Chapter 1, Hopelessly Leaving the Mountain
This extraordinary figure of the martial arts world stands over 8 feet tall, at least a head taller than the average martial arts strongman. He possesses a unique bone structure, with long hair that is meticulously styled, half white and half brown. His face is slender, and his phoenix eyes are slanted, set against his temples, exuding an imposing presence without the need for anger.
Qi Xiaoyun sighed and said, "In fact, I also know that seeking immortality and learning the Dao is ultimately a distant hope. However, if it truly exists, and one can cultivate an immortal body, drifting beyond the clouds in the azure sky, overlooking the ever-changing world, witnessing the vicissitudes of life, observing the petty individuals who pursue fame and fortune, calculating day in and day out, yet wasting their time in vain, watching those restless wanderers who stir up trouble daily, only to exchange half a lifetime for greater loneliness, while I remain detached from worldly affairs, free and at ease, how delightful that would be! Haha, how delightful indeed!" At this point, Qi Xiaoyun was exceedingly pleased and laughed heartily.
Peng Wuwang, in a moment of inspiration, moved at an incredible speed that was imperceptible to the naked eye, spinning several times. The pair of twin daggers flew from his hands, tracing two smooth and graceful arcs, descending like a fierce lightning strike. In the blink of an eye, they traversed a distance of several zhang, catching up with the eleven wooden stakes whose momentum was waning. With a crisp sound, the eleven stakes were neatly cut into twenty-two segments, falling to the ground. The twin daggers, with their momentum unabated, whistled back towards him. Peng Wuwang executed a spin and leaped into the air, reaching out to retrieve the daggers, then landed steadily.
It was already a day after leaving Mount Tianmu. After three years of arduous cultivation in the mountains, upon descending and once again encountering the myriad people and things of the world, Peng Wuwang could not help but feel an overwhelming sense of emotion.
At this moment, Peng Wuwang finally realized that this elusive martial arts master had returned. "Master, you are back! Your disciple has finished chopping wood and can start cooking right away"
"You are indeed rare to discover this problem," Qi Xiaoyun said. "How about this: if you can stand in place and use the paired daggers to cut through the eleven wooden stakes in front of me, you may descend the mountain tonight, and I will also gift you this pair of short knives. What do you think?"
Qi Xiaoyun nodded and said, "You, go ahead. There is no need to come to Tianmushan to find me in the future; I am about to embark on my journey."
Within a radius of one thousand miles of Tianmu Mountain lies the verdant Yishan, where flowers and grasses flourish, and rare birds and exotic beasts abound in the thousands, with countless scenic spots and beautiful landscapes. However, the terrain here is perilous, and the roads are difficult to traverse, often frequented by ferocious beasts. Moreover, in the current state of the world, where chaos has just subsided and numerous matters await resolution, the mountain paths of Tianmu Mountain have fallen into disrepair over the years, rendering them exceptionally dangerous. Even seasoned woodcutters, adept at navigating mountain trails, are reluctant to venture here. Furthermore, in the present Tang Dynasty, the second prince of Li Yuan, Li Shimin, is diligently governing, ensuring the welfare of the people, not neglecting agricultural seasons, while also reforming officials and dispatching capable local magistrates to manage dozens of prefectures under the rule of the Tang. Now, the Central Plains are filled with songs and dances, a prosperous era is anticipated, and no one is willing to risk their lives to make a living in the treacherous Tianmu Mountain. Thus, the entire Tianmu Mountain has become a rarely visited paradise, where only reclusive sages, determined to isolate themselves from the world, would take an interest in visiting.
Peng Wuwang secretly wiped away his tears with force, tightened his belt, and approached the bonfire he had lit. He sat down on his horse stance, with one arm extended forward and his left hand protecting his waist, which was the starting posture of the Luohan Fist. Then, he circled his right hand, and with a swift extension of his left fist, he executed the thirty-six movements of the Luohan Fist in a flowing manner.
Qi Xiaoyun looked up at the sky and said, "It is already dawn; you should set off now."
Peng Wuwang let out a long howl: "I will not accept!" As soon as his voice fell, the long knife in his hand suddenly shone brightly, resembling the rising sun, dispelling the dimness of dusk. Following this, dozens of strikes came crashing down with the force of thunder, fiercely cleaving towards the front.
Different opponents are the same; some strike fiercely, and I evade the solid blows to target the weak points. Others have light and agile moves, and I strike directly at the center to force them into a decisive battle. Of course, on the battlefield, with its myriad changes, I remain vigilant to adapt my techniques at any moment. For instance, the wooden post just now is the simplest of opponents, yet my requirements for it differ. Thus, I employed the technique of "Long Wind Nine Turns" to achieve the greatest need, which is twenty-four wooden pieces.
