Chapter Twenty-Two: The Meaning of Martial Arts

Luo Changning had no idea how long he’d been pummeling Gao Haitian; he only felt that even with his inner energy protecting him, a dull ache had crept into his right hand. Drawing a breath, he looked down at the scrawny, monkey-faced man beneath him—his face was a patchwork of bruises, without a single spot left unharmed.

Only then did Luo Changning feel satisfied. Smiling, he climbed off and said, “There, that’s much more pleasing to the eye. You look so much more handsome now. I’m sure your cousin will be absolutely taken with this dashing, elegant new look of yours!”

Gao Haitian was barely clinging to consciousness. Upon hearing Luo Changning’s words, he spat out a mouthful of blood and passed out completely.

The three burly men nearby were also covered in wounds and blood. When the surging inner force vanished, they had barely a moment to breathe a sigh of relief before Luo Changning’s smug words reached their ears. Their legs gave out beneath them, and they all collapsed onto the ground.

Feigning regret, Luo Changning said, “Ah, what a shame. I spent too much time dealing with a few stray dogs today and missed lunch. I’m starving. I’d planned to give you all a makeover, but it seems you’re not so lucky. Next time we meet, remember to beg me to fix those faces of yours—otherwise, you’ll keep dragging down the average handsomeness of the Qiuhe Prefecture!”

With that, he turned and walked away, paying no mind to the bloodied men left behind.

Returning to Ma Xue’e’s side, he found her still somewhat dazed, lost in her own thoughts. Luo Changning’s eyes softened; he reached out and gently patted her head.

“It’s alright now,” he said softly. “Everything’s fine.”

Ma Xue’e snapped back to herself. Looking at Luo Changning standing so close, she managed a small smile. “Yes, Brother Changning, I’m alright. You don’t need to worry about me.”

She patted her stomach and, pouting a little, said plaintively, “After all that, I’m about to starve. What was it called again… Ah, yes! Let’s hurry to Gaosheng Restaurant and have a proper feast. I don’t have a single coin on me, so you’ll have to treat me. I plan to order everything I can!”

He knew she was pretending to be strong—her eyes kept darting away from the bodies on the ground. Luo Changning said nothing, pretending not to notice her act.

He took her hand; it was icy cold. His heart stirred, and he held on even tighter.

“Alright, my treat. You can eat as much as you want today—I won’t accept any rain checks.”

Ma Xue’e beamed at him, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “Don’t worry, I won’t hold back.”

“Brother Changning, your hand is so warm—just like morning glory blossoms opening at dawn.”

A boy on the verge of manhood and a girl too young to understand her own feelings walked hand in hand through the winding streets, laughter and gentle words drifting between them.

At that moment, they believed time would always be gentle and unchanged. Some flowers never fade—but will those who admire them remain?

“Haha, Brother Changning, you have no idea how adorable Big Silly Bear was as a cub—round, chubby, and always clingy.”

“I can imagine. He’s still round and chubby now, and just as clingy,” Luo Changning said, a fond smile on his lips.

Ma Xue’e stopped, her bright eyes gleaming with mischief. “Brother Changning, can I ask you something? Please don’t tell my brother what just happened, alright? I don’t want him to worry.”

Luo Changning meant to refuse, but seeing the pleading look in her beautiful eyes, his resolve melted. He chuckled softly. “Alright, I won’t tell him.”

“I knew you were the best, Brother Changning!” Ma Xue’e cheered, jumping up. Her delicate hands landed on his shoulders, and with a spring, she kissed him on the cheek.

Luo Changning felt something soft and warm brush his cheek. A shiver ran through him as if he’d been struck by lightning, heat flooding his entire being.

His voice came out low and rough. “You little thing, you…”

He didn’t have time to savor the strange new feeling before a cold voice cut through the air.

“What happened just now that you can’t tell me?”

“B-Brother! What are you doing here?” Ma Xue’e’s face first went pale, then flushed as red as a peach blossom when she saw Ma Qingyun suddenly appear.

She didn’t know why she was blushing—just that the image of kissing Luo Changning flashed through her mind, and the thought that her brother might have seen made her inexplicably embarrassed. She herself couldn’t explain the source of the feeling.

Luo Changning regained his composure and spread his hands helplessly at Ma Qingyun, as if to say: I promised the little girl; I can’t tell you.

“What, I can’t be here? You two got rid of me just to sneak off and have fun—and now I can’t even ask what happened?”

“Heh, of course you can! But your precious sister hasn’t eaten all day and is starving. Can’t we talk after lunch?” Ma Xue’e patted her stomach and winked playfully at her brother.

Luo Changning caught her gesture and glanced surreptitiously at her sleeve, spotting two lotus pods tucked inside. He had four in his own.

