Book 4, Chapter 241: You Can Only Look Into The Distance When You Stand High Enough
Book 4, Chapter 241: You Can Only Look Into The Distance When You Stand High Enough
While looking at Nian Qian, Chen Chuan said, “Biofields are martial arts masters' external defense zone. Most attacks become ineffective after entering it.”
Nian Qian gasped in amazement. As a technical officer, he was naturally curious about such things. If it weren’t for the fact that this was the New Year, he would have shot at the biofield a few times just to test Chen Chuan’s statement.
“All martial arts masters are different and unique, but if they don’t want to, those of lower limits won’t be able to see them or hear them speak,” Chen Chuan continued.
While speaking, Chen Chuan vanished from Nian Qian’s sight. Only his voice entered his ears.
Nian Qian turned to Nian Fuli, Yu Wan, and his siblings. They were talking to each other, completely unaware of what was going on.
That was amazing.
Nian Qian’s heart filled with excitement and shock. He had gained direct knowledge of martial arts masters’ abilities, but this should only be part of them. There were definitely more abilities that Chen Chuan couldn’t show because it was inconvenient or because he couldn’t demonstrate it here.
However, his thoughts drifted to something else. If a martial arts master wanted to attack them, they would have no way of fighting back. This made him feel defeated, since he practically worshipped technology. Since he was within Chen Chuan’s biofield, Chen Chuan noticed it right away.
Chen Chuan reached forward, and the wooden lion plate he got from Veshahan floated over. He grabbed it and stared at it for a while. Light shone in his eyes for a bit, and the plate started glowing. A moment later, he threw it to Nian Qian, who caught it easily.
“Carry it with you. It’ll protect you if you’re ever in trouble.”
Nian Qian was surprised and asked in excitement, “Can this block a martial arts master’s attack?”
“You’re overthinking it,” Chen Chuan shot him down. “If a martial arts master wants you dead, that plate won’t shield you. It’ll just tell them that you have the protection of a martial arts master. Unless they really want you dead, they won’t try to kill you.”
Unless there was a special situation and it was absolutely necessary, martial arts masters didn’t fight other martial arts masters to the death, because they, too, had family and friends. Hence, getting bad blood with another martial arts master was a losing deal on every front. Besides, it wouldn’t do them any harm to spare friends and families. If a martial arts master was emotionally stable, most people would be allowed to leave.
Of course, this didn’t apply to the conqueror generals of the imperial army. They couldn’t be considered human anymore, but rather a completely different species. Besides, they had been fighting against the imperial army for years, so there was no way to ease the tension. Against them, it was only kill or be killed.
Nian Qian immediately put the wooden plate into his pocket and asked, “What about Dad and Mom?”
“Don’t worry. I’ve already given Uncle and Aunty protective items. Once they’re in Central City, even martial arts masters won’t be able to do anything to them,” Chen Chuan said.
It was only at this point that Nian Qian relaxed. “Then, I’ll happily take it.”
I need to find a string or rope to tie this plate to my person at all times, he thought.
After dinner, Nian Qian went to help Yu Wan prepare for the New Year, while Chen Chuan turned the radio on and switched to Nian Fuli’s favorite opera song channel before putting the radio on the windowsill.
They could already hear some fireworks outside, while soothing music came from the radio. As Nian Fuli went through Nian Qian’s meritorious service citations, he occasionally hummed along. Nian Mo and Nian Lu fooled around by the side, while soft whispers came from the kitchen. Chen Chuan stared at the bright, warm sun on the eaves and smiled.
On the night of New Year’s eve, fireworks were set off everywhere in Yangzhi City, and the families hung spring couplets on their doors. Once the fireworks flew into the sky, they exploded into beautiful colors.
Chen Chuan’s family sat around the dining table filled with warm food.
They were happier than in any other year, since it was rare for them to all gather together.
Nian Qian picked up his chopsticks and gave a few slices of meat to Nian Fuli and Yu Wan before eating one himself. The meat was still a little hot, but it was tender and juicy. After just a few chews, he could swallow, and he smacked the table as he praised it. “It tastes so good. The meat you brought back is fantastic, Xiao Chuan.”
Chen Chuan had brought back quite a lot of merged space ingredients that were highly nutritious to normal people. The moment the food was served, they became a huge hit. While they were talking, Nian Mo and Nian Lu started shoving the food into their mouths.
Yu Wan watched and found herself pitying them while also finding it hilarious. “Slow down. There’s more where this came from. You don’t want to burn your tongue.”
Nian Fuli only took one slice before putting the meat that had started cooling into their bowls.
Whoosh! Bang!
