Chapter 2, Complete Truth

Li Zhichang later learned that the Taoist was none other than Qiu Chuji, one of the Seven Disciples of Quanzhen. On that day, he had searched for Bao Xiruo and her son in vain, and as the year-end approached, he decided to return to Zhongnan Mountain. However, at the foot of the mountain, he encountered Li Zhichang, mistakenly believing that Li Zhichang had been abandoned. With thoughts of Bao Xiruo and her son's unknown whereabouts, he felt a surge of anger. The Taoist carried Li Zhichang up the mountain.

It is known that creating one's own martial arts is a difficult endeavor, so it is better to stand on the shoulders of giants. Although the internal skills of the Quanzhen Sect may not be as rapid in cultivation as the Nine Yin Manual, they are indeed the most solid and superior methods of practice. Otherwise, Guo Jing and the Old Mischief Maker would not have become the top experts in the world through this.

To understand Li Zhichang's development this time, his brain has been exceptionally well-developed, and he has never missed a detail in what he has seen and heard. Over the years, he has read through the Daoist scriptures of Chongyang Palace, and even Ma Yu sometimes has to consult him about unclear Daoist terms when he goes out to hold discussions or lectures. Each time, Li Zhichang is able to quote classics, clarify their origins, and find texts to support his explanations. Many people in Chongyang Palace believe that if he were not a Daoist priest, he would certainly excel in the imperial examination; although he might not secure the top position, passing as a Jinshi is definitely within his reach. Each time, Li Zhichang is able to quote classics, clarify their origins, and find texts to support his explanations. Many people in Chongyang Palace believe that if he were not a Daoist priest, he would certainly excel in the imperial examination; although he might not secure the top position, passing as a Jinshi is definitely within his reach.

Through tireless efforts, Qiu Chuji was ultimately rewarded by heaven for his dedication, as he successfully located Bao Xiruo and her son in the Jin Kingdom. Upon seeing that Yang Kang had become a prince of the Jin Kingdom, Qiu Chuji realized he could leverage Yang Kang's identity to infiltrate the inner workings of the Jin court, and thus chose not to reveal the truth and take Bao Xiruo and her son away. Li Zhichang was quite dismissive of this, arguing that, in terms of previous life perspectives, this plan was indeed very foolish and naive.

In contrast to myself, many insights surged to my mind at that moment, and I longed to return to my bedroom immediately to engage in cultivation

As the saying goes, difficult! Difficult! Difficult! The most profound path, do not treat the golden elixir as trivial. If one does not encounter a true person to impart the marvelous secret, empty words will only entangle the tongue and dry the throat

The horizon unfolds gracefully

If someone observes him closely for an extended period, they will notice that his body has a rhythmic vibration. This vibration is very subtle, akin to the ripples created by a spider's touch on the water, almost imperceptible yet continuous. As a result, his bones have become denser, his skin smoother like satin, and the muscle fibers within his body are constantly altering their structure, evolving towards a tighter and more robust form

Beauty is hard to define

Sometimes white clouds rise

Gradually extending to the coccyx, reaching just above the knees

Upon leaving, I see the southern mountain

The mud ball spins rapidly at the top

The Yao Qiao point is located at the Wei Liao acupoint

Of course, Li Zhichang could only complain about such matters in his heart, after all, Qiu Chuji was his savior. In fact, after Qiu Chuji found Yang Kang, he hastily imparted the basic skills of the Quanzhen Sect. He suddenly thought that his official disciple, Li Zhichang, had not been seen for a long time. The key was that he had passed on the martial arts of the Quanzhen Sect to Yang Kang, which made him feel quite guilty. Feeling remorseful towards this major disciple, Qiu Chuji hurried back with a heavy heart.

The verdant sun is in sight

Li Zhichang plays with the squirrels and monkeys in the mountains every day, and he is quite at ease.

Although Li Zhichang can be considered a near-master of his generation, he lacks the guidance of the Quanzhen scriptures in his internal energy cultivation and does not know where to begin. It must be understood that internal energy cultivation is an unknown realm for him, and he does not possess the conditions like Huang Tang, who could read through the three thousand Daoist texts. Moreover, the imperial palace is filled with hidden talents, and it is not surprising that the Daoist texts may contain some methods for the operation of true energy, which is why Huang Tang was able to compile the Nine Yin Manual. Even so, the complete version of the Nine Yin Manual took a full sixty years to be published.

Li Zhichang also found many collections of past life relics within the Chongyang Palace, which can be considered quite a significant gain. "The Great Way initially cultivates and connects the nine orifices

Qiu Chuji angrily said: "Alright, remember this, this is the verse of our Quanzhen Sect, I will only say it once." He thought to himself: You brat often show off your memory, this time I will speak quickly, let's see if you can remember it.

