Chapter 2: Let Go of the Need to Help, Respect Others' Fates
Chapter 2: Let Go of the Need to Help, Respect Others' Fates
Yu Longsheng.
The young master of the Jianzong Manor in Jinzhong, the son of the Old Man of Zangan, and the closed-door disciple of Tian Shan Xueyingzi.
In The Sentimental Swordsman, he is also a young sword genius who, in his first appearance, pierces Li Xinhuan's mink coat with his sword.
Coming from a prestigious family, he is proud and arrogant, even daring to mock Zhao Zhengyi. He is the only one among the many guests of Xingyun Manor who catches Li Xinhuan's eye.
Of course, things take a turn for the worse soon after.
Despite his skill, he is unable to make Li Xinhuan budge during their face-to-face confrontation, and his attempted sneak attack on A Fei backfires, resulting in him being knocked away with his own longsword. Two years later, he reappears as one of the male favorites of the Great Joyful Female Bodhisattva.
He then assists Li Xinhuan in killing the Great Joyful Female Bodhisattva, earning Li Xinhuan's recognition as a "friend."
A tragic character through and through.
The young man sat at his desk in his room, eating his breakfast while assessing his martial arts prowess and recalling Yu Longsheng's memories and the plot of the novel.
From this moment on, he is Yu Longsheng.
"Not bad, not bad at all."
Yu Longsheng took another sip of his sweet porridge and picked up a spring roll to eat.
"Although my internal energy cultivation is not yet mature due to my young age, internal power is not a significant focus in Gu Long's novels. Usually, those with high internal skill are just part of the background."
"However, aside from that, my sword techniques and light martial arts skills are top-notch. While I may not be on the same level as A Fei and Jing Wuming, those freaks, I'm still considered a first-rate swordsman in the martial arts world."
Old Man Cang Long, having had Yu Longsheng late in life, doted on his son and was concerned about spoiling him. He invited his old friend, Tian Shan Xueyingzi, to reside in the Jianzong Manor for ten years to teach Yu Longsheng.
Thus, Yu Longsheng had a solid foundation, allowing him to establish a formidable reputation in the martial arts world at such a young age, not yet twenty.
Even though he had the advantage of his master and late father's legacy, his own abilities were undeniable.
"But it's been a long time since I've made any progress. My predecessor became too proud."
Yu Longsheng shook his head, and then his eyes lit up with excitement.
"Holy crap! Martial arts! I've actually crossed into the world of wuxia novels! This is so awesome!"
Unlike his predecessor, who had practiced martial arts for over a decade and gradually became complacent due to the praise he received after his father's passing and his master's retirement, the current Yu Longsheng's enthusiasm for martial arts was through the roof!
This was the dream of countless Chinese people. Forget about the youths—even Yu Longsheng in his previous life, well into middle age, had fantasized about galloping through the martial world, sword in hand.
A dream that never faded, even in the wee hours of the night.
"What a mistake! I only bought a complete collection of Gu Long's works and ended up crossing into one of his novels. I should have bought Jin Yong's complete works instead—those are much safer!"
"Never mind, it is what it is. Gu Long's novels are pretty cool, too. The world of The Flying Dagger of Little Li Feidao is relatively safer compared to other novels."
"I wonder how things will unfold from here on out, and if I'll ever be able to return?"
"Oh well, it's just me here, so no need to worry about feeding a whole family. Might as well make the most of it and enjoy the ride."
Yu Longsheng calmed himself and then focused on the present.
The Sentimental Swordsman primarily tells the story of how Li Xinhuan, after sending off his wife, returns to the Central Plains, clears his name of false accusations, defeats the main antagonist, Upper Official Jin Hong, and eventually marries a young and beautiful girl named Sun Xiaohong.
"Damn, my summary is so spot-on!"
Yet, within this simple story lies a cast of vivid and well-known characters.
Li Xinhuan and A Fei.
Upper Official Jin Hong and Jing Wuming.
Lin Xian'er's villainous aura nearly overshadows the two female leads before and after her.
"As for the current plot..."
The Plum Blossom Thief reappeared, committing several major heists. The wealthy and influential martial arts sects in the Central Plains, who had daughters and fortunes, collectively offered rewards for the capture of the thief.
The one overseeing this matter was the Fourth Master of the Xingyun Manor in Baoding, Long Xiaoyue, who was well-connected and known for his sense of justice.
Living in his manor was also the number one beauty of the martial world, Lin Xian'er, whose fame had risen rapidly in the past two years. She had become the target of the Plum Blossom Thief and declared that she would marry whoever could defeat the thief.
The key point was that the Plum Blossom Thief was rumored to have arrived in Baoding and had even been spotted in Xingyun Manor.
As a result, some of the top masters and young heroes from the Central Plains and North China gathered here, seeking fame, fortune, and the hand of the beautiful maiden.
Among them, the most famous experts included the impartial and incorruptible Zhao Zhengyi, the iron-hearted Qin Xiaoyi whose courage shook the eight directions, the unrivaled cudgel-wielder Tian Qi, and the renowned Gongsun Moyun, master of the Cloud-Touching Fourteen Forms.
However, the one with the most backing was actually You Longsheng, the young master of the Jianzong Manor in Jinzhong.
The Jianzong Manor specialized in iron and coal, excelled in forging swords, and maintained good relations with the surrounding powers. The former master, the Old Man of Zangan, was even on close terms with the leaders of Shaolin, Wudang, and Kunlun.
Although the Old Man of Zangan had passed away, You Longsheng had inherited his legacy—the manor's businesses and connections.
You Longsheng, however, was young and carefree. He entrusted the maintenance of these connections to his subordinates, choosing instead to roam the martial world as he pleased.
Upon hearing the rumors of the Plum Blossom Thief, he made his way to Xingyun Manor and immediately fell head over heels for Lin Xian'er.
The day before, Lin Xian'er had expressed her worries about being helpless against the thief, and You Longsheng presented her with the Jianzong Manor's secret treasure—the Fish Intestine Sword—for self-defense.
"What a sucker for love!" You Longsheng mocked himself.
The Fish Intestine Sword was not an ancient bronze artifact from the Warring States period but rather a fine steel weapon inadvertently forged during the countless refining attempts by the Jianzong Manor. They had named it after the ancient sword to increase their prestige.
Thus, You Longsheng wasn't too concerned about the sword, especially since he would have opportunities to retrieve it.
"But since it's the Fish Intestine Sword that I just gave her, the plot probably hasn't started yet, or at least, it's just beginning."
You Longsheng picked up another spring roll, "And Qin Zhong hasn't been seriously injured by the 'Plum Blossom Thief' yet, so the main plot hasn't kicked off."
Since that was the case...
"Should I change the plot?"
You Longsheng finished his spring roll, drank the last mouthful of sweet porridge, and nodded to the attendant, who took away the dishes.
"Never mind the rest, just by preventing Li Xinhuan from attacking Long Xiaoyun, many things will turn out differently."
Just then, a commotion broke out outside.
"You good-for-nothing!"
"Bang!"
"Ah!"
"Scram!"
The next moment, there was a knock on the door, followed by a crisp voice, "Are you up, Brother You? We agreed yesterday that I'd take you for a tour of the city."
It was Long Xiaoyun.
You Longsheng shook his head, setting aside his urge to help others and deciding to respect their fates.
He wasn't Long Xiaoyun's father, so why should he change the plot?
(End of Chapter)
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