A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 456 Little Sage Village
On the stone platform, Gai Nie was focused on his surroundings, keeping a watchful eye on everything around him, but he also kept some attention on Tianming. Seeing Tianming's pained face, Gai Nie's eyes showed worry, but then he thought of Master Gu Xu's unpredictable methods and felt a little relieved.

As expected, the pain on Tianming's face did not last long before it subsided. Moreover, the clear light emanating from Tianming's body startled Gai Nie. He sensed a very vigorous life force within this light, which, if refined, could greatly enhance his cultivation.

After the nineteen needles pierced Tianming's neck, the Sleep-Sealing Curse intensified. The curse pulsed rapidly, causing Tianming's heart to throb as well. If it continued to throb like this, Tianming's heart would surely rupture. Seeing this, Gu Xu reached out and grabbed, covering the Sleep-Sealing Curse with a ball of frost-white energy, which instantly froze into a layer of frost. The speed at which the curse pulsed suddenly slowed down, but the frost-white energy was also being consumed.

Seeing this, Gu Xu acted decisively, forming hand seals and chanting incantations. Mysterious runes emitted multicolored light and continuously entered Tianming's body. After half a quarter of an hour, the frost-white energy was completely exhausted. However, just as the Sleep-Sealing Curse was about to activate again, a glint flashed in Gu Xu's eyes. He pointed upward with his left hand and slashed with his right palm. A blade of energy slashed towards the Sleep-Sealing Curse. Gai Nie was immediately alarmed. Just as he was trembling with fear, he heard Tianming let out a muffled groan and faint.

Gu Xu pointed his finger, and a flash of crimson light turned the piece of flesh that had fallen onto the stone platform into ashes.

"Tianming!"

Gai Nie exclaimed in surprise and rushed forward to help Tianming. After checking him over, he found that the sealing curse on Tianming's body had disappeared, and there was a life force in his dantian. It emanated from the dantian and flowed through his meridians throughout his body, nourishing his weak body.

"Thank you, Taoist Priest!"

Gai Nie looked at the new flesh growing on Tianming's neck and immediately knew that the sealing curse had been broken. He carefully put Tianming down and bowed solemnly to Gu Xu.

“Mr. Gai, there’s no need for such formalities. A promise from you is enough for me. I don’t wish to pry into the secrets of this young friend. However, his future is fraught with difficulties. I only hope that my small token of my appreciation can help him turn danger into safety and avoid unnecessary harm. Mr. Gai, the journey ahead is long. This bottle of pills will come in handy in the future. Farewell.”

Gu Xu handed a bottle of Nourishing Essence Pills to Gai Nie and explained how to use them. Gai Nie bowed again and accepted the pills with both hands. After carefully placing them away, Gu Xu nodded to him and then transformed into a stream of light, disappearing from Gai Nie's sight.

"A true man of God."

Gai Nie sighed, worried that the pursuers would catch up, so he cleaned up the traces and carried Tianming eastward.

In the main hall of the Qin Palace, Ying Zheng listened to Li Si's report. A hint of anger appeared on his majestic and handsome face. He put down the bamboo slip in his hand and said in a calm voice, "The Dragon Tiger Cavalry has made great progress. Order them to go to the northwest. They are not to return without orders."

Upon hearing this, Li Si immediately agreed, and the lives of the three hundred cavalrymen were ultimately saved. It seems that His Majesty the First Emperor also believed this explanation.

"If Gai Nie is so difficult to capture, what becomes of the dignity of our dynasty? Li Si, what do you have to say?"

“Your Majesty, Gai Nie is a renowned swordsman, also known as the Sword Saint. His martial arts skills are unparalleled in this era. He is also skilled in military strategy and tactics. Dealing with such a martial arts master will inevitably be a challenge. I believe that matters of the martial arts world should be resolved by the martial arts world itself. I have already found out the whereabouts of Gai Nie’s junior brother, Wei Zhuang. I only need Your Majesty’s approval before I can proceed with the next step of the plan.”

"Yes, this matter must be handled with utmost care. Also, how is the pursuit of the Mo family's traitors progressing?"

Some time ago, this Mohist traitor actually assisted the stubborn elements of the Chu state, even bringing out mechanical beasts, causing considerable losses to the Qin army. If Gongshu Chou had not arrived in time, the losses would have continued to increase. This greatly displeased Ying Zheng, who ordered Gongshu Chou and Meng Tian to conquer the Chu state within three months.

"Your Majesty, a small number of Mo family rebels have been killed, but most of them have fled into the Mo family's mechanical city. This Mo family mechanical city is hidden in the Dongling Mountains, where the water flows swiftly, the terrain is treacherous, and it is shrouded in thick fog all year round, making it difficult for anyone other than a member of the Mo family to enter."

"Oh, so it's the Mo Family Mechanical City that the refugees of the six states called a paradise on earth. Ha, all the land under heaven belongs to the king. These rebels are stirring up trouble for their so-called righteous cause. Do they think they can hide there and be safe? Li Si, I won't ask you how to do it, but this Mo Family Mechanical City must be destroyed."

