Chapter Seventeen: The Sky Has Changed

“Grandfather, I have two final questions,” the girl said, noticing that the old man was already trying to send her away. Yet she didn’t leave; instead, with a resolute expression, she pressed on.

“The two who have viewed the inheritance—the first remains a mystery to this day. No one knows who he is, which is quite enigmatic. But judging by his actions, he is clearly a cautious and thoughtful individual,” the old man began.

“After studying the inheritance, he even returned the scripture to its place. This shows that he understands discernment and knows when to take and when to let go.”

“An ordinary person, upon encountering such a martial inheritance, would surely claim it for themselves, unwilling to share it. A narrow-minded one might even destroy the scripture after copying it down.”

“Only someone who comprehends balance and discretion should be capable of leading the Celestial Master Mansion forward.”

“As for the other person, he was caught red-handed—an utterly foolish and naive youth. From the interrogation reports by the Enforcement Squad, he is nothing more than a typical rebellious teenager, clearly unreliable.”

“Why did you have the Enforcement Squad bring him back to the mountain instead of searching for the first person? That first individual seems to be the one truly destined for this, doesn’t he?”

Hearing his granddaughter’s words, the old Celestial Master shook his head.

“You shouldn’t be biased,” he said gently.

“Indeed, as you said, the first acted prudently, but the second was no less competent.”

“This youth, upon learning of the treasure atop the ancient tree, resisted temptation. After repeated observation, he acted thoughtfully and prepared sufficiently.”

“It was merely a matter of misfortune that he happened to encounter the Enforcement Squad at the most inopportune moment, which made you think him unwise. In truth, he is not lacking.”

“Moreover, I followed a whim to find the one destined, not others. The fact that this youth happened to witness someone throwing the scripture onto the ancient tree is itself fate.”

“And that he was eventually discovered by the Enforcement Squad, and thus came to our knowledge, is another twist of fate.”

“Hence, compared to the first, I have greater faith that the second is the true destined one.”

“As for the first person, if he had not returned the scripture after reading it, I would have descended the mountain to seek him. That would have signified a connection with our Celestial Master Mansion.”

“But by placing the scripture back, he severed the bond, passing the fate on to the second. This was his conscious relinquishment of the destiny.”

“Your point about discerning balance and knowing when to advance or retreat is valid.”

“The calamity and fortune are two sides of the same coin. Though the first gave up this fate, he averted disaster and was able to withdraw completely from this matter.”

“The second, although he gained the scripture and opportunity, also entered the Enforcement Squad—a freshly graduated student joining such a force is itself a trial.”

“These two made their choices; what the future holds depends on their fortunes.”

After finishing, the old Celestial Master looked at his granddaughter as if to say, “Do you understand now?”

“Oh! So this is how you see it,” she replied.

“I have one last question,” she seized the moment.

“This time, the Dragon-Tiger Scripture truly leaked out. Not only the Enforcement Squad but also members of the Worship Sect, and even an unknown person have seen it. Aren’t you worried, Grandfather?”

This question had lingered in her heart, and she could no longer hold it back.

The Dragon-Tiger Scripture was the core that had allowed the Celestial Master Mansion to stand unshaken for a thousand years. It was the collective wisdom of countless ancestors, the supreme inheritance cherished by thousands of disciples of Dragon-Tiger Mountain, the martial art scripture coveted by warriors worldwide, a secret that could pave the path to martial legends.

And now it had been carelessly exposed and viewed by many—how could he not be concerned?

“That is a matter of perspective,” the old man waved his hand and lifted his gaze to the vast sky, his eyes profound as if piercing the depths of the stars.

“Since three years ago, this world has changed. What the future holds, even I do not know. Perhaps the Dragon-Tiger Scripture, which you now see as a treasure, may one day be so common that it fills the streets, or even become worthless.”

The girl’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“How could that be? How could the inheritance of the Celestial Master Mansion ever become worthless? And what do you mean by the world having changed?”

She found it impossible to believe.

The old man shook his head and sighed.

“The world is full of wonders. Compared to the mysterious stars, humanity is like ants; and compared to the vast universe, those stars are but grains of sand. Our knowledge is so limited. What does the inheritance of Dragon-Tiger Mountain truly amount to in the grand cosmos?”

“Anything is possible.”

“Besides, with the Worship Sect having emerged, what else is impossible?”

After hearing his words, the girl fell into deep contemplation. The old Celestial Master said nothing further, quietly waiting.

After a long pause, the girl suddenly shivered, withdrawing her earlier demeanor. Her gaze hardened, her expression steady and earnest.

“Grandfather, though I don’t fully understand what you mean, I believe that Dragon-Tiger Mountain, at any time—past or future—will remain the strongest sect. I refuse to believe there will ever be a day when its inheritance is worthless.”

“Ha ha,” the old man laughed heartily.

“Well, well, well, you girl,” he said warmly.

The girl scratched her head shyly and, before the old man could respond, ran off.

Watching her disappear, the old man’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“I hope it will be as you say.”

...

At Tianlan University, in the staff quarters.

On the balcony, the blazing sunlight streamed through the window. Chen Xian, with his bronzed skin, stood practicing the Dragon-Tiger Stance, circulating the ceaseless flow of qi and blood through his muscles, bones, and flesh.

Unaware of the conversation between the old Celestial Master and his granddaughter at Dragon-Tiger Mountain, Chen Xian was fully immersed in the profound mysteries of the Dragon-Tiger Scripture.

Nor did he know that his actions had caused a young boy to undergo a harrowing ordeal, still trembling with unease, and had stirred the curiosity of a certain girl.

...