Chapter 0001: Unfamiliar with the Ways of the World
Review: Observing Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Novels
Writing such a topic is indeed quite ambitious. The vast and profound world of traditional Chinese martial arts novels is not something that a mere woman like me can fully comprehend or articulate in just a few words. However, after reading Shi Jian's "A Journey Through the Wind and Dust," I cannot help but want to express some of my own feelings, if only for my own amusement
Since the time of the older generation of martial arts masters such as Jin Yong, Gu Long, and Liang Yusheng, traditional Chinese martial arts have exhibited a flourishing scene characterized by multiple schools, diverse features, and a hundred schools contending for supremacy. It can be said that several generations of us have grown up reading the works of these martial arts masters or watching film and television adaptations based on their writings. From that time onward, we became acquainted with a term known as traditional Chinese martial arts
Shi Jian's "A Journey Through Wind and Dust" is regarded as a continuation and inheritance of traditional Chinese martial arts novels. It possesses many characteristics of traditional martial arts literature, particularly inheriting the style of the great master Jin Yong, reflecting his generous, open-minded, and decisive approach to justice and vengeance.
The novel begins with the protagonist, Little Stone (who later becomes Shi Jian), living in the deep mountains with his father during his childhood. This child, having mastered exceptional martial arts from a young age, is completely oblivious to worldly matters. After the death of his father, he ventures out into the martial world at a tender age, transforming from an innocent child who knows nothing and is easily deceived into a legendary figure known for resisting the Jin dynasty. Every path that Little Stone traverses is filled with danger and excitement; as his body matures, he also learns the art of navigating the complexities of the world, becoming shrewd, eloquent, and cunning. Due to his young age, he becomes a target of collective vengeance among the people of the martial world, forcing him to hide and seek refuge, establishing connections with both the authorities and brothels. He is a worldly man, mischievous, smooth-talking, fond of wealth and women, and ambitious for a career, yet he is also generous and open-hearted, attracting friends who willingly follow him. He possesses a chivalrous spirit and deep emotions, often leaving a trail of affection unintentionally, yet he is inherently passionate, capturing the hearts of the ten most beautiful women in the martial world. From Little Stone, we see shadows of Wei Xiaobao and Yang Guo, and upon closer examination, the feelings are distinctly different. Little Stone's life is fraught with twists and turns, having experienced the warmth and coldness of human relationships in the martial world from a young age, which shapes his aspirations for officialdom and career. All these experiences influence and even alter the direction and pursuits of his life. Born in chaotic times and driven by his relentless pursuit, he earns the reputation of a renowned general against the Jin dynasty, while also composing romantic love stories.
The author Shi Jian has named the protagonist of the novel after his own pen name, which is certainly not a mere coincidence or a whimsical choice. Perhaps the author uses the character of Little Stone to express his views on the world and society, infusing his thoughts and feelings into Little Stone's attitudes and responses to his surroundings. Some have commented that Shi Jian's "A Journey Through Dust and Wind" integrates knowledge from psychology, relationship studies, the art of manipulation, martial arts, college entrance exam guidance, political wisdom, and romantic advice, among others. I would like to assert that a good martial arts novel can indeed reach such heights. Just as it was once said that Jin Yong's portrayal of various beautiful women was unparalleled, encompassing nearly all types of women in the world, this represents a level of excellence and depth.
