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

Chapter 49 Stone Dragon

The person Ouyang Ke was looking for next was Shi Long, the number one expert in Yangzhou City, known as "Mountain Pusher".

In the past decade, Shi Long has rarely come to the venue to manage affairs, and all business has been handed over to his disciples. However, because the martial arts venue is registered under his name, people from far and wide still flock there.

Shi Long's internal and external martial arts skills have both reached the level of a first-class master; otherwise, how could he have maintained his great reputation for decades?

This man was naturally fond of Taoism, remained single and unmarried, and lived alone in a small manor on the outskirts of the city. He never left the house, and his disciples regularly sent him the necessities of life. He spent his days engrossed in studying the Taoist classic, the "Longevity Manual," a secret and unfathomable treasure.

Not bad!

It is the "Longevity Manual," one of the four great martial arts classics.

The Four Great Books of Martial Arts are known to almost everyone in the martial arts world. Even masters from the grasslands and deserts beyond the borders have heard of the Four Great Books.

These four extraordinary books are "The War God's Record", "The Longevity Manual", "The Cihang Sword Manual" of the Buddhist Cihang Jingzhai, and "The Heavenly Demon Strategy" of the Demonic Sect.

Although they are called the Four Great Books, in reality, the "Longevity Manual", "Compassionate Sword Manual", and "Heavenly Demon Strategy" are all derived from the "War God's Record".

However, the "War God's Record" has been passed down orally from generation to generation, but no one has ever had the chance to see its true form, while the "Longevity Secret" has gradually spread throughout the Central Plains since the time of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors.

Every hundred years, someone is fortunate enough to witness its scriptures.

This book comes from Guangchengzi, the teacher of the ancient Yellow Emperor. It is written in oracle bone script, which is profound and difficult to understand. Among the sages of the past, there were many who possessed extraordinary intelligence, but none of them were able to fully comprehend and decipher the entire book. The book contains 7,400 characters, but only more than 3,000 of them have been deciphered.

Over the millennia, many people throughout history have been fortunate enough to obtain the "secret to immortality," including outstanding figures of their time, but unfortunately, they all ultimately gained nothing.

However, Ouyang Ke knew that the rumors about the "Longevity Manual" were true; it was indeed written by Guang Chengzi, the teacher of the Yellow Emperor. As for its origin, it could be traced back to the Temple of the God of War.

In ancient times, Guang Chengzi came to the Temple of the God of War at a certain time, comprehended the mysteries of heaven and earth and the universe. After returning to the ground, he passed on this knowledge to the world through the Yellow Emperor and wrote the "Longevity Secret" in oracle bone script. Later, he secretly returned to the Temple of the God of War and entered the extraordinary realm of shattered diamond.

In the late Southern Song Dynasty, the legendary swordsman Chuan Ying accidentally entered the core of the War God Temple, where he witnessed the remnants left behind by Guang Chengzi after shattering the void. He was also fortunate enough to read the scriptures of the "War God's Record," which led to the legendary story of him riding alone through the void.

However, as the closest inheritance to the "War God's Record", the "Longevity Manual" has extremely strict requirements on a person's aptitude, and its cultivation method is very different from worldly cultivation methods. Moreover, it especially emphasizes the concept of the source method.

This "source method" is not something Ouyang Ke could have fabricated. Rather, it is something that has been passed down through the book "The Secret of Longevity" for thousands of years. Countless outstanding individuals have obtained it, but unfortunately, they all ended up with nothing.

It wasn't until the Sui Dynasty that Shuanglong could barely be considered a half-successor.

Ouyang Ke was not one to make far-fetched connections, but upon arriving in the martial arts world of the Tang Dynasty, he still had no choice but to believe a little.

After all, his world was different from the one he lived in. There were indeed precedents of awakening past life wisdom in the world of the Tang Dynasty. Moreover, he possessed a strange jade pendant that allowed him to travel to other worlds.

Therefore, the idea that the "Longevity Formula" is a spirit object doesn't seem so abrupt.

However, since Ouyang Ke had come to the martial arts world of the Tang Dynasty, he naturally wanted to take a look at the "Longevity Manual" text. But Shi Long was unyielding, so he had to find another way and use some rarely used methods.

Shi Long lived a secluded life in Yangzhou. In addition, he was fond of Taoism by nature and remained unmarried. He only had disciples. However, he had a close friend in Yangzhou.

That is Teacher Tian Wen, who is famous in Jiangdu for his poetry and prose!

