Liang Xiao carefully took the thick book and was startled by its title.
"The True Teachings of Guiguzi?"
"This book is the product of the painstaking efforts of one of our ancestors, passed down from Guiguzi. Originally inscribed on bamboo slips, when paper books appeared, later generations transcribed it onto paper as a form of inheritance. Only my younger brother and I have read the entire book; Jian Qinwan only skimmed through it."
"The first fourteen chapters are the widely circulated 'Guiguzi.' The following ten chapters are the ancestor's true teachings, including some on mechanics, astronomy, and geography."
Listening to Liu Yunzi's explanation, Liang Xiao's heart tightened.
The thirteenth and fourteenth chapters of 'Guiguzi' had long been lost. He hadn't expected that 'The True Teachings of Guiguzi' would actually have twenty-four chapters!
"Second brother, studying this book will surely be of great use to you." "Thank you, elder brother!"
As the elder and younger man spoke, the girls couldn't help but cover their mouths and giggle. 138 Reading Network
Elder brother, second brother, one eighty-nine years old, the other nineteen...
Liang Xiao carefully flipped through the later chapters, becoming more astonished with each turn of the page. He sighed, "No wonder this book cannot be spread outside. The latter ten chapters, if used well, are strategies for governing the world, but if misused, they lead to chaos."
The latter ten chapters, each directly addressing human nature and the human heart without any disguise, could easily lead ordinary people into a state of "demonic possession," bringing disaster to the world.
Compared to them, the 'Book of Shang Yang' seemed particularly reserved...
"You truly grasp the ancestor's intentions at a glance! Remember not to let others view it casually. Even among our ancestors, those who cannot pass the test of the heart are not permitted to possess this book." Liu Yunzi exclaimed in admiration, then smiled, "But you have long passed my brother's test."
Liang Xiao bowed his thanks again and carefully placed 'The True Teachings of Guiguzi' back into the box.
The soft armor Liu Yunzi had gifted the three girls was covered in dust and would need to be cleaned before use.
"If you must repay me, then repay me by establishing a truly peaceful and prosperous era," Liu Yunzi said with a smile.
Liang Xiao nodded solemnly, "I will also, younger brother, search for the descendants of your elder brother's lineage!"
Liu Yunzi shook his head, "The common people are of paramount importance."
Liang Xiao understood and felt a surge of solemn respect. He bowed his thanks once more. After securing the Guigu Jade Pendant and 'The True Teachings of Guiguzi,' they, along with the soft armor, returned to the lecture hall with Liu Yunzi.
Liu Yunzi pointed at Liang Xiao in front of everyone and declared, "Yun Zhongzi, from today onwards, he will be your martial uncle."
"Martial Uncle?!"
The several Taoist priests in their fifties and sixties were stunned. The Tianshan Swordsmen and the young Taoist boys' eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets!
The Tianshan Swordsmen cast questioning glances at Jian Qinwan, who was covering her mouth and trying not to laugh.
How did the generation suddenly get so elevated?
The old Taoist priest Yun Zhongzi, who also had white hair and beard, recovered his senses and bowed to Liang Xiao, "Greetings, Martial Uncle."
He actually bowed!
Li Jin Yu and Yu Qing Chuan were startled.
Liu Yunzi was advanced in age, and most of the affairs of the Liuyun Temple were handled by Yun Zhongzi, including lecturing everywhere to counter the heretical doctrines of the Rejuvenation Sect. He was also a renowned scholar in Chuzhou.
All the Taoist priests of the second generation bowed to Liang Xiao, recognizing him as their martial uncle.
The young Taoist priests of the third generation addressed Liang Xiao as "Martial Grand Uncle."
Liu Yunzi had already had the information about the Rejuvenation Sect compiled and given to Liang Xiao during their first meeting. Therefore, he did not detain Liang Xiao and his group, urging them to return and attend to their own affairs.
Liang Xiao, filled with gratitude, bid farewell to Liu Yunzi and returned to the inn with his companions.
Before they left, Liu Yunzi repeatedly cautioned, "The human heart is unfathomable; one must always be wary. You bear the responsibility for the nation and its people; do not be careless."