Wherever there are people, there exists a world of martial arts; where there is a world of martial arts, there are love, hatred, and emotional entanglements. The term "martial arts world" is broad and evokes endless imagination. It signifies the romance of swords and horses, the thrill of vengeance and loyalty, the vastness of endless yellow sands and the clang of iron and steel, the lofty aspirations of a true man standing in the world, and the sincerity and trust of a true hero. It embodies the camaraderie of riding alongside a beloved companion and the tender affections that fill one's heart, as well as the solitary courage of forgetting one another in the martial arts world. All the fervor, all the grand ambitions, all the swords and staffs, all the peaks of excellence are encapsulated here. This is a lonely world; when there are no rivals left in the martial arts world, one can only retreat and regretfully grow old. This is a world of extremes, where formlessness triumphs over form, and the unarmed surpass the armed. This is a world where grievances and debts are resolved, where a smile upon meeting can dissolve enmity, or where generations are entangled in a vortex of hatred. This is a world of heroes and beauties, a world of kingdoms and fair maidens, a world of men and women. This is a world where grievances and debts are resolved, where a smile upon meeting can dissolve enmity, or where generations are entangled in a vortex of hatred. This is a world of heroes and beauties, a world of kingdoms and fair maidens, a world of men and women
The concept of the Jianghu exists in everyone's heart, taking on different forms, yet sharing the same framework and principles. Shi Jian presents his understanding of Jianghu to readers through "A Journey Through the Wind and Dust," which not only continues the tradition of martial arts literature but also develops it further. By utilizing the medium of online literature, it becomes more accessible and popularized, allowing more readers to relive the precious experiences of their past fervent obsession with the chivalry of Jianghu.
"Journey Through Dust and Wind" is a grand work, featuring numerous chapters and intricate plots, gradually unfolding the growth experiences of the protagonist, Little Stone. A recurring theme throughout the novel is Little Stone's mysterious origins, which the author never fully reveals, yet elaborates on the potential connections between Little Stone and various characters from the martial arts world, laying multiple foreshadowing elements that captivate the reader. From the novel, it is evident that the author, Shi Jian, possesses a profound understanding and application of the rich and profound Chinese culture, demonstrating considerable achievement in Chinese literature. The author's meticulous thought process, clear organization, and reasonable structure, along with great patience, ensure that such a vast undertaking remains coherent and orderly. The overall feel of the novel is strong, with a grand and powerful momentum. This novel is indeed a rare gem in the realm of online literature
( Completed )
Author: RN, Senior Book Reviewer, Qingchengxi
Introduction
The warm breeze brings comfort, flowers bloom profusely, and the green trees provide shade
On a mountain with a perilous and steep path in the Jian Pavilion, a ten-year-old boy dressed in tiger skin is running towards the peak.
The road to Shu is difficult, more difficult than ascending to the blue sky. Father, is it really that hard? Look at me, how fast I can run. He leaped as if flying, agile as a monkey, running and shouting.
"Little Stone, it's dangerous! Don't run!" A man behind the child shouted anxiously
The man is about forty years old, emaciated in appearance, with white hair and beard, deeply sunken eyes, and tattered clothing
He waved his hand and shouted, closely pursuing the child, fearing that the child might encounter a fierce tiger attack
"Little Stone, don't run... bang..." He shouted at the child again, suddenly unable to catch his breath, feeling dizzy and disoriented, and fell into the grass.
Little Stone stopped upon hearing the sound, seeing no one behind him. He looked around in confusion and called out, "Father, where are you?"
He hurried back and found the man collapsed in the grass, quickly helping him up
"Father, what happened to you?" Little Stone saw that the man had bruises on his hands and feet, and blood was flowing from his forehead. He hurriedly bandaged him to stop the bleeding, then reached out to press on his "Philtrum point".
Oh no! The man was jolted awake.
"Father, are you unwell?" Little Stone observed that Han's face was devoid of color, tightly grasped his hand, and asked anxiously
Hmm! The man nodded slightly, panting heavily
The child will help you back. Little Stone thoughtfully helped the man up
The father and son relied on each other as they returned to Shiping
To the west of Shiping lies a cliff, to the east there is a large stone cave, and towering trees stand to the north and south
The mountain wind howled, dark clouds loomed overhead, and the world suddenly fell into darkness.
Little Stone assisted the man to the entrance of the cave
Wow... the man suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood
"Father, why are you coughing up blood?" The tender voice of the little stone trembled.
