Lave

Chapitre 5

Ning Lang helplessly scratched his head, then honestly replied, "There are currently 147 sects in the martial arts world, but the top ones are one religion, four schools, and six aristocratic families."

"Hmm." Yuwen Luo nodded, looking like he was a promising student. "Tell me in detail."

"The 'One Teaching' refers to the 'Following Teaching,' the 'Four Schools' refer to the 'Shallow Jade,' the 'Wind and Mist,' the 'Azure Cloud,' and the 'Peach Blossom,' and the 'Six Families' refer to the 'Ming Family of Tianzhou,' the 'Lan Family of Yunzhou,' the 'Qiu Family of Huazhou,' the 'Hua Family of Baizhou,' the 'Yuwen Family of Yuezhou,' and the 'Ning Family of Lanzhou.'" Ning Lang was afraid of making a mistake, so he curled up his ten fingers and counted them one by one.

"Hmm, not bad, you know everything." Yuwen Luo nodded again, lifted Ning Lang's chin with the pen, and turned his face to the garden. "Now I will teach you to recognize people. Although this garden is not the largest in the world, it can be said to have gathered almost all the heroes of the world." There was a pair of bright and wise eyes on his still somewhat childlike face.

Just as Brother Yuwen was about to give the Ning family's younger brother a lesson in martial arts, the once bustling courtyard suddenly fell silent, and everyone's gaze turned in one direction. Brother Yuwen, whose duty was to record all the major and minor events in the martial arts world, wouldn't miss anything that attracted attention. He immediately shifted his gaze and followed the crowd's line of sight. And what he saw... well, it was nothing short of terrifying. He was so frightened he wanted to flee immediately, but with everyone watching, how could he dare to make a move? If he offended that person, he feared even worse consequences. He quickly pulled Ning Lang to sit in front of him, hoping that the person's eyesight wouldn't be good enough to see him.

Ning's younger brother stiffened and turned back to look at his elder brother Yuwen, bewildered. He couldn't understand why his brother, who had been talking so eloquently just moments before, had suddenly changed his demeanor, cowering as if facing a formidable enemy.

"Big brother..."

"Shh...don't speak." Yuwen Luo quickly reached out to cover Ning Lang and lowered his voice, "You block me for a while, you must not let anyone see me."

Ning Lang felt very uncomfortable with his mouth and nose covered, so he just nodded repeatedly and gestured with his eyes to let go quickly.

Yuwen Luo released his grip and crouched behind Ning Lang. However, he had chosen a spot with an "excellent view," where anyone could easily see the two people sitting atop the high artificial hill with just a slight turn of their head or a glance up. Ning Lang, on the other hand, looked curiously at the people entering the garden, wondering who they were that made his elder brother so afraid.

The group consisted of five people. Two elders, both around fifty years old, walked side-by-side at the front. One wore a white turban and simple robe, exuding an elegant air, his gaze calm yet carrying an air of quiet authority; the other was slender with a long beard, displaying the demeanor of a master. Behind them followed three young men: one slightly plump with a smiling face; one handsome and tall with a cold, aloof expression; and one with delicate features, his head slightly bowed as if deep in thought. These five individuals inspired only respect and goodwill, certainly not the same fear that Yuwen Luo felt.

As soon as the five entered the garden, everyone seated there, young and old, rose and bowed to the two elders at the front, then greeted the three young men behind them with smiles. Amidst the sounds of greetings and salutations, the two men sitting motionless on the artificial hill became particularly conspicuous. Once everyone had returned to their seats, the aloof young man who had entered the pavilion suddenly turned around, his gaze sweeping directly at the artificial hill. At that moment, Ning Lang felt as if he had been struck by an arrow, and dared not move an inch.

The aloof young man raised his hand and beckoned with his index finger.

He... wants me to come over? Ning Lang's eyes widened; he didn't recognize the person.

He beckoned with his index finger again.

