Though the two of them verbally discouraged Li Muzhan from pushing himself too hard, suggesting he merely try, they secretly yearned for him to succeed. Real comprehension of the true Chaoxia Gong was practically impossible; no one had achieved it in thousands of years.
But this was only what they said aloud. In truth, they were desperate. After all, Li Muzhan was personally accepted as a disciple of the Zishang Gong by the Palace Mistress herself, making him extraordinary.
The Palace Mistress had always opposed taking male disciples, believing the Zishang Gong should remain a purely female sect to earn genuine respect. Currently, while people outwardly showed deference, they secretly mocked them. When a male disciple of the Zishang Gong ventured out, he brought shame, often being ridiculed as inferior to women.
The Palace Mistress taking a male disciple was akin to the sun rising in the west—Li Wuji must be remarkable, and so they harbored immense hope.
Perhaps the millennia-old enigma would be solved today, and the true Chaoxia Gong would finally be grasped, allowing the male disciples of the Zishang Gong to finally hold their heads high.
Even if he mastered it and did not share it, it would still be a glory for the male disciples. Just achieving mastery and suppressing the arrogance of the female disciples would excite them beyond measure.
The two men maintained placid expressions, appearing unconcerned, yet their hearts were filled with anxiety. Thus, after just a couple of days, they couldn't resist visiting to check on Li Muzhan's progress and see if he had genuinely comprehended anything.
However, seeing Li Muzhan’s current demeanor, both understood there was no hope. Disappointment settled in their hearts, but they did not show it, fearing they might crush Li Muzhan’s confidence.
They could discern that this Junior Brother Li was also proud and arrogant, and likely wouldn't yield to their "feminine might," unlike the other six useless disciples. Having him join them meant one more source of strength.
Qiao Zai-xian scrutinized the plain paper on the table and chuckled warmly, “Junior Brother Li, contemplating martial arts requires a settled mind. Don't rush. The more anxious you are, the less likely you are to succeed.”
Li Muzhan shook his head with a wry smile, “I must have taken a wrong turn. It seems I won't manage it.”
Qiao Zai-xian laughed, “No hurry, no hurry. If one path proves impassable, find another. A way can always be found.”
Lin Beihai added, “You shouldn't give up so easily.”
Li Muzhan nodded, “I’ll try again. Is there anything you two brothers need?”
“Nothing, really. Just checking on you, worried you might overexert yourself and harm your body,” Qiao Zai-xian waved his hand, smiling. “Junior Brother Lin once coughed up blood from over-taxing his mind and had to rest for quite some time.”
“Senior Brother!” Lin Beihai waved a dismissive hand.
Qiao Zai-xian chuckled, “Telling it to Junior Brother Li is good experience. Junior Brother Lin was too eager, absolutely determined to force an understanding. In the end, he forced himself to vomit blood, compelling the Palace Mistress to issue a ban forbidding him from further contemplation.”
Li Muzhan nodded solemnly, “Senior Brother Lin’s resolve is admirable!”
“Forget it, it’s nothing glorious,” Lin Beihai waved dismissively. “Besides, forcing it isn't the right path. It requires yielding to nature. I tried to muscle through it initially, but I only ended up hurting myself, and I dare not tax my spirit again.”
Li Muzhan replied, “I will be careful. Senior Brothers, perhaps we could spar a bit? I learned the Zixia Shenzhang from the Palace Mistress and haven't had a chance to practice it yet.”
“Wonderful,” Qiao Zai-xian grinned. “My hands are getting itchy too. Let’s trade a few blows.”
Though Li Muzhan’s training time had been short, he possessed innate divine strength; a single palm strike from him was no less potent than one from a seasoned martial arts master. Qiao Zai-xian and Lin Beihai both understood this, so they dared not underestimate him.
The three left the small pavilion. Lin Beihai swept his long sleeves in a wide arc, the fabric moving like a fan, whipping up a gust of wind that cleared the open ground before the pavilion, sending the plain paper scrolls flying aside.
