Chapter 10: The First Hearing of the Dao on a Rainy Night in the Mountains
Thank you, Master, for your understanding. Yun Mu Yang once again bowed down to the ground, tears streaming down his face
"That's all. This is your secret, so you should follow the breathing techniques you just practiced." Seeing that Yun Mu Yang had been silent for a long time, Old Zhang felt quite anxious and could only say this.
Yun Mu Yang slowly guided the chaotic energy into his dantian. After an hour and a half, the sky had brightened, and Elder Zhang had prepared porridge and brought it over. Yun Mu Yang felt ashamed in his heart, saying, "Master, it is all the fault of your disciple for causing you such fatigue. It is not that I do not wish to inform you of the truth, but I had promised not to speak of it. I hope Master can forgive me." As he spoke, he bowed deeply. Elder Zhang helped Yun Mu Yang up, saying, "A gentleman's word is worth a thousand gold pieces. Once spoken, it must be kept. What fault does Yang Er have?" "Master, it is all the fault of your disciple for causing you such fatigue. It is not that I do not wish to inform you of the truth, but I had promised not to speak of it. I hope Master can forgive me." As he spoke, he bowed deeply. Elder Zhang helped Yun Mu Yang up, saying, "A gentleman's word is worth a thousand gold pieces. Once spoken, it must be kept. What fault does Yang Er have? However, you may be practicing a form of internal energy. Since last year, I have noticed your energy gradually becoming more profound and your endurance increasing. I have had my doubts, and today has confirmed my thoughts. In my early years, I once diagnosed a martial artist, and his symptoms were somewhat similar to yours. You have your own opportunities, and I am greatly comforted. Well then, you should rest well today and set off again tomorrow!" Elder Zhang suddenly thought of Yun Mu Yang's father and felt puzzled in his heart.
How could the master know about internal strength and martial arts? Could it be that the master has also practiced martial arts?
As dusk approached, after the two masters and disciples had finished their dinner, Old Zhang noticed that Yun Muyang was occasionally lost in thought and would steal glances at him from time to time
After dinner, Elder Zhang and Yun Mu Yang discussed some matters and checked the homework before resting. Yun Mu Yang lay on two long wooden benches, staring at the fire, lost in thought for a long time and unable to sleep. This was partly due to being in a new place, and partly because he recalled his master's experiences. He then sat up from the bench and resumed practicing the "Health Preservation Classic." He had already progressed to the second page of the "Health Preservation Classic." Over the past two years, Yun Mu Yang had reaped many benefits from practicing this text, as he found himself more resilient and his breath longer. Even after carrying many things today, he did not feel fatigued. Although Yun Mu Yang was unaware of this, he would still practice the "Health Preservation Classic" whenever he had free time.
Yun Mu Yang was deeply impressed to hear that his master knew he was disturbed by the thunder. "Thank you, Master, for your guidance. I will certainly follow your teachings from now on."
With a sound like fabric tearing, a stream flowing from the dantian seemed to break through obstacles, widening its riverbed. Yun Mu Yang felt a sense of lightness, merging with nature. In his meditative state, he could perceive a scene extending two zhang around him, which was even more shocking than seeing the world with his eyes open, and everything appeared clearer. The third page of the "Nourishing Life Classic" surfaced in Yun Mu Yang's mind, and he involuntarily pressed the text of the third page, allowing the stream from his dantian to flow throughout his body. He himself was unaware of what was happening, only speculating that it was the benefits brought by the "Nourishing Life Classic." In his meditative state, he could perceive a scene extending two zhang around him, which was even more shocking than seeing the world with his eyes open, and everything appeared clearer. The third page of the "Nourishing Life Classic" surfaced in Yun Mu Yang's mind, and he involuntarily pressed the text of the third page, allowing the stream from his dantian to flow throughout his body. He himself was unaware of what was happening, only speculating that it was the benefits brought by the "Nourishing Life Classic." Yun Mu Yang sank deeper into the "Nourishing Life Classic." At this moment, the number of blue light points was still quite numerous. Yun Mu Yang slowly guided these light points into his body's meridians. As such, it was almost the hour of the rabbit, and Yun Mu Yang was practicing the "Nourishing Life Classic," completely oblivious to the external world. Suddenly, a thunderclap sounded. Although the sound was very faint and would normally be insufficient to wake someone, it was different this time. At this moment, the number of blue light points was still quite numerous. Yun Mu Yang slowly guided these light points into his body's meridians. As such, it was almost the hour of the rabbit, and Yun Mu Yang was practicing the "Nourishing Life Classic," completely oblivious to the external world. Suddenly, a thunderclap sounded. Although the sound was very faint and would normally be insufficient to wake someone, it was different this time. "Puff..." Yun Mu Yang spat out a mouthful of fresh blood and fell from the stool, startling Elder Zhang awake.
