Chapter 5: The Journey to Luoyang (2) - Wang Yue

  After Wang Yue became Lv Rui's master, he lived in the Taiwei Mansion and basically stayed there except when summoned by the imperial palace. He taught Lv Rui martial arts, but since Lv Rui was only a little over four years old, he could only teach him some basic skills and demonstrate them to him before writing down his sect's moves in a book for Lv Rui to practice later. However, Lv Rui had already become bored with the basics and demanded that Wang Yue teach him real martial arts.

  Today, Lü Rui and Wang Yue were in the martial arts arena, while Hua Tuo and his servant stood on either side. Today, Wang Yue was going to formally teach Lü Rui swordsmanship. Of course, Lü Rui couldn't use a real sword because it was too heavy, and he couldn't even lift it, so he had to use a wooden sword instead. The main focus of the lesson was for Lü Rui to learn Wang Yue's moves, while internal energy and inner strength would come later with time, and couldn't be rushed.

  That day, Wang Yue wore a white shirt with a jade belt around his waist and held a feather fan in his hand. This feather fan was the same kind that Zhuge Liang used to hold in later generations' TV dramas. Paired with a long sword, it was just two words: show off! Obviously, he was the owner of a martial arts school, but how did he become a literati? It didn't match at all. Later, Lü Rui only knew that Wang Yue dressed like this in order to gain recognition from the aristocratic families, indicating that he was not just a martial artist, but also a strategist and a literati. Because in the late Han Dynasty, being both literary and martial was one of the standards for evaluating talent. Martial skills were used to protect the family and defend the country, while literature was used to pacify the world!

  Looking at Wang Yue like this, Lü Rui was taken aback in his heart. This is the Emperor's Master Wang Yue, the master of swordsmanship in the Three Kingdoms. How could it be that he doesn't look the part at all? A refined and elegant scholar? He's the one who's said to have martial arts skills even more formidable than Lü Bu? It doesn't seem like it, not one bit.

  Wang Yue walked up to Lü Rui and said, "Rui'er!"

  Lü Rui immediately stood up, cupped his hands and said: "Master Wang Yue!" During the Three Kingdoms period, teacher ethics were very important. Since Lü Rui had taken Wang Yue as his master, he should respect him, even if he didn't agree with him in his heart.

  Wang Yue nodded and said: "Rui Er, before teaching you the swordsmanship, I need to tell you about the history of our sect."

  Lü Rui nodded and said: "Yes, Master."

  Wang Yue put his hands behind his back and said, "This sect is called the Tianzong. The idea of opening the sect originated from the Warring States Mozi, and the legendary founder was Huaiyin Hou Han Xin. Currently, our sect is divided into three major factions: the Sword Faction, the Spear Faction, and the Knife Faction. I, Wang Yue, am the master of the Sword Faction. The master of the Spear Faction is Qiang Shen Tong Yuan, who is now hiding in Changshan. As for the master of the Knife Faction, it's Song Chao, a person whose whereabouts are unpredictable, and I still haven't found his trail. Although the three factions of our Tianzong sect have different research directions, they are ultimately from the same sect. If you meet other faction members in the future, Rui'er, you should also treat them as fellow sect members!"

  Lü Rui listened to Wang Yue's words, the Tianzong founded by Han Xin? Was Han Xin an ancient martial arts master? A Mohist master? Hmm, it's possible. Han Xin fought against Xiang Yu many times and battled with the Hegemon King, so strategy was crucial, and martial arts couldn't be neglected either, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to survive. The Mohists? The Warring States Mohists? The Giant Master's Order? According to legend, it was the most mysterious Jianghu organization of the Warring States period. If there really was a Giant Master's Order... Heh heh, that would be a great thing! If we could get our hands on it... Wouldn't that mean "The Giant Master doesn't come out, who dares to contend with him? His orders are obeyed throughout the land"?

  Lü Rui started acting cute again, biting her finger and saying: "Wang Yue Master? Mo Family? Is there a Giant Order? I heard it's a very beautiful token, have you seen it, Master?" After finishing, she looked at Wang Yue with hopeful eyes.

