A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 36 Zhengqing
After the Persian Ming Cult members left, Gu Xu began to handle various matters concerning the sect.

Wudang is already showing signs of prosperity, and Gu Xu wants to take advantage of this opportunity to solidify Wudang's foundation, which can be considered as leaving a gift for future generations.

The Wudang structure is fairly reasonable, but there are still some issues that have not been considered. The first is the reward and punishment system. Those who make mistakes must be punished, and those who make merits must be rewarded. Only in this way can the good atmosphere of the sect be guaranteed, which will not only prevent the sect from being disgraced, but also give the disciples a path to advancement.

As far as Gu Xu knew, some sects disappeared from the martial arts world because some disciples acted recklessly and damaged the sect's reputation, which led to their extinction and loss of lineage. Wudang must not follow in their footsteps.

Therefore, Gu Xu planned to establish the Zhengqing Academy, which means "to get to the root of the problem and clear up the source". Anyone who has committed a crime will be investigated and punished according to the severity of the crime. The most serious punishment will be to abolish martial arts and expel the master from the sect, while those who have made contributions will be given elixirs or martial arts skills.

The Zhengqing Academy has an Elder position, which is held by someone of the sect leader's seniority or generation. The head of the Elder must be from the sect leader's lineage to ensure the sect leader's absolute authority.

In addition to the reward and punishment system, Gu Xu also plans to further divide his disciples into true disciples, inner disciples, and outer disciples.

True disciples have a chance to become the sect leader in the future, while inner disciples are the backbone of Wudang. If they make great contributions in the future, they can be promoted to true disciples. As for outer disciples, most of them are lay disciples. If they can pass the assessment once every three years, they can be promoted to inner disciples.

With layers of selection, Wudang's elite will not be cut off in the future. Perhaps no top masters will emerge, but as long as they can defend the gate, it will be considered a success.

"That's all I can think of for now. If anything changes in the future, I can add more. Continuous improvement is the manifestation of progress." Gu Xu wanted to make Wudang the number one sect in the martial arts world during his tenure and become the one who revitalized it.

After organizing the book, Gu Xu planned to discuss it with his patriarch and senior master after they came out of seclusion, as this matter would surely have a profound impact on Wudang.

Gu Xu sat cross-legged on the bed, silently circulating the Pure Yang Profound Technique. His mind was clear. At this moment, the jade pendant in his mind suddenly lit up, and a soft, clear light expanded in his sea of ​​consciousness, enveloping Gu Xu from the inside out. After half an hour, the clear light gradually faded away.

Three months passed in the blink of an eye, and Song Yuanqiao and the others finally emerged from seclusion. The gatekeeper disciple bowed respectfully and said, "Senior Uncle, fellow senior uncles, the sect leader requests that you come to the Zixiao Palace to discuss matters."

Song Yuanqiao said he understood, and the group of seven quickly arrived at the Zixiao Palace.

"Senior Uncle, please sit down. I invited you all here to discuss a few matters," Gu Xu said, dismissing all the others and closing the hall doors.

"What is it that makes you so serious, Sect Leader?" Song Yuanqiao asked, puzzled.

Although he had secluded himself to practice Tai Chi, he was not ignorant of everything. The fact that he was able to straighten out all the affairs of Wudang in a short period of time and give it a completely new look shows that Gu Xu was managing it with great care. The fact that Gu Xu took it so seriously must mean that it was no small matter.

"Uncle-Master, please take a look," Gu Xu said, taking out seven booklets and handing them to the seven people.

Song Yuanqiao took it, flipped through it a few times, and his eyes lit up. After a quarter of an hour, Song Yuanqiao exhaled, looked at Gu Xu, and praised, "What the sect leader is doing is beneficial to Wudang. I will not object. You can do it with peace of mind."

After reading it, Song Yuanqiao was deeply shocked. The reward and punishment system and the division of disciples were enough to make people's hearts flutter. On a small scale, it was to rectify the sect's style and maintain its reputation. On a larger scale, it was to continuously provide fresh blood for Wudang. In the long run, Wudang will pass on its torch and live on forever.

