CG Chapter 22: Lessons of the Silent Forest

In the early hours of the day, silence filled the forest. Slowly the first rays of light peeked over the horizon casting their golden glow upon the awakening world. The gentle touch of sunlight birthed life into the lethargic forest as it unveiled the beauty that was hidden under the darkness. Once the sun began to rise higher, a symphony of birdsongs filled the air as it heralded the onset of a new day.

Amidst the ancient trees, a figure of a middle-aged man and his eager child stood, their faces adorned with the patterns coming from the shadow of dancing leaves.

Tian Chang fixed his gaze upon Tom and asked a profound question, "Do you know what is the most vital lesson a man must live by?"

Tom didn't honestly believe in what he was about to say; however, he said it to experiment and see what the reaction of Tian Chang would be, "Is it honor? A code that true warriors upheld since the beginning of time."

"Honor?" Asked Tian Chang with a dejected tone before erupting into laughter that was so loud it could be heard from afar. "Stand amongst the ashes of any battlefield, and ask their fallen warriors if honor matters. Those who seek glory by following the path of an honorable hero will die as villains. Their names will be engraved into the records of yore as traitors, crooks, and killers."

Curiosity ignited within Tom as he pressed further, "Then, what is the essential lesson that every man must learn? Furthermore, what do you fight for if not for honor and glory?"

Tian Chang's smile dropped as he directed his gaze toward the towering tree and said, "Ah, you asked two intriguing questions. Let me answer your second query first, as the answer to it is clearer to me. Each person in this world fights for their own cause, so I beseech you to understand that your path need not be the mirror of mine." After saying that, Tian Chang stayed silent for a while before resuming, "In my life, I had many reasons to fight, numerous motivations to keep moving forward. However, as time passed, only two remained. Your mother, the unwavering pillar that kept me standing when I falter, and you, the beacon of hope that painted vivid colors into my eyes."

Tom found Tian Chang's response to be too mundane. However, he still understood where Tian Chang was coming from. "Another lonely man, huh," Tom thought before asking, "And what about my initial question?"

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Tian Chang's eyes flickered with vigor as he began to speak, "Comprehending your own limitations is the crucial lesson that you need to learn. Picture a lowborn peasant ignorant of his place who dares to challenge those of power and status. What do you believe would ensue after what he did? Such fool acts will ensure that he faces but one grim end. His head will be severed by the guillotine by dawn. The same principle applies to you and me. When we hunt, we mustn't pursue prey that outclasses us. Otherwise, we may fall victim to it instead."

Before Tom could inquire further, Tian Chang's smile widened as he continued, "Do you know why I told you all of that? I want you to realize that a hunter need not learn a thousand or even ten thousand martial art to become a great hunter. You only need but one art that you master to the fullest to become a legend with your name sung about in every tavern. Today, I shall impart to you the only martial art I ever learned."

Eager, Tom couldn't hold his excitement anymore as he asked, "What is this martial art called?"

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Tian Chang was full of pride as he replied, "This martial art is known as 'The Predatory Eight Rings' It is composed of eight distinct and unique forms. While learning the basics of this martial art will not be difficult for you, the challenging part comes when you try to reach mastery of it as you need genuine real-life experience to act as the grinding wheel that will sharpen you."

"The First Ring is 'The Stalker.' This Ring serves as the foundation of 'The Predatory Eight Rings.' It focuses on your assimilation with the environment as you assess your opponent's vulnerable points."

"The Second Ring is 'The Hunter.' This form centers around delivering fatal strikes that aim to end the life of the prey. Every time you strike using this technique, you must enter into a mind of a hunter as you utilize the previous Ring to find and strike the vulnerable points."

"The Third Ring is 'Scavengers Palm.' Using the Palm strikes of a brutal scavenger, you will unleash bloodthirsty palm strikes as you strip the meat from your prey."

"The Fourth Ring is 'Beast's Stomp.' Using your legs, you will need to harness the power of explosive kicks that descend from the heavens as you become unstoppable and unyielding."

"The Fifth Ring is 'Death's Embrace.' This Ring focuses on the deflection and redirection of attacks; by utilizing fluid and evasive movements, you will use your prey's own might against it."

"The Sixth Ring is 'Shadow Dance.' This Ring uses seamless movements to enable its practitioners to navigate through the battlefield as if they were phantoms. These movements will assist you to reach your foe without being caught."

"The Seventh Ring is 'The Veil.' This Ring elevates the basics of being a hunter, as with it, you will be unseen and unheard. When you use this Ring, you must harness your surrounding to its full power."

Tian Chang stopped talking abruptly after explaining the Seventh Ring.

Tom appeared puzzled as he inquired, "What about the Eighth Ring? You didn't explain it."

"Only after you learn the first seven will you have the ability to tackle the last Ring," said Tian Chang with an exhausted look on his face as he allowed the weight of his words to settle down upon Tom.

The air around the two of them appeared charged with chilling yin energy, as if the forest itself held its breath, fearing to interrupt Tom's comprehension of 'The Predatory Eight Rings' Well, for now, it should be called 'The Predatory Seven Rings.'