  Wang Yue was taken aback, how did Lü Rui still know about the Giant's Order? However, this token was just a legend, maybe it really existed, but he himself, including his master and the previous generation of Tianzong's leader, had never seen it. Had it been lost? Or was it buried in some corner of the Great Han, nobody knew.

  Wang Yue looked at Lü Rui and said helplessly, "This, even the master hasn't seen it. It's probably just a legend, only described in our sect's records." Wang Yue wondered how Lü Rui knew about the Giant's Order. In ancient times, communication wasn't advanced like today, and information spread slowly. The Giant's Order was a secret passed down through generations of one faction during the Three Kingdoms era, and it was the highest secret within their sect. How did Lü Rui, a young noble who didn't venture into the jianghu world, know about it? Especially in the great Han dynasty where Confucianism reigned supreme.

  Lü Ruì listened and looked at Wang Yue, it seemed that Wang Yue had not seen the Giant Subduing Order either. He looked at himself in doubt, did Wang Yue think he knew where the Giant Subduing Order was? Hey, this was a good thing, an evil plan to plot against the master of the Heavenly Sect was born in Lü Ruì's heart.

  Lü Rui nodded and said, "Master Wang Yue, my family has many ancient tokens from various schools of thought during the Warring States period. The patterns on them are very beautiful. I've never seen a Ju Zi token, but I heard one of Father's junior officers mention it before. He said it was very beautiful, so I asked Master."

  Wang Yue only understood after listening, Cao's sidekick, the school lieutenant, was probably a Jianghu person too. But how could there be ancient schools' tokens in the Cao mansion? This point is quite strange. Thinking of this, Wang Yue didn't dare ask more questions either. After all, it was Cao family matters. Wang Yue patted Lv Rui and said: "So that's how it was, Rui'er, let's not talk about these things anymore. I'll continue teaching you about the arts."

  Lü Bu said that the little school lieutenant was actually the most famous Mò Jīn school lieutenant in history, but now he is just a small school lieutenant who steals tombs by Cao Cao's side. Originally, Cao Cao liked to compare with the sons of aristocratic families the treasures collected in his own family. If a family had rare treasures, they would gain face. In order to compete with others, Cao Cao actually thought of going to steal ancient tombs and finding strange treasures from ancient times to compare with Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu. After Lü Bu found out, he sighed: Ah-Dun is really a spoiled brat, actually stealing tombs!

  Wang Yue continued to talk about the Tianzong, saying: "Although our Tianzong is now divided into three factions, there is still an agreement that whoever finds the legendary Giant Subduing Order or wins the Three Faction Martial Assembly held every three years by defeating the leaders of each faction in succession can unify the three factions and become the new leader of the Tianzong. Otherwise, the Tianzong will remain as the Sword, Gun, and Knife factions. Rui'er, I must say this to you as your master, hoping that you are the one who can unite the Tianzong."

  Lü Rui thought to himself, "So that's how it is. To succeed the master, I have to defeat the leaders of all three factions in a row?" The Giant's order seemed vague and empty, but this condition was really too harsh. Defeating the leaders of all three factions in a row? It was basically an impossible task. Lü Rui clasped his fists and said, "I obey, Master. I will definitely work towards this goal."

  Wang Yue nodded after hearing this, and in his heart he was certain that Lü Rui had no hope. As a young master of a noble family, learning martial arts was just for self-protection or bullying the poor, without any intention of inheriting the position of sect leader. So Wang Yue didn't pay much attention to Lü Rui's words, but what he didn't know was that Lü Rui had already begun planning to seize control of the Tianzong Sword Sect.

  After introducing the history of the sect, Wang Yue began to talk about the sect's unique skills. Wang Yue coughed twice and said: "Rui Er, the basic swordsmanship of our sect is Mohist Swordsmanship. Every new disciple must learn Mohist Swordsmanship, which is the foundation. After a hundred years of development, each of the three factions has established its own unique martial arts. Tong Yuan created the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix spear technique, and Song Chao created the Heavenly Wolf Knife technique, both of which are unparalleled in the world."

