Chapter 2: Mount Huashan

Xiao Yuesheng turned around, looking down at the multitude, his expression calm, and said: "The movement of heaven is strong; a gentleman should constantly strive for self-improvement. This saying, Brother Yang, you have heard of it, right?"

Yang Guo, having witnessed Xiao Yuesheng's astonishing abilities, was naturally not surprised that he could discern the nature of his internal energy. He nodded and said, "Indeed, my master's ancestor was a woman, and the martial arts style leans towards agility."

The biting cold wind howled in, carrying the snowflakes from the ground. Xiao Yue stood still, lost in thought, with his eyes slightly closed, allowing the long robe to rustle fiercely. One hundred meters away, Yang Guo focused intently on him, feeling both anxious and excited in his heart, his fists clenched tightly, trembling slightly

Suddenly, Xiao Yue opened his eyes, emitting two beams of golden light that seemed almost tangible. The golden light flashed and vanished in an instant. "Command!" he exclaimed softly, his voice resonating like a great bell, shaking the heavens and the earth, echoing through the valley. In the distance, Yang Guo felt a thunderous impact, darkness enveloped him, and he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood. It was as if all the strength within him had been drained, leaving him weak and unable to muster any energy, collapsing softly onto the snow.

Xiao Yuesheng sighed, turned around, took a few steps forward, and arrived at the edge of the cliff. Facing the valley below, with the cold wind against him, he stood with his hands behind his back, calming his emotions. He glanced at Yang Guo, who was standing there in a daze, and said heavily: "Brother Yang, your background is indeed lonely and bitter, but you have your aunt and your adoptive father. As for me, amidst the vast world, I have no relatives left, and not a single person to care for or love me. Compared to you, am I not a hundred times more unfortunate"

He purchased a villa by the South Lake, treating it as a refuge, and had his grandson, Sun Ziming, serve as his steward. Sun Ziming, free of worries, felt immense gratitude and admiration for Xiao Yuesheng, and was naturally very willing. During his leisure time, Xiao Yuesheng guided him in martial arts and found a young scholar to be his teacher for literary studies. He understood that this was the cultivation bestowed upon him by the young master, and he devoted himself wholeheartedly, making rapid progress.

The two could no longer swallow. Yang Guo hurriedly grabbed a handful of snow and put it in his mouth, forcing the elixir into the stomachs of both individuals mouth to mouth. Xiao Yue Sheng watched in admiration; Yang Guo, in his effort to save others, showed no regard for his own feelings, truly embodying the essence of a selfless person

Yang Guo took the pill but did not consume it. He anxiously asked, "How are my adoptive father and Elder Hong doing?"

Yang Guo had a profound understanding of the potency of this medicine. Upon hearing this, he nodded slightly, indicating that he would remember it.

Yang Guo was overjoyed; this sword was indeed as his elder brother had said, a sword of spiritual connection. Thinking of his elder brother, he felt a sense of melancholy in his heart

He widened his eyes and rubbed them vigorously; before him, there was no trace of anyone, as if they had vanished into thin air. Although Yang Guo was still young, he had already encountered three of the four greatest masters of his time and had knowledge of the pinnacle of martial arts. However, he had never seen such an extraordinary lightness of body. Suddenly, his heart, once filled with despair, became filled with hope. Such a remarkable person might truly be able to awaken his adoptive father and the esteemed Elder Hong.

At the entrance to Mount Huashan, a graceful figure appeared amidst the swirling north wind, it was Xiao Yuesheng

Xiao Yuansheng ceased his meditation and opened his eyes, a warm golden light briefly flickering in them before vanishing, and his eyes returned to their original deep and crystalline state

With a loud sound emanating from Xiao Yuesheng's mouth, Yang Guo felt the internal energy within his body surging as he resisted the increasingly fierce gale. The sound reached his ears, causing him to lose his internal strength, and his body was lifted by the violent wind, crashing to the ground with a thud. Fortunately, the ground was covered in snow, deep enough to reach his ankles, so the fall did not cause significant harm. However, he suffered serious internal injuries, with blood surging and a feeling of oppression in his chest, unable to suppress it, he coughed up two mouthfuls of fresh blood.

Xiao Yuesheng smiled and said: "You and I are like brothers, understanding each other deeply. In this vast world, true friends are like neighbors, even if they are far apart. There is no need for us to be together all the time. When the opportunity arises, we will naturally meet again. There is no need to act like children. Oh, your adoptive father is the Western Poison Ouyang Feng. You should do your best to prevent him from committing any evil deeds, otherwise, it will also be my fault! Well, I have said all I need to say. Until we meet again!"

