Chapter Seven: Absolutely Unnecessary!

A ten-meter giant! Like a small mountain, standing tall at the entrance of the training ground.

His body was broad and muscular, limbs thick and sturdy, veins bulging over his muscles like creeping vines.

Bare-chested, he carried a chest protector slung diagonally across his shoulder. In each hand, he gripped a rough iron hammer, the handles studded with barbs.

Chen Yi tilted his head back, shading his eyes with his small hand against the sunlight, scrutinizing the giant.

Soon, he noticed the giant’s head was not human but resembled some kind of ape—hairy face, tusks protruding, eyes as large as copper bells but lifeless.

Dead?

Chen Yi murmured, “A dead demon… Medal of Honor?”

“That’s right, this is a dead demon.”

At that moment, a voice sounded, and Chen Yi felt himself being lifted.

He turned around with a smile: “Second Uncle.”

The man was none other than Chen Taihang, younger brother of Marquis Wu’an, a middle-aged man with a rough appearance.

Just like now, Chen Taihang wore a blue martial outfit, his long hair tied casually, his dark face framed by a full beard, yet his smile was warm and approachable.

“Xiao Yi’er, still remember your Second Uncle?”

“I do. Great-Grandma often talks about you.”

“What does she say about me?”

Chen Yi recalled the old lady’s constant grumbling about Chen Taihang, calling him a loafer, and decided it was better not to mention it.

His eyes shifted as he pointed at the demon, whose toes were larger than his entire body, and asked, “Second Uncle, how come this demon is inside the manor?”

Chen Taihang replied casually, “Martial arts rely on courage. It’s here to help the Chen family youngsters build theirs.”

Chen Yi glanced again, his face hesitant.

Noticing his unease, Chen Taihang’s expression changed slightly as he asked, “Xiao Yi’er, are you scared?”

He had almost forgotten.

By family rule, children entering the training ground for the first time must be accompanied by a guardian to protect them from the demon’s intimidating presence.

Yet his nephew had come alone and even seen this demon’s corpse…

“No, I’m not scared,” Chen Yi hesitated, then asked, “Second Uncle, who would be afraid of a dead demon?”

He wasn’t sure if this was the right answer.

Or perhaps this demon’s corpse had some special use he hadn’t recognized?

“Of course not. Who’s afraid of a dead demon? Ha, ha, ha…”

Chen Taihang was certain now that his nephew truly wasn’t afraid.

He recalled how he himself had been so frightened by this demon’s corpse on his first visit that his legs had turned to jelly.

Even then, their father had praised his bravery.

So, how would one describe Chen Yi, who showed no fear whatsoever before the demon’s remains?

Born with martial courage?

A martial prodigy?

Chen Taihang resolved to tell his elder brother about this and smiled, “Since you’re here at the training ground, I’ll show you around.”

Chen Yi reflexively responded respectfully, “Thank you, Second Uncle.”

Realizing this, he couldn’t help but smile.

It seemed the lessons from the tutors over the past year had been effective.

Had Chen Taihang not been holding him, he might have even performed the proper salute taught in etiquette class.

“Your mother still teaches you manners?”

“Yes. Not only etiquette, but also reading, writing, astronomy, and geography.”

“That’s quite a lot…”

The two figures, one big and one small, circled around the demon’s corpse and began to explore the training ground.

The entire area was vast, occupying nearly half of the central courtyard.

Besides being a place for the Chen family’s young to practice martial arts, there was a library and a treasure hall at the far end.

The library housed various martial manuals, ancestral summaries, and classical texts from different schools.

The treasure hall stored weapons, armor, and heirlooms collected over generations.

Chen Yi also solved a mystery—why the demon was invisible from outside the training ground.

The entire ground was enclosed by a Taoist formation that blocked sound and sight from escaping.

This had many benefits.

In Chen Taihang’s words, it prevented outsiders from being frightened by the demon and stopped anyone from stealing the Chen family’s martial techniques.

After the tour, Chen Yi returned with Chen Taihang to the martial practice area.

There were already over a hundred Chen family members there, mostly from collateral branches and some descendants of household servants.

The youngest appeared to be only three or four years old.

“Ha!”

“Hmph, ha!”

At that moment, everyone occupied their own space practicing martial arts.

Some practiced fist techniques, others wielded swords and knives.

Chen Yi first watched those practicing swordplay but turned away after a few seconds to observe the others.

Chen Taihang carefully observed Chen Yi’s expression.

He had expected his nephew, who had grabbed the jade sword during the naming ceremony, to be interested in the sword practitioners, but surprisingly, Chen Yi showed little reaction.