Let father sit against the stone wall for a while the man said weakly
Little Stone hurried to help the man sit down by the entrance of the stone cave
He entered the cave and took out a tattered towel. After washing it in the stream not far from the cave entrance, he came over to wipe away the bloodstains from the man, then prepared to run off to wash it again
"Child, your father can no longer go on." The man gasped for breath and pulled Little Stone close.
Father, I will fetch the snake gall to nourish your body later." Little Stone, seeing him panting heavily, felt that the situation was serious
Father, please do not scare me! Little Stone suddenly felt an ominous sensation in his heart, his eyes reddening, tears on the verge of falling
A cold wind swept through, and the small stone involuntarily shivered.
Child, everyone must face death; a true man sheds blood but not tears! After the man spat blood, he seemed to regain some spirit
He extended his hand, resembling a withered branch, trembling as he wiped the tears from the little stone's face
Hmm! The child does not shed tears. Little Stone nodded vigorously.
However, his tears still flowed uncontrollably.
Child, at the age of four you practiced lightness skills, at five you learned to strike acupoints with your fingers, at six you cultivated internal energy techniques, at seven you studied grappling techniques, at eight you practiced palm techniques, and at nine you learned swordsmanship. At such a young age, you have endured much hardship; do you ever blame your father for this? The man affectionately stroked the little stone's hair
"No! Father is doing this for the child's own good. Father, it is the child who is at fault; the child often makes you angry. Wuw..." Little Stone could not help but throw himself into the man's embrace and began to cry.
The sky is draped in strands of rain
Child, you are not an ordinary child; when you grow up, you will come to understand this. The man separated the small stones, supported his shoulders, and could not help but shed tears.
They have relied on each other for ten years on the cliff's edge, inseparable in body and spirit, and in an instant, they are about to be separated by life and death
How could he bear to leave Little Stone to live alone
He is truly not at ease
At this moment, his heart aches deeply, filled with infinite sorrow
His internal injury from ten years ago has recurred, and he suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood
Father... Little Stone hurriedly pushed the man's hands away, tears streaming down his face, and picked up a towel to wipe the blood from the man's mouth
Child, if your father is no longer here, you must continue to practice diligently, especially the internal martial arts techniques. Oh, take out that book on internal martial arts techniques!
He knows that his kerosene has run out
Little Stone nodded and hurried into the cave to fetch the book
The man forced himself to rise and lit a fire.
Little Stone handed the book to the man
The light rain is brief, and the dark clouds drift away with the wind
Han Zi Dao: "Child, have you memorized the formulas, practice methods, lines, and acupoints from the book?"
"Remember, the child will recite it to his father soon." Little Stone stood still, ready to recite the internal martial arts mantra.
The man said, "No need to memorize it, Father trusts you." After saying this, he threw the book into the fire.
Father, did you not say that this internal cultivation manual is a rare treasure? Why must it be burned?" Little Stone exclaimed, reaching out to snatch the book back from the fire.
The man extended his hand to block him and said: "Child, the world is perilous, and you are still young; you cannot safeguard this internal martial arts manual. Your father burned the book for your own good. From now on, you must not mention this book to anyone."
Little Stone nodded in a way that suggested a partial understanding
Child, help your father over to the edge of the stone platform to take a look at those tree trunks, the man said
Little Stone quickly helped the man up, and the two of them walked together to the edge of the flat ground
Several trees bear deep handprints and footprints on their trunks, marks left by Little Stone from his early training.
The man reached out to touch the small handprints and footprints on the tree, then opened the palm of the small stone to take a look. He saw that the palm of the small stone was covered with thick calluses, both middle fingers were thick, and there were still traces of bruising.
The man looked at his beloved son's handsome and delicate face, observed his rough, strong, and sturdy hands and feet, and with a smile mixed with tears, said: "Child, you must train your palms to be as strong as iron, and your fingers to be as sharp as the claws of a hawk"
He suddenly felt the little stone's body trembling
Hmm! The child wants to be with father forever. Little Stone's heart grew increasingly fearful, trembling all over, and ultimately, he cried out.
