Chapter 52: Such Guidance

Hearing those words, the young man instead calmed himself. He picked up a round shield and a lance, drifted down onto the battleground, and loudly proclaimed, “Bai Longyue of the Bai household respectfully asks Guardian Qianye for instruction!”

This young gentleman had always ranked as the finest of the younger generation within the Bai household, his prowess in Primordial Force reaching the seventeenth level—equal with Song Zining. While appearing outwardly youthful, in reality his age would even surpass Bai Longjia’s; calling him a rising member of the younger generation seemed rather of stretch. However, none of that mattered in the least to Qianye. Having accepted this battle, he had not prepared at all to let anything pass amicably and regarded who was participating as irrelevant.

Bai Longyue, gripping shield and lance in hand, clearly exhibited both the capacity for attack and the skills of defense. But at this moment, his entry to the confrontation had not been merely for victory but rather for genuine sparring with Qianye. During the previous ten or so engagements, whoever had encountered Qianye was simply lifted easily and struck casually across the face, leaving behind scarcely a hint, that even Primordial Force had barely been consumed—an exhausting revolving contest that instead proved entirely meaningless.

Until now, the members of the Bai household fully recognized why Song Zining had agreed so readily, even lifting the constraints of the revolving fights. It turned out that compared side by side, Qianye wasn’t actually at the same level as these rivals at all, his might absolutely overwhelming. To talk about continuous fighting, one still must hold the power to fight in the first place before revolving attacks carry any meaning.

Had not Qianye’s enormous fame ensured that related information had already been thoroughly unearthed, nor had his age remained mysterious, there truly were not enough members of Bai clan’s younger generation who were prepared to believe Qianye to be actually younger than themselves.

But indeed, that was the truth.

Stepping onto the battlefield to face Qianye, Bai Longyue suddenly felt someone standing, Not truly a man—but instead A mountain, a towering mountain he’d perhaps never conquer.

Within an instant, his spirit wavered, and even an overwhelming impulse to turn and run arose within him. Bai Longyue only now grasped why the ones who preceded him had been unable to offer even meager resistance before Qianye.

But then again, being scion of so famous an establishment, bearing skills second solely to Bai Aoqiu, his reaction was equally impressive—an ingrained response that kicked in amidst initial confusion. Instinctively, he surged his force, drawing his lance inward to pull back the shield, readying defense.

Hardly slow, barely completed, when Qianye already flung in a fist, delivering the exact perfect bullseye onto central shield’s face.

At the immediate burst thereof, Bai Longyue sensed being simultaneously struck down by countless giant hammers. That fleeting moment: ceased breath, a heart-station, skipped beat! Darkness consumed his mind as he sensed weight fading from his frame and his being gently rising aloft and gently thud when landing again on the ground, completely void of pain.

“Good thing not to have been caught by another open-handed slap…” Strangely, was Bai Longyue’s last thought, the instant before the darkness overwhelmed his concsiousness.

In the distance, there appeared an old master underneath a tree, his hand already halfway descending, poised toward laying forth a stone upon a strategically quietened Go-board—when quite all of a sudden, the stone clenched within his fingers disintegrated into fine powder. The wise man abruptly glanced upward, fierce radiance burning from within his sight, and locked his gaze unflinchingly in Qianye’s direction, articulating each syllable as though they were iron-clad declarations.

“That, indeed—it is a divine Commander!”

“God General,” exclaimed the sages gathered under the tree. Simultaneously shaken, their eyes converged in awe and fear toward Qianye.

Qianye landed a single punch that flung Bai Longyue backwards like he had lost any gravity to his life, gradually retrieving his composure by straightening up his posture. With his hands clasped behind his back, remaining upright, his outward bearing seemed entirely serene and at-peace. From his form, not an iota of an air of awe, which would normally attend upon Divinity Commanders, manifested itself, yet Bai Longyue represented none other than a formidable youth capable of holding his weight in battle—barely landing a single strike beneath Qianye. Without needing evidence other than common sense calculations, he already knew, within a flash of cognition, that Qianye at present had to have risen beyond to Divine Commander ranks.

“This, is so young…” stammered out one of the aged sages.

Every last one among the gathering understood the real age belonging Qianye’s youth. Precisely due to being fully knowledgeable, was the very understanding the most difficult thing to swallow and bear.

Another elder observed, “Could even Zhao Junkai match this?”

“No, he was yet more precocious. Don’t forget, Zhao Junkai was actually a year older than he, mind!”

“What about Qing Yang King’s early years? Was he equally young when smashing beyond Celestial General limits?”

That very inquiry instantly silenced everyone.

Eventually, one ancient soul replied deeply: “The Qing Yang King’s advancement relied on thorough accumulation as he matured—he diligently cultivated a variety of techniques for study purposes on the road. His foundational strength of Primal Powers was truly beyond comprehension! This is precisely how he could soar swiftly to the exalted realm of ‘Kingly Emperors’. How could the likes of this Qianye stand comparison? Perhaps, the breakthrough to the rank of god general, might already be destined to define his very limits.”