Yu Lianzhou and the others also expressed their agreement. As for their master, if he knew, he would definitely agree as well.

“In that case, I will wait until tomorrow to promulgate the regulations,” Gu Xu knew that once this method was established, it would surely bring benefits in the future.

The next morning, many disciples stood in neat rows on the square of Zixiao Palace.

Yesterday, news circulated that the sect leader was about to announce something big that would affect the future of Wudang.

"Senior brother, what do you think could be the matter? Even our senior uncles have come out of seclusion," an inner disciple asked the young man beside him.

"In short, this matter must be very important, otherwise they wouldn't be making such a big fuss. See that wall with the red silk hanging on it? I bet it's related to this matter."

"Our sect leader is a man of extraordinary talent, and his thoughts are beyond our comprehension. Junior brothers, please refrain from talking. The sect leader and the others have already come out."

As the three were talking, Gu Xu, dressed in a Taoist robe, led his group in, followed by the Seven Heroes of Wudang and Gu Xu's peers. After they arrived at their positions...

"Today I announce a few things to all disciples. First, our sect has established the Zhengqing Academy, which aims to reward and punish. Anyone who commits a transgression will be punished, while those who make meritorious contributions will be rewarded. Second, from now on, disciples will be divided into True Disciples, Inner Disciples, and Outer Disciples. Outer Disciples who pass the examination can be promoted to Inner Disciples. Inner Disciples who wish to be promoted to True Disciples must, in addition to passing the examination, make at least one meritorious contribution. True Disciples will compete for the position of Sect Leader..."

As Gu Xulang's voice rang out, the disciples below widened their eyes in excitement. The sect leader had given them a path to advancement, where the capable would rise and the mediocre would fall.

The outer disciples were even more excited. They had never had the chance to enter the inner sect before, and naturally, they couldn't enjoy many benefits. Now that the sect had just been reorganized, it was a great opportunity.

Looking at the excited disciples below, Gu Xu nodded secretly. In this way, the waters of Wudang would be stirred up. Only by always being full of vitality could the sect continue to move forward.

"Chengxu, go and tear down the red silk on that wall," Gu Xu ordered. Chengxu obeyed and went to pull down the red silk, revealing a stone wall engraved with words, each character the size of a fist.

"All disciples must firmly remember these precepts and not violate them, otherwise they will bear the consequences themselves." After saying this, Gu Xu nodded to Song Yuanqiao and the others, and returned to Zixiao Palace.

Seeing that the sect leader had left, the disciples hurried to the wall, their eyes glued to the inscription. To ensure those behind couldn't see, one disciple shouted: "The Nine Commandments of Wudang: First, betray your sect; second, deceive your master and ancestors; third, privately pass on martial arts; fourth, indiscriminately kill the innocent; fifth, kill fellow disciples; sixth, associate with bandits; seventh, be arrogant and conceited; eighth, forget righteousness for profit; ninth, be dissolute and lustful."

One by one, the precepts reached everyone's ears. But that wasn't all. Cheng Xu, who was standing to the side, said to everyone, "In addition to these nine major precepts, there are nineteen major rules and thirty-four orders in Zhengqing Academy. Tomorrow, disciples of Zhengqing Academy will distribute the booklets to everyone. All of you junior brothers must keep them firmly in mind and not make any mistakes, otherwise it will be too late to regret it."

Seeing the disciples' nervous expressions, Cheng Xu smiled and said, "Junior brothers, don't be too nervous. The rules are meant to punish those who break them. As long as you conduct yourselves uprightly, what is there to fear? Besides, there are reward clauses in the book. Good things will be bestowed according to the size of your merits. You junior brothers should all strive to improve yourselves. Perhaps you can enter the true lineage in the future."

Watching Cheng Xu leave, an inner disciple named Xu Yang's eyes lit up. He was considered a skilled member of the inner sect, and it would be a lie to say he lacked ambition. Now that rewards could be given based on merit, he was determined to seize this opportunity.

