Chapter 211
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Ou Peng continued: “Since it is something from the Immortal Dao, suddenly appearing in the martial world after thousands of years and being placed right before our Piaomiao Sect, it has to be said that this is the greatest opportunity for us. I believe that Yanming Mountain, Ten Thousand Swords Peak, and the Tan family have no idea what kind of opportunity they are facing. As for the Dalin Temple and the Incense-Spreading Cult, who know these secrets, they are still in the dark. This is precisely why I have remained low-key about this secret land. Only by properly utilizing this place and constantly observing the resurgence of the Immortal Dao, seizing these resources in time for the Piaomiao Sect, might we, in the near future, become a major sect in Immortal cultivation that can overshadow Dalin Temple and the Incense-Spreading Cult. As for the Heaven’s Way Alliance, they are merely a product of the post-Immortal Dao era, a purely martial sect. Once the Yuan Qi of Heaven and Earth is restored, how could they still have a place in this world?”
Hearing this, Zhang Chengyue cupped his hands and said: “I wish for Master’s aspirations to come true.”
Ou Peng smiled and replied: “Let us hope so. Chengyue, this aspiration is not something I alone can achieve. It will require the united effort of everyone in our Piaomiao Sect.”
Zhang Chengyue then asked: “Master, since you know the Immortal Path is about to be revived, have you already considered training cultivators?”
Ou Peng smiled bitterly: “I would like to do so, but how could cultivating immortality be so easy? The Immortal Way has been lost for ten thousand years. The cultivation techniques have long disappeared into the river of history. Moreover, it is said that these cultivation techniques are protected by immortal arts. Without great opportunities and true essence formed from the Yuan Qi of Heaven and Earth, it’s impossible to obtain these techniques.
Most crucially, I only have a faint conjecture for now. Whether it is correct or not, I have yet to confirm. I don’t even know how to observe the Yuan Qi of Heaven and Earth or how to teach it to disciples.”
He looked at the empty Assembly Hall with some loneliness and said: “Currently, all internal martial arts techniques are designed for martial arts. The refinement of meridians is likely very different as well. This body might not even be suitable for cultivating immortality.”
Zhang Chengyue nodded as he listened. It was clear to him: his meridians and body had been trained for the path of martial arts. Since Immortal cultivation was fundamentally different, it naturally diverged from the martial path. From a martial perspective, even switching to cultivate other internal techniques often failed, let alone attempting to cultivate the Immortal Dao.
At this moment, Ou Peng added: “However, the Great Celestial Cycle Star Fist is an exception. It doesn’t require true essence and has a unique effect on tempering the body. Do you know why I said that although the number of moves in the Big Dipper Divine Fist doesn’t align, I can still conclude that it is connected to the Great Celestial Cycle Star Fist?”
Zhang Chengyue shook his head blankly and replied; “Master, I have no idea. You’ve never mentioned anything like this to me before.”
Ou Peng smiled faintly and said: “Did you not notice Yuan Liao and Yuan Kong during the martial arts tournament?”
At this, Zhang Chengyue couldn’t help but smile. “That Yuan Liao, the little monk, was truly amusing—pretentious and clumsy with his acupoint-sealing techniques. Yet he acted so confident, standing near the edge of the stage trying to show off. All he was missing was a folding fan for flair, haha! It’s no surprise Zhang Xiaohua kicked him off the stage. Too bad I didn’t get to see that satisfying moment myself. What a shame.”
Ou Peng nodded slightly and said: “Oh, so you missed it. No wonder you didn’t seem to react. Then what about Yuan Kong’s match against Zhang Xiaohua? You watched that one from the stage, didn’t you? Did you notice anything unusual?”
