Hyperdimensional Player

Chapter 297 Zhuangzi, Free and Easy Wandering

Inside the inn.

The young man was eating, with several beautiful women serving him behind him. The Jade-Faced Lady sat beside him, carefully removing the fish bones and then placing the delicious fish meat into his bowl.

Surrounded by so many beautiful women, the young man was focused on eating and enjoying his meal.

If others were in this situation, they might be at a loss, but the young man took it for granted and enjoyed it with peace of mind. He unconsciously exuded a noble air, which even kings and generals would lack.

I don't know where his confidence comes from.

"It seems Your Majesty is about to be in danger."

The beautiful maids from the lowest social classes exchanged glances, feeling that this man was practically a demoness assassin. They also practiced esoteric arts, though not as profound as the Jade-Faced Lady, but for some reason, they couldn't resist this handsome young man.

The Jade-Faced Lady was not so easily subdued, but for some reason, she always felt her pride was suppressed when facing that young man.

The boy had a good appetite, but as he ate, he suddenly looked up and saw two tall monks walking out of the crowd on the opposite street. The one in front was Monk Bujie, and behind him was a lovable big monk with a fat head, big ears, and a round belly, eating steamed buns as he walked, one bite at a time.

—The Monk Who Does Not Greed (Sleeping Arhat Skill) (Gluttonous Method) (Five-Star Golden)

The person coming is very strong.

Although he may not be as good as Lu Shanjun, he is at a similar level. He may seem to have no cultivation, but his innate true energy is already circulating in one body.

The Jade-Faced Lady seemed to sense something. She glanced at him with her alluring face, her expression thoughtful, and said to the young man beside her, "Young Master."

"That person must be the monk Bu Tan."

"It is said to be a secret Buddhist technique. He does not practice martial arts or meditation on a regular basis, but his cultivation level is extremely high. He once defeated the Dharma King of the Vajra Sect in the Western Regions."

Duncan nodded slowly.

This person's strength is not much worse than Lu Shanjun's. The key is his appearance. He has a fat head and big ears, and looks like a pig. This reminded him of a strange tale he had heard in the martial arts world.

"Could there really be twelve Earthly Branches?"

Pig (亥)?

Nicknames like "Dragon," "Tiger," "Snake," and "Monkey" are quite common in the martial arts world, but those with strength reaching the five-star gold level are rare. In this world, martial artists below three stars generally cultivate internal energy, four-star practitioners have mostly cultivated true qi, five stars is considered the threshold of the innate realm, and beyond that is six stars, which is extremely rare, at the level of the Ape King or the Black Dragon, barely qualifying as half a terrestrial immortal.

As for those beyond that, it's not so clear; they might be rare grandmasters in the world.

The grandmasters in this context may be different from what people commonly know. For example, Zhang Jiao of the Way of Peace, Zhang Daoling of the Way of the Celestial Masters, and the Three Mao True Lords of the Maoshan School are all grandmasters in the history of Taoism.

If we're talking about Buddhism, the most famous one should be Bodhidharma, who was also a grandmaster-level figure.

The level of a grandmaster transcends the mundane; even ghosts and gods must bow down before them.

The reason for using Buddhism and Taoism as examples is that they are more representative. Grandmasters of other schools are relatively rare in history, and some of them do not practice secret methods or techniques, nor do they have such a great reputation.

A grandmaster may not necessarily be able to slay ghosts and gods, but he certainly is not afraid of ordinary ghosts and gods.

As the saying goes, everyone has their own area of ​​expertise, and masters all have their own strengths.

In today's martial arts world, there are many people who can be called masters on both the righteous and evil paths, but only a handful can be called grandmasters. Many of them have been living in seclusion for many years.

In recent years, Taoism has also become somewhat divided because of the emergence of internal alchemy.

Before the Tang Dynasty, the origins of Taoism were nothing more than Huang-Lao-Zhuang. After the Qin and Han Dynasties, the schools changed and branched out, with external alchemy being the most common. Now, internal alchemy is flourishing, and many Taoists pursue "foundation building" and "elixir formation".