The others, each with their own thoughts, chatted for a while before dispersing, leaving the square empty for a moment.

"Senior Brother Sect Leader, the Zhengqing Academy has already printed the booklet. This one was just printed." Cheng Xu handed a thin booklet to Gu Xu. After reading it carefully, the latter praised Cheng Xu, saying, "Junior Brother, you have done a great job. The positions of elders in the Zhengqing Academy will be temporarily held by Master Uncle and the others. After they step down, you will become the head elder. I still need your assistance."

Cheng Xu is considered one of the most outstanding disciples of the third generation. He is of superior character and martial arts skills and will surely take charge of the Zhengqing Academy in the future.

"Thank you for your kindness, Sect Leader. I will do my best to assist you and promote Wudang," Cheng Xu said, overjoyed, and bowed respectfully. Cheng Xu knew in his heart that Song Qingshu would definitely succeed him as the Sect Leader of Gu Xu. He had never thought of competing with him. He would be happy to be an elder in the future. He never expected that his Sect Leader would give him such a surprise.

Judging from the importance the sect leader attaches to the Zhengqing Academy, it will definitely become a powerful department in the future, and its authority is considerable.

"If Senior Brother has no other instructions, I will take my leave now," Gu Xu nodded, Cheng Xu bowed again, and slowly withdrew from the main hall.

As the early sun shone brightly, Wudang disciples stood in front of Zhengqing Courtyard. Some young disciples were distributing booklets to the crowd. The eager disciples opened them to read. The first part contained detailed rules of the sect, while the second part mainly discussed rewards.

Cheng Xiangxu looked at them one by one, and the most generous reward was the "Restoration Pill". Taking one not only solidifies one's foundation, but also increases one's cultivation by several years. This alone is enough to drive people crazy.

"Although the sect teaches the Nine Yang Skill, it only teaches the first few levels. If you want to cultivate the later levels, you need to make merits yourself." Cheng Xiangxu thought this method was very good. As the saying goes, things that are easily obtained are not valued, but things that are hard-won are valued more. In this way, the sect will filter out a group of people who do not have the ambition to make progress. It can be said that the great wave washes away the sand. If you slack off even slightly, you may fall behind others.

"Senior brother, did you see that? The Longquan sword, worth a hundred gold coins, is also a reward!" a handsome young man said excitedly to Cheng Xiangxu.

"Junior Brother Zhou, don't get excited. That sword isn't so easy to get." Of course he saw it, but there were conditions. It was said that one could only get it if they were promoted to a true disciple. Right now, he was just an inner disciple. If he wanted to get this item, he would have to wait a few years.

The disciples dared not make a loud noise in Zhengqing Courtyard. They took the booklets and returned to their residences. Some followed Chengxu's instructions and memorized the rules, while others were eyeing the rewards and thinking about how to obtain them.

"Senior brother, this is Wudang's income and expenditure for this year," Cheng Xu handed the ledger to Gu Xu. The latter glanced through it and found that the income was more than the expenditure. There were still more than 20,000 taels of silver left in the account. Gu Xu pondered for a while.

"Junior brother, of these twenty thousand taels of silver, keep half for emergencies, five thousand taels for the disciples' daily expenses and distribute them on time, and use the remaining five thousand taels for procurement to ensure food and drink."

"This, Senior Brother Sect Leader, forget about everything else, but what about the disciples..." Cheng Xu said urgently. After all, others had to offer money to join a sect, so why was it the other way around at Wudang? It didn't make sense.

“I have my reasons. Some disciples may not care about two taels of silver, but many more are struggling financially. If they are truly diligent and hardworking, why shouldn’t I lend a hand where I can? This is also for the future of the entire Wudang sect.”

"Moreover, with a secure livelihood and no worries about the future, one can focus more on cultivation and bring glory to Wudang. This is entirely beneficial to Wudang."

"What the sect leader says is very true. It was my narrow-mindedness that led me to say this," Cheng Xu said with a face full of shame. After hearing what the sect leader said, it seemed to make some sense. He realized that he was indeed still ignorant and had not been able to keep up with the sect leader's train of thought.

