NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 8 - Disciple Realized Several Martial Arts Techniques Again
Chapter 8 – Disciple Realized Several Martial Arts Techniques Again
Zhang Sanfeng regained his senses and couldn’t help but sigh deeply. Just moments ago, he had realized that he had almost fallen into the trap of ‘delusion’.
Looking at his disciples’ puzzled expressions, Zhang Sanfeng asked, “Yuanqiao, Lianzhou, let me ask you, what is the fundamental principle of our Wudang sect?”
Song Yuanqiao replied without hesitation, “We, of Wudang, follow the teachings of the True Martial Emperor, Emperor Zhenwu, with the aim of nurturing life and martial techniques as our means.”
[Xuanwu (god) – Wikipedia]
Zhang Sanfeng’s face gradually became more serious, “If that’s the case, why are you so concerned about whether your junior brother is willing to practice martial arts with all his might? His desire to seek the path of immortality is his choice, and what we need to do is respect his decision. Yuanqiao, you are too impatient.”
Through this incident, he realized that he had been lax in his teachings in recent years, and his disciples had unknowingly embarked on a path that emphasized martial strength, quietly changing their beliefs.
Song Yuanqiao and the others remained still.
After a while, they wore expressions of guilt and respectfully bowed, saying, “Master, you are right. We were too obstinate.”
Zhang Sanfeng waved his hand, understanding his disciples’ thoughts to some extent. Being highly regarded in the martial world had placed great pressure on them, and they didn’t want to tarnish his reputation. Moreover, several of them were pure-hearted but had average aptitude, causing Wudang to gain a reputation for a lack of successors.
Zhang Sanfeng himself didn’t care for it, but Song Yuanqiao and other were particularly restless. Now that such a monster like Ning Changge had arrived, naturally they had begun to put pin all their hopes on him unconsciously, which led to the current state.
Zhang Sanfeng sighed, “It’s my fault. From now on, every ten days, you shall join me in cultivating the Tao and nurturing your mind.”
The disciples hurriedly bowed, their expressions filled with anxiety. “Master, please don’t blame yourself. It’s our stupidity. We almost developed attachments. As you said, our junior brother has made his choice, and we should wholeheartedly support him. No matter the final outcome, as long as our junior brother is in Wudang, no one can harm him!”
Zhang Songxi and the others spoke earnestly.
Zhang Sanfeng smiled and stroked his beard. “That’s how it should be. There should be no attachment in the path of martial arts, or progress will be difficult. Yuanqiao, you should be close to advancing to the rank of a Master soon.”
“It’s all thanks to your wise guidance, Master!” Song Yuanqiao respectfully expressed his gratitude.
Zhang Sanfeng looked in the direction of the scripture chamber and advised, “As for your junior brother, let him follow his own path. Occasionally, let him come out and take a breather. Relaxation is also a way to achieve more with less effort.”
“Yes, Master!”
The disciples bowed and withdrew, their attitudes markedly different from before.
Zhang Sanfeng nodded in satisfaction. He planned to visit his young disciple in the scripture chamber later.
***
In the scripture chamber, Ning Changge was sitting cross-legged, leaning against the loft, basking in the moonlight. Strands of moonlight continuously drifted in, infusing him with a magical power, making him feel extraordinarily clear-headed and refreshed. He became even more perceptive.
[You have comprehended a trace of the essence of moonlight as you observed the stars and bathed in moonlight. You have grasped the simple utilization of the power of moonlight. You have created the Moonlight Spirit Forging Technique!]
In an instant, more and more of moonlight’s energy was drawn and absorbed. Ning Changge felt his pores breathing freely, and all the energy flowed into his mind. In an instant, he felt his spiritual power visibly increase.
He opened his eyes, a joyful look in them. “Gathering purple energy in the morning and receiving moonlight at night. With the North Sea Ingestion Technique and the Moonlight Spirit Forging Technique to cultivate my spirit, it’s only a matter of time before my spiritual power transforms into spiritual consciousness!”
Ning Changge could feel that his spirit was getting stronger. Coupled with the North Sea Ingestion Technique, the amount of spiritual energy he could draw was increasing. Although he couldn’t retain it yet, it was progress.
Even now, it had its benefits. He could sense that when a substantial amount of spiritual energy entered his body, it slightly improved his physique, making him grow faster, and strengthening his body. In martial terms, it improved his root and bones, and potentially, he might become exceptionally strong and healthy. Getting rid of all his diseases, which could prolong his life.
It was like the path of martial arts, where one could start as a weakling and, through cultivation, become a genius.
But this wasn’t of great use to Ning Changge. It simply made him understand that spiritual energy could extend his life to match the heavens, and perhaps, someday, he might achieve eternal life.
He stood up slowly, activating the Floating Clouds and Heavenly Feathers Technique to descend to the first floor. However, when he arrived, he was stunned.
A familiar figure was smiling at him.
Zhang Sanfeng.
Ning Changge exclaimed in delight, “Master, you’ve come out of seclusion?”
“I have been an unfilial disciple, failing to welcome you in time and causing you to come here personally,” he felt a bit guilty, as he had spent a long time in the scripture chamber and sometimes was unaware of what was happening outside.
Zhang Sanfeng waved his hand and motioned for Ning Changge to sit down. Ning Changge respectfully poured tea for him.
Zhang Sanfeng gave him guidance, “Between us as master and disciple, there’s no need for such formalities. If you aspire, just continue your studies in the scripture chamber. I won’t blame you. But remember to go out and take a walk now and then. Don’t become too absorbed in your studies.”
Ning Changge was moved and bowed, saying, “I always your guidance in mind, Master.”
Zhang Sanfeng looked at his four-year-old disciple. Appearance-wise, he was no different from an eight or nine-year-old child, but more importantly, his mental maturity far exceeded his age.
He had spent quite some time here earlier, observing Ning Changge absorb the power of the moonlight with his own eyes. He had been deeply impressed, especially when he sensed the subtle presence of heavenly and earthly energy around Ning Changge, similar to the aura that a martial artist at the Transcendent Realm possessed, although not as clear.
Zhang Sanfeng was now convinced that his young disciple didn’t need his guidance. As long as he aided when needed, Ning Changge could walk his own path.
“Changge, your path is one you must tread on your own. If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to ask me or your senior brothers. They genuinely care about you. There’s no need to be polite.”
Zhang Sanfeng spoke candidly.
Ning Changge nodded earnestly. “I understand, Master.”
He continued, “Master, I have recently realized several martial arts techniques. You can keep them in the sect for everyone to learn from and benefit.”