Chapter 85: Chapter 84 Great Achievement_2
Suddenly, Yang Luochen couldn't be bothered to calculate anymore. Stretching out his hand towards Chen Ku, he said, "No need for all that trouble. Just lend me your hand and use your full strength. Then I'll know how strong you are."
Gazing at the large hand before him and the expectant, curious eyes of all the apprentices, Chen Ku took a deep breath and reached for Old Master Yang's hand. The moment their hands clasped, he felt as if he had grasped the limb of an ancient Tyrannosaurus Rex; it was impossible to estimate Master Yang's true strength.
Yet, Yang Luochen instantly assessed Chen Ku's strength. "A single arm possesses the Irresistible Power of Two Elephants. With both arms, that would be Four Symbols Power..."
Yang Luochen looked at Chen Ku, overwhelmed with delight. "Such Divine Power and Root Bone, yet without any Inner Qi! Scour the entire Qiu Dragon Mansion, and only the Qin Yuxian of old possessed such a Root Bone. Child, I have searched for you so arduously for so many years!"
The thought that he could accept a younger version of Grandmaster Jin Chui as his disciple made Yang Luochen feel as if Chen Ku was the long-lost, heaven-sent successor he was destined to find.
Yang Shaoqi listened to his master's unrestrained words and scoffed internally: Is he not even trying to hide it anymore? I'm still here! When he took me as a disciple, he said so earnestly that he would never take another one in this lifetime. And now... am I just a worn-out shoe? That boy is his true disciple, and I was merely picked up from the roadside!
No one knew Yang Shaoqi's thoughts. However, Jiang Shaoyou and the others were thrown into an uproar merely by hearing Master Yang reveal Chen Ku's true arm strength. The news sent shockwaves throughout the entire Medicine King Hall.
Without Inner Qi, yet possessing the Irresistible Power of Four Elephants! Good heavens! What kind of monster has Medicine King Hall accepted as an apprentice?!
Jiang Shaoyou's eyes shone even brighter as he looked at Chen Ku. Previously, Chen Ku's displayed strength was merely enough for Jiang Shaoyou to seek a connection and admire him. But now, this Irresistible Power of Four Elephants was more than enough for him to force his way into their small circle; he might even secure a central position among them.
Watching Master Yang's actions, it seemed he was about to finalize the master-disciple relationship with Chen Ku on the spot.
Ke Yansheng felt extremely reluctant. After all, Chen Ku was a genius he had personally recruited. If Elder Yang whisked him away to Jinshi Academy, what would become of the Butcher Court? He thus spoke up, "Master Yang, regarding the matter of accepting a disciple, perhaps it's best not to rush. After all, he is an apprentice of the Butcher Court. Why don't I go and fetch Elder Shang first and let him make the decision?"
He knew he couldn't compete with Yang Luochen, nor was he qualified to. His only hope was that Elder Shang wouldn't let Chen Ku go so easily.
"Hahaha, go and get him! Isn't it just a matter of getting Little Shang to agree to hand him over? What's the big deal? I don't believe he could refuse me!" Yang Luochen was brimming with confidence.
A youth with Divine Power, possessing the Irresistible Power of Four Elephants—if he doesn't train in my Furious Ape Mighty Staff, should he be learning Bladesmanship instead? What does it mean to mislead a talented youth?! Letting him stay in the Butcher Court would be truly misleading a talented youth!
Ignoring Ke Yansheng, who had gone to fetch the recuperating Shang Yunfang, he turned to his eldest disciple, Yang Shaoqi, and said, "Go, inform the Shopkeepers that I, this old man, am taking another closed-door disciple today. Ask the three Shopkeepers to come and witness the ceremony."
Closed-door disciple... Yang Shaoqi heard this and grumbled internally, I hope you actually keep the door closed this time.
Despite his thoughts, he didn't delay and obediently went to summon the Shopkeepers.
Yang Luochen instructed others to prepare tea, clearly intending for Chen Ku to perform the apprenticeship ceremony today and formally accept him as his disciple.
Go to Jinshi Academy, huh? Chen Ku mused. The Jinshi Academy's status within Medicine King Hall was undisputed. Coupled with the complete inheritance of Master Yang's Furious Ape Mighty Staff, the offer was indeed tempting. However, the demon slaughtering at the Butcher Court...
