Chapter 3: The Art of Rejuvenation

This Hunyuan Technique is indeed a superior internal skill. After practicing for just over a month, Xiao Ding could already feel a small, mouse-like flow of energy rolling within his body. Based on this alone, Xiao Ding was convinced that he had truly stumbled upon a treasure. However, the thought of having to practice this unparalleled divine skill with four other people left him feeling dejected. Having read numerous martial arts novels, he noticed that the male protagonists typically acquired unique skills on their own, then ventured out into the world, exuding charisma and attracting a multitude of beautiful women to choose from. But now, alas, where is the justice in wasting such extraordinary skills?

Xiao Ding sat beside her, inhaling the faint fragrance emanating from her, unable to meet her gaze directly. He slightly lowered his eyes, focusing on Princess Jingyue's knees, and said: "I have diligently practiced the techniques taught by Eunuch Huang day and night, and I feel as if my body has undergone a thorough transformation, akin to the process of refining sinews and washing marrow. My physical condition has greatly improved, and I have experienced no discomfort."

She let out a soft sigh, stepped into the room, and chuckled lightly: "So the general plays a good xiao, such a melodious tune. Why is the melody so melancholic? Is the general... reminded of someone?"

This room is circular, with no windows on the four walls. A large Bagua is drawn on the floor, and a skylight above is open, allowing a beam of sunlight to pour into the room, directly illuminating Princess Jingyue.

From this day on, Xiao Ding practiced sparring with Princess Jingyue every day. Thus, more than half a year passed. From summer to winter, and then from spring to summer, over a year had already elapsed since arriving in this era. Xiao Ding's physical changes became less and less pronounced, slowing down gradually, stabilizing at the appearance of a twenty-seven or twenty-eight-year-old, which coincidentally was the age he was in his previous life

Xiao Ding noticed from the corner of his eye that the beautiful princess had been gazing at him for increasingly longer periods over the past few days. Under the attention of such a beauty, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement, performing even better as the match progressed

During his time working at the hotel, Xiao Ding spent all day mingling with the female attendants. Coupled with his inherent lack of deference towards royal authority, he increasingly lost the distinction and decorum in his interactions with Princess Jingyue.

It was merely a palm, resting on Feng Yue's arm, and then he saw Feng Qiao's tall figure spinning in the air like a windmill

Jingyue felt somewhat disappointed upon hearing this. She asked again in detail and listened as Xiao Ding recounted the pathways of his meridians during his Qi training, which were identical to her own practice. Consequently, she was left without any clear direction in her mind

As for Xiao Ding's martial arts, he has now reached the level of a third-rate master in the martial world. Achieving such proficiency in just one year demonstrates that this skill is indeed a remarkable art that harmonizes with the principles of heaven and earth.

In Xiao Ding's experiences working in various hotels, beautiful women left a profound impression on him. This impression was that these women regarded their beauty and bodies as capital, resorting to any means to cater to the powerful. Such women, who are willing to sacrifice their own beauty for others, truly moved Xiao Ding.

Xiao Ding set down his flute and looked up to see Jing Yue sitting in front of him. Her face, resembling white jade, and her rosy lips curved into a slight smile. Suddenly reminded of the more famous interpretations of "playing the flute" in later generations, he couldn't help but feel a flutter in his heart at the thought of such enchanting scenery, and his face turned slightly red.

On this day, Xiao Ding did not see the princess come to provide guidance. Feeling exhausted from practicing alone, he wandered idly in the quiet room and noticed a bamboo flute made of purple bamboo hanging on the wall. He took it down and began to play.

Princess Jingyue, seizing the opportunity to observe and engage in martial arts competition, meticulously tended to Xiao Ding, pondering to herself: "It is strange. Although Master Huang has mentioned that our family's Hunyuan Qi Gong is a top-tier skill in the martial world, it certainly cannot possess the effect of rejuvenation. In the past, even the immortal Dianzhen and Master Daoyan, who lived over a hundred years, were never said to have regained their youthful appearance. How is it that Wu Tiande seems to be getting younger? His physique is becoming increasingly robust, gradually shedding the bulk typical of middle age. His gaze is becoming clearer, and the color and wrinkles of his skin—within just a few months, he has seemingly aged five or six years less. Now, he appears to be just over thirty. How could this be?"

