Reborn Ouyang Ke: From The Condor Heroes to the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 47 Past Events, To Yutian.

Ouyang Ke and Lu Miaozi sat facing each other in their comfortable home, discussing philosophy. After several days, Ouyang Ke felt that he had benefited greatly, as if he had opened a window to a wider world.

In terms of natural talent, Lu Miaozi can be considered the best in the world, no less than Shi Zhixuan, Zhu Yuyan and others.

Even Xiang Yutian, who had only one foot in the "Shattered Void" realm back then, was willing to befriend him as an equal, which shows how talented he was.

It should be known that the Tang Dynasty is full of talented people, but almost only Lu Miaozi is worthy of Xiang Yutian's attention. Even Ning Daoqi, one of the three grandmasters, has never received such special treatment.

If Lu Miaozi hadn't been so preoccupied with multiple subjects, such as gardening, architecture, military strategy, disguise, astronomy, calendrical calculations, and mechanical engineering, and hadn't been able to fully immerse himself in martial arts, he would definitely have had the potential to reach the pinnacle of martial arts.

Although Ouyang Ke's knowledge was not as extensive as Lu Miaozi's, his memories of the future and his unique martial arts system from The Legend of the Condor Heroes still greatly surprised Lu Miaozi. The two, one old and one young, often talked from the first light of dawn until dusk. A firebird perched on the table, sometimes pecking at the remaining wine in the cup, sometimes tilting its head to listen to their conversation, occasionally letting out a few low cries, as if it were also participating.

To ensure Lu Miaozi could regain his youthful vigor, Ouyang Ke generously shared the entire "Yi Jin Duan Gu" chapter of the "Nine Yin Manual." Lu Miaozi, despite his exceptional knowledge, was still deeply impressed upon hearing the text.

The person who created this exercise can be said to have deeply grasped the true essence of Taoism. The profound principles revealed between the lines not only have a transformative effect on the meridians and blood, but also subtly align with the principles of Yin and Yang in the universe, making it a truly rare and extraordinary skill.

Ouyang Ke naturally had no objection to this. Huang Shang, as a civil official, compiles profound martial arts skills from Taoist classics while working on the "Wanshou Daozang" for Emperor Huizong of Song.

At that time, he was nearly seventy years old, yet he still defeated the Ming Cult masters with ease. In the end, though outnumbered, he was forced to desperately escape. However, his family was later killed by the Ming Cult in revenge. Huang Shang then found a place to live in seclusion and diligently practiced martial arts, his mind solely focused on revenge.

In the blink of an eye, countless years had passed. When he had mastered his martial arts and figured out how to counter all the moves of his former opponents, he returned from the mountains to seek revenge.

However, he secluded himself deep in the mountains, studying martial arts day and night, thinking only of martial arts and nothing else. Before he knew it, more than forty years had passed. The youngest girl who had attacked him back then was now a sixty-year-old woman lying on her sickbed.

Huang Shang was over a hundred years old at that time, not much different in age from Zhang Sanfeng in later generations, Ning Daoqi and You Chuhong in the present, but he was still vigorous. After resolving his grievances with his former enemies, he personally wrote down all his life's learning into the "Nine Yin Manual" to pass on to future generations.

Here, Ouyang Ke deliberately omitted other information and only briefly mentioned Huang Shang's life, but it still made Lu Miaozi feel deeply moved.

In some ways, his experience was similar to Huang Shang's, with only subtle differences. Huang Shang, a civil official, was nearly seventy years old but knew nothing of martial arts. In the end, he comprehended profound martial arts skills by reading Taoist classics, which he truly admired.

With a sigh, Lu Miaozi lamented, "It's a pity that Master Xiang had no chance to meet such a person."

During her conversation with Ouyang Ke, Lu Miaozi revealed many of her past experiences, including her early friendship with Xiang Yutian, the Holy Venerable of the Demonic Sect.