While Chen Ku was contemplating, several Shopkeepers, Shang Yunfang, and Grandmaster Nong Baosen from the Hundred Herbs Courtyard—who had previously accepted Chen Ku's Treasure Herb—also arrived.
"I never expected our Medicine King Hall to find an apprentice with such an exceptional Root Bone!" Cao Shouxiong exclaimed upon arrival, looking at Chen Ku with praise. "If I had known this child possessed such a Root Bone and so much potential, I would have taken him as my disciple personally back then."
The matter of Root Bone could sometimes be mysterious, but in essence, it described a person's potential, a certain physique. Like intelligence, it was an innate difference. Some people were born with a better physique than others. As they trained in martial arts, they would further tap into their body's potential, creating an even greater gap between themselves and ordinary people.
Those with ordinary Root Bone talent, even after cultivating Inner Qi and benefiting from its enhancement, would only possess three to four thousand Jin of strength. However, those with a superior Root Bone constitution, upon cultivating Inner Qi, could possess tens of thousands of Jin of strength. Yang Shaoqi was one such example, and Chen Ku, whose Root Bone was even better than Yang Shaoqi's, was another.
"Third Shopkeeper, you specialize in needle techniques; it's not a suitable match for him!" Yang Luochen said, stroking his beard, anxious that some complication might arise in his recruitment of a disciple.
Cao Shouxiong smiled. "Rest assured, Master Yang, I won't compete with you. Indeed, the most suitable technique for him to cultivate in Medicine King Hall is the Furious Ape Mighty Staff." As a Shopkeeper, and one of the three highest authorities in Medicine King Hall, Cao Shouxiong naturally hoped that in the decades to come, the Hall would have another guardian like Master Yang, a pillar to continue securing its Qi Fortune.
The Second Shopkeeper, Zhang Yuanhai, spoke slowly, "Let's wait for Master Shang to arrive before discussing this further. After all, this person joined the Butcher Court. Transferring him to another court requires Master Shang's approval."
Just as he finished speaking, Shang Yunfang walked out, his face slightly pale. He wore a large gown, and his hands were wrapped in bandages. His gaze fell first on Chen Ku. He sighed and said to Yang Luochen, "Do you remember what I told you the other day? You even said you wouldn't try to snatch him from me. Look at you now!"
Unbelievable, just unbelievable... It actually came true.
Master Yang, however, was not the least bit embarrassed. Closing his eyes, he said brazenly, "You still have the nerve to bring that up? If I'd known earlier you were hiding a prodigy with Four Symbols Power, I would have stormed your Butcher Court to snatch him long ago! Now, stop dawdling and transfer him to Jinshi Academy. Or do you really expect someone with such a Great Strength Root Bone to learn your 'delicate flower' Bladesmanship?"
"Delicate flower? My Black Tiger Butcher Knife is ranked as an Ultimate Skill, just like your Furious Ape Mighty Staff!" Shang Yunfang retorted, not yielding an inch. Yet, he ultimately turned to Chen Ku and asked, "What do you think? Do you want to continue staying in the Butcher Court and learn Bladesmanship, or go to Jinshi Academy to learn Stick Technique?"
Everyone could see that Master Shang was giving himself a way out. As long as Chen Ku expressed his willingness to go to Jinshi Academy, Shang Yunfang would have no reason to stop him and could smoothly send him over. After all, everyone knew that with the strength of Four Elephants, learning Stick Technique was the best choice.
All eyes were on Chen Ku, awaiting his obvious choice: to go and learn the Furious Ape Mighty Staff.
"Ahem..." Unexpectedly, Chen Ku coughed, appearing somewhat embarrassed. He said to Shang Yunfang, "Grandmaster, can I... choose both?"
"Choose both?"
Yang Luochen abruptly stood up from the chair where he had been prepared to receive the ceremonial tea, looking at Chen Ku. "What did you say?"
Everyone present stared at Chen Ku in disbelief.
Was there really such a person? So greedy?
Among Medicine King Hall's Six Ultimate Skills, having the talent and Root Bone suited for even one was like being personally blessed by the heavens. Yet this boy wanted to take on two? Besides, everyone knew he was suited for cultivating the Furious Ape Mighty Staff, possessing over forty thousand Jin of strength. How could he be so greedy as to bite off more than he could chew by wanting to learn Bladesmanship as well?
Ke Yansheng, however, felt a warmth spread through his heart. This child is loyal and righteous! He naturally assumed Chen Ku felt he couldn't defy the Hall's top expert but also didn't want to sever the bonds he had formed during his time in the Butcher Court, which led to this audacious suggestion.
