Bab 420: 406. The Hermit - Sima Hui
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With final goodbyes and well-wishes exchanged, Zhuge Liang and Lu Xun entered their respective carriages, to set off on their respective journeys. With a final wave, they rode out leaving Xiapi for the first time in a long time. As the two young scholars disappeared into the distance, Lie Fan and the others watched with a mixture of pride and hope.
The first part of Zhuge Liang and Lu Xun's journey took them through the bustling city of Shouchun after one week and a half. The city was alive with activity, markets bustling with traders and merchants, children playing in the streets, and soldiers guarding in well-ordered lines.
Zhuge Liang and Lu Xun took the time to observe the city's vibrant life, taking note of its strategic importance and the strength of its defenses, and also learned from Chen Deng as the Baihu Army was stationed at Shouchun.
After a brief time spent in Shouchun, their journey continued heading south. The landscape changed as they traveled further south, with rolling hills giving way to dense forests and wide rivers. Each night, they camped in carefully chosen locations, where the Oriole members, kept a vigilant watch over them.
One and a half weeks later, their carriages entered Lujiang, Lu Xun's hometown. The town, nestled by the banks of the Yangtze River, was a hub of trade and fishery activity.
The arrival of Zhuge Liang and Lu Xun did not go unnoticed, as Wang Lang had been informed of their imminent arrival and had guards and officials alike welcome them, which satisfied Lu Kang, Lu Xun's uncle at the same time as he feels his nephew brings honor to the clan, to be valued in such young age.
Zhuge Liang and Lu Xun were welcomed warmly by Wang Lang when they reached the Governor's Castle, "Welcome Zhuge Liang and Lu Xun! My Lord informed me of your imminent arrival, I hope the two of you enjoy the feast I have prepared for the two of you."
"Thank you, Master Wang Lang. The two of us appreciate what you have done for us, you don't need to go to such lengths to welcome us", Lu Xun said as he felt overwhelmed by the welcome.
Zhuge Liang who was beside Lu Xun, could see that he was flabbergasted and helped him to reduce his nervousness, "What Lu Xun is trying to say, Master Wang Lang, is that we didn't need such a large banquet, a small one with you and his family will do."
Listening to the words of the two young men, Wabg Lang just let out a smile and told them that he would remember their request for the future, for now, they should enjoy today's banquet.
The three of them entered the Governo's Castle Main Hall, where the banquet was prepared. Inside the meeting with many of Lujiang's officials and military commanders, they also meet with the entire Lu Clan members.
Seeing his uncle, Lu Xun went to greet him and the others with high respect as he hadn't seen them for so long. Lu Kang and the rest of the Lu Clan members welcomed him with loud applause.
After his greeting, he introduced Zhuge Liang to Ku Kang and the rest of the Lu Clan, before they enjoyed the banquet that was prepared for them by Wang Lang to welcome them.
The banquet went on until evening during which Zhuge Liang and Lu Xun took the earliest leave they could from the banquet, as they were very tired after their long journey from Shouchun.
In the privacy of their quarters, Zhuge Liang and Lu Xun reflected on the travels they had from Xiapi to reach Lujiang. "We've made it to Lujiang," Zhuge Liang said, looking out the window at the night sky. "This is where our paths diverge, Boyan. From here, you will stay with your uncle and Master Wang Lang, while I will head to Jing Province."
Lu Xun nodded, his expression serious yet filled with determination. "Indeed, Brother Kongming. I will do my best to learn all I can and to serve Lord Lie Fan well in the future! Our paths may diverge, but we share the same ultimate goal which is to repay what Lord Lie Fan had done for us!"
The next morning, Zhuge Liang and Lu Xun stood at the gates of the Ku Clan residence, ready to part ways. "Take care, Boyan," Zhuge Liang said, clasping Lu Xun's hand. "We will meet again, and when we do, we will be much older and wiser compared to ourselves today."
"Safe travels, Brother Kongming," Lu Xun replied. "I wish you luck in finding Sima Hui's residence, and learn much from him alongside Pang Degong and Huang Chengyang, the three hermit ."
After saying their goodbyes, Zhuge Liang entered his carriage and left the Lu Clan residence and Lujiang, heading toward Jing Province, where the hermit Sima Hui is located alongside his friends.
Lu Xun watched as Zhuge Liang's carriage vanished into the distance and the bustling crowd, promising himself that when he met with Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi in the future, he could stand toe to toe with them.
Zhuge Liang's journey continued with determination and focus. Leaving Lujiang, he traveled east toward Jiangxia, which was under the Xuanwu Army's protection. The journey was relatively smooth, and he arrived in Jiangxia after several days of travel.
Jiangxia was a bustling port town, with its streets filled with commoners, merchants, scholars, and soldiers. Zhuge Liang stayed at the Serenity Inn to rest for the night, ensuring his driver and horse for his carriage were well rested and fed.
As he settled in for the evening, he took time to speak with the locals, gathering information and familiarizing himself with Jiangxia's situation, while also looking for information about Sima Hui.
After trying many times, he finally found some clue that someone in Changsha knew of Sima Hui's location or at least his whereabouts, which was a big lead for him.