His young heart has already sensed that the man is about to leave him, and he is about to lose both a loving and strict father
The man could no longer bear the pain, and he collapsed onto the tree trunk, weeping softly.
He truly cannot bear to abandon his beloved son like this
He suffered serious injuries, and it was precisely because of his love for his son that he endured for ten years
Father, a man does not shed tears lightly; the child will roast meat for you to eat. Little Stone saw him crying and quickly stopped his own tears, shaking his hand vigorously.
The heavens and earth are bleak, shrouded in mist over the gray mountains
The man embraced the small stone tightly and wept loudly
"Father, you are bleeding again," Xiao Shitou exclaimed as he wriggled free from his embrace. Seeing the blood streaming from his seven orifices, he turned pale with fright and hurriedly turned around to grab a towel soaked in water to wipe away the blood.
A man bleeds from seven orifices, and he says: "Child, when truly engaging with others, there is no need to be constrained by techniques and routines; the goal is simply to defeat your opponent. Therefore, internal strength and lightness of skill are particularly important. Mastering lightness of skill will make you more agile; mastering internal strength will enable your strikes to be more powerful"
Father, the child remembers, please take a rest now
The man sat against the tree trunk and said in a trembling voice: "Child, although Shiping is nice, it is isolated from the world. You should go out and see the world. After you have observed filial piety for three years for your father, make a vine rope several dozen zhang long and slowly slide down."
No! The child will always be with his father, and he still wants to listen to his father tell stories of the Three Kingdoms. Little Stone cried as he threw himself into the man's embrace
His small hands were tightly wrapped around the man's waist
The man gasped for breath, patted his back, and said: "Child, the world is perilous; when encountering a ruthless opponent, one must not show mercy. Only by eliminating the adversary can one protect oneself"
Little Stone nodded, separated from the man's embrace, and said: "Father, please take a rest; your child will remember this."
He saw his father's breathing becoming increasingly labored, and his heart filled with growing fear
The man pushed him aside and said: "A gentleman takes revenge; ten years is not too late. If the opponent is formidable, you should first evade. One must think more and strive to be a person like Zhao Yun, who possesses both courage and wisdom"
Little Stone nodded with tears in his eyes and said, "I will remember my father's teachings."
The man nodded in satisfaction, a smile appearing on his pale face as he said, "Child, as long as you master your internal skills, you will have few rivals in the world."
He said this, then spat out a mouthful of blood, his body shaking violently
Little Stone said in a trembling voice: "Father, stop talking, let's go into the cave and rest for a while"
The man affectionately stroked his head, took out a piece of flesh-colored underwear from his bosom, and handed it to the little stone, saying: "Child, this is a protective garment made of silkworm silk that is impervious to knives and guns. Wear it close to your body, for the world is fraught with danger, and one must be vigilant."
The little stone shed tears and put on the protective garment of the heavenly silkworm close to its body
The man looked at him dressed in fine clothes, thinking that from now on he would be left alone in the world, with no relatives or friends, and at such a young age, who would take care of him
He felt another pang of heartache
He, filled with nostalgia for his beloved son, took a deep breath and said: "In times of trouble, one must think carefully... You must not... speak to anyone about... the place where your father and I lived, and you must not... take away... any of your father's belongings... Be ruthless in your actions... Regardless of the situation,... preserving your life is of utmost importance..."
After the man finished speaking, his head tilted, blood flowed endlessly from his seven orifices, and he died from asphyxiation
The small stone trembled as it reached out, probing his nose, which showed no sign of breath
He immediately fell silent and wept bitterly, for the person who loved him the most had departed
He felt a deep sorrow in his heart and cried out loud
The forest birds take flight in alarm, their echoes resonating in all directions
He hopes that his father will wake up again
However, the man never woke up
The cold wind and rain, the campfire flickers uncertainly
Three days later, he wrapped a long, belt-like, blood-red soft sword left by his father around his waist, placed the man's body inside the cave, and sealed it with stones along with the remaining belongings, thus burying the man
Little Stone had relied on his father since childhood, and now he is left all alone, feeling very lonely
He endured loneliness, practicing martial arts diligently every day, carving the days onto a tree.
