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

Page 6

Qiao Tian did not act immediately. Instead, he first immersed his mind in the most profound and obscure chapter of the *Yi Jin Duan Gu Pian* (易筋锻骨篇) inscribed on the stone wall—the part that directly pointed to the supreme true meaning of the *Yi Jin Jing*. The ancient Sanskrit text read: "Washing the marrow and removing the hair, changing the tendons and transforming the bones, cannot be achieved by force alone. It especially requires the guidance of divine will, delving into the vast and mysterious, communicating with oneself, and reaching an inconceivable realm..."

He had long since memorized this passage, yet it remained elusive, like trying to see flowers through a fog. It wasn't until he decided to nurture Xiaoyu and racked his brains for a way to subtly lay the foundation for his martial arts that this passage, like a sleeping dragon, suddenly awakened in his mind, radiating brilliant light.

A startling, even terrifying, thought exploded in his mind: "Could it be... that the 'divine guidance and communication between self and other' described in the true meaning of the Yi Jin Jing is not just a figure of speech, but a supreme secret method that can use internal force as a bridge to invade the consciousness of others with supreme spiritual power, and even change their tendons and marrow and instill their thoughts?!"

He suddenly recalled the unfathomable old sweeping monk of Shaolin Temple in later generations. That old monk's astonishing skill—a mere glare from his eyes could instantly plunge martial arts masters like Murong Bo and Xiao Yuanshan into a state of suspended animation, a feigned death—was universally attributed to the boundless power of Buddhist magic. Now, thinking back…

“The root of this is probably not the mysterious Buddhist teachings, but rather the substantial method of applying divine intent that arises after the Yi Jin Jing has been cultivated to its highest level.” Qiao Tian was greatly shocked, as if he had glimpsed a secret buried in the martial arts world for hundreds of years. “The Sweeping Monk’s skill must have the same origin as this.”

Having understood this, he no longer hesitated. Today, he would rely on the immense power of the Nine Yang Divine Skill and the pure divine intent honed by the Marrow Cleansing Scripture to forcibly unleash one of the most profound techniques recorded on the stone wall.

He gently pressed his palms onto Xiaoyu's "Lingtai" and "Zhiyang" acupoints on his back. Concentrating his mind and focusing inward, he slowly harmonized the Nine Yang True Qi with the Marrow Cleansing Divine Intent, no longer pursuing fierce outward release, but rather extreme inward restraint and penetration, slowly circulating it according to the profound path recorded in the true meaning of the Yi Jin Jing.

Gradually, his will seemed to transcend the constraints of his physical body, becoming incredibly agile and vast. The fused power, gentle yet unstoppable, flowed through his palms, like a spring breeze and rain, seeping into Xiao Yu's limbs, meridians, and bone marrow, and even quietly spreading towards the deepest part of his dormant sea of ​​consciousness...

In his dream, Xie Xiaoyu was shocked to find himself standing atop a vast sea of ​​clouds.

Suddenly, the world lost its color, and the wind and thunder roared. The surrounding sea of ​​clouds surged and rolled like boiling water, and dazzling golden pillars of light pierced the vastness, illuminating the entire dream world in a magnificent glow. A colossal, towering golden Arhat image suddenly materialized and appeared at the center of the billions of golden lights.

The Arhat's face was shrouded in a sacred radiance, making it indistinct, yet its appearance was extremely solemn and dignified. Boundless power flowed and surged around its body, as if it could shake mountains and overturn rivers and seas with a mere gesture. The overwhelming pressure made Xie Xiaoyu's soul tremble, but strangely, he did not feel fear. Instead, the pores on his body opened, and an unprecedented warm current swept over his entire body.

"Om Mani Padme Hum"

The vast and boundless six-syllable mantra, seemingly originating from the primordial chaos, rolled in like thunder from the heavens. Each syllable struck Xiaoyu's mind heavily, cleansing his soul and deeply imprinting something upon it.

Suddenly, the golden Arhat opened his eyes, revealing the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth of the sun, moon, and stars within them. He did not speak, but instead directly manifested his Dharma body.

