Starting from Tianlong, Wudu Tianxia

Chapter 123 Dragon Swallow Mutton Fat Jade

Gao Yuan answered meticulously and earnestly: "The sword technique I have learned is derived from the imagery of snow plum blossoms, and can also be used to interpret the wind and mountains. As the saying goes, 'The scenery changes with every step you take, and the peaks and ridges are different when viewed from the side.' Whatever path you see is the path you are on."

If Mu Feng hadn't suffered a crushing defeat in one move, people might have thought the boy's words were just empty boasting.

Upon hearing this, the others seemed to understand but not quite, while Murong Fu and Xu Xiang Sheng seemed to have grasped the meaning.

Murong Fu said, "Wonderful. I often enjoy the scenery, drink wine, and practice swordsmanship. To be honest, the Murong family's swordsmanship is derived from the art of war and deception. The so-called different paths lead to the same goal, all based on observing changes and acting accordingly."

The Murong family's swordsmanship does not emphasize the vastness of sword intent, nor does it seek the unity of Zen and sword; rather, it resembles the strategist's tactics and cunning.

It is precisely the coexistence of "skill" and "illusion" that allows for countless unexpected opportunities to emerge amidst the drifting catkins in the wind.

Xu Xiang-sheng nodded slightly: "Although I do not know martial arts, I love calligraphy and painting. In fact, the path of calligraphy and painting is the same. Observing the scenery makes it move. After experiencing it, one can live on. When I put pen to paper, the ink flies and splashes like dragons and phoenixes dancing."

Gao Yuan's words were brief: "Life is like a game of chess, a painting, and a dream. The same is true of martial arts. Techniques are static, but people are dynamic. How to adapt them depends entirely on one's own observation and understanding."

Both men acknowledged Gao Yuan's martial arts theories and also shared their own insights and pursuits.

One is about military strategy and deception, the other about officialdom and calligraphy.

The three men's conversation touched on martial arts and other things, and even the most clueless layman could sense the difference.

Deng Baichuan, Gongye Qian, Gu Feng and others listened and pondered repeatedly.

Aside from Xu Xiangsheng, who already admired him, Murong Fu also felt a sense of admiration and a desire to befriend the young man before him.

The boy's words were in line with their beliefs.

If we only consider the artistic conception, Mu Feng's swordsmanship is fast, but the artistic conception is simplistic and superficial.

Since the boy's swordsmanship shared the same essence as the Murong family's traditional swordsmanship, it's understandable that he defeated Mu Feng in one move.

Gao Yuan chuckled to himself after hearing what the two said.

He has the essence of his moves, but most of his understanding comes from the jade pendant. He is theoretically invincible and can somehow connect himself to any other style.

The more profound the explanation, the more ambiguous it becomes.

The two little girls were somewhat surprised as they listened to the conversation.

Grandmaster and the young master are chatting together?

After exchanging words, Murong Fu also confirmed that the young man was extraordinary.

"Since he is Mr. Kang's elder, the Murong family naturally dares not be disrespectful. However, it is fate that we, as people of the martial world, share the same ideals. Brother Gao, please do not blame us for not showing the respect due to an elder."

After saying this, he bowed again to apologize.

"It's alright, matters of the martial world are matters for each individual to handle!"

Gao Yuan didn't have any quirks, like insisting that people call him "senior".

Let alone Murong Fu and his group, he would find it strange if he were to call a seven or eight-year-old child "senior".

"Haha, Brother Gao, if you don't mind, you can stay at Canhe Manor for a few days. Since you are an elder of Abi's sect, you are of course one of us. It's just a pity that I can't have a big drink with you during the mourning period! What a pity!"

"No rush. The world is a long road ahead. There will be opportunities to drink and make merry in the future."

"Since we're drinking together, Brother Yuan, you can't forget your older brother! I'll have to swallow my pride and come and sample Brother Murong's fine wine!"

Xu Xiang-sheng naturally wouldn't miss the opportunity to continue befriending Gao Yuan.

"Don't worry, Brother Xiang Sheng, you'll get your share of the wine then."

After Murong Fu finished responding, he suddenly glanced thoughtfully at Abi, who was standing properly behind the boy.

Then, getting back to the main topic: "I heard that Brother Gao has come to discuss something with me. May I ask what advice you have for me?"

Gao Yuan smiled and glanced at Murong Fu, then pointed at Abi behind him.

"Two years ago, at Mr. Kang's request, Abi entered the Murong family to avoid trouble. Fortunately, she was taken care of by her master and had no shortage of food, clothing, or servants. I would like to express my gratitude to Young Master Murong."

"There are only two things I have come here for. First, the trouble has been over. Abi is still young, and Mr. Kang is concerned about his disciple. He wants Abi to return to his master's school and devote herself to the art of playing the zither. He hopes that the Murong family will grant his request."

Upon hearing this, Abi raised her eyes to look at her grandmaster, then glanced at Murong Fu, her gaze revealing a hint of guilt.

Azhu looked completely bewildered, a feeling of reluctance welling up in her heart.