On a day three years later, he gathered dozens of zhang of vine ropes, connected them together, tied one end around a large tree trunk, and threw the other end down the cliff. Then, he slowly slid down to the bottom of the cliff along the rope
He had never descended the mountain, always living by hunting beasts alongside his father. Upon reaching the bottom of the cliff, he did not know where to go.
He set off upon seeing the road, beginning his solitary journey through the martial world
The sun shines brightly, and the warm sunlight bathes the body
With a "crack," the stick broke into two pieces
Little Stone stretched lazily and stood up
The Qiangma Gang is a notorious group from Sichuan, known for their swift horses and ruthless methods, specializing in robbing the horses and money of passing dignitaries and wealthy individuals
The bright moon hangs in the sky, casting a silvery hue over the vast earth
The world is in turmoil, people's hearts are restless, and the affairs of the world are perilous
She felt a long-lost warmth from him, and she wanted to follow him
He Kezhou was furious and shouted: "Brothers, charge! Leave no man behind, and let the women be kept for the brothers to enjoy."
The little bastard is here! At this moment, the street vendor is leading a group of people in pursuit.
They were all dressed splendidly, walking alongside the palanquin in a northern direction
He looked around to see that no one was present before daring to stop, panting heavily, his hands tightly gripping a handful of stones, resting against the trunk of a tree
"Good brother... wait for me..." The little girl chased after him
Little Stone arrived at a small town, feeling extremely hungry
The group of horse bandits saw two beautiful young women, and their eyes were already bloodshot with desire, wishing they could immediately take them both under the tree and strip them of their clothes
"Got it, got it..."
The two maidservants by the sedan chair seemed very frightened, trembling as they crouched beside it
He leaned against a tree, secretly troubled: how will he live in the future
He passed by a small stall, casually picked up a steamed bun and an egg, and stuffed the bun into his mouth.
The leader is named He Kezhou, the deputy leader is named Shan Bing, and their eight chief disciples possess remarkable martial arts skills, dominating the Southwest for twenty years without decline
He stuffed an egg into his mouth with his left hand, slightly leaned to the side, and raised his right elbow
He picked up a stick and struck it down on the little stone's head
He was ultimately just a child unaware of the ways of the world, and before long, he also forgot about that little girl. The rumbling of his stomach made it impossible for him to think of her any longer
The leader, approximately forty years old, had a fair complexion and no beard, exuding an imposing presence. He rode swiftly to the front of the sedan chair, reined in his horse, and more than thirty riders followed suit behind him.
Where has she gone? Sigh... I really am useless, unable to even protect a child. Little Stone recalled that little girl, squatting on the ground, feeling quite frustrated
Her voice is sweet and melodious, her hair is disheveled, her face is dirty, her eyes are round and large, traces of tears still linger, and she appears pitifully delicate
He was furious and shouted loudly: "Which ill-mannered little brat from the bookstore is this? Eating without paying? Put down the egg immediately"
The concise and formidable man is called "Green Snake Sword" Chen Dahai
Little Stone's stomach was also growling with hunger, but he couldn't bear to see the little girl go hungry, so he gave her the egg
He has no relatives or friends; anyway, he will just walk wherever there is a road
Suddenly, a rapid sound of hooves was heard, and a group of horsemen came rushing in, shouting.
The setting sun is like blood, and the evening breeze carries a hint of chill
Little Stone was in a great hurry, yet did not know who she was. After pushing through the crowd for a while, she could no longer see the little girl's figure.
A short and stout man at the forefront shouted: "Hehe... the horse gang has come to our door. Chief He, Deputy Chief Dan, we don't have any horses, what do you want to do?"
