chsdbacks Chapter 301 Leaving Longhu Mountain
Chapter 301 Leaving Longhu Mountain
"Huh?" For the first time, a clear look of surprise appeared on the usually composed face of the old master. He could sense that Nie Lingfeng's fist intent was undergoing a subtle change. Although it was still immature and vague, the subtle resonance with the surrounding environment, no longer a brute-force attack, but carrying a sense of adaptation and leveraging the momentum, was truly remarkable!
"The true meaning of the 'No-Seeking Ease' technique? He actually grasped it at this moment?" The old Celestial Master was shaken. He knew Nie Lingfeng possessed many unique skills, including the mysterious and unpredictable "No-Seeking Ease" technique, but he had never seen him use it. He had assumed Nie Lingfeng hadn't yet mastered it, or was hiding it as a trump card. Unexpectedly, under the intense pressure of this battle, just as Nie Lingfeng was about to exhaust himself and feel defeated, he had accidentally touched upon a sliver of the true essence of "no seeking, no attachment," and "the highest good is like water"!
"Good! Good! Good!" The old master exclaimed "Good!" three times, his eyes overflowing with praise! His fist technique also changed, no longer simply neutralizing and counterattacking, but actively guiding! His fist seemed to transform into the wind between heaven and earth, driving Nie Lingfeng's fist; into the clouds between heaven and earth, enveloping Nie Lingfeng's intention; into the water between heaven and earth, nourishing Nie Lingfeng's heart.
Nie Lingfeng felt himself entering a wondrous state. The sounds of the wind, the movement of the clouds, the solidity of the mountains, the endless flow of the water... all seemed vividly reflected in his heart. His fist was no longer merely an extension of his own power, but began to resonate subtly with this world! Though faint, the feeling was incredibly clear and incredibly beautiful!
"boom!"
It was another clash of fists, devoid of any fancy moves! But this time, Nie Lingfeng wasn't repelled, nor did he feel that irresistible force of neutralization. The two fist energies collided, producing a deep boom, a perfect even match! No, in fact, Nie Lingfeng's fist energy, carrying a hint of resonance with heaven and earth, seemed to subtly assimilate and absorb the "natural" essence within the Old Master's fist energy!
"Hahaha! Wonderful! Wonderful!" The old master laughed and withdrew his fist, landing gracefully several feet away. Looking at Nie Lingfeng, who was still in the punching posture with a somewhat blank yet enlightened look in his eyes, his face was full of satisfaction and admiration.
"Without seeking or clinging, one follows the natural way. Young friend Lingfeng, to be able to touch upon such a realm under such pressure, though only scratching the surface, is already an extraordinary achievement!" The old Celestial Master stroked his beard and sighed, "I originally thought you would need several more years to hone your skills before you could even glimpse this path. I never expected this, never expected this!"
Nie Lingfeng slowly withdrew his fist, the confusion in his eyes gradually fading, replaced by an indescribable clarity and awe. The enlightenment he had just experienced, though brief, was like a completely new door opening before him, allowing him to see a vast new world of martial arts and even cultivation.
"Thank you for your help, Master!" Nie Lingfeng bowed deeply, his heart filled with gratitude. He knew that if the Master had not guided him with the "Natural Fist," giving him enough pressure, and actively guiding his fist intent at the crucial moment, he would never have been able to touch the true meaning of the "Easy Secret of Seeking Nothing" at this time.
"It's your own destiny and enlightenment." The old Celestial Master waved his hand, looking at Nie Lingfeng with a complex light in his eyes—admiration, satisfaction,感慨, and even… a hint of barely perceptible envy? He pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Young friend Lingfeng, with your current strength, having fused various supreme techniques and developed your Qilin bloodline to a profound degree, what's even more remarkable is that you've touched upon a trace of the true meaning of 'the Way of Nature.' This old Daoist can assert that if you go all out, without holding back, using your unreleased sword technique and the power of the Demon Heart Crossing, plus this trace of the true meaning of 'no desire'…"
The old Celestial Master paused, his gaze fixed intently on Nie Lingfeng, and said, word by word, "In this world, there are probably only a handful of people who can reliably defeat you. Even I, this old Daoist, wouldn't dare say I could easily subdue you without using my lightning techniques and all my cultivation. Among the younger generation, you... are truly a prodigy!"
The weight of the word "monster" coming from the mouth of the old master is self-evident!
Nie Lingfeng was shaken. Although he already knew he had made great progress, hearing the peerless Celestial Master's evaluation still sent tidal waves of shock through him. He quickly bowed and said, "Celestial Master, you flatter me! I know my own limitations; compared to you, I am still worlds apart. My enlightenment today is entirely due to your guidance!"
"No," the old master shook his head, his expression serious. "What I've said is absolutely true. In the path of martial arts, those who reach the pinnacle come first. Your potential, your comprehension, your opportunities—these are all things I've never seen before in my life. Given time, it's not impossible for you to surpass me. It's just that…"
The old celestial master's tone shifted, becoming serious: "The greater the power, the heavier the responsibility, and the easier it is for inner demons to arise. You possess the bloodline of the Qilin and the ferocious method of Demon Heart Crossing, so you must be even more vigilant in guarding your true nature and discerning right from wrong. This trace of the true meaning of 'no desires' may be the best cooling balm for you, helping you to control your power instead of being controlled by it. Remember this, remember this well."
Nie Lingfeng's expression hardened, and he nodded solemnly: "This junior will remember the teachings of the Old Celestial Master!"
