A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 26 Tai Chi
The group dismounted and went up the mountain. Along the way, disciples had already delivered the message. When Yin Liting and Ji Xiaofu arrived at Zixiao Palace, Song Yuanqiao told them to come in quickly.

Although the wedding is tomorrow, it would be against etiquette to have Ji Xiaofu pay her respects to Zhang Sanfeng now. However, rules are made by people, and besides, people in the martial arts world are always carefree and regard formalities as a burden, so they don't care.

Yin Liting and Ji Xiaofu hurriedly entered the hall, paid their respects to Zhang Sanfeng, who smiled and said, "Good, good, get up quickly," and then drank the tea offered by the two.

"Li Ting and I have had a long journey, so go back to your rooms and rest early. Tomorrow is the main event. Yuan Qiao, prepare a room for Lao Liu's wife," Zhang Sanfeng specially instructed Song Yuan Qiao. After all, the two of them would only be a real couple tomorrow, and they couldn't overstep any boundaries beforehand, lest others laugh at them.

Song Yuanqiao responded, Yin Liting blushed, and Ji Xiaofu was a little shy. She took out a wooden box and handed it over with both hands, saying, "Master, this is something my master specially gave to me. He said to make sure it is delivered to you intact." Zhang Sanfeng accepted it with a smile and placed it on the table. The two then followed Song Yuanqiao out.

Zhang Sanfeng said to Yu Lianzhou and the others, "After you have arranged for the disciples guarding the mountain, you can all go back and rest. Gu Xu, please stay behind." Yu Lianzhou and the others agreed and left, leaving only Gu Xu behind.

"Gu Xu, come here and open this box." Gu Xu glanced at Zhang Sanfeng, took a few steps forward, opened it, and found three books inside. He took them out and placed them on the table. They were "The Legacy of Yue Fei", "The Nine Yin Manual" and "The Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms".

Zhang Sanfeng glanced at it and said to Gu Xu, "The Nine Yin Manual was originally a supreme treasure of the Taoist sect. After changing hands several times, it fell into the hands of the great hero Guo Jing, enabling him to achieve unparalleled martial arts. It is said that the person who created the Nine Yang Manual was greatly inspired by this book. This alone is enough to estimate the value of this book."

Zhang Sanfeng couldn't help but sigh. Now that so many unique skills have gathered at Wudang, and with the unparalleled martial arts genius Gu Xu, Wudang will surely flourish under his leadership even without him. His martial arts skills have finally found a successor.

"Gu Xu, after tomorrow, take the Nine Yin Manual and study it to see if you can gain any insights," Zhang Sanfeng said, handing the Nine Yin Manual to Gu Xu.

"This disciple will certainly live up to the expectations of the Patriarch," Gu Xu accepted without hesitation, which pleased Zhang Sanfeng even more.

"Alright, you can go and rest now," Zhang Sanfeng waved his hand.

Upon hearing this, Gu Xu slowly withdrew from the Zixiao Palace and went to his residence. After carefully putting away the Nine Yin Manual, he sat down to meditate and circulate his internal energy. Before he knew it, dawn had broken.

After quickly washing up and changing into new clothes, Gu Xu met Yu Daiyan and had breakfast together before heading to the Zixiao Palace.

The hall had been set up as a wedding hall, with a large red double happiness character pasted in the center, which looked like it was written by Zhang Cuishan. The offerings on the table were complete, and a pair of dragon and phoenix incense candles had been lit. Several grand master chairs were arranged on the left and right.

Some disciples were removing or replacing things under Song Yuanqiao's command. When they saw Yu Daiyan and his disciples arrive, Song Yuanqiao could be considered to have conscripted men, especially Gu Xu.

Looking into his senior uncle's eyes, Gu Xu smiled and asked, "Is there anything else you need to tell me, senior uncle? I will do as you say."

Song Yuanqiao had been waiting for these words, so he quickly gave him a few instructions and sent him out. Yu Daiyan didn't say much either. In any case, a disciple should do what is necessary, and besides, it wasn't good for Gu Xu to always be in seclusion. He could just treat it as a break.