After Ying Zheng finished speaking, he picked up the book on the table and started reading it. Li Si bowed to Ying Zheng and then turned and left the hall.

Just as Li Si stepped out of the main hall, a man wearing a tall crown, a dark red robe, with a delicate and beautiful face and narrow eyes walked over and bowed to Li Si.

"Master Li."

When Li Si saw Zhao Gao, he nodded and replied, "Zhao's Prefect."

"Where is Lord Li rushing off to in such a hurry?"

"This is not something that Prefect Zhao should ask. Li Si has important matters to attend to and will not be able to keep you company."

Li Si gave a curt reply, flicked his sleeve, passed Zhao Gao, and walked downstairs. Zhao Gao watched Li Si's retreating figure, his eyes flashing red, his slender index finger tracing the corner of his mouth in a half-smile, before turning and leaving.

On the other side, after separating from Gai Nie, Gu Xu landed on a high cliff in the East Sea, watching the white clouds in the sky gather and disperse, and the surging waves in the sea crashing against the cliff below, splashing up countless fragments that shimmered with seven colors under the sunlight.

Not far away, a large, exquisitely designed building by the sea caught Gu Xu's attention. With a thought, Gu Xu disappeared from the high cliff and came to the outside of the building. Looking at the four characters "Haiyue Xiaozhu" written in seal script on the plaque, Gu Xu immediately understood that this was the place where the fake Fusu later hosted Li Si.

"The sea reflects Mount Tai, shark fin is cooked with bear paw. I've only ever heard of this famous Shandong dish. Today I can finally enjoy it, but I still need to exchange some money first."

Gu Xu had many treasures on him, but no gold or silver. Thinking of this, he prepared to go to the pawnshop to exchange some money. Just as Gu Xu took a step, he suddenly saw a tall and handsome young man wearing a blue and white Confucian robe walking towards him and stopping a few steps away from Gu Xu.

“Sir, Zhang Liang of the Confucian school is very courteous.”

Zhang Liang performed a Confucian salute to Gu Xu.

Upon hearing this, Gu Xu raised an eyebrow and looked at Zhang Liang, saying, "So you are the third leader of Little Sage Village, I am Gu Xu."

As he spoke, Gu Xu returned the greeting, wondering to himself how Zhang Liang could have appeared here so coincidentally.

“Mr. Gu Xu, Zhang Liang has come on the orders of Uncle Xun to invite you to Xiaoshengxianzhuang.”

Zhang Liang stated his purpose directly, and Gu Xu's mind stirred slightly. Looking into Zhang Liang's clear eyes, he replied calmly, "Master Xun is quite capable. I have only just arrived in Sanghai City and I have already discovered your presence. Since Master Xun has invited me, I will accompany you, Mr. Zhang." Upon hearing this, Zhang Liang's face lit up with joy. In fact, he was quite puzzled. Half an hour ago, his Uncle Xun had summoned him and his two fellow disciples to the Bamboo Residence, saying that a distinguished guest had arrived in Sanghai and that he had been specifically asked to wait at the Sea Moon Pavilion, assuring them that they would recognize the guest as soon as they saw him.

Although the three were completely confused, they still had to follow Xunzi's instructions. So Fu Nian told Zhang Liang to wait at Haiyue Xiaozhu. Sure enough, Zhang Liang waited at Haiyue Xiaozhu for a while, carefully observing the passersby. When Gu Xu appeared, Zhang Liang knew that this was the distinguished guest he was waiting for.

Gu Xu followed Zhang Liang into the carriage, heading towards Xiaoshengxianzhuang. Along the way, Gu Xu learned from Zhang Liang that this was the first time since Master Xun went into seclusion that he had taken the initiative to invite outsiders into his hermitage. After hearing this, Gu Xu simply nodded slightly. The carriage crossed the street and stopped at the foot of the mountain. Zhang Liang asked Gu Xu to get out of the carriage, and the two walked up the mountain path.

"Xiaoshengxianzhuang truly lives up to its name. Even before reaching the summit, the rich scholarly atmosphere is already refreshing."

As Gu Xu walked, he looked at the scenery on both sides. Every plant and tree had been carefully tended. Although it had lost its natural charm, the solemn and rigorous spirit was everywhere. From the small things, one can see the big picture. Gu Xu could also understand a little about the true meaning that this small Sage Village wanted to convey.

"You flatter me, Daoist Master."

Hearing Gu Xu's praise, Zhang Liang felt a little proud, but he still maintained a humble demeanor. The two continued up the mountain, and after walking for a while, Gu Xu suddenly felt a wide expanse before him. What came into view was an ancient and solemn academy, where the sound of students reading aloud could be clearly heard.

Outside the main gate stood two figures. The one on the left was handsome and extraordinary, with an innate noble air about him. His brows revealed a calm and steady demeanor. Gu Xu knew at a glance that this person was Fu Nian, the current leader of the Confucian school, and also the master of "Tai'a", the third of the Ten Famous Swords.