In the original story, Yu Wenhua forcibly went to Shi Long's house to demand the "Longevity Formula" but was refused. The two fought fiercely, and Shi Long was seriously injured and fled. In the end, he was taken in by his friend Tian Wen, who hid his body in a well.

Finally, in order to prevent the "Longevity Manual" from falling into Yang Guang's hands, he entrusted Tian Wen to take the "Longevity Manual" away from Yangzhou. Unfortunately, it was stolen by the Twin Dragons in the city as a rare commodity, which led to the story of the Twin Dragons' adventures in the martial arts world.

Ouyang Ke knew that the two had a very deep friendship. Otherwise, Tian Wen would not have been willing to risk offending the Yuwen clan and Yang Guang by personally taking the "Longevity Formula" away from Yangzhou.

Shortly after arriving in Jiangdu, Ouyang Ke had already found out the location of Tian Wen's residence. However, Tian Wen was not at home today. After inquiring, he learned that Tian Wen had been invited by Shi Long to a small gathering.

So Ouyang Ke ordered someone to stay at Tian Wen's residence and keep watch on him, and to notify him as soon as the man returned.

Ouyang Ke, on the other hand, wanted to take this opportunity to meet the future Twin Dragons of the Tang Dynasty in advance. If the "Longevity Manual" really did have the concept of choosing a master, then he could find another way to understand its essence from the Twin Dragons.

That night.

In that quiet little manor on the outskirts of the city, the lights were dim.

Shi Long sat alone in the hall, holding an ancient scroll in his hands, his brows furrowed. The scroll was made of black gold thread, so it would not get wet in water or burn in fire.

The book in his hands now exudes an air of antiquity and antiquity, with three characters written in ancient seal script on the cover: "The Secret of Longevity".

He has been studying this book day and night for nearly three years, but still has gained nothing.

It's like having a treasure right in front of you, but no key to unlock it. The pages are densely covered with annotations left by collectors throughout the ages, but they are often more confusing than the original text. Fortunately, there are seven human figures in the book, none of them facing the same direction, and they are guided by various symbols such as red dots and arrows, as if describing some kind of cultivation method.

However, those who do not understand its meaning may not practice it. If they force themselves to use a certain symbol to activate their internal energy, their blood and qi will immediately churn. If they are not careful, they will suffer from qi deviation and become possessed by demons, which is extremely dangerous.

Thinking of this, Shi Long felt a sense of absurdity.

The "Longevity Manual" is said to contain the supreme secrets of Taoist cultivation of the Heavenly Dao, enabling martial artists to reach the unparalleled realm of shattering the void. Although many wise and insightful individuals throughout history have read this book, none have been able to fully comprehend it. Yet, every time the "Longevity Manual" is published, it still attracts countless martial artists eager to obtain it.

This is because breaking through the void is the ultimate pursuit of martial artists, and a book containing the secrets of breaking through the void is an irresistible temptation for martial artists aspiring to advance to the supreme martial path. Knowing the principle that possessing a treasure can be a crime, Shi Long kept the "Longevity Manual" close to his body and rarely showed it to others after obtaining it, all to prevent the information from being leaked.

But unexpectedly, after nearly three years of painstaking research, he not only gained nothing but also caused his mental state to decline instead of improve. As a master who had reached the Innate Realm, how could Shi Long not know that he was on the verge of going astray?

However, it would be difficult for him to give up the "Longevity Manual" he possessed. After all, it concerned the supreme mysteries of the Taoist Dao, and any martial artist would find it hard to resist its allure.

Just as Shi Long's mind was filled with distracting thoughts, a warning suddenly appeared in his mind. As he pondered, a soft sound came from outside the courtyard gate.

Shi Long hurriedly put the treasure book into his pocket, countless thoughts flashing through his mind, and sighed, "Honorable guest, please come in and have a cup of hot tea."

Only when the other party arrived at the door did he sense that the newcomer had reached the level of a first-class master.

The gate swung open, revealing a man standing tall and imposing in the entrance. The man was dressed in flowing white robes, with striking features, handsome eyebrows, and a refined and elegant demeanor.

Shi Long felt a sudden flash of inspiration and was filled with amazement. But the next moment, he noticed that the man had crutches under his armpits. Despite his disability, the man was able to get so close without Shi Long noticing.

Thinking of this, Shi Long remained outwardly calm, but deep down he couldn't help but sigh, thinking, "Is this the price I paid for forcibly studying the 'Longevity Manual'?"

The sense of absurdity in my heart grew stronger.