Qi Xiaoyun was hearing someone compare their world-shocking, unparalleled swordsmanship to culinary skills for the first time. He couldn't help but feel both amused and exasperated, yet he had to agree that Peng Wuwang's words were not without merit. He slowly nodded and said: "Very well, I did not expect that at such a young age, you would understand such profound principles. This is also a result of your usual habit of observing, thinking, and using your intellect. However, although you are naturally gifted, your heart is quite pure, free from desires, which is why you have made such rapid progress in your martial arts training. It has not been in vain for me to teach you. Come, show me the Yunlong Changfeng sword technique that you have comprehended."
"Master, what are you sighing about?" Peng Wuwang asked curiously, "Is it that the meat is not roasted well?"
"Shaolin Luohan Quan is the introductory martial art of Shaolin Temple, practiced by everyone in the martial world, yet few realize that this set of techniques is profound and extensive. Even dedicating a lifetime to its study yields daily insights. The seventy-two unique skills of Shaolin are all derived from the principles of Luohan Quan. In the past, I, along with Master Daoxin of Shaolin, spent twenty years comprehending the essence of Luohan Quan, and together we created fourteen of the seventy-two unique skills, all of which have been fully imparted to you. Coupled with my Yunlong Changfeng Dao, you will benefit from it for a lifetime. In the future, when you encounter disciples of Shaolin, please take good care of them, as my ties with them run deep. This pair of Yuanyang Dao, along with the long sword I carry, I bestow upon you." After Qi Xiaoyun finished speaking, he shook his left arm, and three various long swords flew towards Peng Wuwang.
Peng Wuwang hesitated for a moment and said, "Alright, very well!"
"Wait a moment," Qi Xiaoyun said, "Today we won't be using the axe; instead, let's use my ceremonial sword!" As soon as he finished speaking, with a flick of his wrist, a beautifully curved, elongated, and crystal-clear long sword made of refined steel shot towards Peng Wuwang like a flash of lightning.
This is the perspective of a child, and there is no need for further discussion. This is what we call each having our own obsessions; alas, it is an unavoidable matter. I have drifted through the world for many years, experiencing joy and sorrow, resentment and hatred, anger and sadness, hardship and poverty, and I have gone through so much. The fluctuations of fame and fortune in the world can no longer evoke any attachment in me, and there are not many significant matters that I have failed to accomplish in this world. Now, having raised a fine young man like you, I have no regrets at all. If I do not seek out some higher pursuits, I fear that the time I have left in this world will be wasted.
At this moment, Peng Wuhua casually threw another tree stump, about the thickness of a bowl, into the air. Then, with a swift motion, he struck down, and several flashes of light streaked across the evening sky filled with clouds. The tree stump seemed to vanish as if it had melted into the air, and twenty-four wooden pieces fluttered down like a sky full of brown butterflies, landing at Peng Wuwang's feet
Do you understand? Qi Xiaoyun knocked Peng Wuwang to the ground with a punch
Peng Wuwang's machete flashed lightly several times, and a tree stump the size of a bowl was immediately split into twenty-four equally sized pieces of wood. He chuckled proudly, saying, "Hey, twenty-four pieces, by my grandmother's might, this is so easy. The fire in the stove tonight will surely be very lively"
Qi Xiaoyun, instead of being angry, smiled: "Good lad, my previous seven disciples were all renowned figures, but when it comes to ambition, you, a boy raised in the bustling world of the marketplace, are the most ambitious of all." He paused for a moment and continued: "However, today you have boasted excessively. If you do not show me some skills, let us see how I shall punish you." He paused again and added: "However, today you have boasted excessively. If you do not show me some skills, let us see how I shall punish you."
Peng Wuwang said curiously: "Master, it is you who said that the number nine is the ultimate in numbers, representing an abundance that can manifest in myriad forms. Moreover, you have also stated that when using a knife, one must prioritize intention over form, and that using a knife is akin to composing poetry; as long as the inspiration flows, one can express freely, like a dragon soaring through the nine heavens, unbound by human limitations. When the knife reaches the intention, even if there are hundreds or thousands of strikes, it is as if there is but one strike; conversely, a single strike can transform into hundreds or thousands. Therefore, although the Long Wind Nine Turns consists of nine strikes, it allows the heart to follow the intention, flowing freely. Furthermore, you have reiterated that when using a knife, one must emphasize intention over form, and that using a knife is like writing poetry; as long as the inspiration is present, one can express freely, akin to a dragon soaring through the nine heavens, unrestrained by human force. When the knife aligns with the intention, even if there are countless strikes, it is as if there is but one; and a single strike can also become hundreds or thousands. Thus, while the Long Wind Nine Turns comprises nine strikes, it permits the heart to follow the intention, flowing freely."
