Lying Low in the Martial World to Become a Saint

Chapter 435: Chapter 196: The Way Home (3)

"You must be tired from your journey. Get some rest."

The door closed softly, sealing the room from the world outside.

Chen Qing knew that the last lingering worry in Ms. Han’s heart had finally been laid to rest tonight.

He sat alone by the window, listening to the pitter-patter of raindrops falling from the eaves, his heart a storm of emotions.

Everything he had seen and heard since returning home flashed through his mind, scene by scene—his mother’s stable and prosperous life, his cousin’s success at the clothier’s, and even his aunt’s overly eager flattery.

Even though he was far away in the Sect, had done nothing, and said nothing, he had already changed the trajectory of the lives of those around him.

’Human relationships, the warmth and the cold, all tangled up with self-interest... That’s just how the world is.’

Chen Qing let out a soft breath, then took out a Quenching Gang Pill and swallowed it, continuing his Cultivation.

「The next day, the sky cleared.」

Chen Qing left early in the morning and strolled toward the Zhou Institute from his memory.

The closer he got, the more unfamiliar it felt.

The surrounding buildings seemed to have been renovated, and the streets were much tidier.

When he saw the familiar entranceway, Chen Qing faltered for a moment.

The sign for the Zhou Institute was the same, but the gate and walls had clearly been expanded, looking much more impressive.

The shouts and sounds of fist practice from within the courtyard were thunderous, far beyond what they used to be.

He stepped inside and saw dozens of young disciples in the spacious courtyard, practicing the stances of Long Arm Fist in perfect unison. They were full of youthful energy, their fists cutting through the air with palpable force.

And standing at the front of the group, loudly giving pointers and correcting stances, was none other than Sun Shun.

"Your stances must be firm! Force to the fingertips! What is this sloppy display..."

Sun Shun was in the middle of scolding them when his gaze casually swept over the entrance, and his voice came to an abrupt halt.

His eyes went wide, staring intently at the figure strolling in. His mouth opened and closed, as if he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

"Chen... Junior Brother Chen?!"

Sun Shun rubbed his eyes hard, his face erupting in immense joy. He rushed over in a few strides, grabbed Chen Qing’s arm, and shook it forcefully. "It really is you! When did you get back?!"

The commotion immediately drew the attention of all the disciples.

The sounds of training quieted down. All the young, unfamiliar faces looked over curiously, sizing up Chen Qing and whispering among themselves.

"Is that the Senior Brother Chen Qing that Master and Brother Sun are always talking about?"

"He looks so young... Is he really that amazing?"

Sun Shun was so excited his face was flushed. Forgetting all about teaching his disciples, he pulled Chen Qing inside. "Quick! Come in! Master is going to be so happy to hear you’re back!"

Just as he spoke, two people emerged from the rear courtyard, having heard the commotion.

It was Zhou Liang and his wife, Mrs. Li, who had come running.

Zhou Liang was a bit thinner than a few years ago, with more white hair at his temples.

The moment he saw Chen Qing in the courtyard, he froze, and then his eyes lit up with an indescribable joy.

"Disciple greets Master!"

Chen Qing said, cupping his fists toward Zhou Liang.

This man before him was his first teacher, the one who had guided him onto the path of Martial Arts.

Zhou Liang strode forward and clapped Chen Qing heavily on the shoulder, looking him up and down. "Good! Good! Good! It’s good that you’re back!"

Mrs. Li stood to the side, her face filled with disbelief and a torrent of emotions. She murmured, "It’s good you’re back, so good... I truly... I never imagined..."

Zhou Liang pulled Chen Qing closer, his pride unconcealed. "Your timing is perfect! Not long ago, your senior sister Zhou Yu and her uncle Li Yuan also returned from the Haisa Sect."

He paused, his tone filled with a satisfying sense of vindication. "That Li Yuan, heh, he’s so polite to me now! Not at all like that arrogant, nose-in-the-air snob from before! He can’t say three sentences without mentioning you, trying to subtly ask for news about you! Oh, it feels so good!"

"You are my, Zhou Liang’s, disciple! You came from my Zhou Institute! Now that you’ve made a name for yourself, I, your master, can hold my head high!"

Not long ago, Li Yuan had returned with Zhou Yu.

In the past, though Li Yuan never said it outright, his words and expressions always betrayed a certain disdain for Zhou Liang.

This time was completely different. His attitude had changed drastically, even carrying a hint of politeness he’d never shown before.

And it was all because of Chen Qing.

Zhou Liang saw this change in him and felt a deep sense of vindication and emotion.

The group then went inside, where Mrs. Li had already prepared hot tea.

They sat down, host and guests, as the fragrance of tea wafted through the air. Chen Qing noticed a familiar figure outside the window, sweeping fallen leaves in the courtyard.

"Qin Lie?"

Chen Qing murmured, somewhat uncertain.

Zhou Liang followed his gaze, a complex expression crossing his face. He sighed, his voice lowering. "Not long after you left, someone found him and his sister collapsed in a ruined temple outside the city, nearly starved and frozen to death. His sister... didn’t make it. He went mad, but he was still a life. I couldn’t bear it, so I brought him back, gave him some food, and let him do odd jobs around the courtyard. At least he has a place to stay."

Zhou Liang paused, his tone a mixture of relief and helplessness. "Fortunately, his madness comes and goes. He’s quiet most of the time. He seems to understand simple commands, like sweeping or chopping firewood, and he can do the work. Just think of him... think of him as a mute handyman for the institute."

Hearing this, Chen Qing nodded silently.

’He could understand Zhou Liang’s kindness. This was perhaps the best possible arrangement for Qin Lie.’

They returned to their tea.

Zhou Liang spoke of recent events. "Captain Pang came to see me a while back. He said a Martial Arts Hall in the Inner City was doing poorly and wanted me to take it over, to prop it up. I thought about it, but in the end, I turned him down. I’m getting old, after all. I don’t have that competitive spirit anymore. I’m content to just guard this Zhou Institute, teach these kids who are willing to work hard, and if I can train one or two to reach Transmutation Force, I’ll be satisfied."