Murong Fu's expression was open and magnanimous, his smile still intact: "I see, Brother Gao, you flatter me. When Abi was at Canhe Manor, she was well-behaved and clever, and managed things perfectly. It's not a matter of taking care of her."

"If Abi is willing, returning to her sect would be a good thing, and the Murong family would certainly not object."

Seeing that the young master's words showed no hesitation or reluctance.

Abi's drooping eyelashes trembled for only a moment, and she suddenly felt an unprecedented sense of relief.

The anxiety I felt about leaving the manor vanished completely, leaving me with no lingering attachment whatsoever.

When I turned to look up at Gao Yuan again...

Abi's eyes softened slightly. Her master was right. Abi was just a little maid. How could the young master care about her?

From now on, Abi will only have her sect.

In this life, I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly to my master, obey the orders of my sect, and uphold the teachings of my grandmaster!

Gao Yuan smiled faintly: "Young Master Murong is very magnanimous!"

"Excellent! You understand people's intentions and show them kindness. Brother Murong, this is the benevolence of a gentleman."

Abi was still young, but her beauty was already evident. Her lively charm was rare in Jiangnan. Xu Xiangsheng clearly misunderstood and secretly winked at Gao Yuan.

Murong Fu shook his head slightly and asked, "Brother Xu, you flatter me. May I ask what the second matter is with you, Brother Gao?"

Gao Yuan seized the opportunity and, without saying a word, took out an exquisite jade pendant from his bag.

With just one glance, Murong Fu's expression changed drastically.

With a flick of his sleeve, he said, "Please wait a moment, everyone. Brother Gao, let's talk in the backyard!"

Seeing Murong Fu's loss of composure, everyone couldn't help but feel curious.

Murong Fu solemnly entered the hospital, with Gao Yuan following closely behind.

Watching the two figures leave, Xu Xiang-sheng lowered his eyelids slightly, tapped his palm with his folding fan, and looked thoughtful.

Gao Yuan followed Murong Fu, while Abi and the others remained in the inner hall.

The two walked one after the other through the corridor.

The architecture of Canhezhuang is quite ancient. As they walked along, they saw pavilions and trees, with blue stone and glazed tiles.

Exquisitely beautiful, a masterpiece of nature.

Upon arriving at the inner courtyard, one finds caves, strange rocks, pavilions, and waterside terraces, with a subtle fragrance wafting through the air.

A small bridge spans a flowing stream, which flows into a pond of clear blue water. One can imagine the fish swimming there, but who knows which cave they might be hiding in.

Looking around, Gao Yuan saw a sword stuck vertically in the center of a large rock, more than half a foot deep.

This shows the immense inner strength of the person who could break a sword and penetrate a stone!

It was probably done by Murong Laobangzi.

The two men sat facing each other at the tea table. Murong Fu poured tea for Gao Yuan and eagerly asked, "Brother Gao, where did you obtain this jade... this jade?"

He was overwhelmed with emotion, and his voice trembled.

Dragon and swallow mutton fat jade, that's right, it's the jade my father wore when he was alive.

Before Father was buried, Mother wanted to keep a memento, but she couldn't find it anywhere in Canhe Village. How could it be on the boy?

Gao Yuan smiled and said, "Elder Master Murong once discussed martial arts and swordsmanship with my master. My master instructed him for several days, and he resolved many of the doubts he had had in his life. Therefore, I am giving you this jade in return."

Grandma and the old man were fighting in the bamboo forest. Grandma chased the old man away, and it was as if she was giving him pointers on martial arts.

Anyway, I didn't make things up.

"The master left this jade, promising that if the jade is returned to the Murong family, the visitor can read all the martial arts manuals in the Water Pavilion of Canhe Manor to repay the kindness of resolving his doubts."

"I heard this story from my teacher."

Upon hearing the news about his father, Murong Fu was filled with anxiety and turmoil.

Upon hearing that his father was not an enemy of the young man's sect, his expression turned solemn: "It's not that I don't believe it, but the implications are far more complex..."

He stood up, bowed and clasped his hands in greeting to the young man: "Please tell me in detail, Brother Gao. If it is true, let alone a mere martial arts manual, I myself would repay you with my life, without hesitation!"

As a model of filial piety, Murong Fu was naturally not lying.

Gao Yuan also stood up, clasped his hands in a gesture of comfort: "My master is far away in the Tianshan Mountains and is unaware of the affairs of the Central Plains. The two of us met in the Western Regions many years ago."

"Mr. Kang is from one of my sects. I have come to the Central Plains for two reasons: first, to find my scattered disciples; and second, to return the jade pendant and settle old scores."

"Mr. Murong was a first-rate talent of our time. I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing."

The young man continued his charade: "The master held my teacher in high esteem and once spoke frankly about Murong's affairs..."

'

He stared at Murong Fu and spoke slowly and deliberately: "Murong Xianbei, grandson of the King of Great Yan, following the ancestral precepts to restore our homeland."

Upon hearing this, Murong Fu was struck dumb, his mind reeling, and he stared at Gao Yuan in astonishment.

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