Shang Yunfang, however, frowned, his displeasure evident as his voice grew heavier. "Choose both? How can you choose both? Since you're suited for Stick Technique, just go to Jinshi Academy. Trying to become the disciple of two Grandmasters will only lead to you biting off more than you can chew. I suppose you think that because you quickly grasped the basics of the bone-chopping butcher blade, you believe you also have a talent for Bladesmanship. But let me tell you frankly, grasping the basics quickly means nothing. Even achieving Minor Achievement within a few months isn't anything special. Many people have accomplished that over the years..."
Chen Ku deliberately lowered his head and said, "Actually... my Bladesmanship has already reached Great Achievement..."
Silence.
Then, Shang Yunfang's expression underwent a dramatic change. The somber look vanished, replaced by an intense fervor. "Great Achievement?!"
Chapter 86: Chapter 85: Becoming a Disciple
Great achievement?
After a moment of silence, Shang Yunfang's expression changed dramatically. He looked at Chen Ku incredulously and asked, "Bladesmanship? Your bone-chopping butcher blade technique has reached great achievement?"
His breathing quickened.
It was just as he had told Ke Yansheng. He wanted to take on an apprentice with even better talent and Root Bone than himself, so that these fine arts could be passed down from generation to generation, each growing stronger than the last. The previous master of Jinshi Academy taking Yang Luochen as his disciple was exactly such a case. His goal was to accept someone with talent and Root Bone comparable to Yang Luochen's in his youth.
So, when he initially heard from Ke Yansheng that Chen Ku had achieved an entry-level grasp of Bladesmanship in just four or five days, he wasn't particularly impressed because that was similar to his own experience.
To be honest, Shang Yunfang's own Root Bone talent wasn't actually that remarkable. It was merely considered good in Baojiao County; if he were in Qiu Dragon Mansion, it would only be considered above average. Conversely, someone like Yang Luochen, if in Qiu Dragon Mansion, would be considered top-notch. Root Bone was a matter not easily categorized precisely, but the differences between individuals were quite discernible. For instance, it had taken him, Shang Yunfang, a full year and a half to achieve great achievement in the bone-chopping butcher blade technique.
"Yes, it is the bone-chopping butcher blade," Chen Ku affirmed.
Yang Luochen became anxious.
This is bad!
He, too, found Chen Ku's statement incredible. For a person to possess such Divine Power in their Root Bone already indicated exceptionally high Innate potential. For that same person to also possess such exceptional talent in Martial Arts techniques was truly extraordinary. He immediately wanted to interject.
"The bone-chopping butcher blade... it's just Force Transformation Martial Arts, after all..." Yang Luochen said, feigning composure, intending to downplay the matter and brush it aside.
"You keep quiet!!" Shang Yunfang, even more agitated than Yang Luochen and disregarding his own injuries, snapped at him. Then, turning to Chen Ku, he said, "Come, let's go to the combat showcase area."
After Shang Yunfang finished speaking, Ke Yansheng's face flushed with excitement, and he looked at Chen Ku with immense surprise. The bone-chopping butcher blade at Great Achievement Level? In terms of proficiency with this Bladesmanship technique, I myself am only at this level!
After all, for most people, reaching great achievement in a single Martial Art was their limit. As for Perfection, that was only achievable, if at all, after a lifetime of dedicated practice in that specific discipline.
Soon enough, the combat showcase area was filled with many apprentices and workers who had come to watch the spectacle. Among them were Zhang Erniu, Che Ping, Huang Bao, and others who had shared a room with Chen Ku. They watched as Shang Yunfang handed Chen Ku a blade and then gave Ke Yansheng a meaningful look, signaling him to test whether Chen Ku's claim was true.
"Just attack me purely with your Bladesmanship. You can also use your brute strength," Ke Yansheng said, gesturing for Chen Ku to unleash his full power. "I've reached the Second Realm of the Mystic Barrier Realm, so rest assured, I can handle you. Only by doing so can you fully display your capabilities, and this will also be your chance to stay in the academy."
"Yes, Disciple understands. Master Ke, please forgive my impertinence." Chen Ku then took a standard long blade from the combat showcase area. He advanced, executing the 'Whip Strike Penetrating Deep' from the bone-chopping butcher blade technique, his blade whipping and swirling like an actual whip.
