A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 42 The Wind Fades

Time flies like water. Seven years have passed since Song Qingshu took over Wudang. Wudang still stands proudly in the martial arts world, while Shaolin is declining. On the contrary, the Emei Sect, under the leadership of Zhou Zhiruo, has risen to prominence and is showing great potential to compete with Wudang.

Song Qingshu knew he didn't possess Gu Xu's charisma or profound martial arts skills, and he didn't intend to expand too much and dilute the sect's strength. Instead, he consolidated some of his power and firmly controlled the martial arts world of Hubei.

Since Abbess Miejue passed away two years ago, Zhou Zhiruo has changed her attitude towards Wudang. The sect's influence has continued to expand eastward. In the eyes of discerning people, the two sects will inevitably clash sooner or later.

In the back mountain, Gu Xu and Zhang Sanfeng were sparring.

Gu Xu was eager to test the power of Tai Chi. He took the lead and attacked Zhang Sanfeng with both hands as if embracing the universe. However, the latter swung his hands like a dragon emerging from the water, blocking Gu Xu's hands and neutralizing the attack with a soft and gentle force.

Seeing that his first move had failed, Gu Xu took a step back and unleashed a series of Tai Chi moves, using both fists and legs. As soon as he made this move, a strong wind rushed towards Zhang Sanfeng, and a force of both hardness and softness surged toward him.

His hair and beard were blown about, and a glint of light flashed in Zhang Sanfeng's eyes. He secretly praised the blow, but his skills continued. With a flick of his sleeve, he drew circles with his hands and stepped forward in a powerful stance. An invisible force, as imposing as Mount Tai, blocked the overwhelming power. Only a hissing sound could be heard as the ancient trees beside him were blown about, their leaves being torn to shreds. The wind gradually stopped after a while.

Gu Xu stood still, having finished his move. He sighed inwardly, realizing that although his martial arts had greatly improved and his Tai Chi was now highly proficient, he was still slightly lacking in the ability to defeat his master.

"The master's martial arts have reached a level of divine skill, and I am ashamed to admit that I am inferior to him."

Zhang Sanfeng stood there with a smile and said, "It is rare for someone your age to have such good fortune. When I was your age, I was no match for you. Sooner or later, your achievements will surpass mine, so there is no need to be discouraged."

Zhang Sanfeng was not bothered by the fact that Gu Xu's future achievements would surpass his own; on the contrary, he was very happy. In the path of martial arts, if a disciple's achievements cannot surpass those of his master, it can only be said that the martial arts are declining, which is not a good thing.

"The path of martial arts is a continuous process of advancement. Especially for those who pursue martial arts, once you step into the path, you can only keep going forward. There is no turning back. Gu Xu, your future destiny is beyond my comprehension. I only hope that you will not waste this great talent."

Zhang Sanfeng solemnly instructed, "In my life, I have seen many talented people, but very few of them have achieved anything. They were all blinded by worldly affairs, neglected their martial arts, and became mediocre people in the martial arts world. By the time they realized it, it was too late. As for you, I am naturally at ease. You have your own considerations."

Gu Xu listened quietly to Zhang Sanfeng's teachings, who continued, "A person's lifespan is limited, but the path of martial arts is endless. I have lived for so many years and have long since taken life and death lightly, but I still hope to one day see through the fog and witness the true path of martial arts. However, I don't have much time left, and it seems I won't have the chance. Gu Xu, can you fulfill this wish for the patriarch?"

Zhang Sanfeng stared intently at Gu Xu, who said nothing but solemnly knelt down and kowtowed.

"Alright, alright, get up quickly," Zhang Sanfeng helped Gu Xu up.

"After I'm gone, bury me in the back mountain, close to Yuanqiao and the others. As people get old, they just want their disciples by their side. Sigh."

Gu Xu helped Zhang Sanfeng sit on the stone seat. The successive deaths of his grandmaster and his uncles had also made the patriarch feel bad. Usually, apart from playing chess and drinking tea with Gu Xu, he would stay in seclusion and live a very monotonous life. Now that the patriarch felt that his time was coming to an end, he couldn't help but talk more.

Looking back, it has been more than forty years since Gu Xu came to this world. He has seen too much life and death and separation. He thought he would be indifferent to it, but seeing his relatives pass away one after another was heartbreaking. Now he is about to see his ancestor pass away. His calm heart is no longer able to be calm.

Gu Xu, his voice trembling with tears, said to Zhang Sanfeng, "Disciple, disciple..."

