Chapter 104: Unable to Extricate Oneself

Zhang Xuan noticed that Lü Bu seemed hesitant to speak. “Brother Lü, you don’t have to answer me right away. Take your time and think it over carefully. Also, Eldest Brother, Second Brother, Little Yun, you should all reflect on this as well. You might face similar choices in the future—it’s a test with no single correct answer. Whatever you decide, you can only move forward without regret, for there is no medicine for repentance in this world, and no chance to relive the past. Give it some serious thought. As for me, I’m going back to fetch some hot water to tend to my arms and legs—today’s sparring session in the afternoon really wore me out.” With that, Zhang Xuan sat down, unfastened the weights from his arms and legs, picked them up, and left.

Master Tong, Yang Zaixing, and Yuwen Chengdu watched as Zhang Xuan removed his weights, realizing that the young man had not used his full strength after all. The others, unaware of the existence of such equipment, assumed these were merely protective gear.

Li Yan approached Lü Bu, and both Yuwen Chengdu and Yang Zaixing, along with Lü Bu, greeted him with a respectful bow. “Fengxian, take some time to think carefully about the question Zhang Xuan posed just now. If you ever find yourself in such a situation, what would you choose? Don’t treat it as a simple scenario—imagine yourself truly facing it, then consider your answer. There’s no need to rush. I hope you’ll make the right decision. Let’s stay here for a few more days. You and Yang Zaixing, as well as the others, should spend more time exchanging ideas and sparring. Mutual support will benefit you.”

“Yes, Master.” Lü Bu was genuinely pleased by his master’s change of plans. It meant he could spend several more days sparring with Yang Zaixing and the others. After all, once they parted ways, who knew when they would meet again? Yang Zaixing and the rest were equally delighted Lü Bu would remain, determined to best him in these coming days. Yet, beneath their excitement, they each pondered what they would do if faced with the dilemma Zhang Xuan had described.

Master Tong came over to Li Yan. “Brother, I can’t shake the feeling that you’re not entirely at ease with Lü Bu. I hope it’s just my imagination!”

Li Yan looked up at the sky, choosing not to answer directly. “Brother, what’s your impression of Zhang Xuan? Why do I feel as if he’s known Lü Bu before? And why did he ask Lü Bu such a pointed question?”

“They shouldn’t know each other. I was the one who brought Xuan home, and I’ve never heard him say he’s been to Bingzhou. The odds of them having met are slim. As for why he asked that question, I have no idea. He’s always coming up with questions—some so profound I can’t answer them, and others so simple a child could. In his own words, ‘Don’t try to guess what I’m thinking; it will only make you curious, and once you’re curious, you’ll never escape it. Of course, you can always ask someone to help you shake off your curiosity—but Brother, you really shouldn’t let yourself become curious about him.’”

“That’s as good as saying nothing at all. Don’t worry, I won’t let myself get curious. I’m just puzzled as to why his question for Fengxian was so specific. I suspect Fengxian will indeed encounter a situation like that in the future, and I can more or less guess what he’ll do.”

“Really?”

“Yes. From what I know of him, he’s the kind who could easily become prey in a hunt. Most people can’t resist the lure of gold, jewels, or beauty. Lü Bu is an ordinary man after all, and the risk is high that he’ll fall for such temptations. If even I can see this, what about those cunning strategists out there? Luckily, Zhang Xuan raised this question for him. If Lü Bu makes the right choice now, perhaps he’ll recall it when the time comes.”

Who doesn’t wish for their disciple to become someone worthy and upright, able to remain true to himself in the face of temptation and make the right choices? Otherwise, he’d face nothing but condemnation.

“Brother, why did you suddenly change your mind and decide to stay a few more days? You always insisted on leaving when scheduled, never altering your plans. Even when Master asked you to, you refused.”

Master Tong recalled that his brother was a stickler for punctuality, always following his plans to the letter unless something urgent happened. Now, he was extending their stay by several days.

“After listening to what Zhang Xuan had to say, I have a feeling that letting Fengxian spend more time with him and the others might change his life in unexpected ways.”

“Brother, haven’t I warned you not to let yourself become curious about Xuan? Otherwise, you’ll never escape.”

“Brother, are you already ensnared? If so, perhaps your wife can help you shake it off! I’m off now. We’ll talk later—I need to put these things away and have a word with Father-in-law.” With a wave, Li Yan headed towards the inner courtyard.

“What does he mean by having his wife help him shake it off?” Master Tong was left thoroughly bewildered by his brother’s words.