“Unusual?” Zhang Chengyue furrowed his brows slightly. “Zhang Xiaohua’s martial arts are mediocre. He hasn’t yet mastered integrating the Big Dipper Divine Fist with the Piaomiao Step, so he lost many opportunities to gain the upper hand. However, his endurance was remarkable, and in the end, he wore Yuan Kong down until he conceded. Oh, right, Master! Now that you mention it, I do recall something. Yuan Kong tried to seal Zhang Xiaohua’s acupoints, but his fingers were injured in the process. I see what you mean now. It seems Yuan Liao’s acupoint techniques aren’t as simple as we thought. Perhaps he wasn’t unsuccessful or imprecise in his strikes as our disciples believed. Instead, it’s…”
At this point, a trace of astonishment appeared in Zhang Chengyue’s eyes as he said: “So you’re saying Zhang Xiaohua is truly immune to acupoint strikes? The reason for this must lie in the Big Dipper Divine Fist. After all, that’s the only martial art he knows. His second brother supposedly found him a technique called [Wild Ox Strength], but he’s only just developed a sense of qi. Based on that level of internal cultivation, there’s no way he could resist Yuan Liao’s acupoint sealing techniques!”
Hearing this, Ou Peng nodded in satisfaction and said: “Chengyue, your analysis is spot on. That’s exactly the case. The Big Dipper Divine Fist possessing such an effect makes me strongly suspect its connection to the Great Celestial Cycle Star Fist. After all, it stands to reason that martial arts acupoint strikes would be ineffective against acupoints tempered through Immortal Dao techniques. This aligns perfectly with the unique characteristics of the Great Celestial Cycle Star Fist. Furthermore, the fact that Zhang Xiaohua can train the Big Dipper Divine Fist alongside [Wild Ox Strength] proves that this technique has the potential to flourish in our Piaomiao Sect. Otherwise, no matter how miraculous the technique, it would be of no use to us.”
Zhang Chengyue hesitated briefly before asking: “But the origins of the Big Dipper Divine Fist remain puzzling, don’t they?”
Ou Peng nodded and replied: “Indeed. Based on what we know, it’s plausible he may have obtained the manual from the Divine Blade Sect, allowing him to cultivate it successfully. However, if he truly acquired the Great Celestial Cycle Star Fist manual, it should have 360 moves. Even if Zhang Xiaohua had dull aptitude, it wouldn’t make sense for him to learn only 108 forms. Moreover, the transitions between the moves in his fist technique are seamless, with no signs of being pieced together. I’ve already had someone investigate thoroughly, and everything Zhang Xiaohua has claimed checks out. Sigh, all I can say is that this kid’s luck is extraordinary—to stumble upon such a miraculous technique while recovering from an injury.”
Zhang Chengyue laughed and said: “It’s not Zhang Xiaohua’s luck that’s extraordinary—it’s yours, Master! Zhang Xiaohua is clearly a gift from the heavens to our Piaomiao Sect. Otherwise, how could someone with such mediocre aptitude comprehend a complete fist technique on his own?”
Ou Peng burst into hearty laughter. “Indeed, it’s the fortune of our Piaomiao Sect!”
Zhang Chengyue also laughed. “Yes, it’s truly the blessing of our Piaomiao Sect.”
After their hearty laughter subsided, Zhang Chengyue asked; “Master, I’ll head to the Medicine Hall tomorrow to corner Zhang Xiaohua and make sure we document the Big Dipper Divine Fist’s manual as early as possible. However, considering Xiaohua’s significant value to us, should we…”
Ou Peng pondered for a moment and replied: “The same principle applies—handle this discreetly. If we focus too much attention on Zhang Xiaohua or make any overt moves, it could easily attract the attention of Dalin Temple or the Incense-Spreading Cult. He’s been staying at Huanxi Villa and has recently taken a liking to the Medicine Hall. Let’s grant him this privilege—it’s just like going along with the flow.”
Zhang Chengyue said: “Master, your wisdom is unmatched. But what about the fist manual Zhang Xiaohua asked for? Should we still give it to him?”
