Chapter 126: Appreciating Jade
Chapter 126: Appreciating Jade
In the eastern part of Anyu County, the Lin'an River meandered through, covering nearly half of the county. At this moment, the riverbed stretched for tens of meters, exposing the dry and parched riverbed. The soil was cracked and desolate, with not a hint of moisture in sight.
However, after an unknown amount of time, the dry air that parched one's lips suddenly became slightly moist, gradually spreading and dissipating the dryness.
At the end of the dry riverbed.
At some point, a slender stream appeared without a sound, flowing gently downstream.
"It's over."
Chen Mu walked along the riverbank, witnessing this scene, and heaved a sigh of relief.
The dry air became humid once more, and the parched riverbed revived with flowing water. Even a slender stream represented the end of the severe drought that had lasted for over half a month.
During this drought, the casualties in Yu Prefecture were significantly lower compared to the previous year's Great Cold, as people had water storage measures in place. Unlike the Great Cold, where snowstorms raged, and the poor couldn't afford quilts or repair their homes to withstand the harsh winter. In Chen Mu's opinion, drought was far more terrifying than the cold.
Water is the source of life. If a drought persists for two or three months, the resulting disasters would be unimaginable, affecting not only ordinary people but also martial artists.
Fortunately, this drought ended just like the previous ones.
"Supreme Benevolence Like Water."
"Water benefits all things without contention, dwelling in places that others despise... Thus, it is close to the Dao."
Chen Mu's mind suddenly recalled a phrase from the Tao Te Ching from his previous life. Gazing at the meandering stream, which seemed to bring vitality back to this land, he spoke thoughtfully.
At that moment.
Xu Hongyu, standing beside him, was also staring at the winding stream. Hearing his words, she froze, as if enlightened, standing motionless.
Chen Mu noticed Xu Hongyu's state, glanced at her, and quietly stood by her side without making a sound or disturbing her.
A moment later.
Xu Hongyu, still in a daze, gently placed her slender, jade-like hand on her waist and drew out her soft sword. She pointed it towards the direction of the flowing stream, and with a swift motion, the sword light turned white. It held neither sharpness nor defense, lacking any specific direction, just like the stream, flowing downstream, following the natural course, without contention or conflict.
The third sword technique, which she had been struggling to comprehend, was suddenly understood, and she took a significant step forward in her cultivation.
After a few more swings of the sword, Xu Hongyu thrust her sword forward, and the sword light split into three, each representing a different sword technique. They then merged back into one, and with a swift motion, a section of the riverbank was sliced off.
"Good."
Chen Mu couldn't help but smile, praising her, unsure if he was complimenting Xu Hongyu's sword technique or her graceful figure as she danced with the sword, dressed in a light yellow robe.
After the battle in the wilderness, Dong Hong Township had been relatively peaceful for seven or eight days, with occasional large-scale demon uprisings quickly suppressed by Chen Mu. This morning, Xu Hongyu, who had been practicing the Kan Water lineage sword technique, was more sensitive to the water's energy than Chen Mu and had predicted the end of the drought earlier.
Recalling that Xu Hongyu had been struggling to grasp the third sword technique, 'Floating Water Sword', Chen Mu suggested she take a walk along the riverbank to observe the water's flow, hoping it would inspire her.
However, at this moment.
Xu Hongyu's understanding of the third sword technique seemed more closely related to Chen Mu's words, 'Supreme Benevolence Like Water'. These profound sayings seemed to have a guiding effect in this world, but unfortunately, Chen Mu from his previous life had no interest in them, so his memory retained only a few fragments of various scriptures.
If the phrase 'Supreme Benevolence Like Water' could instantly enlighten Xu Hongyu, allowing her to enter the realm of concepts, it would be wonderful, but it seemed like a fantastical tale. After all, even though the scriptures approached the essence of the Dao, they were not as direct as the concept diagrams.
Swish.
