What Sort of Person Was He?

Xie An found the voice familiar. When he turned around, he saw that it was Chief Steward Lin Yun.

Xie An thought the voice sounded familiar. When he turned around, he saw that it was Chief Steward Lin Yun.

Chief Steward, as the name implied, was the leader of all the stewards under a Hall Master. The position was equivalent to that of a Deputy Hall Master, except that it did not carry the title.

Chief Steward, as the name implied, was the leader of all the stewards under a Hall Master. The position was equivalent to that of a Deputy Hall Master, only without the title.

The gatekeeper clearly recognized Lin Yun and immediately put on a fawning smile. "Steward Lin, you're here."

The gatekeeper clearly knew Lin Yun and immediately put on a fawning smile. "Steward Lin, you're here."

Lin Yun gave a slight nod, took out ten taels of silver, and handed them to the gatekeeper. "I'm taking them to the third floor. Is that all right?"

Lin Yun gave a slight nod, took out ten taels of silver, and handed them to the gatekeeper. "I'm taking them to the third floor. Is that all right?"

The gatekeeper accepted the silver and said with a broad grin, "With Steward Lin vouching for you, of course it's fine. But the borrowing fee can't be waived."

The gatekeeper accepted the silver and said with a broad grin, "With Steward Lin vouching for you, of course it's fine. But the borrowing fee still can't be reduced."

"Naturally."

"Of course."

Lin Yun dismissed the gatekeeper, then said to Xie An and Zhang Lin, "Follow me."

Lin Yun dismissed the gatekeeper, then said to Xie An and Zhang Lin, "Follow me."

Compared with the bustle on the first and second floors, the third floor was much quieter. There were hardly any people in sight.

Compared with the bustle on the first and second floors, the third floor was far quieter. There were barely a few people in sight.

Anyone qualified to come here had to be at least a Chief Steward under one of the Hall Masters.

Anyone qualified to come here had to be at least a Chief Steward serving under one of the Hall Masters.

Although White Feather Hall had three hundred disciples, it had only four Hall Masters in total, with one Chief Steward assigned to each. That made eight people. Add the Hall Master and two Deputy Hall Masters, along with the other special positions...

White Feather Hall had three hundred disciples, but only four Hall Masters in total, each equipped with a Chief Steward, making eight people altogether. Adding the Hall Master and two Deputy Hall Masters, along with the people holding several other special positions...

It was clear that there were no more than a dozen people in all who were qualified to come to the third floor.

It was clear that no more than a dozen people in total were qualified to come to the third floor.

Zhang Lin, following behind Lin Yun, patted Xie An on the arm and said softly, "Old brother, we're in luck today. I've never been here before. I hear the finest martial arts of our hall are stored here, along with some martial arts from the Tiger-Wolf Sect's headquarters."

Following behind Lin Yun, Zhang Lin patted Xie An on the arm and said softly, "Elder Brother, we're really in luck today. I've never been here before. I heard that the place stores all the finest martial arts of our Hall, as well as some martial arts from Tiger Wolf Gate's headquarters."

Hearing this, Xie An felt a few more sparks of anticipation kindle in his heart.

Hearing this, Xie An felt a little more anticipation rise in his heart.

Although Xie An had never practiced martial arts, his health-preserving art already made him no weaker than a minor-success Copper Skin martial artist. Naturally, he had little interest in ordinary martial arts.

Although Xie An had never practiced martial arts, his Health Cultivation Technique already made him no weaker than a martial artist in the minor-achievement Bronze Skin Realm. Naturally, he had little interest in ordinary martial arts.

Soon, Lin Yun led the two of them to rows of bookshelves. "Have a look for yourselves and find whatever you want to learn. If there's anything you don't understand, ask me anytime."

Soon, Lin Yun led the two of them to rows of bookshelves. "Have a look yourselves and find whatever you want to learn. If there's anything you don't understand, you can ask me anytime."

"Thank you, Steward Lin."

"Thank you, Steward Lin."

Xie An cupped his hands in thanks, then went to the bookshelves to browse the martial arts manuals.