After everything was ready, people from all factions went up the mountain one after another. At noon, Yin Liting and Ji Xiaofu came out.

After bowing to heaven and earth, offering fragrant tea, and kowtowing to each other, the two were considered husband and wife. Yin Liting's joy was indescribable, and in Gu Xu's view, he was constantly smiling.

Seeing the couple finally united in marriage, Zhang Sanfeng was filled with joy. People from various sects also offered their congratulations. After the wedding banquet, they went down the mountain. By this time, the sun had set, and Wudang had become quiet from its bustling state.

After a busy day, Gu Xu was exhausted. It was even more mentally taxing than fighting with someone. However, he still had to go through these procedures. After washing up, Gu Xu took out the Nine Yin Manual and read it carefully.

Upon reading the next passage, "The way of Heaven is to take from the excess and give to the deficiency. Therefore, emptiness overcomes fullness, and deficiency overcomes excess...", Gu Xu silently recited it once and was immediately struck by the profound talent and learning of the person who created this book. After just one reading, Gu Xu felt that he had grasped something.

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck him: "The Way of Heaven is to take from the surplus to make up for the deficiency, using what all things have to make up for what the Way lacks. One makes up for the deficiency, one takes in and one releases, emphasizing the word 'balance.' The Way of Man is to make up for the deficiency by taking from the surplus, taking from the surplus of all things because of his own deficiency. One lacks and one takes, one is empty and one is real. The two are completely opposite, but they complement each other. Isn't this the true meaning of Tai Chi created by the patriarch? Yin and Yang transform into each other, and hardness and softness complement each other. Indeed, the wisdom of the ancients should not be underestimated."

Having grasped the essence of this, Gu Xu immediately activated the Pure Yang Profound Technique, circulating his true energy throughout his body's acupoints according to his will. After practicing for half an hour, Gu Xu suddenly felt his body lighten, as if he had shed a layer of dust, or as if a feather was fluttering in the wind.

After an unknown amount of time, Gu Xu finally awoke from this wondrous state. Looking at the light outside the window, he silently calculated that it was now the beginning of the Mao hour (5-7 AM).

After washing up and eating, Gu Xu went to the back mountain, where Wei Bi and the other two were practicing horse stance.

After they finished their lessons, Gu Xu said to Wei Bi, "For the next period of time, just follow the steps and cultivate the Pure Yang Limitless Skill. Don't be greedy and make rash advances. After three years, when you have solidified your foundation, you can learn the moves." Wei Bi trusted his master very much and immediately nodded repeatedly, "Disciple understands."

"Qingshu, Wuji, what you need to do from now on is to practice diligently and not cause irreparable damage due to laziness. Practice the basics of swordsmanship. Usually, follow the methods I taught you to meditate and circulate your qi. I'm afraid I won't be able to take care of you for a while. If you have any questions, go ask your senior uncles." Gu Xu was really worried about his two promising students.

Song Qingshu and Zhang Wuji responded and came down, then gave some more pointers before leaving.

"Xiao Wei, I feel like Senior Brother is a little different from before," Song Qingshu said, feeling that Gu Xu was both close and far away in front of him, a feeling he couldn't quite put his finger on.

"Junior Uncle also sensed it, probably because Master's martial arts have greatly improved again," Wei Bi had been cultivating for a longer time, so his five senses were stronger than Song Qingshu's.

After leaving the back mountain, Gu Xu arrived at Zhang Sanfeng's secluded retreat. The gatekeeper bowed to him and said, "Senior brother, the patriarch instructed that you should enter if you come."

Gu Xu returned the greeting, pushed open the door and entered. At this moment, Zhang Sanfeng was resting with his eyes closed on the cloud bed. Gu Xu whispered, "Grandmaster."

Zhang Sanfeng opened his calm, unwavering eyes, glanced at Gu Xu, then his eyes lit up. He stood up, examined Gu Xu carefully, and after a while stroked his beard and smiled, "Not bad, not bad. To have mastered the Pure Yang Profound Skill to perfection so quickly, such talent is truly enviable."