But he remained composed, his expression unchanged, and said calmly, "I observe that your essence is contained within, and your aura is long and deep, to the point that even I cannot fathom your depth. Clearly, you are already a first-rate figure in this world. To possess such unfathomable cultivation at such a young age, may I ask which grandmaster you are a disciple of?"

The man in white sighed softly, and a clear male voice slowly rang out: "I am Ouyang Ke, greetings to Teacher Shilong."

Shi Long was the top martial artist in Yangzhou, and naturally, many people would come to challenge him, hoping to make a name for themselves in a single battle. Of course, Shi Long couldn't personally face them all, and most of them were dealt with by his disciples. Unexpectedly, today he had encountered a rare and exceptional master.

Shi Long's mind raced, recalling some recent rumors circulating in the martial world. A thought struck him, and he said calmly, "So this is the young master Ouyang who displayed such brilliance outside Xiangyang City, defeating the Turkic expert Ba Feng Han in one fell swoop. Although I am in this remote place, I have heard of him. Seeing him today, I can confirm his reputation is well-deserved!"

Ouyang Ke remained calm upon hearing this, but his gaze shifted, landing on a calligraphy scroll hanging in the hall. The scroll, written with vigorous strokes, read: "When successful, benefit all under heaven; when unsuccessful, establish oneself." A slight smile played on his lips as he said calmly, "When successful, benefit all under heaven; when unsuccessful, establish oneself. I have long heard of Senior Shi's aspirations for the Dao, but I never imagined he also harbored such ambitions."

His words were obviously sarcastic. Shi Long was clearly devoted to Taoism and claimed to be detached from worldly affairs, but the calligraphy and painting hanging in the hall showed that he had a heart to help the world, which went against the Taoist idea of ​​tranquility and non-action.

Upon hearing this, Shi Long's brow twitched slightly. He had rarely ventured out in recent years, yet he had somehow attracted a young talent like Ouyang Ke to come and mock him.

Shi Long's mind raced, but his expression remained unchanged. He said, "Judging from your cultivation, you have already reached the first-rate level in the martial world. May I ask what brings you here today?"

Ouyang Ke said calmly, "Senior Shi Long is a man of few words. To be honest, I have come here today to borrow something from you for a moment."

Shi Long's heart skipped a beat, but he remained expressionless and asked, "What is it?"

Ouyang Ke looked directly at him and said, word by word, "I have heard that you have obtained the Taoist treasure, the Longevity Manual, and I have come here today to borrow it for a look."

After a moment, Shi Longmu said in a deep voice, "It seems that no matter how I explain myself today, I will inevitably have to fight someone. Since that's the case, then don't blame me!"

It should be known that the book "The Secret of Longevity" concerns the supreme secrets of the Taoist Way, and we cannot allow it to fall into the hands of others again.

Furthermore, given the current situation, Shi Long had to take action. First, he needed to find out where the information had been leaked, and second, he needed to prevent the information from spreading further and bringing him great trouble.

As this matter concerned life and death and his future breakthrough in the Heavenly Dao, Shi Long was naturally not stubborn and no longer cared about his senior status, so he decisively took the initiative to act.

The next moment, he suddenly stood up, his clothes billowing, and an invisible force surged outwards from him, instantly forming a vortex that swept and shattered the small tables and benches in the room like fallen leaves, scattering them in all directions. Fragments of wood flew everywhere, leaving countless holes in the walls.

Ouyang Ke, with crutches under his arm, remained motionless in his white robes, a rare hint of anticipation in his eyes.

This was the strongest enemy he had encountered since his battle with Ba Feng Han. But facing the stone dragon's overwhelming power, Ouyang Ke remained unmoved.

This scene surprised Shi Long. He had already sensed that Ouyang Ke's cultivation was extraordinary, but he was still half a step away from the Innate Realm. Yet, he remained completely unmoved in the face of Ouyang Ke's imposing aura.

But then a hint of anger flashed in Shi Long's eyes. He was a renowned master in the martial arts world for many years. Although he rarely traveled around the martial arts world, everyone he met treated him with the utmost respect. But tonight, a junior of unknown origin had not only barged into his secluded courtyard alone, but had even tried to demand the "Longevity Manual" from him.

Coupled with the scene before him, it would have been enough to ignite a fire in anyone's heart. Yet, the fact that he was only showing anger in his heart was enough to demonstrate his excellent self-control.

