Volume 2: Strolling with the Wind, Chapter 31: Sudden Enlightenment

For over a century, the Bund has served as a symbol of Shanghai to the world. Also known as Zhongshan East First Road, it is approximately 1.5 kilometers long. To the east, it faces the Huangpu River, while to the west lie 52 buildings of various styles—Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, and a blend of Chinese and Western designs. Walking along the Bund, one can enjoy five magnificent views:

First, the wide Bund Avenue. Second, the splendid riverside promenade. Third, the “Exhibition of World Architecture” with its towering buildings. Fourth, the ever-flowing Huangpu River. Fifth, the rapidly developing East Shanghai.

At that moment, Chu Tianyu was gazing in the direction of Lujiazui in Pudong New Area. The 468-meter-tall Oriental Pearl Tower stood tall across the river, with more high-rise buildings rising everywhere, presenting a magnificent sight of East Shanghai. Add to this the various ships shuttling back and forth on the river, creating a thriving atmosphere. Although he had visited here earlier with his second master, it had been just a quick passby; now, he had the chance to calmly appreciate such a stunning landscape.

Especially since he had been brought here by the Qin family by car in the morning, pretending to fully enjoy the scenery to avoid awkwardness with those around him. At first, it was just an act, but soon Chu Tianyu embraced the qualities of a Yunmen disciple, fully immersing himself in the scene and entering a state of meditative enlightenment unique to Yunmen.

He continuously felt the city’s incomparable charm—a blend of modernity and tradition, an allure that was hard to resist. While seated in the car, his thoughts wandered freely through the quiet streets bathed in sunlight. His gaze swept over the walls of European-style gardens, appreciating their delicate textures; or he imagined running on the smooth, new roads, with towering modern buildings above; or wandering through the shops in shopping malls, indulging in purchases; or drowning himself in the vibrant nightlife…

All these emotions converged at the Bund, bursting forth before his eyes amid the magnificent scenery. They merged together, like small streams gathering into rivers and then into seas, flowing through his heart. Instantly, he felt a sense of relief and turning of fortune. Chu Tianyu slowly exhaled, looking around and finding that every scene and object seemed to come to life, radiating vitality. Delighted, he realized that, unintentionally, he had achieved another moment of enlightenment, likely improving his martial arts mindset significantly.

He really had to thank the young girl from the Qin family beside him. If not for her stark contrast—welcoming him upon getting off the bus, greeting his family, and briefly talking to him, only to turn indifferent and ignore him once they got back on the bus—Chu Tianyu wouldn’t have had the chance to divert his attention and achieve sudden enlightenment, thus gaining the opportunity to rapidly improve his cultivation level.

Thinking of her, Chu Tianyu suddenly shuddered. He thought to himself, “Oh no, I was so absorbed in my enlightenment that I neglected her. Although this ‘matchmaking’ is already awkward, I’m still a man. No matter if others want to talk to me or not, out of courtesy, I should be the one to speak first!”

With that thought, he glanced at Qin Nianran beside him. He had expected her to look impatient and annoyed, but to his surprise, she was gazing at the scenery along the Bund just like he had earlier, her expression calm and peaceful, with no signs of dissatisfaction.

Just as Chu Tianyu was wondering what to say to break the silence, Qin Nianran, who had been staring straight ahead, suddenly turned her head and looked at him closely, asking, “Have you finished admiring it?”

The sudden question caught Chu Tianyu off guard, and he instinctively nodded.

Seeing the man across from her act so foolishly dull, Qin Nianran, whose mood had been adjusted with great effort using the Ice Heart Jade Technique, immediately became frustrated again.

Throughout the journey, aside from being a bit nervous at first when they boarded the bus, this fool had remained quiet and uncommunicative, ignoring her and staring blankly out the window, completely absorbed in some unseen scenery. She, on the other hand, followed behind him like a shadow, moving wherever he went.

It was on the bus, it was one thing, but even after getting off at the Bund, this fool remained lost in his reverie, moving along with the crowd but still focused on some distant sight, while she followed like a lackey.

It was not until Qin Nianran activated the Ice Heart Jade Formula that she gradually stabilized her mind and body, accompanying the fool beside her to “appreciate” the scenery by the river. At the same time, she inwardly reproached herself: “Why did I lose my composure like this today? I’ve always called him a fool in my heart—after all, he’s meant to do foolish things. How could I possibly expect him to do something amazing?” With these thoughts, Qin Nianran shook her head in self-mockery and completely relaxed, focusing on the scenery.

So when Chu Tianyu regained his senses, all he saw was what had just happened. He had no idea at all about Qin Nianran’s transformation!

“I don’t know if you understand the meaning of our meeting today, or if you still remember that we met years ago,” Qin Nianran said in a definitive tone, not waiting for Chu Tianyu to respond before continuing, “Actually, I don’t know how to explain this to you, where to start…”

Chu Tianyu’s heart stirred, and he suddenly took over the conversation, pretending to be simple-minded and saying, “I’m actually quite stupid; it’s hard for me to remember many things. I’ve been foolish since I was young, so just talk to me like I’m a fool! The clearer, the better—no problem at all!”

Hearing Chu Tianyu’s sudden interruption, as if he understood her thoughts, and bringing up the topic of being a fool without hesitation, she was greatly surprised. She began to observe Chu Tianyu more carefully, seeking deeper meaning.

Seeing her gaze, Chu Tianyu was also startled. Had she noticed something wrong? He thought carefully about what he had said and quickly identified the issue: it wasn’t what he said that was wrong, but how he responded. She hadn’t mentioned any embarrassment about speaking to a fool and not knowing what to say, yet he had assumed that and blurted out his answer first. No wonder she was surprised. But once words were spoken, they couldn’t be taken back. Chu Tianyu could only meet Qin Nianran’s gaze with a standard “hehe” smile…