With a slow push of his left palm, a majestic dragon's roar, resounding throughout the universe, echoed from the depths of the sea of ​​clouds. An incomparably powerful and domineering invisible palm force erupted, transforming into a lifelike golden dragon's aura, roaring and tearing through layers of clouds, displaying the might of subduing the dragon. His right fist clenched tightly, and a terrifying tiger's roar, capable of tearing apart the heavens and splitting the earth, suddenly resounded from the void. The fist's intent surged, condensing into a majestic, awe-inspiring platinum tiger, its murderous aura soaring to the heavens yet containing the supreme power of the Buddhist Vajra subduing demons—this was the Tiger Subduing Stance.

Dragons soar and tigers leap, strength and gentleness complement each other. The towering Arhat statue, amidst this vast and majestic aura of subduing dragons and tigers, slowly unleashes a set of simple yet powerful, fierce and powerful fist techniques and accompanying breathing exercises. Every move and every stance evokes wind and thunder, and every breath seems to resonate with the heavens and the universe.

Xie Xiaoyu was completely captivated and utterly shocked. In this strange dream, he felt no limitations of his physical body, only a vast and warm power surging wildly into his limbs and bones, propelling and guiding him, and involuntarily began to imitate the movements of the golden Arhat, punching, kicking, and breathing.

Intense tingling, numbness, and swelling intertwined with an overwhelming sense of comfort and ease, as if his bones and muscles were being shattered and rebuilt inch by inch, and his blood, after boiling and rushing, returned to a state of cool tranquility. This was not merely a transmission of knowledge, but more like a baptism and reshaping of a life level.

An unknown amount of time passed, seemingly a moment, yet also like millennia. The sounds of wind and thunder gradually subsided, and the illusory images of dragons and tigers slowly merged into the Arhat's image. The towering Arhat slowly withdrew his fist stance, his majestic, undeniable voice like a final divine decree, deeply imprinted on the deepest recesses of Xiao Yu's soul:

"Dependent origination is emptiness; such is the nature of reality."

"Listen carefully, boy! Today, with supreme power, I will cleanse your marrow and tendons, lay the foundation for your Arhatship, and bestow upon you the spirit to subdue dragons and tigers!"

"One day in the mortal world, he will surely meet a wise ruler. That person possesses the great power to subdue dragons and is the leader of the number one gang in the world. He is upright and indomitable, but his fate is full of twists and turns, and he is intolerable to the world."

“You should always remember: protect yourself, strengthen your will, never leave your side amidst the flames of war, and never abandon your side even when a thousand people point fingers at you.”

"This is your destiny, and also your supreme merit. Be careful! Strive for it!"

The resounding sound faded into the distance, and the towering Arhat statue burst forth with a final ray of golden light that illuminated the dream world before slowly dissipating, as if it had never existed.

Xie Xiaoyu jolted awake from his dream, sitting bolt upright. The afterglow of the setting sun painted the sky with a magnificent hue, and he found himself still beneath the giant rock behind the pavilion. His bones crackled and popped, but instead of feeling any discomfort, he felt a warm and pure energy flowing freely within him, filling him with unprecedented power. His senses sharpened, and his perception became exceptionally acute.

That dream just now… every detail was terrifyingly clear. That golden Arhat… that earth-shattering power of subduing dragons and tigers… that soul-stirring entrustment… “The mighty power of subduing dragons… the leader of the number one gang in the world… protect him, never abandon him…” Xiao Yu murmured to himself, his face no longer showing the confusion and timidity of the past, but instead filled with a kind of determination and radiance filled with immense shock and a sacred mission.

He looked down and saw a thin, carefully bound booklet next to the bag of maltose. He took a deep breath, solemnly picked it up and opened it. Inside, the little figures drawn stroke by stroke were the powerful fist stances and mysterious breathing techniques demonstrated by the Arhat in his dream. Next to them were some simple but important points and precautions for regulating the breath.

Xie Xiaoyu's heart pounded. He abruptly looked up, surveying his surroundings. The mountain wind howled, the pines rustled, and there was no one in sight. But he knew this was no dream. Was it that mysterious older brother? Or… truly an Arhat descended to earth to impart Dharma?

