Chapter Seventy-Eight: When Heaven Envies the Gifted

He said, “Brother Chen, have you thought about your future? If you have nowhere to go, why not stay and work for me?”

Although Chen Lin had previously expressed his wish to follow Luo Changning, that was then and this is now. If Luo Changning were to leave Annan, he certainly couldn’t take Chen Lin with him. Whether to stay or leave, Luo Changning would respect Chen Lin’s choice.

Hearing Luo Changning’s words, Chen Lin nodded eagerly, overwhelmed with gratitude. “I would be honored, I would! But may I ask, what would Young Master Luo require of me?”

“I learned some martial tricks and acrobatics as a child, so I have a bit of strength. Chopping wood and carrying water are no challenge for me!”

As he finished, Chen Lin couldn’t help but feel embarrassed. Chopping wood and carrying water—what kind of tasks were those? Young Master Luo was hardly short of money; he certainly didn’t need Chen Lin for such menial work.

Thinking of this, Chen Lin felt a wave of helplessness and discouragement wash over him. Indeed, what could he do besides such chores? He had grown up in the Red Pavilion, illiterate and skilled only in flashy, useless martial arts—hardly enough to guard even a courtyard.

Was he to perform monkey tricks for Young Master Luo? Clearly, Luo Changning would never be the sort to enjoy such trivial amusements.

It was laughable to recall how Chen Lin had once hoped to save enough money to leave the Red Pavilion and seek another path. Now, it seemed his only prospects were to toil as a laborer, serve as a menial, or eke out a living on a tiny parcel of land—yet his heart rebelled at the thought.

If he had never met someone as exceptional as Luo Changning, it would have been one thing. But now, having encountered such a person, he longed to better himself, to achieve something greater.

Sure enough, Luo Changning let out a cold laugh and scoffed, “Is that all the ambition you have? I didn’t save you so you could chop wood and fetch water for me. I saw in you a spirit that refuses to accept mediocrity, a will that won’t be subdued.”

Chen Lin’s heart trembled, filled with both shame and gratitude. He was ashamed that he was not as outstanding as Luo Changning believed, but moved that someone finally saw him as more than dirt beneath their feet.

Luo Changning spoke again, his voice calm. “If you choose to leave, I won’t stop you. But if you choose to stay, I promise you this: I will lead you to glory.”

“But that also means you’ll face unknown dangers with me, and you may even have to sacrifice your life for my cause.”

At this, Luo Changning paused, looking Chen Lin straight in the eye. “So, do you choose to stay or go?”

Eyes reddening, Chen Lin dropped to his knees. “I swear to follow you, Young Master Luo, for as long as I live!”

Luo Changning’s lips curled into a smile, but then he released a cold aura and said sternly, “I do not forgive betrayal. If one day you dare betray me, I will not let you off easily.”

Chen Lin shivered and hastily vowed, “I, Chen Lin, will never betray you, Young Master. Your command is my only law!”

Luo Changning nodded in satisfaction. He would not trust anyone lightly, but for now, there was no one else suitable at hand—he had no choice but to choose Chen Lin.

Of course, should Chen Lin prove unworthy in the future, Luo Changning would show no mercy.

“Tomorrow, I will leave Annan. But within two years I will return. In the meantime, your task is to find people of talent for me. Seek out orphans and beggars with potential and special skills throughout Qiuhe Prefecture, and persuade them to work for me.”

“I know you grew up in the Red Pavilion and lack other skills, but you have seen all manner of people and surely possess a discerning eye. I value your ability to recognize hidden gems among the chaff.”

“Gather these homeless yet capable people, settle them in a property registered under my name, and hire teachers to instruct them in reading and martial arts. You must study alongside them as well.”

“As for funds, don’t worry. Whenever you need money, go to Young Master Ma Qingyun—I’ve left him enough to support a thousand people.”

Though Luo Changning decided to employ Chen Lin, he would not entrust such a large sum to him. For one, he feared Chen Lin might be blinded by greed; for another, Chen Lin lacked the ability to safeguard that much silver—too tempting for envious eyes.

“As for the specific tasks awaiting you all, I’ll decide when I return from Miaolan, based on your abilities.”

Building a force of his own was something Luo Changning had long resolved to do. Until now, he’d found neither the opportunity nor the right person.

On his way to the martial tournament in Heishui County, he had befriended He Guanzhong. Listening to He’s analysis of the beggar gangs' current plight, Luo Changning formulated his plan.

He knew full well that only in a Platonic utopia would beggars cease to exist in this world. Yet such a world was but a fantasy; as long as people harbored selfish desires and greed, it could never be attained.

All the more so in this feudal society of Qianwu, where martial might reigned supreme and the upper classes always exploited the lower to enrich themselves.

Thus, beggars and vagrants formed a vast multitude.

Many among them were driven to beggary not for lack of talent, but by circumstance and fate's cruel hand.

Especially among the young beggars and orphans, there was immense untapped potential.

Luo Changning believed that if these children were given a chance to learn, their true worth would eventually shine through. In this way, he could gradually expand his own power.

In the beginning, his force might be insignificant.

But Luo Changning was certain that as their numbers grew, and as their potential was gradually awakened, their strength would become immeasurable.

At present, Luo Changning lacked the means to recruit the truly powerful.

But he had one advantage: his youth. He had time to patiently cultivate his own force, to shape these people into the strong under his guidance.

A gentleman may wait ten years for his revenge; how much more so in a world where a martial artist’s life may span a thousand years, or even longer.

Fortunately, the Su family had been a house of medical sorcery for thousands of years. Though their numbers were now scant, their resources remained. Supporting tens of thousands posed no problem.

No matter how formidable a single person, he was still but one. True, atop the highest peak, one might look down upon the world, but how long and arduous was that path.

This world has never lacked for genius, but fate is jealous. Those who walk alone may be snuffed out before they can reach their prime.