He had already secretly activated Feng Guangbian. Drawing upon his Great Achievement Level experience with the Five Tigers Breaking Gate Blade, he chose the 'Whip Strike Penetrating Deep' move. This was because the Force Power, application of strength, and Divine Intent of this strike were almost identical to the 'Dividing Flowers and Brushing Willows' move from the Five Tigers Breaking Gate Blade.
With this single strike, Force Power surged and Divine Intent manifested. Indeed, it was as if the attack unleashed a cascade of falling petals and flowing water, stirring up numerous fine blade winds in midair that enveloped Ke Yansheng.
"Truly great achievement!" Ke Yansheng exclaimed, overjoyed at the sight. His feet shifted in a blur, like a golden carp, his movement technique incredibly fast. He instantly vanished from beneath Chen Ku's blade wind, simultaneously thrusting his own blade towards Chen Ku's flank.
The hairs on Chen Ku's body stood on end.
Such incredible speed! This is Master Ke's true strength! I had assumed my Four Symbols Power could overpower most opponents through sheer force. But now I truly understand that advancing in Martial Arts Cultivation... involves a comprehensive enhancement of the physique. I've only increased my Power, but in terms of movement technique and speed, I'm nowhere near a master who wields Inner Qi.
After all, no matter how strong he was, he was still mortal. Even if he wielded a staff weighing tens of thousands of pounds, if he couldn't hit his target, and his opponent, relying on superior speed and movement technique, could evade his attack and instantly pierce his throat with a sword, his Divine Power would be useless. In that critical moment between life and death, Divine Power would mean nothing.
However, facing Ke Yansheng's attack, Chen Ku could sense that Master Ke was merely sparring to test his techniques. Otherwise, a strike of that caliber would have already landed. Instead, Master Ke was deliberately holding back, waiting for Chen Ku's counterattack, solely to assess his Bladesmanship.
Since it was merely a test of his Bladesmanship, Chen Ku didn't hold back. He channeled his Great Achievement Level experience with the Five Tigers Breaking Gate Blade into his execution of the bone-chopping butcher blade technique. He performed several moves, such as 'Mercury Pouring Down,' 'Omnipresent,' and 'In and Out Without Gap,' all at a Great Achievement standard.
Finally, he came to the most crucial secret Combat Skill.
Lion Rolling Ball!
Chen Ku twirled his blade, and his entire body seemed to be enveloped by swirling blade winds.
To apprentices and workers like Zhang Erniu, Che Ping, and Huang Bao, who had not yet achieved Force Transformation, their eyes could hardly follow the movements. They could only see the blade in Chen Ku's hands disappear, as if it had transformed into a white, hazy ball rolling around.
Chapter 87: Chapter 85: Becoming a Disciple_2
The blade's wind howled and sobbed, sounding like the continuous buzzing of bees through the air!
"Good, you can stop now!" Shang Yunfang spoke out loudly.
Chen Ku heard the command, halted with his blade in place, and turned to look at the several masters and Shopkeepers.
He saw that Shang Yunfang's eyes were already red-rimmed with excitement. "Good, good, good! In just two or three months, you have achieved great accomplishment in a form of bladesmanship, albeit only at the Force Transforming Realm. But with such a talent for learning the blade, I am sure you can also learn my Black Tiger Butcher Knife, and even surpass the original by far!"
What he had sought all his life was someone with greater talent than his own. And now, he had found him! Right before his eyes! The talent and Root Bone of this apprentice were shattering everyone's expectations one after another.
"No way!" Yang Luochen stepped forward and said, "This is the heaven-sent successor I've carefully selected, waiting for my entire life. He must learn my Furious Ape Mighty Staff."
Shang Yunfang replied indifferently, "Elder Yang, you saw it with your own eyes. The child is not only suitable for the staff, but his talent for the blade is even stronger. He has achieved great accomplishment in a bladesmanship form in three months, while your Skyward Strike is still at Minor Achievement."
"Bullshit, Shang the Dwarf! Can you really compare your ordinary bone-chopping butcher blade at great accomplishment with my Ultimate Skill Level Furious Ape Mighty Staff at Minor Achievement?"
Yang Luochen once again showed his temper, cursing aloud, "He must go to Jinshi Academy, where I will personally teach him the Stick Technique."
In the training yard, the apprentices and helpers were dumbfounded. Especially those who had lived in the same room as Chen Ku looked at the young man in the long gown in shock. Although Chen Ku had told them once during the monthly exam that the gap between people was vast, they never imagined it could be this huge.
