Chapter Seven: Alone at Zhongnan, Paying Respects at the Ancient Tomb

The ancient martial arts manuals are stored near the training hall, protected by numerous mechanisms. Yang You, possessing a treasure mountain, does not require her to exchange anything for martial arts. However, seeing her sincere attitude, he agreed and personally led her into the study, allowing her to browse at her leisure

Su Ye chatted with her for a while and found her to be reasonable and easy to talk to. Thus, she candidly expressed her intentions, saying with a smile: "Madam, I have made some progress in my martial arts. However, as the saying goes, 'When you reach a hundred feet, it is difficult to make even an inch of progress.' Only by learning from the strengths of various schools can one hope to improve. Therefore, I must travel far and wide to seek guidance from masters of different sects. My unannounced visit is to see if anyone still resides in the ancient tomb, and to request a chance to observe the Xuan Tie sword technique and the An Ran Xiao Hun palm of the legendary hero."

After the two guests left, no uninvited guests came to the door. She remained at Hongye Ferry, waiting for several days until she finally saw Xiahou Qing return from Taihu. As soon as he arrived, she summoned him and two trusted dockmasters to inform them of her imminent departure, stating that she would return in a few months, and she explicitly revealed the route of her journey.

Su Ye packed her belongings and noticed that the government officials' scrutiny of the tribute had gradually relaxed. The officials and soldiers were fishing for three days and drying nets for two, concluding that there would be no further repercussions from this matter. Only then did she set off northward. She crossed the Yangtze River and, instead of heading directly to the northern capital, took a route towards the northwest. Traveling day and night, she spent only seven or eight days to journey from the warm and sunny region of Jiangnan to the serene and beautiful Zhongnan Mountain.

The Xuan Tie Sword Technique is indestructible, while the An Ran Xiao Hun Palm is sorrowful and lingering. In addition to their immense power, they also possess distinct personal characteristics, making it immediately apparent that they are Yang Guo's martial arts. The former compensates for her tendency to wield her knife lightly, while the latter is filled with emotions she has yet to experience, both of which hold great value

The ancient tomb is dark and deep, originally a warehouse where Wang Chongyang stored weapons and supplies to resist the Jin dynasty. There are no lighting tools within, and the passages are intricate and filled with traps. As she used her internal energy to dry her clothes, she paused in a waterless area, exhaled softly, and gently said: "The old friend of the Divine Eagle Hero has come to pay a visit, seeking an audience with the master of the ancient tomb"

Su Ye gazed at them, and saw the old woman walk to a distance of three zhang from her, asking: "Little girl, you say you are an old acquaintance of Master Yang?"

Su Ye stood by the stream, estimating the distance between the creek and the ancient tomb. Convinced that his memory was correct, he followed the direction of the flowing water and walked downstream. Before long, he leaped down and sank to the bottom.

Yang Xiao's expression darkened slightly as he said, "His talent in medicine is not much different from that of the Sun Master in martial arts. If the Dragon Head does not believe it, why bother seeking his consultation?"

In comparison, she is less concerned about the more renowned martial arts such as the Nine Yin Manual and the Toad Skill, as her internal energy has already taken shape. Pursuing other divine skills would only result in a hodgepodge of outcomes

Since the descendants of the former master still reside here, she did not wish to be impolite, thus she took the initiative to request an audience. The ancient tomb has a low dome, with many rooms, and thick rock walls everywhere, which should not produce any echoes. However, when she spoke while channeling her energy, her voice surprisingly penetrated the thick stone walls and resonated throughout the entire ancient tomb

After Su Ye introduced herself, she began to fabricate stories, absurdly claiming that her "master" was named Lu Wushuang, the sworn sister of the Divine Eagle Hero. She was well-acquainted with Yang Guo and Xiao Longnv, and had even witnessed the martial arts of the Ancient Tomb Sect. To gain people's trust, she even performed a set of beautiful boxing techniques.

The small stream appeared ordinary, yet the water level continuously rose, eventually reaching a height of more than one person. Su Ye walked on the soft mud at the bottom of the stream as if on land, concentrating on discerning the direction and holding his breath to avoid suffocation

After Yang Guo returned to the ancient tomb to live in seclusion, he meticulously transcribed all that he had learned throughout his life, compiling it into a book. His lifelong studies were exceedingly diverse, encompassing everything from the Quanzhen Swordsmanship to the Toad Skill, and even the Dog-Beating Stick Technique. Although the disciples of the ancient tomb did not use bamboo sticks, they treasured the Dog-Beating Stick Technique and preserved it carefully to prevent the interruption of the Beggar's Sect's heritage

Su Ye was a person of his word; he did not covet the classics in the library. After carefully reviewing the two sets of martial arts, he voluntarily stepped outside and presented the promised exchange condition to Yang You. At that moment, she learned that the girl in the yellow dress was named Yang Bi, who was only four years old this year, and was the next generation heir of the Ancient Tomb Sect that Yang You had reserved.

