The Way of Restraint

Chapter 73: The Fire Marsh Transforms; Daily Renewal, Constant Change

“Greetings, Master Ma—oh? Master Chen, you’re here too.”

The middle-aged man surnamed Li greeted Master Ma the moment he appeared, then politely acknowledged Old Chen. However, his demeanor made it clear he wasn’t particularly close to either of them.

Su Jie had occasionally seen this man, Li Rihui, in news reports, though not frequently. He was one of those behind-the-scenes powerhouses. Some media outlets even referred to him as “Master Nine.”

He was clearly a man of considerable influence.

In several reports, he had been shown standing shoulder to shoulder with Feng Shoucheng, the true helm of the Haoyu Group.

In the business world, he was considered a godfather-like figure.

“Have a seat, Old Li,” Master Ma gestured without rising. “How have things been going for you lately? Any improvement in your health?”

“Thank you, Master Ma.” Li Rihui sat down but didn’t let his son do the same. His son stood respectfully beside him, fully aware that there was no seat for him here.

Even though his son was a widely recognized “young master” in the outside world, rules were rules in this place.

Su Jie remembered him clearly—he was effeminate in appearance, almost like a woman, and gave off an impression of deep, inscrutable scheming.

This “young master” was named Li Zhi.

Since their last encounter, Su Jie had looked up information on the four young masters and their companies. Of course, all he could find were the basic public details online.

Li Zhi had also noticed Su Jie and Zhang Manman. A trace of surprise crossed his handsome face, which he quickly suppressed.

He knew very well that anyone allowed into Master Ma’s courtyard was someone of considerable status. And to be a guest of honor here—well, that meant you were either a business titan or a political heavyweight.

So why was Su Jie, of all people, sitting as a guest of honor?

Just a few days ago, when they’d met, the four of them hadn’t even bothered to look at Su Jie properly. He was nothing but a disposable pawn to them.

And now, somehow, Su Jie was sitting here while he had to stand?

“Since Master Ma adjusted my feng shui layout and treated my body last time, everything has been going smoothly. The petty people who opposed me have all fallen one by one. I’ve also been practicing the health-preserving Qigong techniques you taught me and have started to feel the Qi sensations. That’s why I’ve come to consult with you again. My son is also quite interested and hopes to learn as well. I wonder if he’s worthy of your time?” Li Rihui said while glancing at Su Jie and Zhang Manman.

“They’re both outstanding young friends—one is the daughter of an old friend, and the other is a bright youth I recently met. You should get to know them,” Master Ma personally introduced. “She’s Zhang Hongqing’s daughter. I assume you’re familiar with that name, Old Li?”

“I’ve heard a lot about him,” Li Rihui’s body gave a slight jolt when he heard the name. He quickly stood up, pulled out business cards from his pocket, and handed them to both Zhang Manman and Su Jie. Then he turned to Zhang Manman and said, “I do a lot of business in Europe and America. I expect I’ll need to rely on your father quite a bit in the future.”

“You’re too kind, Uncle Li,” Zhang Manman stood up as well. “I’m planning to develop my business in S City. I’ll definitely need your help with my startup.”

“Oh? You’re starting a business?” A spark lit up in Li Rihui’s eyes. “Then I may really be of use. This is my son, Li Zhi. He’s not particularly accomplished, but he’s managed to stir up a bit of success. Young folks should stick together.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” he said as he handed his card to Su Jie. Though he kept his words brief, his attitude was far more respectful than those other so-called young masters. There wasn’t even a hint of arrogance—he came off as completely grounded.

‘A seasoned player is a seasoned player,’ Su Jie silently compared this ‘godfather’ to those other young masters. The difference in character was clear.

Li Rihui was curious himself. He had noticed that when Master Ma introduced Su Jie, he’d used the term “young friend.”

Friend? That implied equality.

What had this barely-grown boy done to be treated as an equal by Master Ma?

He wasn’t about to act careless.

“Xiao Mo, take Manman and Xiao Li to talk business. I need to treat Old Li,” Master Ma said. At that, Xiao Mo stepped forward and nodded to Zhang Manman and Li Zhi.

Li Zhi understood right away—something important was about to happen, and it wasn’t appropriate for him to stay and watch. But the question burning in his heart only grew: why was Su Jie allowed to stay?

Li Rihui was a bit stunned as well. He could understand Old Chen remaining—he was a Taiji master, highly skilled in health Qigong, traditional medicine, and more. He had spent his life teaching, with countless disciples both at home and abroad.

With him and Master Ma treating his condition together, Li Rihui felt more at ease.

This was equivalent to having two top-tier experts consulting on his health—of course he wouldn’t refuse.

But what was Su Jie doing here as well?

‘Could it be that Master Ma is training a disciple? I know for a fact that his last disciple is that young Mo kid. He treats him like a son—raised him as an orphan, passed on everything to him: feng shui, divination, fate analysis, medicine, martial arts, and spiritual cultivation. And publicly, he’s said he no longer takes on students—he only teaches.’