Xu Hongyu sheathed her sword and stood, a hint of joy in her beautiful eyes.
The third sword technique, which had eluded her for so long, was finally understood, meaning she could now focus on comprehending the Water Conduit Diagram and attempting to grasp the Water Concept.
With this thought, she turned her gaze back to Chen Mu, her eyes gleaming: "No wonder you could comprehend two concepts in such a short time, even without seeing the concept diagrams, and could deduce the Whistling Wind Concept..."
Supreme Benevolence Like Water, water benefits all things without contention, dwelling in places that others despise, thus it is close to the Dao.
Without cultivating the Water Concept, Xu Hongyu's enlightenment upon seeing the end of the drought and the reappearance of the stream demonstrated a profound understanding of the essence of the Dao, far surpassing Chen Mu's own progress.
Chen Mu realized that Xu Hongyu had misunderstood and thought this phrase was his own insight, but he didn't clarify at this moment. Instead, he gently caressed her face, which now carried a hint of joy, the coldness fading from her delicate features. Her skin felt smooth as jade, with a slight chill.
Chen Mu had known this jade-like beauty standing before him for some time, from strangers to acquaintances, then to trust, from subordinate to companion, and now standing before him. From appreciation to emotional stirrings, if he still didn't understand her heart, he would be truly clueless about human emotions. Some things required him to take the initiative.
Xu Hongyu stood motionless, her clear and elegant eyes fixed on him, with only a hint of bewilderment, unsure how to react.
Seeing Xu Hongyu's obedient, bewildered, and slightly flustered expression, Chen Mu's heart stirred. He wanted to see how the cold jade would respond, so he moved closer, his gaze probing. He gently lowered his head, capturing her soft, red lips.
The sensation was still cool, but with a hint of moisture.
The beautiful woman before him stiffened slightly, but her expression remained mostly unchanged, her eyes widening slightly, still bewildered and flustered, like a statue.
Chen Mu gently tested her reaction, and though she didn't respond, there was no resistance or objection. She yielded to his actions without resistance.
Several years ago, he was merely a lowly law enforcer in the southern district, only hearing about Xu Hongyu in passing. But now, he has won her heart, and he is here, savoring the moment with her. It's not a dream; it's the result of his steady steps—practicing martial arts, resisting the He family, providing disaster relief, rescuing others, quelling demon disturbances, slaying demons, guarding the mountain, and cultivating his path.
Chen Mu, holding Xu Hongyu in his arms, looked at her serene eyes, which showed no sign of confusion. She even winked at him twice, prompting him to ask, "What... what's wrong?"
"It's... it's nothing," Chen Mu replied, feeling the urge to scratch his head. The white jade was indeed very white and smooth, but to see it turn red, he knew he'd need to use his wits.
However, this wasn't the right place for certain actions. Chen Mu gently released Xu Hongyu, who was nestled in his embrace, and caressed her head. She responded by blinking her clear, large eyes rapidly.
"Come out, don't hide," Chen Mu said, glancing at a small hill nearby.
A figure emerged from behind the hill, covering their face with their hands and keeping their eyes tightly shut. "Vice Commander Yu Jun sent me to inform you, I just arrived and didn't see anything."
Chen Mu, noticing the messenger's nervousness, said, "Little maid, your mind is restless. Go back and meditate for three days."
The messenger's face fell, and she turned to Xu Hongyu with a pitiful look, saying, "Miss..."
"Yes, three days should be enough," Xu Hongyu agreed with a slight nod.
The messenger burst into tears and ran off.
However, thinking about the scene she had just witnessed, the messenger realized it wasn't that surprising after all. Although Chen Mu had finally taken the initiative, Miss Xu's reaction was a bit... well, at least Chen Mu didn't seem unhappy.
Perhaps she should find a way to help?
...
Lin'an River was not far from the county government office.
Soon, the group arrived at Anyu County Office.