After a moment of thought, Ou Peng nodded. “Give it to him. After all, I already promised. However, give him a subtle reminder. He’s smart enough to understand. This kid has grown quite a bit during his time in Pingyang City. Don’t underestimate him.”
Zhang Chengyue chuckled. “Master, rest assured. Since he’s our Piaomiao Sect’s good luck charm, I’ll treat him well.”
Hearing this, Ou Peng roared with laughter.
The two continued their conversation late into the night, long after the hour grew late. Meanwhile, Zhang Xiaohua was already cross-legged in meditation, sound asleep, entirely unaware that the Sect Master Ou he admired most had already devised plans involving him.
The next morning, Zhang Xiaohua woke but didn’t immediately rise. Instead, he extended his senses outward to examine the surrounding Yuan Qi of Heaven and Earth. With a faint sense of frustration, he finally stood. After a full night of cultivation, he realized that the surrounding Yuan Qi had thinned noticeably. If he continued cultivating like this, it wouldn’t be long before he absorbed it all. When that happened, all the herbs in the Medicine Hall would wither and die, which would undoubtedly cause a huge uproar.
Such a reckless and attention-drawing act of draining resources dry was something Zhang Xiaohua absolutely wouldn’t do.
However, if he couldn’t continually absorb the Medicine Hall’s Yuan Qi, where would his cultivation path lead?
Suddenly, a thought struck him—could it be that the forbidden grounds were abundant with Yuan Qi?
However, thinking of the terrifying place that had already devoured a Piaomiao Sect disciple, Zhang Xiaohua immediately shrank his neck. Only by staying alive could he cultivate inner energy. Without life, all was meaningless nonsense. Besides, he had his parents, elder brother, and second brother back in Guo Village. He wasn’t foolish enough to take that kind of risk.
After this thought, Zhang Xiaohua stretched lazily and walked outside. He couldn’t help but wonder how his second brother was doing. With Hero Wen teaching him inner cultivation, what was his progress now?
Just as he stepped out of the Medicine Hall, he saw Zhang Chengyue walking toward him in haste. Zhang Xiaohua quickly saluted. Zhang Chengyue smiled and said: “Zhang Xiaohua, why are you up so early?”
Zhang Xiaohua grinned and replied: “Uncle Master Zhang, as the ancients said, ‘Rise with the crowing rooster to practice.’ Even though our Piaomiao Sect doesn’t have roosters crowing, I should still follow the example of the ancients.”
Zhang Chengyue gave him a thumbs-up and said: “A hero in his youth! We old folks are truly getting on in years.”
Zhang Xiaohua secretly curled his lips and thought: “To run into him this early, he must be like a weasel paying respect to a chicken—it’s up to no good.”
Then he said aloud: “Uncle Master Zhang, you go ahead with your tasks. I need to quickly find my second brother to check on his martial arts progress.”
Zhang Chengyue waved his hand with a smile and said; “No need to go. Zhang Xiaohu is currently with Wen Wenhai and hasn’t returned to his courtyard. Going there would be a waste of time.”
Before he could finish, Zhang Xiaohua interrupted: “Oh, in that case, can you tell me where Hero Wen is?”
Zhang Chengyue replied: “Zhang Xiaohua, don’t try to be sneaky. You can’t go to Wen Wenhai’s courtyard. Besides, do you think I ran into you by coincidence? I specifically came to find you.”
Zhang Xiaohua chuckled to himself: “Finally, the fox’s tail is showing.”
He said: “What business does Uncle Master Zhang have with me?”
Zhang Chengyue pulled out a silver banknote and a token from his chest pocket, handing them to Zhang Xiaohua. “This is what the Sect Master promised you. Take it and keep it safe.”
Zhang Xiaohua was overjoyed. He reached out and accepted them, first examining the antique-style token. It resembled the one Xue Qing had given their family but was slightly larger, with more intricate patterns. The two characters “Piaomiao” were still present, but the back bore a large “Ou” character.
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