Chapter 88: Chapter 88: Enduring Humiliation

CLANG!

Borrowing Strength was the secret of the Continuous Slash Saber Technique. Chu Lingguang hadn’t yet reached Perfection in this Kung Fu, nor had he fully mastered it, but he could still mimic the principle. He channeled it into his Spear Technique, making each thrust stronger than the one before. Even if the power only increased by a fraction each time, Chu Lingguang could pull it off.

Meanwhile, Lin Yuanfu had lost his composure.

Even though the change in power behind Chu Lingguang’s Spear Technique was slight, it had an immeasurable impact on Lin Yuanfu’s Mental Realm. A thought flashed through his dazed mind: ’This must be Chu Lingguang’s trump card! He’s been struggling all this time just to set up this very moment!’

With this thought in mind, and desperate to escape Chu Lingguang’s continuous barrage of spear sweeps, Lin Yuanfu fell back step by step. The more he retreated, the more chaotic his footwork became, and the more force he had to endure.

Under both internal and external pressure, when he finally faced the fifth spear thrust, the staff in his hands was nearly knocked away. He staggered, about to fall off the Soldier Landing Platform, and only managed to steady himself by bracing the staff against the ground.

And Chu Lingguang’s Long Spear was now aimed at his throat.

“Nice!”

Teng Qingshan shouted excitedly.

Watching Chu Lingguang snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, he felt as if he were the one making the comeback, his blood boiling with excitement. But when he noticed Lin Yuanfu’s face alternating between pale and livid, he quickly changed his tune. “What a visual feast! Lin, your Staff Technique is ever-changing, and Chu, your Spear Technique is as steady as a mountain. You two are evenly matched, truly worthy opponents!”

“No, I lost.”

Lin Yuanfu said, his face a mask of dejection.

“I was just lucky today.”

Chu Lingguang explained.

“Master Guo has taken on a fine disciple. Chu, your title of future Martial Arts Scholar is well-deserved.”

Although Lin Yuanfu was reluctant to admit it, he could accept reality.

“You lost not because of your Kung Fu, but because of your heart. If your Mental Realm had not been thrown into chaos, you would have defeated Chu Lingguang had you held on just a moment longer.”

Guo Wei kindly reminded him.

Lin Yuanfu was stunned. Guo Wei had revealed the crux of the matter in a single sentence. He carefully recalled the fight and realized that he had indeed lost due to his Mental Realm. But if their positions had been reversed, Lin Yuanfu knew he couldn’t have remained as calm and composed as Chu Lingguang. He cupped his fists and said, “Chu, your heart is like a rock, and your Spear Technique is indestructible. I am truly no match for you.”

“You flatter me.”

Chu Lingguang said humbly.

“Master Guo, we both lost to Chu Lingguang today. We will report this to everyone truthfully. You can just wait for Chu Lingguang to become famous!”

Lin Yuanfu said to Guo Wei, cupping his hands.

“Master Guo, I’ve heard your eldest disciple, Yang Shaorong, is also a martial arts prodigy of the highest caliber. Now that you have Chu Lingguang under your wing as well, your prestige far surpasses that of Master Tie.”

Teng Qingshan said with a look of admiration.

After saying this, the two of them prepared to leave.

“Wait a moment, you two.”

Guo Wei stopped them in time.

“Master Guo, do you have any other instructions for us?”

Lin Yuanfu asked.

“Regarding what just happened, I must ask you two to keep it an absolute secret!”

Guo Wei said with a solemn expression, cupping his hands toward them.

He was a First Generation Grandmaster and a respected senior. This gesture of respect left Lin Yuanfu and Teng Qingshan flustered, and they both hurriedly bowed in return.

Teng Qingshan asked, “If we don’t tell anyone, what should we say if people ask?”

“Just say that Chu Lingguang’s reputation is undeserved, that he’s all talk, and that he was no match for you at all. The title of future Martial Arts Scholar is too heavy a burden for him. I’m asking you two to help him take it off.”

Guo Wei said with utmost sincerity.

“What?”

Lin Yuanfu and Teng Qingshan’s jaws dropped.

Chu Lingguang was taken aback for a moment. He seemed to have realized something, and suddenly, Guo Wei’s back looked as immense as a mountain.