"Are you really calling me?" Ning Lang shifted his body, but a pair of hands gripped him tightly from behind. "Can't see, can't see, can't see..." a buzzing sound like chanting.

"Yuwen Luo!" With a shout that carried a hint of warning, everyone's eyes turned to the aloof young man, and then followed his gaze to the artificial hill.

This startled Ning Lang, and he realized that the person was calling for his sworn brother.

"He's going to skin me alive." Yuwen Luo's miserable murmur rang out from behind him, and then his clothes loosened as he jumped off the artificial hill.

"Big brother..." Ning Lang hesitated whether to follow.

"Come down." Yuwen Luo waved his hand dejectedly, then walked slowly towards the small pavilion in the center of the garden.

Ning Lang thought for a moment, then jumped down from the artificial hill and followed Yuwen Luo. Sworn brothers should share both hardship and happiness.

"Big Brother." Yuwen Luo walked up to the pavilion and called out obediently. Ning Lang behind him was taken aback. This... this person was actually Big Brother's Big Brother?! He didn't look like him at all.

A slight smile appeared on the aloof young man's face. He walked up to Yuwen Luo, raised his hand to put it on his shoulder, and said in a very brotherly and friendly manner, "Fifth Brother, you've come too." He lowered his head and whispered a sentence into Yuwen Luo's ear, "Don't disgrace the Yuwen family. I'll settle the score with you later!"

Yuwen Luo raised his head, his face full of smiles, revealing two sharp canine teeth that made him even more adorable. He turned and walked to the pavilion, clasped his hands in greeting, and bowed, "Junior Yuwen Luo greets Senior Qiu and Senior Nan."

"This is my fifth brother." The aloof young man also walked back into the pavilion.

"So it's the fifth young master of the Yuwen family." The slender elder stroked his three long wisps of beard and nodded slightly.

“Nephew Yuwen, there’s no need for such formalities.” The elder, with his refined and scholarly demeanor, smiled gently, then glanced at Ning Lang, who stood uneasily outside the pavilion. “Are the people outside your friends?”

“That is my sworn brother, Ning Lang. Like me, he came to pay his respects because he admires your chivalrous spirit,” Yuwen Luo replied politely, turning to call out to Ning Lang, “Ning Lang, this is Senior Qiu Changtian of Changtian Manor.” He then turned to the old man with three long wisps of beard in front of him, “This is Senior Nan Wofeng, the head of Taoluo Sect.”

"Junior Ning Lang greets the two seniors." Ning Lang quickly bowed.

Nan Wofeng nodded. Qiu Changtian's gaze swept over the silver spear on Ning Lang's back. The spear was half the length of a normal spear, about the length of a sword.

"How have you been lately, Brother Ningmo?"

“Ah…” Ning Lang was taken aback, then replied, “Okay.” Does this person know his father?

"Mm." Qiu Changtian nodded with a smile.

Over there, Yuwen Luo had already exchanged greetings with the other two young men.

"Qiu Zang," Qiu Changtian called to the steward, "set seats for the two young masters."

"Ah...no need, Senior Qiu." Yuwen Luo quickly stopped him. "I can just find a place to sit down anywhere. There's no need to trouble you, Senior." If I were to sit with you, it would be like sitting on pins and needles.

"Heh..." Qiu Changtian looked at Yuwen Luo, smiled softly, and then instructed Qiu Zang, "Set up the artificial hill."

Upon hearing this, Yuwen Luo visibly breathed a sigh of relief, then looked at Yuwen Feng, the eldest son of the Yuwen family, and said, "Brother, I'll go first."

"Mm." Yuwen Feng nodded.

Yuwen Luo nodded to everyone in the pavilion before stepping outside and gesturing for Ning Lang to follow him to the foot of the artificial hill, where tables and chairs had been set up, with a pot of tea, two cups, and two plates of snacks on the table.