Watching the departing convoy, Liu Yunzi turned to the assembled crowd and said, "On the day when the world is at peace and the noble families and powerful clans crumble, you must not forget to offer sacrifices and report!"
Sorrow filled the hearts of the assembled, and they all promised to do so.
Their grandmaster was concerned that he might not live to see the true era of peace and prosperity that this "Martial Grand Uncle" would create.
Inside the carriage, Zhuo Xun looked at Liang Xiao, who was holding Jian Qinwan, and asked weakly, "Why do the older generation like you so much? Do you... do you have an eighty or ninety-year-old ancient monster living inside you..."
Yue Lian and Jian Qinwan finally couldn't help but let out delicate laughter.
Liang Xiao deliberately put on a stern face, "Have I evolved from a great monster to an old monster? Then this old monster will catch you, a little monster!"
Zhuo Xun's face turned red, but she dared not respond.
Liang Xiao merely sighed inwardly.
Who would have thought that he would also possess decades of memories?
After a moment, Zhuo Xun couldn't resist asking again, "Everyone says you can also use swordsmanship. What school of swordsmanship do you practice? It's so formidable..."
"I learned it haphazardly, but it's enough to protect you," Liang Xiao replied with a smile.
"Oh, martial arts learned without a teacher are also so powerful..." Zhuo Xun's small face flushed, filled with admiration.
"Hmph, tricking another young girl," Jian Qinwan scoffed, but then Liang Xiao pinched her thigh, silencing her.
Liang Xiao did not elaborate.
The combat and fighting techniques he learned in his past life were all aimed at killing the enemy, done in whatever way was most convenient. This surprisingly aligned with ancient philosophies.
True martial arts were, fundamentally, killing techniques!
The terms "martial arts" and "combat" originally stemmed from military terminology, referring to the techniques of killing enemies on the battlefield, and later evolved into the broader meanings of "martial arts."
Modern people abide by the law, and naturally, they cannot kill indiscriminately. The "inherited martial arts" that have been passed down are no longer true traditional martial arts; they are largely performative. After all, normal people do not want to end up in jail.
But in this world, martial arts are used for killing and capturing, with less emphasis on performance!
Upon returning to the inn, Yue Lian took the soft armor to be cleaned. Liang Xiao found Chen Shaoling and his wife, and Chen Xinyue.
"Marquis Anguo, we..." Chen Shaoling stammered, only to be nudged aside by Li Hongshu.
Li Hongshu, pulling Chen Xinyue, who was blushing, said, "Marquis Anguo, Xinyue can get married today. We've agreed that she will be the principal wife, and I will become a secondary wife."
Everyone couldn't help but feel solemn respect for Li Hongshu, who sacrificed her status, and immense sympathy.
However, this was the best solution Li Hongshu could devise to deal with Steward Chen.
Liang Xiao nodded gravely, "Before we leave Chuzhou, we will also attend. But please be mindful of safety. The enemy might still be targeting Senior Brother."
With Liang Xiao's promise, Chen Xinyue was also filled with joy.
The news that Jian Sheng's chief disciple, Chen Shaoling, the Tianshan Swordsman, was to marry the Chuzhou swordswoman had spread throughout the streets and alleys several days prior.
Jianghu swordsmen with close ties to the Chen family flocked to attend the wedding banquet, bringing invitations and monetary gifts to congratulate the couple on their arduous journey to marriage.
Witnessed by all, the couple bowed to heaven and earth, bowed to their elders, and then bowed to each other.
Looking at his daughter in her wedding dress and veil, Steward Chen no longer retained his former stubbornness but smiled with satisfaction.
Regardless of anything else, Liang Xiao had provided him with a satisfactory resolution, allowing him to save face.
The presence of Marquis Anguo Liang Xiao, accompanied by the Zither Immortal, at the wedding banquet also brought considerable attention and renown to the occasion.
Beneath the moon, outside the Chen residence, a group of masked figures stared at the main gate, their eyes filled with malice.
Simultaneously, Zhuo Zifang, back at the Zhuo family in Jinling, was reviewing documents when the guard Sanquan reported.
"Master, the Grand Tutor has suddenly pressured the yamen, demanding the execution of that young brother named Nie Yuan!"