At this moment, Yang You observed that her internal energy was profound and her martial arts skills were exceptionally high. He secretly marveled at her abilities and did not suspect that she intended to seize the ancient skills of the Ancient Tomb Sect. Moreover, Su Ye was aware of the entrance to the tomb, understood the beauty's boxing techniques, and was well-versed in the life of the Divine Eagle Hero, even mentioning the name Lu Wushuang. No matter how suspicious she might be, she would not doubt her identity.

As expected, he, while surprised, did not ask further questions and naturally accepted her arrangements

She personally extended her hospitality, and Yu Lianzhou found it inappropriate to refuse, thus he stayed for a dinner. The atmosphere during the meal was quite strange; Yang Xiao attempted several times to probe with words, trying to suppress the momentum of the orthodox disciples, but each time his attempts were skillfully deflected, revealing the extraordinary mental cultivation skills of Wudang. Su Ye observed coldly from the side, understanding that this temperament was closely related to martial arts, and he held even greater admiration for Zhang Sanfeng.

This narrow path winds and curves, the terrain is rugged, clearly a dirt road made by hunters. Su Ye does not mind its simplicity; recalling the location of the Zhongnan ancient tomb, he circles eastward through the forest, and in just half a day's time, he finds a gently flowing stream.

He and Yu Lianzhou shared the same thoughts, both believing that an important figure was injured or ill at the Twelve Linked Docks, which is why Su Ye was eager to seek a renowned physician. However, after her inquiry, she surprisingly showed no further concern for Hu Qingniu and smiled, saying: "Please forgive my reckless words. In fact, I have some knowledge of medicine, and it is inevitable that I might doubt others' abilities. Since Mr. Hu's whereabouts are uncertain, let it be; we shall meet again if fate allows. Master Yang, please fetch me some writing materials." Since Mr. Hu's whereabouts are uncertain, let it be; we shall meet again if fate allows. Master Yang, please fetch me some writing materials.

Disciples of the ancient tomb can freely choose the martial arts they wish to learn, enjoying greater freedom than any sect in the martial world

These young girls are orphans brought back by Yang You. Once they grow up, they may choose their own paths.

However, in the present day, no one knows that behind the Changyang Palace, there lies an ancient tomb resembling a large steamed bun. The descendants of this ancient tomb have lived in seclusion for generations, indifferent to worldly affairs, and have instead passed down the martial arts of their predecessors

Yang Guo had friends all over the world in his youth, and he was acquainted with people from all walks of life. It was not surprising to have the children of old acquaintances among them. Moreover, Su Ye was beautiful and graceful, and she was polite and proactive in seeking an audience, which did not seem like the behavior of someone with malicious intent. The old woman looked at her a few times and had already developed a fondness for her. She said lightly, "My surname is Yang. May I ask how you are addressed, and what connection you have with Master Yang? Who informed you of the location of the ancient tomb entrance?"

Su Ye smiled and said, "Mr. Hu is still quite young, isn't he? I wonder how his medical skills are. Does he truly live up to the title of a divine physician?"

Yang Youqi asked: "What martial arts?"

It rarely snows in Jiangnan, and even if it does, it has long since melted by this time. However, the Zhongnan Mountains are colder than the south, with white snow not yet completely melted. The stream water is icy and piercing; when one reaches in, there is an immediate urge to pull the hand back out.

After two or three quarters of an hour, she felt that she had entered the underground water area. Following the direction in her memory, she found an underwater secret passage. Once inside the passage, the terrain gradually rose, and the water became shallower. She did not walk for long before she suddenly emerged from the water, curiously surveying the ancient tomb after many years.

The old woman, named Yang You, is the successor of the Ancient Tomb Sect of this generation. If a successor has no children, they must adopt an orphan to pass on the sect's martial arts. Since the marriage of Yang Guo and Xiao Longnv, the rules of the sect have been completely abolished. However, due to years of warfare and conflict, the successors of the Ancient Tomb Sect, who are inherently indifferent to worldly affairs, have continued to live in seclusion in the deep mountains, thus disappearing from the martial world.

