like a beast…”

For a while, Ye Kuang had to endure their “sour grapes” remarks, which inevitably dampened his spirits.

At this moment, he seriously suspected that their minds were filled with nothing but frivolous fantasies and sordid schemes to win over delicate beauties.

But then, Pang Hu suddenly proposed, “To celebrate the start of our short holiday tomorrow, I suggest we form a group and go sightseeing—to witness our nation’s magnificent landscapes and myriad wonders.”

Zheng Xiucai chimed in, “The waves wash away all heroes—who shall rise to dominance? Why not journey with friends, so in our old age, we may recall the peaks we scaled? Let us wander to the ends of the earth and experience it all.”

Gao Qing added, “Well said! I was thinking the same.”

Hearing this, Ye Kuang felt his burdens gradually lift, as if infected by their lofty sentiments and intoxicated by their profound camaraderie.

As the saying goes, mere passion and ambition cannot rival the enduring beauty of mountains and rivers, and unwavering resolve must be adorned with the little details that carve one’s life journey.

Inspired by this thought, Ye Kuang glanced at Monk Wuxin and decisively declared, “Very well! Since everyone shares this refined interest, let us embark on this journey together—to see if the mountains and rivers remain as they were, and to vow that we shall all survive to reunite in the future.”

But no sooner had he spoken than he added, “As for funding, let Gao Qing sponsor the entire trip. Any objections?”

“None!”

“Agreed!”

“Amitabha…”

Only then did Gao Qing belatedly realize the situation.

This was clearly a premeditated, well-laid trap, but no matter how he objected, it would be futile.

Their first destination was set: the majestic scenery of the frontier, the Great Wall stretching thousands of miles.

As the saying goes, “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man.”

By noon the next day, the five of them had set foot on the solid northern land.

Despite the dry air pierced by cold currents, nothing could hinder their unified stride.

Looking around, they saw clusters of people in groups of two or three—evidently, many shared their leisurely passion for such pleasures.

They walked, hiked, and ascended the wall.

Before their eyes stretched an endless expanse of overcast skies, while below, vibrant scenery thrived—green mountains and clear waters dotted with jade-like dust spanning thousands of miles.

Such a sight stirred them deeply: “The mountains and rivers never age, their beauty endures; pines and cranes greet the ascent, adding to the grandeur.”

Simultaneously, Ye Kuang couldn’t help but feel an urge to roar at the heavens, celebrating the legacy of ages and inscribing emotions for eternity.

In contrast, Pang Hu and the other two were the first to succumb to restlessness, letting out howls and strange cries into the sky.

As their voices pierced the firmament and echoed in their ears, they could hardly conceal their soaring aspirations and unyielding spirits.Just as this mortal being, if one cannot rise like the phoenix reborn from flames, then one must soar like the proud and solitary dragon.

Ye Kuang and Wuxin exchanged a glance, then simultaneously raised their heads and let out long, resonant cries. Their heroic passion and lofty aspirations cared not for the uncertainties of the future, seeking only to rival the splendor of this very night.

Wave after wave of these roaring cries spread from near to far, immediately drawing countless turning heads. One by one, the onlookers seemed infected by their spirit, successively joining this chorus of roaring voices.

Perhaps some were driven by life’s hardships yet remained steadfast in their mortal journey, while others had seen their fervor cooled but found it rekindled on this very day.

This indomitable will, igniting one spark after another, blooming in countless manifestations, bore witness to that unyielding majesty that never falls, eternally flourishing as the constellations endure.

At this moment, if words could capture it, it would simply be: What lies deep within one’s bones can never be diluted by tomorrow’s tribulations.

One might say it was only at this moment that Ye Kuang began to realize—though the distant path may be fraught with thorns, the ground beneath his feet remained level.

Once the clouds part to reveal the sun, it will be a rebirth in the city.

For how could the determination to challenge fate arise without first encountering a life of adversity?

Only by enduring the harsh winds and frost like mountains and rivers can one never forget that heart-wrenching sorrow.

Though Ye Kuang knew nothing of bowing to difficulties, he understood deeply that without striving forward, one would only be left with a heart full of wounds and regrets.

Now, these roaring cries seemed to indirectly awaken countless unyielding souls.

Moreover, having ambition yet unmet aspirations should not be reason for hesitation. The innate quality of growing stronger when facing stronger opponents is what defines a true mortal.

As the sun set behind western hills, silhouettes gradually gathered upon the city walls.

Ye Kuang’s entire being inevitably surged with emotion—how could he ever lower his head before those monstrous foes?

Undeniably, had he not possessed an unyielding heart, he would never have advanced this far.

Thinking of this, all resistance to setting sail vanished, replaced instead by a mysterious fighting spirit.

The road ahead is long—one need only advance steadily. What is there to fear in this world of fleeting smiles and unfulfilled ambitions?

The martial path Ye Kuang now sought had clearly undergone a mysterious transformation.

Today resembled a gradual dawn, and his heart remained as pure as a child’s clear mind. Without scaling peaks or plunging into seas, how could one ever reach the summit?

Just as the essence of the Dragon Subduing Palm teaches: without sudden storms and abrupt winds, how could one comprehend the artistic conception of riding winds and breaking waves?

Throughout his journey, his heart trembled incessantly—this unprecedented sensation bore witness to the extraordinary nature of the creator of this cultivation method.

To call it chivalrous bones, leading the trend for centuries, would be no exaggeration.

From this moment, Ye Kuang’s mental state became interconnected from within and without, allowing him to perceive its profound depth alone.

Unbound by emotions, unconcerned with right or wrong—if this is Three Thousand Thoughts, it is nothing other than what the Buddha described.

His footsteps and heart surged in tandem, yet he remained unaware of how he descended the city walls.

He simply followed his true self, step by step, ascending and treading each steady pace, all to maintain his future composure and translate his ideals into action.

Whenever his capabilities allowed, he would gradually propagate this legacy within his heart while simultaneously promoting the nation’s spirit and style…