Li Muzhan offered a self-deprecating smile, “Senior Brother Qiao, Senior Brother Lin, my place is too messy. Forgive the sight.”
“Come on, Junior Brother Li, we’re not outsiders. Why be so polite? Let’s begin!” Qiao Zai-xian laughed heartily, waving his hands before beckoning forward. “Come on!”
Li Muzhan neatly tucked the front of his azure robe, then let out a sharp shout, rushing towards Qiao Zai-xian and delivering a seemingly light palm strike.
“Excellent palm technique!” Qiao Zai-xian exclaimed, meeting the attack with his own palm.
An expert reveals themselves with their first move. To an outsider, Li Muzhan’s seemingly soft and weak strike held no threat, but Qiao Zai-xian and Lin Beihai could immediately see that this palm captured the essence of the Zixia Shenzhang: soft as a willow catkin, fluid and agile.
The two instantly began moving, advancing and retreating, their feet constantly shifting position, showcasing the Zixia Shenzhang to its fullest extent.
Lin Beihai watched from the side, his brow furrowed, his gaze flickering as he pondered.
He hadn't expected Li Muzhan’s Zixia Shenzhang to possess such refinement—it was as if he had practiced for more than a decade. His execution was seamless, showing no awkwardness, flowing with natural ease, matching the Senior First Brother strike for strike.
“Good! Good! What palm technique!” Qiao Zai-xian cheered intermittently, laughing loudly, while his own palms moved like floating clouds, intricate and complex, enveloping Li Muzhan in a flurry of palm shadows.
Li Muzhan was equally formidable, his hands transforming into a veil of shadows, fighting Qiao Zai-xian to a standstill, showing none of the usual awkwardness of a novice.
With a dull thud, both Li Muzhan and Qiao Zai-xian recoiled simultaneously. Li Muzhan staggered back two steps before stopping, while Qiao Zai-xian retreated one step.
Qiao Zai-xian grimaced slightly, rubbing his wrist, “Junior Brother Li, you have immense force!”
Li Muzhan smiled, “Senior Brother Qiao flatters me.”
Qiao Zai-xian shook his head, “You monster. Did you perhaps study the Zixia Shenzhang before?”
Li Muzhan chuckled, “Senior Brother Qiao has a great sense of humor!”
“Even if you had studied it before, achieving this level so quickly is astonishing!” Qiao Zai-xian sighed wryly. “We’ve truly been wasting our lives!”
Lin Beihai nodded, “Junior Brother Li’s innate talent is truly astonishing!”
Such proficient execution of palm techniques was not merely the result of diligence; it was raw talent. They understood the supreme importance of the internal cultivation method (xinfa); while hard work certainly helped, the quality of the xinfa directly determined one’s mastery. Diligence could compensate for dullness to some extent, but not absolutely—some aspects simply could not be bridged.
Li Muzhan replied, “Perhaps it is talent. Once I start practicing, I remember everything instantly, and executing it feels effortless; I don't feel strained. It's a pity my internal energy isn't yet sufficient.”
“Good lad, internal energy requires rigorous effort; there are no shortcuts. You are already impressive enough. With such startling strength, if you practice a bit longer, I genuinely won’t be your match!” Qiao Zai-xian waved his hand.
Seeing Li Muzhan’s prowess, Qiao Zai-xian and Lin Beihai were instantly spurred on. They felt motivated and resolved to redouble their efforts in practice, to be even more diligent.
Otherwise, being surpassed by their junior brother in a few moves would mean utter loss of face, giving those women another excuse to mock them!
After they left, Li Muzhan resumed practicing his calligraphy. His martial talent was indeed supreme now; he learned any technique instantly and could apply it immediately, as if all the martial arts in the world were already residing in his mind.
This was because he had previously practiced countless martial arts from two worlds, and then his comprehension realm had ascended. It was like a university student viewing primary school material—even if he didn't know the specifics, a quick glance provided immediate understanding.
