Chapter 8: The First Battle of Martial Arts
Dragon and Tiger Symbolism
Three zhang away from Jiangnan, the black bear moved even faster. The broadsword was suddenly raised, and with a whoosh, a flash of pure white light streaked across the night sky, striking down towards Jiangnan with a single blow.
During winter, bears have long entered hibernation, and only those magical beasts that understand the art of cultivation remain active
"Does your cousin gossip?" Tie Zhu hesitated for a moment and replied
The Dragon-Tiger Elephant Force Technique he pioneered, although fundamentally based on the true energy of the Demon Abyss Mysterious Fetus Scripture, operates along a completely new pathway of energy. If Jiangnan can simply organize this pathway, it will result in an entirely new Dragon-Tiger Elephant Force Technique
Jiang Xue's eyes revealed a hint of admiration as she smiled and said, "Zichuan, your battle with Wu Sijiang cannot be considered a true fight; it was merely a desperate struggle. Soon, it will be your first battle in the martial arts world!"
Upon hearing this, Jiangnan could not help but feel a sense of foreboding in his heart, and cautiously asked, "What happened next?"
The Tie family treated him exceptionally well, especially during Jiangnan's difficult times, providing considerable support. Notably, Tie Zhu's mother, though blind, had a very kind heart and often urged Tie Zhu to assist Jiangnan. This kindness has always been deeply remembered by Jiangnan
This is a terrifying beast, immensely powerful. Upon seeing the Jiangnan across the bridge, it let out a deep, muffled roar from its throat, suddenly took a step forward, and charged towards Jiangnan with a howl, dragging its broken saber along the ground, producing a series of sparks.
Jiangnan shattered the bear demon's weapon with a single strike of his saber, finally escaping the fate of being killed in one blow. Without retreating, he moved forward and charged at the bear demon!
Huff, huff
He stood by the stone bridge, his gaze fixed intently on the opposite side of the bridge, his palms slightly damp, yet it was the cold sweat that had unconsciously trickled out.
A monster has discovered me
Eat, eat
Jiang Xue smiled slightly and said: "hetushucom.com, eat a bit more, because you have something to do later that will consume a lot of energy"
Sister, your culinary skills are truly remarkable! Jiangnan was overjoyed, feeling a warm current surge within, filling her chest with warmth
A heavy breathing sound emanated from the forest, causing Jiangnan's heart to tighten. He saw a massive shadow emerge from the mountain god temple within the woods, slowly making its way towards the stone bridge over the Yangchuan River.
Amidst the sound of crashing waves, that worn and tattered saber suddenly shattered into pieces, unable to withstand the force exerted by the two, Jiangnan and the bear demon, and was instantly destroyed
"Sister, if I were to encounter danger in the mountains, would you save me?" Jiang Nan suddenly thought of the crucial point and asked.
In the depths of the mountains and forests, a sudden, piercing roar echoed, rising and falling in intensity. In an instant, a fierce wind swept through the woods, and a chilling breeze surged forth from the forest, howling towards the stone bridge
The Divine Elephant Treads the Mountain
The more Jiang Nan learned about Jiang Xue, the more she felt that she was unfathomable. She smiled at Tie Zhu and said, "Zhuzi, are you interested in learning the Jiang family's technique of Dragon and Tiger Elephant Strength?"
As he stepped down, the earth trembled, more astonishing than the appearance of a black bear. One would surely think that a rampaging giant elephant was charging forth, rather than a mere fourteen-year-old human scholar, if they only heard his footsteps without looking at Jiangnan's figure
Jiangnan took a long breath, his face showing a hint of youthfulness, and resolutely said: "Sister, even if I encounter danger, I do not need you to intervene. This challenge, I will bear alone!"
Bang
It stepped out of the mountains and forests, walked onto the stone bridge, and with each step, the bridge trembled beneath its feet
Yes
The demonic womb scripture you chose for yourself, I did not force you. Those monsters and spirits that want to eat you are not something I intentionally provoked; none of this concerns me, so why should I be angry?