This time, Li Rihui had brought along his son, Li Zhi, with the hope that Master Ma would make an exception. If he could take Li Zhi in as a disciple, not only would he learn valuable skills, but he could also benefit from the master’s network.

“Old Li, I know what you’re thinking,” said Master Ma. As a psychology expert, he could see right through Li Rihui’s intentions. He chuckled. “This young man’s abilities are no weaker than mine. Given time, he will certainly surpass me.”

“Master Ma, you’re giving me too much credit,” Su Jie replied, breaking into a cold sweat. Whether in martial arts or academics, he never considered himself exceptional. From beginning to end, he saw himself as a student, doing everything he could to absorb all kinds of knowledge.

Besides, it had only been four months since he started learning martial arts. Just this meeting with Master Ma and hearing his explanation of the three levels of the “Great Corpse State” had already benefited him immensely.

“Alright, let’s begin,” Master Ma said, stepping in front of Li Rihui. He instructed him to take off his clothes and put on a loose robe. Then he began tapping various points on Li Rihui’s body, much like the acupoint-pressing scenes seen in TV dramas.

But Su Jie could tell—each point carried subtle force, targeting key acupuncture points to relax the muscles and tendons. The technique was completely different from Uncle Mang’s.

Uncle Mang’s methods were fierce and explosive—far beyond what most people could handle. Even professional, state-level fighters didn’t dare try it. Only someone like Su Jie, a true oddball, had endured it and pushed his hard-body martial arts to an advanced level.

Master Ma’s massage techniques, on the other hand, were gentle like a spring breeze—subtly improving the body. It was clear from Li Rihui’s expression that both his body and mind were completely relaxed.

“You’ve had too much on your mind lately, which has caused disruptions in your blood flow. How many times have I told you? When the mind is burdened, doubts arise. When doubts fester, the spirit is wounded. When the spirit is damaged, your essence dries up, and your life is shortened. Even a wise man like Zhuge Wolong couldn’t escape such a fate,” Master Ma said. “I can open your meridians and provide psychological counseling, but that’s just treating the symptoms, not the root cause. Ultimately, it’s up to you to let go.”

“In the world of business, we’re often not in control. Wise men die young,” Li Rihui sighed. “I wouldn’t call myself wise, but I do have too much to consider. Every step is calculated. Business is war—make one mistake, and you’re crushed. Letting go isn’t that simple. All I want is for my son to take over, shoulder some of the burden, and let me live out the rest of my life in peace.”

“You’ve probably been struggling to make a big decision lately, haven’t you?” Master Ma asked. “One that could shift your entire company’s direction—you’re weighing it in your mind.”

“I ask for your guidance, Master,” said Li Rihui. Though he had a reputation in the business world as a cunning strategist, he knew he couldn’t hide anything from Master Ma.

That was why he respected him so much.

“Last time, I helped adjust the feng shui of your home. We used red tiles at the bottom of the central koi pond, and added aquatic plants, deadwood, and mud, didn’t we?” Master Ma asked.

“Yes, yes, that’s right…” Li Rihui nodded quickly.

“Red tiles at the bottom represent fire, while the aquatic plants, deadwood, and mud represent a marsh. Fire below and marsh above—this forms the Ge hexagram in the Book of Changes,” Master Ma explained. “Before, your pond water was too clear. But water that’s too clear has no fish—lacking vitality. It may have seemed refreshing at first glance, but over time, it became dull and affected your emotional judgment. After adding those elements, it teemed with life. Being surrounded by that life energy for a long time lifted your mood. Add to that the psychological cues I gave you—you developed a sense of direction and support deep inside, so your decision-making became sharp.

“I don’t use mystical superstitions to deceive you. With your intellect, superstition is useless. Only truth can convince you.”

“My house and office feel much better after your feng shui adjustments—even the air feels cleaner,” Li Rihui nodded in growing agreement.

“That’s just basic architectural technique—craftsmanship of Lu Ban,” said Master Ma. “But what you must understand is what the Ge hexagram implies: when a nobleman undergoes a transformation, it’s like a leopard changing its spots; when a petty man changes, he merely alters his face. A country that doesn’t reform rots, a company that doesn’t reform declines, and a person that doesn’t change completely will fall into ruin. *If one can renew oneself for a day, let one do so every day, and keep doing so daily.* That’s the principle of a true scholar. You’re a Confucian businessman—how could you not understand that?”

“If one can renew oneself for a day, let one do so every day, and keep doing so daily…” Li Rihui murmured. “Fire below, marsh above—Ge. The nobleman changes like a leopard, the petty man merely changes his face…”

“Honestly, Old Li, what’s so hard about this decision? It’s just a company. Think about the bold reforms our nation has made for the sake of the people’s future,” Old Chen interjected. “If you were in that position, I bet your legs would be shaking.”

“Destiny demands change—there’s no other way,” Li Rihui said, suddenly standing up. “Master Ma, Master Chen, I’ve learned much today.”

“Sit down, sit down. I’m not done with your treatment yet. First, take a look at this crystal ball,” said Master Ma, pulling one out.