Chapter 512: Chapter 25 Light Core (Part 2)
“Everywhere?”
“Everywhere,” Qin An confirmed firmly.
“That’s a good idea, though my opinion is merely my own. Whether this city is good or bad, you really need to see it with your own eyes,” Gongsun Ce said as he shook hands with Qin An, “It just so happens that I haven’t started school yet, so that’s no problem. I’ll leave you my contact information, just get in touch if there’s anything.”
“Little Qian is to be in your care and that of your friends as well.”
“Don’t worry, Mr. Qin. Whenever I’m free, I’ll take her out to… Play…”
As he said this, Gongsun Ce felt like he had a fishbone stuck in his throat, it was uncomfortable to keep it in.
Why are you asking me, someone you’ve just met, to take her out to play? With so many in your Qin family, what have they been doing all this time, only knowing to urge her to practice martial arts?
He was conflicted, but in the end, he couldn’t hold back and said, “Mr. Qin, I know it’s none of my business, and I may come off as superficial. But in my view, martial arts is ultimately a relic of the past. In an era where automatic weapons are widely available, why the obsession with hand-to-hand combat skills?”
Martial arts masters might have been able to walk on walls and be a threat with their physical prowess in the past. But now it’s the 21st century, and the vast majority of those who practice martial arts can’t beat a single handgun. It really doesn’t make sense for the whole family to practice martial arts.
Qin An heard this and his expression remained unchanged. He only asked, “Brother Gongsun, you have been to the Morton Empire. Tell me, why do you think the Empire still keeps the Knight Order, this ancient organization, in the 21st century?”
“The knights practice not only swordsmanship but also Impermanence Skill,” Gongsun Ce retorted, “The entire Knight Order is made up of combatants with Manifestation Levels and above.”
Qin An took a sip of tea, “Then why is it that Impermanence Skill can be practiced, but not Martial Arts?”
Gongsun Ce laughed despite himself at the Qin family elder’s knack for argument, “Impermanence Skill is a supernatural power!”
Qin An spoke deliberately, “The Martial Arts we cultivate are also supernatural powers.”
“…Ah?”
Qin An put down his cup and smiled, “I understand where your misunderstanding comes from. You have seen many who practice martial arts focus solely on the skills of combat, without understanding the essence of cultivating the mind and body. Without the Martial Way, how can they be called Martial Artists? They are merely fighters.”
Gongsun Ce was dumbfounded, “So, the knights’ swordsmanship and marksmanship are actually also…”
“Of course, Morton knights’ swordsmanship is also a kind of Martial Arts, and they possess extraordinary power against enemies of social order. Similarly, Ustus Rangers’ combat skills specialize in defeating non-human entities; Zero Island’s karate excels in lethal attacks against human forms…”
Qin An’s eyes twinkled with mirth, as if he were explaining common knowledge of the world to a younger generation.
“But these foreign Martial Arts pale in comparison to those of the Empire, for the Empire is the true birthplace of Martial Arts, understanding its source of strength. Before the word ‘Martial Arts’ came to be, we referred to this discipline by another name, the ‘Heavenly Return Skill.’ However, the origin of that name, I am afraid I cannot share with you.”
Gongsun Ce nodded blankly, feeling as if his entire worldview had been turned upside down.
“Then, Mr. Qin. If I may ask, what exactly are the Qin family’s Martial Arts… supernatural effects?”
Qin An produced a handgun, pointed the barrel at his own temple.
Gongsun Ce exclaimed, “Don’t joke around—”
Qin An pulled the trigger.
Gongsun Ce instantly tried to use Telekinesis, hoping to save this lunatic before the bullet entered his head. But his eyes widened in shock: the bullet, upon hitting the skin, did not cause any harm; instead, it was repelled by Qin An’s temple!
“The Qin family’s heritage of Martial Arts strengthens the body and health, prolongs life…”
Qin An nonchalantly caught the deflected bullet, rubbing it into powder with his fingers.
“Fearless against the common blades and firearms of the world.”
The young man with gray hair nearly popped his eyes out.
“Do I need to fire a few more shots to prove it?” Qin An asked with a smile.
“No need, I understand.” Gongsun Ce nodded repeatedly, “I completely understand where your family’s teaching philosophy comes from. Could I… Could I pretend I know nothing about this?”
“There’s no need, it’s not a secret. It’s well-known in the world of Martial Arts,” Qin An winked at him, “The various schools of Martial Arts within the Empire also have their special uses. Otherwise, how could the world of Martial Arts belong to the Martial Artists?”
Gongsun Ce shook his head, feeling like a country bumpkin for the second time in his life—the first was when he went to Supibia.
He had thought the so-called world of Martial Arts was a bunch of primitives stuck in old times, fighting and killing each other; but now he realized they were actually like superhumans following the path of the body.
No wonder so many Impermanence Law Enforcers were distracted with learning Martial Arts—it really works…
Gongsun Ce said from the heart, “It’s truly eye-opening… Ah, Mr. Qin, if I may be so bold, do you think I have the talent for practicing Martial Arts?”
“Brother Gongsun, you have also been through many battles, do you think you have it?” Qin An couldn’t help chuckling.
Gongsun Ce grinned sheepishly, “But those were just martial skills.”
“Cultivation must proceed from the easy to the more difficult. If you don’t even have the talent for Martial Skills, where would the aptitude for delving into the Martial Way come from?” Qin An, holding a bent chopstick, tapped the back of Gongsun Ce’s hand, “Your talent lies elsewhere. But then again, Brother Gongsun, if you don’t wish to engage in these struggles, why do you yearn for power?”
Gongsun Ce opened his mouth but found himself at a loss for words. He thought to himself that Qin An was right. Why did he still want to be stronger when he had already given up and chosen a relaxing life? Can’t he just live a normal, peaceful life?