"Brother Yang, is there a sword here? Preferably a wooden one," asked Xiao Yuesheng

Yang Guo had already felt indignant about this miraculous medicine, and upon being provoked by his words, he no longer held back. He carefully placed the porcelain bottle into his bosom and expressed his gratitude with a cupped-hand salute

Xiao Yue nodded with relief, knowing that Yang Guo had a fiery temperament and was prone to extremes. He offered some advice, doing his utmost to help.

Yang Guo felt a bit embarrassed, ashamed, and remained silent.

Yang Guo's eyes turned red, slightly moist, and he choked back tears as he said: "Brother Xiao, why are you so good to me! I, Yang Guo, am unworthy and incompetent, having been lonely and miserable since childhood. Apart from my aunt and adoptive father, no one has treated me this way before, I—"

Suddenly, a surge of warmth flowed from the sword into his palm and into his body, as if he had just taken a warm bath, so comfortable that he felt like moaning or sighing out loud

However, in this case, would Yang Guo appear on Mount Hua? He had no certainty; he merely wished to see Hong Qigong.

Although Yang Guo still hesitated, he found no other options and could only grasp at straws. He reached out to take the pill, still in doubt, observing the indifference of the person before him towards this medicine, which did not seem like a miraculous remedy but rather resembled a common strength-enhancing pill.

Hearing these earnest and heartfelt words, Yang Guo felt deeply moved, sensing the profound concern that Brother Xiao had for him. He quickly replied, "I will certainly remember your teachings, Brother, and strive for self-improvement!"

He sprang up and said, "Thank you, Brother Xiao. This is indeed a good medicine; its effects are truly miraculous!"

Two elderly individuals embrace each other, while a young man kneels before them, overwhelmed with pain and unable to speak.

Heavy snow has sealed the mountains, and there is nothing to see in the natural scenery. The cold moon rises, unaffected by the changing seasons, yet the world is a vast expanse of white, indeed offering little to behold. Thus, he quickens his pace, heading towards the mountain peak, having already noticed that there are people on the mountain.

Brother Yang is a person of deep feelings and strong character, yet the world has its yin and yang, and all things possess both good and bad. Within the good, there is bad, and within the bad, there is good, making it difficult to distinguish clearly. Your deep feelings and strong character are both your strengths and your weaknesses. I offer this statement to Brother Yang, hoping that in times of difficulty, you can remember it and use it as self-encouragement

However, Xiao Yuansheng had no interest in the Huashan Sword Debate. In his view, these five individuals were merely using the name of the debate to compete for the Nine Yin Manual.

Having spoken, without waiting for Yang Guo to respond, the figure vanished and had already departed

Yang Guo struggled to open his eyes and looked towards Xiao Yuesheng, filled with astonishment. In the arena, Xiao Yuesheng and the other two seemed to exist in another world, as if enveloped by an invisible dome and a book cover, utterly still and remarkably calm. His eyes half-closed, he wielded a wooden sword, swiftly circling around the prostrate bodies of Hong Qigong and Ouyang Feng. Occasionally, a beam of golden light shot from his sword into the bodies of the two men, the golden light growing increasingly rapid. His pace quickened, and Yang Guo's eyes could no longer keep up with his figure, becoming somewhat dazed. He hurriedly closed his eyes, then opened them wide again, but by this time, he could no longer discern Xiao Yuesheng's form. All he saw was a blue shadow and a golden light swirling around the two bodies on the ground, moving rapidly around the prostrate Hong Qigong and Ouyang Feng. The speed was so fast that it resembled two ribbons, one blue and one gold, entwined together. Under the influence of the golden light, the bodies gradually trembled, and as the density of the golden light increased, their shaking intensified, even jumping up and down. Eventually, they rose three feet off the ground, suspended in mid-air, lying parallel as if someone were pushing them, rotating with the golden light. This extraordinary scene was fully captured by Yang Guo, who was shocked and began to doubt whether he was dreaming, finding it truly hard to believe.

In a state of tranquility, one contemplates action; thus, let Sunzi Ming remain at home, diligently practicing martial arts and studying literature, while he ventures out to enjoy leisure activities

Yang Guo hurriedly grasped Xiao Yuesheng's hand and said, "Elder brother, we have just met, why are we in such a hurry to part ways?"

Yang Guo naturally understood his heartfelt struggles and was deeply moved

Xiao Yuesheng raised his arm, held up his palm, signaling Yang Guo to remain silent, and said: "You must think that I would be consumed by self-pity and suffering, but that is not the case!"