It seems that the master has some understanding of martial arts, so it would be wise to ask him. However, how should I go about saying it?
As he wandered, Yun Muyang murmured to himself. He had heard his mother say that the world outside the village was vibrant and vast. Although he had once thought about experiencing the grandeur of the outside world, he felt a slight nervousness as soon as he voiced it.
"Breath is disordered, pulse is beating violently, and there are slight abnormalities in the meridians. How can this be said to be nothing? What did you just do? How could it come to this?" Elder Zhang reprimanded Yun Mu Yang, whose face was devoid of color, while his gaze was filled with compassion.
Yang'er, you have only heard of loyalty, righteousness, benevolence, and trust, yet you have overlooked the deceit and treachery within the story. Oh, Yang'er! The dangers of the martial world are beyond your imagination. Who does not wish to roam freely with a sword? However, once you enter the martial world, you become a prisoner of circumstances. " After saying this, he sighed deeply again and glanced at Yun Mu Yang, noticing that he seemed unconvinced. He felt helpless, for how could one understand the perils without having experienced them?
You and I, as master and disciple, what is there that cannot be spoken of
Master, among the many remarkable and moving individuals in the world, why is it that you always sigh?
"Yang'er, what is the matter with you?" Old Zhang turned over from the bed and immediately helped Yun Mu Yang up, placing his right hand on the pulse point of Yun Mu Yang's left wrist
Haha, very well. In the future, once you leave this place, you will naturally soar high in the sky as you wish. A true man should have the world and its landscapes in his heart.
Master, there are actually firewood, hay, a few raincoats, and two pots here. Could it be that someone lives here? Yun Mu Yang tidied up the wooden bed and covered it with some hay.
Master, I would like to ask why the martial artist you mentioned today bears such a resemblance to my current situation" Yun Mu Yang said, blushing and lowering his head
Mu Yang spoke as he gathered firewood to set up the pot, exerting considerable effort to ignite the fire. Thick smoke billowed, causing both of them to cough. While Yun Mu Yang fanned away the smoke, he placed the slightly damp clothes, firewood, and grass beside the fire to dry. After a little more than half an hour, he completed all the tasks and busied himself with washing the pot to prepare the meal. The ingredients were ready, having foraged wild vegetables and mushrooms, which made for a delicious soup.
In my earlier years, I shed my monk's robe and roamed in search of my family. I have traveled extensively throughout the Song dynasty, encountering numerous skilled martial artists and heroes of the rivers and lakes. Through these experiences, I have come to understand that such feats are not insurmountable. The stories of the martial heroes I previously shared with you are also part of what I have witnessed with my own eyes.
What is there to be concerned about? The night is slightly cool, the spring rain falls gently, and Yun Mu Yang sheds tears, feels anger, joy, and sadness within the stories of Old Zhang, as if he himself were a part of those tales. The vastness of the rivers and lakes has already been etched in his heart
Yun Mu Yang's eyes were slightly closed, as he recalled the illustrations and texts on the second page one by one. Thereafter, he became completely focused, sitting cross-legged with his five hearts directed towards the heavens. He formed a lotus seal with his hands and placed it on his brow, then slowly moved it down from his brow to his dantian. Yun Mu Yang seemed to be in a state of nothingness, feeling as if all things had transformed into void, with only the blue light spots dancing gracefully from the spring rain, their numbers far surpassing those in the village. The twinkling starlight entered through the pores and skin of his body, gathering into a single breath as usual, gradually merging into the small stream that already existed within his body. This small stream, like before, flowed throughout his entire body and returned to the dantian, and this cycle continued for seven times.
