Chapter 78 – Half a Month Forging a Strong Soul (Ten)

“The martial world today is like the setting sun, yet it remains like a centipede that refuses to die even when dead. There may still be secrets unknown to us. Do you know what this means?” the Chief said.

Hearing this, Ye Kuang couldn’t help but feel a stir of surprise inwardly. What came to his mind were precisely the reclusive masters of the martial world.

For example, his Nominal Senior Brother and the sect behind him—the Jade Void Palace!

And more…

The Chief naturally noticed every change in Ye Kuang’s expression but didn’t dwell on it. Frowning deeply, he continued, “Therefore, we lack such leaders—those who can guide the trends of the martial world, unite these forces, and consolidate them into a cohesive whole.”

Ye Kuang reacted immediately, asking, “Aren’t you afraid I might reveal what you’ve said, Chief?”

The Chief chuckled, “Do you think a mayfly can shake a mighty tree?”

As he spoke, an unshakable confidence radiated from him—a spirit of absolute assurance, as if he could command the mountains and rivers and rule over all lands.

Seeing this, Ye Kuang spread his hands and laughed, “Impressive. Very vivid and fitting. In fact, I think so too.”

Upon hearing this, the Chief tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table and suddenly asked, “Do you know about Ability Users?”

???

Ye Kuang couldn’t help but furrow his brows tightly, followed by a flood of questions.

It could be said that this was the first time he had ever heard of Ability Users!

Thinking this, he couldn’t help but ponder what it truly meant.

The Chief offered no explanation. Instead, he picked up a large piece of meat and began chewing it slowly, though his eyes remained fixed on the young man before him.

Ye Kuang said, “Please enlighten me.”

The Chief replied, “Just like the wind, rain, thunder, and lightning—though their attributes differ, on a stormy night, they can unleash relentless energy. Whether it’s the wind and rain or the thunder and lightning, anyone who can wield such power can be called an Ability User.”

Hearing this, the answer in Ye Kuang’s mind was on the tip of his tongue: “You mean…”

“Knowing is enough; no need to say it aloud,” the Chief interrupted.

Ye Kuang was utterly astonished. He suddenly realized the world was far more complex than he had imagined.

First, there were reclusive masters, and now Ability Users. How many more secrets did this world hold?

The seemingly calm sea could surge with turbulent waves at any moment.

So Ye Kuang thought.

The Chief said, “The mighty Yangtze River flows eastward, washing away heroes in its waves. Who can stand firm at the Peak? It’s but an empty name, a fleeting shadow—everything is but floating clouds. Do you know what it means to forge the soul?”

Ye Kuang murmured, “I do not.”

“To cultivate a body of brute strength, yet not know the meaning of homeland and duty.

Through the ages, none escape the hero’s grave;

Are all the world’s brave and mighty buried thus?

While the world remains drunk, I alone stay sober,

Sitting to watch the scenery of ten thousand miles.

Be it flatlands or mountain peaks,

It’s all but vain fame and fleeting smoke.

To keep lofty aspirations from falling,

One must be like the evergreen crown of a tree.

Fear not the trials of wind and rain,

Nurture resilience and stand firm.

Words and deeds in harmony, never discourteous,

Cultivate virtue and ride the winds of success.

Unrefined iron cannot become strong steel;

Only through unceasing self-improvement can one forge the soul!” the Chief recited.

Ye Kuang’s heart trembled violently. How could he not understand the meaning beyond mere words and teachings?

If those with unyielding integrity are heroes, then aren’t those who guide and lead also heroes?If one were to ask how a heart devoted to the world grows ever more resolute, it is only through the heart of an ancient towering tree and its ceaselessly thriving roots.

Chief: “Your emergence was something we never anticipated, but you must understand that the greater one’s abilities, the heavier their responsibilities. This isn’t some grand moral principle but an innate awareness that comes with being human.”

Ye Kuang: “These concepts are too profound for someone like me to fully grasp. To be honest, given my current capabilities, it’s still too early to speak of such matters.”

At this point, he couldn’t help but add: “However, what I said earlier wasn’t empty boasting either.”

Chief: “Then I shall respond with the wisdom of our ancestors: ‘Do not be trapped by your heart, do not be disordered by emotions, do not fear the future, do not dwell on the past.’ This way is truly good.”

Ye Kuang: “Sigh…”

Hearing this, the Chief slowly lifted his gaze, suddenly feeling that this young man’s psychological maturity didn’t match what one would expect from his age. The contradiction was evident, prompting him to ask: “Why the sigh?”

Ye Kuang responded with a bitter smile, as if mocking himself or perhaps finding no words to explain. He shook his head and then wholeheartedly gave in to his appetite, eating with great enthusiasm.

Seeing this, the Chief couldn’t help but remark: “Sighing is understandable, but what troubles could a young person possibly have? Maintaining your original intention remains the truest form of consistency. Remember, the size of your heart determines the size of your stage.”

Hearing this, Ye Kuang only ate with more gusto, fully focused on the dining table, embodying the saying that food is the paramount necessity of the people.

The Chief, seeing this, realized he’d made an uninteresting remark and decided not to say more, joining the meal instead.

“Hey, kid, can you slow down? Leave some for me.”

“You’re slow with your chopsticks, and you blame me?”

“That’s the piece of meat I had my eye on. Don’t you dare take it, I’m warning you.”

“Heh, does this meat have your name written on it? I say it’s mine.”

“You…”

Ye Kuang then picked up a large piece of meat with his chopsticks, sniffed it, and asked with a smile: “Want some?”

Chief: “Isn’t that obvious?”

“Well, I’m just not giving it to you.” As he spoke, Ye Kuang tossed the meat into his mouth and began chewing, mumbling words that were infuriatingly provocative: “The flavor is absolutely incredible. One bite—oily yet not greasy—simply leaves you craving more. Enough to make others green with envy.”

The Chief’s expression immediately darkened at these words. From childhood to adulthood, few had dared to disrespect him, and now this immature brat was publicly humiliating him. How could he maintain his dignity after this?

Enraged by the thought, the Chief immediately picked up his old-fashioned phone and asked: “Where are you all? Get over here quickly and teach that wretched boy a lesson. This is utterly infuriating.”

Ye Kuang overheard this and couldn’t help but eavesdrop.

The faint voice on the other end sounded feminine, more melodious than a kingfisher’s song, blending playfulness with elegance—distinctly reminiscent of an older sister figure.

Ye Kuang couldn’t resist teasing: “Calling for backup?”

Chief: “What do you think? Just wait, you’ll see what’s coming. We’ll see about that.”

Ye Kuang: “Are they strong? I don’t believe it.”

Chief: “Strong? Hahaha, ‘strong’ doesn’t even begin to describe it. Don’t come crying to me for forgiveness later.”

Ye Kuang: “……”