Cohabitation with Sword Spirit

Chapter 366 - 103

March 5, 2018

Study room of the City Lord’s Mansion in Shen City Inner City.

The conversation between Shen Ruoshi and Zhao Jincheng had already lasted two days, from the early morning of the 3rd to the 5th. The two men didn’t leave the room, indulging in a private exchange of words not meant for outsiders. Passersby who occasionally heard snippets from the study couldn’t help but blush, shaking their heads as they left, while also feeling enviable towards the man with a square face who won the City Lord’s favor.

However, as the object of everyone’s envy, Zhao Jincheng felt he was almost at his breaking point.

Even though Zhao Jincheng, at 30, was at the peak of his strength, in the presence of the vigorous silver-haired elder opposite him, he had to admit he appeared more like the aging one. Their conversation spanned two days and nights, leaving Zhao Jincheng feeling like his salivary glands were about to mutate into cancer, as he could barely speak since half a day ago. Yet, Shen Ruoshi, true to his reputation as a master of the Sea Overturning Realm, continued speaking eloquently without pause.

And the topic had reached a point that Zhao Jincheng completely couldn’t follow.

The elder paced beside the desk, speaking with deep emotion, "As a father, one should have a compassionate heart, and be more tolerant of the flaws of their children, without being overly eager for instant success. For example, your second daughter, Zhao Wen, if she inherits her mother Qingming’s disposition, she might lag behind her peers in intuition and intelligence. But you must not blame her for that, as it would do no good. Your child won’t grow up because of parental criticism. On the contrary, you should encourage her, support her, provide her with all the resources, such as assigning ten times the homework, or purchasing the Elemental Magnetic Learning Chair from the Lingshan High-tech Zone, to help her achieve accomplishments no less than others despite her less favorable natural endowment. This way, when she grows up, she will truly respect you."

Due to the cancerous transformation of his salivary glands, Zhao Jincheng could not speak, only nodding to show he had learned.

Shen Ruoshi continued, "Of course, as a father, you cannot merely indulge a child’s shortcomings. When correction is needed, you must act promptly, to prevent them from straying further down the wrong path. Like your eldest daughter, Zhao Ting, when she was eighteen, she won a fine husband through a family-organized martial arts contest, but her partner was of humble origin, by no means her equal in birth or insight compared to the noble Zhao Ting. As Zhao Ting, the eldest, naturally had a proud disposition, she was bound to act bossy, causing constant family conflicts. At such times, as a father, you must step in to advise him. Since he has entered the Zhao family, he must abide by the Zhao family rules, or he shouldn’t blame anyone but himself if he finds both legs broken and is expelled."

Cold sweat broke out on Zhao Jincheng as he listened, gaining a whole new understanding of his grandfather’s worldview.

"Moreover, as a father, one should also possess these qualities..."

But looking at Shen Ruoshi, who was eloquent and seemingly more excited than ever, Zhao Jincheng could only feel exasperation and helplessness.

This old man could really talk! The day before, they were still planning his wedding with Shen Qingming, including guest invitations and related processes, but soon the conversation spiraled out of control, from the wedding to the bridal chamber, then from the bridal chamber to pregnancy precautions, and finally reached child rearing... By the night of the 4th, Shen Ruoshi was already discussing organizing a martial contest to find a husband for their eldest daughter! And by the 5th, he had begun planning the housing layout for Zhao Jincheng and Shen Qingming’s four daughters, three sons, and twelve grandchildren!

The story developed so quickly, it was staggering. Zhao Jincheng couldn’t even fathom how this centenarian had such a vast imagination, crafting an entire family saga reminiscent of a Dream of the Red Chamber from a single wedding topic.

Objectively, Zhao Jincheng had to admit the old man’s stories were quite captivating. Last night’s tale about his eldest daughter Zhao Ting and her husband meeting unexpectedly in the mountains, then parting with reluctance, only to reunite in a duel where he overcame difficult odds to emerge victorious, beating Zhao Ting by a slim margin, was so touching that even Zhao Jincheng’s square face was left with tear streaks...

Of course, the details of their consummation and honeymoon later made Zhao Jincheng’s square face flush like a beet. The old man was indeed a master of language in certain aspects; his depictions, though subtle, stirred endless imagination with just a few words... Although on second thought, telling lewd jokes about his future great-granddaughter seemed a bit off, the elder’s stories undeniably drew people in.

But now was really not the time for storytelling!

Even though the following stories about the deep sisterly bond between the second daughter and the eldest, and the bittersweet first love between the eldest son and the household maid, were all wonderfully captivating, they only made Zhao Jincheng feel increasingly chilled to the bone as he listened.

Especially seeing Shen Ruoshi’s sincere expression, one that seemed less like narrating a story and more like recounting history... it was indeed mildly creepy.