A poem says: "Medicine only takes form when it meets its corresponding qi; the Dao only becomes natural when it aligns with the subtle and wondrous. Swallowing a single golden pill, I realize my fate is not determined by heaven."

There have been some powerful individuals in the history of the martial arts world who have reached the Golden Core realm.

However, if we look a few hundred years into the future, the Taoist sect will probably have to wait for Zhang Sanfeng to be born, since Zhang Zhenren's level of skill is undeniable.

The cultivation methods of various schools are different, but the Foundation Establishment of the Taoist Internal Alchemy School is roughly equivalent to the Innate Realm. However, the Golden Core is a bit uncertain. Its value is too high and slightly exaggerated. Even terrestrial immortals may not be able to match it.

If we were to make a comparison, the Golden Core realm of the Internal Alchemy school is equivalent to the True Dragon that the Ink Dragon pursues.

The two of them had already come up by then.

The monk Bujie spoke up first: "Young hero, this is my senior brother, whose Buddhist name is Butan."

The fat, big-eared monk's eyes lit up when he saw the table full of food and wine. Duncan raised his hand and gestured, "Would you like some vegetarian food for the two of you?"

"no, I'm fine!"

The greedy monk waved his hands repeatedly, almost drooling with envy. He plopped down, making the stool creak, and put his hands together, saying, "Wine and meat pass through the intestines, but Buddha remains in the heart."

"No need to waste it, this is enough."

The monk Bujie was not surprised by this and explained in a low voice, "Brother Butan has innate wisdom and does not need to abide by these rules and regulations."

"Give me a bowl of white rice."

Su Hui?

The boy looked slightly surprised.

He stood up, picked up the wine pot, and said to the monk Bu Tan, who was already showing off, "Master, would you like some wine?"

The monk Bu Tan's eyes lit up, and he nodded repeatedly, saying, "Drink. Drink."

"Fill it up, fill it up!"

He had just eaten thirty or forty steamed buns, and now, sitting down amidst a table full of food and wine, he wolfed them down. He picked up the wine jug and first stood up to pour Duncan a cup, showing impeccable manners.

Then he just blew it straight from the bottle.

This monk, Bu Tan, was a straightforward and easygoing person. He indulged in a feast and drank to his heart's content, which greatly impressed the young man.

At this moment, the Jade-Faced Lady whispered, "Master Bu Tan, what brings you to Yangzhou?"

At this moment, Monk Bu Tan finally noticed the group of enchantresses. He frowned, his expression towards the Jade-Faced Goddess was rather cold, while his gaze towards the lowly maids was full of pity. All beauty was like fleeting clouds, and seductive arts could not shake his mind in the slightest.

This great monk did not practice Zen meditation, yet his understanding of Buddhist teachings was extremely profound.

He didn't mince words, saying as he ate and drank, "I came here to hunt down the benevolent mother of the Great Ming Sect."

"They have recently been spreading the word that the Bright King has descended to earth."

"It caused a great uproar throughout the city."

"Unexpectedly, the benevolent mother was accompanied by many people, including the Light Messenger, the Dharma Kings who protect the teachings, and the Five Scattered People, all of whom were not easy to deal with."

"This humble monk suffered a loss and lost track of them."

"Then we went into town to find something to eat."

After saying this, the monk let out a burp. The young man, with his refined and elegant manner, asked the waiter to bring another jar of fine wine. The ungreedy monk reached out and took it, drinking half a jar in one gulp. He admired the young man even more and said slowly, "Now, we don't know where they've gone."

"I can only wander around and see if I can find a few demonic cultivators to capture and report back to my master."

As he said this, he glanced at the Jade-Faced Lady, which immediately made her heart skip a beat.

Ming Cult?

Duncan looked slightly surprised.

A wise king has descended to earth?

Why does it feel like it has something to do with me?

It's probably an illusion.