"Master is too kind. If it weren't for the Nine Yin Manual that you bestowed upon me, I probably wouldn't have grasped the profound mysteries of this martial art so quickly," Gu Xu said truthfully. Sometimes, in martial arts cultivation, it's just a matter of a tiny spark of inspiration. Some people spend their entire lives trying to overcome that hurdle, while others might have a sudden flash of inspiration and leap over the dragon gate. Gu Xu was fortunate to be the latter. This is also the foundation of major martial arts sects. The numerous cultivation records left by predecessors undoubtedly pave the way for those who come after. Although most of the latter cannot break free from the framework and forge their own path, the sects will never lack top masters, and the lineage will not be easily severed.

If one or two outstanding individuals emerge from among these latter groups and forge their own path, it will create another virtuous cycle. In the long run, barring unforeseen circumstances, the sect will naturally become stronger and stronger, something that smaller sects cannot match.

“It’s also because you’re so capable. Even if someone else gets this item, if they don’t have high comprehension or are not righteous, they will only take a wrong turn and end up with inferior results. I knew that your future achievements were limitless when I saw you reading Taoist scriptures a lot before,” Zhang Sanfeng beckoned Gu Xu to sit down.

Gu Xu took out the Nine Yin Manual and handed it to Zhang Sanfeng, who quickly flipped through it and then asked him, "Have you gained any insights from it?"

"In my humble opinion, the most valuable part of this book is a passage in the latter part, especially the opening sentence about the Way of Heaven, which contains profound Taoist principles, and I have gained some insights from it."

"Oh, tell me about it," Zhang Sanfeng said, intrigued. Although he had only skimmed through it, he found it profound and complex, even more difficult than the Nine Yang Manual. Gu Xu had only read it for one night and was already able to grasp its meaning, which truly surprised him.

"The Way of Heaven and the Way of Humanity are mutually opposed yet complementary. The Way of Heaven brings rebirth, while the Way of Humanity brings revival; one is broad, the other refined. The Way of Heaven is unpredictable, while the Way of Humanity is orderly; the former is carefree, the latter disciplined. The Way of Heaven values ​​constancy, while the Way of Humanity values ​​change; one emphasizes stillness, the other movement. The Way of Heaven operates through the four seasons, while the Way of Humanity evolves through the rise and fall of dynasties..."

Gu Xu spoke more and more, feeling that his thoughts had never been so clear, his mind completely lucid. Zhang Sanfeng, sitting opposite him, listened to Gu Xu's words, his eyes growing brighter and brighter, nodding repeatedly. When Gu Xu finished speaking the last sentence, "Heaven values ​​nature, humanity values ​​destiny; one is firm, the other is gentle," Zhang Sanfeng couldn't help but stroke his beard and laugh heartily.

"You've grasped these things, which is truly remarkable. Others might understand what you're saying, but there's a huge difference between hearing and understanding. Getting to know these things sooner will greatly benefit you in the future. Do you know that the Tai Chi I'm currently creating has this concept: the unity of heaven and man, the mutual transformation of Yin and Yang, the separation of the two polarities, and the balance of softness and strength?"

"My Tai Chi is still in its early stages, and there are many subtle aspects that need to be refined. Since you have gained this understanding, this skill will have a successor in the future. Are you willing to take on this hard work?"

Gu Xu had already been chosen to succeed Song Yuanqiao as the sect leader, and Zhang Sanfeng had no regrets about it, so he immediately made the decision.

"Thanks to the great master's favor, I am willing to take on the responsibility of carrying forward Tai Chi and making it the core of Wudang martial arts," Gu Xu said solemnly, kneeling down and kowtowing.

He knew that Zhang Sanfeng had entrusted the future of Wudang to him, a responsibility that was no small matter, but for him, it was a good thing.

Zhang Sanfeng nodded in satisfaction, "This skill will take at least four or five years to mature. In the next few years, if you have nothing else to do, you can continue to study the Nine Yin Manual here with me. You can ask me anytime if you have any questions."

Gu Xu agreed and then left, heading towards the Zixiao Palace.

Song Yuanqiao was discussing matters with Zhang Songxi and others when Gu Xu greeted him and then explained his arrangements.