Zhang Sanfeng looked at Gu Xu with loving eyes, stroked his hair with his hand, and slowly said, "With affinity and the right method, without any flaws or regrets, and by acting righteously, one's path will be revealed."

Three months later, Wudang Mountain was covered in silver, and the Wudang disciples were also dressed in white.

Inside the Zixiao Palace, a coffin was placed in the center. Starting with Song Qingshu, Gu Xu, Zhang Wuji, and others knelt down and kowtowed. The master of ceremonies carried out the procedures one by one.

When news of Zhang Sanfeng's passing spread, almost all the martial arts sects came to pay their respects, and even the imperial court sent people with an imperial edict bestowing honors upon Zhang Sanfeng.

After burying the coffin on the back mountain, Gu Xu built a thatched hut nearby and told Song Qingshu that he would not go to the front mountain again except for matters of life and death, and planned to go into seclusion to cultivate.

Knowing their senior brother's temperament, Song Qingshu and Zhang Wuji stopped trying to persuade him and sent someone to prepare all the necessary items and deliver them to the back mountain.

While the Emei Sect continued to expand its influence eastward, Song Qingshu remained unmoved, while Zhou Zhiruo, seeing Wudang's inaction, gradually increased her efforts.

Bei Jinyi said worriedly, "Sect Leader, isn't this going too far? What if Wudang..." Ding Minjun, who was standing to the side, said, "Our Emei Sect isn't necessarily much worse than Wudang now. Besides, Wudang only has Song Qingshu and Zhang Wuji who can support the sect right now. The others are nothing special and not worth the Sect Leader's attention. If we don't join now, are we going to wait for Wudang to bully us?"

Zhou Zhiruo agreed, saying, "Senior Sister Ding is right. Right now, the only one I can be wary of in Wudang is Gu Xu. But he has gone into seclusion and we don't know when he will come out. Maybe by the time he comes out, Emei will have become the number one sect in the world."

Zhou Zhiruo is now unwilling to submit to Wudang and attempts to take its place. She has just mastered her divine skills and is full of arrogance. However, she does not know that she has already fallen into someone else's scheme. Regardless of whether she succeeds or not, Emei is destined to decline in the future.

"Sect Leader, news has arrived," an Emei disciple handed a note to Zhou Zhiruo, who was overjoyed after reading it.

"Sect Leader, what has happened?" Ding Minjun asked hurriedly. "The Beggars' Sect disciples were killed by the Wudang disciples, and one of their branches was wiped out by Wudang. Now, the Beggars' Sect Leader, Shi Hongshi, has arrived at Wudang with the four elders, intending to question Song Qingshu."

"Although the Beggars' Sect is known as the number one sect in the world, it will definitely not fare well against Wudang. Why is the sect leader so happy?"

Bei Jinyi knew that Zhou Zhiruo disliked her, so she could only think about it in her heart. Ding Minjun, however, had a sudden idea and said to Zhou Zhiruo, "Sect Leader, the Beggars' Sect has just attracted Wudang's attention. Let's take this opportunity to take down that tough nut and cut off Wudang's connection with the Western Regions."

Ding Minjun was referring to the Qingdu Sect, a branch of Wudang. This sect was founded by an inner disciple and serves as a crucial link between the Western Regions and Wudang. Its geographical location is extremely important. Previously, Zhou Zhiruo hesitated to take action for fear of angering Wudang. However, after hearing Ding Minjun's words, Zhou Zhiruo immediately had an idea.

"Qingdu Sect Leader Mu Jianfei is quite skilled. I will deal with him. As for Senior Sister Ding and Senior Sister Bei, you will take care of the others. Make sure it is done cleanly and efficiently, so that no one can tell that it was the Emei Sect that did it. This matter must not be leaked, otherwise I, the sect leader, will execute you without mercy."

Zhou Zhiruo stared at Bei Jinyi, who felt very uncomfortable being stared at like that, but there was nothing she could do about it.

Since her master passed away, no one in Emei has been able to restrain Zhou Zhiruo. Even her two senior sisters, Jingxuan and Jingxu, have been sent to the back mountain.

On the surface, it's called a period of seclusion, but in reality, it's no different from being imprisoned. Emei may look strong now, but its foundation is actually very weak. The only friendly sect in the surrounding area, Qingcheng Sect, has gradually distanced itself from Emei. Nowadays, there are almost no sects in the Sichuan martial arts world that are truly convinced of Emei's sincerity.