Peng Wuwang stood still, returning the long knife to Qi Xiaoyun.
This is a placeholder text.
How did you come to this understanding? Qi Xiaoyun asked with a smile, not taking offense.
"Master, it's not that I'm criticizing you, but why not learn something worthwhile? A real man should eat heartily and drink generously, living freely and easily. Why bother learning from those who only eat vegetarian food all day? I'm truly worried that you might get bored to death."
"Strange, Master, do you not enjoy gourmet food?" Peng Wuwang inquired
At this moment, Peng Wuwang let out a long howl, clear and resonant, akin to the roar of a dragon. His figure transformed into a wisp of gray smoke, nearly vanishing from the open ground. All that could be seen were the shimmering shadows of his blade dancing in the air, twisting with ease, soaring in all directions. At times, it resembled a crane soaring in the nine heavens; at times, a dragon leaping from a deep pool; at times, a fierce tiger traversing the forest; at times, a灵猿 presenting fruit; at times, a bird gliding through the sky. Each strike was unconstrained by conventional forms, unique in its own right, brimming with a dynamic elegance reminiscent of a celestial steed galloping freely, infused with the spirited inspiration of a poet wielding a brush with abandon.
Qi Xiaoyun said strangely: "Hey, Wuwang, why are you drinking so hastily? Is there something on your mind"
Peng Wuwang hurriedly brought up the roasted meat and the wine jug, smiling as he said, "Master, you are indeed right. Come, let us drink another cup; in the future, there may no longer be wine and meat."
Qi Xiaoyun praised, "Good, to attack with an attack, to avoid the strong and strike the weak, well adapted!"
"Hi," Qi Xiaoyun sighed, "It is precisely because it is roasted so well that I sigh."
Peng Wuwang exclaimed, "Good, I can finally use this knife!" As he spoke, he leaped into the air, reached for the long knife, and executed three consecutive flourishes. In the blink of an eye, he had already slashed in all directions several times. If multiple enemies were to attack him from all sides, these few slashes would ensure their demise.
"Indeed, Master, I just utilized m.hetushu.com, which is precisely the heart method of the Longfeng Nine Turns," said Peng Wuwang.
Peng Wuwang said: "If I, Peng Wuwang, were to invoke my master's name to deceive others, may I die without a complete corpse"
Qi Xiaoyun looked up to the sky and drank the last sip from the wine flask, spinning around like a top before tossing the flask far away. He laughed heartily, saying, "Good boxing technique, Master is here!" After saying this, his figure in blue blended seamlessly into the shadow of Peng Wuwang's punches. He also employed the Shaolin Luohan Fist, but his movements were considerably slower. Nevertheless, the overwhelming barrage of punches from Peng Wuwang was effortlessly blocked at the outer gate. Although his actions were slow, his figure transformed in myriad ways, resembling a formless ghost, making it impossible to predict his movements. He also employed the Shaolin Luohan Fist, but his movements were considerably slower. Nevertheless, the overwhelming barrage of punches from Peng Wuwang was effortlessly blocked at the outer gate. Although his actions were slow, his figure transformed in myriad ways, resembling a formless ghost, making it impossible to predict his movements.
"A little shorter, a little more dangerous; this pair of knives is suitable for close combat, revealing skill amidst peril. How could it be delicate? However, if the opponent wields long spears and halberds, standing in a line of over ten people, what can I do?" Peng Wuwang wore a troubled expression, scratching his head and pondering deeply.
Qi Xiaoyun observed this and smiled, saying: "Good, apply the mental techniques of the Yunlong Changfeng Sword Technique, and do not be constrained by the forms of the moves"
The thatched cottage where Peng Wuwang resided was located in the very heart of Tianmu Mountain, completely surrounded by towering peaks and dense forests that had existed for over a thousand years, making it an ideal place for secluded cultivation. However, it was strange that Peng Wuwang had an ordinary appearance, lacking any distinctive features, and spoke in a coarse manner typical of the marketplace, devoid of the elegance associated with a recluse. He had dark skin, a medium build, and well-defined muscles, making it evident at a glance that he possessed some martial skills. Yet, no matter how one looked at him, he resembled a martial artist guarding a caravan rather than someone who would spend his days in such a desolate wilderness.