Moreover, due to previous experiences, it is possible that there will be obstacles to understanding when embracing Dan again. Qiu Chuji, in search of Bao Xiruo and her son, could not take care of Li Zhichang and had to entrust him to others at Chongyang Palace for assistance. The couple, Qingjing Sanyin Sun Buer and Ma Yu, had already been parents and thus naturally took on this responsibility. Additionally, since Li Zhichang did not cry or make a fuss, although he often crawled around when not sleeping (which was actually exercise), he remained within a limited range. Therefore, aside from feeding him and changing his clothes daily, Sun Buer found it quite manageable. Li Zhichang's current form was exceedingly adorable, occasionally exuding a pure fragrance reminiscent of the starry sky, and when he sat still, he resembled the ginseng fruit described in Journey to the West. However, at this time, Journey to the West had not yet been published, so Sun Buer would not have made such associations.

In summary, the first thing Li Zhichang learned after becoming literate was to name himself Li Zhichang. Given his remarkable talent, this name is not unpleasant. Sun Buer sent a message to Qiu Chuji, who also agreed. Since Li Zhichang was able to move, he refused to confine himself to the original small room. Because Qiu Chuji spent years searching for Bao Xiruo and her son, he had little time to stay at Chongyang Palace, and since he had no disciples, Li Zhichang became the true little master of this area. Initially, Sun Buer was concerned that he was too young to be self-sufficient, but after a few instances of seeing him handle affairs in an orderly manner, he no longer interfered and went to practice martial arts with peace of mind. As Li Zhichang gradually became dissatisfied with Chongyang Palace, he slowly expanded his range of activities beyond the palace.

The spring water surged up to the knees

Why does Li Zhichang often sneak out? It is simply because he has discovered an abundance of medicinal herbs in the mountains, many of which have become extinct in previous generations. Here, they are everywhere, and common medicinal materials such as stone calamus, wild ginseng, and huangjing are often found, some over thirty years old. Li Zhichang occasionally takes out some herbs that are beneficial for his development to consume, and his body becomes increasingly robust. However, due to the dense growth of his bones, he cannot grow quickly, resembling only a two-year-old child. Nevertheless, his legs are agile, and his strength is already comparable to that of a thirteen or fourteen-year-old boy. One day, he found a place where a waterfall cascades over a giant rock, forming a pool surrounded by it. The pool is clear and bottomless, with fine stones like scales, easily counted, making it a perfect place for exploration and adventure. Downstream, the flow of the waterfall is gentle, forming a lake.

Only because he is short in stature and very agile, he always plays while keeping track of time, and surprisingly, no one notices. The scenery of Mount Zhongnan is beautiful, and the air is fresh. Li Bai wrote in his poem:

The Twelve Palaces of the Double Tower

The Taoist priest wore a bamboo hat, draped in a raincoat, completely covered in white snow. A long sword was slanted against his back, with yellow silk ribbons fluttering in the wind. The wind and snow filled the sky as he strode forward with great confidence, truly an extraordinary presence. Li Zhichang felt a surge of joy in his heart, unexpectedly encountering a fellow traveler, albeit dressed in a slightly retro manner. Having finally met someone, Li Zhichang was unwilling to let him pass by without a word. He immediately exhaled and let out a loud cry resembling that of a baby, echoing through the mountains and forests. The Taoist moved swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, he was already within ten paces, not even running, but displaying a lightness of foot that was truly rare. Li Zhichang felt a deep admiration in his heart. The Taoist approached Li Zhichang, tore off a large piece of cloth from his body, and wrapped it around him. Li Zhichang instantly felt a warm and soothing energy enveloping him, bringing great comfort. The Taoist, holding Li Zhichang in one arm, said with some anger: "I do not even know who your parents are, yet they have abandoned you in this icy wilderness. If I find out who they are, they will surely pay for this." With a kick of his foot, the Unchanging Sword rose from the ground and landed in the Taoist's other hand.

Thus, this scene unfolded. Qiu Chuji said: "Disciple, today I am prepared to impart to you the foundational skills of our art. In my day, I did not receive the teachings of Master Chongyang until I was over thirty years old. You, at merely seven years of age, are receiving this instruction, which is far superior to my own experience back then"

Li Zhichang said: "Master, your disciple has previously read the notes of our Quanzhen Sect. Were you not over thirty when you first became a disciple of Master Chongyang to practice Taoism?"

In fact, anyone who reaches the stage of Baodan can wash their scriptures and refine their marrow independently. Li Zhi often finds it exceptionally difficult to achieve Baodan this time, as he did not succeed in his previous life and is starting over from scratch.