Ma Xue’e looked at her brother with a sweet, coaxing smile. “Brother Changning’s treating us today. He said I could order as much as I want. Let’s join forces and eat him out of house and home!”

She winked at Luo Changning, grinning triumphantly.

He could only sigh—once again, he was being used as a sword-bearer.

“Well, it’s getting late, and I’m sure you’re hungry too. Let me take you both to Gaosheng Restaurant for a meal,” Luo Changning offered.

Ma Qingyun said nothing, only nodded and strode ahead.

Whew—Ma Xue’e wiped imaginary sweat from her brow, quietly relieved to have passed the test.

Seeing her little look of glee, Luo Changning found her utterly endearing. He winked back, mouthing: Let’s go, time to eat!

This time, though, they didn’t hold hands—perhaps because Ma Qingyun was walking in front.

Gaosheng Restaurant lived up to its name—a full four stories high. Even after meal hours, it was bustling with guests, the most luxurious spot in the modest county. Everyone knew the restaurant’s mysterious owner was no ordinary person, so no one dared cause trouble here. But if any outsider asked who owned the place, not a soul could say—no one even knew if the owner was a man or woman.

The three of them walked in and chose a private room on the fourth floor with a window view. The room was spacious, able to seat eight with ease, and came equipped with screens, soft couches, and a wash area. There was even a platform for refined performances, though they had no need of such entertainment.

The waiter slung his sweat towel over his shoulder and briskly wiped the table. “What would you like to eat, honored guests?” he asked, his tone both enthusiastic and respectful.

“What’s good here?” Ma Xue’e asked, chin resting on one hand.

“Ah, you’ve asked the right person! Here at Gaosheng—” The waiter was about to launch into a rapid-fire recitation of the menu but was interrupted by Luo Changning.

“Brother Ma, little one, you’re not picky eaters, are you?”

“No, I’ll eat anything except bitter melon. My brother isn’t picky either.”

Luo Changning nodded with practiced ease. “Then bring us a pot of Cangshan Snow Green tea, and a pot of white orchid tea. For soup, red date and black chicken broth, and fresh mushroom pigeon soup. We’ll have chestnut-roasted chicken, stir-fried river delicacies, lettuce tossed with sesame oil, shredded chicken with jellyfish, water-shield soup, drunken duck liver, roast venison, shrimp with Dragon Well tea, steamed crab, almond tofu, and crystal winter melon dumplings. And finally, a plate of rose hibiscus cakes and two pots of the best bamboo leaf green wine.”

“Oh, and two plates of peanuts and salted edamame as well.”

“Very good, please wait a moment.” The waiter nodded and left, quickly returning with a tray bearing the teas and wine.

Luo Changning lifted a cup, inhaling the fragrance—rich and inviting. A sip revealed a fresh, mellow flavor with a lingering sweetness.

Cangshan Snow Green was a specialty of Miao South Province and a perennial favorite of the Su family, evoking memories of home and nostalgia. Though Luo Changning hadn’t lived in Miao South, he’d grown up drinking this tea and had grown fond of it. Every visit to Gaosheng Restaurant, he ordered it. The white orchid tea, naturally, was for the little girl.

“This flower tea is delicious,” she said with a smile.

“As long as you enjoy it,” Luo Changning replied.

He stood and opened the window. Most buildings in Qingyang County were only two stories high—on the fourth floor of Gaosheng Restaurant, the view was expansive. Not far off was the spot where he’d just beaten Gao Haitian; from here, it was easy to see. Now, though, the place was empty—the bodies removed, everything peaceful, as if nothing violent had ever occurred.

Luo Changning absently rubbed the knuckles of his right hand, his mind unsettled. Today was the first time he’d used force to hurt someone. The thrill had faded, leaving only emptiness.

What, after all, was the purpose of martial arts? To vent anger? To uphold justice? For revenge? Perhaps none of these was the true meaning. He simply didn’t know.

He rubbed his temples. Luo Changning, what are you thinking? Didn’t you practice martial arts just to kill Dugubancheng? What other meaning could there be?

“Brother Changning, why do you look unhappy?” Ma Xue’e pouted.

“I’m not unhappy—just admiring the view.”

Ma Xue’e turned to look outside as well, her eyes curving into crescents. “Wow, it really is beautiful. I never realized Qingyang County was so lovely. If only Mount Mohui wasn’t covered in trees, I could have seen views like this from the mountain.”

She trailed off, her cheeks suddenly flushed, sneaking a glance at Luo Changning.

“Ahem—the food should be here soon. I’ll go wait for it.” With that, Ma Xue’e beat a hasty retreat, leaving Luo Changning staring after her in confusion.