The Road of Discovery

"I don't want to discuss these philosophical questions with you. Let me tell you about my injuries first."

"These are all minor injuries, nothing serious to the internal organs, and no internal energy or True Qi has been injected. They are the simplest types of injuries. Although there are quite a few fractures, an elderly person might have to lie in bed for two or three months, but a young person like you has nothing to worry about. In addition, the 'Blazing Yang Battle Art' also has the effect of tempering the body. Your body is much stronger than that of ordinary people, and your metabolism is faster. You will be full of energy again after just one week of rest."

Upon hearing this, Si Ming said regretfully, "It takes a week, which means I won't be able to make it to the later matches and will have to give up?"

"Of course, a fracture is not just a simple break. It can lead to infection, which in turn can cause other diseases and even endanger life. Just to be on the safe side, let's observe it for a while longer."

"Since you, as a doctor, have said so, then we'll listen to you."

Jiang Zhengtai nodded and said, "Yes, yes, you can rest assured and stay here in my care. If your hand is inconvenient to move around sometimes, I can help you too~"

Si Ming felt that the last sentence was a bit risky, so he refused, saying, "No need. I will apply to my superiors and ask them to send a pretty nurse to take care of me. The Mohist Academy of Science can't possibly refuse such a small request of mine."

"I won't allow it! I absolutely won't allow this to happen! What's the point of having women in such a sacred place as a hospital? Female nurses are completely unnecessary!" Jiang Zhengtai jumped up excitedly.

Si Ming couldn't take it anymore. "Right now, apologize to all the female medical staff! They not only know how to take care of people, but they can also take X-rays and administer injections."

"That's so strange. Why would someone feel happy being taken care of by a female nurse? Most people wouldn't think that way."

Don't impose your common sense on ordinary people!

After shouting, Si Ming aggravated his chest injury, gasping for breath in pain. "Why am I, a seriously injured patient, being tortured like this as soon as I wake up?"

"Ha, the fact that you're talking so energetically proves your injury isn't serious. Get some rest, and don't worry about tomorrow night's match. I'll have Zhong Yatou forfeit it for you."

Jiang Zhengtai checked Si Ming's pulse and, after confirming there was nothing wrong, was about to leave when he suddenly remembered something and said, "Oh, right, let me tell you something so you won't be discouraged. The young man you fought yesterday was the third grandson of the Nation of Valor Military School, a disciple of the 'Universe-Shaking Divine General.' This Spirit Transformation expert is known as the War God of the Military School, not only born with innate knowledge and mastering the supreme divine skill 'Fallen Phoenix Dao-Destroying Art,' but also undefeated in his life. In terms of cultivation, he is even above your master. You defeated his disciple for your master, which is something to be very proud of."

"You're overthinking it. I haven't underestimated anyone, including myself. I understand the saying 'there are always people more capable than you, and the sky's the limit.' I'm just feeling lost for a moment." Si Ming raised his still-movable left hand, staring at his palm. "So, which way should we go from here?"

"I never expected you to be thinking about the essence of martial arts. At your age, nobody usually thinks about such things; everyone just learns without really understanding... I can't help you with this," Jiang Zhengtai was about to offer some words of comfort when a thought suddenly struck him. "However, I do know someone who can help you."

Si Ming asked dismissively, "Which psychologist?"

You'll find out tomorrow.

Jiang Zhengtai smiled mysteriously, turned around, walked out of the ward, and closed the door.

Si Ming shook his head, retreated back into the quiet environment, and began his endless contemplation.

The next morning, as soon as Si Ming opened his eyes, he felt a powerful presence sitting beside him.

"You perverted doctor, you wouldn't be thinking of playing a video game... Master, what brings you here?"

Sitting next to him was Yan Jinghong. He stopped Si Ming, who was hurriedly getting up, and said, "I have watched your match video. To be honest, judging solely from the match, you performed very well. In terms of overall cultivation, you are actually a notch below your opponent, but you cleverly combined your own advantages and used the right tactics to close the gap between us. You also made the right judgment at the crucial moment, so it is reasonable that you won by half a move in the end."