Xie An cupped his hands in thanks, then went to the shelves and began looking through the martial arts manuals.

Xie An had wanted to practice martial arts since half a year ago, but he had been too poor and had never found the right opportunity. Now that he could finally come into contact with martial arts, his heart naturally thrilled with excitement.

Xie An had already intended to practice martial arts six months ago, but his empty purse had kept him from finding the opportunity. Now that he could finally come into contact with martial arts, he was naturally thrilled.

The third floor held far fewer books than the two floors below. There were only three bookshelves in all, with barely a hundred books between them. Xie An casually flipped through several and found that they were all notes—insights into martial arts left behind by predecessors.

The third floor held far fewer books than the two floors below. There were only three bookshelves in total, with barely a hundred books between them. Xie An flipped through several of them and found that they were all notes—martial arts insights left behind by the predecessors.

Such things were generally useful only to martial artists who had already entered the basics of martial arts cultivation methods.

Such things were generally only useful to martial artists who had already passed the threshold of martial arts techniques and mental cultivation methods.

To a layman like Xie An, who had not even crossed the threshold of martial arts, they were naturally useless.

To an outsider like Xie An, who had not even stepped through the great gate of martial arts, they were naturally completely useless.

But driven by his longing for martial arts, Xie An was like a three-year-old child who had just stepped into kindergarten, filled with freshness and curiosity toward everything recorded in the notes.

Yet driven by his yearning for martial arts, Xie An was like a three-year-old child who had just entered kindergarten, filled with freshness and curiosity toward everything recorded in the notes.

He roughly flipped through several notebooks. Most recorded the authors' insights and experiences in training. Since Xie An had never practiced the corresponding martial arts, he could not relate to them at all. They were like heavenly scripture to him, repeatedly driving him away in frustration.

He roughly flipped through several notes. Most recorded the authors' insights and experiences in practicing their techniques. Since Xie An had never practiced the corresponding martial arts, he could not relate to them at all. They were like heavenly scriptures to him, repeatedly driving him away.

At last, one set of notes caught Xie An's interest.

At last, one of the notes caught Xie An's interest.

It had been written by a saber wielder named "Meng Hu" and recounted Meng Hu's lifelong experiences practicing saber techniques.

It had been written by a saber wielder named Meng Hu and described Meng Hu's lifelong insights into practicing saber techniques.

Leaving aside the quality of his saber technique, Meng Hu's life story alone resonated with Xie An. His father had died when he was nine, his mother when he was ten. His family had no money to spare, and he also had a six-year-old younger sister to support. Life became impossible to endure. In the end, to keep his sister alive, Meng Hu sold himself to bandits.

Regardless of the quality of his saber technique, Meng Hu's life story alone resonated with Xie An. Meng Hu had lost his father at nine, his mother at ten, and had no money left at home, while also caring for his six-year-old little sister. Life had become impossible, so in the end, to keep his sister alive, Meng Hu had sold himself to bandits.

He had fought wit against courage in the bandits' lair, three years after three years... Until at last, he finally endured long enough to gain the chance to become someone's disciple.

He had fought wits and courage in the bandits' lair, three years after three years... until at last he endured long enough to gain an opportunity to become someone's disciple.

This section was very long.

This section was very long.

Rather than notes on saber practice, it was more like an inspirational life story.

Rather than notes on practicing the saber, it was an inspirational life story.

Every line revealed Meng Hu's refusal to bow to reality. An intensely over-the-top, heaven-defying air came rushing off the page.

Every line revealed Meng Hu's refusal to bow to reality, and an overpowering air of swagger came surging off the page.

To be sure, Xie An knew it had certainly been embellished. It was like a successful person writing an autobiography, lavishing ink on the inspirational aspects of their miserable years, highlighting their struggle against fate, and ultimately defeating destiny.

Naturally, Xie An knew that it had certainly been embellished. It was like when a successful person wrote an autobiography: they would lavish ink on the inspirational aspects of their miserable years, portraying their struggle against fate and their eventual defeat of it.