He continued writing. Although he failed to grasp any xinfa, he refused to give up easily. He shouldn't behave like this; persistently, he spent another two days practicing calligraphy.
His strokes grew increasingly precise, almost perfectly matching the characters on the plaque. In these two days, he produced two more flawless pieces of script. Alas, still no breakthrough, not even a ripple of comprehension.
One evening, he sat quietly in the pavilion watching the sun set, his mind blank, wishing to rest thoroughly and reorganize his thoughts to find a method of breakthrough.
His long sword hung at his waist. Its residual killing aura did not disturb his spirit; though the sword was powerful, Li Muzhan’s spirit was stronger and remained unaffected.
Gentle footsteps sounded. Qin Yeqiu, clad in purple robes and wearing a long sword, slowly entered the pavilion, bringing a faint, refreshing fragrance that calmed the heart.
Li Muzhan turned his head to look. Qin Yeqiu frowned, “When was the last time you shaved?”
Li Muzhan touched his stubbled chin. It had indeed been a long time. He shook his head with a bitter smile, “I forgot about that. Palace Mistress, what brings you here?”
Since Qin Yeqiu had revealed her thoughts during their last encounter, Li Muzhan had relaxed, observing her quietly, his gaze clear and free of distraction.
Qin Yeqiu stated, “You are too rushed.”
Li Muzhan shook his head, “Yes, I was too hasty. Palace Mistress, you don't need to say more; Senior Brother Qiao and Senior Brother Lin already advised me.”
Qin Yeqiu looked at him coolly, “Something that thousands of miles of practitioners couldn't unravel, and you expect to grasp it in one morning? I didn't realize you held yourself in such high regard.”
Li Muzhan smiled without elaboration. As a pinnacle figure from two worlds, how could he not possess a degree of pride?
Qin Yeqiu advised, “If this doesn't work, you should go out for a walk. Exchange pointers with your Senior Brothers more often. Stones from other mountains can polish one's jade.”
Li Muzhan smiled, “Yes, thank you for your concern, Palace Mistress.”
Qin Yeqiu asked, “How is your Zixia Shenzhang practice coming along?”
Li Muzhan replied, “I’ve mastered it. Does the Palace Mistress intend to teach me another technique?”
“There is also the Chaoxia Jianfa (Morning Cloud Sword Art),” Qin Yeqiu explained. “Although the Chaoxia Gong maximizes its power, since you practice the Kurong Gong, it might affect the Chaoxia Jianfa’s might. Nevertheless, this sword art is exquisite—structured and orderly, making it most suitable for your cultivation.”
Li Muzhan nodded, “Then I ask Senior Sister to teach it to me.”
Qin Yeqiu continued, “The Chaoxia Jianfa is divided into three layers: Chaoxia One Hundred and Eight Swords, Chaoxia Thirty-Six Swords, and Chaoxia Nine Swords. You should start with the One Hundred and Eight Swords.”
Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow, “One hundred and eight swords?”
Qin Yeqiu nodded lightly, “The One Hundred and Eight Swords is the easiest. Next is the Thirty-Six Swords, and finally the Nine Swords. It progresses from complex to simple, with the sword art’s power increasing with each stage.”
Li Muzhan managed a bitter smile and shook his head, “It seems the Senior Brothers and Sisters here truly require superior aptitude.”
Generally, martial artists learn techniques from simple to complex, like an infant learning to walk—crawling before walking, walking before running. They start with the basics before moving to the difficult. But the Zishang Gong reverses this: starting with one hundred and eight swords. Li Muzhan doubted that even memorizing them all would be easy, let alone mastering their application—it seemed a formidable task.
Qin Yeqiu glanced at him and said lightly, “Practice makes perfect. Are you frightened now?”
Li Muzhan shook his head, “Senior Sister, let’s begin.”
“Go wash up first!” Qin Yeqiu instructed.