Yun Mu Yang recalled that just as he was about to conclude his practice, he was suddenly startled by a thunderous sound. The number of blue light dots around him rapidly increased, which should have been a good sign. However, these blue light dots seemed to be frenzied, exhibiting extreme violence. Once they entered his meridians and dantian, they became difficult to control, darting about chaotically, leading to a disruption in his breath. Had it not been for the timely conclusion of his practice as his internal breath cycle was nearing its end, the consequences would have been unimaginable. Reflecting on this, Yun Mu Yang felt a lingering fear, thus he merely stared blankly at the drizzling rain outside the window in the mountains, not daring to meditate and practice the "Nourishing Body Classic" again.
Master, your disciple also envies the vast world outside. Moreover, reading ten thousand books and traveling ten thousand miles, it is just that upon hearing of the day when I will leave this place to travel the world, my heart is filled with longing, which caused me to lose my composure. I hope Master will punish me for this.
As Yun Mu and his disciple arrived at the old house in the mountains, the sky had darkened, and a fine drizzle began to fall, further emphasizing the continuous gloom of the rainy weather
No, this was prepared by my master last year. When I came here to seek medicine in the summer of last year, I set this up. This wooden cabin was originally a place where ordinary hunters stayed while hunting in the mountains. Even my father once temporarily resided here, often adding some firewood and hay for unforeseen needs, making it convenient for those who might stay overnight. Please set down your things and light a fire to dispel the dampness. " Elder Zhang said kindly, speaking slowly. Please set down your things and light a fire to dispel the dampness. " Elder Zhang said kindly, speaking slowly.
Haha, I thought you were unwilling to ask! When the martial artist was cultivating his skills, he was eager for quick success, which led to injury of his dantian meridians, putting him in a perilous situation. After I checked his pulse, I had no confidence in saving him, and he passed away a month later. He was indeed a fool; if not, how could he not understand the principle that haste makes waste? Yun Mu Yang's face turned even redder upon hearing this, and then he heard Elder Zhang say, "After checking your pulse, I found that you are progressing step by step. As for what happened this morning, I suspect it was due to a sudden disturbance from the spring thunder, causing you to be unable to gather your energy in time, resulting in internal energy backlash. Fortunately, your skills are still shallow, and it did not lead to serious consequences. This too is a foolish act; if not, how could one not understand the principle that haste makes waste?" Yun Mu Yang's face turned even redder upon hearing this, and then he heard Elder Zhang say, "After checking your pulse, I found that you are progressing step by step. As for what happened this morning, I suspect it was due to a sudden disturbance from the spring thunder, causing you to be unable to gather your energy in time, resulting in internal energy backlash. Fortunately, your skills are still shallow, and it did not lead to serious consequences. Yang'er, in the future, when you practice internal energy, you must find a quiet place."
I see, then Master, could you share with your disciple about the matters of the Jianghu?
Master, I...
The spring rain falls gently, drenching the earth and nourishing all living things. Occasionally, the sound of spring thunder resonates, resembling a hymn of praise for the spring day
"Yang, do you intend to spend your life here? A good man should aspire to the world beyond; how can you be trapped in this small corner?" Upon hearing Yun Mu Yang's muttering, Zhang Lao felt an intense anger in his heart
"Master, I..." Yun Mu Yang looked at Old Zhang, unable to say anything, feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt in his heart
Disciple has a question, not sure if it is appropriate to ask
Master, the disciple has no matters to attend to, please do not worry, Master. Yun Mu Yang's face was as pale as death
Ask
Yang'er, do you have any questions you would like to ask
Well, Yang'er, if you have mastered martial arts, it will certainly bring you much convenience when you venture out into the world in the future