Unlike the original story where Lu Miaozi and the two dragons met, the two dragons, despite their exceptional talent and even having the good fortune to master the "Longevity Technique," one of the Four Great Skills, were still inexperienced and had limited knowledge. Furthermore, due to their extraordinary skills, they were unable to reveal the truth to the dying Lu Miaozi.

Firstly, they had only known each other for a short time, and secondly, there was a significant age difference between them. Therefore, in the end, Lu Miaozi only regarded him as a trustworthy junior.

Ouyang Ke, however, was different. He possessed memories of his past life and a unique martial arts system inspired by Jin Yong's novels. Although there was a significant age gap between them, according to Ouyang Ke, Lu Miaozi was naturally delighted and regarded Ouyang Ke as a junior with whom he could be treated as an equal.

This is exactly the same as how Xiang Yutian and Lu Miaozi met back then. In addition, Ouyang Ke was very generous in passing on the "Yi Jin Duan Gu Pian" (a martial arts manual), so Lu Miaozi could no longer regard Ouyang Ke as an outsider.

Especially the "Yi Jin Duan Gu Pian" (Muscle/Tendon Changing and Bone Strengthening Chapter). Although the martial arts world of The Legend of the Condor Heroes is fundamentally different from that of the Tang Dynasty, this technique is the essence that Huang Chang comprehended from Taoist classics. Even in the martial arts world of the Tang Dynasty, it is a rare martial arts treasure.

After all, it could strengthen Huang Chang's blood and qi, who was nearly seventy years old. With long-term cultivation, it could also change a person's aptitude and physical foundation. It was with this that Huang Chang was able to defeat a group of Ming Cult masters.

In the original trajectory of The Condor Heroes, Hong Qigong was injured by Ouyang Feng's sneak attack, resulting in the loss of all his martial arts skills. He was then taught the "Yi Jin Duan Gu Pian" by Guo Jing and another person on Mingxia Island, which greatly surprised him.

However, Hong Qigong was already seriously injured and had been suffering for a long time at that time; otherwise, this skill alone would have allowed him to gradually recover his strength.

When Ouyang Ke obtained the "Yi Jin Duan Gu Pian" (a manual on tendons and bones), it was thanks to practicing it that he was able to maintain unobstructed flow of qi in his leg meridians; otherwise, his martial arts skills would never have improved so much. Therefore, in Ouyang Ke's view, from a certain perspective, the "Yi Jin Duan Gu Pian" is definitely not inferior to the Sanskrit general outline of the "Nine Yin Manual".

Lu Miaozi's vital energy is now beginning to decline uncontrollably, which is why he is gradually unable to resist the invasion of the Heavenly Demon True Qi within his body. However, as long as he diligently practices the "Tendon Changing and Bone Strengthening Chapter" without interruption, although it is difficult to guarantee that he can completely get rid of the invasion of the Heavenly Demon True Qi, it can buy him several years to live.

As a prodigy, Lu Miaozi naturally recognized the brilliance of the "Yi Jin Duan Gu Pian" (a manual on tendon and bone strengthening techniques). Deeply surprised, he immediately imparted all his knowledge to Lu Miaozi. The two talked for several days, and Lu Miaozi felt a deep sense of regret for not having met sooner. He then naturally recounted his early acquaintance with Xiang Yutian.

This matter was not exactly a secret back then. However, after he faked his death and escaped by hiding in the Pegasus Ranch for more than 30 years, these past events were gradually buried deep in the memories of Zhu Yuyan's generation, and were little known to later generations.

Ouyang Ke nodded and praised, "Master Xiang is truly a genius, and I admire him greatly."

Compared to Lu Miaozi, he knew some untold stories. For example, Xiang Yutian, who appeared to have died suddenly from cultivating the "Dao Heart Demon Seed Technique," had actually already shattered the void and departed.

This has been confirmed in the later Tang Dynasty trilogy, where the new Demonic Sect "Evil Emperor" Long Ying confirmed that Xiang Yutian had broken through the void and gone.