After a few moments of thought, Chen Taihang asked, “Xiao Yi’er, what do you think of the older brothers?”

Chen Yi glanced at him and smiled, nodding, “They’re all very skilled.”

At least on the surface.

But if he were to be honest, eight words came to mind—too many mistakes, unbearable to watch!

With his novice swordsmanship, he noticed numerous flaws in their footwork and sword techniques.

Whether it was the Chen family’s teaching style or their limited talent, he couldn’t tell.

In any case, those practicing on the training ground left him somewhat disappointed.

Chen Taihang ruffled his hair, “Don’t worry. Once you complete your Foundation Establishment, you’ll be as strong as they are.”

Chen Yi: “...”

No need!

If he ended up like them, his future trajectory would likely be as miserable as the profiles had predicted.

Shortly after, Chen Yi bid farewell to Chen Taihang and left the training ground.

The young steward sighed with relief, “Young Master Yi, it’s getting late. How about we return to the courtyard and continue exploring tomorrow?”

He couldn’t bear the anxiety a second time.

“Alright.”

Chen Yi nodded and followed the steward back to the rear courtyard, his mind still reflecting on what he had seen.

Two things left a deep impression.

One was the demon’s corpse; the other was the library deep within.

Once he completed Foundation Establishment, he would spend more time reading.

...

As night approached, Chen Taihang found Marquis Wu’an Chen Taiping in the left wing.

“Brother, guess what I discovered today?”

Chen Taihang sat drinking tea in the pavilion, curiosity piqued, “Did you find a promising talent at the training ground?”

“Indeed, a promising one, but not from those collateral branches.”

Chen Taihang couldn’t help but laugh, “You mean your own son, Chen Yi?”

“Yi’er? He went to the training ground?”

Chen Taiping grew serious, signaling for details.

“Xiao Yi’er surprised me today.”

Chen Taihang didn’t reveal everything at once; instead, he teased, “Do you remember how scared you were the first time you saw that demon king’s corpse?”

“Of course. You were so weak-kneed I had to hold you up, or you’d have collapsed.”

“...”

Chen Taihang was speechless, rolling his eyes, “You mean you were scared and clinging to me?”

“Not clinging, holding up,” Chen Taiping corrected sternly.

“Alright, alright, you’re the strongest.”

Knowing his brother’s pride, Chen Taihang didn’t argue and continued, “But Xiao Yi’er saw the demon king’s corpse without any fear.”

Chen Taiping was surprised, “Really?”

“Would I lie? He even asked me, ‘Who would be afraid of a dead demon?’”

Chen Taihang imitated him vividly, his beard shaking.

“Who would be afraid of a demon’s corpse?”

Chen Taiping repeated the phrase softly, a smile spreading across his face before bursting into laughter.

“Well, well, well, truly the seed of Chen Taiping!”

“Exactly. I believe Xiao Yi’er has that courage; his road in martial arts will surely be bold and swift.”

Just then, Zhou Wanyi came over holding Chen Yuan’s hand, smiling brightly, “What are you brothers talking about? I could hear your laughter from far away.”

Chen Taiping couldn’t help but say, “Wanyi, Taihang just told me Yi’er went to the training ground today.”

“Is that so? He’s so young; was he accompanied?”

“No, not only was he not accompanied, he even…”

Before Chen Taiping finished, Zhou Wanyi’s smile remained as she tightened her grip on Chen Yuan’s hand.

“Yi’er truly has remarkable courage. Even if his Foundation Establishment isn’t the best, his future achievements won’t be low.”

Chen Yuan frowned slightly, glancing at his mother but dared not speak.

“Foundation Establishment?”

Chen Taiping’s smile faded, and he sighed softly, “The Marquis of Mount Tai should return to the capital soon. That will be the day I set off for the Northern Stronghold. Unfortunately…”

“Unfortunately, I won’t see Yuanyuan and Yi’er complete their Foundation Establishment.”

“Don’t worry, husband. I will send you updates by letter.”

“That’s all we can do…”

...

A couple of days later, the Lantern Festival arrived.

The capital lifted its curfew.

With the help of his wet nurse, Lvl Luo, Chen Yi dressed warmly.

He wore a tiger-head hat, a black padded jacket, and cotton shoes—bundled up thoroughly.

Yet Lvl Luo was still uneasy and insisted on adding a furry coat, warning, “It’s cold outside. You mustn’t catch a cold.”

Chen Yi nodded helplessly, tugged his tiger hat, his rosy cheeks glowing from the warmth.

Unluckily, after just one visit to the training ground, he caught a cold the next day.

Though it was only half a day, the anxious Xia Wanwan wouldn’t let him leave the courtyard again.