Without further hesitation, facing the empty mountains and the blood-red setting sun, he kowtowed nine times heavily, one thud after another, and shouted with all his might, "Disciple Xie Xiaoyu! I will obey the Arhat's decree! I will diligently cultivate and practice my divine skills! When I find a wise master in the future, I will do everything in my power to protect and support him, even if it means my death, I will never betray him!"

Although his voice was still immature, it was full of unquestionable determination and nascent ambition.

He stood up, feeling as if he had been reborn, and strode down the mountain. His shadow stretched long in the setting sun, and he even had a hint of a calm and steady demeanor.

Not far away, the dense canopy of an ancient pine tree swayed slightly. Qiao Tian concealed all his aura, his face slightly pale, and fine beads of sweat even appeared on his forehead, clearly indicating that he had exhausted himself. He looked at Xiao Yu's back, which seemed to have become much taller overnight, his eyes filled with complex emotions: relief, expectation, a sense of relief, and even more so, a deep sense of guilt for having dragged an innocent child into a raging torrent.

"The true meaning of the Yi Jin Jing... is truly so unfathomable. Not only can it change tendons and cleanse marrow, but it can also transmit divine will, transforming into dreams, almost like the supernatural power of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas 'preaching in dreams.'" He looked inward, his mental energy almost completely depleted, his heart still filled with shock. "The Sweeping Monk's skill must have originated from this path. What is hidden in the Bodhidharma Cave points directly to the ultimate path of martial arts and even the evolution of life..."

He became even more convinced that his path was correct, and he developed a deeper sense of awe and curiosity towards the hidden Shaolin monk with astonishing cultivation.

He turned and silently disappeared into the increasingly deep twilight forest, returning to the secluded Dharma Cave. The road ahead required him to become stronger. Not only to protect his loved ones and to prepare for the coming storm, but also so that one day he could truly glimpse the full extent of this sacred realm of martial arts.

Chapter 19 The Fourth Level of Nine Yang

Returning to the Bodhidharma Cave, the thick stone walls completely shut out the hustle and bustle of the world. Qiao Tian sat cross-legged on the smooth stone platform, but his mind did not immediately calm down. He had previously used the true meaning of the Yi Jin Jing to help Xie Xiaoyu, which had greatly exhausted his energy. His face was still pale, but his eyes were even more piercing.

"I never imagined that the true meaning of the Yi Jin Jing would be so profound, and the requirements for mental strength are simply unbelievable. Although I succeeded in forcing it this time, I am almost completely exhausted." Qiao Tian looked at himself and felt waves of weakness coming from his sea of ​​consciousness.

Instead of rushing forward, he first slowly circulated the basic mental techniques of the Nine Yang Divine Skill, like a gentle stream nourishing his nearly parched meridians and mind. Wherever the pure Yang energy passed, a warm sensation spread, slowly repairing what he had lost.

The monkey named Xiao Hei seemed to sense his fatigue, and quietly approached, tilting its head to examine him. It carefully extended its paw and placed a bright red wild fruit on Qiao Tian's lap, then squeaked and swiftly jumped away, crouching a short distance away to peek.

Qiao Tian opened his eyes and saw both the fruit and the monkey, a warmth spreading through his heart. He took a bite of the fruit, the sweet juice filling his throat, and even his fatigue seemed to ease slightly. "Thanks, partner," he whispered.

The little black monkey seemed to understand, excitedly scratched its ear, and jumped off to play.

After this battle, Qiao Tian felt even more acutely that his cultivation was still insufficient. Although the true meaning of the Yi Jin Jing was powerful, it required a vast spiritual force as its foundation. And the root of spiritual force lies in the harmony and profundity of internal energy. His Nine Yang Divine Skill had been stuck at the third level, "Extreme Yang Blaze," for a long time. Although the wisp of true Yin that had spontaneously generated had begun to sprout, it was far from reaching the fourth level, "Yin and Yang Harmony," where "Yin and Yang complement each other and dragon and tiger unite."

"To have a strong spirit, one must first have a well-rounded inner strength. Breaking through the fourth level is now of utmost urgency."

He closed his eyes again, this time not merely to recover, but to immerse himself in the profound insights of the "Theory of Yin and Yang Mutual Benefit" and the "Marrow Cleansing Contemplation Diagram".