He saw a big man in the picture book, and surprisingly, there was a hint of embarrassment on his face, as if he had truly been hit by what I said. He felt a sense of emptiness in his heart, and suddenly, his mood plummeted.

Xiao Ding, when engaging in combat, does not distinguish between ranks; his only thought is to quickly master his skills and dominate the martial world. Even when facing the princess, he exerts all his strength. At first, Jing Yue did not feel much, but now she has gradually begun to sense the power of his attacks. Correspondingly, her experience in responding to opponents has also greatly increased

Xiao Ding lamented that one should not judge a eunuch by appearances, especially those from the Ming Dynasty

Although the princess has practiced the Hunyuan martial arts with the old eunuch Huang for many years, she is unaware of the true extent of her skills. Neither of them has ventured into the martial world; apart from the recent incident where an assassin intruded into the inner hall, they have not had any actual combat experience.

Stepping out of the martial arts hall, he followed the winding corridor to the back, passing through a trellis of grapevines, before finally arriving at a quiet room. Xiao Ding kept a respectful distance of five or six steps behind the beauty, following her in an orderly manner

Upon his entrance, Jingyue smiled and said, "General, there is no need to be formal, please take a seat"

It turns out that Princess Jingyue was the deceased biological sister of King Zhou. Seven years ago, a plague swept through Hebei, and amidst the natural disaster, distinctions between officials and commoners became irrelevant. As a result, the Zhou royal family also suffered greatly, with both the king and the queen succumbing to illness one after the other. At that time, the crown prince was only three years old, and Princess Jingyue was merely fourteen.

After practicing for three months, Princess Jingyue came to spar. With just three punches and two kicks, she knocked down all five of them. It was then that Xiao Ding realized this beautiful princess was actually a master herself

Could it be that Wu Tiande discovered some secret while practicing his skills, and considering that this martial art might also have the effect of preserving one's youth, Princess Jingyue could not help but become increasingly interested in Xiao Ding due to a woman's innate desire for beauty and the longing to remain youthful

On this day, Princess Jingyue, along with Minister Huang and the accountant, verified the account books. Due to the autumn harvest, in addition to the usual commercial taxes, tariffs, and shipping taxes, there were also grain taxes and the submission of books to the court, along with the portion retained for personal use, which needed to be calculated and verified. This had delayed her martial arts practice time significantly. She hurried back to her room to change into her training attire and rushed to the quiet chamber, only to hear a melodious flute sound coming from within. She couldn't help but pause at the door and listen attentively.

As soon as the two stopped, Princess Jingyue淡淡地 said to Xiao Ding: "General Wu, please follow me to the quiet room." After saying this, she turned and floated away.

Although she had not yet realized the increasingly important place that Xiao Ding held in her heart, every time she had a moment of leisure, the image of Wu Yujie would involuntarily surface in her mind. Often, she would find herself unknowingly wandering to the door of the quiet room.

Princess Jingyue, dressed in a full set of white attire, was intently watching the duel between the two individuals. She was quite pleased with Wu Tiande. Although when she first gathered these individuals, Xiao Ding had the weakest martial arts foundation, he displayed an exceptionally high level of comprehension. Back in the day when she first learned martial arts, it was the eunuch Huang who taught her step by step, and it seemed that he did not possess such outstanding talent. In such a short period, he had made remarkable progress. It has only been a little over six months, yet he could withstand ten moves under her command.

As I stepped through the door, Princess Jingyue was already seated cross-legged in the center of the quiet chamber

Having arrived in this era for some time, Xiao Ding gradually integrated into it. Looking back on the past days often feels like a dream. Although life back then was rather mundane, it still evokes a sense of melancholy. The theme song "Endless Love" from the movie "Myth" is played on the bamboo flute, its gentle melody carrying a hint of sadness and sorrow.

The melody was so beautiful and moving that Jingyue outside the door couldn't help but listen in a daze. She thought of how, as a woman, she had poured her heart and soul into her brother's offspring, enduring so many years of grievances and loneliness, nearly brought to tears.

Regarding the facial rejuvenation effects of the Hunyuan Gong, Princess Jingyue still finds herself at a loss. The current Xiao Ding appears to be around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with bright and spirited eyes. Although he does not resemble the delicate young man from his previous life, he is nonetheless a handsome and resolute-looking officer. His thick beard, while exuding masculinity, is something Xiao Ding is not accustomed to. While shopping, he bought a small knife and diligently shaves every day. After his first shave, he hurried to the pond to take a look at himself, and was startled to see that since he first arrived in this Ming Dynasty, he seemed to have aged backward by more than ten years after just a few months of absence.