Jiangnan's face turned bright red; this fox demon indeed possessed some supernatural abilities, as it could hear his conversation with Tiezhu. He stammered, "Sister, did you hear everything just now? I actually just wanted to make Zhu know when to back off, to avoid any unnecessary complications. Please don't be angry..."
I am your fiancée, and I am also the betrothed you have known since childhood
Jiangnan accurately seized the key point and laughed, saying: "My cousin is also a member of the Jiang family. I am the head of the family, and I intend to pass this on to you. Can she really oppose it? Is she not afraid that I might divorce her?"
The black bear's eyes were blood-red, and a faint aura of demonic energy emanated from its body, captivating the soul. This was the first time Jiangnan had seen such a large black bear; it must be a rare breed from Mount Luoxia, having cultivated into a demon and even possessing the ability to wield weapons
Jiang Nan smiled and said: "The Jiang family has already fallen into decline, and I am the only one left. There are no family rules prohibiting external transmission. Now, I am the head of the Jiang family; to whom I pass it on is still a matter of my word alone"
The first battle in the pursuit of martial arts... Jiang Nan couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement in his heart as he lowered his head to look at his hands, murmuring to himself
Jiang Xue淡淡说道: "I still need your vital energy to mend my soul. If you cannot hold on, I will save you, but I do not need a useless younger brother."
Jiangnan's expression darkened: "Sister, you just said you weren't angry!"
How could I be angry
It is easy to imagine that if he were to cultivate to the level of Jiangnan, the Dragon and Tiger Elephant Strength Technique would undoubtedly shine brilliantly in his hands, perhaps not inferior to its performance in Jiangnan's hands
Jiang Xue, with her beautiful eyes blinking, smiled and said: "I am your betrothed. If you are angry and decide to dismiss me, where would a little girl like me go to find shelter?"
This is the fiancée
Tie Zhu, filled with enthusiasm, turned around and left, laughing as he said: "Today, I have already completed your task at the Qi Wang Mansion. Don't forget to report for duty tomorrow, otherwise those managers will start gossiping and deduct your wages."
This bear is evidently one of them, residing in the dilapidated mountain temple. Upon seeing the strong yang energy emanating from Jiangnan, it immediately emerged to attack.
Suddenly, the sound of waves surged violently, akin to the crashing tides against the shore, the mighty waves of the Yangtze River roaring, a tumultuous sound echoing, the true energy of Jiangnan surging, the power of the three tigers erupting, propelling the technique of breaking the waves under the moon to its utmost limit, both palms stirring up the sound of the waves, striking down with a cleaver-like blow towards the bear demon!
Bang
Jiangnan nodded solemnly and said, "I understand"
The Yangchuan River originates from Luoxia Mountain, where human footprints are rare in the upper reaches. Before long, Jiangnan arrives deep within the mountains, where a dilapidated stone bridge can be seen ahead, and across the bridge stands a long-abandoned mountain deity temple.
Zichuan, learning multiple disciplines is of no benefit; this technique has already occupied my thoughts for quite some time. On another day, once I have mastered this technique, I will seek your guidance on the subsequent techniques!
This is a black bear, standing upright, towering over ten feet, incredibly majestic, holding a saber of unknown origin in its hand, the blade worn and tattered
Sister Jiang Xue also does not know the mental techniques of the Jiangyue Breaking Waves Formula. Merely by observing the four moves I practiced, she was able to deduce the eighteen moves and the eighteen layers of mental techniques of the Jiangyue Breaking Waves Formula, which are indeed more perfect than the actual Jiangyue Breaking Waves Formula, surpassing me by a considerable margin
"Demonic beasts and fairies possess innate combat skills, making them most suitable for novices like you"
Her implication was that if Jiangnan could not sustain itself, although she would extend a helping hand, she would no longer acknowledge Jiangnan as her brother, but merely regard him as a tool for absorbing yang energy, devoid of any semblance of affection.
