A thousand enlightenments in one night, starting from being a menial apprentice.

Chapter 530 Failing to Admit Teachings
Li Ruojian tidied up the cave dwelling, then wrote down the missing items on a list. She then went to Duan Rong's cave dwelling, bowed, and handed the list to Duan Rong.

Duan Rong accepted the order, and his eyes lit up as he glanced at it.

One could see a hand wielding a flowing, elegant cursive script, displaying remarkable style and spirit!
"Excellent calligraphy!"

Duan Rong couldn't help but praise him. Through devouring the spirit of the artifact, his skill in calligraphy and painting had already far surpassed that of ordinary masters.

Although Li Ruojian's calligraphy was just a casual scribble, Duan Rong could still tell at a glance that it was extraordinary.

Li Ruojian said, "Brother Duan, you flatter me!"

He thought Duan Rong's praise was just a polite gesture, so he returned the compliment in kind.

Duan Rong laughed and said, "To write characters like this, it's not just about diligence; you need talent. You can imitate the form, but you can't learn the spirit!"

Li Ruojian was slightly taken aback. He hadn't expected Duan Rong to talk to him about calligraphy. He had been obsessed with calligraphy since he was a child, and he had worn out countless brush nibs.

Duan Rong said, "Looking at Brother Li's calligraphy, it does have quite a bit of the style of Ouyang Xun!"

When Li Ruojian heard Duan Rong mention the words "Ouyang Xun's calligraphy style," her eyes lit up. "Brother Duan has a good eye!"

The so-called "Ou style" refers to Ouyang Tong, a great calligrapher in this field.

Li Ruojian was obsessed with calligraphy and worked very hard at it, incorporating the styles of various masters, but he devoted the most effort to studying Ouyang Tong.

After years of copying and studying, he felt that five or six years ago he had already grasped the essence of Ouyang Tong's style and had reached the point where he "did not resemble it in any way, yet resembled it in every way".

Through years of dedicated study, he has gradually developed his own unique style, and some of Ouyang Tong's influences have long been incorporated into his own.

Only a true expert could point that out at a glance.

Li Ruojian originally thought that Duan Rong's praise was just a polite formality, but she did not expect that he really understood her writing skills.

Upon thinking this, Li Ruojian blushed and sighed, "I didn't know Brother Duan was an expert. This hasty handwriting has offended your discerning eye."

Duan Rong laughed and said, "The art of ink splashing is a marvel of nature; if one tries to do it with ulterior motives, it will only make it less beautiful. Brother Li's calligraphy already shows its spirit! A few minor imperfections in the details are not worth mentioning!"

Li Ruojian was delighted to hear this. "Brother Duan, these words resonate with me perfectly."

Although he was obsessed with calligraphy and worked very hard at it, the world valued martial arts and neglected literature. He had loved the art of calligraphy since childhood, and the deeper he delved into it, the less capable he became of speaking to anyone. Most of those who pretended to be cultured lacked real talent and were nothing more than charlatans.

Therefore, Li Ruojian felt very lonely about this path.

Unexpectedly, in this secluded valley of the Taiyi Sect, he became a hostage and unexpectedly met a like-minded person, who immediately became a source of comfort for his lonely heart.

Li Ruojian never expected that Duan Rong, who looked like a martial artist with no literary talent, would have the discerning eye of a master calligrapher.

Duan Rong smiled and said, "Brother Li, when you have time another day, we can explore this further."

Li Ruojian happily replied, "Of course I'll keep you company!"

Li Ruojian's eyes flickered, and he said again, "Brother Duan, if you have nothing else to say, you can give me some pointers on my calligraphy now."

Li Ruojian was overjoyed; how could he wait for another day? Besides, discussing books with others could soothe the pain of being a hostage in a sect, which was much better than returning to his cave and sitting alone in solitude!

Upon hearing this, Duan Rong chuckled and said, "I wouldn't presume to offer guidance, but I can share some of my humble opinions."