The sunlight still pours down from the cave ceiling every day, illuminating the mysterious inscriptions on the stone walls. Qiao Tian is completely absorbed, almost forgetting the cycle of the sun and moon.

The internal energy surged continuously, and the power of Yang remained strong. However, the Yin energy, after being greatly depleted and slowly recovered from the true meaning of the Yi Jin Jing, seemed to be more agile and resilient. It no longer simply relied on Yang energy, but began to try to merge with it more deeply.

This process was far more difficult and dangerous than before. The yang energy was blazing, while the yin energy was weak. To attempt to make them interact was like dropping water into boiling oil, instantly triggering a violent reaction. His internal energy repeatedly spiraled out of control, violently clashing within his meridians, causing his blood and qi to churn, and several times he felt a sweet taste in his throat, almost vomiting blood. His face was sometimes crimson like blood, radiating heat; at other times, it was as pale as paper, with a faint chill emanating from it.

At first, the little black monkey beside him was terrified and squawked incessantly, restless and anxious. But seeing that Qiao Tian remained seated steadily despite his suffering, it gradually quieted down. It even began to imitate Qiao Tian's cultivation, sometimes mimicking his trembling body and baring his teeth, sometimes imitating his deep breathing and puffing out his cheeks. Its appearance was comical, but it also added a touch of invisible comfort to the desolate cultivation.

Qiao Tian endured the pain of his meridians tearing, focused his mind, and guided that wisp of true yin energy, not to clash head-on with the yang energy, but to swim like a spirit fish, shuttling among the vast yang energy, using "softness" to guide, soothe, and adjust its "hardness".

He recalled the metaphors of "water" and "fire" inscribed on the stone wall, and the principle of "yin arising from yang." He no longer insisted on balance, but sought "transformation" and "mutual generation."

Countless days and nights passed. On this day, the true energy within Qiao Tian's body clashed fiercely once again, more intensely than ever before! His meridians felt like they were about to burst, and his dantian felt like it was burning! At this critical moment, he had a sudden inspiration and forcefully sank his mind into the deepest state of meditation, no longer trying to control it, but instead observing as if he were a bystander, quietly "watching" the struggle between the two forces within his body.

A strange thing happened. When he abandoned his forceful defense and only used the strong divine will honed by the Marrow Cleansing Classic to "observe," that wisp of true yin energy seemed to be blessed, and its spirituality increased sharply. It no longer avoided the scorching heat of the sun, but instead actively faced it, like spring rain nourishing parched land, subtle yet continuous, penetrating everywhere.

Under the "observation" and "immersion," the blazing sun's violent nature gradually softens, not weakening, but rather becoming more calm and inclusive. Meanwhile, the true yin, through continuous "neutralization" and "harmony," draws energy and gradually grows stronger.

"Boom!" As if chaos had just begun and yin and yang had separated, Qiao Tian felt a solid barrier within his body shatter! The two kinds of true energy, which were originally incompatible, instantly reached a delicate threshold. They did not merge into one, but rather coexisted harmoniously while remaining distinct, forming a constantly flowing vortex of yin and yang energy!

The power of Yang remains immense, but it is no longer scorching; instead, it has become warm and vigorous. The power of Yin, though still relatively weak, is no longer ethereal; it has become calm and resilient, complementing the Yang energy.

The Yin and Yang vortexes circulate in their own cycle, and the internal energy flows smoothly and freely, endlessly! An unprecedented feeling of power, fullness, and control surges throughout the body!

The fourth level of the Nine Yang Divine Skill—Yin-Yang Harmony—is complete!

Qiao Tian slowly opened his eyes, his gaze filled with inner light. As he opened and closed them, his left eye seemed to hold the warmth of the sun, while his right eye reflected the still moon. Then, his gaze returned to normal, deep as a still pool. He exhaled deeply, and his breath split into two streams, one hot and one cool, which dissipated after traveling about a foot.

Feeling the new, self-contained, and endlessly circulating internal energy within his body, he was filled with boundless joy. At this point, his internal energy cultivation had truly reached a high level, placing him among the top masters of the martial arts world.