Seeing him idle in the side room, she arranged for tutors to come and give him lessons...

His rare days off were spoiled.

Only on the Lantern Festival did Xia Wanwan finally honor her promise and take him out to play.

“Let’s go. Aunt Wanyi has already prepared a carriage.”

Xia Wanwan pulled Chen Yi and met up with Zhou Wanyi and her son Chen Yuan in the outer courtyard. Together, they departed the Marquis Wu’an estate by carriage.

Just outside the manor, Chen Yi and Chen Yuan each took a window seat, lifting the curtains to look outside.

The day was clear, the sunlight mild.

Wide bluestone roads were tidy and clean, with patches of unmelted snow along the sides.

Most houses had red iron gates, some with high thresholds, others low, tiled eaves, and large red lanterns hanging beneath.

Perhaps because Feng Tong Street, where the manor stood, was mainly aristocratic, there were few pedestrians, but many patrol guards clad in black armor.

When these guards spotted the carriage from afar, they stopped and saluted.

Chen Yi recognized the gesture as the protective chest salute used by military officials at court.

From this, it was easy to see the prestige of Marquis Wu’an.

After a short while, the carriage left Feng Tong Street and entered a broader, cleaner road with separate lanes for vehicles and pedestrians.

What caught Chen Yi’s attention more were the diverse pedestrians and the shops lining the street.

“This is Zhuque Street, the busiest in the capital,” Xia Wanwan said through the window.

“It is said that when the late emperor conquered the Wei dynasty and ascended the throne, a primordial Vermilion Bird flew from the Eastern Sea along this street to the imperial city.”

“This street was named after it.”

“What about the Black Tortoise, Azure Dragon, and White Tiger?”

Chen Yi did not doubt the existence of divine beasts like the Vermilion Bird; he was curious whether the others existed as well.

He also secretly wondered if the presence of so many divine beasts might shake the capital to its foundations.

“Of course… not!” Zhou Wanyi took over the explanation.

“That was the national strategist’s suggestion. Since there was the Vermilion Bird, lacking the other three might offend them.”

“Oh.”

Chen Yi thought that made sense.

The carriage continued south along Zhuque Street, then turned southeast toward the Qujiang River.

Along the way, Zhou Wanyi introduced various landmarks to Chen Yi and Chen Yuan to familiarize them with the capital.

Places like bustling Baohua Street, the twin markets filled with countless merchants and shops, as well as Fenghua Tower, Tianya Academy, and the Taixu Taoist Sect.

It was truly eye-opening.

Though he had seen rudimentary maps of the capital before, such crude drawings could never capture its grandeur and prosperity.

Like today’s first stop, Great Empty Temple.

Perched atop a small mountain, shrouded in mist, its halls were vast and magnificent, golden and resplendent, shimmering under the sun like a sacred sanctuary.

Yet on the map, it was only a simple square with a Buddha head.

Arriving at the destination, Chen Yi obediently followed Xia Wanwan’s side.

Chen Yuan was more excited, tugging Zhou Wanyi’s hand, looking here and there, touching things like a curious child.

The four adults remained calm, but the guards behind were tense, wary of any mishap.

“Lighting incense and praying at the Lantern Festival is said to be most effective. I heard that last time, the Li family lady prayed here for a child and soon afterward was blessed with one.”

“Really that effective?”

“Of course, sometimes it doesn’t work. It depends on sincerity…”

Listening to the casual chatter of fellow worshippers, Chen Yi thought it sounded a bit exaggerated.

He had studied many basic principles but had never heard of Buddhism aiding fertility, though he had heard of some corrupt monks doing illicit favors.

“Yi’er, your aunt and I will go light incense. You and Yuan’er stay here and don’t wander off, understand?”

Chen Yi looked toward a nearby courtyard where only female devotees passed and nodded obediently.

After they left, several guards stood vigilantly nearby.

As Chen Yi stared boredly at the golden-domed temple in the distance, several bell chimes suddenly echoed from the mountain.

“Ding-dang, ding-dang…”

The bells rang melodiously and rhythmically but attracted little attention from those on the mountain.

However, a few Buddhist chants that followed caused everyone’s bodies to tremble.

“The Great Empty Buddha Child descends, mercy and compassion…”

Buddha Child?

Chen Yi was startled and quickly turned to the other side, where a mist-hidden peak rose.

There, a radiant golden light shone intensely as a small figure was enveloped and projected outward, surrounded by a golden lotus platform, like a Buddha incarnate.

At that moment, a panel appeared before his eyes.

[You witness the Great Empty Buddha Child’s lotus platform illuminating all. Your mind is slightly influenced.]

[Absorbed the Buddhist willpower. Counterattack Points +3.]