Buddhists have never gotten along well with Manichaeism because Buddhism originated from the eastward migration of people from China. They had finally established themselves in China, so how could they tolerate other religions that had migrated from the east taking root?

In terms of initiative in dealing with the Ming Cult, Buddhism far surpasses Taoism.

It was obviously me who came first!
Buddhism finally managed to become one of the three major religions, and it was absolutely impossible for the Ming Cult to take over the Central Plains. Sometimes, when Buddhism and Taoism joined forces, they could directly crush the Ming Cult to the ground.

However, even a monk of the level of the Good Mother would not fare well. It was only after the conflict in the Western Regions that the Ming Cult suffered significant losses that he dared to pursue and kill her.

The rise in the influence of heretical religions in the Central Plains is related to history.

There was a man named Shi Jingtang.

The guy who ceded the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun was the reason why many heretical religions began to flourish in the Central Plains.

The strength of the foreign tribes in this era was no less than during the Five Barbarian Invasions.

Whenever the Central Plains dynasty weakens, foreign tribes from all directions become restless and eager to cause trouble.

Monk Bu Tan was a very straightforward person. After a hearty meal, he was completely satisfied. He refused to stay at an inn, patted his behind, and left. He could find any place to sleep soundly, sometimes even sleeping in a dilapidated temple with a group of beggars.

He had eaten a very greasy meal today, and still had about ten steamed buns in his pocket. In a good mood, he gave them to a little beggar on the roadside.

The boy stared at his retreating figure, lost in thought.

Although he is very different from Lu Shanjun, he also has a carefree and playful air about him.

Night falls.

The inn has been bought by the Jade-Faced Lady, and she has also prepared a boat so that wherever Duncan plans to go, the journey will be convenient.

Having roamed the world for so many years, she has amassed a considerable fortune, even owning a secluded White Fox Manor in Guilin.

"Son."

A charming voice rang out.

The Jade-Faced Lady waved for the maid beside her to leave. She was dressed in a white palace gown, resembling the style of the Tang Dynasty. It was slightly erotic, but the dress was tailored so as not to reveal her full, snow-white breasts.

In a nearby room, the monk Bujie perked up his ears upon hearing the commotion, thinking to himself, "Young hero, you must hold back! Don't fall into this demoness's trap!"

The young man who opened the door remained calm, glanced at the Jade-Faced Lady from head to toe, and casually said, "Come in."

This vixen only lusted after his body; she didn't harbor any real malice towards him.

Moreover, after getting to know each other, they could be considered to have a connection.

She didn't dare to force herself on him.

The Jade-Faced Lady regarded the boy as a "great medicine for humanity," and now that this medicine was becoming increasingly pure, she was overjoyed. She was very patient; even if she couldn't have him for the time being, she could first cultivate their relationship and properly display her enchanting skills.

The young man stood by the window gazing at the moonlight. The Jade-Faced Lady entered the room and began making the bed and folding the blankets. It seemed that she had taken his earlier jokes to heart.

"What is it?" The boy turned around.

This peerless beauty was gentle and graceful, with an ethereal and jade-like figure. As she carefully made the bed, her slender waist swayed gently. The full moon she adorned was more alluring than the bright moon in the sky. One glance was enough to make one look away, lest one inadvertently fall into her trap.

The Jade-Faced Lady rose to pour tea for the young man, and said softly, "Young Master doesn't seem to have practiced any superior lightness skills."

Upon hearing this, the boy's expression shifted, and he replied, "Yes."

The Jade-Faced Lady smiled and spoke, her fragrance wafting through the air. She approached the handsome young man, her beauty and charm captivating. Every smile and gesture was mesmerizing. She softly recited, "When I travel the world, my greatest skill is lightness of body."

"I wonder if the young master would be willing to learn?"

Huh?
Is there such a good thing?

The Jade-Faced Lady's lightness skill was truly remarkable; she was the first person he had ever seen, even surpassing the beautiful palace women of the Xuan Yin Sect.

When she used her movement technique, she moved with graceful, ethereal steps, as if riding the wind.

