Chapter 166

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He Tianshu laughed and said: “What do you know? Mastery of Qinggong is the most fundamental life-saving technique. Many who roam the martial world, even if their other martial arts are not great, must train their Qinggong to a high level. Think about it—if you get into a fight and your martial arts aren’t as good as your opponent’s, wouldn’t you have to ‘grease your heels’ and escape? The better your Qinggong, the faster you can get away. Moreover, those with superior Qinggong also gain an advantage during competitions.”

Zhang Xiaohua suddenly understood. He had never been in a life-or-death fight nor had any experience wandering the martial world, so he had no idea about the importance of Qinggong.

After thinking for a moment, Zhang Xiaohua asked, “Captain He, what about these two types of Qinggong…?”

He Tianshu waved his hand, stopping Zhang Xiaohua’s question, and said: “Zhang Xiaohua, although this Piaomiao Step manual records two types of Qinggong, to be honest, the first one is a true top-tier light body technique, while the second one, it’s extremely precious garbage!”

Zhang Xiaohua opened his mouth wide in surprise. “Ah! What do you mean by that? ‘Precious garbage’?”

He Tianshu explained with a smile: “The first technique is a solid, authentic martial arts method. I can understand it, and if I train diligently, I believe I could master it in a few months, maybe even a year. By then, I could teach it to you properly. But the second one? How do I put this, the concept in it is simply absurd. This Qinggong technique actually requires True Qi to be released outside the body to form a circulating flow. That’s just impossible!”

Zhang Xiaohua, puzzled, asked: “What is True Qi?”

He Tianshu explained: “It’s that warm energy produced in your meridians when practicing internal martial arts. We call it True Qi.”

“Oh! I see.” Zhang Xiaohua said, enlightened. “I thought it was called inner energy.”

He Tianshu smiled and said: “True Qi, inner energy, and internal strength all mean roughly the same thing. When True Qi is channeled into your fists during an attack, the force becomes inner energy. This kind of power is different from pure physical strength and is also called internal strength. Honestly, we often mix up these terms—they’re not that different. However, how the term True Qi came about is quite curious. When we were younger, we even had detailed discussions about it.”

Zhang Xiaohua noticed He Tianshu was getting off track, so he quickly asked: “Why can’t True Qi be released outside the body?”

He Tianshu looked at Zhang Xiaohua who seemed confused and asked: “Do you know what it means for internal energy to be released outside the body?”

Zhang Xiaohua shook his head and said: “If I knew, why would I ask you?”

He Tianshu explained: “I don’t know the exact details, but I do know that any internal energy, once released from the body, immediately dissipates and can no longer be controlled by the one who released it. However, in advanced internal martial arts, when one’s internal energy becomes incredibly deep, it can be released outside the body within a certain range. If used with a fist, it’s called ‘Fist Force’, and with a sword, it’s called ‘Sword Light’.”

Then, He Tianshu cautiously looked around and lowered his voice: “As for the others in our Piaomiao Sect, including Sect Master Ou, I’m not sure. But I’ve heard some rumors that only the Second Elder, who practices the <Piaomiao Seven Swords>, has just barely mastered Sword Light. That’s the kind of legendary martial skill you hear about in stories.”

Seeing Zhang Xiaohua’s astonished expression, He Tianshu added: “Think about it—this type of internal energy-consuming technique can be useful in swordsmanship for defeating enemies but don’t you think that’s a bit wasteful using it for Qinggong? Besides, by the time you’ve trained to the point where you can release True Qi, your martial arts would already be highly advanced, and your Qinggong would naturally be profound. Why would you bother practicing such a flashy but impractical floating technique?”

After a pause, He Tianshu concluded: “Actually, the main point is, I’ve never heard of anyone in the Piaomiao Sect or anywhere in the Jianghu who can use Qinggong to float in the air.”

Zhang Xiaohua, still unwilling to give up, asked: “If no one can do it, why is it recorded in the Piaomiao Step manual?”

He Tianshu scratched his head and said: “Who knows? Maybe it’s just a theoretical idea, not an actual technique. Or maybe it is a real technique, but you’d have to reach the absolute pinnacle of internal cultivation to train this kind of Qinggong. But none of that concerns us. Right now, I might barely qualify to train in the basic Qinggong light body technique, but you? You’re not even qualified to train that yet! You should focus on practicing your Ox Strength honestly and solidifying your internal foundation first.”

