Chapter 1: Fang Qingshan
Upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that as Fang Qingshan's movements roll and flow, the dust beneath his feet occasionally forms several patterns resembling the Yin-Yang fish of Tai Chi.
At this moment, Fang Qingshan's eyes are slightly closed, his spirit is ethereal, his chest is retracted and back is arched, his shoulders are relaxed and elbows are dropped, and his tongue is pressed against the palate
The pond is adorned with numerous precious lotus flowers, some as warm and gentle as jade, others as flamboyant as fire. There are those that are delicate and petite, as well as those as large as a wheel, occasionally adorned with dewdrops rolling upon them, while wisps of mist linger in the air.
The cheeks, which had originally become paler due to practicing martial arts, finally gained a hint of color.
With both feet stepping on the yin and yang, and both hands dividing the heavens and the earth
If this were to be known by others, they would surely be taken aback. It is important to note that not to mention Fang Qingshan, who is in poor health, even an ordinary disciple of the Fang family would find it nearly impossible to reach this level without at least three to five years of rigorous training in the winter and summer, and this also requires a certain level of talent.
Unless there is a miraculous elixir from the immortal realm with extraordinary effects, it is not only impossible to treat someone like Fang Qingshan, who has innate deficiencies, but even the possibility of bringing someone back to life cannot be ruled out
Fang Qingshan entered the house to freshen up, and when he walked into the main room, Fang Ling and Fang Qin had already set a table full of dishes, including bird's nest porridge, ginseng chicken, stir-fried meat with ganoderma, and soup with cordyceps, among others. The cost of this meal alone would likely exceed what a moderately well-off family could spend in a year, and it is worth noting that such delicacies cannot simply be purchased with money.
The sun rises over the eastern mountain pass, the morning bell startles the flying birds
The reason for this situation is quite simple. Fang Qingshan, due to health reasons, has been living in this small courtyard in the southeast corner for many years to cultivate himself and maintain his health. He has neither had the opportunity nor the ability to practice martial arts at the training ground with the other members of the Fang family.
The wind stirs the flowers, their fragrance wafting pleasantly. The clear and pristine pond water ripples in layers, shimmering like a thousand golden scales dancing under the morning sunlight
However, in today's world, cultivating martial arts and the way of the Dao is the prevailing trend. Without strength, even if one is an emperor of a nation, they are merely a slightly larger ant, subject to being slaughtered at will
The movements are slow and smooth, each gesture is rounded and expansive, flowing like clouds and water
When Fang Qingshan's mother was pregnant with him, hostile forces took advantage of the fact that the family head, Fang Zetao, had just assumed the position of Governor of Longyuan Province. They attempted to launch a surprise attack on Fang Zetao, but it was thwarted by his mother. The outcome was predictable; the enraged enemies had nothing good to say to her. Fortunately, the Fang family reacted in time to rescue her. However, it was undeniable that Fang Qingshan not only experienced a disturbance in the womb but also suffered from congenital deficiencies as a result.
As he reopened his eyes, the two maidservants standing nearby, who seemed like clay sculptures, suddenly appeared to come to life. They hurriedly brought a towel to wipe the man's sweat and served him a bowl of warm medicinal soup that was just right for him to take.
The Great Li Dynasty, Longyuan Province, the foremost family, the Fang family's inner court, the Wansxiang Garden
The powerful Fang family, led by Fang Zetao and his father Fang Zeshan, with one managing external affairs and the other handling internal matters, are extremely busy and have little time to attend to him. Aside from his second sister Fang Qingwei, who occasionally comes to visit him, very few others, including the servants, come near the small courtyard.
People are inclined to seek benefits and avoid harm. Although Fang Qingshan is the third young master of the Fang family, he is merely a third young master who cannot practice martial arts and has no future, thus he is just someone who eats and waits for death, with no prospects to speak of. Given this, apart from Fang Ling and Fang Qin, there are no other choices. Others would not come to curry favor, as not everyone possesses the foresight of Lü Buwei to invest in others before they rise to prominence.
After a long while, the sun had already risen to a height of three poles. Fang Qingshan finally ceased his efforts, slowly standing up and letting out a long breath, as the turbid air left his body for three feet, lingering for a long time
Observing the way he just executed his boxing technique, his strength flowed like drawn silk, his steps were as stealthy as a cat, slow as a gentle breeze, fast as lightning, still as a mountain, and swift as a leaping hare. His energy was stored like a drawn bow, and released like an arrow. This is not merely a state of health preservation; it is evident that he has already reached the fourth level of physical mastery, where hardness and softness are harmoniously balanced.
However, in this situation, apart from his two personal maids, namely the two women Fang Ling and Fang Qin, everyone else was completely unaware.
The young man, without a crown to bind his hair, appears to be around fifteen or sixteen years old. He has an upright posture, a slender waist, and a back that is slightly arched. His eyebrows resemble distant mountains, and his eyes are like bright stars. Unfortunately, his cheeks are slightly pale, and his lips have a hint of purple, suggesting that he may be unwell
Sitting in the main seat, just as I was about to pick up my chopsticks, my hand paused for a moment, and my ears perked up as a distant sound of footsteps approached.
This person is the eldest son of the second branch of the Fang family, named Fang Qingshan
Unfortunately, such elixirs are not something an ordinary person can obtain. Although the Fang family is considered quite respectable in the Great Li Dynasty and has some connections with the Feathered Gate, it is evidently still insufficient to acquire such treasures.
Hello!
Indeed, although Fang Qingshan knew that he lacked the aptitude for martial arts, he had always been diligent in his efforts. Despite the minimal results, he never gave up, for he was not without hope. Although he suffered from innate disadvantages and poor qualifications, his sister, Fang Qingxue, possessed extraordinary talent. She joined the Yuhua Sect and, within just a few years, had already become an inner disciple. As long as she achieved true transmission, it would not be a mere illusion for her to request a pill to improve his qualifications.
It was only a year ago that the situation suddenly changed
Wild horse shakes its mane, golden lion holds a ball, red phoenix greets the sun, old man pushes the door, green dragon sways its tail, golden snake turns back, embracing the moon in one's arms, jade girl presents flowers, might shakes the universe
The other two women, of similar age, were dressed as servants. Although they were women, they appeared quite capable. Each held towels and other toiletries, looking at the man with expressions of concern and worry.
It seems as if one has merged with the entire environment, focusing on the lower dantian, coordinating with the breath, and slowly practicing Tai Chi.
Three individuals are standing by the pool, one man and two women
Fortunately, the head of the Fang family is Fang Qingshan's father, who cannot practice martial arts and poses no threat to others, thus preventing any other petty incidents from occurring
Indeed, he has practiced martial arts for ten years, yet he still remains in the realm of health preservation
However, Fang Qingshan achieved this realm in just about one year, especially considering that he started with inherent deficiencies, which is truly remarkable
Practicing martial arts is essentially about refining essence into energy, depleting the strength of the physical body. Fang Qingshan was originally deficient in innate abilities, and forcefully training in martial arts would only exacerbate his injuries
Although the Fang family is the foremost family in the Longyuan Province of the Great Li Dynasty, and can even be associated with immortal sects such as the Yuhua Sect, it is not without its enemies
In the southeast corner, there is a small courtyard, and in the center of the courtyard, there is a square pond
Da! Da! Da!
Although over the years, due to the contributions of his mother and the fact that he is the eldest son of the second wife, he has continuously consumed various high-quality spiritual herbs such as ginseng, bird's nest, reishi mushrooms, and he shou wu, this has only slightly improved his health, ensuring that he does not die, but when it comes to practicing martial arts, he still lacks the necessary strength