Su Ye smiled and said: "The Sword Manual of the Stunning Swan, the Six Yang Palms of Tianshan."

The girl was only about three or four years old, her appearance resembling that of a beautiful pearl or jade, captivating all who beheld her. The four young ladies each possessed their own charm, yet they could not compare to this little girl

Su Ye had visited the ancient tomb and knew that the "Broken Dragon Stone" at the main entrance had already been lowered. To enter or exit, one could only walk from the bottom of the water. Fortunately, she had come and gone many times, allowing her to identify this small stream among the many creeks on the mountain. Moreover, her profound skills had been perfected, and she was not afraid of cold or heat; no matter how cold the stream water was, she treated it as ordinary.

Since she established the Twelve Linked Docks, she has always remained in Jiangnan, and this is the first time she has been away for such a long period, which inevitably causes some unease. However, she has intentionally cultivated a capable deputy for this very day. Xiahou Qing, having passed the age of forty, is already married and has established a career, making him much more composed than the average gang member, thus suitable to succeed the leadership position.

Wang Chongyang was once regarded as the foremost master in the world, and the Quanzhen Sect flourished under his esteemed reputation, becoming the leader of the righteous path in the martial arts community. However, after his death, the disciples under him declined in skill with each generation. By the time of Yin Zhiping and Li Zhichang, they had all become merely ordinary masters, lacking any notable fame

Yang You acknowledged her identity as a descendant of an old acquaintance, allowing her to study ancient tomb texts, which greatly benefited her martial arts skills. Now, she no longer needs to memorize techniques; she only needs to contemplate the essence behind the techniques, integrate the creator's mindset, and then transform it for her own use

After Su Ye learned the Primordial Skill, his internal power deepened with each practice, and he comprehended the essence of Taoist martial arts from this technique. The Primordial Skill is like uncut jade and pure gold, akin to a blank sheet of paper that has never been painted upon. It is precisely because it possesses nothing that it can transform into all things in the world, unlocking the mystery of the Taoist principle "Primordial gives birth to Tai Chi, Tai Chi gives birth to the Two Forms," and then endlessly evolving thereafter

In the past, Wang Chongyang founded the Quanzhen Sect on Zhongnan Mountain, which flourished for a time. However, more than a hundred years have passed, and the Quanzhen Sect has long since faded away. Some Taoists have died, while others have dispersed, and even the Chongyang Palace has been requisitioned by the court, becoming a place for rituals and worship. Su Ye was well aware of the decline of talent at Chongyang Palace and had no interest in it. He bypassed the main road up the mountain and went to the back mountain of Zhongnan, taking the small path up the back mountain.

She originally intended to nod in agreement, but then heard Su Ye laughingly say, "If my mother-in-law allows me to take a look, then I will also use two sets of martial arts as a reward, how about that"

She repeated it three times before stopping, quietly waiting for a response from the other party. After a short while, a distant light appeared ahead, slowly approaching. The person holding the lantern was an elderly woman with a gentle face, who must have been a beauty in her youth. She was not alone; she was holding the hand of a girl in a yellow dress, followed by four maidservants and four young girls, each with a long sword hanging at their waist.

Therefore, it is all-encompassing and inclusive, capable of integrating the martial arts of all sects in the world, possessing the effect of accommodating a hundred rivers. The martial prowess of those who practice this skill depends entirely on individual cultivation; the broader one's knowledge and the wider one's perspective, the easier it becomes to learn from the strengths of others, ultimately leading to the successful transformation into the innate Eight Trigrams, reputed to be "coexisting with heaven and earth, shining together with the sun and moon"

In fact, she is indeed an old acquaintance of the Divine Eagle Hero Yang Guo, but that is a matter from another world. Anyone who sees her age would not believe that she knows Yang Guo. She is aware that her explanation is insufficient, and quickly adds: "It is a descendant of an old acquaintance"

Yang Xiao was taken aback for a moment before saying: "Mr. Hu has always resided in Kunlun, spending many years in the mountains cultivating and gathering herbs, living a carefree life. However, he is about to marry his junior sister, and it seems he wishes to invite Master Yang to officiate the wedding, after which he plans to travel the world with his sister, seeking rare medicinal herbs and healing the sick along the way. If you wish to find him, it may not be easy, as most of the brothers in the sect are also unaware of his whereabouts"