Sounding somewhat rational, many individuals present recalled Qianye’s famous Dawn Awakening—the skill which gained empire-wide recognition in turn. Bitterness rose within their hearts once again.

All were conscious within themselves already, that Qianye was fated to become a god general. They just hadn’t predicted that eventuality to manifest so suddenly.

“Only from bloodline scoundrel dare raise hubristic ambitions!” The elder grumbled with clear frustration. Hardly was his mouth shut when from the go-playing elder, a look of icy glares swiftly sealed remaining words still wanting to leap from lips, effectively smothered mid-expression.

The elder playing boardgames calmly articulated:

“Ever since the Floating Continent battle, murmurs have echoed within the Imperial court—about the second layer to Qianye’s true self. The directive was clear; all were prohibited to pursue such talk anymore. This order was established clearly per Qing Yang Wang himself, but equally the Empress Regent, further yet the Holy Majesty’s will too!”

The elders, all visibly disgruntled and clearly upset with this wordless command, were further restrained, in front of such firm gaze from go-champion, none dared utter such resentments in that setting and presence of their esteemed companion.

Bai playing games straightened himself and proclaimed “Let us move forward and approach this god commanding presence!”

In matters of cultivation’s paths, wisdom precedes age. Facing a true God General, further pretenses of aloof detachment lost meaning and might only reflect negatively upon the Bai House for their poor judgement combined with a petty attitude.

Thus did numerous of those elders gather around in rising action, each exuding different kinds of powerful presences—some like walking with dragon might, others flowing as winds or undulating water.

Qian yet, still and calm, hands linked neatly behind back awaited their movement forward.

They, as though pacing slowly approached actually arriving upon proximity quite soon enough as others now halted, letting alone the chess-game sage advanced toward him directly. With raised hand sign of respect, speaking forth:

“Master General Qianye. Or actually, it should be now addressed, ‘Marshall Qianye’!”

Qianye politely and respectfully replied. “’Marshall’ is a formal military post of the Emperor’s Armies. This insignificant common individual cannot possibly claim such an honor.”

The elder introduced himself, “An humble retired presence known as Bai Yuantu.”

Then with a simple hand clasp acknowledging the greeting as reciprocated in formality, while still omitting any respectful address toward one supposedly elder to him. Instead, he quite pointed at placing himself exactly parallel standing position alongside this rival, making his stance very clear.

All the senior men, though somewhat mentally braced, found the blunt disregard Qianye showed them, particularly by withholding the basic social pretense of seniority, more infuriating than previously imagined, showing increasing frustration on his account.

Yet Bai Yuantu’s appearance remained unpainted expression. Neither hurried, nor hasty:

“We’d heard often spoken highly on Guardian Qianye’s towering view upon self-worth—but only having witnessed today, has it now proven entirely factual truth.”

Qingye, maintaining calm detachment from emotions:

“Lingering perspectives of mundane crowd, unable clearly perceive, naturally prone to speculate wildly. This matter should bear small concern. Similarly, others claim our esteemed Four Grand Houses to occupy peak amongst ancestral clans, viewing afar wisdom and vision of unparalleled clarity—but observing the present… seems not necessarily quite so.”

The go-playing senior lifted slightly a prominent eyebrow.

“Then we, humble as we might, request Guardian Qianye to elaborate slightly, what instance may our Bai Clan possibly stand accused guilty by charges short sighted view?”

Qianye pointed at Bai Longyue unconscious from earlier encounter:

“Probably considered among your favorites of chosen ones, was he? Still, could not even withstand first strike under my presence. I estimate Bai Aoqiu, at same present age, would already show himself as superior. With further progress along path, such superiority only widened more so.”

“You imply intentions, Master Qingye—perhaps an action on behalf of Aoqiu then—wouldn’t such interference breach established convention? Our Bai Clan for centuries held strict codes. It’s unlikely for even she to become exception.”

“Perhaps inappropriate intentions on my part—but actually, such thought I entertained never. Initially, my purpose here involved simply visiting old companions. Pay respects and depart, no further complications intended. Only when the little children insisted upon teaching, did I decide upon teaching of my own: lessons on how they are expected, properly, to behave.”

“You claim, instruct as such beating the only form your lessons assume? The beating however inflicted seems directed not entirely against face or self of their own alone.”

Then a faint, enigmatic, slight smile played over Qianye’s lips.

“On the contrary. These approaches appear to me effective. The ambush, perhaps orchestrated not at be their will entirely, was it? Then naturally—whom the reeducation is properly directed upon? Not always their face necessarily, the target might be.”

Only then, did go-playing senior display initial flicker of annoyance in his features.

“You undoubtedly qualify among brilliant men, but yet verge perilously too close towards reckless prideful behavior! Intentionally courting permanent feuding enmity against Bai household?”

But Qianye did not waver a heartbeat—responding coolly, with an edge of sneer.