"Brother Duan, please speak. I am all ears!" Li Ruojian looked at Duan Rong expectantly.

Duan Rong stared at the calligraphy in his hand, his brows furrowing slightly. He said, "Forgive my bluntness, but Brother Li's calligraphy, on the surface, seems to have the potential to become a trend, but it lacks continuity and will hardly make you a master!"

Upon hearing this, Li Ruojian's expectant gaze suddenly dimmed, and her face stiffened.

He was obsessed with calligraphy from a young age and worked very hard. In addition, his later conversations with others were all flattering and sycophantic. Moreover, he was indeed talented and had high standards. This was the first time he had heard someone say that he would never become a master.

Although Duan Rong noticed the change in Li Ruojian's expression, he continued, "Brother Li's calligraphy started with the form of characters, and through years of immersion, he gradually shaped his own style. There are many traces of how the stone was polished into jade in the past."

"In my opinion, Brother Li's calligraphy in this piece is disconnected from its form and inner spirit, yet Brother Li seems completely unaware of this. He continues to follow the old ways and rely on established paths, still using the forms he has been immersed in for many years to evolve his spirit. This is putting the cart before the horse!"

"The spirit has been established; the old form should be discarded, and a new form should be created based on the spirit!"

Li Ruojian was initially disdainful, thinking that Duan Rong was arrogant, but at this moment he was as if struck by lightning, standing there dumbfounded!
“The style and spirit have been established. We should abandon the old style and take the style and spirit as the foundation to create a new style…” Li Ruojian murmured, repeating Duan Rong’s words. In an instant, the entire world of calligraphy in his mind was turned upside down.

Seeing Li Ruojian's stunned and muttering appearance, Duan Rong knew that he had already understood something, so he continued, "Brother Li, the old system is like a raft that carried you across the river. You gradually developed your own style by immersing yourself in the old system. But, Brother Li, now that you have crossed the river, why do you still need to carry that raft?"

A flash of insight struck Li Ruojian, instantly clearing her mind.

"Yes! I've already crossed the river, so why should I carry that raft?"

"Let go of the old ways, and new things will emerge!"

Li Ruojian stared blankly at Duan Rong, then suddenly bowed and said, "Brother Duan's words are like a silent thunderclap to me!"

He now fully understood why Duan Rong had said that he lacked the ability to carry on the legacy and would never become a leader.

Because of the old style he had cultivated over many years, it was through immersion and refinement in this old style that he gradually developed his own unique character.

But that spirit was the result of his accumulated insights over time, something that was imprinted in his heart!

Free life, therefore, has created a rift between itself and the old system that it has honed through a mixture of various schools of thought.

He was simply too engrossed in it to realize it. It was because he was too familiar with the old system and too dependent on it.

Just as Duan Rong said, it's about sticking to old ways and being path dependent!

These eight words are truly gems! Like eight muffled bolts of thunder, they illuminated his heart!

Duan Rong laughed and said, "I was just joking, Brother Li, please don't take it seriously! If I have offended you, please forgive me!"

Li Ruojian solemnly replied, "I am obsessed with calligraphy. If it weren't for Brother Duan's words, I'm afraid I would have gone astray and never returned!"

Duan Rong said, "It's never too late to catch a lost sheep on a wrong path. Brother Li's future calligraphy will be limitless."

Li Ruojian was overjoyed and said, "If the new body is completed in the future, I will definitely invite Brother Duan to see it first!"

At this moment, Li Ruojian swept away the gloom in his heart, as if even the sorrow of being a hostage had vanished. His understanding of calligraphy suddenly became clear, like the sky clearing after rain!
After discussing the Dao with Li Ruojian, Duan Rong took the list and left the cave.

He was preparing to leave the valley and return to Yunfu Peak. The Internal History Department was responsible for the allocation of supplies for the sect. The things written on Li Ruo's simple slip were just daily necessities. He handed them over to the historians of the Internal History Department, and they would be equipped quickly.