But Xie An felt that those so-called successful people, when trapped in such circumstances, must also have been filled with confusion and unease about the future. There was no denying that they had truly stood head and shoulders above others, ultimately breaking through the thousands of competitors to emerge victorious.

But Xie An felt that when those so-called successful people had been in such circumstances, they must have been filled with confusion and unease about the future as well. There was no denying that they had truly risen above the rest and ultimately stood out from among thousands upon thousands of people.

Only after he had read a third of the notes did Meng Hu begin recording what happened after he became a disciple: learning saber techniques.

After Xie An had read a third of the notes, Meng Hu finally began recording what happened after he became a disciple: learning saber techniques.

It was called the Heavy Mountain Saber!

It was called the Heavy Mountain Saber!

To practice the Heavy Mountain Saber, Meng Hu had first spent ten years training in external hardening arts to strengthen his blood and qi. He then spent another twenty years practicing health-preserving techniques, extending his blood and qi so they would endure without weakening.

To practice the heavy saber, Meng Hu had specifically spent ten years cultivating external hardening techniques to strengthen his blood and qi. He then spent another twenty years cultivating the Health Cultivation Technique, extending his blood and qi so they would endure without decline.

After preparing painstakingly for a full thirty years, Meng Hu finally began practicing the Heavy Mountain Saber.

After pouring his heart and blood into preparing for a full thirty years, Meng Hu finally began practicing the Heavy Mountain Saber.

Minor success in three years, major success in five.

Three years to minor achievement, five years to major achievement.

In the end, he broke through to the Martial Master realm and carved out the fearsome reputation of the "Demon Tiger" across the martial world.

In the end, he broke through to the Martial Master realm and carved out the fearsome reputation of the "Demon Tiger" in the martial world.

By the time he finished reading, Xie An could not help being moved. He secretly admired Meng Hu. "This Meng Hu truly has an extraordinary will. He prepared for thirty years just to practice the saber, then achieved major success in his final eight years. He hacked his way through the martial world. He could be considered a late bloomer. His style is actually rather close to mine. A heavy saber... a really heavy saber. It also suits my health-preserving art."

By the time he reached the end, Xie An could not help being moved, and he secretly admired Meng Hu. This Meng Hu truly possesses extraordinary determination. He prepared for thirty years just to practice the saber, then achieved mastery in the final eight years. He rode through the martial world, blade in hand. He could be considered a late bloomer. His style is rather close to mine. A heavy saber... a very heavy saber. It suits my Health Cultivation Technique, too.

Perhaps Xie An had always felt that he should practice the saber. Or perhaps he had been infected by Meng Hu's determination. Whatever the reason, he had developed a keen interest in this "Heavy Mountain Saber Technique."

Perhaps Xie An had always felt that he should practice the saber, or perhaps he had simply been infected by Meng Hu's determination. Either way, Xie An had developed a strong interest in the Heavy Mountain Saber Technique.

One had to understand that Meng Hu had not only been a late bloomer, he had also relied on the Heavy Mountain Saber to enter the Martial Master realm.

It had to be known that Meng Hu was not only a late bloomer—he had also entered the Martial Master realm by relying on the Heavy Mountain Saber.

Only after breaking through the Five Passes and cultivating inner force could one be considered a Martial Master.

Only after breaking through five barriers and cultivating inner strength could one be considered a Martial Master.

This was an achievement of no small significance.

That was an extraordinary achievement.

Although Xie An did not know much about the martial world of Qingwu County, he reckoned that... there were probably only a few Martial Masters in the entire county. Every Martial Master was a hegemon capable of dominating a whole county region.

Although Xie An did not know much about the martial arts situation in Qingwu County, he figured... there probably were not many Martial Masters in the entire county. Every Martial Master was a dominant powerhouse who could rule over a vast county.

Even the county magistrate would have to cup his hands and show respect upon meeting one.

Even the magistrate would have to cup his hands in salute upon meeting one.

"Old brother, have you chosen yet?"

"Elder Brother, have you made your choice?"

Zhang Lin came over at that moment.

Zhang Lin came over at this moment.

