chapter 37 Theo Lu

Connected to the back yard of the Lin family, there was a small hill covered with lush bamboo. The morning breeze swayed the bamboo leaves, creating a rustling sound that paradoxically imparted a sense of tranquillity. The geomancy layout of the Lin family's mansion was excellent, likely due to the guidance of a geomancy master during its construction. This small hill, in particular, was a place of exceptional geomancy, even the bamboo there was special. As they walked up the stone steps, Alisa Lin said to Andrew Qi, "Sorry for what you saw earlier. This is why I don't often come back to the Lin family. The Lin family is a clan, not a home." A clan and a home? Alisa Lin's comparison was apt. The Lin family, now a large enterprise with direct and collateral branches, resembled a corporate group. The struggles for interest and position within such a large family were inevitable. Alisa Lin did not enjoy competing with her family members, so she chose to leave and spent most of her time outside, mixing with people from Sheal Martial Arts. However, today's events had marked her in the eyes of Ethan Lin and Arthur Lin, both father and son. "Every family has its own troubles," Andrew Qi replied with a slight smile. "If you don't want to be bound by the rules of the family, you need strength that surpasses those rules." "Surpass the rules?" Alisa Lin was momentarily taken aback, then understood what Andrew Qi meant. As a master in the Stiffening stage like Andrew Qi, wasn't he already above such rules? Knowing that Andrew Qi possessed the strength of a Stiffening stage master, even Ethan Lin was intimidated, wasn't he? Although the Lin family had many strict rules, what use were they to people like Andrew Qi or Theo Lu? A few minutes later, Andrew Qi and Alisa Lin arrived at a small thatched cottage where an elderly man with white hair and beard sat by a small wooden table, carefully brewing tea on a charcoal stove, treating the tea as if it were the most precious thing in the world. When Andrew Qi and Alisa Lin had reached the cottage, the tea was just ready, brewed to perfection. The elder poured tea into three cups and invited them, "Young man, Allie, come have a cup of tea." Despite his aged appearance, he exuded a natural aura of wisdom. "Grandfather Theo―" Alisa Lin greeted the elder respectfully. This was Theo Lu, who had been with the Lin family for decades and had once guided Alisa Lin. He was the person she respected most in the Lin family. Theo Lu nodded slightly and turned to Andrew Qi, saying, "It's rare to see someone proficient in both martial and magical arts at such a young age!" Andrew Qi examined Theo Lu, knowing that the old man must be around a hundred years old. Although at the peak of the Stiffening stage, his body and life force were nearing their end. He could fall at any moment, especially in a major battle. This was why the Lin family protected Theo Lu from disturbances, as he was no longer fit for combat. "Senior Theo―" "Just call me Brother Theo. You already possess strength comparable to a Stiffening stage cultivator, and your future achievements will be boundless!" Though Theo Lu was more advanced than Andrew Qi, he recognized Andrew Qi's potential, foreseeing that his future accomplishments would surpass his own. "Alright, Brother Theo," Andrew Qi agreed, tasting the tea. "I must say, your understanding towards tea is unparalleled! This bamboo leaf green tea is perfectly brewed, its essence completely captured! It seems that you are advancing towards the path of Heaven and Man." The path of Heaven and Man? After hearing these words, Theo Lu's eyes sparkled with understanding, as if a light had suddenly illuminated a path in a dark forest. Theo Lu, feeling a premonition, sighed and said, "What a profound way of heaven and man! Thank you, young brother, for the reminder. It's no wonder you, at such a young age, have stepped into the realm of martial arts in the Stiffening stage. I didn't expect your vision and insight to be even deeper than mine! If I had shifted my focus from worldly martial arts to the way of heaven and man earlier, perhaps I could have progressed further! Still, I thank you, young brother, for unravelling the mystery with your words!" Although Andrew Qi had only spoken the few words, it was like a wake-up call for Theo Lu, who had been stuck in the Stiffening stage for decades. It helped him see through the fog. Theo Lu had always wanted to break through, but had never found the right method. Yet, when he was at the end of his rope and had resigned himself to a mundane life, he gained some new insights, integrating himself more with the way of nature. But even so, given Theo Lu's current physical condition, it was impossible for him to advance further and step into the Ultimate realm of martial cultivation, a legendary status. Although Theo Lu could sense the existence of this innate mystery, it was elusive and almost impossible to achieve. However, Theo Lu didn't feel regretful. To understand the way of heaven and man before his death was already sufficient. He felt content just sensing the existence of the innate mystery. "Why do you think you don't have a chance to advance further?" Andrew Qi suddenly asked. "Since you've already reached the threshold of the innate martial artist, advancing further is just a matter of time. Why give up now?" "Just as you said, it's a matter of time," Theo Lu replied with a wry smile. "With your cultivation, you must have noticed that my body is in its twilight years, barely able to hold out for another six months. If I were to engage in combat, I would be finished in a single blow." "Aren't you worried that I have ulterior motives by telling me this?" Andrew Qi asked. "If you had ulterior motives, why would you enlighten me?" Theo Lu said. "Moreover, the person Allie admires is naturally upright and straightforward. Even if you wanted to deal with me, it would be through an open challenge. In that case, I would die being contented." The words of a dying man are good. Indeed, Theo Lu was just as the rumours said, he was at the end of his tether. But at this moment, sensing the proximity of death and standing at the edge of life and death, he had an epiphany and came even closer to the way of heaven and man. Andrew Qi, moved by Theo Lu's words, said, "Thank you, Brother Lu, for hosting me with tea and allowing me to witness the elegance of a Stiffening stage master. But since you have the opportunity to pursue the way of heaven and man, why be constrained by your lifespan? I invite you to visit my place someday, and I will surely relieve your worries!" "Alright! I will surely visit you someday!" Although Theo Lu didn't quite believe that Andrew Qi could extend his life, Andrew Qi was, after all, a master of both magic and martial arts. Perhaps there was a way. Even if it wasn't about extending his life, at least he could have a talk with Andrew Qi. After having achieved his purpose, Andrew Qi stood up and took his leave. Watching Andrew Qi and Alisa Lin's figures gradually disappearing on the stone steps, Theo Lu, with a sense of insight, said, "From today onwards, Allie's status in the Lin family will probably be completely different!"