Duan Rong reached the entrance of the deep valley, but suddenly saw a figure emerge from the withered woods. He was slightly taken aback, and saw that the person was Lü Zhongtang.

Lü Zhongtang is a powerful expert at the Cave-Nether Realm and an elder of the Elder Council. Moreover, he is a descendant of the ancestor Lü Yinlin, and Lü Qingzhu resides in the deep valley.

No matter what, he should be visiting this valley more often, but this was the first time Duan Rong had seen Lü Zhongtang enter the valley since he moved there. Duan Rong clasped his hands in a respectful greeting and said, "Senior Lü!"

Lu Zhongtang glanced at Duan Rong. The deaths of Ge Rusong and Pei Du were closely related to Duan Rong, and he had also heard about the trouble Duan Rong had caused recently.

Lu Zhongtang grunted and walked over.

Duan Rong didn't care much. If there was anything about Lü Zhongtang that he respected, it was probably his status as Lü Qingzhu's father. Apart from that, Duan Rong really didn't like him much.

Duan Rong then walked into the forest of dead trees.

Lu Zhongtang, carrying some bamboo leaf eight-treasure rice dumplings, stood in the valley, looking towards Lu Qingzhu's cave. However, he did not go over there. Instead, he hung a few rice dumplings on the pine tree beside him, and then carried the rest of the rice dumplings towards the ancestor's cave.

The emerald green rice dumplings, hanging on the branches of the ancient pine trees, looked from a distance like strange fruits.

Lu Zhongtang stood at the entrance of the ancestral cave, feeling slightly nervous.

It has been over a year since then, and he has been paying his respects in the valley.

Although he was a descendant of the ancestor, he did not have the right to enter the valley to pay his respects at any time. This was partly because the ancestor, Lü Yinlin, was by nature cold and indifferent to human relationships, but also because Lü Zhongtang was mediocre and Lü Yinlin was not very willing to see him.

In fact, this is also why he wants to compete for the next sect leader. Although the ancestor does not interfere in sect affairs, as the sect leader of Taiyi Sect, he still needs to consult and report to the ancestor on many things! For this reason, he can often come to the valley to see the ancestor.

Lu Zhongtang felt that if they spent more time together, perhaps the old patriarch's attitude towards him would change!

Lu Zhongtang stood at the entrance of the cave! From the depths of the cave, a faint, ancient voice echoed. "Zhongtang! Come in!"

When Lü Zhongtang heard the ancestor's voice calling him today sound quite affectionate, unlike the usual coldness, his heart suddenly warmed, and he stepped into the cave.

Lu Yinlin sat deep inside the cave, watching Lu Zhongtang walk in and kneel down. He then called out, "Unworthy descendant Lu Zhongtang pays respects to the ancestor!"

Lu Yinlin's eyes flickered slightly. He hadn't seen his only surviving male bloodline for over a year.

If it weren't for the marriage alliance, he wouldn't have let Chu Wushang call him here.

Lu Zhongtang had no children, and his bloodline was sparsely populated!

However, having lived for over a thousand years, Lü Yinlin had long since become indifferent to matters of bloodline. In fact, many times, when he looked at Lü Zhongtang, it was as if he were looking at a stranger.

Lü Zhongtang could also sense this, which is why he often felt uneasy.

But this time was different. Lü Yinlin's attitude towards him seemed much warmer, which made Lü Zhongtang feel flattered.

"Zhong Tang, get up! No need for formalities!"

"Thank you, Ancestor!" Lü Zhongtang stood up and bowed.

Lu Yinlin glanced at the emerald green object in Lu Zhongtang's hand and asked, "What are you carrying?"

Lu Zhongtang said, "Reporting to the Ancestor, these are newly wrapped eight-treasure glutinous rice dumplings, containing lotus seeds, red dates, peanuts, dried tangerine peel, and other ingredients. For some reason, these dumplings have a particularly fragrant aroma, so I brought them here for the Ancestor to try."

"Really?" Lü Yinlin smiled slightly and said, "Peel one for me, and I'll have a taste."