The aroma of grilled meat wafted from the fragrant wooden rack constructed by Peng Wuwang, and Qi Xiaoyun inhaled deeply, unable to suppress a sigh
Peng Wuwang walked excitedly to the center of the open space in front of the house, holding a hatchet in his hand, preparing to strike a pose with a stake.
"This is impossible, this is absolutely impossible!" Qi Xiaoyun shook her head repeatedly, her face filled with astonishment
At this moment, as Peng Wuwang was about to withdraw, Qi Xiaoyun suddenly exclaimed loudly, "Hey, the enemy's momentum is great, and their attacks are fierce. We cannot withstand them head-on. What do you intend to do?"
Peng Wuwang nodded vigorously, suddenly stood up, and turned to leave
"The Confucian disciple is teachable!" Qi Xiaoyun exclaimed as he spun and leaped out of the circle
Peng Wuwang knelt on the ground, bowed his head several times with force, and choked back tears as he said: "Disciple has received the profound grace of the master, and I have no way to repay it. This place marks our farewell, and we cannot expect to meet again. If the master has any unfinished business, please entrust it to the disciple to handle."
"Is it because of my culinary skills?" Peng Wuwang asked
Qi Xiaoyun nodded in satisfaction, extending his right foot and lightly stomping the ground. The more than ten wooden stakes in front of him suddenly floated into the air. Then, with a wave of his long sleeves, Qi Xiaoyun struck at eleven of the wooden stakes simultaneously. Those stakes seemed to regain their vitality, resembling eleven dark clouds drifting towards Peng Wuwang. Peng Wuwang did not expect Qi Xiaoyun to attack so suddenly, and quickly performed a sideways roll to evade the incoming assault.
Qi Xiaoyun sheathed his sword, but then took out a pair of short daggers from his bosom and threw them towards Peng Wuwang, saying: "I have just forged this pair of paired daggers, let’s see how you handle them"
Peng Wuwang accepted the mandarin duck knife and the long sword, gazing blankly at his master
"Wait a moment, is the technique you just used the Cloud Dragon Long Wind Sword Technique that I taught you?" Qi Xiaoyun asked eagerly.
"Not bad, I never expected that you would understand this principle as well, which truly astonishes me," Qi Xiaoyun sighed. "Among my seven disciples, it is surprising that only you could comprehend this realm. However, you are quite rough around the edges, struggling even with poetry. In order to help you grasp more of my martial arts, I specifically taught you to play the guqin and the xiao, which nearly drove me to the brink of frustration. I never anticipated that in the end, you would be the first to attain the ultimate understanding of the way of the sword."
Peng Wuwang hurriedly snatched the wine flask and gulped it down.
Even the king of blades, Qi Xiaoyun, finds such exquisite swordsmanship to be as delightful as savoring fine wine, intoxicating and thoroughly enjoyable.
"Hahaha," Qi Xiaoyun laughed heartily, looking up at the sky, and said loudly, "There is no hope. Do not act like a child. When you reach my age in the future, you will understand that the gatherings and separations in this world, as well as life and death, are all just a series of jokes. Come, come, today is a rare occasion of joy. Show me a lesson of the Shaolin Luohan Fist that I have taught you."
Peng Wuwang leaped like a fish, turned over, and joyfully said: "I understand. Use intention to capture the technique, use technique to convey intention, use form to confuse the enemy, and use the enemy to create the technique"
Qi Xiaoyun, upon seeing this, silently praised and inwardly sighed, "This individual is certainly not an ordinary person"
Not at all. Do you know that three years ago, when I met you in a restaurant in Tai'an, Qingzhou, I was preparing to become a monk and practice to attain immortality like Guang Chengzi? Upon seeing your exceptional talent, intelligence, eagerness to learn, and, more importantly, your kind-heartedness and warm nature, I was moved to take you as my disciple. Initially, I only intended to teach you a few martial arts techniques, thinking it would only take a few months, but, alas!
Qi Xiaoyun slapped his thigh and said, "You are right. This will be my last banquet. From now on, I, Qi Xiaoyun, will traverse famous mountains, seek immortality, and pursue the Dao. The great desires of life will no longer have any connection to me. How refreshing, how refreshing! Come, let us drink another cup together."
"It is something I have realized from my culinary experiences." As soon as the topic of cooking was mentioned, Peng Wuwang's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Whether wielding a knife in battle or chopping vegetables, there is actually no difference. A skilled swordsman encounters various masters, just as a chef meets all kinds of diners. Therefore, the principles of employing exquisite knife techniques to defeat an opponent and creating dishes that are visually appealing, aromatic, and flavorful to win over diners are fundamentally the same.
