The next day, at noon, the carriage to pick up the children arrived as scheduled.
Leading the group was the same instructor from last time, Qin Rui.
He merely nodded to the people of Qinjia Village who came to greet him, then silently led a four-foot-tall child into the West Courtyard of the village.
"Brother Xu, long time no see."
"Brother Rui, long time no see."
After two years apart, Qin Xu and Qin Rui embraced each other firmly once more.
Qin Rui then turned to the child beside him. "Brother Xu, this is my son, little Wei. Little Wei, greet him."
"Uncle," said Qin Wei, gazing at Qin Xu with admiration, bowing formally as a junior would to a senior in proper etiquette.
Qin Xu helped Qin Wei up and examined him closely. The more he looked, the more impressed he became. He smiled and nodded. "Little Wei has completed foundation cultivation, condensed his martial will, and stepped into the path of martial arts? Excellent! Brother Rui, your successor is here."
Qin Rui laughed so hard that his eyes nearly closed. "Your eyesight was always keen. When this child was just born, you said he had good bones. I taught him diligently, and indeed, before nine, he had completed his foundation cultivation. His natural talent wasn't wasted."
Qin Xu looked at little Wei with a gaze full of memories. "Little Wei's innate talent must be among the top of this generation. I still remember him as a newborn, and now, in the blink of an eye, he's grown up and become a martial artist. Time waits for no one. I feel… I've already aged."
Qin Rui lightly punched Qin Xu's chest. "You brat! I'm five years older than you. If you feel old, then what about me? I'm still in my prime! Don't curse me like that!"
Qin Xu's earlier melancholy dissipated at once.
He smiled, gesturing with his eyes toward Qin Wei. "Brother Rui, watch him carefully; little Wei is still here."
"Speaking of little Wei, Brother Xu, I have something to ask of you…"
Qin Xu paused, noticing the eager look in little Wei's eyes. Just as he was about to refuse, Qin Rui interrupted him. "Brother Xu, you know my capabilities in the training palace are limited. I can establish a foundation for little Wei, but after that, I'm truly powerless. You're resting and teaching your sword disciple. One sheep you can herd, two sheep you can herd—why not take little Wei under your tutelage too?"
When Qin Rui finished speaking, Qin Xu shook his head. "Brother Rui, you know my situation. If little Wei comes with me, his future…"
Qin Rui laughed heartily, seemingly ignoring the unspoken meaning. "So that means you agree! Excellent!"
Qin Xu sighed. "Brother Rui, this needs careful thought."
Waving his hand, Qin Rui said, "I've thought it over many times. Don't worry about what you're concerned about."
Qin Xu shook his head again. "Brother Rui, this concerns little Wei's future. Better ask for his opinion."
Little Wei quickly spoke up. "I'm not afraid. I want to train with Uncle Xu."
Qin Xu sighed. "Why bother? With his talent, many in the clan would want to take him. Why come to me? How will little Wei establish himself in the future?"
Qin Rui said seriously, unprecedentedly solemn: "Brother Xu, I maintain what I said. You haven't done wrong. If I knew, I'd do the same. Even if my strength is low, even at the cost of my life, it's worth it. I believe all who follow you share this resolve. Before they die, no one would blame you."
Hearing this, Qin Xu's eyes welled up. Faces of young, spirited, and energetic disciples appeared in his mind. He shook his head forcefully, choking with emotion. "No… I regret it. I truly regret it! If I could do it over, I would not make that choice. Each of them was gifted, deserving infinite futures. They should not have died there—so senselessly!"
Qin Rui firmly and loudly said, "It was meaningful! Brother Xu, your sacrifices were meaningful! Without you, many would not have awakened… No matter what others say, in my eyes, all of you are heroes!"
Qin Xu suddenly coughed violently. Seeing Qin Rui tense, he waved him off. "Brother Rui, I'm fine. Just tired. I'll rest."
He closed his eyes and, aided by Elder Huang, went inside.
Qin Rui watched the closed door, shaking his head in exasperation. "Brother Xu… such a heavy heart!"
Qin Xu was simply too sentimental.
As for the rightness or wrongness of this matter, let future generations decide.
Qin Rui looked at his son, Qin Wei, and instructed, "Little Wei, stay here. Learn well from Uncle Xu. If you can reach even one-tenth of his skill, I'll be satisfied."
Qin Wei frowned, feeling aggrieved. "Father, but Uncle Xu doesn't want me. If I stay here…"
What is this?
So embarrassing.
Qin Rui shook his head at Qin Wei's worry. "Uncle Xu agreed. Relax and stay here. Just take care of Uncle Xu. Don't be like me, unable to speak properly and always angering your uncle."
Then, he looked again at the closed door, sighed, and muttered, "Ah… poor little Xu. Even fulfilling some people's wishes made him a sacrifice. Perhaps that's why they resent him so much for being alive."
"All right, Brother Xu needs rest. I have business to attend to. Little Wei, I'm leaving."
Only then did Qin Wei realize he would part from his father. His eyes reddened, and tears flowed uncontrollably. He choked out, "Father, I…"
Before he could finish, Qin Rui sharply interrupted. "Little Wei, how many times have I told you? You're now a martial artist. Be strong. Martial artists bleed, not cry. Hold it in. No crying!"
With that, Qin Rui turned and left.
What Qin Wei didn't see was that, as Qin Rui turned, tears streamed down his own face as well.