"Ah!" Lü Zhongtang responded with gratitude.

Although he was of the ancestor's bloodline, he had never had the honor of serving him. Today, Lu Yinlin suddenly asked him to peel a zongzi (sticky rice dumpling), and one can imagine the joy in Lu Zhongtang's heart.

His eyes were even slightly red.

“Come on, Zhong Tang! Sit here!” Lü Yinlin said, pointing to the stone chair not far away.

"Yes!"

Lu Zhongtang sat down on a clean wooden plate, peeled open a zongzi (sticky rice dumpling), then walked over and presented the zongzi to Lu Yinlin with both hands.

Lu Yinlin took it, held the verdant bamboo leaf, took a small bite, swallowed slowly, and said with a faint smile, "It's soft, sticky, and fragrant!"

"If the patriarch likes it, I'll pack some more and send them over another day!"

Lu Yinlin said, "You are a thoughtful child. I have neglected you all these years!"

Upon hearing this, Lü Zhongtang immediately prostrated himself and knelt down, his voice trembling with sobs, "Ancestor's virtue is as vast as the heavens! It is the unworthy descendants who have failed! Ancestor's words are like a thousand arrows piercing my heart!"

Lu Yinlin said, "Alright! Get up, I have something to say to you!"

Upon hearing this, Lü Zhongtang stood up and wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes.

Lu Yinlin placed the half-eaten zongzi on the wooden plate on the table and said, "Zhong Tang, have you heard about Zhuang Tairu of the Divine Will Sect recently achieving the Nascent Soul Realm?"

Lü Zhongtang said, "I have heard about it. However, it seems that the Divine Will Sect itself first spread the word about it, which is rather strange."

Lu Yinlin nodded and said, "It's true that Zhuang Tairu achieved the Nascent Soul Realm. As for why the Divine Will Sect spread the news themselves, that's another matter."

Lu Zhongtang's eyes flickered. He had discussed this matter with Xu Qie and Zheng Yi before; if Zhuang Tairu really achieved the Nascent Soul Realm, then...

Lu Yinlin said, "Today, Li Ku, the patriarch of the Tianyan Sect, came to see me. He talked to me about the alliance between the two sects."

Lü Zhongtang listened intently, his heart churning with emotion.

Suddenly, Lü Yinlin changed the subject and said, "Zhong Tang, do you think it would be a good match if Qingzhu married Li Ruozhou, the young sect master of Tianyan Sect?"

Judging from Lü Yinlin's tone, Lü Zhongtang clasped his hands and said, "The lineage is certainly acceptable, but I don't know..."

Lü Yinlin said, "This matter was initiated by Li Kuti, and I have already agreed."

“Then…” Lü Zhongtang said, “Li Ruozhou, the young sect master of Tianyan Sect, is said to have good talent. He is expected to advance to the Cave Nether Realm within about ten years, and it is not impossible that he will eventually reach the Nascent Soul Realm…”

Lu Yinlin glanced at Lu Zhongtang and said, "The marriage between Qingzhu and Li Ruozhou is an endorsement of the alliance between the two sects. Even if Li Ruozhou were a cripple, let alone someone with good talent, Lu Qingzhu would still have to marry him. Zhongtang, do you understand what I mean?"

“Ancestor! Zhong Tang understands! In these turbulent times, we, the descendants of the Lü family, should naturally do our best for the sect.”

Lu Yinlin nodded and said, "It's good that you understand! Qingzhu is a stubborn child. You should persuade her to understand that this matter is of great importance."

"Don't worry, Ancestor! Marriage has always been arranged by parents and matchmakers. How can she be allowed to act impulsively in such a major matter?!"

"It's best to try and smooth things over gently, and not to push her too far. Qingzhu is a sensible child; she should know what's important!"

"Yes, Ancestor!" Lü Zhongtang said, "Qingzhu has been by your side since childhood, receiving your teachings morning and night. If she doesn't even know these basic manners, wouldn't she be failing your teachings?"

(End of this chapter)