Chapter 203: Two Peerless Skills, Easily Obtained
“Goodbye, Qigong.”
“No need to see me off, no need to see me off.”
At the foot of Zhongnan Mountain, Hong Qigong waved goodbye to Li Mochou, then turned and walked side by side with Zhou Yan.
Last night, after Ouyang Feng, Huang Yaoshi, and others left, Zhou Yan, Li Mochou, and Hong Qigong talked around the campfire.
Li Mochou had completely let go of her worries, and with her sweet words, she diligently called Hong Qigong “Elder.”
Hong Qigong was a man who didn’t stand on ceremony, so he said that since they were so familiar, calling him “Qigong” would suffice.
Zhou Yan directly addressed him as Qigong, and Li Mochou followed suit.
The martial arts competition proceeded as scheduled.
Zhou Yan and Li Mochou both discarded the martial arts taught by Hong Qigong, as well as the techniques of the Quanzhen Sect and the Ancient Tomb. Zhou Yan sparred with Li Mochou using only the Hengshan Five Gods Sword and Yue Family Boxing.
Such a competition was, in essence, a sparring session.
Zhou Yan actually intended to demonstrate the cultivation technique created by Yue Fei for Hong Qigong to see.
The deeper his understanding of this cultivation technique became, the more he believed that if Yue Pengju had lived in the world of Legend of the Condor Heroes, he would have been a master no less formidable than the Five Greats.
For someone of Hong Qigong’s caliber, it was entirely normal to glean three to five moves from observing the Yue Family Boxing.
During their sparring, Zhou Yan noticed that Hong Qigong was particularly focused when he demonstrated the Yue Family Scattered Hands.
The favor was returned, and the objective was achieved.
The spar concluded with Zhou Yan’s victory, and Li Mochou then suggested they compare again in half a year.
Hong Qigong chuckled, seeing through the pretense of a martial arts competition as an excuse to arrange a meeting in half a year.
Zhou Yan did not believe Ouyang Ke’s words that he would no longer trouble the Ancient Tomb. He already had the idea of resigning from his position as Head Escort and going into seclusion for a period when he had free time. By going to Zhongnan Mountain, he could both protect the three master and disciple of the Ancient Tomb and visit Wang Chuyi, Ma Yu, and others during his cultivation. It was a win-win situation, so he naturally agreed.
Li Mochou’s worried expression finally eased because Zhou Yan was returning to Datong.
As the dawn light faintly appeared, Hong Qigong, who had talked all night, descended the mountain. Duan Huai’an’s resurrection, the Tianzhu Monk’s journey to Western Hunan, and the Heroes’ Banquet in Zhongdu were all events Zhou Yan could take or leave. What concerned him now was when the Vajra Sect would attack Songshan.
Therefore, Zhou Yan was not in a hurry to return. He went to the market to buy some snake and insect repellent, and after the Ancient Tomb was completely settled, he would then go to Zhongdu.
As they walked, Zhou Yan told Hong Qigong about Lu Youjiao’s message and his early arrival, naturally shifting the conversation to Songshan.
“When the escort team went to the Western Regions, they encountered members of the Shaolin Sect of the Western Regions being ambushed by monks from the Vajra Sect. Master Tiancong of the Shaolin Sect of the Western Regions was severely injured and did not survive. As I was heading west, he entrusted me with a letter to send to Shaolin Temple on Songshan.”
“Shaolin Sect of the Western Regions?”
“You haven’t heard of it, Qigong.”
“No.”
Zhou Yan found it normal. Shaolin Temple kept its internal affairs secret, so people in the Jianghu were unaware of Huo Gong Toutuo.
“When I delivered the letter to Shaoshi Mountain, I learned from Abbot Ku Cheng that the Vajra Sect of the Western Regions and Shaolin Temple had an old grievance. Master Tiancong’s letter stated that the Vajra Sect intended to march south to challenge Shaolin.”
“What about the Vajra Sect?”
“Master Ku Cheng didn’t say, but the Vajra Sect and the Changfeng Escort Agency of Datong Prefecture had some dealings. When I was escorting goods to Xianyang, I was ambushed by thieves at the Yellow River wharf in Tong Pass. The leader’s martial arts were not inferior to mine, and he was from the Vajra Sect. The Changfeng Escort Agency hired him. Are you interested in going to Shaoshi Mountain then, Qigong?”