He stood up and stretched, feeling light and agile, his strength flowing effortlessly from his mind. He casually pointed a finger at the ground not far away, without using any special technique, but with a slight thought, a gentle, resilient gust of wind shot out, creating a shallow pit in the ground with smooth edges. This was not intentional, but a natural expression of his internal energy reaching a state of perfect harmony.

"Squeak!" The little black monkey excitedly leaped over, circling around him endlessly, as if it also sensed that his aura had changed greatly, becoming more profound and awe-inspiring, yet also more natural and harmonious.

Several days later, the end of the month approached again. Qiao Tian did not go to the pavilion in person, but continued to observe from the shadows as usual. At this moment, he was even more adept at using the "Qi and Blood Returning to the Source Technique." Not to mention Xie Xiaoyu, even top-notch masters in the martial arts world would find it difficult to detect his movements.

Xie Xiaoyu arrived on time, skillfully placing the rice, grains, and vegetable seeds, then retrieved the silver from the crack in the stone. A satisfied smile graced his face, his eyes brighter and more resolute than before. Having finished placing his items, he didn't leave immediately. Instead, he walked to the center of the pavilion, clasped his hands in a respectful bow to the empty mountain landscape, and whispered clearly:

"Disciple Xie Xiaoyu thanks Grandpa Luohan for his kindness in transmitting the Dharma! I have not dared to slack off in my cultivation recently, and I feel that my strength is increasing day by day, and my body is also becoming more agile! I will never forget your instructions!"

After speaking, he solemnly kowtowed before rising and walking away steadily. His movements already revealed the coordination and strength of a martial artist, clearly showing that he had diligently practiced the basic Arhat Fist and breathing techniques every day, gradually solidifying his foundation.

Qiao Tian, ​​observing from the shadows, took it all in and nodded in satisfaction. This young man has a good character, is trustworthy and grateful, and his strength has given him confidence.

After Xiao Yu left, Qiao Tian drifted into the pavilion like a wisp of smoke. He left some silver coins and an extra small medicine packet wrapped in a leaf, with a simple charcoal drawing next to it—some common herbs that he had prepared beforehand to soothe the soreness after practicing martial arts.

Not a single word was left, nor is it necessary to leave one. The image of the "Arhat" in the dream is already deeply ingrained. Whether or not it was passed down by Qiao Tian, ​​this mystery is enough.

After finishing his business, Qiao Tian turned around without hesitation and returned to the deep Bodhidharma Cave. Breaking through the fourth level was not the end, but a new beginning. With this newfound internal energy that harmonized Yin and Yang and allowed for seamless integration, he could now attempt to explore and integrate many of the stone wall martial arts that were previously difficult to master.

The calm before the storm may be coming to an end. And he has prepared more, much more.

Chapter 20 Two Years of Enlightenment, Making Peace with Shaolin

There is no time in the mountains, and there is no year in the cold weather.

Two years have passed since Qiao Tian broke through the fourth level of the "Nine Yang Divine Skill" – the "Yin-Yang Harmony" realm.

During these two years, he secluded himself in the Bodhidharma Cave, meditating in seclusion, single-mindedly focused. His rapid progress was not only due to the accumulation of internal strength, but also to his mastery of more than twenty martial arts concepts inscribed on the stone wall, thus forging his own path in martial arts.

After breaking through the fourth level of the Nine Yang Divine Skill, the Yin and Yang energies within his body formed a self-circulating cycle, endlessly regenerating. He overcame the hurdles of the fifth level, "Yang gives rise to Yin," the sixth level, "Yin returns to Yang after Yin reaches its extreme," and even the seventh level, "Yin and Yang in harmony, Dragon and Tiger in perfect balance," over two years, guided by the general principles of the Yin-Yang Mutual Aid Theory and tempered by the Marrow Cleansing Classic.

At this point, the Yin-Yang vortex in his dantian was incredibly profound, circulating smoothly and without hindrance. With the slightest thought, his internal energy could instantly shift between the most Yang and the most Yin, without any stagnation. The power and purity of his internal energy had reached the top tier in the world. However, he knew that although the seventh level was strong, the ninth level, the supreme realm of "Yin-Yang Limitlessness," was still an insurmountable chasm, which could not be crossed without a great opportunity.