Xiang Yutian possessed extraordinary talent and a character unlike that of ordinary members of the demonic sects. He was not bound by any sect rules and desired no constraints. He had no sense of belonging to the demonic sect from the start. As for why he passed down the Evil Extreme Sect lineage, it was because his master, Mo Yiming, had stipulated that their lineage should not be allowed to die out. To this end, he specifically took in four disciples: You Niaozhong, Ding Jiuzhong, Zhou Laotan, and Jin Huanzhen, and intentionally let them kill each other to prevent them from wreaking havoc on the world.

Lu Miaozi shook his head and praised, "What you say is absolutely right, young friend. In my opinion, Master Xiang's integrity is no less than that of any great and virtuous monk. The fact that later generations have categorized him as a member of the demonic sect is purely a misunderstanding and prejudice."

Ouyang Ke knew that Xiang Yutian was not dead, but he couldn't reveal it rashly at the moment, because he truly didn't understand whether the Demonic Sect's Holy Lord had really shattered the void and departed. It should be known that with Xiang Yutian's talent and martial arts, he had already stepped into the shattered void not long after Sun En, Yan Fei, and others had departed. Then, relying on the "Evil Emperor's Relic," he broke through the lifespan limit and roamed the world for over two hundred years. Even the later "Demon Master" Pang Ban was far inferior to such a figure.

Lu Miaozi peered through the window, gazing obliquely at the setting sun on the distant horizon, which bathed the small building in a golden-red hue. He shook his head, then turned his gaze to Ouyang Ke, saying sincerely, "But since Master Xiang, you are another person I cannot fathom. Your background and martial arts are different from those of the Central Plains martial arts world, yet you give me a strangely familiar feeling, which truly puzzles me."

Hearing Lu Miaozi's sigh, Ouyang Ke smiled without saying a word. Although the martial arts world he was in was not in the Tang Dynasty, both sides were in the Central Plains where Han people had multiplied and lived. Although the martial arts moves were unfamiliar, they all contained the concepts of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism.

Lu Miaozi felt a strange sense of familiarity mixed with strangeness, which was only natural.

"The more this is the case, the more curious I become about Mr. Ouyang, who taught you all these martial arts skills. Just what kind of person could teach such an amazing successor as you?" At this point, Lu Miaozi shook his head and sighed again.

Upon hearing this, Ouyang Ke's usually calm eyes softened slightly, and he slowly said, "Master Lu will have his chance. However, my uncle's martial arts are superb, and he is extremely fond of martial arts. Once he sets foot in the Central Plains, he will certainly not let the likes of Empress Yin have all the glory."

"Oh?" Lu Miaozi couldn't help but feel a little curious upon hearing this.

He had experienced Zhu Yuyan's martial arts skills more than thirty years ago, and now, after so much time, her skills were naturally even more profound and unfathomable. However, Ouyang Ke still spoke with unwavering confidence when mentioning his uncle.

Of course, Lu Miaozi was unaware that Ouyang Feng's martial arts skills were not yet as good as the eight masters of the Demonic Sect, but Ouyang Ke firmly believed that once he returned to the world of Condor Heroes and helped his uncle integrate all his knowledge, he would naturally find another path.

Once you've accumulated enough experience and have worthy opponents to hone your skills, you'll naturally have the potential to compete with the likes of Zhu Yuyan.

Ouyang Ke was full of confidence. The Five Great Masters of the Condor Heroes era were only limited by the small size of the martial arts world, which restricted their martial arts skills. But once they were fortunate enough to come to the Tang Dynasty, they would be like dragons swimming in the sea, soaring to the sky. Leaving aside the matter of "shattering the void," at least it would not allow the Taoist, Demonic, and Buddhist schools to dominate the scene.

Ouyang Ke took a sip of the fruit wine in his glass and suddenly said, "Master Lu, I will be taking my leave tomorrow."

