Chapter 119: The Path Ahead Lies in Mist

The next day, the Yang residence felt significantly quieter. Aside from the workers who had no home to return to, the martial artists residing in the dormitory area, and the factory supervisors, the estate was left only with a skeleton crew of rotating servants and guards.

Duan Yuanqing rose early. The festive banquet the previous night had been so joyous that he had found himself drawn into the atmosphere despite his reservations. He recalled catching glimpses of his own wives and concubines gazing at the surroundings with envy, while his two young children played with such unbridled delight, leaving him with a complex mix of emotions. Upon returning to his quarters, he had tossed and turned, unable to find sleep all night.

At the first hint of dawn, he abandoned his bed. Without greeting Yan Shuihan, he wandered into the villa district alone. While the villa area lacked the meticulous, traditional landscaping of the main residence, the orderly shrubbery and paved stone paths held a charm of their own. If it were spring, with all the flowers in bloom, it would surely be a breathtaking sight.

As Duan walked toward one of the residences, he noticed an old man strolling leisurely ahead of him. Drawing closer, he realized it was the same elder who had occupied the seat of honor the night before. Duan had seen the Master of the Yang family and the Prince treat this man with the utmost respect, and he knew he could not be an ordinary person. Moved by an impulse, Duan stepped forward to offer a respectful salute.

Chu Feitian, too, had been deep in thought throughout the night and had risen early to walk. Seeing the sturdy, heroic-looking martial artist, he assumed the man was one of the Yang family’s guards and nodded in acknowledgment. Since he had been intending to climb the hill behind the estate to enjoy the view, he invited Duan to join him, hoping for someone to show the way.

Chu possessed some degree of cultivation—a late-stage Qi Refinement level—which, while not high, was more than enough for a hike. Halfway up the hill, they arrived at the Yuhua Academy. Observing the structure, which resembled a private school yet differed greatly in design, Chu asked Duan what place this was.

Seeing Duan shake his head in ignorance, Chu remarked with curiosity, "Are you not a martial artist of the Yang family, then?"

Duan answered awkwardly, "I apologize for the misunderstanding, sir. I am not." He struggled to explain further; to call himself a guest felt like an overstatement, and to identify as a prisoner was too humiliating.

Noticing his discomfort, Chu sighed, "No wonder you seemed lost in thought all the way up. Though you possess a heroic air, you are, like me, a wandering lamb, anxious and uncertain of the path ahead."

Duan was struck by the old man’s insight. He realized this must be a master of great wisdom. That he had risen early and happened upon this man felt like a twist of fate. Given the aura of authority the elder exuded, seeking guidance from him would be no slight to his own pride.

Even with his inherent arrogance, Duan felt his defenses crumble. He knelt before Chu and said, "Sir, your eyes pierce through the fog. You are no ordinary person. I have spent half my life wandering, feeling truly lost and unsure of where to go. I beg for your guidance."

Chu did not seem surprised. He helped Duan to his feet and asked, "What did you do in the past? And why are you at the Yang estate?"

Duan did not dare to hide anything and told him the truth. He had once believed his cultivation and combat prowess were formidable, rarely tasting defeat. He had joined a gang, living a life of violence, and eventually became the right-hand man to his gang leader. He had expected to live out his days that way, but his gang was recently wiped out by a rival faction. With his stubborn, unyielding nature, he had refused to submit to his enemies, holding firm to his principles.

Yet, during these few days at the Yang residence—especially last night—he had realized how much he had neglected his own family. Watching them look with longing at the happiness of the Yang household, he understood that they, too, craved the simple peace and safety of ordinary life, rather than the constant fear of his violent lifestyle.

Duan had always lived by the sword, indifferent to his own life. But the underworld, while seemingly governed by a "code," was actually filled with filth. If he fell, his family would, at best, become servants, or at worst, suffer a far crueler fate. He had recently been consumed by hatred toward the Green Gang for destroying his Baisha Gang. But looking back, he realized he was not as righteous as he liked to believe; he had bullied the weak and harmed the innocent himself. Now, standing on the losing side, he felt the helplessness he had once inflicted on others. Had his opponents been less merciful than Dao Bai-liu, his own family might already be dead or starving in the cold. The thought had broken him out in a cold sweat.

Chu sighed, "Since ancient times, victors have written history while the defeated suffer. I, too, once gave up everything for the sake of my descendants, so I understand your pain. In my view, since you are safely here, this is not a disaster, but a great opportunity."

"A great opportunity?" Duan asked, puzzled. "Please, explain."

Chu continued, "I have walked about the Yang estate for a few days and learned much. The Master of the Yang family is kind-hearted and approachable, yet possesses rare, heaven-sent talent and manages his affairs well. Given time, the Yang family will surely hold a place among the great houses of Wuzhou City. However, the struggles between families are even more treacherous than gang warfare. It is only because he keeps a low profile that he has avoided conflict. Otherwise, he might have been devoured already."

Duan nodded; the Yang family was indeed small and lacked a firm foundation in the cutthroat environment of Wuzhou.

Chu went on, "It is rare for him to be so compassionate and loyal, which is why he attracts talented people to help him. Otherwise, with his indecisive nature, he would have failed long ago. I see him striving to expand his family’s strength to face future threats, yet his current ranks of martial artists are thin and weak."

Duan felt ashamed. He had been here for days without seeing what Chu had analyzed so incisively.

Chu continued, "You saw it yourself last night—the Yang Master is a truly rare and good leader. If you follow him, you need not worry about your family’s future. I observe that his martial artists, though not bound by blood, serve him with all their hearts. You are brave, yet aimless. The Yang family is in need of people. Why not offer your services now? A helping hand in times of need is worth far more than flattery in times of prosperity."

Seeing that Duan was beginning to understand, Chu stroked his beard and sighed, "Within ten years, the world will descend into chaos. Every family, whether they desire it or not, will be swept into the turmoil. Even if the Yang Master lacks ambition, he will be forced to act to survive. Perhaps you can achieve something great alongside him. As for your former gang leader, he was a mere scoundrel, not worth comparing. That is why I say your presence here is a stroke of fortune."

Duan was still slightly confused but bowed. "Thank you for your guidance, sir. What should I do from here?"

"How can a man truly change his nature overnight? Use your strengths. If you truly wish to assist the Yang Master, do what he cannot bring himself to do when the moment demands it. Handle the harsh tasks he finds too difficult, and you will make up for his shortcomings."

Chu continued, "I am merely a passerby. I spoke only because you asked. The choice is yours to make."

Duan replied, "I will consider your words with the utmost seriousness."

"Good. Then walk with me a little further. I wish to reach the peak and look out over the landscape of Wuzhou City." With that, Chu headed toward the summit, and Duan followed him with deep respect.