"Master, you flatter me. It was just a fluke. At that time, I didn't know whether I should forcefully interrupt my opponent's charge or retreat and dodge. I just felt it wasn't worth risking my life for a match, so I made a cowardly choice."

Si Ming noticed that his master's face showed a hint of unconcealed fatigue, clearly indicating that he had rushed over after receiving Jiang Zhengtai's call, which moved him deeply.

"This is not cowardice. Your thinking is correct. Human life is very precious. How can you rashly use it as a bargaining chip? Fighting someone to the death over a disagreement is not courage, but ignorance is bliss. However, your actions do not match your thinking. If you really want to save your life, you should withdraw from the competition."

Yan Jinghong hit the nail on the head.

"Master, the question you asked is exactly what troubled me yesterday. I asked myself the same question, but I couldn't find the answer..."

"What is your purpose in learning martial arts?" Yan Jinghong asked.

Si Ming thought for a moment and said, "I want to become a Grandmaster."

"Then why do you want to become Grandmaster?"

Because this is my dream.

Yan Jinghong was slightly surprised when he heard this. He originally thought that Si Ming was ostracized by others when he was a child because he could not cultivate Internal Cultivation. He was unwilling to continue to be bullied, so he was determined to learn martial arts. He did not expect that it was such a pure reason.

Si Ming noticed something amiss and asked, "Is this reason not enough? Is it really too far-fetched?"

Yan Jinghong shook her head. "No, that reason is enough. Many famous scientists also had such a dream since childhood, and only then did they realize it step by step. The initial intention is not important; what is important is that your determination is firm enough."

"But why do I still feel lost? I've already set a goal, and all I have to do is run towards it. But I'm not even interested in participating in the Youth Martial Arts Tournament. If it weren't for my classmates reminding me, I would have just been indifferent and perfunctory."

Yan Jinghong laughed and said, "That's because you haven't figured out what kind of Grandmaster you want to become."

Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Road of Exploration

"There are many types of martial artists. Some are upright and disdainful of scheming, while others are ruthless and unscrupulous. Some are devoted to the sword and only learn sword techniques throughout their lives, while others only practice one Swordsmanship. Some even have no piety towards martial arts and only regard martial arts as a tool to prove their path. In their eyes, martial arts are no different from formations and strategies," Yan Jinghong explained.

Si Ming asked in surprise, "Can the last type of person also be considered a martial artist?"

"Such a person cannot be called a true martial artist, and it is even impossible for him to reach the level of Grandmaster in martial arts. But this has nothing to do with whether he is strong or not, because he does not respect martial arts. Therefore, he can use fist techniques, knife techniques, and Swordsmanship at will, without being bound by any particular school or style. In battle, he will use the most effective martial arts to deal with his enemies. Such a person is also very terrifying. You must understand that a martial artist is not the same as a strong person. If your goal is to become the strongest person, you don't necessarily have to define yourself as a martial artist."

Si Ming asked curiously, "Then, Master, what is your path?"

Yan Jinghong smiled and said, "My current identity is the path I have chosen."

Si Ming was taken aback, then suddenly realized.

The path Yan Jinghong chose was that of a chivalrous swordsman.

A knight-errant who practices the Mohist School philosophy, the Mohist School philosophy is the direction, and the knight-errant is the positioning. Yan Jinghong clearly found his goal and has been striving for it all along. That is why he is always busy and running around for the country.

Those who know me say I am worried; those who don't know me ask what I seek. Others cannot understand me, thinking my life is very difficult, but they don't know that I am much happier than them, because I am practicing my own way.

Although Yan Jinghong's tone was calm, his eyes were incredibly firm, revealing a powerful will that would move even gods and Buddhas.

At this moment, Si Ming felt genuine admiration for Yan Jinghong.