Leading to infinite possibilities

Indeed, the surface of the water is as smooth as a mirror, and the green mountains surrounding the lake resemble a screen

The physical development of a normal person is often hindered by external factors and poor personal habits, preventing the full realization of their potential. Therefore, internal martial arts emphasize the use of unique breathing techniques in standing meditation, which aim to correct certain undesirable habits. This approach seeks to promote balanced development throughout the body. Li Zhichang, now approaching the realm of traditional Chinese martial arts and the concept of "Bao Dan," can finely control the energy generated by each breath, utilizing every inch of muscle and every part of the skeletal system while ensuring the functionality of his movements. Li Zhichang, now approaching the realm of traditional Chinese martial arts and the concept of "Bao Dan," can finely control the energy generated by each breath, utilizing every inch of muscle and every part of the skeletal system while ensuring the functionality of his movements.

The trust in Xiong is not shallow

Start from the base of the Yongquan point

After a while, having traveled for more than an hour, they arrived at the Golden Lotus Pavilion. The path ahead became perilous, with loose stones and steep cliffs, winding upwards. As they passed the Sun and Moon Rock, the sky gradually darkened, and by the time they reached the Embracing Child Rock, the crescent moon had already appeared on the horizon. The Embracing Child Rock was remarkably peculiar, resembling a woman holding a child. Qiu Chuji chuckled silently, feeling as if he had picked up a child and coincidentally arrived at the Embracing Child Rock, truly a matter of fate. He had taken to the path of cultivation midway, and still had a wife and children in the mundane world, though he had not seen them for many years. At this moment, his resolve in the Dao waned, and looking at Li Zhichang, he felt a sense of pity and asked, "Child, are you tired?" Li Zhichang shook his head. Qiu Chuji was surprised, wondering if the child could understand his words. He wanted to try again, but to his surprise, Li Zhichang had already closed his eyes. His breathing was long and powerful, and he was sleeping soundly.

After a year had passed, Li Zhi finally began to speak. In fact, he could have spoken more than half a year ago, but being in ancient times, he did not wish to shock the world. Another six months later, he demonstrated his ability to recognize basic characters, which greatly surprised Sun Buer. It is worth noting that the Song Dynasty was famous for its admiration of child prodigies; from high-ranking officials to common merchants, everyone took pride in having a prodigious child in their family. For this reason, the previous dynasty's prime minister even wrote a famous piece, "On the Grief of Zhong Yong," to satirize this phenomenon.

The Complete Truth Song slowly emerged from the mouth of Qiu Chuji, and Li Zhichang memorized it word for word, firmly engraving it in his heart. He was well-versed in the Daoist scriptures and possessed considerable medical knowledge, making it quite easy for him to comprehend.

Li Zhi often visited this place and decided that in the future, he would come here to cool off during the hot summer afternoons. If it weren't for the fact that he would be discovered if he returned at night, he would truly prefer to stay here all day. During the day, Li Zhi would spend an hour by the lake, where there was water, and return to Chongyang Palace to rest at night. His days passed joyfully. He also discovered that under the impact of the waterfall, his entire body was stimulated, including areas that were not typically exercised, which was an unexpected delight. On Zhongnan Mountain, the pines and cypresses were lush and green, and the winter snow was pristine. In the blink of an eye, five years had passed, and Li Zhi had grown to seven years old, becoming a lovely little boy. He also discovered that under the impact of the waterfall, his entire body was stimulated, including areas that were not typically exercised, which was an unexpected delight. On Zhongnan Mountain, the pines and cypresses were lush and green, and the winter snow was pristine. In the blink of an eye, five years had passed, and Li Zhi had grown to seven years old, becoming a lovely little boy.

Months later, Li Zhichang gradually clarified his surroundings; he had unexpectedly traveled back to the Song Dynasty. Moreover, it was not the historical Song Dynasty, but rather the world depicted in Jin Yong's "The Legend of the Condor Heroes." This revelation left him somewhat astonished, yet given that time travel had already occurred, it was not something to be overly concerned about. He couldn't help but think that according to the novels he had read, this world likely possessed supernatural powers such as internal energy, which sparked a sense of anticipation within him. However, the most important thing now was to ensure that his body grew as close to perfection as possible.

Li Zhichang understood that he had not succeeded in achieving the elixir, yet his spirit had undergone a refinement, becoming more acute and unpredictable. He believed that with diligent practice, he could regain his previous level within less than eighteen years, and his vitality would surpass that of his earlier days. Li Zhichang bitterly smiled to himself, thinking that not to mention eighteen years, he would be grateful if he could survive for eighteen hours in his current situation. Fortunately, there is always a way out. Before long, Li Zhichang suddenly heard the sound of footsteps on the snowy road to the east, the steps quick and light. Turning his head to look, he saw a Taoist priest.

The golden lock passes through the magpie bridge

In my heart, it is so

Qiu Chuji could not help but wonder if he was indeed seeing things due to his old age. The earlier illusion was not a result of Li Zhichang deliberately pretending to be asleep; rather, it was that his infant brain truly could not sustain much thought, leading to an automatic state of unconsciousness as a protective mechanism of the body. He certainly had the ability to control his wakefulness, but doing so would ultimately be harmful to his body, which was not advisable