“Of course. Since I’ve learned of this, why wouldn’t I go to watch such a major Jianghu event? Are you perhaps thinking of seeking revenge on the Vajra Sect?”
Zhou Yan smiled and said, “Of course.”
“This old beggar must go and see. When we get to Zhongdu, I’ll have Lu Youjiao spread the word for the little beggars along the route from Zhongdu to Songshan to keep an eye out for visitors from the Western Regions.”
“Thank you, Qigong. This will save me a lot of trouble.”
“You’re really not going to be an escort anymore?”
“I’m attracting more and more trouble, and I fear implicating the escort agency. Traveling the Jianghu is a form of training.”
“That’s good. With your current cultivation, it won’t take five years for you to become famous in the Jianghu.”
“I only wish to act with a clear conscience.”
“Well said. At the Huashan Sword Discussion, I see a place for you.”
“Your kind words, Qigong.”
“Haha,” Hong Qigong drank heartily from his wine gourd, exclaiming with delight.
The two parted ways at the market. Zhou Yan bought snake and insect repellent and several jars of strong liquor. When he returned to Zhongnan Mountain along the same path, he deactivated all the traps he had previously set but not triggered.
…
The sky is azure blue, the ground is covered with yellow leaves, autumn colors blend with the waves, and the waves are adorned with emerald mist.
Walking up from the foot of the mountain, the scenery changed, presenting a rich and picturesque landscape scroll.
Before Zhou Yan even reached the Ancient Tomb, he heard a cry of “Aiya!”
He quickened his pace and saw Li Mochou, with white silk ribbons on both hands, swinging them together. Two white silk ribbons snaked out like water snakes, accompanied by the tinkling sound of golden bells.
Suddenly, as Li Mochou exerted force, the silk ribbons coiled back and struck her as she failed to dodge.
“Ah, why is this so difficult to practice?” Li Mochou lamented.
Zhou Yan was momentarily dazed. The Li Mochou before him seemed to overlap with Little Dragon Girl from Divine Condor, then separated again. As she wielded the long silk ribbons, he felt as if she were practicing the “Silver Whisk Technique.”
“Head Escort.”
Hearing Zhou Yan’s footsteps, Li Mochou retracted her long silk ribbons and walked over gracefully.
“I haven’t seen you practice this kind of technique before?” Zhou Yan regained his senses and said with a smile.
“I started practicing it before you arrived, thinking it could lead to a surprise victory in a critical moment, but I haven’t mastered it yet.”
“Is it very difficult to practice?”
“It’s mainly about grasping the force, and not being able to do as I please.”
“This is medicine to repel snakes and insects. Sprinkle a lot of it.” Zhou Yan handed the medicine to her and said, “I’ve been practicing martial arts for a long time and have some insights into force. When you’re done, tell me about ‘Coiling Force,’ ‘Twisting Force,’ ‘Collapse Force,’ and ‘Penetrating Force.’ It might be of some help.”
“I accept your kind offer.” Because they were familiar, Li Mochou did not refuse and directly accepted his thanks with open arms.
“Putting that aside, Ouyang Ke’s words are not to be trusted. He will surely do evil again.”
Li Mochou let out a sound and chuckled.
“What is it?”
“I thought of the first time I met you, and you said, ‘Words from seemingly loyal men are not to be trusted.'”
Zhou Yan let out a huff.
Li Mochou took the medicine and said, “Then I’ll get busy. Junior Sister is afraid of snakes and insects.”
“Alright, I’ll go for a walk in the mountain forest.”
Li Mochou left. Zhou Yan tidied up his belongings, took a flint and tinder, and used pine branches to make torches, wrapping them securely in canvas. He headed straight for the valley with the underground river leading to the Ancient Tomb.
In the secret chamber of Chongyang’s Inscription, there was the “White Python Whip Technique” from the Nine Yin Manual. He hadn’t memorized it before, but now he could memorize it for Li Mochou. It would be beneficial for her practice with the silk ribbon ball.
At noon, the autumn sunlight was bright, and Zhou Yan arrived at the stone cave in the valley.
