Chapter 72: Wang Baole: 'Master, Am I the Worst Disciple You’ve Ever Had?”

Chapter 72: Wang Baole: "Master, Am I the Worst Disciple You’ve Ever Had?" "So that’s how it is." As Chu Feng watched his little disciple speak, he saw a trace of sorrow gradually appear in the boy’s eyes. He could tell there were still bitter experiences hidden beneath the surface. Since the boy wasn’t willing to talk further, as his master, it wasn’t appropriate to keep asking. Everyone has parts of their past they’d rather not bring up. He changed the subject. "So, what do you want to learn from me?" Upon hearing that, Wang Baole’s eyes lit up, and he stood up in excitement. But he quickly suppressed his emotions. "Whatever Master teaches me, I’ll learn. I believe that even a little bit of guidance from a great figure like Master would benefit me immensely." Chu Feng chuckled. "You’re quite the sweet talker. Alright then—starting tomorrow, follow me every day. I’ll show you one unique skill a day. You can choose to learn the ones you like." "Thank you, Master!" Wang Baole bowed deeply, thinking to himself: ‘I’ve finally gained Master’s recognition. But... what should I learn?’ The three continued their meal in good spirits. The next day, as usual, Chu Feng didn’t get up until the sun was high. He pondered what to teach Wang Baole today. This kid was like an unpolished jade. He needed to help him find the right path of cultivation. Glancing around his room, Chu Feng decided to start with the arts—zither, chess, calligraphy, painting—then move on to martial skills. With that in mind, he opened his door and walked out, immediately seeing Wang Baole waiting in the courtyard. "Did you get here early?" Wang Baole shook his head. "No, Master. I first chopped the firewood, then filled the water vat. After finishing those chores, I came here." Having been at the Miscellaneous Dao Institute for over a month, Wang Baole knew his master rarely got up early. So he simply followed his usual routine. "Alright. After breakfast, I’ll take you to play the zither." Wang Baole froze. "Master, could we... possibly choose something else? I really don’t understand music at all." Chu Feng asked, "Have you studied it before?" Wang Baole nodded. "My wife liked music, so I tried learning for a while, but I ended up chasing all the musicians at home away." "What about chess, calligraphy, painting?" Chu Feng continued his inquiry. Wang Baole shook his head again. "I’m not good at those either. I know a little, but I’m slower than others at learning them and still barely average." Chu Feng didn’t say much more and changed course. "Alright, then let’s begin with the eighteen martial weapons today." "Okay!" Wang Baole jumped up in excitement. After lunch— Chu Feng brought Wang Baole to a bamboo forest at the back of the mountain. He took out his own sword and casually carved a bamboo sword, handing it to Wang Baole. "Have you ever learned swordsmanship?" Wang Baole shook his head. "No, only some basic unarmed fighting." "Good." Chu Feng spoke slowly, "In that case, I’ll teach you the basics of swordplay first. As the saying goes, there are thousands of sword techniques in the world— but if you break them down, they all stem from thirteen basic moves: Chop, Thrust, Lift, Sweep, Burst, Slash, Block, Intercept, Flick, Twist, Hook, Tap, and Cloud." As his voice rang out, Chu Feng slowly demonstrated the moves. Each movement was unhurried—so slow, in fact, that it was almost deliberate. Yet every strike carried a crisp sword hum. Every single move made Wang Baole’s heart tremble with awe. He had seen sword practice before, including some famous techniques. But those supposedly mighty sword styles were nothing compared to Master’s seemingly ordinary swordplay. ‘Just how strong is Master?’ After finishing one full demonstration, Chu Feng turned to Wang Baole. "Which move do you like the most?" Wang Baole: ??? He scratched his head awkwardly. “Master, I was so focused on watching your swordplay just now... I felt like every move was amazing—I want to learn them all.” “No problem. These basic sword techniques are mandatory for every sword cultivator. Let’s start with the thrust.” Chu Feng began teaching him hand by hand. Wang Baole focused with complete attention, not daring to slack off in the slightest. An afternoon quickly passed. Wang Baole had just barely memorized the thirteen basic sword techniques. After going through them once, he looked at his master cautiously, like a poor student awaiting judgment after an exam. Chu Feng smiled and patted him on the shoulder. “Go back and reflect on these thirteen sword techniques. Think carefully about which one you like best, then begin practicing. Tomorrow, come tell me whether or not you’re interested in sword cultivation.” “Understood.” Wang Baole responded, then scratched his head and asked, “Master, I’ve heard that cultivation is a very bitter path, and that you can’t just choose based on personal preference. Why do you keep asking me if I’m interested?” Chu Feng smiled. “Are you saying your master’s just bluffing you?” Wang Baole shook his head rapidly like a rattle-drum. “No, no, disciple would never say that. I just feel that Master’s way of teaching is... a little unusual.” “Have you ever heard of teaching according to aptitude?” Chu Feng asked with interest. Wang Baole replied, “I’ve read quite a few books, but I’ve actually never heard that one.” Chu Feng began explaining unhurriedly. “Seems like all your previous teachers were mediocre. Wendao Academy is divided into ten institutes, each of the nine major ones focusing on a different cultivation path. The purpose is to allow every disciple to develop their strengths and pursue excellence in a single Dao. While there are those in the academy who are highly accomplished across many arts, among all their talents, there’s always one they specialize in and surpass the rest. You mentioned that cultivation is bitter—and it is. It goes against the natural order and demands both talent and insight. So let me ask you this: If you had to devote yourself to something you completely dislike, would you ever be able to study it seriously enough to master it and forge your own unique path?” Wang Baole’s face lit up with sudden understanding. He bowed deeply to Chu Feng. “Thank you for Master’s guidance. It was disciple’s ignorance.” “It’s good that you understand. Let’s go back now.” Chu Feng sheathed his sword and returned to his residence. The next day, he brought Wang Baole to the bamboo grove at the same time. “Did you give it some thought last night?” Wang Baole said, “Master, I’d like to try a different cultivation path.” “No problem. Today I’ll teach you saber techniques.” With that, Chu Feng began demonstrating the fundamentals of saber combat. ... Half a month later. In the bamboo grove— Chu Feng looked at Wang Baole, who had buried his head like an ostrich, and said, “From the look of you, I’d say you’re not too keen on body refinement cultivation.” Wang Baole nodded like a pecking chick. “Master... am I the worst disciple you’ve ever had?” ‘This brat actually stole my line.’ Chu Feng cleared his throat. “At least you’re self-aware. So, have you seriously thought about what it is you truly like the most?” Wang Baole froze, then began reflecting on his life, trying to figure out if there was anything he had genuinely loved from the bottom of his heart over these past ten-plus years. Seeing him lost in thought, Chu Feng didn’t interrupt. He just found a clean spot to sit and quietly waited for the boy’s answer. A long time later— Wang Baole scratched his head and walked over to Chu Feng. “Master, I thought about it for a while. I think the thing I love most in this life... is eating. Even when I was living under someone else’s roof, I’d always find ways to get good food.” Chu Feng gave Wang Baole a careful look. “You really are a foodie. But do you have the foundation to cultivate by eating?” Wang Baole paused. “Master... it’s possible to cultivate just by eating?” “Of course. But it needs to be combined with specific auxiliary methods to refine what you eat and convert it into spiritual energy and combat power.” Chu Feng then asked, “But... do you have the constitution for that?” “I’m broke.” Wang Baole blurted it out without even thinking. “No.” Chu Feng cut him off. “I meant—do you have the special physique for that? As for the food, that’s not an issue. I’ve got plenty here. Your appetite has indeed been increasing lately, but it’s still far from the legendary Gluttonous Constitution. However, since you love to eat, we can explore a path of cultivation centered around that. Go back and think it over for a few days, then give me an answer.” Wang Baole: “Understood.” ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44