Mount Huashan is undoubtedly a must-visit destination, and I also hope to try my luck to see if I can encounter Hong Qigong

I never imagined that those who have already passed away could be resurrected. Such a skill is akin to that of a deity. Yet, this person has become my elder brother, which is truly hard to believe. A surge of pride and gratitude welled up in my heart as I gently caressed the wooden sword in my hand and softly said: "Gentleman's sword, gentleman's sword, from now on I will treat you well"

Xiao Yuesheng knew that it must be Yang Guo; the two elderly men were Hong Qigong and Ouyang Feng. To his surprise, he arrived just a moment too late, and both had already passed away

At this moment, the heavens and the earth changed color, dark clouds covered the sun, and a fierce wind arose. The snow on the ground was whipped up, torn apart, and stirred. Yang Guo staggered in the gale, swaying left and right, desperately trying to channel his internal energy into his feet, making it feel as if a thousand pounds were pressing down, barely managing to stand firm

Xiao Yue Sheng smiled and said, "It's not really a good medicine." He then reached into his bosom, took out the porcelain bottle from earlier, and threw it to Yang Guo, saying, "Since you like it, I'll give it to you."

He breathed heavily, propping himself up with both hands to sit cross-legged. Ignoring the awe he felt at Xiao Yuesheng's unfathomable inner strength, he calmed his mind and began to circulate his inner energy. Having practiced on the Cold Jade Bed since childhood, he was very familiar with the cold energy. Sitting in the snow, his inner energy was more vibrant than usual. After quickly circulating several cycles, he felt his body improve and hurried to see how Xiao Yuesheng would provide assistance

Upon hearing this, Yang Guo could not help but feel a surge of compassion. Having personally experienced the pain of loneliness, he deeply understood the anguish that penetrated to the bone. Consequently, he felt a greater sense of closeness to Xiao Yuesheng and said: "Brother Xiao, you—"

Yang Guo stood there in a daze, remaining motionless for a long time, still recalling the scenes he had experienced, as if he had just awakened from a dream

Yang Guo nodded at the bookstore. In his childhood on Peach Blossom Island, he studied under Huang Rong, who devoted herself to nurturing him into a virtuous gentleman, and naturally, she taught him the Book of Changes.

The Nine Yin Manual is regarded here as an unparalleled masterpiece, coveted by all. However, in the eyes of Xiao Yuesheng, it is rather ordinary; every book in the Daoist canon is a hundred times more precious than it. When he was reading the Daoist canon of the Longmen Sect, he occasionally perused other texts, and to his astonishment, he found the Nine Yin Manual among the Complete Library of the Four Treasuries. He casually flipped through it, and at that time, he possessed the divine ability to remember everything he saw, naturally imprinting it in his mind. Since it is a supreme skill, he decided to pass it on to his grandson Ming to see what the results would be.

However, in his view, the most precious aspect of the Nine Yin Manual is still its general principles, which encompass the most essential mysteries of martial arts, being extremely profound and indeed a gem in every word

Yang Guo hurriedly got up, looked with concern at the two bodies that had already lost their lives, and retreated a hundred meters

Without considering how Yang Guo could appear here, he took another step forward, his figure flashing beside Yang Guo, reaching out to check their breaths, which had already ceased.

He took out an ordinary porcelain bottle from his bosom, poured out a black pill, and threw it to Yang Guo, saying: "This is a minor elixir, it has some effect on internal injuries, give it a try"

Xiao Yue was taken aback, secretly thinking that it was not good; perhaps the lives of the two were already at an end. He quickened his pace, taking a step forward, breaking through the limits of space, and his figure vanished, only to reappear at the mountain peak

The Nine Yin Manual is originally a quick cultivation method. Sun Ziming, lacking in literary knowledge, merely practiced the techniques taught by Xiao Yuesheng, making astonishing progress. In just over a hundred days, he had already achieved the first level, which surprised Xiao Yuesheng. It seems that this so-called manual is not just a name without substance; it is indeed worth practicing.

Xiao Yue Sheng looked at his cautious demeanor and couldn't help but smile, saying: "This medicine is very potent; it is crucial to avoid taking too much. One pill can save a life, but two can take a life. Remember this well."

It is still the result of the Heavenly Pill's disturbance! If all goes well, they will surely awaken in ten days. This is also good; during this period, they can cultivate their energy and strengthen their essence, and when they wake up, they will be full of vitality.

Xiao Yuesheng patted Yang Guo's shoulder and said with a smile: "Take care of yourself. You will meet your aunt when you go to Xiangyang, so there is no need to rush. I still have some matters to attend to, so we shall meet again later"

Yang Guo suddenly noticed someone beside him. He quickly looked up and saw an ordinary-looking stranger reaching out towards his adoptive father and the elder Hong. He hurriedly asked, "Who are you?"