The boy said slowly, "Are you willing to teach me?"

The Jade-Faced Lady nodded with a smile and said, "Of course."

"Young master, please save me once."

"Of course I will find a way to repay you."

At this point, she looked resentful, as if she were about to cry, and said softly, "This humble concubine is of humble appearance, and I am afraid that you, sir, would not be interested in me offering myself to you."

"I can only offer you a martial arts technique with both hands to repay your kindness."

The boy frowned and said softly, "Speak properly."

"Don't cause trouble."

Upon hearing the young man's gentle reprimand, the Jade-Faced Lady's expression changed like that of a fairy, her allure blossoming. She obediently nodded, ceasing her seductive antics, and earnestly said, "I have two sets of movement techniques that I am skilled in."

"One of the techniques is an ancient secret method passed down from the Qingqiu Kingdom, and I only have a superficial understanding of it."

"Ordinary people find it difficult to cultivate."

"Only those at the Innate Realm can barely grasp the essence of Qi, and they must also have some background to achieve anything."

She didn't explain this technique in detail. If the young man wanted to cultivate it, he had to merge with her and borrow the energy from her body in order to master even a little bit of the secret technique.

Ancient secret techniques are extremely difficult to master, and with the changes in the world, many of these techniques have become ineffective.

Seeing the young man deep in thought, the Jade-Faced Lady continued, "Another cultivation technique is called 'Free and Easy Wandering,' which comes from Zhuangzi's 'There is a Fish in the Northern Sea.'"

"I also have a cultivation method that must be based on 'The Human World' and temper one's heart in the mortal world."

"If you, young master, wish to learn..."

"I'm afraid we should first study Zhuangzi."

A carefree wandering?
Could it be the Northern Darkness Divine Art?

The boy looked quite surprised, and seeing that he seemed very interested, the Jade-Faced Lady took out a scroll of secret manual, which was the inner chapter of Zhuangzi. At first glance, it did not look like a martial arts manual, but when you turned to the back, it was a method of circulating internal energy. However, the source of this method was based on the teachings of Zhuangzi.

To enter the path of Tao, one must first study the Zhuangzi.

It's not the Northern Darkness Divine Art.

The martial arts techniques based on Zhuangzi's teachings are not so evil. The "Free and Easy Wandering" chapter is an extremely advanced lightness skill. When mastered, it is as if one can fly through the sky and escape into the earth, riding the wind. However, some of the contents are indeed obscure. Without a teacher, one must have a very deep understanding of the "Nanhua Jing".

The boy couldn't help but look up and ask, "Since you're practicing Zhuangzi and cultivating the art of carefree wandering, how come you've developed such a demonic aura?"

It is clear that Monk Bujie was wrong; this practice has nothing to do with people.

Some enchantresses, no matter what techniques they practice, can never become saintesses.

Upon hearing this, the Jade-Faced Lady almost lost her composure. For a moment, she felt a tightness in her chest and a sharp pain in her groin. This young man's mouth was truly infuriating, yet she loved it dearly and adored his mannerisms. Seeing the young man filled her with joy.

People in the martial arts world all praise her for her ethereal beauty and graceful figure, so where does this bewitching aura come from?

It's infuriating and annoying.

The boy flipped through it once, then asked in surprise, "Where did you get this cultivation technique?"

"Could it be that you are a true disciple of the Taoist sect?"

Upon hearing this, the Jade-Faced Lady revealed a hint of smugness and said with a smile, "I once cultivated in the North Sea and happened to meet a strange hermit who claimed to be searching for the Kunpeng."

"That person is acting strangely."

"He challenged me to a contest of lightness skills to cross the sea. I was lucky enough to win, and he threw down a scroll of his estate and jumped into the sea himself."

"I don't know where they went."

When this extraordinary person and event were mentioned, the Jade-Faced Lady was also very interested. She closed her eyes and recalled, "That person was very strange. His cultivation level was completely unfathomable. He did not know any martial arts, but he had his own school of thought."