"You're here," Vice Commander Yu Jun greeted Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu as they entered the courtyard. "Chen Mu, I've tallied your merits for quelling the demon disturbance. I've reported them to the Demon Slayer Bureau, and the total is 67,500 merit points. Even if there are some fluctuations after the Demon Slayer Bureau's approval, it should still be around 65,000."
This tally was in line with Chen Mu's expectations.
"Thank you, sir," Chen Mu said, bowing respectfully to Yu Jun.
Yu Jun smiled and said, "There's no need for formalities. You and Hongyu are like family now. I'm just a bit older than you, so feel free to call me 'Uncle Jun.' With your battle achievements, the Demon Slayer Bureau's new appointment will likely be announced soon. There's no vacancy for the Vice Commander position yet, so you'll have to continue serving as a White Guard for the time being."
Chen Mu was not surprised by Yu Jun's words. Although the Demon Slayer Bureau differed from other local administrations, even the Vice Commander or Commander positions could be temporarily established. However, Chen Mu's demonstrated strength placed him between the White Guard and Vice Commander levels.
Jumping directly to the Vice Commander position was unlikely, unless he reached the pinnacle of Sinew Transformation or the Thunderous Tiger-Leopard Body Tempering Realm, or mastered the Wind and Thunder Concepts. In those cases, a Vice Commander position could be temporarily established.
For Chen Mu, serving as a White Guard or Vice Commander didn't make much difference. In the current chaotic world, personal strength held more weight than status or power. His primary goal was to obtain the Bone Forging Pill and quietly cultivate for a period of time, striving to enter the Bone Forging Realm.
"Now that the demon disturbance is over, can we return to Yu County?" Xu Hongyu asked, looking at Chen Mu.
"Yes, we can return soon. You can go back today as well," Yu Jun replied with a slight nod. But then, his expression turned serious, and he spoke with gravity, "However, when you return to Yu County, you must be cautious in everything you do. Temporarily set aside the conflict with the He family; in such critical times, stability is paramount."
Xu Hongyu was taken aback by Yu Jun's solemn tone and immediately asked, "What... what has happened?"
Yu Jun took a deep breath and began, "According to recent news, the Sky Sword Harmony Sect and Blood Concealment Mystic Sect, which are based in Qingzhou and Hanzhou, neighboring Jade Province, sent their direct disciples to challenge the Seven Mysteries Sect. The four sects agreed that if the Seven Mysteries Sect lost, they would establish themselves in Jade Province with Yu County as the boundary. As a result, the Seven Mysteries Sect suffered four consecutive defeats, and the four sects are about to enter Yu County."
At this news, not only Xu Hongyu but even Chen Mu was surprised.
Chen Mu had heard of the Sky Sword Harmony Sect and Blood Concealment Mystic Sect, among the four sects. Although he had never ventured into Jade Province, these sects were well-established in the neighboring regions and were no less powerful than the Seven Mysteries Sect.
What surprised him was that the direct disciples of these four sects had challenged the Seven Mysteries Sect, and the latter had lost all four battles. Upon reflection, it made sense. Compared to the outside world, where conflicts had been ongoing for many years, the Seven Mysteries Sect had always followed a policy of 'seclusion and isolation,' sealing off the province and avoiding contact with any other state. They had not taken the initiative to step out and had only sought development within Jade Province.
This strategy had indeed led to overall prosperity and the accumulation of various resources. However, the disciples of the Seven Mysteries Sect, who had grown up in a stable environment, were no match for the disciples of the other four sects, who had been fighting across the outer states.
Thinking about this, Chen Mu realized that the Seven Mysteries Sect's decision to close its doors might not have been entirely correct, but it had indeed maintained peace in the seven counties of Jade Province for over a decade, including Yu County.
If Yu County had fallen into sectarian strife ten years ago, in an even more chaotic world, Chen Mu might not have survived, and Chen Mu might never have been born.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