Seeing He Tianshu speak in such a way, Zhang Xiaohua had no choice but to remain silent. When it came to martial arts, he truly was of the younger generation, and he had no qualifications to speak in front of He Tianshu.

Afterward, He Tianshu asked: “The Martial Arts Tournament is fast approaching, Zhang Xiaohua. Are you really planning to participate? How’s your preparation going?”

As soon as Zhang Xiaohua heard mention of the Martial Arts Tournament, his spirits were immediately lifted, and he said excitedly: “Of course, I’ve already asked Villa Onwer Ou to help me sign up. How could I not participate? I don’t really have much to prepare. I only know one set of fist techniques, and now you’ve taught me Piaomiao Step, so I can definitely use that in the tournament.”

He Tianshu nodded and said: “That sword technique of yours isn’t very suitable for the tournament, so you’ll have to rely on your fist techniques.”

Then, as if thinking of something funny, He Tianshu chuckled and added: “But using fist techniques is actually pretty good. If you really used a weapon, it wouldn’t be quite as suitable.”

Zhang Xiaohua was puzzled and asked: “Not using weapons? Captain He, what do you mean?”

He Tianshu burst into laughter and said: “You’ll find out when the time comes. If I tell you now, it’ll spoil the fun, hahahaha!”

Seeing that He Tianshu wasn’t going to explain further, Zhang Xiaohua didn’t press the matter, thinking to himself: “It’s just a martial arts competition, what’s the big deal? At worst, I’ll lose.”

Afterward, He Tianshu reminded him again to practice the Piaomiao Step diligently, suggesting that if he practiced well, he might at least save face in defeat.

Another cryptic remark left Zhang Xiaohua feeling bewildered.

With not much time left before the tournament, He Tianshu, although still pondering the second layer of the Piaomiao Step, in order not to disturb Zhang Xiaohua’s preparations, refrained from teaching him anything more. Zhang Xiaohua, for his part, spent all his days in the straw hut, training in the various martial arts he had learned.

One morning, Zhang Xiaohua sat cross-legged, silently reciting the heart sutra as he slowly guided his True Qi back to his middle dantian. Only then did he slowly open his eyes. After over ten days of diligent training, Zhang Xiaohua vaguely felt the True Qi in his meridians. It seemed to have increased slightly, but he wasn’t certain.

However, as the ancients said, “Diligence makes up for clumsiness”. By drawing qi into his body and refining the True Qi daily, although his progress was slow, it was still progress. Sooner or later, his efforts would bear fruit.

After finishing his practice, Zhang Xiaohua stood up and walked to the door of the straw hut, when he heard a female voice calling out from outside: “Zhang Xiaohua, Zhang Xiaohua, are you there?”

The voice sounded unfamiliar, certainly not Qiu Tong’s. Zhang Xiaohua hurried outside and saw a woman standing in the distance. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be Qiu Ju.

Qiu Ju, looking a bit shy, stood far away and called out softly. When she saw Zhang Xiaohua come out, she quickly raised her hand to greet him.

Zhang Xiaohua jogged over and, noticing the slight blush on Qiu Ju’s face, asked: “Sister Qiu Ju, is there something you need from me?”

Qiu Ju softly said: “Miss asked me to tell you that the Martial Arts Tournament will be held today. You should get ready and go to the inner courtyard. Someone from the Piaomiao Sect will come to pick you up shortly.”

Zhang Xiaohua exclaimed in surprise: “Really? Sister Qiu Ju, will the competition start today? Great! Please wait a moment, I’ll go get ready.”

He turned to head back to the straw hut, but after taking a few steps, he awkwardly returned and said: “Sister Qiu Ju, it seems there’s not much to prepare. Let’s just go.”

Qiu Ju covered her mouth with a smile and replied: “The Martial Arts Tournament will last for several days. Although you don’t need to pack anything, the things in this straw hut should be put away in the room first. There won’t be anyone in the medicine field for the next few days.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua’s face flushed slightly, and he chuckled a couple of times, thanking Qiu Ju for the reminder. He quickly ran back to the straw hut, packed his belongings, and brought them back to his small room before following Qiu Ju to the inner courtyard.

They arrived at the same small courtyard where they had departed for the south last time. A young man dressed in a tight-fitting outfit was impatiently waiting there, pacing back and forth. When he saw Qiu Ju standing with Zhang Xiaohua, he frowned deeply. Although Zhang Xiaohua was walking behind Qiu Ju, he could already tell that the man’s expression was displeased.

