Chapter Fifty-Six: The Legacy

Lin Chong fell silent.

The disheveled, middle-aged man fixed his gaze on Fang Xiao, his entire being exuding a cold, unyielding aura—like a reef battered by raging waves, hard and profound, yet concealing a hidden edge.

At that moment, Fang Xiao felt as if his very soul had been pierced through!

Yet he showed not the slightest trace of fear, meeting the eyes of this instructor in weapons with calm fortitude.

For his conscience was clear.

Suddenly, Lin Chong spoke. “Come with me.”

Without waiting for a reply, he hefted his long spear and strode out of the training ground.

Fang Xiao hesitated only a moment before hurrying after him.

Lin Chong led Fang Xiao out of the practice field, along a stone path that wound past a small grove.

At last, they arrived at a secluded courtyard.

Here, along the foot of the mountain, a dozen or so courtyards were scattered in orderly fashion.

Bamboo cottages and wooden houses nestled amidst lush greenery, the scene possessing a unique charm.

Lin Chong halted in the courtyard and said in a deep voice, “Show me your routine again.”

Suppressing a trace of anxiety, Fang Xiao bowed deeply in salute.

He gripped the spear in his hands.

Following the memory in his mind, he began to practice the spear techniques he had just learned.

At first, his movements were somewhat stiff and unnatural.

But as time passed, his control over the spear grew increasingly adept.

Heavy shadows of the spear swept through the air, displaying the basic stances—thrust, pierce, lash, strike, coil, circle—with remarkable vigor and clarity.

Fang Xiao became fully absorbed, even forgetting Lin Chong’s presence.

He felt as if he and the long spear had become one; surging strength flowed ceaselessly from his muscles and bones, gathering in his arms like a gentle stream.

At last, all of it concentrated in the spear!

“Kill!”

Fang Xiao suddenly bellowed in a low, forceful voice.

His tightly gripped spear lunged forward in an instant, piercing the wooden post standing by the courtyard wall.

Thud!

Though the spearhead was blunt and unsharpened, it pierced straight through the thick, bowl-sized post, emerging from the other side!

Without thinking, Fang Xiao twisted the shaft.

With a crisp crack, the sturdy post splintered into pieces.

[Lin Family Spear +1]

The prompt that flashed before his eyes snapped Fang Xiao back to reality.

He quickly withdrew the spear and anxiously awaited Lin Chong’s judgment.

“Not bad,” Lin Chong said in a low, gravelly voice, as though something was lodged in his throat.

His gaze was more complex than words could express.

Within, the instructor of the Six Rivers Academy’s martial hall was experiencing a storm of emotion, held in check only by his formidable will.

Earlier that morning, while lecturing in the classroom, Lin Chong had indeed demonstrated the basic stances of the Lin Family Spear to the new students.

He hadn’t believed anyone would discern its nuances.

Yet, to his utter astonishment, after watching only once, Fang Xiao had already set foot on the path of the Lin Family Spear.

It was simply unbelievable!

Lin Chong himself had been considered a prodigy in his youth, but it had taken him seven days to grasp the family spear techniques, with the added advantage of years of exposure.

By comparison, Fang Xiao’s achievement seemed almost superhuman.

To be honest, at first Lin Chong truly didn’t believe it.

He suspected Fang Xiao might have learned the Lin Family Spear elsewhere.

But observing Fang Xiao’s eyes and expression, he detected no trace of deceit.

This teenage boy, plainly dressed and clear-eyed—Lin Chong, who had judged countless people, trusted his own instincts.

There was only one explanation left:

Fang Xiao’s talent was extraordinary.

Like a piece of uncut jade, his inner brilliance revealed itself without intention.

Lin Chong took a long, deep breath and asked, “Do you have any money on you?”

Fang Xiao nodded. “I do.”

He always carried his military satchel, secured by a belt, with most of his belongings inside.

Lin Chong said coolly, “Give it all to me.”

Without hesitation, Fang Xiao produced all his gold leaves and loose silver from the bag.

“That’s enough,” Lin Chong said, not expecting the plainly dressed Fang Xiao to carry so much gold and silver.

He picked up a gold leaf and sighed softly, “This will suffice.”

He withdrew his hand and continued, “From now on, every morning, come here and I will teach you the true secrets of the Lin Family Spear.”

Fang Xiao was greatly surprised.

He had “secretly learned” the Lin Family Spear, yet Lin Chong not only held no grudge, but agreed to teach him its true methods—for only a single gold leaf.

Compared to the price listed in the academy’s catalog, Fang Xiao was deeply moved.

He bowed and said, “Thank you, Master!”

The word “Master” slipped out unbidden, without a moment’s thought.

But it came straight from the heart.

“Don’t call me Master,” Lin Chong shook his head, speaking with utmost seriousness. “I took your money and teach you spear techniques. We owe each other nothing.”

“And if you ever get into trouble outside, do not mention my name.”

“We are not master and disciple.”

Although Fang Xiao did not understand why Lin Chong insisted on this distinction, out of respect for his instructor, he replied respectfully, “Understood, Instructor Lin.”

“Good.”

A faint smile finally softened Lin Chong’s stern features.

“Practice it again.”

This time, as Fang Xiao performed the Lin Family Spear, Lin Chong interrupted him repeatedly, correcting every flaw on the spot.

Not even the slightest mistake escaped his notice; Lin Chong had him repeat each move until it met his exacting standards.

Such strict guidance was something Fang Xiao relished.

He felt an uncanny affinity with this spear technique; once corrected, he seldom repeated an error.

His transitions between moves grew ever smoother, the whistle of the spear cleaving air ever fiercer!

Lin Chong gradually fell silent.

More and more, he simply stepped aside, quietly watching Fang Xiao wield the spear, offering no further interference.

And Fang Xiao once again immersed himself completely, discovering the subtle essence of the technique, oblivious to the passage of time—or Lin Chong’s presence.

[Lin Family Spear +1], [Lin Family Spear +1], [Lin Family Spear +1]...

Suddenly, the spear Fang Xiao thrust forward was caught in a firm grip.

It was Lin Chong.

The instructor looked deep into Fang Xiao’s eyes and said, “That’s enough for today. Come again tomorrow morning.”

There was an indefinable quality to his voice, as if he were sighing, or perhaps lamenting something.

Only then did Fang Xiao realize his strength was nearly spent—his waist, legs, and arms were aching in every muscle and bone, weariness flooding his body.

He had overdone it!

Barely managing to bow to Lin Chong, Fang Xiao said, “Thank you, Instructor.”

In the next instant, a surge of heat arose at the base of his spine, coursing swiftly up his back and through his whole body.

Most of his fatigue vanished in an instant!

He felt suddenly invigorated.

But Lin Chong did not notice.

With a wave of his hand, he said, “Go back and rest well. Don’t be late tomorrow.”