"The accounts of these silver coins must be clear. If anyone tampers with them, send them to the Zhengqing Court. You must do this carefully."

The human heart is the most unpredictable thing. If you are truly tempted by money, don't blame yourself for being impolite.

Cheng Xu sensed a fleeting murderous aura and was immediately startled. "Sect Leader, rest assured, I will personally oversee this matter and guarantee that nothing goes wrong."

After Cheng Xu left, he sent someone to summon Song Qingshu and Zhang Wuji.

"Senior Brother Sect Leader, did you call us here because you have something to say?"

Since Gu Xu became the sect leader, he has become increasingly imposing, and Song Qingshu and Zhang Wuji are no longer as "unruly" as before.

"I called you two here today because I have something to tell you. These two books contain a martial art called 'Great Shift of Heaven and Earth.' Although it only has three levels, it's enough for you to practice. Take them and study them carefully. Once you've mastered it, it will be an extra way to protect yourself," he said, handing the two books to the two of them.

Gu Xu no longer intends to take on any more disciples, but plans to train the two of them, as the position of Wudang Sect Leader is destined to be chosen from among them in the future.

Song Qingshu and Zhang Wuji reached out and took it, and immediately began to examine it. They were captivated by it, as this skill was somewhat similar to Tai Chi, and they could use it to verify each other's abilities.

"Remember, this skill must not be passed on to outsiders." Although Gu Xu was not afraid of the Persian Ming Cult, he did not want to get into trouble, so he had to be cautious in everything he did.

Song Qingshu and Zhang Wuji nodded in agreement.

After the two left, Gu Xu returned to the Wuwei Hall and continued practicing Tai Chi.

Now it's time to let go. Letting go doesn't mean truly forgetting, but rather acting according to one's heart and letting the intention precede the move. After several exchanges, Gu Xu has already grasped a bit of the key.

Grasp the Sparrow's Tail, Cross Hands, Single Whip... one move after another was executed, the moves going from slow to gentle, from gentle to fast, from fast to swift, from swift to slow, and from slow to gentle.

The moves flow seamlessly, like a long river flowing endlessly, or a majestic mountain standing firm and unmoving. The interplay of movement and stillness, softness and strength, embodies the essence of Taoist Tai Chi.

The curtains inside the hall were spat out by a gentle force, then billowed by a fierce gust of wind. Then, a tearing sound was heard, and the entire curtain was neatly and smoothly torn apart from the middle.

"When you've mastered Tai Chi to this level, you've achieved great success. The rest of the time is spent refining your skills and truly mastering the art of smooth and effortless movements."

According to Gu Xu's conjecture, at the highest level, Tai Chi should be unrestrained and free. Although he has not yet reached that level, he has already seen the path.

Over the next few days, Gu Xu finished dealing with important matters and spent the rest of his time studying Tai Chi.

The Wudang disciples felt like they had fallen into a honey pot, first receiving rewards for meritorious service, then receiving monthly stipends. The lay disciples naturally didn't care, but the children from poor families could use this money to supplement their own and their families' income.

After the news spread, the area around Wudang Mountain became lively. Practicing martial arts could not only improve one's health, but also earn money. For a time, many people wanted to join Wudang. Some of them were just looking to take advantage of the situation. Practicing martial arts was secondary; their main goal was to get money.

However, those in charge of accepting disciples at Wudang are not easily deceived. They not only examine one's physical constitution but also check one's place of origin. Anyone with an unclear background is not accepted. As for orphans, they are investigated by a separate department.

After eliminating nearly a third of the people, Wudang accepted 112 disciples this year. Gu Xu set a rule that new disciples should first learn knowledge in the outer sect, including but not limited to astronomy, geography, mathematics, medicine, etc., especially about the glorious deeds of Wudang.

Only after learning can one begin practicing martial arts. And only those who pass the assessment held every three years can enter the inner sect.

(End of this chapter)