Chapter 276: His Social Swagger Syndrome Strikes Again!
Lin Beifan invited the old man into the city.
As they walked, the old man looked around curiously and exclaimed, “This is Dedian Prefecture in the capital of Grand Wu? I came here twenty years ago, and it wasn’t this bustling and lively. The changes are immense!”
Lin Beifan smiled, “All of this is thanks to Night Fragrance! Since Night Fragrance took office here, he’s been cracking down on villains, fighting crime, and improving public security. The better the security, the more prosperous the streets!”
“Is that so? That brat has such abilities?” The old man seemed somewhat skeptical.
He knew very well what his own disciple was capable of. Sending him to commit crimes might work, but managing a city?
Don’t joke around!
As the two walked, they also attracted the attention of many people, who appeared somewhat apprehensive. After all, the old man had suddenly appeared with a fierce aura, an imposing presence that didn’t seem easy to deal with.
To reassure everyone, Lin Beifan spoke loudly, “Dear fellow citizens, let me introduce someone to you! The senior standing beside me is none other than Spear God, the master of the famed hero Night Fragrance. He’s one of us, so there’s no need to be afraid or reserved!”
“So, he’s the master of the heroic Night Fragrance!”
With this announcement, everyone relaxed.
In the eyes of the public, Night Fragrance was a great hero who fought evil, combated crime, and protected the citizens. To produce someone like Night Fragrance, his master certainly couldn’t be a bad person!
People gathered around, and thumbs went up in praise.
“So you’re the master of Night Fragrance, no wonder you radiate righteousness!”
“Master Spear God, you’ve nurtured a good disciple, a patriot and savior of the people!”
“Since your disciple came here, our lives have improved so much!”
“Thank you so much, Master Spear God!”
…
The old man listened and was very pleased, “Is that so? Has that little scoundrel really done so much?”
“Naturally! Master Spear God, would we lie to you?”
“Just ask around, who doesn’t know about Night Fragrance, the nemesis of criminals? Who doesn’t admire the hero who fights against wrongdoers?”
“Hero Night Fragrance is the guardian deity of our city!”
…
The old man became happier as he listened. His own disciple had shown promise, bringing pride to his face.
Looking at the bruised and swollen Night Fragrance behind him, the old man’s face softened with kindness and satisfaction. “You rascal, you’ve finally grown sensible and not caused trouble for me! Keep up the good work in the future, got it?”
“Yes, Master!” Night Fragrance replied happily. Getting approval from his master made him happier than anyone else.
Upon arriving at Lin Beifan’s house, the hostess, Li Shi Shi, had already prepared food and drink to entertain the Spear God, who had come from afar.
However, as they entered the mansion, the old man’s gaze was drawn to the old monk Jing Tai. He felt that this old monk was a grandmaster.
Tightening his grip on his spear, his eyes grew slightly heated and filled with a fighting spirit. “I sense that you’re a grandmaster! How about we have a friendly exchange of martial experiences?”
The old monk’s face remained calm as he joined his hands together. “Amitābha Buddha, you overestimate me! I, a humble monk, only pursue the path of Buddha’s enlightenment. I don’t hold martial arts in high regard. Please find someone else.”
“Old monk, don’t try to deceive me!” the old man laughed. “If you don’t value martial arts, why is your martial skill so profound and your realm so high? Achieving this level requires decades of effort!”
“Amitābha Buddha, your vision is clouded, kind benefactor! In truth, this humble monk was merely a slightly knowledgeable monk in martial arts before. It was only last year that my master imparted the true essence of Buddhism to me, and I had a great epiphany, becoming a grandmaster.”
The old man was astonished. “You became a grandmaster just last year? Impossible! Your grandmaster demeanor is so seasoned, as if you’ve been at this level for decades, reaching the level of the natural way of Dao!”
“Amitābha Buddha, monks do not tell lies.” The old monk’s expression turned solemn.
Finally convinced, the old man asked urgently, “Who is your master? In just one year, you’ve made such remarkable progress. Your master must be an incredibly deep senior! Could you introduce me?”
“Far beyond the horizon, yet right in front of you.” The old monk pointed at Lin Beifan.
The old man was shocked again. “Ah? Lin Beifan, the Prefect of the Capital?”
“Indeed, Amitābha Buddha!” The old monk joined his hands together.
The old man stared at Lin Beifan intently, his brow furrowed. “Lin Beifan? Are you truly this old monk’s master? But you seem… not knowledgeable in martial arts.”
Lin Beifan gave a slight smile. “I am indeed Jing Tai’s master, but in matters of Buddhism, not martial arts. I haven’t taught him any martial skills.”
“But why is he…”
“Everything Jing Tai has realized comes from my teachings on Buddhism. You see…”
Lin Beifan joined his hands together like an old charlatan, preaching, “Buddhism is a path, and so is martial arts. All is the path! The Great Dao is simple; the way of Dao is natural, and the Dao is omnipresent!”
The old monk experienced another great realization. “Master’s words are profound, Amitābha Buddha!”
“Indeed, Amitābha Buddha!”
Even the Spear God old man understood, “Buddhism is a path, martial arts also have their way; all is the path! You’re right, you’ve said something marvelous!”
This statement seemed to dispel the clouds and reveal the clear sky, offering him a glimpse of a breakthrough opportunity!