Zhang Xiaohua guessed that the man was annoyed from waiting too long, so he hurriedly took a few steps ahead of Qiu Ju and cupped his fists in greeting, saying: “Senior brother, I’m sorry for making you wait.”

The man’s frown did not ease as he coldly scanned Zhang Xiaohua from head to toe and replied: “I appreciate your apology, but you’re not from our Piaomiao Sect, so I can’t accept that title of ‘senior brother’ from you. Please retract it. Are you the one representing Huanxi Villa in this year’s Martial Arts Tournament?”

Zhang Xiaohua felt quite embarrassed upon hearing this. He usually called Nie Xiao’er and the others “senior brother” as well, thinking that this man was of a similar age and thus called him that out of familiarity. He hadn’t expected to hit a wall so quickly; it seemed not everyone in the Piaomiao Sect was warm and friendly.

Seeing the man’s question, Zhang Xiaohua quickly answered: “Yes, I’m the one participating in the Martial Arts Tournament.”

The man’s lips curled into a mocking smile as he said: “I’ve heard that Huanxi Villa hasn’t done such disappointing things for many years. It’s quite strange today that someone would be so unaware of the situation. But looking at your age, it doesn’t matter. Hehe, just consider it a chance to broaden your horizons.”

Zhang Xiaohua was puzzled and wanted to ask for clarification, but the man’s demeanor made it clear that he didn’t want any close interaction. Zhang Xiaohua decided it was best not to ask anything; he would find out soon enough anyway, so why bother now?

Qiu Ju, watching the man’s rude behavior, felt displeased but, unlike Qiu Tong, she lacked the backing of Ou Yan. Given her gentle nature, she didn’t know how to confront him. She turned to Zhang Xiaohua, who was a head shorter than her, and said: “Zhang Xiaohua, I’ll leave you here. You can go with him; the Piaomiao Sect will have arrangements.”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said, “Alright, Sister Qiu Ju, thank you! When I win, I’ll come back and be the first to tell you!”

Qiu Ju pursed her lips and smiled, saying: “Alright, we’re all waiting for your good news. Just be a bit careful during the competition. If you find yourself at a disadvantage, just admit defeat; it’s better than getting hurt.”

Zhang Xiaohua nodded: “I understand, Big Sister Qiu Ju. You can head back now.”

The man next to them snorted disdainfully and sneered: “Win? Just don’t get beaten too badly. By the way, your sister’s advice is nice; why not have her embroider a white handkerchief for you with the big words ‘Hero, Spare My Life’? If things go south, just throw it out.”

Qiu Ju’s face turned red with anger upon hearing this.

Zhang Xiaohua, equally furious, glared at the man and retorted: “What business is it of yours when my sister and I are talking? Do you think people from Huanxi Villa are so cowardly? Perhaps I should report this to my Villa Owner. What do you think?”

The man’s expression faltered at the mention of Ou Yan, and he hesitated: “Well, this…”

Seeing the tension, Qiu Ju, being the kind-hearted person she was, quickly tried to smooth things over, saying: “Alright, Huanxi Villa and the Piaomiao Sect are part of the same whole. It’s getting late; we should set off soon.”

Seeing Qiu Ju’s effort, Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said: “Got it, Big Sister Qiu Ju.”

He then turned to the man and said: “Aren’t you going to hurry up? I’m still waiting to get beaten up.”

The man said nothing more and walked over to a large tree, where he untied the reins of two horses and led them back to Zhang Xiaohua, saying: “Then, please mount, great hero.”

Zhang Xiaohua was momentarily taken aback by the majestic horses in front of him and hesitated to step forward.

The man chuckled: “I insist, great hero, please get on.”

Zhang Xiaohua waved his hand and said: “Forget it; it’s just a short walk. We can go on foot; no need for the horse.”

The man insisted: “How can that be? If we don’t ride, won’t it seem like our Piaomiao Sect lacks manners? Please, get on the horse.”

Zhang Xiaohua scratched his head and mumbled: “But, but I don’t know how to ride a horse.”

The man squinted his eyes and replied: “It’s alright. This horse is very gentle. Just get on, it’s not that complicated.”

Zhang Xiaohua was skeptical and asked: “Really?”