Xiao Yuesheng waved his hand and smiled, saying: "There is no need to be polite with me. Meeting is a matter of fate. This bottle of elixir can be considered a small gift for our meeting. To you, it is a rare medicine, but I have no use for it, so to me, it is no different from ordinary healing ointment. A man should be resolute and not overly sentimental! Just accept it when I tell you to!"

Although Yang Guo was astonished, he had already begun to take strange occurrences in stride; they were merely extraordinary people and extraordinary events

Xiao Yue nodded and pointed to the wooden sword in Yang Guo's hand, saying: "This wooden sword has just undergone the tempering of the energy of heaven and earth, and it possesses considerable spirituality. It is difficult to harm, cuts through iron like mud, and when used, it feels as if it is an extension of your own arm. Keep it for your self-defense."

Mount Huashan is renowned worldwide for its steep and rugged terrain. In the realm of martial arts, the discussions of swordsmanship at Huashan have become a well-known tale, adding a touch of mystery to its allure. However, since ancient times, there has been but one path up Huashan, and its treacherous nature deters many from attempting the ascent. Those lacking in lightness of foot or agility are well aware of the challenges and choose to retreat. Otherwise, this small Mount Huashan would have long been flattened by the multitude.

Yang Guo had no choice but to catch the medicine bottle thrown over, yet he handed it back with a resolute expression, saying: "One should not receive rewards without merit. To have the fortune of taking such a miraculous medicine even once is already a blessing in this life. I, as a younger brother, dare not be greedy again! I kindly ask Brother Xiao to take it back."

Xiao Yue raised his left hand to form the Ziwujue gesture, while slowly lifting the wooden sword with his right hand to the level of his nose, standing still and composed, unwavering.

He turned around, facing away from the cliff, and said to Yang Guo: "All things are born in solitude and die in solitude. Look at that resilient little grass, that proud snow pine, that towering mountain peak; they remain strong and strive upward, living tenaciously without anyone's concern. Yet, as the spirit of all things, should humans, lacking the care of others, languish and cease to strive for progress? Would that not be a disgrace to the virtues of heaven?"

A figure suddenly appeared, seemingly materializing out of thin air, holding a thick tree branch in hand. It was Xiao Yuesheng, who smiled at the dazed Yang Guo and said, "Fortunately, the heavens have lent a hand; even in such a frigid place, there are still trees growing." With the branch in his left hand, he gently flicked his right hand downward, revealing a wooden sword that was ancient in shape and naturally formed.

Xiao Yue Sheng smiled lightly and said, "They are both fortunate; they will not die."

Yang Guo was overjoyed. He glanced at the two people lying on the ground, hesitated for a moment, and asked: "Then why have they not yet awakened?"

Yang Guo was observing the breathing of the two individuals, his handsome face filled with disappointment. He withdrew his hand, shook his head, and kept his eyes on their faces, saying in a low voice: "No, oh, there are a few pine trees over there, which can be used to make wooden swords." Then he looked up and said: "What, do you want—eh?!"

Xiao Yuesheng had a favorable impression of the straightforward Yang Guo. He interrupted him, saying: "Don't be in such a hurry; let me do my part! Give these two pills to them, and I will prepare a bit and see how their fate unfolds." As he spoke, he took out a small jade bottle from his bosom, opened the cap, poured out a few green pills, took out two, handed them to Yang Guo, and then put the remaining ones back into the bottle and returned it to his bosom.

Xiao Yuesheng looked up at the sky, raised his hand to pass the wooden sword in his hand to Yang Guo. Seeing Yang Guo staring at him blankly, full of confusion, he smiled and said: "I noticed you were adjusting your breathing just now; your internal energy seems to emphasize lightness, right"

Yang Guo struggled to rise from the snow, standing upright and unsteadily walking towards Ouyang Feng. Seeing the two men with flushed faces, he suppressed the overwhelming joy in his heart and reached out to check their breathing. To his astonishment, he found their breaths long and steady, filled with an incredible calmness. The intense joy nearly burst his chest open, and he could not help but let out a long howl. Unfortunately, his internal injuries were severe, and the howl abruptly ceased, followed by a violent fit of coughing.

The technique of compressing the earth into inches, he walked leisurely, appearing slow yet actually fast. In just a few breaths, he was near the mountain peak. Suddenly, a burst of hearty laughter was heard: "I am Ouyang Feng, I am Ouyang Feng, I am Ouyang Feng! You are the old beggar Hong Qigong!" Immediately, another person laughed heartily, the laughter gradually fading, and suddenly stopping. A clear and melodious voice rang out: "Father, old senior!"