Am I not Little Stone? Why did he change my name? Little Stone murmured to himself, feeling that the man's insults were quite strange, but seeing that many people were chasing after him, he felt very scared
Little Stone, completely unaware, said: "Wow! Let's try a thicker one."
The town was crowded, and in the midst of the throng, he inadvertently let go of her hand. After running for a while, he realized that the little girl was missing
In the large town of Hetushucom.com, bandits and ruthless criminals frequently come to plunder property, commit murder, and set fires. Therefore, all the shopkeepers have long united to jointly resist these thieves
He raised his whip and pointed, saying: "Leave behind all the people in the sedan chair, the horses, and the silver, and I will spare your lives."
At that moment, upon hearing the leader's order, they all rushed towards the two maidservants
He opened his eyes and saw that it was already the morning of the second day
They walked along, chatting and laughing, appearing quite indifferent, as if they were unaware of the chaos in the world around them
The little stone was truly famished and was unwilling to listen anywhere
A street vendor noticed a little boy wearing a tattered tiger-striped outfit. The boy casually took one of his steamed buns to eat, not only without paying any money but also gave the bun to a little girl before turning around and leaving.
"Eat slowly." Little Stone said sympathetically
The stick struck the small stone on its right arm
He let out a cold laugh and said, "He Kezhou, look at your miserable state; let us see who spares whom and who does not survive." Suddenly, he drew his sword and with a wave of his hand commanded, "Attack!"
The ten or so people guarding the sedan chair were not afraid either
He shouted loudly, and people from the surrounding shops rushed out with knives and sticks, gathering around the small stone.
Bang... the little girl fell to the ground.
"Good brother, be careful..." The little girl exclaimed, rushing towards the small stone, intending to shield him from that blow.
The man was taken aback, shouting loudly: "This is bad, someone is robbing!"
Not far away, by the side of the jungle path, a group of about ten people approached. Four bearers were carrying a sedan chair, accompanied by eight men armed with weapons and two maidservants
Thank you, brother! Cough... The little girl took the egg, clasped her hands together, crushed the eggshell, peeled it, and ate it. She swallowed too quickly and choked, causing tears to flow from her eyes
He recalled the words of the man in town who said, "To buy something to eat, one must pay with silver." He thought to himself: Father didn't leave me any silver, so where would I get any? Alas! What is silver? What does silver look like?
"Hurry!" He grabbed the little girl and ran away at full speed
The small stone slid down the rocky peak, not knowing where to go
The four sedan bearers hurriedly ran away
Thank you, brother, what is your name? The little girl said with gratitude, bowing to the small stone.
He wiped her tears, feeling that her face was different from his own, quite tender.
Little Stone sighed, feeling that the little girl was even more pitiful than himself. He then reached out to take a steamed bun from the stall and handed it to the little girl, before taking a chicken egg and leaving.
After a long time, the little stone felt both tired and hungry, busily searching for deer, mountain chickens, and wild snakes. After searching for a while, however, he found nothing.
Later, his eyelids drooped, unable to withstand the fatigue, and he fell asleep
"Brother, may I have a bite?" Just as Little Stone stuffed a bun into his mouth, a disheveled little girl approached him.
He stuffed the egg into his mouth and, surprised, said to the man: "Do you need to pay money to eat? What is money?"
Although the little stone had been hunting beasts all day, it had never engaged with humans. Being just a child, it was both startled and frightened to see so many people surrounding it. In a hurry, it took out a handful of stones and threw them, only to hear continuous cries of "Oh no!" as a group of people fell behind it.
This is the late Ming Dynasty, a time of dim governance and suffering among the people
More than ten individuals, each wielding a knife, a pen, a whip, a fan, a duster, and a sword, charged together towards the horse thieves
He reached out and pushed her aside, throwing her off.
It is unclear how much time has passed, but Xiao Shitou faintly hears voices.
He had no choice but to run wildly all the way, not knowing how far he had run, until he arrived in a dense jungle