Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils: The Successor of Bodhidharma

Page 13

"It was just a coincidence." Qiao Tian smiled slightly. "Wudang will have its own elegant music in the future, and I'll leave that to Sister Cheng."

Qiao Tian treated Fu Minyi in a different way. Seeing her practicing her lightness skill, he went up to spar with her for a few moves, occasionally offering some pointers: "Sister Fu's movement technique is already superb. If you can further understand the subtle meaning of 'using qi to control form,' you will be able to reach an even higher level."

For the past three months, Qiao Tian has interacted with everyone in different ways, yet he has always maintained just the right distance. He doesn't try to win people over, but he makes everyone feel respected and valued.

As the sun set, Qiao Tian and Su Xinghe stood side by side in front of the Zhenwu Hall. Looking at the newly established dojo, Su Xinghe sighed, "Three months ago, I was worried about the sect leader's youth, but now it seems I was overthinking it. Not only have you managed to harmonize the various forces, but even those proud and arrogant 'Eight Friends of Hangu Pass' are willing to serve you."

Qiao Tian shook his head slightly: "Everything has just begun. Although the Zhenwu Hall is taking shape, the lecture hall and scripture pavilion have not yet been built. Most importantly..." He looked towards Shaoshi Mountain, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Qiao Feng's days at Shaolin Temple were numbered. Once he went to the Beggars' Sect, his adoptive parents would lose their protection. Thinking of Xiao Yuanshan lurking in the shadows, Qiao Tian knew he had to bring his parents to Wudang as soon as possible. This thought weighed heavily on his mind, constantly urging him on.

A deeper worry lingered in his mind. While the Nine Yang Divine Skill had laid a solid foundation for him, it ultimately leaned towards masculine strength and was not the ultimate embodiment of Taoist martial arts. He needed to create a martial art that truly aligned with the philosophy of "using Tao to control martial arts," integrating the principles of Yin and Yang into his martial arts. This was not only crucial to the very foundation of Wudang, but also to whether it could one day rival Shaolin in martial arts.

As dusk deepened, the disciples finished their work and descended the mountain one after another. Qiao Tian remained alone in front of the hall, gazing at the Zhenwu Hall gradually taking shape in the twilight. The eaves of the hall were outlined with resolute lines in the afterglow of the setting sun, like a sword about to be drawn from its sheath.

A mountain breeze began to rise, fluttering his robes. The foundation of Wudang was newly established, and the people's hearts were gradually uniting, but he knew that the real test had only just begun. The road ahead would be far more difficult than building these palaces.

In the darkness, he turned and walked towards a secluded cave in the back mountains. There, a solitary lamp was about to be lit, accompanying him as he continued to ponder the profound and mysterious principles of Tai Chi.

Chapter 42 Welcoming Wuyazi

Six months of hard work have finally yielded fruitful results. The atmosphere atop the main peak of Wudang Mountain has changed dramatically.

The Zhenwu Hall stands majestically, unpainted and gilded, its foundation of bluestone, beams of massive timbers, and soaring eaves exuding a simple yet grand aura. It blends seamlessly with the surrounding mountains and mists, possessing a serene and powerful Daoist charm. The plaza in front of the hall is paved with bluestone slabs, flat and spacious, capable of accommodating a hundred people practicing martial arts simultaneously. On either side, several rows of simple yet sturdy disciples' quarters have been built along the mountainside.

In the herb garden, the herbs planted by Xue Muhua's disciples had sprouted new buds, full of vitality. Although the furnace in the alchemy room was not always lit, all the utensils had been properly arranged. Even more amazingly, Feng Asan had cleverly installed bamboo pipes according to the direction of the mountain spring, bringing the clear spring water into the settlement, saving them the trouble of carrying water.

On this day, the weather was fine, and the sea of ​​clouds churned. Qiao Tian summoned everyone to the front of the Zhenwu Hall.

Looking at these people who had toiled for months for him and for Wudang—Su Xinghe and his disciples, Granny Yu, Cheng Qingshuang, Fu Minyi, Madam Shi, and many former members of the Xiaoyao Sect and members of the Lingjiu Palace—Qiao Tian felt a surge of emotion. He spoke loudly, his clear voice echoing throughout the square:

"Thank you all for your hard work over the past six months! Wudang's current form is entirely due to your concerted efforts. Qiao Tian thanks you all!" With that, he bowed deeply to everyone.