Peng Wuwang, filled with spirit, excitedly said: "I have long wanted to show my master my swordsmanship."
***
Before becoming a disciple, Peng Wuwang was the nephew of Peng Di, the head of the Feihu Escort Agency in Qingzhou, Shandong. He practiced the unique Peng family knife techniques and the throat-locking gun techniques created by the martial arts genius Peng Wuji, the eldest son of the Peng family. Although he was a figure in the martial world that others dared not challenge, he was ultimately not a master of unparalleled martial arts. Moreover, due to his obsession with culinary arts and lack of interest in martial training, he faced disdain in the escort agency. Eventually, he was sent by Peng Di to a tavern in Qingzhou to practice his culinary skills, allowing him to pursue his passion. However, Peng Wuwang knew that his uncle was deeply disappointed in him. From that day on, while learning culinary arts, he intensified his martial arts training. Later, he caught the attention of Qi Xiaoyun, who was traveling through the area, and became his closed-door disciple. From then on, he mastered martial arts and also acquired excellent culinary skills. Having fulfilled most of his lifelong wishes, the pride in Peng Wuwang's heart was truly uncontainable
"With the long wind turning nine times!" Qi Xiaoyun pondered for a moment and asked, "Very well, let me ask you, since it is nine turns, why do you have to strike with twenty-four blades?"
Peng Wuwang sincerely and wholeheartedly bowed down to the ground
Peng Wuwang, with a beaming face, smiled and said: "Master, I am quite clever, am I not?"
Qi Xiaoyun smiled and said, "What, do you think this short knife is too delicate and not suitable for you?"
If you touch the ground, you lose! Qi Xiaoyun shouted
Peng Wuwang declared proudly: "Master, rest assured. A true man should learn martial arts to roam the world and benefit all people! How can one hide away in a remote mountain, chopping wood to survive? Today, I am determined to make my master proud and descend the mountain as soon as possible to realize my dream"
Peng Wuwang shouted, "Good!" With a clear whistle, he instantly unleashed the Luohan Fist technique using the Long Wind Heart Method. The air was filled with an unceasing surge of fist and leg shadows, and Peng Wuwang's figure seemed to transform into dozens of images, each executing a different move of the Luohan Fist technique.
Oh, Master, you only intended to teach me for a few months?
Qi Xiaoyun shook his head and said: "As your master, I have no attachments, only one thing: when traversing the martial world, one must rely on one's own abilities. If you use my name to pressure others, then you need not acknowledge me as your master any longer"
Qi Xiaoyun smiled and said: "What great ambition! My other disciples, upon hearing that they must perform swordplay in front of me, are all trembling with fear and extremely meticulous. Only you, young man, are lively and energetic, as if celebrating a festival. Be careful, if you do not perform well, I will make you chop firewood for another three years."
Some people prefer light flavors, while others enjoy spicy and numbing tastes, some like sweet and sour, and others favor fresh and delicious dishes. Different individuals have different needs. For instance, in our family, which runs a courier service, the couriers require convenient food for their journeys, so smoked chicken, cured meat, baked flatbreads, steamed buns, pickled eggs, and fried dough sticks are our top choices. Conversely, if someone is unwell, chicken soup, congee, shredded meat, and steamed egg custard are more suitable for them to consume
Alas, do you know why I have taken you as my disciple
At this moment, a figure resembling a blue cloud floated down from the small hill behind Peng Wuwang, sweeping across a distance of over ten zhang as if picking up blades of grass, landing at the back door of the thatched cottage. Those with discernment would surely recognize this astonishingly extraordinary lightness skill; this person is none other than the revered figure in the martial world, the First Person Beyond the Heavens—He Shen Qi Xiaoyun. The remarkable lightness skill just displayed was Qi Xiaoyun's unique technique—Floating Light and Fleeting Shadow.
Peng Wuwang also sighed like him, feeling despondent as he said: "Today, I must bid farewell to my master. In the future, who knows when we will meet again? If my master achieves immortality, we will be eternally separated by the realm of the immortals, making our reunion even more uncertain. How can I remain unaffected in my heart?"
"Good lad! You have set forth!" Qi Xiaoyun sighed, "What a splendid technique of the hand knife!"
"It is possible, but because of you, hi, because your cooking is truly exceptional, it has left me unable to resist. In the end, I have imparted all that I have learned to you. Your culinary skills have awakened my appetite, and now, wanting to learn the craft may bring forth an additional inner demon."
Peng Wuwang took the short knife and danced with it for over ten strokes, yet he could not grasp the essence, standing dazed in the center of the arena