To his left was a gentle and refined, unassuming middle-aged man with bright eyes. However, compared to Fu Nian's composure and Zhang Liang's passion, this man was more peaceful and indifferent, as if he didn't care about anything. This man was Yan Lu, the second-in-command of Xiaoshengxianzhuang, who, along with his senior brother Fu Nian and junior brother Zhang Liang, was known as one of the "Three Heroes of Qi and Lu".

Fu Nian and Yan Lu looked at the two people walking towards them, ignoring Zhang Liang, and both of them looked at Gu Xu beside him. At this glance, they both had different feelings.

"This person has an extraordinary appearance and is no ordinary person. He is dressed in a yin-yang robe, and the natural way he exudes is so strong that he could be a senior Taoist master."

Fu Nian pondered incessantly, searching through all the famous Taoist masters he knew, but none could match He Gu Xu. Fu Nian secretly took it to heart. A person who could make his uncle so serious must have something special about him. He could only hope that this person would not bring trouble to the Confucian school.

"This person's aura is quite similar to the meditation technique I cultivate, but he has a bit more radicalness. In the Taoist school, besides Senior Beimingzi, there is actually someone who has cultivated the Dao of natural birth and death so profoundly. This person's background is extraordinary."

"Master, let me introduce you. This is my senior brother, Fu Nian, the current head of the Confucian school."

As the two approached the main gate, Zhang Liang introduced Fu Nian to Gu Xu, who bowed respectfully to Fu Nian upon hearing this.

"This humble Taoist priest, Gu Xu, respectfully wishes you, sir."

Seeing this, Fu Nian returned the Confucian greeting with proper etiquette. Then Zhang Liang introduced Yan Lu to Gu Xu. After the two exchanged greetings, Fu Nian said to Gu Xu, "Mr. Gu Xu, my martial uncle is already waiting for me in the back mountain. Please follow me."

Gu Xu nodded upon hearing this, and then Fu Nian and the other two led Gu Xu through the side gate into the Little Sage Manor. The outside of the Little Sage Manor was not obvious, but the inside was a completely different world. The buildings inside the manor were arranged in a neat and orderly manner, showing a solemn and dignified style, which made Gu Xu feel respectful. The four of them walked across the Nine-Bend Bridge, passed the houses of the Three Provinces, and went straight to the central courtyard.

"After passing this central courtyard and going around the library, you will reach the Half Bamboo Garden where my master lives in seclusion. Please, sir."

Fu Nian gestured forward, and Gu Xu nodded. The four of them walked quickly, and after a short while, they arrived at a bamboo forest covering an area of ​​about an acre. The sound of the babbling stream, the rustling of the bamboo leaves, the chirping of birds and cicadas, and the gentle breeze made the place truly serene. Just then, a deep, powerful voice came from a small bamboo hut hidden in the bamboo forest, clearly reaching the ears of the four of them.

"Honorable guest, I have failed to greet you properly. Please come inside for a chat."

Upon hearing this, Fu Nian gestured to Gu Xu, who then stepped onto a winding path leading into the depths of the bamboo forest. After fifty-three steps, Gu Xu arrived at the verdant bamboo dwelling. Outside the dwelling stood an elderly man with a tall hat and wide belt, his face aged but stern. Fu Nian and the other two bowed respectfully upon seeing him.

"Uncle Master."

Upon hearing this, Master Xun waved his sleeve, signaling them to step aside. He then took a few steps forward and bowed to Gu Xuzhi, saying, "Greetings, Master Xun Kuang, a Confucian scholar."

"This humble Taoist priest has empty valleys, but Master Xun is very courteous."

After the two exchanged greetings, Xun Kuang nodded and invited Gu Xu inside. Then, looking at Fu Nian and the other two, he said, "The three of you may come in as well."

He then invited Gu Xu to walk into the bamboo hut first, while Fu Nian and the other two exchanged glances and hurriedly followed. When they arrived at the bamboo hut, Gu Xu looked around and found that the interior space of the bamboo hut was not small, but the furnishings were very simple, with very few decorations except for a few bamboo carvings.

"This place is simple and humble, please forgive my poor appearance."

After the two knelt down, Master Xun apologized to Gu Xu, who replied, "A mountain is not valued for its height, but for the immortals who dwell there. Water is not valued for its depth, but for the dragons that inhabit it. This is a humble abode, but my virtue makes it fragrant. Master Xun, why be so modest? In my humble opinion, this place is a place to return to simplicity and authenticity."

When Xunzi heard Gu Xu utter those four lines, his eyes lit up. Fu Nian and the other two were secretly surprised. They hadn't expected that this seemingly Taoist master would so highly regard Confucianism. Although the four lines were simple, they contained profound meaning.

"You flatter me, Daoist Master. I am but a mortal, how can I be compared to a deity?"

Although Master Xun said he didn't care, he couldn't stop smiling, which Gu Xu found very amusing.

"Master Xun, may I ask why you have invited me here?"

The flattery had ended, and Gu Xu, with a solemn expression, looked at Master Xun. Seeing this, Fu Nian and the other two held their breath and stared at the two.

Upon hearing this, Master Xun's expression turned serious. He looked at Gu Xu and said, "Since you've gotten straight to the point, I won't beat around the bush either. May I ask where you're headed?"

(End of this chapter)