  Lü Rui nodded after listening, then asked: "Master, what kind of martial art did you create?"

  Wang Yue looked up at the sky with a proud expression, then burst out laughing and said: "I, Wang Yue, as the eldest master of the Tianzong sect, have created three unique martial arts. The first one is the Seven Star Sword Technique, which uses the seven stars of the Big Dipper as its principle. This sword technique can be used by a single person to defeat an enemy, or by seven people to form an array and defend against enemies. The second unique skill is the Heavy Sword Sword Technique, which must use the heavy swords carried by soldiers during the Warring States period to exert its power. The third unique skill is the Heavenly Sword Sword Technique, which I spent ten years researching and practicing. Its characteristics are speed, ruthlessness, and accuracy, specifically used for assassinating enemies."

  Lü Rui patted his mouth and let out a sigh, saying: "Master is indeed impressive." Lü Rui praised Wang Yue with his mouth, but in his heart he scolded: Wang Yue, you dead guy, always talking big here, without any real action, can't you stop pretending to be so awesome? Hurry up and show off your martial arts skills, I really don't know if you're a fake or not.

  Wang Yue saw Lü Rui's expression and secretly smiled in his heart. "You don't believe in my abilities, huh? Let me show you." Wang Yue patted Lü Rui on the head and said, "Alright, Rui'er, I'll show you our school's ultimate skill." After speaking, Wang Yue flipped his hair again, then put down his feather fan and sword, and picked up a long willow branch.

  Lü Rui watched Wang Yue's movements, what? Is Wang Yue still pretending? Using a willow branch to teach himself martial arts? Lü Rui was puzzled when Wang Yue suddenly shouted: "Rui'er, look, this is one of the ultimate skills of our school, the Tianjian Sword Technique!" After that, he swung the willow branch and started performing.

  Lü Rui's mouth involuntarily formed an "O" shape as he watched, and saw Wang Yue swing the willow branch with a flourish. His demeanor changed greatly, transforming from a weak scholar to a heroic swordsman. The willow branch in his hand was like a long sword. Under the bright moonlight, the stars revolved around the moon, and the meteors chased after it. The water flowers in the mirror were vast and endless. Each move of Wang Yue's sword was like a celestial being descending to earth, elegant and unmatched. Especially with each sword strike, he emitted a powerful sword energy, just like a modern machine gun. Lü Rui watched with his mouth agape, stunned by the beauty of it all. He thought to himself that this was indeed a clever move to impress girls, and if performed in front of beautiful women, it would be a surefire way to win them over! With this thought, Lü Rui couldn't help but cover his mouth and chuckle secretly.

  Wang Yue, after demonstrating a set of Tianjian sword techniques, flicked the willow branch and stabbed it into the stone mountain beside the garden. A servant next to him handed over a towel, Wang Yue wiped his sweat, saw Lv Rui's admiring expression, hummed, little kid, how is it? The subtlety of our school's sword technique, you have something to practice later. Then he flicked his long hair and started showing off again!

  Lü Rui saw Wang Yue's willow branch inserted into the stone mountain, and soon a rustling sound was heard nearby. The branches of the willow tree next to it began to fall off with a swooshing sound, and then several cracks appeared on the stone mountain with a swooshing sound. Nǎinǎi, this is indeed the realm of "lonely seeking defeat", where silence defeats noise. Wang Yue's power was so high that even a tall tree could be used as a sword. Lü Rui suddenly looked at Wang Yue in a different light, although he was showing off a bit, but his strength was real. I, Lü Rui, don't need to learn to this extent, just need to defend myself and chase girls, of course, chasing girls is the main thing. In the Three Kingdoms where heroes are like clouds, Lü Rui doesn't want to be a ghost under the knife, let alone charge into battle. Let Cao Cao's generals do that, after all, Cao Cao has heroes like clouds and strategists like rain!