He had never met Yang Guo, but he did one thing for him, which was to go to the Quanzhen Sect and incapacitate Yin Zhiping, fearing that he would be bedridden for a year, which could be considered a good deed.

Yang Guo wiped the tear stains from the corners of his eyes and asked suspiciously, "You... you, sigh, it's all my fault. If I hadn't let them—it's all my fault!" He had questions, but his heart was filled with sorrow, and he was too weary to inquire further, only blaming himself.

Yang Guo felt reassured and tilted his head to swallow the pill. As soon as it entered his mouth, he sensed a sharp, spicy sensation rushing up to his nose, reaching the Baihui point, causing his eyes to involuntarily shed tears. He then felt his mind lighten, his spirit refreshed, and his thoughts became extraordinarily clear. The pill descended like a fireball into his abdomen, with heat radiating outward. He had not anticipated the potency of this medicine, so he hurriedly sat cross-legged, concentrating on directing the heat through his meridians. Under the impetus of the heat, his internal energy circulated increasingly swiftly. After several weeks, his internal injuries had completely healed, and his internal power had deepened significantly. He realized that the pill he had swallowed was indeed a rare and precious medicine. However, observing Xiao Yuesheng's demeanor just now, it seemed as if he treated it as an utterly ordinary wound medicine, which made Yang Guo feel indignant on behalf of this remarkable remedy.

He had no time to attend to his internal injuries and hurriedly looked towards his adoptive father and the elder Hong. At this moment, the fierce wind had ceased, the dark clouds had dispersed, and warm sunlight bathed the land. The chaotic scene that had just unfolded seemed as if it had never happened; it was hard to believe if not for the freshly formed snow mounds and snow caps. At this time, Hong Qigong and Ouyang Feng lay quietly on the ground, motionless, while Xiao Yuesheng sat cross-legged, a wooden sword resting across his knees. With his eyes slightly closed, his hands moved with unparalleled speed, forming various shapes, the shadows of his fingers flickering as if several hands were moving simultaneously, leaving Yang Guo dazzled. Hong Qigong and Ouyang Feng lay quietly on the ground, motionless, while Xiao Yuesheng sat cross-legged, a wooden sword resting across his knees. With his eyes slightly closed, his hands moved with unparalleled speed, forming various shapes, the shadows of his fingers flickering as if several hands were moving simultaneously, leaving Yang Guo dazzled.

With his left hand, he drew the wooden sword from Yang Guo's grasp into his own, and with his right index finger, he inscribed the three characters "Junzi Jian" on the hilt. He then returned the sword to Yang Guo, saying: "This sword has yet to be named; let us call it Junzi Jian."

Seeing Yang Guo wanting to speak, but fearing his rejection, he hurriedly said: "This sword is imbued with spirit; treat it as your intimate companion, just as you would treat a person. In times of danger, it will naturally assist you."

Little did Xiao Yue Sheng know that he did not place much importance on these items, as he had no use for them himself. Naturally, he would not cherish things that he did not need. Moreover, he had selected some seemingly rare elixirs from the Daoist scriptures, experimenting with them for fun during his idle time, unaware of their efficacy. The elixir given to Yang Guo was called the "Return to Heaven Pill." As long as there was a single breath remaining, it could preserve life for ten days, putting the body into a state akin to hibernation, resembling a false death with no breath or pulse. After ten days, it would naturally awaken. If there were no further life-saving measures, it would inevitably be beyond salvation, hence the name "Return to Heaven Pill." The elixir given to Yang Guo was called the "Return to Heaven Pill." As long as there was a single breath remaining, it could preserve life for ten days, putting the body into a state akin to hibernation, resembling a false death with no breath or pulse. After ten days, it would naturally awaken. If there were no further life-saving measures, it would inevitably be beyond salvation, hence the name "Return to Heaven Pill."

Xiao Yue Sheng bit his index finger, smearing the fresh blood onto the sword's blade. His expression gradually became serious as he waved his left hand and said, "Brother Yang, step back to a hundred meters away"

Xiao Yuesheng looked at the two individuals, furrowing his brows. Hearing Yang Guo speak, he turned his head and said: "I am Xiao Yuesheng, you must be Yang Guo, right? Yesterday, I consulted the oracle and learned that the two esteemed seniors would face a great calamity today, so I hurried here to offer assistance. However, it seems that fate is hard to defy, and I have arrived too late. Alas! What a pity!"