The real transformation lay in external skills. He did not practice any of the 72 Shaolin skills, but instead immersed himself in the more ancient and fundamental "concepts" and "prototypes" inscribed on the stone wall.

What he cultivates is not the "Prajna Palm," but the "power of emptiness and wisdom" expounded in "The Principles of Prajna Palm," pursuing the palm strike without form, seeing through illusion, pointing directly to reality, its power can be both hard and soft, its intention is to strike first; what he cultivates is not the "Flower-Picking Finger," but the ultimate control of "utmost softness and precision" explored in "The Intent of Flower-Picking Finger," aiming to subdue rather than kill, specifically breaking through qi, subtle to the extreme; what he cultivates is not the "Dragon-Capturing Skill," but the principle of "qi flowing through the fingertips, intention reaching the void" in "The Outline of Dragon-Capturing Skill," pursuing the sublime realm of entering the space with nothingness and controlling true qi with intention.

"The Seventy-Two Shaolin Arts are indeed exquisite, and they are all the crystallization of the wisdom of the senior monks." Qiao Tian once pondered this deeply while meditating. "However, they seem to focus more on 'form,' on fixed moves and methods of exerting force. But what is written on the stone wall points directly to 'spirit,' which is the source of these arts and the 'principle' of martial arts itself."

He took a path that traced back to the source and forged a new way. He reinterpreted these fundamental principles, using the immense internal energy of the seventh level of the Nine Yang Divine Skill and the strong physique forged by the Marrow Cleansing Classic as the foundation. What he created was no longer a Shaolin martial art, but a unique martial art that belonged only to him, Qiao Tian – “Original Martial Arts”.

Its power may not have completely surpassed some of the Seventy-Two Ultimate Techniques that have been cultivated to the highest level, but its potential, its variations, and its compatibility with one's own cultivation are far superior to simply learning other people's ultimate techniques step by step.

In terms of lightness skill, he has integrated the essence of "The True Meaning of Crossing the River on a Reed," "The Dragonfly Skimming the Water Technique," and "The Eight Steps to Catch the Cicada" into one. On the cliff platform, his figure moves swiftly, sometimes like a bird soaring through the air, deeply understanding the wonder of borrowing force; sometimes like a cicada teleporting, his short-distance bursts of speed are astonishing; when he wants to climb upwards, his left and right toes touch each other in the air or at the slightest point of leverage, his body spiraling up like a dragon. The elegance and agility of his lightness skill have transcended the realm of the mundane, almost reaching the prototype of "riding the wind."

The changes of the past two years have also been evident in silence. Often, at dusk, when the sea of ​​clouds surges and the setting sun melts into gold, Qiao Tian stands quietly on the edge of the cliff, hands behind his back, gazing into the distance. A dark shadow will then silently emerge from the rock face, lightly landing on his shoulder, keeping him company in peace. Man and monkey, bathed in the sunset, seem like an ancient scene, tacit and serene.

On this day, Qiao Tiangong reached the pinnacle of his cultivation, his aura becoming harmonious and restrained, seemingly achieving a unified unity with the cave and the surrounding world. He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze calm yet profound as a star. "It's time," he murmured to himself. Two years of seclusion had allowed him to absorb almost all the martial arts principles he could learn here. What remained needed was to undergo tempering in a wider world, to truly internalize them, and even innovate upon them.

Before leaving, there was one thing that had to be settled. He didn't intend to betray Shaolin, but the secret of the Bodhidharma Cave must not be revealed. His skills, which seemed similar to Shaolin martial arts yet shared the same origin, also needed a reasonable explanation; at the very least, he needed to give an account to his mentor, Master Xuanku. He couldn't just disappear without a trace.

He walked up to Xiao Hei and held out his hand. The monkey squeaked, nimbly leaped up, and landed steadily on his shoulder, nuzzling his cheek affectionately with its head. "Let's go," Qiao Tian said softly, "we'll go say goodbye to our master first."

He took one last look at the Bodhidharma Cave that had given him new life, then resolutely turned away. Shouldering the spirit monkey, Qiao Tian stepped out of the stone chamber and arrived before the heavy stone door. He didn't raise his hand; merely a slight thought caused the Yin-Yang vortex within his body to flow naturally, and a surge of pure internal energy flowed out from afar, precisely injecting into the mechanism's core. "Crack..." The stone door, sealed for two years, slowly opened. The intense sunlight and fresh mountain breeze instantly flooded in, illuminating his young face, which had already accumulated countless wisdom and strength.