The next morning, he boarded a boat that would take him across the Yangtze River toward Changsha. The boat ride was serene, the gentle lapping of the water providing a stark contrast to the bustling streets of Jiangxia.
Upon crossing the Yangtze River, Zhuge Liang continued his journey toward Changsha. The road was long, but his resolve was unwavering. Arriving in Changsha, He quickly settled into the Serenity Inn in Changsha, to follow up on the lead about someone knowing about Sima Hui's location or whereabouts.
Zhuge Liang knew that finding Sima Hui, the famed hermit, would not be easy. Sima Hui was known for his reclusive nature, and many sought his wisdom and water to become his student, but few found him.
Zhuge Liang began his search in the local marketplaces and tea houses, speaking with scholars, merchants, and anyone who might have a clue about Sima Hui's whereabouts.
One evening, while conversing with a group of scholars at a tea house, he finally received a promising lead. An elderly scholar mentioned that Sima Hui was known to reside in a secluded area near Xiangyang, often seen meditating by a serene lake surrounded by lush forests.
Thanking the scholar for the information, Zhuge Liang set out early the next morning for Xiangyang. The journey took him through changing landscapes and 2 weeks before reaching Xiangyang.
Upon arriving in Xiangyang, Zhuge Liang sought out the lake mentioned by the elderly scholar that was around Xiangyang. Zhuge Liang accompanied by his driver, entered the lush forest around Xiangyang, and the Orioles kept track of his location to guard him.
He spent several days searching for the lake mentioned by the old scholars before he found a beautiful, serene body of water, surrounded by cherry trees and blooming flowers.
Excited, he approached the lake on foot, when he saw an elderly man sitting calmly by the water's edge, deep in meditation, with two young men beside him also in meditation like the elder.
Zhuge Liang approached them respectfully, and his footsteps attracted the attention of the two young men. "Master Sima Hui," he called softly, not wanting to disturb the hermit's peace.
The elderly man was Sima Hui, and hearing his name being called he turned around and saw Zhuge Liang standing not far from him, and when the two young men beside him wanted to say a word, he raised his hand to stop them, allowing Zhuge Liang to talk.
"I am Zhuge Liang, a humble young scholar from Xiapi, I came here seeking your guidance and wisdom," he said, bowing deeply.
Sima Hui studied Zhuge Liang for a moment before nodding slightly. "I have heard of you, Zhuge Liang, one of the three young geniuses from Xiapi's Academy under Lie Fan," he said, his voice calm and measured. "Sit in front of me, and let us talk. What is it that you seek?"
Zhuge Liang sat down by the lake and thus began a profound conversation between the two old and young scholars. Zhuge Liang spoke of his journey, his aspirations, and his desire to serve Lie Fan with everything he had to repay his kindness.
Sima Hui listened patiently, offering insights and guidance, and challenging Zhuge Liang to think deeper and more critically about his goals and the path he had chosen.
As the conversation between the two of them grows deeper and deeper, the two young men who sit on the left and right of Sima Hui turn to look at each other, surprised that someone could hold such a long conversation with their master.
The only ones who could do so were one of the young men's uncles, Pang Degong, and an emotional guide for the other young men, Huang Chengyan.
After some time passed by, Sima Hui and Zhuge Liang's conversation was finally finished, and Sima Hui was satisfied with Zhuge Liang's aptitude, talent, and personality, so he introduced the two young men beside him to Zhuge Liang.
Sima Hui stood up, gesturing to the two young men who had been quietly observing the conversation. "Zhuge Liang," he began, "I would like to introduce you to my apprentices. They have been studying under me for quite some time and possess remarkable talents of their own."
He motioned to the young man on his left. "This is Pang Tong. His intelligence and strategic mind are matched only by his unconventional thinking. Many consider him a prodigy."
Pang Tong stepped forward, his eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of mischief. "It is an honor to meet you, Zhuge Liang," he said, his voice confident. "I have heard much about your talents and look forward to learning from you as well."
Zhuge Liang bowed respectfully. "The honor is mine, Pang Tong. I hope that we can get to know each other well if I get the chance."
Sima Hui then turned to the young man on his right. "And this is Xu Shu, whose wisdom and keen understanding of human nature make him an invaluable strategist and advisor."
Xu Shu smiled warmly and bowed. "Zhuge Liang, I have long heard of your name from Master. It is a privilege to meet you."
"The feeling is mutual, Xu Shu, I hope we can exchange some knowledge concerning human nature," Zhuge Liang replied. As the three young scholars began to interact with each other, Sima Hui from the side observed the conversation and saw how Zhuge Liang could keep up with his apprentice, he felt that Zhuge Liang could be a valuable addition to the group of apprentices under him, he had the talent and he had a feeling that he will become one of the best in this era.
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Three Heroes Who Defeat Lu Bu
Age: 31 (198 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 825
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 936 (+20)
VIT: 598 (+20)
AGI: 583 (+10)
INT: 587
CHR: 96
WIS: 509
WILL: 397
ATR Points: 0
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
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