He carried out the “Acupoint Sealing Secret Manual,” “Breath-Holding Secret Manual,” “Acupoint Unsealing Secret Manual,” and others from the secret chamber. He naturally cultivated these techniques. Now, holding his breath to pass through the underground river was as easy as strolling in a leisurely courtyard.
…
“Splash!” A spray of water erupted as Zhou Yan leaped out of the underground river and landed. He opened the canvas, took out flint and tinder from the oilcloth, lit a torch, and skillfully headed towards the secret chamber.
The light from the burning pine branches illuminated the stone room, and Zhou Yan stepped inside.
Under the bright light, the golden needle inscriptions appeared prominently in Zhou Yan’s sight.
He was stunned. For a moment, he wondered if he had overlooked something during his previous visit to the Ancient Tomb. He quickly denied it, concluding that someone must have been there.
He stepped forward to examine it closely, and the words “Falling Ying Divine Sword Palm” met his eyes.
“Huang Yaoshi was here?” Zhou Yan moved to another side, where the inscription read “Instant Thousand Li,” a lightness skill.
He suddenly understood.
At that time, Huang Yaoshi and Ouyang Feng had arrived outside the Ancient Tomb one after the other. They must have rushed over from the secret chamber. As he thought this, more details emerged; their clothes were damp at the time.
Zhou Yan deduced logically and muttered to himself, “Ouyang Feng must have been catching snakes and accidentally discovered the stone cave. Huang Yaoshi, searching for Huang Rong, happened to encounter the Western Venom, and the two then entered the stone room.”
“But how did Ouyang Feng discover the secret of the stone room?” Zhou Yan pondered endlessly, finally gathering his thoughts and looking at these two peerless skills from Peach Blossom Island and White Camel Mountain.
As for why the cultivation techniques were left on the stone wall, Zhou Yan could easily guess. It was likely Huang Yaoshi’s doing, perhaps due to his deep study of the Five Elements and Bagua, and the Nine Palaces. He felt that the Eastern Heretic was the most superstitious of the Five Greats when it came to fate and karma.
Otherwise, in the world of Legend of the Condor Heroes, when Ouyang Feng brought Ouyang Ke to propose marriage, Guo Jing carried the Nine Yin Manual out of Peach Blossom Island. Huang Yaoshi would not have said that Feng Heng’s spirit manifested and, through Guo Jing’s mouth, passed the Nine Yin Manual to him.
Ouyang Feng, on the other hand, was disrespectful of ghosts and spirits.
Zhou Yan gladly accepted the two peerless skills.
“Instant Thousand Li” and the Ancient Tomb’s Lightness Skill each had their merits, both being top-tier lightness techniques. “Falling Ying Divine Sword Palm” was even more remarkable; when used, it truly felt like a sudden gust of wind in a peach forest, with countless blossoms scattering. Furthermore, it complemented Huang Yaoshi’s taught “Whirlwind Sweeping Leaves Retreat.”
With this in mind, Zhou Yan focused his mind and began to memorize the cultivation techniques. After about two hours, he had memorized the three martial arts, including the “White Bone Whip Technique,” without a single omission.
He consolidated his memory and returned the way he came. Before descending into the underground river, he thought that since Huang Yaoshi had seen Chongyang’s Inscription, he should have released Zhou Botong after returning to Peach Blossom Island. Otherwise, if Guo Jing’s storyline changed, the Old Urchin wouldn’t know when he would ever leave Peach Blossom Island.
In less than half an incense stick’s time, Zhou Yan surfaced and waded forward. After a few steps, he suddenly stopped. A yellow-striped snake emerged from the water and quickly retreated.
He was startled, and a moment later, he understood.
Ouyang Feng had come to the valley to catch snakes. Seeing the snakes and insects escaping from the Ancient Tomb, he guessed that the underground river led directly to the Ancient Tomb and intended to take them by surprise. As a result, by chance, he discovered Chongyang’s Inscription. The snakes and insects now were those that had escaped after Li Mochou sprinkled the medicine.
The Western Venom could never have imagined that he had just left, and Zhou Yan had already entered the stone room and memorized the “Instant Thousand Li” technique.
Fate.
Zhou Yan sighed, put on his clothes, and headed directly for the Ancient Tomb.