The two had barely sat down when Qiu Changtian's voice rang out in the ears of everyone in the garden: "It is a great honor to have so many friends from the martial arts world gathered here. However, I am rather dull-witted and have made little progress in my martial arts in recent years. I am ashamed to face you all." He paused slightly, and some people said, "Master Qiu is too modest." He waved his hand, his gaze sweeping across the garden, and continued, "There is a saying that goes, 'The new waves of the great river push the old waves forward.' Today, many young heroes have emerged in the martial arts world. The future upheavals will all be theirs. It is just that we rarely see each other. Today, my manor has gathered so many people, and I am truly delighted. I am eager to witness the new spirit of the martial arts world. What do you all think?"

To put it simply: today, the older generation should step aside and let the younger generation show their skills. As soon as these words were spoken, the younger generation's eyes lit up with joy. They knew that many masters from all walks of life came to Changtian Manor; to win here would mean becoming the number one master among the younger generation—what an honor that would be!

"good!"

The younger generation cheered loudly, while the older generation, unable to swallow their pride and argue with them, simply smiled and nodded.

Qiu Changtian glanced at the many talents in the garden and smiled. "Before you young heroes display your talents, I have something to share with you all."

"I'm late, Senior Qiu. Would you be so kind as to let me share this with you?" A voice suddenly came from outside the garden.

Part 3: The Grand Gathering in the Sky (Part 1)

That sound reminded everyone of a secluded pool under the moonlight, its gentle ripples, though seemingly insignificant, possessing a deadly allure.

Then, the gates of the manor swung open, and the man walked in with an air of effortless grace, as if he were walking on water.

Her black hair was tied with a golden crown, and her white satin hair flowed over her shoulders. She wore a deep purple robe with wide, flowing sleeves. Her long eyebrows were as black as ink, and her jade-like face was set with a pair of rare emerald eyes. With a slight turn of her head, everyone's heart skipped a beat, followed by an indescribable fear.

That person stood there, smiled slightly, closed his jade fan, and clasped his hands in a gesture of respect: "Junior Lan Qi greets senior."

The garden was filled with flowers as white as the moon and as white as snow, a scene of pristine beauty. But in that instant, it seemed as if a thousand purple peonies were blooming, their dazzling beauty captivating the eye.

The entire garden held its breath, utterly bewildered and dejected.

A moment later, Ning Lang snapped out of his daze, grabbed Yuwen Luo's sleeve, and pointed at the object of everyone's stunned gaze: "He...he...is..."

But Yuwen Luo had no time to pay attention to him at the moment.

The paper shimmered with silver, and the brush, not made of wolf hair but fine as a needle, moved swiftly, carefully carving out a line of small characters: "July 16th, 44th year of Yinghua, first meeting Lanqi at Changtian Villa, Ronghua captures the heroic souls of the entire garden."

"Big brother, I know this person." Ning Lang said excitedly.

"Huh?" Yuwen Luo was now excited as well. "You actually know the famous Lan Qi?!"

“I saw him in Yucheng, and he even gave me seven gold leaves!” Ning Lang’s eyes lit up.

"Huh?" Yuwen Luo's eyes lit up. "He gave you a golden leaf? What's your relationship with him? How did you two meet? Did you know he was Lan Qi back then? What did he say to you? What did he do? Why does he know you..."

This series of questions stumped Ning's younger brother.

"I..." Ning's younger brother moved his mouth but couldn't say anything. How should he start the story of how he met Lan Qi?

"Speak quickly!" Yuwen Luo urged.

"Who exactly am I... Lan Qi?" Ning Lang's question was left unanswered, but it did bring out a long-held doubt in his mind.

Yuwen Luo stared at him, then slapped his forehead: "Sigh! How could I possibly place my hopes on you!"

"Big brother..."

"Shh, don't speak yet." Yuwen Luo pointed towards the small pavilion.

"So it's Seventh Young Master, what a rare guest." Qiu Changtian greeted him with a smile as he rose to greet him from the pavilion.