Jiang Xue seemed to smile yet not smile, saying: "If I were not to be somewhat virtuous, would you not fear that you might abandon me?"
In Jiangnan, there was only a flash of white light, and the sabre had already arrived before him, leaving no room for evasion. The strike from the black bear was akin to a master calligrapher splashing ink; it was devoid of superfluous strokes, simple and direct, determining life and death with a single blow
In Jiangnan, a strong wind suddenly rushed towards him, causing the fluttering ribbons on his head to make a sharp sound, and amidst the wind, there was an intense and pungent smell of blood.
The great river accompanies the rising tide
In the heart of Jiangnan, there is a profound clarity, devoid of thoughts or reflections, with only a fierce battle intent burning within. He continues to exert all his strength to execute the technique "Great River Accompanying the Tides," employing softness to overcome hardness. The nature of water is inherently gentle, and his true energy flows as softly as water, washing away the ferocious force of the bear demon.
So fast
Jiangnan imparted this martial art along with the techniques he had created to Tie Zhu. Tie Zhu, endowed with extraordinary talent, was tall and robust, possessing a physique far superior to that of ordinary people. He also had innate divine strength. Although he had not yet refined his true energy, once he began practicing the Dragon and Tiger Elephant Strength Technique, its power was remarkably impressive, as if it had been tailor-made for him. Refining true energy was only a matter of time
This simple and direct technique is more terrifying and domineering than any blood transformation skill
The river snow transforms into a white fox, following like a shadow. The mountains and forests are covered with withered fallen leaves, as a person and a fox tread upon them, creating a rustling sound, while the water flows gently nearby
Jiang Xue chuckled softly and said, "Then, when you leave the city and arrive at the foot of Luoxia Mountain, the monsters and spirits in the mountain will naturally come to devour you. You are now like a fragrant piece of Tang Seng meat; once they consume you and refine your Yang energy and vital essence, the cultivation of the monsters will naturally advance significantly, surpassing years of arduous training"
After having eaten and drunk to their fill in Jiangnan, they lifted their heads from the * picture * book to look at the sun. They saw the slanting sun hanging in the sky, with still some time before sunset. They immediately strode out of the city and headed towards Luoxia Mountain along the Yangchuan River.
Although Tie Zhu's aptitude and comprehension are not lacking, he was unable to fully master the Longhu Elephant Force Technique by the time the sun set, having only learned the first move and its accompanying mental method.
Jiangnan immediately changed the subject and laughed, "Sister, you have made so many dishes; how can the two of us possibly finish them all?"
Upon hearing this, Tie Zhu was both surprised and delighted, yet somewhat hesitant: "Zichuan, this may not be appropriate, after all, it is the family heirloom of the Jiang family..."
If you can survive the battle against the demon beasts, you will completely become a practitioner of martial arts, no longer an outsider, no longer a novice
Jiang Nan also felt the need to stretch a bit, and his stomach was growling with hunger. Upon returning to the slum, just as he entered the room, a sudden aroma of food wafted in. It seemed that Jiang Xue anticipated his hunger and had already prepared a table full of dishes, waiting for him to dine.
Jiangnan was astonished, and Jiang Xue smiled as she said: "You are currently cultivating the Demon Abyss Profound Fetus Sutra, your vital energy and blood are exceptionally vigorous, and your Yang energy is robust. Although ordinary people cannot perceive it, to the demon beasts and spirits near Luoxia Mountain, you are like a torch in the darkness, drawing considerable attention."
The great river, accompanied by the rising tide, could not hinder the strike of the bear demon. The saber paused slightly, then the blade light sliced through the tumultuous waves, advancing relentlessly, cutting straight down towards the south of the river!
Her gaze was dreamy as she softly said, "You must not let your sister down..."
Hmph
Jiang Xue smiled slightly and suddenly said with a serious expression: "Zichuan, after your battle with Wu Sijiang, you have realized your lack of combat experience. Now, I will give you this opportunity! Practical experience is the best form of training. If you wish to become a master and a strong individual, you need real combat and the baptism of blood"