With all these qualities, I will eventually become immortal.

Chapter 428 Congratulations on the Cliff of Contemplation! Master He's sword energy soars to the sky!

When I came to my senses, it was already past seven in the morning, and the sunlight pierced through the clouds.

Many students from Huashan Martial Arts University left the campus, seeking a dangerous place to practice swordsmanship and martial arts.

The disciples of Huashan Martial Arts University naturally follow the "old traditions" of the Huashan School.

Aside from fist and foot techniques for cultivating qi and blood, most people practice swordsmanship.

The Huashan sword technique emphasizes "sword momentum soaring to the clouds," requiring the use of treacherous mountains and rivers to cultivate a sword-wielding heart and fearless courage.

The reason why it does not open branch schools in various places is that the "environment" in other places is not up to standard, and it is impossible to develop the martial arts of its own school.

But you should know that the most dangerous mountains and rivers of the Great Chu are right at your feet.

The group saw Meng Chuan standing on the edge of the cliff, a figure with a powerful build yet exuding an ethereal aura.

They were all amazed:

"Which fellow Daoist from the school is this, with such a powerful physique yet an air of otherworldly grace?"

"I guess he's a new teacher at the school? Just look at those arms, they're terrifying. He must be a powerful martial artist who has deeply cultivated both body and mind."

In the era of Qi and Blood Martial Arts, Taoists who wish to cultivate their "nature" need the blessing of Qi Refining Method to elevate their spirit, temperament, and consciousness.

Cultivating one's "life force" requires physical training.

The difficulty of mastering hard skills will not be elaborated upon here; it tests both talent and perseverance.

Therefore, within the Taoist community, there are very few who can cultivate both their nature and life force.

Ultimately, we must follow the development of the Qi and Blood Martial Arts era and focus on Qi and Blood cultivation.

Only those with exceptionally high talent have the time to cultivate their life force again.

In today's Huashan Martial Arts Academy, there are very few martial artists who can cultivate both Qi and Blood, and also take care of their physical well-being.

Only after Meng Chuan turned around did everyone show a look of sudden understanding.

"Oh, it's Meng Zhenchuan from the North Union University. Then it's alright."

"Why has Meng Zhenchuan come to our Mount Hua?"

However, no one expected that Meng Chuan was not only extremely powerful in the Dao of [Fate], that is, in the area of ​​external martial arts.

Judging from the "ethereal aura" surrounding him, it is clear that he has also made considerable progress in the cultivation of sexuality.

Among the crowd, a highly respected figure dispersed the group.

Seeing Meng Chuan walk to the plaque inscribed with "Sword Qi Through the Ages," he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture:

"I am Wang Chong, the senior disciple of the Huashan Martial Arts Qi Sect Academy. I greet Master Meng."

"Hello."

Meng Chuan nodded.

This person's aura is evident, most likely he is a newly promoted martial artist who hasn't broken through the first limit for long.

However, considering the strength of the martial arts masters at Mount Hua, it is not surprising that he is the "eldest disciple".

If Xu Qingfeng were to come here to study, he would most likely become the most respected figure among the students.
"Brother Wang from the Qi Sect Academy, is your Mount Hua still divided into the Sword and Qi Sects?"

"That's not the case. There's just a difference in how they practice martial arts, but there's no barrier between the students."

Meng Chuan nodded in understanding.

Just like a married couple, they may live apart but their hearts may remain connected.
Wang Chong led him through the gates of Huashan Martial Arts University and asked curiously:

When did Senior Brother Meng come up the mountain?

"Haha, I climbed Mount Hua at night last night. It was truly a dangerous and spectacular sight. I still feel a little scared when I think about it now."

"Not really. For a master like Senior Brother Meng, it's just a small hill."

Even so, Wang Chong still showed a sense of pride on his face.

He then asked:
"Senior Brother Meng, is this trip to see the three treasure lands of our Huashan Martial Arts University?"

Meng Chuan joked:
"Yes, I mainly want to try to see if I can comprehend the Dugu Nine Swords at the Cliff of Contemplation, just like Senior Linghu of the Huashan Sect."