"Hmm." The old Celestial Master nodded in satisfaction, his smiling expression returning. "The month and a half is almost up, and you should prepare to descend the mountain. Although Longhu Mountain is a good place, it is not a place for you to stay for long. The outside world is where your destiny lies."
A feeling of reluctance welled up in Nie Lingfeng's heart. Although he had been tormented by Xiaoyun for the past month and a half, and had been beaten up with injuries every time they sparred, the tranquility (relatively speaking), the guidance, and the tolerance here had made him feel incredibly warm and fulfilled.
"All good things must come to an end." The old celestial master seemed to see through his thoughts and laughed, "If fate allows, we will meet again someday. Go on, go see what 'surprise' that little girl has prepared for you this time. My alchemy room just received a new batch of medicinal herbs yesterday, and it can't afford for her to 'create' any more."
Mentioning Xiaoyun instantly dispelled most of Nie Lingfeng's sorrow at parting, replacing it with a tense feeling that was both funny and exasperating. Yes, it was time to descend the mountain. He would continue their journey with Chen Duo and that little devil. But… he wondered if, after descending the mountain, there would be another place like Longhu Mountain where he could cultivate in peace while also tolerating Xiaoyun's (just kidding) mischievous antics.
Nie Lingfeng bowed deeply to the old Celestial Master once more, then turned and walked towards the courtyard. His steps were somewhat heavy, yet also somewhat light.
Behind him, the old master watched his departing figure, stroked his beard, and a meaningful smile appeared on his face.
"The Art of Seeking Nothing... The Crossing of the Demonic Heart... The Bloodline of the Qilin... Interesting, truly interesting. This martial world has been silent for too long; it's time for some fresh winds and rain. But... I hope this little fellow won't be blinded by the winds and rain."
A mountain breeze blew by, swirling up a few fallen leaves, and the figure of the old Celestial Master gradually blurred into the vast mountain landscape.
Nie Lingfeng, however, had no idea what kind of unique "farewell gift*" Xiaoyun had prepared for him. (￣▽￣)ゞ
The descent was more arduous (psychologically) and more bustling (physically) than the ascent.
Xiaoyun clearly didn't understand the meaning of "separation." To her, leaving Longhu Mountain was simply moving to a "fun" place. Wearing a red cotton-padded jacket that Chen Duo had recently sewn for her, embroidered with chubby little Qilins (Nie Lingfeng strongly suspected that Chen Duo had improvised based on her own impressions), she looked like a cheerful little lucky charm, riding on Nie Lingfeng's shoulders, her little hands tightly gripping his ears (making Nie Lingfeng wince in pain). Her silver little pigtails bounced with Nie Lingfeng's steps, her big, golden-red eyes curiously looking around, full of interest in every blade of grass and tree along the way, constantly asking questions:
"Papa! That big rock! It looks like a tiger!"
"Papa! That water! Splash! Are there fish?"
"Papa! That bird! Its chirping is so strange!"
"Papa! Yunyun is hungry!"
"Papa!..."
Nie Lingfeng felt like he was not only a means of transportation, but also a tour guide, an encyclopedia, and a mobile snack station. He had to carefully navigate the mountain path, deal with Xiaoyun's endless questions, and also be wary of the little rascal suddenly developing a "strong interest" in something by the roadside and trying to jump down to explore it. "One head full of headaches" was an understatement to describe his current state. (´-ι_-｀)
Chen Duo walked beside Nie Lingfeng, carrying a simple bundle containing their three changes of clothes and some dry rations. She maintained her aloof demeanor, but her gaze would occasionally drift to Xiao Yun, who was riding excitedly on Nie Lingfeng's shoulders, her emerald eyes occasionally flashing with a faint tenderness. When Xiao Yun asked some rather whimsical questions (like, "Why don't clouds fall down?"), she would explain concisely in her own way ("The wind carries them."). Although Xiao Yun mostly didn't understand, she seemed to enjoy being "attended" by Chen Duo.
Zhang Lingyu, who followed behind them, was the biggest "variable" and "scenic spot" of the trip.
This highly accomplished disciple of Longhu Mountain, the Celestial Master's last student, was dressed in a spotless, moon-white Taoist robe (not his usual white formal attire on the mountain, but still impeccably tailored). His posture was upright, his face handsome, and his demeanor gentle and refined. Walking along the rugged mountain path, he possessed an almost leisurely elegance. However, his usual calm expression now carried a subtle, almost imperceptible stiffness and bewilderment.
Before descending the mountain, his master (the Old Celestial Master) called him to his side, patted him on the shoulder, and said earnestly, "Lingyu, you are intelligent, have excellent aptitude, and a pure heart; you are a fine prospect. But... you have grown up on the mountain since childhood, and what you have seen, heard, and experienced is all too 'clean.' You have seen too little of this mortal world, with its treacherous and wicked people. Staying on the mountain all the time may not be a good thing for your cultivation."
Zhang Lingyu immediately had a bad feeling. Sure enough, her master continued, "Young friend Nie Lingfeng is heading north to the North China branch, where he'll meet up with that unworthy grand-disciple Zhang Chulan. You should go down the mountain with them. Go see the world below, and 'train' yourself under that slippery kid Chulan. Remember, observe more, listen more, and speak less, especially don't try to use your mountain rules on the people below. It's not too late to come back when you feel you've become a little 'dirty,' or when you can 'bring' that kid Chulan back to the right path (though the hope is slim)."