“Master Uncle, everything at Wudang has been settled, and I can now concentrate on my secluded cultivation. The Ancestral Master has already granted my permission to go to his secluded place for intensive training.”

Upon hearing this, Yu Daiyan was overjoyed. Of the seven of his fellow disciples, only his eldest brother and Zhang Cuishan had received such treatment. He never expected that his own disciple would also receive the same treatment today. As his master, how could he not be happy?

"Nephew, please go into seclusion without worry. We will handle everything outside. However, once you have achieved success in your cultivation, this responsibility will still be handed over to you." Song Yuanqiao knew the reason for Gu Xu's seclusion. If he could comprehend the Nine Yin Manual, Wudang would gain a stronger foundation.

"Thank you, Uncle Master. Also, these are some of my insights on cultivating the Pure Yang Limitless Skill, as well as the secrets to cultivating sword light. I hope they can be of some help to me." Gu Xu took out two thin booklets from his bosom and handed them to Song Yuanqiao.

The latter quickly took it. Although the booklet was thin, its value was immeasurable. Any one of them could be a treasure of a sect if placed outside, especially the sword light, which was a treasured item. Fortunately, Gu Xu was a member of the Wudang Sect.

"I won't stand on ceremony with you, Uncle-Master. I will have my disciples prepare everything you need for your seclusion. Go well," Song Yuanqiao patted Gu Xu on the shoulder. Gu Xu bowed to everyone again and looked at Yu Daiyan, who gave him an encouraging look.

After Gu Xu left, Song Yuanqiao said to Yu Daiyan, "Wudang made Gu Xu who he is, and Gu Xu made Wudang who he is. Since he is willing to pursue the pinnacle of martial arts, let's pave the way for him and provide a good environment. As for these two books, Sixth Brother and Seventh Brother, you can read them first. Remember not to leak them. After you have finished reading them, give them to Fourth Brother and Fifth Brother."

"However, the fifth brother's wife and the sixth brother's wife are not outsiders," Song Yuanqiao finally added, to avoid any conflict between the two couples. Yin Liting, who was present, gave Song Yuanqiao a grateful look.

“Let’s leave the three of us to see who comes last,” Song Yuanqiao said to Yu Daiyan, who had no objections.

Yin Liting took the booklet. He was already skilled in swordsmanship and couldn't wait to open the book about cultivating sword aura. The first sentence was: "There is a god in the sword, born from qi, with spirituality and radiance, which evolves into a brilliant light. The so-called sword aura is the extension of the sword, the sword of swords."

Silently reciting it once, Yin Liting originally thought that the sword light was a very sacred thing, but after Gu Xu explained it so simply, that mysterious veil was lifted, and what was left was its essence.

"My junior disciple is indeed extraordinary. His insights into swordsmanship are beyond my reach. I believe that with this book, many disciples of Wudang will surely cultivate sword brilliance in the future."

Song Yuanqiao and the others shared the same sentiment. Gu Xu had written about sword light cultivation in such a simple way, which was simply lowering the threshold. This was a great act of kindness.

After leaving Zixiao Palace, Gu Xu gave instructions to Wei Bi and the others, then took his bedding and personal belongings to Zhang Sanfeng's secluded retreat and began his long period of seclusion.

Three years have passed in the blink of an eye.

After three years of relative peace in the martial arts world, the Yuan court began to make a major move. The court dispatched a large army to attack the various branches of the Ming Cult. In addition to the main army, the Yuan court also spared no expense in hiring many martial arts masters from beyond the Great Wall. They advanced with unstoppable momentum, capturing eleven branches in succession and heading straight for the Ming Cult's headquarters, Bright Peak. Yang Xiao and other high-ranking members of the Ming Cult relied on the Seven Peaks and Thirteen Perils to fight back. Yin Tianzheng, who received a distress call, led his men to Bright Peak at top speed.

Meanwhile, on Mount Wudang, Song Yuanqiao also received intelligence that unfamiliar martial arts figures were infiltrating Hubei with the intention of harming Wudang. In addition, it was mentioned that the other five sects had recently suffered attacks of varying degrees.

(End of this chapter)