Nan Wofeng also stepped out of the pavilion, a smile blooming on his gaunt face: "I never expected that Seventh Young Master would come."

Lan Qi waved his jade fan and said, "I have long heard of the grand gathering in Changtian and have always longed to attend. I have come uninvited this time, and I hope you will forgive me, senior."

"Seventh Young Master, you are too kind. It is an honor to have you here. Please come in." Qiu Changtian waved his hand, inviting Lan Qi to sit in the pavilion. Qiu Zang had already had chairs brought over without needing to be told.

"Thank you very much, junior."

Just as the three were about to enter the pavilion, three young men inside stood up to greet them. Suddenly, another voice came from outside the manor.

"This junior has arrived late. I wonder if Senior Qiu would be so kind as to allow Huayan to enter the manor and witness this grand event?"

This sound was like the spring breeze and summer rain, so gentle and refreshing.

"It's Young Master Ming! Please come in!" Qiu Changtian's refined face was now full of surprise. Not only him, but everyone in the garden stood up and looked toward the entrance.

First, a wisp of green fabric drifted in, then a tall, slender figure walked in with an elegant demeanor and a faint smile on his lips. The garden was filled with fragrance, but as he walked, he carried the subtle scent of lotus blossoms. His gaze swept across the room, as if they were gazing at each other across the water, ethereal and distant.

With his green robes fluttering, he clasped his hands in a gesture of respect and said, "Junior Ming Huayan greets the two seniors."

"Young master, there's no need for such formalities." Qiu Changtian quickly raised his hand to help him up.

"I never expected that even Young Master Ming would come today. Brother Changtian, you certainly have a lot of influence!" Nan Wofeng stroked his beard and smiled.

"I am overjoyed to have so many young heroes here today." Qiu Changtian nodded repeatedly. "Come, let me introduce you." He turned around and introduced Lan Qi first, "Second Young Master, this is the seventh young master of the Lan family. Seventh Young Master, this is the second young master of the Ming family."

The two stepped forward to greet each other, their eyes met, and they were both startled.

The person opposite had deep, blue eyes, and something was clearly hidden in their clear, shimmering gaze.

The person before me had misty eyes, and there was something hidden within their boundless gentleness.

"evildoer!"

"Fake fairy!"

The two blurted it out, their impulses beyond their control. When they realized what they had said, they were met with astonishment and disbelief throughout the garden.

"Oh, so it's Young Master Ming. I've heard so much about you."

"The Seventh Young Master's name is renowned far and wide."

While everyone was still stunned, the two were already chatting and laughing, each taking a step forward. Just when everyone thought they were about to hold hands and get closer, the outstretched hand suddenly and imperceptibly turned around and withdrew.

"It is truly an honor to meet the Second Young Master today."

"Not at all, I have long admired Seventh Young Master."

The two men bowed to each other, exchanging glances. Hmm, they seemed familiar, but where had they seen each other before?

Seeing their mutual respect, the people in the garden assumed they had misheard. After their initial surprise, they rose and approached, greeting those who knew them well and introducing themselves to two of the most outstanding young martial artists of the time. Only Yuwen Luo diligently wrote down those two sentences in his newly opened copy of "The History of the Martial World," which would later be hailed as his most profound and vivid "title"!

The two highly respected seniors, Qiu Changtian and Nan Wofeng, merely exchanged a glance, then smiled knowingly, taking it as a "joke" that a young man might blurt out in his excitement and wariness when he encountered an equally matched opponent. They didn't take it to heart and instead introduced the three young men in the pavilion to them.

"Brother, who are they..." Ning Lang pointed to the people being fawned over in the garden and humbly asked, "Why does everyone value them so much?"

Although Ning's younger brother was not very worldly-wise, he could tell from everyone's reactions that these two people seemed to be of even greater importance than the two grandmasters, Qiu Changtian and Nan Wofeng.