Li Muzhan touched his face, smiled, and nodded, turning to leave the pavilion. He spent considerable time tidying up inside, feeling much lighter.
He had been deeply immersed in those two characters earlier, and it was hard to extract himself, unconsciously dwelling on them. Now, this activity helped him forget and let go; he felt completely relaxed, even changing into a fresh set of training clothes.
Qin Yeqiu nodded in satisfaction, then moved to the front of the pavilion. “I will teach you three stances today. Once you master them, I will teach you the remaining six. As you master them, the subsequent ones will become easier to learn.”
Li Muzhan agreed, “Yes.”
Qin Yeqiu drew her sword. Her blade appeared to be a common, unsharpened green steel sword, devoid of any chilling aura. Li Muzhan understood it was meant for him, a precaution against him injuring himself while practicing.
Qin Yeqiu slowly executed three very simple sword movements. Li Muzhan grasped them upon sight and memorized them instantly. When Qin Yeqiu asked him to replicate them, he deliberately made his execution appear slightly awkward.
Qin Yeqiu nodded calmly, but Li Muzhan sensed her hidden excitement; his talent had clearly surprised her again.
She waved her hand and stated plainly, “Practice these carefully until they are ingrained, so you can perform them without conscious thought. Then I will teach you the next six stances.”
Having said that, she turned and left without another word. Although Li Muzhan’s practice was somewhat clumsy, these three stances were superficial and lacked difficulty; there was no need for her further guidance.
Li Muzhan spent his free time mastering these three moves. Feeling bored, he considered visiting Cao Ya, but Cao Ya was in seclusion these past few days, focused on writing his book, and he dared not disturb him.
He didn't dare visit Cao Miao either. Her dwelling was within the courtyard area reserved for the Senior Sisters. He was actively avoiding those Senior Sisters now, and going there would surely result in being reprimanded—it was better not to invite trouble.
He unhooked the Chaoxia Sword and laid it horizontally on the stone table. The sun had set, and the lanterns in the pavilion cast a warm light over him.
He opened a jar of wine, took out two or three small dishes, poured a drink for himself, and began to contemplate the Chaoxia Gong. He hadn't completely given up, but he still lacked any alternative approach.
Suddenly, his movements froze. The white porcelain wine cup paused halfway to his lips, his eyes flashing with excitement. He abruptly set the cup down and drew his sword.
The sword light shimmered like water, illuminating the pavilion and Li Muzhan himself. He stared intently at the gleaming blade, absorbing the two ancient characters inscribed upon it.
Then, he set the side dishes aside, rearranged his brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, and resumed practicing calligraphy. This time, however, there were only two characters—the two ancient ones from the sword.
He wrote them over and over, striving to match the characters on the sword precisely, yet they were always slightly off. Li Muzhan did not rush, writing repeatedly. When he tired, he would stop to meditate for a moment to rest.
Each time he wrote, he exerted his utmost effort, draining his spirit significantly. After one night, stubble had reappeared around his mouth by morning, lending him a look of weathering.
He suddenly tossed his brush aside, turned, and went back into the room, sleeping deeply until noon, upon which he awoke and immediately resumed writing.
This time, he held the sword hilt in one hand and wielded the brush in the other, completing the two ancient characters in a single, swift motion. As he finished and lifted the brush, he suddenly paused, frozen, his eyes closed.
One hand holding the brush, the other resting on the Chaoxia Sword, with his eyes shut, he seemed to transform into a statue.
After about fifteen minutes, Li Muzhan slowly opened his eyes, revealing an expression of excitement.
He chuckled twice, slowly placing the brush back on its rest, sheathing his sword, and calmly walking back into his room. He then sat cross-legged on the couch and began his cultivation.
The night passed quickly. When he awoke, the sky was bright; he felt refreshed. He washed up first and then left his courtyard, heading straight for the Chaoxia Hall.
