Chapter 45: Liu Chengyuan Battled the Kongtong Sect

　　Liu Chengyuan had now mastered the second stage of the Confucian Heart of Benevolence Mantra—the Loyalty Mantra.　　Duanmu Xiao regarded him thoughtfully. “Dear Yuan, you once studied Daoist inner cultivation under Daguangzi, yet your combat style relies on the Guanzhong Fist. The two are ill-matched. Against an opponent as formidable as the black-clad assailant who wounded you before, such a mismatch could cost you dearly. But now that you have grasped the Loyalty Mantra, I may finally impart to you some of the highest forms of Confucian martial technique. Watch closely, for I shall demonstrate ‘Holding Fast to the Golden Mean’, the very skill you saw me use that day, along with this— ‘The Noble Man Does Not Contend’. Pay heed, and learn well.”　　Duanmu Xiao, having demonstrated a series of martial techniques, turned to Liu Chengyuan once more. “Beyond this, you may now begin cultivating the third stage of the Heart of Benevolence Technique—the Integrity Mantra. As the Master himself once said, A man without integrity—who can trust him?”　　“The Daoist teachings passed down by the esteemed Daguangzi also speak of this: He who makes promises lightly shall earn little trust. Likewise, the Great Learning, one of the Four Books, states: A noble man follows the great way—he attains it through loyalty and integrity, but loses it through arrogance and indulgence. Contemplate this well.” Hearing these words, Liu Chengyuan fell into deep thought, his mind quietly turning over the wisdom imparted to him.　　Liu Chengyuan pondered for a moment before speaking again. “Master, in today’s martial world, there are but three figures truly worthy of the title Grandmaster—Sect Master Sima of the Shangqing Sect, the Mohist Patriarch Mo Yuan, and the Sword Saint, General Pei. But now that both Sect Master Sima and Mo Yuan have passed on, is there anyone left who could rival General Pei in martial prowess? If there is, surely it must be you, Master?”　　Duanmu Xiao’s expression grew solemn. “Confucius disdained renown won through brute strength. Since taking up the way of Confucian martial arts, I have never reveale