Wang Chong also laughed:
"Then Senior Brother Meng may be disappointed, as Ancestor Feng Qingyang is no longer in the cave."

Following his master's orders, Wang Chong took Meng Chuan for a leisurely stroll around the school.

Mount Hua is much higher than Mount Li, and the natural energy in the air is also much stronger.

Meng Chuan was so engrossed in his stroll that he almost didn't want to leave. If he practiced the Qi Observation Technique here, his progress would probably be far faster than before.

Coming to his senses, he heard Wang Chong beside him say:
"Senior brother, once you cross this place, you'll reach the Cliff of Repentance. I'll wait for you here, and I'll show you the other two treasure lands in a bit."

"Thank you for your trouble today. You've really worked hard."

Meng Chuan bowed his hands in thanks, then looked at the cave carved out of the mountains, which was surrounded by cliffs on three sides and a mountain wall on the other.

The morning fog was a bit thick, making it difficult to see the cave entrance clearly.

All he could see was a dark cave entrance with the three large characters "He Zu Cave" carved above it.

This is the location of the Cliff of Contemplation on Mount Hua.

"It really does resemble a place from a storybook, where you fall down and find a secret martial arts manual."

Meng Chuan pondered for a moment, then stopped thinking about it.

He then leaped into the air, tapping the air twice with his feet, and landed perfectly on the edge of the cliff shrouded in clouds and mist.

Wang Chong, watching from afar, clicked his tongue in amazement, never expecting that the other party had cultivated such a high level of qi, blood, and life force.

His movement techniques are so profound; he is truly an all-around martial arts talent who can do everything.

Meng Chuan stood on the edge of the cliff, looking around for a moment, but saw nothing remarkable.

However, looking into the distance, one can see the peaks like swords piercing the sky, with the sea of ​​clouds gathering and dispersing at one's feet.

There was no one there, only the shadows cast on the stone wall and the sound of the wind.

"This is indeed a good place for self-reflection."

No wonder it was the place where the Huashan Sect punished its disciples by making them face the wall in repentance during the ancient martial arts era.
As I traced and explored the rock face, I found not a single mark of writing, let alone the Nine Swords of Dugu.

"As expected, just like the exaggerated rumors spread by Taoism and Buddhism, this story is also fabricated to highlight the mystique of the Huashan Sect."

Meng Chuan shook his head; he had never held out any hope.

Inside Hezu Cave.

He lifted the half-closed vine curtain and stepped inside, where only a small amount of light shone in.

Although it was somewhat dim, his eyesight was sufficient to see the entire cave. The cave was about ten feet square, perhaps to preserve its original appearance.

With the Huashan Sect being transformed into a martial arts university, this place has not changed much.

The first thing that catches the eye is a clay sculpture missing its left ear.

The clay sculpture is draped in a brand-new cinnabar-blue Taoist robe, which must be regularly changed by Huashan Martial Arts University.

Although the face was slightly blurred, Meng Chuan still recognized it.

This clay sculpture is a statue of "Master He" from Mount Hua.

He Zhenren, whose original name was He Zhizhen.

He was not the founder of the Huashan School, but he is the first martial arts grandmaster of the Huashan School who reached the realm of "True Man" as recorded in historical documents.

Master He once built the Skywalk on a sheer cliff to comprehend the methods of the Sword and Qi sects.

Ultimately, he merged Taoist Qi cultivation methods with Huashan swordsmanship, creating the art of sword and Qi unity, thus achieving the Three Flowers Gathering at the Top and becoming a grandmaster.

Hezu Cave was specially established by the descendants of the Huashan School to commemorate their great achievements.

The clay sculpture was of unknown origin, and although it was missing an ear, Meng Chuan examined it carefully.

Lifelike, it exudes the aura of a grandmaster of swordsmanship, inspiring awe in those who behold it.

He turned to look at the cave wall, which was different from the cliffs outside.

Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that someone had carved a bamboo grove using their fingers.

Despite the passage of time, it remains vigorous and powerful, with clear lines and veins.