After Zhou Zhiruo left, Ding Minjun mocked Bei Jinyi: "Junior Sister Bei, prepare well. If you can't satisfy the sect leader, you'll be joining Senior Sister Jingxuan and the others." With that, she turned and left.

The weather was gradually turning cold, and there was a desolate scene. However, Yuyang Valley, located at the junction of two provinces, still retained a trace of spring. This place was the residence of the Qingdu Sect.

Mu Jianfei, the leader of the Qingdu Sect, was carefully reading a letter when he handed it to Zhang Wuji. "Senior brother, this is a secret report. It seems that Sect Leader Zhou can no longer hold back."

After Zhang Wuji looked at it, he exerted force on his hand, and it instantly turned into a pile of ashes that scattered on the ground.

“Zhou Zhiruo is pushing her luck. If it weren’t for the sake of Emei’s reputation, the sect leader would have made her suffer the consequences long ago. Now that the reputation is completely exhausted, it’s time to let Emei know how powerful Wudang is. Junior brother, I will deal with Zhou Zhiruo. You can arrange the rest yourself.”

"Yes, Senior Brother," Mu Jianfei bowed and went to make the arrangements.

The valley of Yuyang was silent at night, but a series of rapid footsteps broke the tranquility.

Zhou Zhiruo focused her energy in her eyes, her bright gaze taking in her surroundings clearly. She gave an order to the others and then headed towards the inner garden, where Mu Jianfei resided.

The moment her feet touched the ground, a bonfire suddenly blazed around the courtyard. A handsome figure stood with his back to Zhou Zhiruo. In the firelight, Zhou Zhiruo's expression changed, and she said in a deep voice, "Zhang Wuji."

"Sect Leader Zhou, what a grand display! But since you're here, you must stay." As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Wuji's figure flashed, and he struck Zhou Zhiruo with a palm. The latter hurriedly withdrew and swung out a long whip. The whip tip was sharp, and a gust of wind rushed towards Zhang Wuji.

Seeing the whip about to strike, Zhang Wuji remained calm and composed. He leaped and shifted, drawing his longsword. With a swift movement, the whip wrapped around the sword. Zhou Zhiruo was overjoyed and tried to wrest the sword away, but seeing Zhang Wuji's indifferent mockery, she knew something was wrong and hurriedly withdrew the whip, but it was too late.

Suddenly, the longsword flashed with a cold light, and with a few swift movements, the long whip was broken into several pieces, leaving only a little over four feet long in Zhou Zhiruo's hand.

Zhang Wuji pressed his advantage relentlessly, thrusting his longsword repeatedly. The sound of the sword, imbued with internal force, piercing through the air was deafening. Zhou Zhiruo, having lost her weapon, discarded her whip and unleashed the Nine Yin White Bone Claw, her jade-like hand reaching for the sword.

"They're simply courting death," Zhang Wuji thought, looking at Zhou Zhiruo's ferocious face. He added three more points of force to his hand, and as the two clashed, Zhou Zhiruo felt the immense internal energy emanating from the longsword. She was shocked, but before she could think further, she suddenly sensed danger and hurriedly withdrew her hand. At that moment, a three-inch sword light inexplicably grew from the blade.

Under the moonlight and firelight, the sword light seemed even brighter. With a sweeping motion, Zhou Zhiruo appeared quite disheveled. After six more moves, Zhou Zhiruo was covered in wounds, and a cold, gleaming sword was held across her neck.

Zhang Wuji reached out and struck Zhou Zhiruo's dantian. The claw technique she had just used looked similar to the Nine Yin Divine Claw, but it was actually practiced incorrectly and had an evil nature. It was clearly the Nine Yin White Bone Claw. Practicing this martial art had already led her astray. If her martial arts were not crippled, who knows how many more people would have lost their lives at her hands.

When Zhang Wuji crippled her martial arts, Zhou Zhiruo let out a few bitter laughs, glared at Zhang Wuji for a moment, and then ran out without saying a word, acting crazy.

Under the deep moonlight and in the cool autumn breeze, Zhang Wuji sighed and looked at Mu Jianfei, "Have all those people who came been dealt with?"

"Senior brother, most of them were killed, a small number were taken away by Ding Minjun, and Senior Sister Bei committed suicide with her sword."

"That's fine then. Ding Minjun is a smart person and should know what to do. I should go now. Junior brother, guard this place well. When the time is right, I will suggest to the sect leader that you return to Wudang for further cultivation."

Mu Jianfei's face lit up with joy, and he respectfully replied, "Yes."

(End of this chapter)