  Seeing Lü Rui's envious expression, Wang Yue said with a smile: "How about it, Rui'er? Want to become a master like Master? Then you have to practice your basic skills well, and then study the sword moves left by Master according to your own school, and you'll be fine. Practicing martial arts is not something that can be accomplished overnight, if you want to become a master, you must work hard, and work even harder, and you will definitely achieve something."

  Lü Rui nodded vigorously after hearing Wang Yue's words, then said: "Yes, Master. From now on, I will definitely listen to your teachings and practice martial arts well." Wang Yue was satisfied with Lü Rui's response and nodded in approval, thinking that Lü Rui had already submitted to his superior martial skills and would work hard to become a great master. However, what Wang Yue didn't know was that Lü Rui actually intended to practice martial arts for the purpose of flirting with girls and plotting to steal his school, which would have made Wang Yue so angry that he would have vomited blood if he had known.

  Just as Wang Yue had finished demonstrating his ultimate skill, a servant came to report that Cao wanted Lü Rui to go and see him. The matter of practicing martial arts would have to be put on hold for the time being. Lü Rui could only stop practicing and follow the servant to Cao's quarters. Wang Yue was not in a hurry to instruct Lü Rui, as he had just arrived anyway.

  Lü Rui was excited to see Wang Yue's martial arts skills in the training arena, while at the same time, Cao Cao sighed repeatedly in his own room, "Oh no, I'm doomed! If I return to Luoyang, I'll be discovered by Benchu and the others." It turned out that Cao Cao had planned to sneak into Luoyang and wait for General He Jin to summon him. Once he entered the general's mansion, he could use his busy schedule as an excuse to decline social invitations. However, now it was all ruined because of his own impulsiveness in writing poetry, which caused Lü Rui to make a scene, and Benchu and the others found out that he had arrived. He would have to host a banquet at Luoyang's most expensive wine tower, Baisong Tower.

  Lü Rui followed the servant into Cao's room and saw Cao sighing by the table, looking worried. Lü Rui ran over, touched Cao's hand and asked: "Uncle, did you call me?"

  Cao saw Lü Rui, grabbed his little hand and smiled: "Rui'er is here?"

  Lü Rui nodded and said, "Yes, Uncle Zhong, I was practicing martial arts in the backyard when a servant came to say you were looking for me?" He looked at Cao with a puzzled expression.

  Cao nodded and said, "Not bad, Rui'er. Your uncle Benchu knows that I've arrived in Luoyang, so I've booked the entire Baixiang Tower for tonight. All of your father's friends in Luoyang will be gathering there, and I know you love good food, so I'll take you with me to try some of Luoyang's delicacies." As Cao spoke, he was secretly seething with anger - Benchu, you're too ruthless! You've invited so many people and booked the entire Baixiang Tower. That's a month's worth of storage fees for Meng De! For a noble family like the Caos, each person's monthly allowance is limited. By booking the Baixiang Tower, Cao has blown his entire monthly allowance.

  Lü Rui clapped his hands and said: "Great, great, Uncle Zhong, when are we going out?"

  Looking at Lü Rui's delighted expression, Cao smiled and said: "It's not that soon, you go take a bath first, Zhongfu also needs to prepare, when it's near dusk, we'll go." The Han Dynasty banquet usually starts late, in modern time, it would be around 7 pm. Cao and Lü Rui went to the Baixiang Building, the steward of the Cao residence had already gone ahead to make preparations.

  Lü Rui happily agreed with Cao, then hopped out. Lü Rui wasn't excited about the delicious food, but was thinking that since Cao had so many friends attending the dinner party, they would definitely have entertainment activities after eating, and these activities would inevitably involve gambling. Heh heh, this is a great opportunity to make some money! The ancient method of gambling, Lü Rui had already figured out, was much simpler than modern methods. Just watch how Lü Rui dominates the game and rakes in the cash! Thinking about this, Lü Rui felt extremely excited.