Chapter 369: Each Making Their Own Preparations

“You’re going to have a blindfolded archery contest with the Shi Minzhang, the son of Anbei General Shi Tao?” When Li Hongtu, who was still feeling sleepy and had just walked out from the thatched cottage, heard Yan Liqiang’s words, his eyes opened wide and his voice went up two octaves.

Today was the 28th day of the 7th lunar month. Early in the morning, after arriving on the mountain behind the archery range, Yan Liqiang first shared the matter about the blindfolded contest with Li Hongtu before he started his cultivation.

After struggling in the Sword Cavern’s crystal pagoda for one day, Yan Liqiang used all sorts of methods but was still unable to find the rare beast core crystal that was different from the others. In the end, after taking an Inedia Pill, he rested on the sixth floor of the crystal pagoda for a while before he left the Heavenly Realm and returned to reality.

The problem in real life also pressed on.

“Mmm!” Yan Liqiang nodded. “Eunuch Liu informed me last night that the time has been decided. It will be held next month, on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. The location will be at the Imperial Cavalry Unit’s West River Barracks.”

“Why do you have to compete? Isn’t it good for you to cultivate here? Why are you making everything complicated now?” Li Hongtu shouted.

“Master, you have to know that sometimes, things aren’t within our control. The currents in the Imperial Capital are turbulent, and even if I’m willing to cultivate here quietly, other people won’t just let me be!” Yan Liqiang smiled bitterly and explained the entire story about the blindfolded contest to Li Hongtu.

“Damn it. Why are those pieces of trash so troublesome…” After hearing what Yan Liqiang had to say, Li Hongtu jumped up and cursed, feeling indignant.

“I also didn’t expect that being highly regarded by His Majesty would cause so many problems. At this moment, if I were to step back, it won’t only bring disgrace to His Majesty. Other people will also kick up a fuss about this and say that His Majesty has poor judgment of people. Even I will be ridiculed by others!” Yan Liqiang said solemnly, “If we, people who cultivate, fear death and back off at a time like this, then our cultivation would be meaningless. Putting aside the fact that I’ll be unable to face to His Majesty, but even I will look down on myself. Therefore, I’ll definitely participate in this blindfolded contest!”

“That’s right! Master supports you. At a time like this, we mustn’t be a coward and let those trash look down on us. No matter how bad we are, we must still go all out and not be looked down upon!” Li Hongtu said loudly.

“I’ll definitely go for the contest, but after that, regardless if its a victory or a loss, I probably won’t be able to stay in the Imperial Capital to continue practicing martial arts by your side anymore. I’ve already asked His Majesty to allow me to resign from my post and after the contest, I’ll return to my hometown in Gan Province.”

“Huh? Why is that so?”

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“My father back at home is old and isn’t capable of protecting himself. From the moment I agreed to participate, I’ve already offended Anbei General Shi Tao and a big group of ministers who don’t agree with me becoming the Crown Prince’s archery teacher. Regardless of the results of the contest, I can’t stay in the Imperial Capital any longer. Otherwise, if anything happens to my father back at home, I’ll live in regret for my entire life. Moreover, the Imperial Capital is a place plagued with troubles and it isn’t a good place to cultivate. After returning to Gan Province, I’ll be able to protect and take care of my father while continuing to cultivate. I would like to seek Master’s understanding and agreement for this…” Yan Liqiang bowed down low toward Li Hongtu.

Li Hongtu’s brows twitched and he raised his head, letting out a long sigh. He quickly helped Yan Liqiang up, “It’s hard on you to be implicated into political struggles at such a young age. If you advance, it’ll be a sign of loyalty, but if you back off, it’ll be a sign of filial piety. Master understands how hard it is for you to make a decision. The situation in the Imperial Capital is too murky and it’s really not a place where a person can cultivate in peace. Go for the contest and then return home after that. Just don’t neglect your training!”

“Master, don’t worry. I won’t stop until I’ve mastered the spear arts that you’ve taught me!”

“Does Ji know that you’ll be participating in the blindfolded contest?”

“Master Ji still doesn’t know. I was thinking of reporting this to Master Ji at noon after I’ve completed my cultivation here with you in the morning!”

Li Hongtu glared, “Did that Ji guy teach his abilities in the Trinity Archery Technique to you? If he didn’t, I’ll go and look for him to ask if he’s planning to bring his insignificant skills with him to his coffin…”

Yan Liqiang could only smile bitterly when he heard Li Hongtu’s words. If Ji Xiaoyao’s Trinity Archery Technique was really an insignificant skill, then the other archery arts in the world could all be tossed down the toilet. The ‘trinity’ in Ji Xianyao’s Trinity Archery Technique was the union between the bow and the heavens, the earth, and the individual respectively. Its profoundness was deep and endless, allowing Yan Liqiang to reach a whole new level in his understanding of archery. The first time Yan Liqiang saw that ‘Plucking Plume Technique’ which could allow the arrow shot out to make a turn was just a trifle within the stage of the union with the individual…

“Master Ji has already imparted me with the Trinity Archery Technique’s profoundness. It’s just that the duration of my cultivation is still short and I still need to practice more!”

Li Hongtu only calmed down after hearing Yan Liqiang’s reply. “The things that I taught you aren’t things that you can master within one to two days. There’s no need for you to come here before the blindfolded contest. Just go and practice your archery. If you have any questions, just go and ask Ji. You don’t have to practice with your spear this morning either. Just do whatever you want…”

“Yes, Master!”

Li Hongtu looked around before moving closer to Yan Liqiang and he lowered his voice while wearing a mysterious expression, “For you to be able to participate in the blindfolded contest means that you already have a clear conscience and did not let anyone down. Don’t care about what His Majesty and that Eunuch Liu think. Master has something important to tell you. During the contest, if you feel that you can’t win, then don’t force it. It’s fine to admit your loss. You’re still young so it’s not shameful to lose. You can try again. As long as you’re given time, that Shi guy won’t be your opponent in the future. A martial arts contest is the same as a battle — only those who can accept both victory and defeat can progress further. It’ll be over for those who can only accept victory and not defeat once they lose. People who cultivate must be able to withstand failures and obstacles. The same goes for how we swing our spears — only those who can be firm and gentle, soft and hard, bend and straighten, can be at the very top. Anyone who practices the spear can only become a great person after comprehending the spirit of the spear arts. Sometimes, escaping after a defeat isn’t something that’s humiliating. Didn’t Ji teach you how to escape at the very start as well? This is the experience that I, your master, have gained in my life. If you can’t win in a fight, then run. Return after you know you can win. Only the person who can survive to the very end can become the hero. Remember this!”

Yan Liqiang had not expected that Li Hongtu could say something like this. He felt very touched. He knew that this was something that only someone who was really concerned about him would say.

“Master, don’t worry. I got it. I’ll definitely survive!”

“Then that’s good!” Li Hongtu let out a long breath and patted Yan Liqiang heavily on the shoulder.