Seventeen-year-old Qiao Tian, ​​possessing self-taught "original martial arts," finally broke through his seclusion. His primary destination was not the martial world, but the Shaolin Temple, the courtyard where he had spent his youth in meditation. He was going to see Master Xuanku to bring this karmic connection to a close.

Chapter 21 Meeting an Old Friend

Behind Shaoshi Mountain, the serene atmosphere remained unchanged. Qiao Tian stood outside the Bodhidharma Cave, taking a deep breath of the crisp mountain air. Several years of seclusion within the cave felt like a fleeting moment, yet also like an eternity. His coarse monk's robes, faded from washing, were remarkably clean. His posture was as upright as a pine tree, the anxiety of his childhood now replaced by tranquility. His eyes, opening and closing, held a sharp, inner brilliance, a gentle yet unfathomable depth. On his shoulder, the monkey "Xiao Hei" sat quietly, its eyes warily surveying the long-unseen forest.

He did not descend the mountain immediately, but turned around and bowed deeply to the Bodhidharma Cave. This place gave him a new life and granted him the foundation to shake his destiny. This departure carries an uncertain future, but his original aspiration remains unchanged.

Inside Shaolin Temple, the morning bell tolls melodiously, and the chanting of sutras echoes. Unlike the bustling incense offerings and the shouts of martial monks practicing on the front mountain, the area where the servant monks live on the back mountain remains deserted. When a figure appears on this familiar yet unfamiliar path, several servant monks who are sweeping are first stunned, then their faces show surprise and doubt.

That was Qiao Tian. Rumors had long circulated in the temple that Qiao Tian, ​​the young servant who had volunteered to come here years ago and then requested a transfer to the back mountain, must have been unable to endure the hardship and had quietly returned to secular life and left the mountain. This incident had become a negative example among the servant monks, used by the supervising monks to admonish newcomers that "cultivation requires perseverance."

Now, this man who "returned to secular life" has returned? And... he seems somewhat different. These menial servants, who were only somewhat skilled in martial arts, couldn't quite put their finger on what was different. They only felt that he walked with a steady gait and a calm demeanor. Although he was walking in the dust, he seemed untouched by it, making him someone they dared not underestimate, much less ridicule as they had in the past.

Ignoring the stares of those around him, Qiao Tian headed straight for Master Xuanku's secluded meditation temple.

The Zen temple was quiet and serene, with the fragrance of sandalwood wafting through the air. Master Xuanku was meditating on a futon when he heard a disciple outside announce that "Qiao Tian requests an audience." His fingers, which were holding prayer beads, paused slightly, and he slowly opened his eyes, a complex emotion that was extremely difficult to detect flashing in them.

"Let him in."

Qiao Tian entered the meditation room and respectfully bowed, saying, "Disciple Qiao Tian greets his revered master." His tone was calm, and his movements natural, yet Xuan Ku's gaze lingered on him for a long time. The young man before him vaguely resembled the child who had resolutely knelt and begged to enter the temple years ago, but his temperament had undergone a complete transformation. That composure beyond his years had become even more profound, and it also subtly revealed a deep and steadfast aura, especially his eyes, clear yet unfathomable, as if reflecting a landscape unseen by ordinary people.

"It's good that you're back." Xuan Ku spoke slowly, his voice as calm as ever. "I heard that you went to guard the back mountain and then disappeared without a trace. There are many rumors in the temple. Your parents are very worried about you, and Feng'er often asks about you as well."

"It is my fault that you and your family are worried, Master." Qiao Tian put his palms together again. "I have not returned to secular life. I have only found a secluded place in the back mountain to study Buddhist scriptures. When I have gained some insights, I go into seclusion to meditate and comprehend them. As a result, I have forgotten the time and failed to report to you in time. Please punish me, Master." His words were half true and half false. He was indeed in seclusion and studying Buddhist scriptures. However, what he had comprehended was not all Buddhist teachings.