Meng Chuan was also able to carve characters on the rock face.

But leaving a mark for a thousand years is probably not something that can be achieved by force alone.

There must be a "mysterious force" hidden within this.

Thinking of this, Meng Chuan's eyes shone even brighter:
"This is the enduring spirit of martial arts, etched between the lines."

Just like the four realms of martial arts techniques: form, rhythm, and spirit.

If one grasps its essence and integrates it into the moves, then the true meaning will flow naturally between the fists and feet.

By inscribing it on paper and in books, one can leave a trace of one's understanding of martial arts in the world.

It is also known as the original martial arts technique that contains the true essence of martial arts.

And in front of him was this picture of bamboo shadows carved on the rock wall.

Although there is no physical manifestation of the technique, the essence of the rhythm still remains.

[Rhyme] is preserved within martial arts, which can help martial artists to better master and grasp its essence;
And as it is now, leaving these marks on the stone wall can help future generations to reflect and gain insights.

What you gain depends entirely on your own understanding and comprehension.

If one could grasp even a fraction of this, it would likely be of great benefit.

Meng Chuan carefully traced the bamboo forest and discovered a line of small characters hidden within:

Bamboo shadows sweep the steps, yet the dust remains unmoved; the moon's reflection pierces the pond, leaving no trace.

"What do you mean?"

After brainstorming, Meng Chuan was still baffled.

Without understanding this sentence, one cannot appreciate the true essence of martial arts preserved here.

"Dust remains still, water leaves no trace"—is this describing a state of mind, or something else?

He stared at the rock wall, completely unaware that a grandmaster was flying in from afar on a sword.

The master, surrounded by sword energy, stepped into He Zu Cave, startling Meng Chuan into turning around.

He sheathed the sword in his storage pouch at his waist and laughed:
"I am Yu Chenghong, the vice principal of the Huashan Sect. Young friend, are you trying to comprehend the true essence of Master He?"

Meng Chuan immediately bowed and greeted them:

"I, Meng Chuan, have met Master Yu. I am indeed trying to comprehend it, but I haven't grasped the key."

He is the number one swordsman in Huashan Martial Arts University and a martial arts master named [Sword Qi Soaring to the Sky - Yu Chenghong].

Yu Chenghong nodded and said:

"This is a treasure land where disciples of Mount Hua come to try to achieve enlightenment after breaking through to the level of martial arts master."

Unlike the summit of Mount Hua and Jade Maiden Peak, this is a place of enlightenment that truly preserves the essence of martial arts.

The bamboo shadows on the wall and this line of small characters encapsulate He Zu's lifelong pursuit of the Dao.

Although the bamboo shadows sway, they cannot brush away the dust on the steps, just as in martial arts cultivation, external distractions cannot shake one's true nature.

The moon's reflection lingered on the bottom of the pool, yet the water remained undisturbed, much like the subtle, concealed power of a perfectly refined state.

After Yu Chenghong finished speaking, he fell silent.

This content is the essential knowledge that students of Huashan University learn from the very beginning.

Meng Chuan, however, was different. He was not a disciple of Mount Hua and therefore did not know this, so he could not "enlighten" himself.

After giving him some pointers, the rest is up to him to figure out for himself.

Meng Chuan turned back again and looked at the rock wall.

Yu Chenghong couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation; would this renowned martial arts genius be able to achieve something?

"Of the students of Huashan, only one in a hundred can truly grasp the essence."

"This child's teachings are so profound; if one cannot comprehend them, one will become a laughingstock."

Ultimately, it disappointed him.

Not long after, Meng Chuan suddenly closed his eyes, and the true energy emanating from his body spread out like ripples.

Vast and mighty, rolling like waves.

Meng Chuan understood.

The true essence of martial arts left behind by Master He is the Huashan sword qi technique, which embodies the principle of "not showing any form and leaving no trace."

What do you mean?
Through reflection, he understood:
The ultimate martial art is to incorporate all the phenomena of heaven and earth into every gesture.

Using flowers as darts and branches as swords are the most basic applications of this art.

(End of this chapter)