Legend of The Young Master

Chapter 43: Gao

"Only bits and pieces," Wuyi admitted.

"What have you observed?" Chao probed.

Wuyi paused, collecting his thoughts. "He dines in solitude. I've never seen him idly conversing, whether in the training grounds, the laundry courts, or the Moonlit Gardens. He always seems to be on a mission, always in haste. He's not good with animals; the hounds avoid him, and he's so heavy-handed with the horses that he ruins their spirits.

He's probably around Boluo's age and dresses quite elegantly, almost rivaling the attire of the young masters."

Chao leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as if trying to read Wuyi's thoughts. "What else have you observed about him?"

"That's all I can recall," Wuyi replied.

"Has he ever spoken to you?"

"No."

Chao nodded thoughtfully. "What have you heard of his reputation? What do you suspect?"

"He hails from somewhere near Fenglu, an inland province. His family relocated him to Lujingbao Fortress. Rumor has it that despite his cultivation, he fears even ordinary martial warriors."

Chao continued to gaze at Wuyi, as if expecting more.

Wuyi sighed, sinking back into his seat. "He's unpleasant to those who pose no threat, dresses elegantly, and dines alone. What more should I know, Chao? I've had my share of strict and disagreeable mentors. I'll manage."

"You must," Chao said, his tone gravely serious. "Because he despises you. His ego was bruised by his rejections from high clans in the past; he had been bitter, and now he must instruct a so-called 'bastard' of a clan like that."

A chill crept up Wuyi's spine, unsettling him. "How can you be so certain of his animosity?" he asked.

"Because he expressed his disdain openly to Lord Congming when instructed to take you under his wing. He questioned your place, he thinks training you is a waste of resources and his time. He thinks of you as lower because you are a bastard of a high clan; it helps his bruised ego. Might please him to make you suffer. You know why?" Chao chuckled.

"Why?" Wuyi asked.

"His pettiness and malice surpass anything you will experience. He considers himself to be high-born, but at the end of the day, it is just another desert clan he was born into; they were distant relatives but equal in nobility to Luyao until they declined and had to move from Fenglu to here.

Gao decided to travel north and become a proper noble, to bring glory to his clan, but after paying the steep price to travel hundreds of thousands of miles, when he was in the north, it seemed he was treated as a barbarian and peasant. This must have hurt his young ego very badly. Now one of the bastards of those nobles is here under him.

He will be certain to create some problems for you," Chao spoke.

"Another Wangzhe then," Wuyi sighed.

Chao was startled, then shook his head, "Wangzhe is harmless to you but not the same for Gao. He initially refused to teach you. I think that was better."

"He refused?" Wuyi asked.

"Yes," Chao confirmed. "But Lord Congming, under pressure from Lady Meixiu, insisted. Gao had no choice but to comply. You'll begin your lessons with him a month from now."

"Where will these lessons take place?"

"In a secluded area atop a tower. He calls that garden the Cultivators' Garden. You'll be granted access."

Chao paused, his eyes clouding as if he wanted to offer a caution but hesitated to alarm Wuyi. Finally, he spoke, "Exercise great care. My influence does not extend within the walls of that garden. I am, in essence, blind there. More than you, he hates women for some reason, most probably because some women rejected him too; that should give you some safety if there are girls training with you.

I will let you have a chance to read all the books about cultivation I have even if I did not succeed, maybe it should be able to help you to some extent."

After Chao's explanation, Wuyi encountered the mysterious lady a few more times. He was cautious not to pique her interest any further, fearing the complications she could introduce into his life. Wuyi had a feeling the lady intentionally ran into him everywhere.

Even though she meant well, he believed she was unaware of the potential challenges he faced.

Then, the day arrived for his lessons with Gao to begin. The night before, Boluo summoned Wuyi, clearly agitated and pacing restlessly outside the horse pens. He invited Wuyi to his chambers and offered him a cup of tea, while he himself sipped wine.

"What's troubling you?" Wuyi inquired as he took the cup.

"It's this," Boluo finally confessed. "Gao informed me today that you are to be instructed by him and learn cultivation among the other young ones. He was explicit that during this period, I am not to interfere in any way—not even to share a meal of rice and tofu with you."

Wuyi allowed himself a small smile. Boluo was a bit dramatic when he spoke of "cultivation." It was just warrior training; there were no cultivators here, according to Wuyi. But this reaction of Wuyi was met with a scowl from Boluo.

"Listen carefully," Boluo continued. "Gao has no fondness for you, not because of who you are, but because of what you represent—a challenge to his own mediocrity. He's a cultivator of no talent, but he's never admitted that to himself."

"Just tell me what you're trying to say," Wuyi urged.

Boluo sighed deeply and sat down. "Do your best in your lessons with him. Be respectful, listen carefully, and learn quickly. But also, be cautious."

"Why cautious?" Chao had already explained everything; nonetheless, Wuyi asked Boluo to understand what Boluo thought.

"He hates clans such as your father hails from. If you show too much talent and let your bloodline show off, he will find a way to harm you. I don't want his pettiness causing you harm."

Boluo turned away, facing the hearth where a pot of herbal tea simmered. Wuyi sensed they were nearing the crux of what Boluo needed to say—a need, not a want. A fear lurked within him, a fear he wouldn't admit even to himself.

"I fear for you, Wuyi," Boluo finally spoke, his voice a low rumble, almost drowned by the crackling of the fire.

"Why?" Wuyi asked, recalling Chao's advice that simple questions often yield the most revealing answers.

"He's petty and dangerous," Boluo began, his eyes still averted. "Gao is only allowed to teach how to cultivate Qi and channel it properly as he is the one who traveled most and brought the best of techniques to the Luyao clan, even if he is not an expert. He has the idea of the proper ways to channel Qi, unlike me, whose path ended at Qi initiate; he might become an adept in the future.

Who knows, he might someday become a Qi master. His knowledge makes him valuable here, so his pettiness is tolerated. He's caused the death of his own students, blaming it on Qi deviation."