Everyone quickly returned the greeting, their faces mostly filled with pride and joy. How could they not be excited to witness firsthand how a barren mountain had been transformed into this magnificent and promising land of hidden dragons?

Qiao Tianzhi stood up, his expression turning serious, and began to make arrangements.

“Senior Brother.” He looked at Su Xinghe.

"Junior Brother Sect Leader," Su Xinghe said, bowing.

"With martial arts now established, everything is in need of attention. I need to go to the Valley of the Deaf and Mute immediately to welcome my master. For the time being, I ask my senior brother to take full charge of all matters in the mountains and act as the sect leader."

Su Xinghe was shocked upon hearing this and waved his hands repeatedly: "No, no! Junior Brother Sect Leader, I am old and lack virtue, how can I shoulder such a heavy responsibility? Important matters in the mountain still need to be decided upon when Junior Brother returns!"

Qiao Tian smiled, with a hint of undeniable mischief: "Senior Brother, please don't refuse. You are experienced and highly respected. If you don't take charge, who will? It's settled then. You'll have to adapt as soon as possible." His tone was relaxed, yet it revealed absolute trust.

Before Su Xinghe could refuse again, he continued, "There is one more matter I would like to ask you, Senior Brother, to take care of. Send someone to look for displaced orphans at the foot of the mountain, or kind-hearted, unfortunate people of good character and impeccable backgrounds, and bring them up the mountain. From this day forward, our Martial Arts Society will officially begin accepting disciples; the number should be based on their impeccable background, not on the number of disciples."

He paused, then smiled with a hint of helplessness, "Don't rush to teach them martial arts. Your nephews, Gou Du and Wu Lingjun, can teach them to read and write, to understand principles, and to distinguish between good and evil. A tall building starts from the ground up; one's character and foundation are far more important than fist and foot techniques." At this moment, he himself had not yet created a perfect new method, so he could only focus on strengthening their cultural foundation first.

Seeing that Qiao Tian was determined and that his arrangements were reasonable, Su Xinghe could only smile wryly and agree: "In that case, I will temporarily take over for a while until the sect leader returns."

Qiao Tian nodded, then looked at Granny Yu: "Granny Yu, I entrust all the logistics and personnel arrangements for Wudang Mountain to you."

Grandma Yu remained calm and nodded, saying, "It's my duty."

Qiao Tian suddenly looked at Cheng Qingshuang and Fu Minyi beside her, and smiled at Granny Yu, "Granny, I have another request. Sister Cheng and Sister Fu have been assisting us for a long time and are very skilled in everything. Wudang really can't do without them. I wonder if it would be possible to write to Granny Tong and ask her to grant us permission to stay at Wudang permanently? As time goes by, we all... really can't bear to see them leave." He spoke sincerely, and even showed a pleading expression on his face. He also informed his Grand Master Uncle that his junior brother would soon be bringing his master here for recuperation, and he would be honored if his Grand Master Uncle could grace Wudang with his presence at the Wudang Opening Ceremony in three months!

Upon hearing this, Cheng Qingshuang and Fu Minyi were taken aback at first, then both rolled their eyes, but the corners of their mouths turned up slightly, clearly appreciating the somewhat straightforward yet sincere "reluctance".

Granny Yu's lips twitched slightly, and she said calmly, "I will truthfully report to Your Majesty the situation and explain the reasons and needs here. Whether it succeeds or not is entirely up to Your Majesty to decide."

"Thank you very much, Granny!" Qiao Tian was overjoyed and added, "Please also ask Granny to convey Wudang's request to Tong Lao in your letter that if there are any Taoist classics in Lingjiu Palace, could you please give us a few to help establish the foundation of our Wudang sect? We would be extremely grateful!"

After making these arrangements, his expression turned solemn, and he said to Su Xinghe, "Senior Brother, immediately write a letter to Junior Nephew Xue, informing him that Wudang is ready and requesting his assistance. We will personally go to the Valley of the Deaf and Mute to welcome Master in the coming days. This matter concerns Master's safety and must not be taken lightly."

He then turned to Feng Asan: "Nephew Feng, I would also like to trouble you to quickly develop three independent residences in a secluded and sheltered place behind the main peak. One should be comfortable and quiet, for Master to recuperate; one should be warm and comfortable, for my parents; and the other can be simple, for my future seclusion."

Finally, he looked at Madam Shi and Granny Yu, who were checking accounts, and rubbed his hands together somewhat embarrassedly: "Um... Granny, Madam Shi, there is one more thing. We still need to carefully bribe the imperial court and local officials to maintain good relations. In the future, when Wudang establishes itself and even promotes Taoism, we will inevitably have to deal with the government. In this matter... do not be stingy with money."

Madam Shi had just finished calculating a sum of money when she looked up, shrugged the account book in her hand, and rolled her eyes: "My good sect leader! Do you know that in the past six months, the purchase of land, building materials, labor, and bribery have already cost my Lingjiu Palace Juntian Department 270,000 taels of silver! You said 'Don't be stingy' so easily!"

Qiao Tian blushed deeply, awkwardly touched his nose, bowed repeatedly, and said loudly, "Sisters, you've worked so hard! Sisters, you've suffered so much! Wudang is poor, but we will definitely repay you tenfold in the future!"

His feigned embarrassment actually eased the serious atmosphere, eliciting a burst of good-natured laughter from everyone. Even Madam Shi couldn't help but smile and shook her head.

The next morning, Qiao Tian went down the mountain alone and headed straight for the Valley of the Deaf and Mute. Several days later, he escorted Wu Yazi and Xue Muhua to Wudang Mountain safely.

After carefully settling Wu Yazi into the mountain dwelling that had been meticulously prepared for him, overlooking the sea of ​​clouds, Qiao Tian, ​​Xue Muhua, and Wu Yazi had a long and private conversation.

The room was filled with the mingled scents of herbs and sandalwood. Wu Yazi leaned back in a chair covered with thick, soft fur; though still unable to walk easily, his eyes had regained some of their sparkle. Xue Muhua carefully examined his master's body, his brow furrowed.

"Our master's meridians have been broken for many years, and most of them have atrophied and blocked. Ordinary medicine and acupuncture are insufficient to reach the root cause," Xue Muhua said in a deep voice, his tone solemn.

Wu Yazi himself was quite open-minded, and smiled and said, "It is fortunate that we have survived until now and can see the light of day. You don't need to worry too much."

Qiao Tian pondered for a moment and said, "Junior Nephew Xue, I may have a method to try. My internal energy path is extremely yang and pure, with abundant vitality. Perhaps I can try to use my true energy to slowly nourish and cleanse Master's blocked and broken meridians. Although it will take a long time, there may be a glimmer of hope."

A glint flashed in Wu Yazi's eyes: "Oh? This method is quite dangerous. It requires extremely precise control over one's internal energy. If one is not careful, both will be injured."

"This disciple is willing to give it my all, though I will proceed with extreme caution," Qiao Tian said solemnly.

"Alright, I'll do as you say." Wu Yazi nodded, already quite aware of his disciple's abilities.

Then, Qiao Tian added, “Furthermore, when I was at Shaolin, I read the Yi Jin Jing, which contains a chapter called ‘Nourishing’. It specifically discusses using intention to guide Qi to warm and nourish the tendons, fascia, marrow, and brain. Although it is not an offensive technique, it may have remarkable effects on strengthening the foundation, cultivating vitality, and revitalizing decay. I can share its principles and methods with my master, or perhaps combine it with Qi healing and practice it myself for greater results with less effort.” He was referring to a gentle method he had “designed” based on the Xi Sui Jing and the name of the Yi Jin Jing.

Upon hearing this, Wu Yazi was even more surprised. He listened carefully to Qiao Tian's explanation of the principles, nodding more and more as he listened, and sighed, "I never expected that Shaolin would have such an exquisite method of cultivation, which is just what I need at this moment! Tian'er, you are very thoughtful."

In the midst of their lively discussion, Qiao Tian suddenly had a strange idea and looked at Xue Muhua: "Junior Nephew Xue, you are a divine physician, have you ever heard of a miraculous medicine called 'Black Jade Broken Heart Ointment'?"

Xue Muhua was taken aback, pondering deeply: "Black Jade Bone-Setting Ointment? Never heard of it. Judging from the name, it seems to be related to bone setting and tendon repair?"

“Exactly,” Qiao Tian described based on his vague memory. “I once saw a few words about it in a rare, incomplete manuscript. It said that it was extremely cold in nature and that it was made primarily of black jade from the snow-capped mountains and cold-region herb, supplemented with a variety of rare medicinal herbs, and made into a paste. It is said to be able to revitalize life and even heal old bone injuries that have lasted for decades. However, the process is extremely painful. The old injury must be broken again, and then the paste must be applied. Only by using internal energy to dissolve the medicinal power can it take effect.”

Wu Yazi and Xue Muhua listened intently.

“Snow Mountain Black Jade… Cold Land Interrupted Grass…” Xue Muhua murmured to himself, his eyes growing brighter and brighter. “If these two are used as the principal ingredients, their properties can indeed penetrate deep into the bone marrow and stimulate vitality… but their medicinal properties are domineering and harsh, requiring extremely yang-friendly herbs to assist them and balance their properties… perhaps it is possible to…” He was completely immersed in the deduction of medicine.

Wu Yazi pondered and said, "To destroy before to build, to put oneself in a life-or-death situation before to live? This principle is similar to some extreme methods in martial arts. If this medicine really exists in the world, its concept can be described as audacious yet secretly in line with the ultimate principles of medicine."

Qiao Tiandao said, "This medicine may only exist in theory, or it may have been lost long ago. (But he was certain that this medicine has not yet been made on the market. He believed that Xue Muhua's medical skills would definitely create the formula, and he only needed to give him some inspiration.) But since this has been said, it is a direction. Senior Brother Xue can follow this line of thought and slowly deduce and test its production. As for the pain of reconnecting broken bones..." He looked at Wuyazi.

Wu Yazi smiled calmly, but there was a hint of arrogance in his eyes: "If it can truly give me the chance to stand up again, what is the pain of shattered bones?"

Inside their residence, the three discussed medicine, martial arts, meridian theory, and pharmacology for a long time, until late at night. The future of Wudang Mountain seemed to be becoming increasingly clear through this in-depth discussion.

Chapter 43 Beiming Divine Skill

On the back mountain of Wudang's main peak, there is a secluded platform. At dawn, the sea of ​​clouds is churning.

Qiao Tian stood in the center of the platform, his body moving slowly. What he was practicing was not a Shaolin secret technique or a free and easy martial art, but a unique "fist style" with smooth and fluid movements, seemingly soft yet resilient. His arms sometimes seemed to be holding a ball, sometimes brushing against clouds, and his steps were light and steady, driving the flow of Qi throughout his body. It was the "Tai Chi" form that he had deduced in reverse based on his memories of his previous life.

He attempted to integrate the overwhelming internal energy of the Nine Yang Divine Skill into his fluid and effortless movements, but found that the supremely yang and powerful Nine Yang True Qi clashed with the principles of "overcoming strength with softness and controlling movement with stillness." When his internal energy reached certain points, it felt stagnant and obstructed, like a flood trying to enter a winding path—powerful yet unable to penetrate its depths. He repeatedly adjusted the coordination of his breathing, intention, and movements, his brow furrowing slightly; he had clearly hit a bottleneck.

Wu Yazi sat in his wheelchair, a Lingjiu Palace maid serving him tea, his gaze never leaving Qiao Tian. He was a man of wide learning and profound knowledge. Looking at his disciple's unprecedented martial arts style, he initially found it strange, but gradually he discerned the profound principles of "yin and yang in balance" and "counter-attacking after the opponent's move," his eyes revealing astonishment and contemplation. However, he also saw Qiao Tian's current predicament.

“Tian’er,” Wu Yazi spoke slowly, his voice breaking the morning silence, “your set of… well, your ‘fist techniques’ are so lofty in their conception that they far surpass the boundaries of ordinary martial arts, approaching the ‘Tao.’ However, its core lies in ‘circulation,’ not ‘release’; in ‘transformation,’ not ‘resistance.’ Your internal energy is extremely yang and strong, vast and boundless, like the blazing sun, naturally possessing boundless power. But extreme strength is easily broken, and fullness cannot last. To use this yang power to practice this yin and rounded path is like embroidering with a giant axe; too much force will tear the paper, too little force will leave shallow marks, and it is difficult to find the balance.”

Qiao Tian stopped, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He walked to Wu Yazi's side and said with a wry smile, "Master, your insight is truly remarkable. I know the crux of the problem lies here. The Nine Yang True Qi arises rapidly and abundantly, naturally proving ineffective in powerful techniques. However, to make it as supple and enduring as flowing water, adaptable and flexible, is always difficult. I feel... as if separated by a thin membrane, unable to reach that higher realm of yin and yang harmony, of the balance of strength and gentleness." He had been stuck at the Innate Realm for over a year. Although his foundation was incredibly strong due to the *Marrow Cleansing Classic*, far surpassing that of ordinary Innate Realm practitioners, he had yet to take that crucial step towards becoming a Grandmaster. He estimated that he needed to perfect the *Nine Yang Divine Skill* to break through, and he would still need the miraculous power of the *Marrow Cleansing Classic*.

Wu Yazi pondered for a moment and said, "The way of heaven and earth is nothing but yin and yang. Isolated yang cannot produce anything, and isolated yin cannot grow. Your Nine Yang Divine Skill has reached an extremely high level, and the pure yang energy has almost reached its peak. When things reach their extreme, they will inevitably reverse, and the birth of yin from the extreme of yang is inevitable. What you lack may not be more 'yang,' but a trigger, an opportunity, to comprehend, to accept, and even to 'create' that point of ultimate yin and gentleness. Only by using this as a bridge can you truly achieve mutual support between yin and yang, harmony between dragon and tiger, and step into the realm of a grandmaster."

These words struck Qiao Tian like a resounding bell. He had always focused on how to make his Yang internal energy "simulate" softness, but had never considered the need to truly "possess" or "understand" the essence of Yin. Perhaps the perfection of Nine Yang was not a quantitative accumulation, but a qualitative transformation?

"Thank you for your guidance, Master!" The confusion in Qiao Tian's eyes gradually dissipated, and a glimmer of understanding flashed across his face.

Seeing that he had gained something, Wu Yazi smiled with satisfaction and said to Xue Muhua, who was standing by his side, "Muhua, go and fetch the sandalwood box by my pillow."

Xue Muhua responded and went to retrieve an antique wooden box.

Wu Yazi took the wooden box, gently stroked it, and a complex look flashed in his eyes. Then he looked at Qiao Tian and said solemnly, "Tian'er, now that you have entered my sect and inherited my mantle, I have not been able to fulfill my responsibility of teaching and imparting knowledge due to my physical disability. Today, I will make up for this lesson."

He opened the wooden box, inside which were several books that looked very old.

"These are the most profound martial arts of my Xiaoyao Sect," Wu Yazi said, taking out the two books on top. "One is the 'Northern Darkness Divine Art,' which can absorb the internal energy of the world for one's own use. Like the ocean embracing all rivers, those with profound internal energy have inexhaustible power. The other is the 'Lesser Formless Art,' which is formless and shapeless. It can drive the vast majority of martial arts in the world without leaving a trace, and its power is extremely great."

Qiao Tian accepted the items with both hands, his expression respectful. However, he wasn't particularly concerned. What he lacked now wasn't specific martial arts techniques, but rather the insight and opportunity to reach a higher realm. Although the Northern Darkness Divine Art was wonderful, it had the stigma of harming others for personal gain, which didn't align with his temperament; although the Lesser Formless Art was extraordinary, it was ultimately a path of imitation, not the foundation for establishing his own school and path that he sought.

Wu Yazi, unaware of his disciple's thoughts, continued, "In addition, I have a hidden cave deep in the Wuliang Mountains of Dali, which contains many martial arts classics from various schools and sects. You may send someone there to observe or retrieve them in the future, as you wish."

(Qiao Tian thought to himself: 'Master, your precious daughter has already emptied your cave dwelling and sent it to Mantuo Manor as part of your dowry... If I go there, I'm afraid I'll only see a few empty bookshelves and a jade statue, right?')

However, he did not reveal this, lest he hurt his master's feelings. He remained calm and respectfully said, "Thank you for your generous gift, Master. I will remember it. If I have free time in the future, I will definitely visit your former residence."

At this moment, he caught sight of Xue Muhua beside him, whose eyes were almost glued to the "Northern Darkness Divine Art" and "Lesser Formless Art" in his hands. His breathing became a little rapid, and his face was full of longing and envy, but he dared not overstep his bounds in the slightest and could only endure it.

Qiao Tian's heart stirred. Remembering the plight of Su Xinghe's disciples, who, due to these old rules, were unable to enter the treasure mountain despite its abundance, he smiled and said to Wu Yazi, "Master, Junior Nephew Xue and the others have always been proud to be members of the Xiaoyao Sect. However, because of your admonitions, our eldest brother strictly adhered to the sect rules and never taught them advanced martial arts. Now they are nearing forty, and their character is excellent. Junior Nephew Xue, a compassionate healer, practices medicine and helps the world. Without superior skills for self-defense, he is vulnerable to being bullied by villains. Do you think… perhaps we could ask our eldest brother to retract his order and allow me to teach one or two of our sect's unique skills to those of upright character for their own protection?"

Xue Muhua suddenly looked up at Qiao Tian in disbelief, his eyes instantly reddening, his lips trembling, his eyes overflowing with gratitude and anticipation. Over the years, in order to learn advanced martial arts, he had had to violate his sect's reclusive principle of "not seeking help from others," relying on his medical skills to trade for second- or third-rate martial arts techniques. Only he knew the bitterness and grievances he had endured. Now, hearing that his sect leader had actually pleaded for them, he was overwhelmed with emotion.

Upon hearing this, Wu Yazi remained silent for a long time. His gaze swept over the excited Xue Muhua, and then, as if recalling the past, he finally sighed slowly.

“Xinghe has adhered to the sect rules and has done nothing wrong.” He first established the situation, then changed the subject, “The martial arts of my Xiaoyao Sect are profound and mysterious, especially the superior moves, which require extremely high levels of internal energy. Those who have not cultivated their internal energy for at least forty years will not only find it useless, but will also easily damage their meridians, or even suffer from qi deviation. At best, their martial arts will be completely ruined, and at worst, their lives will be in danger. This is a problem.”

"As for internal energy cultivation," he looked at the book "Northern Darkness Divine Art" and shook his head, "Although the Northern Darkness Divine Art can be mastered quickly, it absorbs the internal energy of others, resulting in impure and mixed results. If one's mental cultivation is insufficient, it is easy to become addicted to this quick-fix approach, biting off more than one can chew, ultimately leading to internal energy conflicts that backfire on oneself, turning one into a hybrid with a weak foundation, making it extremely difficult to reach the pinnacle of martial arts. These are the two problems, and also the original intention behind the strict rules I established back then."

The light in Xue Muhua's eyes gradually dimmed. It turned out that it wasn't that his master was unwilling, but rather that there were so many obstacles and dangers involved.

Qiao Tian sensed a turning point and pressed on, "So, it's not entirely impossible to teach? If someone has sufficient skill, or a resolute character, and doesn't rely on the shortcut of the Northern Darkness, they can also learn it?"

Wu Yazi nodded slightly: "That's the theory. But the skill and temperament required for judgment are extremely high, and only those with great wisdom and composure can do it. Never mind..." He seemed to have finally made up his mind and said to Xue Muhua: "Muhua, I know your character. When your senior brother returns, I will explain it to him. The rest of you can be examined by the sect leader and Xinghe. If you have indeed met the standards, one or two safe techniques can be taught to you. However, the Beiming Divine Art must never be lightly passed on without the joint approval of the sect leader and me."

Although there are still limitations, this is already an immense blessing! Xue Muhua could no longer contain himself and knelt down with a thud, kowtowing heavily to Wu Yazi and Qiao Tian. His voice choked with emotion and filled with tears: "Thank you, Grandmaster! Thank you, Sect Leader Uncle! This disciple...this disciple..." He was so excited that he could not continue speaking, and only his tears expressed his years of anticipation and the joy he felt at this moment.

Qiao Tian stepped forward to help him up, patted him on the shoulder, and was happy for them. In this way, the power of Su Xinghe's lineage could truly be used by Wudang.

Looking at the excited Xue Muhua and the pensive Qiao Tian, ​​a hint of relief flashed in Wu Yazi's eyes. The future of the Xiaoyao Sect might truly take a completely different but broader path in the hands of this young sect leader. And his own martial arts heart, which had been dormant for many years, seemed to have been quietly revived by the morning mist in the mountains and the vigor of the young people.

Chapter 44 Kunpeng Breathing Technique

Xue Muhua withdrew with profuse thanks, leaving only Qiao Tian and his disciple Wu Yazi on the platform. The swirling mist added to the tranquility and mystery.

Wu Yazi gestured for Qiao Tian to push his wheelchair to the edge of the platform. Looking down at the surging sea of ​​clouds below, he remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking, his voice low and solemn: "Tian'er, the secret manuals of the 'Northern Darkness Divine Art' and the 'Lesser Formless Art' that you just passed on are secrets that our sect does not pass on. However, the world knows that our Xiaoyao Sect has the Northern Darkness Divine Art that can absorb people's internal energy, but they do not know that its true essence is not that method of plundering."

Qiao Tian felt a chill run down his spine and listened intently.

Wu Yazi continued, “The name of the Beiming Divine Skill comes from ‘In the Northern Darkness there is a fish, its name is Kun. Kun is so large that no one knows how many thousands of miles it is; it transforms into a bird, its name is Peng. The back of Peng is so large that no one knows how many thousands of miles it is; when it flies in anger, its wings are like clouds hanging from the sky.’ Its true meaning is to emulate the Northern Darkness, to embrace all rivers, and to be magnanimous. It is not, as the martial arts world says, about taking advantage of others and profiting at their own expense.”

He turned his head, his gaze fixed intently on Qiao Tian: "That method of absorbing people's internal energy is merely superficial, a shortcut, and also a wrong path. The truly complete 'Northern Darkness Divine Art' requires a corresponding set of incantations and mental techniques, called the 'Kunpeng Breathing Technique.' This technique has been passed down orally from generation to generation by the sect leader, without being written down, and it is the foundation upon which my Free and Unfettered Sect stands!"

Upon hearing this, Qiao Tian was shocked: (Damn! So there was such a secret! In the original story, when Master passed on his skills to Xu Zhu, was it because of time constraints, or because he thought Xu Zhu's pure heart was enough, and he didn't have time to teach him the most crucial secret? Or was it that... his purpose at the time was just to find a powerful person who could clean up his sect and kill Ding Chunqiu?) Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel a chill, but looking at Wu Yazi's clear and honest gaze, he suppressed the thought. Perhaps there was another hidden story.

Unaware of the turmoil in his mind, Wu Yazi began to chant a set of extremely profound and obscure incantations in a low voice. These incantations were not about the flow of internal energy, but rather a unique method of communicating with the heavens and earth through breathing rhythms, mental focus, and intention. The key was to use oneself as a bridge to draw in the essence of heaven and earth (rather than the internal energy of others) into the body, refine and purify it, transforming it into the purest Northern Darkness True Qi, while simultaneously expelling turbid qi, impurities, and even foreign types of true qi from the body.

"Now, do you understand?" After finishing the instruction, Wu Yazi solemnly said, "Only by combining this technique can the Beiming Divine Art become a righteous and supreme profound art that absorbs the power of heaven and earth into one's own body, rather than a wicked art that harms others for personal gain. Only by cultivating the purest and most refined Beiming True Qi, which harmonizes Yin and Yang, through this method can one hope to reach the realm of a Grandmaster, or even higher. I am passing on this technique to you today not so that you will switch to cultivating Beiming, but so that you can learn from its concept of 'embracing all rivers and refining them into one,' to help you balance the excessively powerful Nine Yang True Qi within your body and reach the state of Yin and Yang in harmony as soon as possible."

Qiao Tian suddenly understood! The essence of the Kunpeng Breathing Technique is simply a highly efficient energy filtering and conversion mechanism! It pointed out a clear path for his long-standing bottleneck—no longer forcibly using masculinity to simulate femininity, but introducing the true "yin of heaven and earth" to neutralize the "nine yang of yang" within his body!

"Thank you, Master! This technique is like rain after a long drought for me!" Qiao Tian sincerely bowed deeply.

Wu Yazi accepted it calmly and smiled, saying, "I hope you will ponder it carefully."

Qiao Tian still had a question in his mind, so he took the opportunity to ask, "Master, your current cultivation level should be at the Grandmaster level. Have you ever seen... a Great Grandmaster?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Yazi's eyes flashed with longing and awe, and he slowly shook his head: "Grandmasters... As far as I know, they are all geniuses who appear only once every few hundred or even a thousand years, reaching a realm that is almost legendary. Their true energy has returned to its original purity, their spirit interferes with reality, every move they make is in accordance with the Dao of Heaven, and their lifespan far exceeds that of ordinary people. I am far inferior to them."

"Could it be..." Qiao Tian hesitated, "that even the founder of my Free and Unfettered Sect, with such profound skills, was not worthy of the title of Grandmaster?"

Upon hearing the words "Grandmaster," Wu Yazi seemed to fall into deep reminiscence, his face revealing immense reverence and a complex expression.

“Our lineage is descended from our patriarch, Xiaoyaozi,” he said slowly. “My master was a man of profound learning, whose martial arts and wisdom were unfathomable. In my eyes, he was like a celestial being on earth. However… according to my master himself, he only reached the level of a grandmaster in his entire life and was unable to glimpse the higher mysteries.”

He paused, his tone filled with an indescribable emotion: "Master once said that among the four of us, only... Junior Sister has exceptional talent and outstanding qualities, and is most likely to break through the barriers and surpass the Grandmaster realm."

"The three of us, brothers and sisters," Wu Yazi said, a hint of reminiscence flashing in his eyes, "your eldest uncle, Wu Xingyun, was taught the 'Eight Desolations and Six Directions, I Alone Am Supreme Technique,' which is incredibly powerful, though it has some flaws; I was taught the 'Northern Darkness Divine Technique' and the 'Lingbo Steps'; and your uncle, Li Qiushui, was taught the 'Lesser Formless Technique' and the 'White Rainbow Palm Force.' All of these are peerless divine skills that everyone in the martial arts world dreams of."

"And Junior Sister..." His voice softened, filled with deep longing, "From the moment she entered the sect, Master never taught her any of these unique skills. What she studied and practiced all day long was a blank ancient book, neither gold nor jade, made of a peculiar material. Master said that the blank ancient book was the true source of our Free and Unfettered Sect's martial arts and even its Taoist practices, and its mysteries could only be comprehended by oneself with great wisdom and great destiny."

"Shortly after my junior sister came of age, Master took her away and said he would take her to... the 'starting point' of our Xiaoyao Sect. Since then, there has been no news of her, and more than fifty years have passed." Wu Yazi's voice was filled with endless melancholy and a trace of barely perceptible longing.

Qiao Tian listened with rapt attention and couldn't help but ask, "Are our Grandmaster and Junior Uncle still alive?"

Wu Yazi nodded firmly: "Yes. Master's cultivation is unparalleled and his lifespan is long. Junior Sister has been passed down the Great Dao, so she must be the same."

"Where did they go?" Qiao Tian pressed.

Wu Yazi gazed at the distant horizon, his eyes seemingly piercing through layers of clouds, and whispered, "Master only said that we went to the 'starting point' of the Xiaoyao Sect. That might be an overseas immortal mountain, a secluded paradise, or... another place we cannot understand."

The platform fell silent for a moment, save for the howling wind. Qiao Tian's heart was also stirred by this greatest secret of the Free and Unfettered Sect.

After a long while, Qiao Tian composed himself, remembering the urgent matter at hand, and bowed to Wu Yazi, saying, "Master, I need to ask you for a few days' leave."