Xuan Ku's gaze swept over him like lightning. Qiao Tian hadn't concealed the vast, yet perfectly balanced and restrained, pure true energy within him either. This was definitely not something an ordinary servant monk, or even an ordinary Shaolin disciple could possess. His internal energy was rooted in extreme yang and strength, vast and pure, faintly possessing the essence of authentic Shaolin internal energy, yet even more powerful and intense. Furthermore, yin and yang complemented each other, flowing freely and smoothly, exuding an indescribable, primal aura. It seemed to share the same origin as any Shaolin technique he knew, yet it was entirely different.

'This child is indeed extraordinary!' Xuan Ku was secretly astonished, but his face remained impassive. He had sensed the boy's unwavering resolve and unusual character years ago, which was why he allowed him to enter the temple. Seeing the boy's initiative in learning Sanskrit, he felt the boy possessed innate wisdom. Now it seemed the opportunities the boy had encountered far exceeded his expectations. That back mountain… could it be that the Bodhidharma Shrine holds some hidden mystery?

“The practice of Buddhism lies in understanding one’s true nature, not in forms. Your ability and opportunity to attain this understanding are your good fortune.” Xuanku did not delve deeper, but instead asked, “Now that you have returned, what are your plans?”

"I have been in seclusion for several years and have made some progress in the classics and martial arts. However, I know that studying behind closed doors is not the right path. This time, I intend to return home to visit my parents and comfort them. Afterward, I will travel the world to gain experience and verify what I have learned," Qiao Tian replied calmly.

Xuan Ku pondered for a moment. It was absurd for Qiao Tian, ​​with such martial arts skills, to stay in the temple as a servant, but his origins were mysterious and the temple rules were strict, making it difficult to deal with him. He could see that Qiao Tian's character had not changed, and that deep-seated sincerity was no different from when he knelt and begged to enter the temple back then.

"Very well." Xuan Ku finally nodded. "You should first go to the head of the Disciplinary Hall to explain the situation and have your 'missing' status removed. As for whether you stay or leave... although you have entered the temple as a servant, you are still considered half a Buddhist disciple. The world is a long road, I hope you will keep your heart pure, not use martial arts for evil, and promote good.

"I will heed your teachings." Qiao Tian bowed deeply. Master Xuanku's tolerance and insight filled him with respect and gratitude.

Just as Qiao Tian was about to take his leave, Xuan Ku casually mentioned, "Feng'er is exceptionally talented and progressing at an extremely rapid pace. He is now unmatched among his peers in the temple and has recently begun sparring with his junior disciple of the 'Hui' generation. The abbot has also taken notice."

Qiao Tian paused slightly, understanding dawning on his mind. Qiao Feng's excellence could be a stroke of luck, or it could make him a target of envy, especially in a place like Shaolin Temple, a place teeming with hidden talents. Abbot Xuanci's attention was even more unpredictable, bringing both fortune and misfortune.

He remembered that it was Xuanci who facilitated Fengdi's journey to the Beggars' Sect to become Wang Jiantong's disciple when he was 16 years old.

"Thank you for your guidance, Master." Qiao Tian's tone remained unchanged, but his heart was already filled with apprehension. His younger brother's growth rate was even faster than he had anticipated. He had to plan ahead even more quickly.

After leaving Xuanku Zen Temple, Qiao Tian headed to the Discipline Hall. The process went more smoothly than he had expected. Although the head of the Discipline Hall reprimanded him a few times for being "disorganized and undisciplined," he only recorded one demerit and allowed him to leave out of respect for Master Xuanku.

The news of his "return" spread like wildfire throughout parts of the Shaolin Temple. The sudden appearance of a servant who had been missing for several years and was even received by Master Xuanku was itself a topic of great interest.

The news naturally reached Qiao Feng, who was practicing martial arts at the Martial Monks Academy.

At only fourteen years old, Qiao Feng was already taller and more robust than his peers. He performed a set of Shaolin long fist with great force and powerful internal energy, displaying an astonishing aura. He had just easily defeated a senior brother of the "Hui" generation. As he was wiping his sweat with a cloth, he heard the monks next to him discussing, "That handyman Qiao Tian is back." His movements suddenly froze, and his tiger-like eyes widened.