Chapter 72 – Half a Month Forging a Strong Soul (Four)

Gao Qing: “Scholar, why don’t you say something? You’re usually so eloquent, how come you’ve turned mute now? Everyone, let’s discuss what ‘tough as a rock’ and ‘indestructible’ really mean.”

Upon hearing this, Zheng Xiucai couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed—not only was he baking under the scorching sun, but he also had to ponder the deeper meaning behind these words.

One could imagine how tremendously difficult this intense contemplation was.

Instead, the female students offered varying opinions, each expressing their own views.

“Life is rarely smooth sailing; a gentleman should constantly strive for self-improvement, standing firm as a rock and resilient as reed grass.”

“Qing Yexie once wrote: Only with great strength can one achieve firmness, thus reaching a state of ultimate firmness that cannot be destroyed.”

“Once you’ve decided on something, your heart must be as steadfast as a rock. Only by refining and perfecting the details can you accomplish the task well.”

It could be said that this very opportunity for collective brainstorming benefited Ye Kuang immensely!

He had always resisted military training, but it had to be said that after this incident, it would have a profoundly lasting impact on him.

Regardless of how difficult something may be to accomplish, success or failure are two separate matters—but whether you attempt it or not is a matter of attitude.

To become as resilient as a rock, one must first possess a heart as firm as gold, only then can one become indestructible.

Because the spirit of our people cannot be concealed.

Similarly, the legacy of our spirit must never be extinguished!

Thinking of this, Ye Kuang suddenly realized that there seemed to be a connection between the two—they were remarkably similar in essence.

It was only at this moment that he clearly understood: on the long, dark road ahead, if one wishes to carry the banner and lead the way, the spirit of our people must not be abandoned!

Whether it’s the sense of defeat or the numerous obstacles, they are but fleeting clouds obscuring the view—only because we stand at the highest level!

Pop!

Ye Kuang jolted in surprise, as if a barrier within his heart had been pierced. His mental, auditory, and visual awareness suddenly became more acute… the sensation was utterly irresistible.

He then slowly closed his eyes, achieving enlightenment in a single moment and entering a state of emptiness!

As Buddhism once said: If the mind is free from dust, it naturally finds peace.

And Ye Kuang’s heart at this moment was like pristine, untouched soil—vast as the starry river, boundless as the earth, clearly indestructible!

Words flowed from Ye Kuang’s mouth like blooming flowers, insights flooding his heart as he began to murmur to himself.

Gao Qing, Pang Hu, and Zheng Xiucai nearby were the first to notice his unusual state, each staring wide-eyed at the person who seemed to have entered deep meditation.

Zheng Xiucai: “Damn, is Ye Kuang putting on an act? Is he saying something? I could understand the first few sentences, but what’s all that afterward? I can’t make out a single word!”

Ye Kuang: “The originally pure and bright mind isn’t found elsewhere—it exists only within the deluded minds of all living beings.”

Ye Kuang: “Things have their roots and branches, affairs have their beginnings and ends. Knowing what comes first and what follows brings one closer to the Dao.”

Ye Kuang: “Not seeing a single thing is called seeing the Dao. Not practicing a single thing is called practicing the Dao.”

As he spoke these words, he suddenly awoke as if his heart had comprehended something profound—seeing through the fundamental nature of things, grasping the essence of Zen!

Seeing this, Gao Qing suddenly asked: “Ye Kuang, are you alright?””Hahaha…” Ye Kuang responded with roaring laughter, his demeanor resembling that of a commoner who had unexpectedly acquired wealth rivaling a nation’s treasury. For a moment, his excitement was beyond words.

The terrifying sound waves approached like a sudden clap of thunder on calm ground, deafening and shocking to the ears!

Zheng Xiucai: “This doesn’t seem like a minor matter—it looks like something big is about to happen…”

Pang Hu, hearing this, cried out anxiously: “It’s blowing up, it’s blowing up! Is this guy in a hurry to die? The time hasn’t come yet, and the instructor won’t let him off!”

The commotion they caused immediately drew countless gleeful, mocking gazes.

Even Sun Ying, who had been feigning sleep, opened his eyes and looked over.

Yet Ye Kuang remained completely unfazed, his boldness a testament to his skill as he dared to meet Sun Ying’s gaze directly.

Sun Ying walked over and said, “Half an hour hasn’t passed yet. Have you already grasped the connection between ‘tough as a rock’ and ‘indestructible’? Or do you think that with a bit of skill, you can disregard discipline and act recklessly here?”

Hearing this, Ye Kuang raised his eyes to look at the instructor before him and suddenly stepped forward as well.

This scene instantly drew countless astonished gazes, each person growing somewhat excited, as if something major was about to unfold.

As he walked, Ye Kuang spoke with a laugh: “I originally intended to complete my studies quietly, but plans can’t keep up with changes. From your tone, Instructor, it seems you know a little about me, is that right?”

Sun Ying shook his head and replied softly, “Not just a little—I know you very well. I could say that every soldier, including myself, remembers you vividly. I’ve been paying attention to you for a long time. The one who took first place in the martial arts competition, a person who hides his depths, someone who hasn’t given his all… a scion of the Ye Family, Wolong, named Ye Kuang!”

Hearing this, Ye Kuang’s eyes narrowed sharply, and he suddenly said coldly, “You’ve been investigating me?”

Sun Ying shook his head again and smiled. “It’s not as you imagine. We investigate everyone with martial prowess, and you fall into that category. Do you understand?”

Ye Kuang: “Understood, that makes sense. But I have a question.”

Sun Ying: “Go ahead.”

Ye Kuang suddenly grinned: “I assume the instructor has also studied martial arts?”

Hearing this, Sun Ying shook his head once more and explained, “What I’ve learned isn’t martial arts, but a distinct branch of it called military seizing combat.”

Changing the subject, Sun Ying continued, “I understand what you mean. If you want to spar, that’s not impossible, but first, you must answer my question.”

Ye Kuang: “One who is tough as a rock has a heart firm as metal. Only with a steadfast heart and resolute will can one journey far. One who is indestructible can remain as stable as Mount Tai…”

Before he finished speaking, the two had already stepped toward each other.

Sun Ying: “I must say, your exceptional qualities aren’t as simple as they appear on the surface. You’re correct. But what significance does this hold for military training?”Ye Kuang sprang into action upon hearing the words, reciting fluently: “Military training is truly a process of tempering the body, an essential path to cultivating perseverance. For without a heart as resilient as bedrock, one can hardly overcome numerous obstacles. Naturally, possessing such a heart is the very purpose of military training. The same applies to handling affairs—without a consistently steadfast heart, all endeavors remain but empty talk…”