At that time, a girl of fifteen or sixteen was considered of marriageable age. If she had not married by eighteen, she would be regarded as an old maid. However, if she were to marry, both she and her husband would reside in the royal residence, which would not only be inappropriate in terms of etiquette but would also invite gossip, suggesting that she was scheming to usurp her brother's inheritance. In order to care for her young nephew, Princess Jingyue had no choice but to sacrifice her own lifelong happiness. Now, at the age of twenty-one, she has become an old maid, and it seems that the only way to ensure her nephew grows up is to remain unmarried for life.

Xiao Ding stood up, and Princess Jingyue left the quiet chamber. She pondered to herself, practicing with you every day should surely reveal some differences, right

Princess Jingyue assists Master Huang with official duties every day, teaches her nephew Wang, and only sets aside two hours in the afternoon to impart martial arts skills to Xiao Ding, who is now becoming increasingly diligent in his training

Xiao Ding walked up to her and sat cross-legged, mimicking her posture. After learning about the achievements of Princess Jingyue from the guards, Xiao Ding held a certain respect for this young lady, and no longer fantasized about her as she had when they first met

Princess Jingyue, a young lady in her twenties, had not yet had much contact with men. Once the formality of her title was set aside, the two became increasingly familiar with each other. Their interactions resembled those of fellow disciples sparring together, and at times they would pause to discuss their experiences and insights on offense and defense.

Of course, when Xiao Ding selected individuals, he put in considerable effort. Looking at these four guards, each one is robust and strong, as for their intellect... well, that is not for outsiders to discuss.

Princess Jingyue waited for him to take his seat and smiled, saying: "The general's talent is truly exceptional. After practicing the Hunyuan Formula with the books for just over six months, your progress is astonishing. Have you encountered any difficulties while practicing the mental techniques taught by Master Huang?"

Xiao Ding is currently sparring with Heng Ding Ji, who has practiced Iron Sand Palm for several years. Although Xiao Ding previously had no understanding of martial arts, Wu Tiande's physical condition is quite good. After a few months of training, Xiao Ding now appears quite skilled when engaging in combat with others

What surprised him the most was that the one teaching him martial arts was actually the gentle and delicate Huang Gonggong, who walked as if afraid of stepping on ants. Xiao Ding still vividly remembers the scene from the first day when Huang Gonggong tested their martial arts foundation. The expert Feng Qiao from the Cangzhou Pigua School, whom Xiao Ding had chosen, charged towards Huang Gonggong, who appeared to be a kind and amiable old lady, and struck down with a palm, creating a gust of wind. Xiao Ding felt a pang of sympathy, but he soon saw Huang Gonggong extend a fair and tender palm.

This princess, for the sake of her deceased brother's only bloodline, tirelessly cares for the young and naive Prince Zhou. The prince's fief consists of six counties, and in addition to the usual affairs of the royal residence, this young lady must constantly guard against the open and covert schemes of the treacherous Marquis of Huaiding.

Xiao Ding is an orphan. Due to the absence of an orphanage in the county where he lives, he grew up in a nursing home. He learned to play the xiao (a traditional Chinese bamboo flute) from an elderly man. Although he cannot be considered highly skilled, it is not difficult for him to play a complete piece of music.

In recent days, every day has been spent sparring. Although Little Ding is consistently defeated by the princess without any suspense, the duration of his persistence has gradually increased, and he has begun to develop the strength to counterattack

Tilting her head in thought, Jingyue stood up and said: "Elder Huang is an official in the royal residence, busy with affairs. You have made rapid progress, so starting today, you will practice martial arts alone in this quiet room. I will teach you the middle volume of the mixed origin technique. Apart from me, only Elder Huang has had the fortune to practice the middle volume. I hope the general will not disappoint this trust."

Princess Jingyue was dressed in a pure white outfit, her slender waist easily grasped in one hand. Her long, dark hair was simply tied up, cascading down her back. Her delicate figure bathed in the brilliant sunlight, she resembled a white lotus flower, ethereal and untainted.