Xie An looked up and saw that Zhang Lin was holding a martial arts manual, a satisfied smile on his face. Clearly, he had already made his choice.

Xie An looked up and saw that Zhang Lin was holding a manual and wearing a satisfied smile. It was clear that he had already made his choice.

Xie An picked up Meng Hu's notes and said, "Mm, I've chosen."

Xie An picked up Meng Hu's notes. "Mm. I've chosen."

"Then let's report to Steward Lin. He'll register both loans together."

"Then let's report to Steward Lin and have him register the borrowings together."

"All right."

"Good."

The two of them each carried their notes over and handed them to Lin Yun.

The two of them each took their chosen notes and handed them to Lin Yun.

Lin Yun took the manual from Zhang Lin and casually flipped through it. "This breathing method is indeed suitable for you. It strengthens your blood and qi from within. If you practice it consistently, it can slow the aging of your muscles and bones. Are you sure you want to borrow this manual?"

Lin Yun took the manual from Zhang Lin and casually flipped through it. "This breathing method is indeed suitable for you. It strengthens your blood and qi from within. If you practice it consistently, it can slow the aging of your muscles and bones. Are you certain you want to borrow this manual?"

Although Lin Yun said that, Xie An noticed a fleeting, almost imperceptible disappointment in his eyes. Presumably, Lin Yun still hoped Zhang Lin would practice martial arts and develop more ambition to strive and fight, rather than thinking only about slowing his aging...

Although Lin Yun said this, Xie An noticed a trace of imperceptible disappointment flash through his eyes. Lin Yun probably still hoped that Zhang Lin would practice martial arts and develop more ambition to struggle and strive, rather than thinking only about slowing his aging...

After all, Wei Dian was on his last legs. If the people under him still refused to work hard and fight for progress, what hope was there?

After all, Wei Dian was nearing the end. If the people under him still did not work hard and fight their way forward, what hope was there?

Zhang Lin was too excited to notice the look in Lin Yun's eyes. He said happily, "I'm sure. Please help me with the loan, Steward Lin."

Zhang Lin was too excited to notice Lin Yun's expression. He happily said, "I'm sure. Please help me with it, Steward Lin."

In the end, Lin Yun said nothing more. He nodded. "All right, I'll register it for you."

In the end, Lin Yun said nothing more and nodded. "All right. I'll help you borrow it."

Lin Yun then opened Xie An's notes. His eyes immediately filled with surprise. "You want to borrow these notes?"

Lin Yun then opened Xie An's notes. Several traces of astonishment immediately appeared in his eyes. "You want to borrow these notes?"

Xie An grew somewhat uneasy under Lin Yun's gaze. "Yes."

Lin Yun's gaze made Xie An somewhat uneasy. "Yes."

Lin Yun hesitated for a moment, then returned the notes to Xie An and warned him sternly, "This saber technique is far too difficult to practice. It isn't suitable for you. Go choose another one. If you don't understand saber techniques, you can ask me."

Lin Yun hesitated for a moment, then returned the notes to Xie An and warned him solemnly, "This saber technique is far too difficult to practice. It isn't suitable for you. Go choose another one. If you don't understand saber techniques, you can ask me."

Xie An grew even more uneasy and could not help asking, "Steward Lin, could there be some problem with this saber technique?"

Xie An grew even more uneasy and could not help asking, "Steward Lin, does this saber technique have some sort of problem?"

Lin Yun scrutinized Xie An for a while before finally explaining, "In the entire Tiger-Wolf Sect, over the past thirty years, only a handful of people have managed to master the Heavy Mountain Saber Technique. Do you know what kind of person Meng Hu, the author of these notes, was?"

Lin Yun scrutinized Xie An for a while before finally explaining, "In the entire Tiger Wolf Gate, over the past thirty years, no more than a handful of people have managed to master the Heavy Mountain Saber Technique. Do you know what sort of person Meng Hu, who wrote these notes, was?"

"Please enlighten me, Steward Lin." Xie An truly had no idea what kind of person Meng Hu had been.

"Please tell me, Steward Lin." Xie An truly did not know what sort of person Meng Hu was.