In Zhao Jincheng’s view, this renowned top cultivator in the Southeast seemed to have already succumbed to his Heart Demon, with the root cause possibly being Li Fengyun’s sweep through Shen City and subsequent elopement with Shen Yue’e two decades ago.

Because in the stories over the past two days, there was almost always some Li Family member who ended up dead... The depth of this Heart Demon could be seen vividly.

Zhao Jincheng actually disliked relatives like this quite a bit. He recalled his elder sister educating him when he was very young that love is a matter between two individuals, but marriage involves two families. Loving someone is simple, but marrying someone is difficult, because you have to consider the family environment.

Most people’s families will not align perfectly with your tastes; there will always be some sort of clashes or problems. Thus, an ideal partner is one with both parents deceased, and an even better one is someone who was thrown into the Sword Pool at birth and left alone, so that when they grow up, they have no attachment to family, allowing you to capture their heart and thus possess their whole being.

Zhao Jincheng had always remembered these words but never truly understood them until after listening to Shen Ruoshi’s storytelling sessions over the past two days. He vaguely began to realize that marrying into such a family would lead to countless troubles in the future.

Frankly, Zhao Jincheng already had some thoughts of retreating in his heart, however...

However, when he thought of that petite and delicate pink figure, he felt an unending source of motivation rise in his heart, giving him the courage to face all difficulties and obstacles.

Of course, objectively speaking, the biggest challenge now doesn’t lie with Shen Ruoshi or anyone else, but with Shen Qingming herself.

Even though Zhao Jincheng’s aesthetic standards are somewhat unconventional, and his appearance is quite unique as well, often getting completely lost after walking just two steps; it doesn’t mean his intelligence is equally lacking.

Regarding this marriage, Shen Qingming’s resistance was apparent to him. At the birthday banquet that day, the girl’s anger was obvious. She’d rather die than get married.

If it were another gentleman, he would naturally let go at this point, refusing to condone such despicable acts. All along, Zhao Jincheng’s family education was the same. As the eldest son of Golden Jade City, his every word and action represented the city’s image, and to some extent, his sister Zhao Chenlu’s image as well. Hence, he wouldn’t allow himself to act indiscriminately.

However, when it comes to love, that’s another matter.

Zhao Jincheng remembers clearly, when he was very young, his sister, who was then a delicate young girl, educated him with a very mature tone that in this world, apart from love, nothing else is worth holding onto. A mature cultivator should learn to let go of the seven emotions and six desires that hinder advancement. Only then can one focus solely on the path to immortality, coming closer to the Realm of Void Breaking.

Even though Zhao Chenlu, while educating her brother, unceremoniously took his snacks for herself, making Zhao Jincheng somewhat doubt her educational sincerity... but the words Zhao Chenlu said afterward truly remained etched in Zhao Jincheng’s heart for life.

"Some things you must learn to let go, such as the snack in my hand right now. But some things, like love, you must never let go, even if you face destruction and ruin. Even if it means being despicable, overturning your persona, for love, anything can be done, as long as you can keep your beloved by your side, that’s worth it!"

Zhao Jincheng can never forget the expression on his sister’s face as she vigorously chewed on the coconut cake that rightfully belonged to him while gnashing her teeth to say these words.

Later, as the young girl and boy grew, Zhao Chenlu’s image in Zhao Jincheng’s eyes became even greater. The words she spoke back then engraved even deeper in Zhao Jincheng’s heart.

For love, nothing is worth holding onto, including morals and dignity, including the basic principles of being human. His love for Shen Qingming is like a volcanic eruption, unstoppable. So even if she currently resists, he still advances the marriage resolutely.

One day, she will change her mind because of my efforts, and love me as I love her.

With this determination, Zhao Jincheng resolved to overcome all current challenges and move forward.

"Besides, as a grandfather, there are many things you need to do, for example..."

As Shen Ruoshi was endlessly talking about Zhao Jincheng’s four generations under one roof story, Zhao Jincheng raised his hand to interrupt: "Sorry, grandfather, I need to prepare for the hunting expedition in three days."

Shen Ruoshi’s story was interrupted, his sword-like eyebrows raised, gathering storm-like pressure for an instant, but soon it dissipated.

"The hunting in three days, indeed some preparations should be made. If there’s an accident and the wedding is delayed, that wouldn’t be good." Shen Ruoshi said, his expression slightly subtle.

Zhao Jincheng, having learned from his sister since childhood, was quite adept at reading expressions. With thoughts in his mind, he nodded: "I will be extra cautious."

"Alright, then go get ready. When there’s time, I’ll finish the rest for you."

Zhao Jincheng felt cold sweat dripping down: "Thank you for the advice, grandfather..."

As Zhao Jincheng stepped out of the study door, he felt the afternoon sunlight was incredibly warm and nourishing, and couldn’t help but extend his arms to embrace the sunshine.