Looking at Lin Beifan again, the old man’s gaze changed immediately. “I believe it now, you are indeed the master of this old monk, qualified to be his master! Although you don’t know martial arts, you understand the way of martial arts!”
“Really? Why does that sound like nonsense…” Night Fragrance fell into thought.
But he was swiftly scolded by the old man, who struck him with a stick. “You little brat, if you don’t understand, then keep your mouth shut and don’t embarrass yourself! This is a profound saying in martial arts. You can only grasp its meaning once you become a grandmaster!”
Night Fragrance sighed, his head swelling from a blow. He squatted in a corner, silently shedding tears.
Even Lin Beifan felt a bit sympathetic. What a pitiful kid, always getting beaten up. No wonder he runs away when he sees his master.
Just as he was about to console him, the old man dragged him away. “Brother Lin, let’s not pay him any mind. He’ll be fine on his own. Let’s continue discussing martial arts.”
“With myriad forms in martial arts, what do you want to discuss?”
The old man thought for a moment and placed his divine spear in front of him. “Take a look at my spear. What do you think?”
Lin Beifan smiled faintly. “Senior, to be honest, your spear is quite ordinary…”
The old man grew furious. “What? You’re saying my spear is ordinary?”
“I know of a spear…” Lin Beifan leisurely began, describing different levels of accomplishment like the Advantageous Spear Realm, Supple Spear Realm, Heavy Spear Realm, Wooden Spear Realm, and the Nonexistent Spear Realm, using different terms to convey the same concepts.
(That bullshit again, lol)
The old man was astonished, excitedly patting his thigh. “Advantageous Spear Realm, Supple Spear Realm, Heavy Spear Realm… That’s brilliantly put! I’ve studied the way of the spear for so long, yet my comprehension is not as profound as yours. I’m truly ashamed!”
Lin Beifan said, “Senior…”
The old man waved his hand quickly. “Don’t call me senior. I’m not qualified to be your senior. If you hold me in high regard, just call me ‘older brother.’ I’ll call you ‘little brother.’ We’re peers, how about it?”
Lin Beifan shook his head. “That doesn’t seem appropriate. It’s not suitable.”
The old man grew angry. “Why isn’t it appropriate? What’s wrong with it? It’s a huge advantage for me to receive your guidance. If I continue as your senior, my conscience will trouble me! So, you must call me ‘older brother,’ and even if you don’t want to, you still have to!”
Lin Beifan immediately called out, “Spear God Older Brother!”
The old man promptly responded, “Lin Little Brother!”
Both burst into laughter. “Hahaha!”
Guo Shaoshuai standing beside them furrowed his brows. “This scene seems familiar?”
Mo Rushuang whispered, “Junior brother, have you forgotten? Before, the Sword Immortal and Blade Saint admired the young master’s martial arts talent, so they forcibly recognized him and became close friends!”
Guo Shaoshuai suddenly realized, “No wonder!”
“The young master is truly exceptional! As long as someone is a grandmaster, they’ll be impressed by his talent and knowledge!” Mo Ruoshuang’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Lin Beifan.
Just at that moment, the old man called out to Night Fragrance, “You, come here!”
“Master, what do you need?” Night Fragrance came over, holding his head.
The old man’s face was stern. “You listen well, you brat! Lin Beifan is now the close friend of this old man, and at the same time, he’s your senior! In the future, when you see him, you must show respect, obey his orders earnestly, and treat him like you would treat your master. Do you understand? If you dare to be disobedient, I’ll break your legs!”
“Ah, no!” Night Fragrance’s face was full of despair. Before his master arrived, Lin Beifan had already been controlling him tightly. Now that his master was here and had recognized him, wouldn’t he have even more control over him? Night Fragrance staggered, feeling utterly hopeless.
Lin Beifan smirked in triumph. “Nephew Night Fragrance, please give me your guidance in the future!”
Following that, to welcome this grandmaster ‘older brother’ who had come from afar, Lin Beifan hosted a grand feast, intending to drink until he was drunk.
Gradually, news of this spread to the imperial palace. The Empress listened and lightly chuckled while shaking her head. “This Lin Beifan truly has a social mastery syndrome! Whenever there’s a grandmaster, he strikes up a conversation and they become friends. He’s never failed. I really don’t know how he manages to do it!”
This grandmaster spear master had become close friends with Lin Beifan and was also Night Fragrance’s master. It could be said that this spear master was already half a person of Great Wu. As long as Lin Beifan and Night Fragrance remained in Great Wu, this grandmaster would be on Great Wu’s side.
The Empress became increasingly delighted with her thoughts. “Bring me the two precious bottles of Ten-Li Fragrance wine from my collection, and deliver them to the Lin Residence!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” the old eunuch responded.
Inside the Lin Residence, the old man was drinking heartily, his face flushed with alcohol. “Such fine wine must be enjoyed with fellow practitioners to truly relish it! This time, being able to meet you, young brother, is truly worth it!”
“If you like it, then drink more! Cheers!” Lin Beifan raised his cup.
“Cheers!” the old man toasted back.
After finishing this cup, the old man continued, “I came out of seclusion this time for two main reasons.”
“Which two reasons?” Lin Beifan inquired.