Inside the Chaoxia Hall, Qin Yeqiu was reading, holding a volume of text, flipping the pages silently. The morning sun bathed the hall in soft light.
The Chaoxia Hall was unguarded. Li Muzhan strode directly in. Qin Yeqiu lowered her book and looked at him quietly.
Li Muzhan said, “Senior Sister.”
Qin Yeqiu wore a white robe, her face flawlessly fair, her bright eyes like black gems. “Have you gained insight?”
Li Muzhan nodded, “Yes.”
Qin Yeqiu displayed a faint smile. “What is it?”
Li Muzhan replied, “I don’t know if it is the Chaoxia Gong.”
Qin Yeqiu frowned in thought. “Why don’t you try cultivating it for a while yourself?”
Li Muzhan requested, “Senior Sister, perhaps you could observe me first, to avoid any errors.”
Qin Yeqiu scrutinized him. “You really want me to watch?”
Li Muzhan smiled, “Senior Sister, even if I genuinely comprehend the Chaoxia Gong, I wouldn't hoard it selfishly. It would be best for everyone to cultivate it together.”
Qin Yeqiu gazed at him deeply, slowly conceding, “Very well.”
She hadn't expected Li Muzhan to possess such magnanimity. Martial arts xinfa were the most precious commodities in this world, worth more than gold, silver, or even life itself.
Li Muzhan continued, “I will circulate the mental technique once; Senior Sister, please see if there are any problems.”
“Sit on the couch,” Qin Yeqiu gestured to a low couch nearby.
Li Muzhan sat cross-legged on the couch and began circulating his energy. Qin Yeqiu sat behind him, placing her jade palm against his back. They remained motionless.
After a long moment, Li Muzhan opened his eyes and turned to look at Qin Yeqiu. She, too, opened her bright eyes. “A fine mental technique.”
“Is it the Chaoxia Gong?” Li Muzhan asked.
Qin Yeqiu pondered for a moment, then shook her head, “No one knows the true Chaoxia Gong, so I cannot confirm it. However, this xinfa is exquisitely profound, far superior to the current version of the Chaoxia Gong.”
Li Muzhan smiled, “That is good enough.”
“Junior Brother, how did you grasp it?” Qin Yeqiu asked, rising from the couch and sitting in a nearby chair. Li Muzhan moved to sit opposite her. “Initially, I kept writing the three words Chaoxia Gong but gained nothing. Later, I noticed the two words on the Chaoxia Sword. I had a sudden inspiration and wrote those two characters. As I wrote, my internal energy began to circulate automatically—that is the xinfa I just showed you.”
“Like this…?” Qin Yeqiu looked doubtful, glancing at the Chaoxia Sword at Li Muzhan’s waist.
Li Muzhan drew the sword, smiling, “Senior Sister, can you see the characters on it?”
Qin Yeqiu replied, “These are Hong Wen, meaning Chaoxia. I have written these two words before; I felt nothing.”
Li Muzhan explained, “Hold the sword in one hand and write with the other, making the inscription precisely identical to the characters on the sword, merging with the sword’s aura—a natural resonance will occur.”
“I see…” Qin Yeqiu mused, “I shall try.”
Li Muzhan chuckled, “It’s not that easy.”
Qin Yeqiu shot him a sideways glance, and Li Muzhan quickly waved his hands in apology, “Then Senior Sister should certainly try.”
Qin Yeqiu remarked, “This set of xinfa cultivates very quickly. It must be Senior Ma’s Chaoxia Gong. Senior Ma only began martial arts training halfway through life, yet quickly became a top master—it must be related to this xinfa.”
Li Muzhan said, “Then I will cultivate it, practicing it alongside the Kurong Gong.”
“Come here every two days,” Qin Yeqiu instructed.
Li Muzhan nodded, “Understood. I will leave now, and I will leave the Chaoxia Sword here with you for the time being.”
“Rest assured, the Chaoxia Sword remains yours,” Qin Yeqiu confirmed.
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