"Young friend, are you leaving so early?" Lu Miaozi was naturally somewhat surprised upon hearing this.

Ouyang Ke put down his wine cup and said slowly, "Master Lu, I have been here for quite some time, and it is time for me to take a trip to Jiangnan."

"Jiangnan?" A hint of surprise appeared in Lu Miaozi's eyes.

Ouyang Ke smiled slightly and said, "That's right. I've already seen the sights of Luoyang and Xiangyang since I came to the Central Plains, so it's only right that I head to Jiangnan for a visit."

"That's how it should be!" Lu Miaozi nodded upon hearing this. He naturally understood what Ouyang Ke meant. In his early years, he had been the same, often traveling for half a year at a time, just to witness the beauty of the landscapes in various places with his own eyes.

Lu Miaozi suddenly laughed and said, "It seems that the masters of martial arts in Jiangnan are about to suffer."

Ouyang Ke smiled but remained silent.

The old man and the young man understood each other without saying a word.

The following day, Ouyang Ke bid farewell to Lu Miaozi and left the Pegasus Ranch alone with his bird.

Before his departure, Lu Miaozi, constrained by his status, could not personally see him off. So he stood by the window of the small building, silently watching the white-clad figure gradually disappear into the distance. The firebird perched on Ouyang Ke's shoulder, glanced back, and let out a low cry, as if saying goodbye.

Ouyang Ke's departure was extremely carefree. Even Shang Xiuxun, after learning of his departure through her personal maid, hesitated for a long time before finally opening the handwritten letter he had left behind.

The handwriting on the letter was elegant and graceful, just like the person. As Shang Xiuxun read the contents between the lines, her tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed. In the letter, Ouyang Ke had recounted the entire story of the feud between Lu Miaozi and Zhu Yuyan, as well as Lu Miaozi's grief and deep regret after Shang Qingya's death.

Ultimately, the root of the conflict between Lu Miaozi and Shang Xiuxun, father and daughter, lies in their lack of understanding of each other.

Lu Miaozi's unwillingness to reveal her past only exacerbated the rift between the two after Shang Qingya's death.

To put it bluntly, it's just a contradiction.

Knowing Lu Miaozi's inner conflict, Ouyang Ke left a letter after his departure, explaining the whole story.

Of course, he didn't expect that a single letter could resolve the long-standing conflict between the two, but this letter could definitely gradually dissipate Shang Xiuxun's hatred for Lu Miaozi.

With less hatred and more understanding, Shang Xiuxun and Lu Miaozi, this father and daughter, can naturally become less of a stranger in the future.

Shang Xiuxun stared at the letter, speechless for a long time. No one knew what she was feeling at that moment. Only her personal maid, Xiao Juan, noticed her mistress suddenly frown, then smiled inexplicably, and muttered to herself, "This fellow really loves to meddle in other people's business."

Meanwhile, Ouyang Ke had already spurred his horse straight towards Jiangnan. The firebird perched on his shoulder, its feathers fluttering slightly in the morning breeze, yet it looked spirited. Ouyang Ke's gaze was fixed on the distance; his destination was Jiangdu.

The early spring breeze brushed against my face, carrying the scent of earth and grass.

In the distance, verdant mountains rose like dark eyebrows, while nearby streams murmured softly. Ouyang Ke rode slowly, pondering the journey ahead. Jiangdu, the most prosperous place in Jiangnan at present, was also his destination.

-

As if he had thought of something, Ouyang Ke's lips twitched slightly, revealing a smile.

The firebird seemed to sense his feelings, letting out a clear cry, flapping its wings and taking flight. It circled once above him before landing back on his shoulder.

Ouyang Ke smiled slightly, gently stroked its feathers, and said in a low voice, "Let's go, little guy."

The clatter of hooves faded into the distance. Behind us, the Pegasus Ranch had become a blurry outline in the morning mist.