Chapter 5: Master, Why Not Take Little Lu Under Your Wing?

Confucius’s gaze fell upon Lu Ge.

As soon as Lao Dan spoke, he declared that this young man was both his disciple and his mentor.

Either claim alone would draw attention.

Let alone both combined.

Yet the young man appeared ordinary.

Aside from being somewhat good-looking and having shorter hair, there was nothing particularly remarkable about him.

Perhaps his talent was hidden within, subtle and unassuming?

While Confucius pondered this, Lao Dan beckoned Lu Ge over.

Lu Ge nodded, then glanced back at Qing Niu.

“Brother Niu, today the house is crowded with guests. I’m afraid you’ll have to make do with finding a quiet corner to rest.”

Qing Niu took it in stride; such things were not new to him and he was long accustomed.

He nudged Lu Ge with his horn, signaling him to enter.

Lu Ge stepped inside, and with Lao Dan and Confucius took their seats.

Confucius remained silent while Lao Dan began the introductions.

“This is Lu Ge, my disciple and also my teacher.”

Then he looked at Lu Ge and said, “This is Zi Qiu.”

Lu Ge cupped his hands together respectfully.

“The name Confucius is renowned far and wide. To see you today is truly a blessing spanning three lifetimes.”

Had this been Lu Ge at the moment of his arrival in this world, his heart would have surely surged with excitement.

After all, before him was the Sage Confucius himself.

Regardless of later judgments, Confucius’s status was firmly established here.

But times had changed.

Lu Ge had now been in this world for several months, engaging daily in discourse with Lao Dan, and had begun to cultivate a heart aligned with the Way.

Unmoved by ordinary events, unshaken by honor or disgrace, had become his norm.

“You are too polite, young friend.”

“To be regarded as a teacher by Lao Dan, you must surely possess exceptional qualities.”

“What lessons do you have for me?”

To be called a sage surely implied many shared traits.

For instance, an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

Confucius, now curious, wondered what skill Lu Ge possessed to be regarded as a teacher by Lao Dan.

Before Lu Ge could answer, Lao Dan interjected.

“Discussions of the Way shall come another time.”

“Today, let us speak of matters more pressing.”

Lao Dan looked at Lu Ge.

“Zi Qiu has come today to speak of the widespread wars erupting across the land, and wishes to travel with me to the various states, persuading their rulers to lay down arms and seek peace.”

“What do you think?”

Confucius, having heard Lao Dan’s words, also turned his gaze to Lu Ge.

After a moment of contemplation, Lu Ge shook his head.

“This is nothing but a futile endeavor.”

Confucius stroked his beard and asked, “Then how do you believe the flames of war may be extinguished?”

Lu Ge was candid.

“War is violence.”

“To quell violence, only violence can be met with violence.”

“Today, the world is torn by conflicts among many states.”

“To bring order to the world, only a powerful nation can unify all under one banner, thus securing peace for all people.”

Confucius said nothing, instead looking to Lao Dan.

“Teacher, are you truly not reconsidering?”

Lao Dan shook his head.

“Though I do not fully agree with Lu Ge’s principle of violence met with violence, his reasoning is sound.”

“To wander from state to state persuading kings to lay down arms is simply impossible.”

“Life is short; why waste it on such fruitless pursuits?”

Confucius sighed.

“I am well aware these hopes are faint.”

“But we who live in this world cannot simply stand by and do nothing.”

“Where there is even a glimmer of hope, one must strive, one must act.”

“Very well, if the teacher is unwilling, I will not force the matter.”

“I take my leave.”

Confucius departed swiftly with his disciples, setting his course toward the capital of Chu.

“He has come to Chu to see the king.”

“Passing through Lixiang, he sought to persuade me to join him.”

Lao Dan looked to Lu Ge.

Lu Ge shook his head.

“War is already underway, not only in Chu but in other states as well.”

“If one stops fighting while others continue, how can one survive?”

“Confucius’s knowledge is profound; he surely understands this.”

Lao Dan smiled faintly but did not answer.

Instead, he shifted the subject.

“Lu Ge, you have studied the Way with me for months now. Have you found your own path?”

Lu Ge was taken aback by the sudden question but replied nonetheless.

“No, not yet.”

“I just feel life is fine as it is.”

“Every day I lead Qing Niu out to graze, then return to discuss the Way with you.”

“Am I lacking ambition?”

Lao Dan laughed heartily.

“How can that be called lacking ambition?”

“You have found your path already.”

“To live naturally and spontaneously, doing without doing, much like myself.”

Lu Ge blinked. He just wanted to take life easy.

Did Lao Dan really think so highly of him?

After Confucius’s departure, three or four months passed.

One day, shortly after noon.

Lao Dan was imparting teachings to Lu Ge.

Suddenly, a shout came from outside the courtyard.

“Li Da has encountered a tiger in the mountains! Quickly gather help to rescue him!”

Lu Ge was startled and turned toward the sound.

Lao Dan’s expression grew serious.

“I’ll go see what’s happening.”

Without hesitation, Lu Ge dashed outside.

Voices clamored as several villagers armed with hoes and spears prepared to head into the mountains.

Lu Ge seized the messenger.

“What’s going on?”

The man’s face was grave.

“Li Da and Li Er went to the mountains to gather firewood but met a fierce tiger.”

“Fortunately, Li Da held off the tiger, allowing Li Er to escape, though he was badly wounded.”

“Don’t hold me back! I have to help!”

With that, the man broke free and charged toward the forest with his tool raised.

Lu Ge’s heart burned with urgency.

He had just arrived in this world, and the first person he met was Li Da.

Now Li Da was in peril; how could he remain calm?

Returning indoors, Lu Ge’s eyes fixed on the treasured sword hanging on the wall.

It was Lao Dan’s talisman from his travels years ago.

Unused for years, it had become mere decoration.

“Li Da is in grave danger in the mountains.”

“Old Li, may I borrow your sword? I will go to help.”

Lao Dan nodded without hesitation.

“Take it as you will.”

“The tiger is fierce; be cautious.”

“But where narrow paths meet, the brave prevail.”

“If you face it, do not falter. Simply wield your sword.”

“This will make it hesitate, perhaps even drive it away.”

Lu Ge nodded in understanding.

He took down the sword and hurried outside.

Lao Dan followed at a measured pace, watching Lu Ge’s retreating figure.

“Master, I think Lu Ge is quite remarkable.”

Qing Niu approached and said,

“He’s different from the young master, who’s so reserved.”

“Not only does he take me out to graze every day, he now even draws his sword in anger to repay a kindness.”

“Why don’t you take him in?”

“If you do, when we return, I’ll have someone to talk and play with.”

Lao Dan smiled.

“What good thoughts you have.”

“His future will not be so limited.”

“For now, he can lead you out to graze and keep you company.”

“But in time, you might find it difficult to even see him once again.”