Though the Path Wound Nine Times (2)

"Senior brother, perhaps you sensed something in advance, and that is why you feel so restless. But if the heart is to grow all at once, to suddenly become a towering tree, the price... is far too terrible."

He paused, his tone turning almost gentle. "You have been very fortunate, eldest senior brother. You haven't had to endure that kind of agonizing growth, the kind that chills you to the bone and tears out your heart—that is a good thing."

Yet Lin Huaixu's words exploded like thunder deep within Chu Shihan's heart, stirring towering waves.

The "Dao" he had understood had always been bright and open, founded on protection and sacrifice. He had never imagined it could be dissected from such a pragmatic, even coldhearted perspective. Every word struck at his established beliefs.

But what Lin Huaixu said next was like a perfectly aimed awl, piercing the places in his convictions that had always remained hazy, plunging him into still deeper reflection and turmoil:

"Perhaps it is still a little too early to tell you all this, eldest senior brother."

"Only with strength can you shelter others; only with wealth can you help the poor and weak; only with power do you have the right to choose. If you have nothing in your hands, you have nothing to give. Before you can help the world, you must first be able to stand on your own."

Lin Huaixu's gaze was calm yet piercing. Looking straight into Chu Shihan's dazed eyes, he posed the central question: "Eldest senior brother, what do you have in your hands that you can give?"

At that moment, Chu Shihan's Dao heart wavered.

He could not refute it, because deep within him, a voice told him clearly—Lin Huaixu was right.

"If you want something, you have to