“Master Guo, are you worried that if Chu solidifies his reputation as a Martial Arts Scholar, he’ll be targeted by everyone during the Daoist Examination?” Lin Yuanfu asked.

“That’s right. Although Lin Guang’s skills are not weak, he is far from being able to handle that kind of situation.”

Guo Wei nodded.

“But Master Guo,” Teng Qingshan reminded him, “if everyone thinks Chu Lingguang’s reputation is a sham, he won’t be the only one whose name is tarnished.”

If the disciple becomes a laughingstock, the master loses face as well.

THUD!

Chu Lingguang fell to his knees, faced Guo Wei, and said, “Master, this humiliation you’ve endured for my sake today… in two months, I will reclaim it all for you.”

THUD! THUD! THUD!

As he spoke, Chu Lingguang kowtowed three times to Guo Wei.

’What master doesn’t want to become famous?’

Yet Guo Wei was willing to have his own reputation sullied just to secure a better environment for him at the Martial Arts Examination.

“Get up.”

Guo Wei’s heart warmed. Of course, he knew that by personally stripping Chu Lingguang of this ’hat’ today, Chu Lingguang would face all sorts of slander and feel wronged inside.

However, Chu Lingguang seemed more concerned about his reputation as a master.

’And then there’s Chu Lingguang’s age.’

’What young man isn’t proud and ambitious?’

’If this reputation had fallen to Hei Hu, and I tried to destroy it, he’d surely be furious with me. But Chu Lingguang didn’t care about the immediate fame and fortune, and he understood my difficult intentions.’

The more Guo Wei thought about it, the more satisfied he became.

“Master, I won’t let you down either.”

Hei Hu knelt down as well, his face tinged with shame. Chu Lingguang’s actions had suddenly made him reflect on many things.

“Mm, get up.”

Guo Wei nodded, pulling Chu Lingguang and Hei Hu up from the ground.

Teng Qingshan and Lin Yuanfu looked at each other, their eyes filled with emotion and surprise.

Lin Yuanfu cupped his hands and said, “Master Guo, to endure such humiliation for your disciple… such painstaking devotion is truly enviable.”

“After the Daoist Examination is over, I will tell everyone the truth and clear Master Guo’s and Chu’s names.”

Teng Qingshan promised solemnly.

“Same here.”

Lin Yuanfu chimed in.

“Thank you both. When the time comes, I will also explain to everyone your act of kindness today.”

Guo Wei hurriedly cupped his hands. He knew that by helping him deceive everyone, Teng Qingshan and Lin Yuanfu would also face criticism, and he couldn’t let their reputations be tarnished either.

“Master Guo is righteous!”

Teng Qingshan and Lin Yuanfu said in unison, bowing deeply.

“After the Daoist Examination, if you two don’t mind, you’re welcome to come back for another round.”

Guo Wei said with a smile.

The two men were stunned for a moment, then overjoyed. One after the other, they said, “We couldn’t ask for more! Thank you, Master Guo!”

They both understood that Guo Wei was offering to give them personal guidance again in two months.

And so, Hei Hu escorted the two men to the gate.

Guo Wei stood in the front courtyard, looking at the crowd by the gate with a grim expression.

“Master Guo, for a man of your high prestige to take on a disciple like Chu Lingguang… it’s truly a disgrace! He’s a long way from becoming a Martial Arts Scholar.”

Teng Qingshan sneered.

“I thought I’d found an evenly matched opponent today, but it turns out he’s just some guy with an empty reputation.”

Lin Yuanfu said sarcastically.

“Hmph. Victory and defeat are common occurrences. Lin Guang only lost to you two this time. One day, he will prove himself.”

“Close the gate!”

Guo Wei ordered, his face dark.

BANG!

Hei Hu slammed the gate shut, putting on the appearance of someone who had lost face and couldn’t bear to be seen.

“Did you two win?”

“Didn’t you hear? Chu Lingguang is all for show!”

“Future Martial Arts Scholar? Pfft, my ass!”

“Looks like Guo Wei’s reputation is ruined in his old age!”

The crowd outside erupted. The voices slowly faded as everyone departed, gloating over the misfortune.

(For the sake of this master-disciple relationship, please support me! Please keep reading and send some tips. I’ll keep writing and try to get another Chapter out a little after midnight.)

(This kind of master-disciple bond is so hard to write. I hope the bond between all of you and me can continue to grow along with this book.)

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep