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

Page 10

A brilliant light rekindled in his eyes, and he bowed deeply to the sweeping monk once more, this time with heartfelt gratitude: "Thank you for your guidance, Master! I understand now!"

The sweeping monk watched as Qiao Tian's spirit instantly brightened, revealing a certainty and confidence that came from finding his true direction, a stark contrast to his earlier dejection. A barely perceptible hint of surprise and relief flashed in the old monk's cloudy eyes. He clasped his hands together and whispered, "Amitabha, well done, well done."

Outside the library, the sun shone brightly. In Qiao Tian's heart, a grand plan had already taken shape, and a brand new path was slowly unfolding beneath his feet.

Chapter 32 Going to Wudang

After bidding farewell to Abbot Xuanci and his mentor Xuanku, Qiao Tian carried Xiao Hei on his shoulder and headed straight out of the temple. With the path ahead determined, his steps were steady, without the slightest hesitation.

As they approached the mountain gate, they suddenly saw a young monk with an ugly appearance and a dull expression, clumsily but earnestly sweeping fallen leaves with a broom taller than himself. Several monks walked past him, seemingly oblivious, and one of them even called out mockingly, "Xuzhu, sweep carefully, don't trip over yourself!"

"Xu Zhu?" Qiao Tian paused slightly. So it was him, the one who would later take charge of Lingjiu Palace, but at this moment he was just a little novice monk in Shaolin Temple who was not valued by anyone.

Qiao Tian stepped forward and said gently, "Little Master, sweeping is also a form of cultivation. Focusing on the present moment is itself a meritorious act."

Xu Zhu looked up at the sound and saw a young pilgrim with an extraordinary bearing (that was all he thought). He hurriedly put his palms together in a gesture of respect, almost dropping his broom: "Ah, Amitabha! Thank you so much for your guidance, benefactor." His cheeks were slightly flushed, and his eyes darted around. It was rare for anyone to speak to him like this.

Qiao Tian smiled slightly, seeing the clear yet timid look in his eyes, and said gently, "Sincerity brings results, and no effort is wasted. To fulfill one's duty is itself a form of cultivation. If you encounter any confusion in the future, you may wish to recite the Diamond Sutra more often, 'One should abide nowhere and yet give rise to the mind,' and perhaps you will gain some insight." After speaking, he did not linger, leaving only a kind and profound smile, patted his shoulder lightly, and turned to leave.

Xu Zhu stood there, stunned, watching Qiao Tian's departing figure. A sudden warmth filled his heart, and he unconsciously murmured, "One should abide nowhere and yet give rise to the mind..." This small act of kindness and a single word had already planted a deep impression of Qiao Tian in his humble heart.

After descending Shaoshi Mountain, Qiao Tian did not return home, nor did he make many preparations. He only bought a copy of "A Record of Mountains and Rivers" in the town at the foot of the mountain, and prepared dry food and water bags, which he carried on his back. The purpose of this trip was to explore, not to stay for a long time, so traveling light was the best course of action.

Having determined their direction, they headed south. This was during the Northern Song Dynasty, a time of great distance and difficulty, the journey from Songshan in Henan to Wudang in Hubei quite long. Qiao traveled swiftly by day, spending his nights either at inns or meditating in places of spiritual beauty. His swiftness, coupled with his exceptional lightness skill—the "Crossing the River on a Reed" technique—allowed him to navigate secluded paths and overcome treacherous obstacles, avoiding the clamor of official roads. Even so, it took him nearly twenty days to finally reach northwestern Hubei, where he could see the majestic, cloud-shrouded mountains—Wudang Mountain.

The closer one gets to the mountain, the more breathtaking its beauty becomes. The peaks rise steeply, like bamboo shoots breaking through the earth, pointing straight to the sky. Ancient trees reach for the heavens, lush and verdant, while waterfalls cascade from the cliffs, their roars like thunder, splashing like jade rainbows. Clouds and mist swirl and roll through the mountains, sometimes adorning the peaks like celestial palaces, sometimes shrouding the mountains like a secluded, mysterious realm. The air is crisp and refreshing, filled with the vitality of vegetation and the essence of heaven and earth. A single deep breath brings a sense of liberation, and the inner energy of the Nine Yang True Qi surges, resonating subtly with the surroundings.

"What a beautiful and spiritually rich place, a place where the Dao is naturally formed! No wonder it is the sacred mountain where Zhenwu manifested his power and Zhang Sanfeng established his school!" Qiao Tian stood at the foot of the mountain, looking up at this mountain range that would soon shake the martial world because of him, and felt an indescribable excitement and awe. Compared to the majestic Buddhist atmosphere of Shaoshi Mountain, Wudang Mountain is more elegant and spiritual, combining grandeur, wonder, danger, seclusion, and beauty, subtly conforming to the mysteries of nature's creation and the rise and fall of Yin and Yang.

He did not rush into the mountains, but stopped at the small town at the foot of the mountains to inquire about the situation in the mountains from the villagers, woodcutters, and herbalists, paying particular attention to those places with steep terrain and few people.

The next morning, as the sun rose in the east, a purple aura filled the air. Qiao Tian left his belongings behind, carrying only dry rations, a water bag, and a geography book. With a swift movement, he vanished into the vast depths of Wudang Mountain like a wisp of smoke.

He abandoned the conventional path, choosing instead treacherous peaks and secluded valleys where even birds would hesitate to cross and monkeys would struggle to climb. The profound mystery of "Crossing the River on a Reed" was fully revealed at this moment. His figure was elusive, as if riding the wind, sometimes lightly touching the steep cliffs to gain leverage, leaping several meters high; sometimes drifting leisurely across deep ravines like a falling leaf; sometimes swiftly treading on leaves atop treetops as if walking on flat ground. The little black dog on his shoulder was also very excited, chirping happily and clinging tightly to his clothes.

Climbing all the way up to the main peak of Wudang Mountain, standing atop the summit, one can see a vast expanse of sky and earth, a magnificent panorama. The surrounding peaks each possess unique shapes, yet all lean slightly towards the main peak, presenting a "ten thousand mountains paying homage" posture, like stars surrounding the heavens, naturally imbued with supreme reverence and order! The mountain winds are strong, and the sea of ​​clouds surges beneath one's feet.

"This place is a masterpiece of nature, where all the mysteries of the universe are hidden! It is truly an unparalleled treasure land for establishing a sect!" Qiao Tian was shocked, and his determination to establish a career became even more unwavering.

He sat quietly on the summit for half a day, sensing the movement of the sun and moon, observing the changing winds and clouds, and contemplating the vitality of the mountains and rivers.

For the next ten days or so, Qiao Tian traversed all the peaks of Wudang Mountain, venturing deep into countless secluded valleys, caves, and cliffs rarely visited by humans. With the vision of a pioneer, he meticulously surveyed every terrain feature, water source, orientation, and geology.

• Around the main peak, he found several gentle, sheltered, sunny terraces near water sources, thinking, "The energy here converges; it can serve as the foundation for the future main hall complex and the core disciples' residences." • On a majestic, rugged peak, sensing its powerful and imposing energy, he thought, "This place is excellent; it can be used to carve out a martial arts training ground and cultivation chambers, ideal for honing fist and palm techniques and developing strong internal energy." • On a strangely precipitous peak with many deep ravines and smooth stone walls, he thought, "This place is rugged and ingenious; it's perfect for honing swordsmanship." • In a secluded valley, with babbling springs and abundant medicinal herbs, he deeply inhaled the spiritual energy, "This place is rich in spiritual energy; it will greatly benefit internal energy cultivation, medicine, and alchemy." • At a foothills with complex terrain and dense forests, he swiftly moved, "This place is perfect for training movement techniques."

As the sun sets, he stands alone on the high platform, overlooking the vast and undulating Wudang Mountains in the twilight. His eyes gleam with light, and a blueprint has been formed in his mind.

"I have acquired this sacred mountain, its strategic location is entirely under my control," he murmured to himself, his gaze sharp and clear. "However, a blueprint is nothing but a mirage. To truly establish this mountain as a foundation, forceful occupation is not the way. We need a legitimate reason—to purchase the land deed for this mountain forest from the imperial court!"

With this thought in mind, a real and serious problem arose: "Buying the mountain... requires money, a lot of money."

His voice was calm yet resolute, quietly blending into the vast winds and twilight of Wudang Mountain. The direction for the next step was already clear.

Chapter 33 The Three Carefree Elders

After descending Wudang Mountain, Qiao Tian took a short rest by a secluded stream. He scooped up a handful of cool water and applied it to his face. The coolness of the mountain spring dispelled some of the fatigue from the journey, but it could not extinguish the heavy, real pressure in his heart—money.

Little Black leaps nimbly among the rocks by the stream, occasionally stopping to gaze with puzzled eyes at its owner who is deep in thought.

“Purchasing mountain land, building palaces and temples, recruiting manpower… each of these requires a huge sum of money, no less than hundreds of thousands of strings of cash.” Qiao Tian silently calculated in his mind, his brows furrowing slightly. Thoughts raced through his mind: “Robbing wealthy households? Not to mention that this would be contrary to my conscience, it would also attract the attention of the government, causing endless trouble, and it goes against the ‘path’ I want to establish.” He immediately rejected this idea.

"Exploring ancient tombs?" With the help of the prophet, one might be able to find a few royal mausoleums that have not yet been looted. However, such acts are not only insidious and contrary to the natural order, but also easily lead to unpredictable karmic consequences, and should only be done as a last resort.

He looked up and saw the clouds drifting across the sky, and several cranes soaring gracefully among the verdant peaks, their movements elegant and unrestrained. This sight stirred a thought within him.

“Free and unrestrained…” Qiao Tian’s eyes seemed to be deep in thought. “The Free and Unrestrained Sect has a long history. Wu Yazi and his two siblings are all extraordinary. After many years of operation, the wealth they have accumulated and the treasures they have collected are probably far beyond what people can imagine.”

An idea gradually became clear: the Xiaoyao Sect was incredibly wealthy, and he himself bore the ambition of unifying the Daoist sects; perhaps he could start from there. Su Xinghe in the Valley of the Deaf and Mute, guarding his severely injured master Wuyazi, was a possible breakthrough.

"However, the exact location of the Valley of the Deaf and Mute..." Qiao Tian pondered. The original work only mentioned the general location, but did not specify the details.

After a moment's thought, he made a plan. If it came to having the best information network, the Beggars' Sect, which was spread all over the world, was the first choice.

Qiao Tian immediately got up and returned to the small town at the foot of the mountain with Xiao Hei. He didn't make a big fuss, but simply strolled to the vicinity of the town's tavern, his gaze calmly sweeping over several seemingly idle beggars sitting under the eaves at the street corner. Although they were dressed in rags, their aura was steady, and their eye contact was subtly disciplined, undoubtedly indicating that they were disciples of the Beggar Clan.

Qiao Tian stepped forward slowly and steadily.

Several beggars became alert as a composed young man walked straight towards them. One of the older men, who appeared to be a disciple of the Three Bags Sect, raised his eyelids and said in a hoarse voice, "Friend, what brings you here? If you're looking for food, we poor beggars have no surplus to offer."

Qiao Tian stopped, his expression unchanged, and took out a small piece of silver, weighing about two ounces, from his pocket, placing it between his fingers. "I'd like to ask you gentlemen about a place." He got straight to the point, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable seriousness, "I've heard that in western Henan there's a place called 'Deaf-Mute Valley,' and its owner is known as 'Mr. Clever Argumentation.' Does anyone know its exact location?"

A flicker of surprise crossed the older beggar's eyes as he scrutinized Qiao Tian: "Deaf-Mute Valley? Mr. Concise and Eloquent? Why are you asking about this remote place, my friend? That place has a rather eerie feel to it!"

"I have my reasons." Qiao Tian didn't want to say more, and flicked out the broken silver. "If you know, please enlighten me. If you don't know, then pretend I never asked."

The beggar caught the silver coins deftly; they felt substantial in his hand, and his expression immediately softened. He exchanged glances with the others and lowered his voice, "My friend has come to the right person. The place is secluded and difficult for ordinary people to find. It's said to be deep in the mountains west of Songshan, near the border of Mianchi. As for the specific path..." He paused slightly.

Qiao Tian understood and took out a smaller piece of silver and handed it over.

The beggar grinned, took the silver, and explained in more detail: "From this town, head west, cross Black Wind Ridge, and at the fork in the road, take the road north. Go deep into the One-Line Sky Gorge, and you'll see a mountain hollow shrouded in miasma, with three strangely shaped giant rocks standing at the entrance. That should be it. But my friend, that place is strange; let me give you a word of advice..."

"Thank you." Qiao Tian received the information he needed. Before he could finish speaking, he bowed and turned to leave, his figure quickly disappearing around the street corner, leaving behind several beggars looking at each other in bewilderment.

Having determined the location, Qiao Tian didn't linger. He prepared some dry food and water and immediately set off westward. He was swift on his feet and possessed superb lightness skills. In just two days, he had found the secluded valley with miasma and jagged rocks at its entrance, just as described.

Outside the valley, all was silent, as if isolated from the mortal world. Qiao Tian focused his mind and sensed for a moment before stepping inside.

The scenery inside the valley was vastly different from the outside world, serene yet strangely eerie. The planting of flowers, plants, and trees appeared natural, but in reality, they concealed mysteries and contained hidden array formations. Ordinary people who entered would inevitably lose their way. Qiao Tian's mind was clear and his spirit highly concentrated. Relying on his extraordinary perception and keen sense of qi, he walked calmly into the depths.

Passing through a dense bamboo grove, the view suddenly opened up. On a flat stone platform, an elderly man in a blue robe with a long beard and a refined face sat before a huge stone chessboard. On the chessboard, black and white pieces were scattered like stars, forming a magnificent and infinitely mysterious game of chess, the renowned "Zhenlong".

Beside the old man was a guqin. He gently stroked the strings with his ten fingers, and the music was melodious and ancient. His skill was superb. However, deep in the music, there was an inescapable sense of twilight and melancholy, as if it had carried too much of the weariness of time and helplessness.

This person is none other than Mr. Congbian, Su Xinghe.

He seemed oblivious to Qiao Tian's arrival, still immersed in his own world of music.

Qiao Tian stood quietly to the side, listening intently. He wasn't a master of music, but his insightful nature allowed him to perceive the unspoken meaning behind the strings. Although the music was elegant, it was too desolate, lacking that transcendent and carefree spirit. It was too bound by form, thus falling short of its potential.

He sighed inwardly, his breathing subtly changing.

This subtle change did not escape Su Xinghe's notice. The music stopped abruptly.

Su Xinghe raised his head, his gaze like two beams of cold lightning, shooting straight at Qiao Tian. Seeing that the newcomer was so young, a trace of displeasure flashed in his eyes, and he said indifferently, "Young friend, you have been standing here for a long time. Are you feeling uneasy? Do you find my music unbearable to listen to?" Although he pretended to be deaf and mute, he was actually extremely confident in his own musical skills. Seeing that a young man seemed to be moved, he felt quite displeased.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Tian knew he had attracted the other party's attention. He remained calm, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and said in a gentle tone, "Senior's zither skills are superb, and the melody is profound. I admire you greatly. However, in my humble opinion, music originates from the heart and is expressed through emotion. Senior's zither music is exquisite, but there seems to be a stagnation within it, revealing a hidden ailment. Please forgive my frankness, but I fear it may not be beneficial to one's cultivation of the Dao."

Upon hearing this, Su Xinghe's eyes flashed with a sharp light. He had never expected that this young man would not only have such keen perception but also speak so directly to the crux of the matter. He was slightly taken aback at first, then let out a low chuckle with an enigmatic meaning: "Oh? Stagnation? Chronic illness? Hehe... Young friend, you are quite arrogant at such a young age. I have immersed myself in this path for decades and would like to ask, what is meant by clear, unobstructed, and beneficial sound to the Dao heart?"

Qiao Tianxin felt a chill run down his spine, knowing it was a test. He was indeed an amateur when it came to the guqin, and as his gaze shifted, he noticed a jade flute, its entire body emerald green and gleaming, pinned to the silk sash at Su Xinghe's waist.

He immediately made up his mind.

His expression remained unchanged as he calmly said, "Senior's guqin is a refined instrument, and I dare not presume to presume upon it. However, I noticed the jade flute at your waist, brimming with spiritual energy, and it resonated with me." Having said this, before Su Xinghe could respond, he slightly raised his right hand and gestured with a flick of his wrist.

A subtle yet powerful and irresistible energy instantly enveloped the jade flute. Su Xinghe felt a lightness at his waist as the jade flute he had carried for many years was unsheathed, seemingly drawn by invisible threads, and steadily landed in Qiao Tian's palm!

"The Dragon-Capturing Technique?!" Su Xinghe was shocked and stood up abruptly, his face showing disbelief for the first time! This technique of taking objects from a distance with ease and skillful use of internal energy has reached a state of perfection, far beyond the reach of ordinary young disciples! His gaze towards Qiao Tian instantly became extremely solemn, with no trace of underestimation left.

Qiao Tian grasped the cool jade flute, his heart resolute. The flute, more so than the guqin, was a better way to express one's feelings. Now that he had made his move, he was determined to turn the tide completely.

He met Su Xinghe's probing gaze with a calm expression and said in a deep voice, "Since senior wishes to hear the sound of the Dao Heart, this junior will borrow the precious flute to try playing a tune, which may bear witness to what it means to be free from all worries and be carefree."

Having said that, he said no more and held the jade flute to his lips.

In his mind, the melody that carried the dreams of countless people in the martial arts world naturally emerged, and the Nine Yang True Qi in his body slowly circulated, merging into the flute holes and becoming part of the melody.

The next moment, a clear, expansive, and unrestrained flute melody suddenly rang out, breaking the silence of the Deaf-Mute Valley!

This melody is unlike any other tune of its time, its rhythm clear and powerful, sometimes soaring like a crane's cry in the heavens, displaying an air of dominance, and sometimes lingering like a stream in a secluded valley, revealing a carefree spirit. The flute's sound rolls on, free from any worldly hindrance, only conveying a heroic and transcendent spirit that roams freely across the world, expressing joy and sorrow!

Qiao Tian stood tall and straight like a pine tree on the stone platform. His clothes resonated with the music and the mountain breeze. His gaze was calm and profound, as if he had merged with the artistic conception of the flute music. His demeanor was as dignified as a mountain and as majestic as a deep pool, yet with an indescribable air of elegance.

Su Xinghe was completely stunned.

He listened intently to the unprecedented yet deeply moving music, gazing at the extraordinary young man before him, a profound sense of awe washing over him. The flute music, the bearing… for a moment, he seemed to see his brilliant and exceptional master from years past!

As the music ended, its lingering melody echoed through the valley.

After a long while, Su Xinghe finally exhaled a long breath, his eyes shining with an unprecedented light. He clapped his hands and sighed softly, saying repeatedly:

"Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful! What a wonderful piece of music! So free and open-minded, so carefree and detached from worldly affairs! I never imagined that such wonderful music existed in the world, or that such a young man could be like this!"

When he looked at Qiao Tian again, his gaze was completely different, filled with amazement and admiration!

Chapter 34 Wu Yazi

Su Xinghe stood there, stunned, the transcendent flute music still seeming to echo in his ears. The profound and dignified demeanor of the young man before him was deeply imprinted in his heart. He had guarded this valley for decades, and his heart had long since withered. But now, the young man's rendition of "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" stirred up waves in his heart, and he felt a long-lost sense of emotion.

He sighed deeply, the sharp scrutiny in his eyes softening slightly, replaced by a complex and indescribable emotion. He asked in a deep voice, "Young friend, your flute skills have reached a state of perfection, and your state of mind is even more lofty. But I wonder... what brings you to this Valley of the Deaf and Mute?" His form of address had subtly changed, clearly acknowledging Qiao Tian's right to speak with him.

Seeing that the time was right, Qiao Tian remained calm and returned the jade flute with both hands, his movements unhurried. He pondered for a moment, as if weighing his options, then looked at Su Xinghe with clear eyes and said slowly, "Mr. Congbian, I have come here without permission because I know a story from the past of the martial arts world, concerning a respected senior."

He spoke steadily and clearly: "I have heard that about fifteen years ago, the leader of the Xiaoyao Sect, Senior Wuyazi, was seriously injured and went missing because his traitorous disciple colluded with foreign enemies. This matter must be a great pain in your heart, sir."

Su Xinghe's body trembled almost imperceptibly, and his eyes instantly welled up with years of suppressed grief and pain. He pressed his lips together, but in the end, he didn't say a word. He simply closed his eyes heavily and silently admitted it.

Qiao Tian's tone turned calm and respectful as he continued, "Although I am inexperienced in the ways of the world, I deeply admire Senior Wu Yazi. I have heard that he was an unparalleled genius, whose martial arts had reached a state of perfection, and who was also well-versed in various schools of thought, including music, chess, calligraphy, painting, medicine, divination, astrology, and the art of divination. He was exceptionally talented and had a broad mind, and he once intended to integrate the origins of Taoism and bring peace to the world. It is truly a tragedy that such a person was betrayed by a villain, and a great loss to the martial arts world."

His words were sincere and his praise measured, showing respect without being overly flattering. Su Xinghe was deeply moved, recalling his master's former glory, his eyes slightly moist, clearly stirred by endless remembrance and admiration.

Qiao Tian changed the subject slightly, his tone still steady but revealing determination: "In this life, I also have aspirations. I wish to carry on the legacy of the sages, establish a lineage, rectify the source, and spread the Dharma to the world."

He paused briefly, his gaze calm as he looked at Su Xinghe, yet his words carried an undeniable authority: "The teachings of the Xiaoyao Sect are deeply rooted in the essence of Taoism, however… please forgive my bluntness, but their practices are too reclusive, and the transmission of their rules may be flawed, resulting in a mixed bag of disciples and a tendency to cause trouble (such as Ding Chunqiu). Furthermore, their excessive focus on the outward appearance of 'Xiaoyao' sometimes leads them to lose sight of the fundamental principles of Taoism: 'harmony' and 'governing by non-action.' In addition, the transmission of these principles is difficult, and their numbers are few. Therefore, although they were extremely powerful for a time, they have always been unable to shoulder the heavy responsibility of being the 'orthodox lineage of Taoism,' and have been unable to spread their influence throughout the world. This is truly regrettable."

Su Xinghe's expression changed repeatedly. He wanted to refute, but found that what the other party said hit the nail on the head regarding the long-standing problems of the Xiaoyao Sect. In particular, Ding Chunqiu's betrayal was bloody proof. In the end, he let out a bitter sigh.

Qiao Tian, ​​observing the situation, knew the time was right and finally revealed his true purpose, his tone still calm: "Therefore, I have come today to make a deal with you, sir, or with the Xiaoyao Sect. It can also be said to be a three-point agreement. If you agree, sir, it will be of great benefit to both parties."

"Firstly, I am willing to shoulder the responsibility for the feud with Senior Wu Yazi." Qiao Tian's voice was not loud, but it carried an unwavering determination. "I will personally eliminate the traitor Ding Chunqiu and his cronies, and cleanse the sect. I, Qiao Tian, ​​swear this oath. Furthermore, if there are any successors or descendants of the Xiaoyao Sect, I will do my utmost to protect them within my capabilities. If I establish a sect in the future, all Xiaoyao disciples, except those who are absolutely loyal to Ding Chunqiu, will be free to come and go as they please, without any difficulties. They can also mutually verify each other's Daoist techniques and martial arts."

"Secondly," Qiao Tian said calmly, "if I wish to establish a lineage of Daoist teachings, I need to read widely and broaden my knowledge. I have heard that Senior Wuyazi has a vast collection of Daoist classics from all over the world. I dare not covet martial arts secrets, but I only hope to borrow the Daoist scriptures, alchemical texts and profound principles in Senior Wuyazi's collection for reference and to perfect my own Dao."

"As for the third..." Qiao Tian's expression remained unchanged, his tone frank and straightforward, "To be honest, I have my eye on a mountain area and wish to purchase it to build a Taoist temple and establish a foundation. However, starting a business is difficult, and I am short of funds. Therefore, I need to borrow funds from you, senior, or from the Xiaoyao Sect, for the purpose of laying the foundation. When my Taoist practice is successful in the future, I will repay you in full without any delay."

Upon hearing this, especially the last point, Su Xinghe was first taken aback, then a hint of amusement flashed in his eyes. He shook his head and sighed, "Good lad... In all my years, this is the first time I've encountered someone who speaks of 'borrowing money' so matter-of-factly, and even dares to borrow from my Xiaoyao Sect! Your generosity... is truly remarkable."

He scrutinized Qiao Tian again, as if reassessing the young man's shrewdness and confidence. Revenge, demanding the book, and seeking wealth—none of these were trivial matters, all targeting the core of the Xiaoyao Sect, yet they were presented with clear logic, making it difficult for him to refuse decisively.

Just as Su Xinghe was pondering and about to discuss the details further, he suddenly paused, tilting his head back and listening intently, as if receiving a silent message. (A secret voice enters his ear)

His expression shifted rapidly, from surprise and doubt to excitement and disbelief, before finally settling into a resolute look. He stared intently at Qiao Tian, ​​his gaze seemingly piercing through his soul.

After a moment, Su Xinghe let out a long breath, his tone becoming unusually solemn, and said in a low voice, "Young friend Qiao Tian... the matter you are asking for is of great importance. It is no longer something that I alone can decide."

He paused briefly, as if making a final decision, and gestured, "Please come with me. I'll take you to see someone..."

Qiao Tian understood, but his face remained calm. He simply nodded slightly and said solemnly, "Thank you for your trouble, sir." His mind raced: Finally, he was about to face Wu Yazi.

Su Xinghe said no more, turned and led the way to a spot on the stone wall. He pressed his fingers on several inconspicuous protrusions in a specific order. A very slight mechanical sound rang out, and a section of the stone wall quietly slid open, revealing a deep passage behind it.

The cave was dimly lit, but the air flowed smoothly, carrying a faint scent of sandalwood and herbs.

Su Xinghe stepped in first, followed steadily by Qiao Tian. The passage was narrow at first, and after walking only a dozen steps, it suddenly opened up into an elegantly and simply furnished stone chamber.

The stone chamber's walls were smooth, inlaid with luminous pearls that cast a soft glow. A bed, a table, and a few cushions—the furnishings were minimalist. But in the center of the chamber, the figure seated in a simple wheelchair was the true owner of this place.

The man's hair and beard were as white as snow, yet his face was as gentle and refined as jade, showing no signs of age. His eyes were deep and unfathomable, like the starry sky, containing endless wisdom and a sense of vicissitude. He wore a simple gray robe, and although his lower limbs were paralyzed, his posture remained upright, exuding an ethereal and otherworldly aura, as if a banished immortal had descended to earth. Only deep within his eyes lay a trace of loneliness and weariness that was difficult to dispel.

It was none other than Wuyazi, who had hidden himself here!

Upon seeing this demeanor, Qiao Tian couldn't help but secretly admire him: "As expected of the leader of the Xiaoyao Sect, Senior Wuyazi's demeanor and bearing are truly beyond the reach of ordinary people." He dared not be negligent, took two steps forward, bowed to Wuyazi, his posture respectful but not humble, and said in a calm tone: "Junior Qiao Tian pays respects to Senior Wuyazi."

Wu Yazi's gaze, sharp as lightning, instantly fell upon Qiao Tian, ​​his eyes seemingly able to pierce through to the very core of his being. He didn't respond to Qiao Tian's greeting, but instead, without warning, pointed his fingers like a halberd, lightly tapping across the air!

This gesture was effortless, silent, and didn't even stir the slightest bit of airflow.

But Qiao Tian's mind was clear, and he instantly sensed an incomparably pure, vast, and unpredictable yet elusive and sharp energy that had already struck his vital acupoints! Its power was concentrated, and its intent was profound, far surpassing Su Xinghe's; it was precisely the sublime application of the Northern Darkness Divine Art!

This is both a test and a consideration.

Qiao Tian's mind raced. He knew he couldn't retreat now, nor could he forcefully draw upon the opponent's internal energy. His Nine Yang True Qi, which had reached the seventh level of "Yin Yang in Harmony," flowed naturally within him. He neither dodged nor evaded, relying solely on the slight rotation of his protective qi.

A barely audible sound rang out. The force of that finger touched the harmonious and balanced Yin-Yang Qi surrounding Qiao Tian, ​​and like ice and snow entering the sea, the Qi was quietly dissolved and vanished without a trace in the gentle ripples. Qiao Tian remained as steady as a rock, without moving an inch.

For the first time, a clear expression of emotion appeared on Wu Yazi's usually calm face! His deep eyes flashed with a sharp light as he locked onto Qiao Tian.

A brief silence fell over the stone chamber, followed by his slightly hoarse yet still clear voice, uttering three "good"s, each word imbued with deep approval:

"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Such pure internal energy! Such profound transformative power! The rotation of Yin and Yang, the solid foundation—I have never seen anything like it in my life! Truly, heroes emerge from among the young!"