Shi Long snorted coldly and said in a deep voice, "Junior, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

The next moment, as Shi Long's aura continued to rise, his powerful energy surged through his body. Finally, at the peak of his aura, he suddenly leaped from his chair, traversing a distance of about ten feet without his feet touching the ground, and arrived in front of Ouyang Ke in the blink of an eye. He pushed forward with both palms, unleashing a torrent of energy that surged forward like a tidal wave.

Shi Long's palm strike was as powerful as a mountain, stirring up the surrounding air, and hurtled towards Ouyang Ke like a cannonball. The momentum was so fierce and unparalleled that it seemed capable of pushing down mountains, living up to the name "Mountain Pusher".

If someone less capable were to take charge, they would likely be defeated before even taking the reins, given the overwhelming force that seems capable of moving mountains and collapsing peaks.

However, Ouyang Ke was no ordinary person. Although he had not yet entered the Innate Realm, the "Nine Yang Divine Skill" he cultivated was already a top-tier skill in the world of Condor Heroes. Although it was not as prestigious as the "Four Great Classical Novels" in the Tang Dynasty, it could still be considered a supreme martial art.

In addition, Ouyang Ke had previously consumed the gallbladder of the Bodhi snake multiple times, and after his previous battle with Ba Feng Han, he had already mastered the fourth volume of the "Nine Yang True Scripture." Now, he was only one step away from entering the Innate Realm, needing to open up all the mystical gates in his body.

In terms of the depth of his true energy, he is in no way inferior to any master who has stepped into the Innate Realm, provided, of course, that he does not encounter the direct disciples of the Demonic Sect, the Buddhist Sect, or the Taoist Sect.

Facing the powerful palm strike from the stone dragon, Ouyang Ke's eyes shone brightly, and he exclaimed, "Well done!"

He lightly tapped the ground with his crutches under his armpits, remaining completely still, and then unleashed a punch into the air. The punch was upright, powerful, and full of overwhelming masculine strength.

The power of this punch surpassed even his previous encounter with Qiu Qianren. If Huang Shang were to be resurrected at this moment, he would also praise Ouyang Ke for having mastered the true essence of his fist technique.

"Boom!"

The energies clashed, and an invisible vortex of energy rippled outwards from the point of impact. In the blink of an eye, the previously broken furniture was shredded by the surging energy, bouncing off the walls like projectiles with a crackling sound. Books on the bookshelves fluttered and tumbled.

A blush crept across Shi Long's old face, but quickly disappeared. In the instant their palms met, Shi Long felt an incomparably hot and irresistible surge of true energy penetrate his palms.

This was the first time he had encountered such a situation with his refined inner energy cultivated over thirty years. He was jolted back two steps as if electrocuted, and the blue bricks beneath his feet cracked inch by inch.

I was horrified.

It's important to understand that martial arts skills and techniques can advance rapidly beyond age, but true qi cultivation requires gradual accumulation. Given Ouyang Ke's age, even if he started practicing from the womb, his true qi would still be no match for mine.

Shi Long recognized this, which is why he abandoned all the fancy moves and forced Ouyang Ke to compete with him in internal strength with the most direct attack, wanting to decide the winner as quickly as possible and avoid any unforeseen complications.

Unexpectedly, although Ouyang Ke had not yet entered the Innate Realm, his true energy was extremely pure, and when it invaded his body, it felt like needles pricking and fire burning within his meridians.

Shi Long was greatly shocked. He desperately tried to suppress his turbulent blood and qi, and it took him a long time to barely stabilize it.

Ouyang Ke couldn't help but admire him in his heart. Shi Long's cultivation was much stronger than he had expected. He was able to calmly receive Shi Long's Great Subduing Demon Fist, which contained the Nine Yang Divine Skill, and was only slightly at a disadvantage.

Knowing full well Shi Long's current state, he understood that Shi Long's attempt to forcefully comprehend the "Longevity Manual" had caused him to be plagued by mental obstacles, resulting in a decline in his martial arts skills. However, he hadn't expected that despite Shi Long's damaged mental state and diminished martial arts, this palm strike still possessed such power, truly deserving of the title "Mountain-Pushing Hand."

After suffering such a severe injury, Shi Long's eyes widened in disbelief. Despite his profound internal strength, he could barely suppress the scorching energy within his meridians, and was even unable to completely eliminate it.

The next moment, as if realizing something, his gaze sharpened like a sword as he fixed it on Ouyang Ke, pressing him with suspicion: "Is this the Blazing Sun Technique? Who are you to Bi Xuan?"

PS: The order is reversed.