"He was studying Zhuangzi, and he wanted to find the Kunpeng, the Northern Sea, and the ends of the earth."

This might mean they're trying to find the North and South Poles.

The boy was very interested when he heard this.

He opened the "Free and Easy Wanderer" manual and looked at the Qi circulation method inside. He frowned and said, "This movement technique requires opening the Foot Taiyin Meridian. I mainly cultivate the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian. Can I practice it?"

The Jade-Faced Lady nodded and said, "Most of the meridians in the human body are open."

"Young Master, you have no problem cultivating it."

"However, to achieve even a minor success, one would probably need to open up several meridians."

"But it's still better than flying over the grass."

These techniques, such as the "Flying on Grass" lightness skill, are common lightness skills in the martial arts world, very useful, but unfortunately, their potential is not high. Her movement techniques are a synthesis of many schools, making her a semi-grandmaster, and she can be recognized at a glance.

One should focus on mastering one skill of lightness and agility, while learning others as secondary skills, thus gaining a comprehensive understanding from similar examples.

If the young man were to learn this "Free and Easy Wandering" technique, he certainly wouldn't be able to perform it as flawlessly as the Jade-Faced Lady. However, with his refined Vajra True Qi, he wouldn't make any mistakes in practicing it; he would simply lack a bit of agility. Among the many martial arts techniques in the martial world, internal energy cultivation, lightness skills, and secret methods are the most difficult to pass on. Fist and foot techniques, swords, spears, and staffs, on the other hand, are often leaked out. But without the complementary support of internal energy, it's difficult to achieve any great mastery.

If a young man does not learn superior lightness skills, he must learn the Taoist wind-controlling talisman and the ability to travel a thousand miles in a single day, or the Buddhist divine footwork.

These methods have higher entry requirements; those who can use the Wind Control Talisman are all direct descendants of the Taoist sect who have received countless blessings.

The Six Ding Six Jia Protective Incantation passed down by Lu Shanjun requires ordinary people to recite it three times a day, morning, noon and night. Without several years of hard work, it is completely useless.

Magical arts are not uncommon in this world. The Five Thunder Palm of the Maoshan Sect is renowned, and the Great Teacher Zhang Jiao is also a master of thunder magic. Even Zhuge Liang's Qimen Dunjia and Bagua Formation have been widely circulated in the martial arts world for a long time. However, fewer and fewer people are able to master these kinds of secret arts.

There are many masters in the Sichuan and Chongqing region who practice secret arts, but among witchcraft techniques, only the Heavenly Silkworm Gu of the Five Immortals Sect is renowned.

Many extraordinary techniques may not be able to surpass martial arts skills.

Even in the pre-Qin era, the disciples of the Mohist school still ended up wielding swords and killing people. If we're talking about swordsmanship in the martial arts world, the Mohist school's legacy is definitely among the top three.

Mo Tongmo.

Whether it's the Jiuli or the Mohists, the losers enter the martial world and merge into one.

Ordinary people in the martial arts world don't care about their background, but those with a lineage attach great importance to tradition.

Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Western Chu, was a military strategist who mastered the art of killing.

The boy nodded happily and said, "Alright then."

"You teach me how to circulate qi."

The Jade-Faced Lady's eyes sparkled, and her slender hands gently caressed his body, preparing to teach him acupoints one by one, while also feeling his physical constitution.

Water Method Gold Shop.

It can at least unleash 70-80% of its power. In the future, when its internal strength is fully developed, it can reverse its innate nature and then have no worries.

However, the young man was right about one thing: the Jade-Faced Lady did not manage the estate very well.

Let's not dwell on her worldly cultivation.

The worldly world refines the heart.

She actually cultivated a wicked and enchanting woman, turning the method of the Path of Forgetfulness into the Path of Sentimentality. In modern terms, she cultivated a potential romantic mindset.

Whether he can ultimately transcend emotions and attain enlightenment is a question that is difficult to answer in a few words.

………………

(End of this chapter)