“You phrase matters wrongly here. That question originally belongs asked by mine own tongue towards yourselves. Hence the question you might want addressed, Bai household: Is it truly your decision to pursue an indelible blood rivalry against me now?”

Outraged beyond capacity for patience from nearby, another elder practically burst: “Dare not be so arrogant! Just a mere civilian; from where derives audacity equating against Bai household so casually? Unless you suffer punishment this today, our Bai family honor shall utterly dissolve away hence.”

Unfettered came Qianye’s response:

“So keenly desiring to force my submission? Seems challenging to you, though. You—could you first withstand under any single punch from my fist, only then will I personally descend in kowtow apologies.”

The old sage nearly bulged red with rage. His open mouth, closed again. Then re-opened—repeating that process over again—yet failed completely to articulate even one coherent defiant declaration that might rise against that proposition. Reason told, that the esteemed figure in front of everyone was himself quite powerful within the Clan House’s inner ranks. Compared to Qianye who may hold rank among new Divine Commanders, how might such a match possibly prove beyond manageable ability?

Still though, within his mind’s deepest thoughts, even as clouded and overwhelmed with fury, arose a refusal to utter “Well then… me, myself shall attempt intercepting this punch. I dare.”

Bai Yuantu’s eyes narrowed faintly.

“Perhaps old habits of my recluse have blinded me from knowing how young heroes and gifted teenagers of the current ages truly emerge. However even acknowledging you a genius, Qianye, newly entered amongst Divine Commanders’ elite, likely haven’t yet stabled mastery powers unique for one’s own level. So now presumptuously entering our Bai house grounds and causing troubles—such behavior seems too early to be appropriate.”

Calm indifference colored Qingye’s countenance in reply.

“My status as newcomer doesn’t negate one key element—young, older, the matter remains. Should you attempt disciplining, don’t hesitate even a moment in initiating conflict. However—if defeat comes upon arrival, then please retreat, yielding unreserved space. Do not linger and obstruct my departure.”

The old man’s fury transformed into amusement; a sarcastic expression lit his features instead.

“Fearless in arrogant declarations are we?”

He added: “Then, if Bai Household summons all within my numbers—ready for united ambush, prepared to exterminated you en masse… What then, would be thought of you?”

“Willing to conduct ambush operations? Does one believe even the humblest of godly generals can really, be so simply surrounded and killed?” Qingye scoffed with clear disdain as he laughed:

“I grant this truth—for even now, I must imagine Bai Family might already harbor someone able momentarily to overpower yours truly—however… What say you of three years from now… perhaps even five?”

He locked eyes unchallengingly.

“If from this day forth you do not keep me at bay, then in time to come, those bearing Bai surname shall find wandering abroad to be perilous enterprise for them to sustain! For myself? I simply must observe the opportunity; each I cross upon… simply eliminates.”

“You! You dare—“

Bai Yuantu bristled, with hairs along beard literally rising upright, an overwhelming force gale exploding upon battlefield’s presence as pressure akin to towering mountains rushed headlong into opposing force—yet before that force fully formed, Qianye remained like an unperturbed monolith in an ocean, undisturbed by the encroaching tide of violence.

As battle threatened eruptive confrontation with every moment that passed, Song Zining casually snapped open foldable fan, a polite deliberate ‘cough’ escaping from deep throat—quiet, restrained in actual projection but clear enough reaching each person present. Simultaneously extinguishing the imminent detonation.

Previously dismissive within White household now realized, shockingly, that the outwardly flamboyant ‘Seventh Young Master’ bore no casual reputation either—so easily able to alter the situation amidst opposing gods-to-be with such ease. His battle skills must already approach closely unto the Divine General echelons themelves.

Glanced eyes upon Bai Longyue now unconscious… perhaps better for him to miss that knowledge: of both how utterly outmatched he stood against neither Qianye—nor Zining either.

Casting clearing cough once more, Song Zining addressed all assembled. The diction not at all aggressive or sharp.

“So freshly having triumphed against the battlefield… must White House repay meritorious service with treatment like this?”

A statement light and airy—but one carrying clear undertone messages among those with ears tuned precisely so.

Bai Yuantu steadily retracted pressure and declared:

“Wise words, Seventh Master spoke. Allow us to arrange rematch at another favorable date where more fitting circumstances present for the duel of arts. Today may allow retreat before Qianye for now.”

Sensing avoidance, relief flooded among many within White family ranks. After all, if they managed to escape this duel, they’d be granted reprieve from an ugly dilemma: the disgrace should they even win, let’s not mention utter humiliation, if ever loss occurs against the present divine challenger.

But what the White Clan hadn’t accounted for… Qingye instead spoke directly:

“No need deferral until another day—we proceed, immediately. At this very moment—Qingye requests instruction firsthand in the secret teachings of Mr. Yuantū.”

As if utterance alone was contract signed sealed… with those closing words, Qianye once again unleashed forward a powerful chest-level fist precisely mirroring one delivered previously upon Bai Longyue once before—unerringly striking its intended mark squarely at center-of-target.