The man patted his chest confidently: “Really! Now let’s hurry, if we delay, you won’t make it in time.”

Finally convinced, Zhang Xiaohua stepped forward and said: “Okay, but you better not be tricking me.”

Seeing that Zhang Xiaohua didn’t even know how to mount, the man walked over, handed the reins to Zhang Xiaohua, and then placed his hands under Zhang Xiaohua’s armpits. With a little effort, he lifted Zhang Xiaohua onto the horse’s back, positioned his feet in the stirrups, and gave the horse a gentle tap on the rear, saying: “Why would I trick you?”

But inwardly, he thought: “It would be weird if I wasn’t tricking you.”

Then he was surprised, thinking: “This kid doesn’t look thin, but why is he so light? How strange.”

As the horse received the tap, it let out a loud neigh and reared its front legs, almost throwing Zhang Xiaohua off. Startled, Zhang Xiaohua gripped the reins tightly, his little face paling slightly.

Once the horse’s front hooves returned to the ground, it kicked off with its hind legs and shot forward like an arrow.

Qiu Ju, witnessing this, also turned pale and exclaimed: “How can you do that? Aren’t you worried Zhang Xiaohua will get hurt?”

The man laughed: “Zhang Xiaohua, haha, such a name for a little girl. Don’t worry, Qiu Ju, right? This horse is very gentle. I wasn’t wrong, it just goes a bit fast. Besides, an old horse knows the way, it won’t stray.”

After saying this, he grabbed the reins, swung himself onto the horse, and with a tug of the reins and a squeeze of his legs, the horse took off without any forceful effort from him, kicking up dust as it galloped away.

Only Qiu Ju remained behind, staring at the empty courtyard, stamping her feet in frustration before turning back toward the inner courtyard.

As Zhang Xiaohua fell into the man’s trap, nearly falling off the horse, he was whisked away at a breakneck speed, galloping out of the small courtyard.

At first, Zhang Xiaohua clutched the reins tightly, his body swaying dangerously from side to side, and each jolt made him feel like he was about to be thrown off, sending shivers down his spine.

However, once they left the small courtyard and hit the straight path, Zhang Xiaohua’s body began to stabilize. As his body steadied, so did his mind. The man from the Piaomiao Sect was right. The horse was magnificent and gentle. Although it moved swiftly, it was very stable. Before long, he got used to the speed, adjusting his weight as he swayed back and forth, enjoying the exhilarating sensation of leaving everything behind.

Yet, just as he was about to fully indulge in the thrill of the ride, he suddenly realized that they were approaching the side gate of the Huanxi Villa. Panic surged through him as he thought; I still don’t know how to stop this horse! What should I do?

Seeing the side gate getting closer, he could even make out the distinctive mole on the face of one of the guards. Zhang Xiaohua quickly shouted: “Clear the way! I’m a beginner! Clear the way! I’m a beginner!”

The guards at Huanxi Villa had already heard the thunderous sound of the hooves and had seen the two magnificent horses galloping out through the side gate. They recognized that these horses belonged to the Piaomiao Sect, having inspected them when they entered. However, they still needed to stop and check the horses when they were leaving; it was part of their duty. Besides, they had no idea who was riding. All they could see was the top of a head barely visible above the horse, who knew who it was?!

As the horse thundered closer, one of the guards was still pondering when he suddenly heard someone shout: “Clear the way!”

The guard couldn’t help but scoff internally, thinking: “You want me to let you pass? How could I let you out without a thorough check?”

The phrase “I’m a beginner” puzzled him even more. What does that even mean?

But as the horse thundered closer without any intention of stopping, it became clear what being a “beginner” meant!

The horse charged straight at him with all its might, who could stop it directly? Fortunately, the guard was skilled in martial arts; he swiftly dodged and rolled to the side, just managing to dodge the powerful horse.

Once the horse leaped over him, the guard quickly glanced up, finally recognizing that it was the boy from the medicinal field riding the horse. What in the world is going on?

As the horse galloped past the side gate, the guard executed a quick roll, leaping up from the ground and dusting off his clothes. Just as he was about to speak, he heard another voice call out: “Quick, clear the way! I have urgent business!”

The guard thought to himself: “Another one demanding to clear the way. Is this person another beginner?”

When he looked up, he saw another horse racing towards him without any signs of stopping. With no choice, he rolled over again like a lazy donkey, collapsing to the ground.

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