A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 3 Going down the mountain
After the group arrived at the Zixiao Hall, disciples were already waiting in the square outside the hall. In addition to the inner disciples dressed in Taoist robes, there were also a few wealthy young men dressed in brocade robes, who were the outer disciples.

"Senior brother, do you think the Ancestral Master will really come?" the dark-skinned young Taoist priest asked his senior brother standing beside him in a low voice.

"I don't know either, but since our Master Uncle has asked us to wait here, and he never makes empty promises, it must be true," the resolute-faced Taoist priest said cautiously, though he wasn't sure himself.

“I have been in Wudang for several years, but I have never seen the founder. If I could see him in person for a while, I would be very satisfied.”

The inner disciples whispered amongst themselves, while the outer disciples were even more excited. They knew that if their martial arts did not improve further, this would be the last time they would see their patriarch, and their excitement was naturally overwhelming.

As the disciples were whispering among themselves, Zhang Sanfeng and the others arrived outside the hall. When the disciples saw the Wudang heroes and their senior brother Gu Xu following behind an old Taoist priest, they knew that their patriarch had arrived. They immediately knelt down and kowtowed, saying in unison, "Greetings, Patriarch."

Looking at his many energetic disciples, Zhang Sanfeng was also filled with excitement. He said to Song Yuanqiao beside him, "Yuanqiao, you have done a great job. I am very relieved to leave Wudang to you."

He only took in seven disciples back then. Although each of them was a renowned martial arts master, the number of disciples was still much smaller than that of other major sects.

When I first established the Wudang sect, it was not only to promote my own martial arts, but also because of Shaolin. My mentor, Jueyuan, was indirectly killed by Shaolin, and I was hunted down by Shaolin, living a long and arduous life. I established Wudang to prevent Shaolin from monopolizing the limelight, and also to seek justice for myself.

Even now, although the desire for revenge has long faded, the thought of competing with Shaolin has never disappeared.

"This disciple dares not take credit; it is all thanks to Master's great reputation, as well as the efforts of my fellow disciples and Gu Xu," Song Yuanqiao knew that without Master's great reputation, without the dedicated help of his fellow disciples, and without Gu Xu's strategic planning, Wu Dang would not be where it is today.

Zhang Sanfeng smiled and nodded, saying loudly, "Get up, all of you." The disciples felt a gentle force flowing into their ears; the sound was not loud, but it was clear and distinct. They couldn't help but deeply appreciate the profound and mysterious nature of their ancestor's martial arts.

Song Yuanqiao knew that his master had never liked these mundane matters, so he let Gu Xu handle them while he and the others followed their master into the Zixiao Palace.

Gu Xu came before the crowd and, seeing their excited faces, felt their emotions as well. The title of the number one martial artist was truly enviable.

After exchanging a few more words with his disciples, he dismissed them. Because he held considerable authority among the disciples, they suppressed their excitement, bowed, and left.

The afterglow of the setting sun had not yet faded, and lights had already lit up all over Wudang Mountain, like a fiery serpent winding and stretching out. The brightest spot resembled the eye of the fiery serpent, and that was the Zixiao Palace.

Outside the Zixiao Palace, the martial arts arena was brightly lit. Several wooden tables were neatly arranged, with a round nanmu table arched above it. On the table were exquisite dishes and a plate of golden mooncakes. Song Yuanqiao had Zhang Sanfeng take the seat of honor, and the others sat down as well.

Besides the Wudang heroes, the other tables were occupied by Wudang's elite disciples, the cornerstones of the sect, who would be considered formidable fighters even in the martial world. Otherwise, they wouldn't be qualified to sit here. Seeing that everyone was seated, Song Yuanqiao, to avoid making them feel constrained, told them to speak freely. The disciples, who had initially felt uneasy because of Zhang Sanfeng and the others' presence, relaxed slightly after hearing their senior uncle's words, but still dared not be too presumptuous, simply eating and admiring the moon.

At the main table, after telling Zhang Sanfeng about the current situation of Wudang, Song Yuanqiao said, "Wudang's reputation is rising. Among the six major sects, each faction is clearly defined. Shaolin, Huashan, and Kongtong have already stood together. Kunlun's intentions are unclear, while Emei intends to join forces with Wudang. The other day, Abbess Miejue sent a letter saying that she has agreed to the marriage between my sixth brother and Lady Ji."

After Song Yuanqiao finished speaking, Zhang Sanfeng nodded with a smile, "The Wudang and Emei sects are on good terms, and it would be wonderful if Liting could marry Lady Ji. It would finally put my mind at ease." After saying that, he looked at Yin Liting and saw that his fair face was flushed. He didn't know if it was because he had been drinking or because he had heard the name Ji Xiaofu.

Mo Shenggu was the youngest and his temperament was still unsettled. He winked at his senior brother, making Yin Liting's face turn even redder.

Upon hearing Ji Xiaofu's name, Gu Xu, sitting to the side, glanced at his sixth uncle with sympathy and secretly resolved not to let that prodigal son Yang Xiao ruin his sixth uncle's marriage. His own power was now far beyond what it used to be, and his Pure Yang Limitless Skill was about to be perfected. Even Yang Xiao might not be able to gain the upper hand.

After exchanging some casual pleasantries, Gu Xu told Song Yuanqiao about his desire to travel down the mountain. He expected to be refused, but not only did Song Yuanqiao not object, but his other senior uncles and aunts also looked on with approval.

Seeing Gu Xu's puzzled expression, Zhang Songxi continued, "Actually, even if my junior brother doesn't want to go down the mountain to travel, we will still let you go out into the martial world. Without experiencing the martial world firsthand, how can you be considered a true martial arts person?"

"Fourth brother is right. Gu Xu, if you don't go down the mountain and explore the world, to experience its dangers and goodness, I really won't feel at ease entrusting the Wudang legacy to you in the future. Go ahead and do it."

The others also offered a few words of encouragement. After the Five Heroes finished their instructions, Zhang Sanfeng continued, "In the martial arts world, it is inherently difficult to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil. Your master only hopes that you can discern right from wrong and not easily commit murder. However, if you encounter a truly wicked person, that is not the case. I hope that this journey will cleanse you of the dust and allow you to be reborn."

"This disciple will humbly follow the teachings of the patriarch and all senior masters and uncles." Gu Xu understood that this journey would be a test for him, and it seemed that he had to make this trip perfect.

The moon was high in the sky. Gu Xu, who had returned to his quarters, sat cross-legged on the bed and finished his evening practice. His true energy flowed through his body, and his already pure Yang internal energy grew even stronger.

The next day, the sky was clear and the air was fresh. After finishing his morning practice, Gu Xu went to pay his respects to Yu Daiyan. The patriarch had gone into seclusion again after the reunion the day before, saying that he wanted to continue to comprehend the essence of Tai Chi, so he did not allow Gu Xu to go and disturb him.

After bidding farewell to Song Yuanqiao and the others, Gu Xu, carrying his bundle and longsword, led his horse down the mountain.

Having not descended the mountain for over a decade, Gu Xu was filled with longing for the outside world. "Although this journey has a clear purpose—to obtain the Nine Yang Manual and the Black Jade Rejuvenating Ointment—the sights and sounds along the way are also invaluable."

A moment later, at the foot of the mountain, looking back at the sunrise reflected on the ethereal Wudang Mountain, Gu Xu seemed to feel a surge of vitality rising within him. Feeling exhilarated, he cracked his whip and headed west.

(End of this chapter)