Light shone outside the window, and colorful fireworks exploded. This particular firework was so beautiful that it caused the family to look over.
As Chen Chuan watched, he realized that this should be the last New Year his family was going to spend in Yangzhi City. During the next New Year, they were going to be in Central City.
He grabbed his cup and made a toasting motion in the direction of the window. It was to toast to his past and his past self.
“Chen Chuan, Qian Qian, we want to light up fireworks too!” Nian Mo and Nian Lu shouted out.
Chen Chuan laughed. “Sure.”
After New Year’s eve, the family didn’t go anywhere and simply stayed at home. On the second day, Gao Ming’s family came to visit.
This was rare, since Gao Ming’s parents were both lawyers and were constantly swarmed with work. They seldom had time to visit.
However, this time, they had set aside all their work and visited with great seriousness. Clearly, this was related to Chen Chuan’s current position.
Nian Fuli didn’t like what they were doing and felt that Gao Ming was the only one who turned out alright in that family. Gao Ming’s parents, meanwhile, were absolutely utilitarian and were cold, detached people. No matter what, though, they were relatives, so he had to treat them in a friendly manner.
Gao Ming’s parents didn’t stay long. After a little while, they gave their gifts and left. Only Gao Ming stayed. Without his parents around, the atmosphere became much cheerier.
On the third day, other people started visiting them, and so many of them came that their living room couldn’t fit all of them. Nian Qian helped Nian Fuli and Yu Wan serve the guests, but they could already tell that they were going to have more people visiting this year compared to previous years.
Chen Chuan didn’t stay home. He went out without taking his car and simply walked to Martial Valor University. With his mental energy’s help, all the normal people around him, including the guards, couldn’t see him.
Aside from a handful of out-of-town students who couldn’t afford the travel fees, there weren’t many people on campus.
He bypassed the main hall and the Spring-Autumn Lake on his way to the houses by the lake. When he reached Cheng Zitong’s house, the security guard there saw him and quickly saluted him. “Director Chen, Happy New Year!”
Chen Chuan gave him a nod. “Happy New Year. Is Mr. Cheng around?”
“Yes. He’s been waiting for you since this morning.”
Cheng Zitong heard the conversation outside and walked out. “Xiao Chuan, you came so early!”
“Happy New Year, Mr. Cheng. I hope I didn’t bother you.” Chen Chuan smiled.
“Happy New Year to you too, and there’s no way you’d bother me. I’ve been eating and sleeping well lately. I go to bed on time and wake up on time. My routine has been really regular. Come, don’t just stand there. Let’s go inside to talk.” Cheng Zitong beckoned Chen Chuan inside. While they walked, he said, “And you even brought gifts! Seriously, you... I’m already very happy that you found time to visit me, you know?”
Chen Chuan smiled. “But I like bringing gifts to you.”
Cheng Zitong laughed at that. Once they were in the living room, Chen Chuan grabbed the tea leaves and teapot to brew some tea for Cheng Zitong.
“Come, sit. I’ll do it myself,” Cheng Zitong said. When Chen Chuan sat down, Cheng Zitong sighed. “It’s only been half a year, but you’ve changed so much. In just the blink of an eye, you became a martial arts master. But since it’s you, I don’t find it strange at all. Tell me. How does it feel?”
Chen Chuan thought about it. “I’m standing at a taller place and can see further, but I’m still unable to close the distance between me and the sky.”
Upon hearing this, Cheng Zitong stared at Chen Chuan for a bit before sighing and smiling in relief. “Your greatest strength is that you’re self-aware. I’ve been worried about you progressing too fast and climbing too high, but you’ve eased my heart.”
He picked up the warm cup and asked, “Are you going to stay for a month, just like before?”
Chen Chuan nodded. “That’s right. I also need to tell you something. After the New Year, I’ll be bringing my family to Central City.”
Cheng Zitong was fully on board with that idea. “That’s the right choice. With your current status, the people who want something from you would form a line so long that it would reach the road outside, and not all of them are on it out of good will. Some won’t dare to approach you, but will think of ways to approach your family instead. This is something you can’t avoid at your current position. If you bring them to Central City, you will avoid all the trouble. You can even take better care of them there.”
At this point, he sighed. “Coincidentally, I got an invitation from an old friend of mine, so I might be going to Central City too after the New Year.”
“That’s great news. I came back this time on an airship. If it’s convenient for you, I could bring you back too. I still remember how you took me to Central City back then. This time, let me bring you over,” Chen Chuan offered.
Cheng Zitong smiled. He took a slow sip of tea before saying, “Thanks for the offer, but I need to settle some private matters first, so I will go on my own later.”