Zhang Erniu murmured dazedly, "To have two masters from Medicine King Hall competing fiercely just to take him as an apprentice... this achievement... this is what it means to be a genius!"
He felt he had really broadened his horizons. This was the first time he knew being a genius could also mean this.
But it wasn't just Zhang Erniu. Even the three Shopkeepers looked at each other in astonishment.
It had indeed been the first time for Medicine King Hall, established over a hundred years ago and a century-old famous institution, to witness two masters fighting over an apprentice to take in as a disciple. Of course, this was inseparable from Chen Ku's display of Root Bone Divine Power and his talent for bladesmanship.
"Don't forget, the child also has a talent for pharmacology," Cao Shouxiong said to Chai Bao. "Won't you fight for him?"
Chai Bao shook his head. "How can I compete? Both the masters, Master Yang and Elder Shang, have reasons to argue – one for his Root Bone Divine Power and the other for his talent for bladesmanship. If I were to get involved as well, they would probably turn on me first."
Although he also yearned for a genius like Chen Ku—who wouldn't like a genius? But Chen Ku had never practiced archery. On what grounds could he compete?
He could only watch as Yang Luochen and Shang Yunfang argued, until Yang Luochen delivered a heavy blow, "Shang the Dwarf, have you forgotten who took a knife for you when you were transporting medicine herbs? And you've also forgotten... if it weren't for me a few days ago, you wouldn't have survived. Fighting with me for a disciple? You ungrateful old man!"
Shang Yunfang's expression stiffened.
Seeing this, Yang Luochen became even more smug, stroking his beard. "Nothing to say now, huh?"
Shang Yunfang sighed inwardly, then looked at Chen Ku. In the end, perhaps having figured something out, he said, "Fine, I'll compromise. After all, the boy himself made it clear just now that he wants to learn both, and indeed, he has the qualifications to do so. Let's both take him as a disciple at the same time."
Shang Yunfang didn't notice. When he said this, the Store Manager and the Second Shopkeeper at the edge of the martial training ground both showed a change in expression.
As the Third Shopkeeper, Cao Shouxiong, right beside them, was very clear about their thoughts. He mused internally, "Are they afraid that someone sent by the Owner in the future won't be able to control those who have risen from the lower ranks? Am I such an example?"
But the more this was the case, the more he wanted to help Chen Ku, who was in a similar situation to himself. Before the two Shopkeepers had a chance to speak, he said, "I think Elder Shang's proposal is very good. After all, it is better to pass on our techniques to one person than two. I also want to see how far someone who can learn both the Furious Ape Mighty Staff and the Black Tiger Butcher Knife can go on this path."
Yang Luochen looked at the Third Shopkeeper, then at Shang Yunfang, and then at Chen Ku. Slowly coming to terms with the fact that a genius disciple couldn't be monopolized by one person, he couldn't help but sigh and said, "Fine, let's do it. But I'm old and must naturally be the Chief Master."
Shang Yunfang rolled his eyes. "You are already older than me. Why would I fight with you over this?"
"Then what about the teaching arrangements?"
"One day each."
The Store Manager and the Second Shopkeeper watched as Cao Shouxiong and the two masters settled the matter with just a few words. They had to acquiesce. Expressing any opposition at this moment, especially with Yang Luochen—the hall's current Guardian Deity—involved, would make managing such a large organization difficult.
Before long, Chen Ku watched as the two masters seated themselves on Taishi Chairs while Ke Yansheng brought over tea, pouring two cups.
The discipleship ritual!
Chen Ku approached respectfully, serving tea to each in turn, saying, "Chief Master, Second Master, your Disciple Chen Ku offers tea."
Yang Luochen and Shang Yunfang both accepted the tea with satisfaction. After taking a sip each, Shang Yunfang said, "From today on, you are no longer an outsider in our Medicine King Hall; you are completely one of our own. Especially as a disciple of both of us, you have the status to see eye to eye with ordinary masters... In a while, someone will take your measurements, and then you will be given an embroidered robe as a symbol of your identity."
Upon hearing about the robe, Chen Ku couldn't help but recall seeing Huang Gun teaching for the first time. Back then, he had held great awe for Huang Gun's robe, not just because of its craftsmanship and price, but more importantly, because of the status and identity it signified. In the Medicine King Hall, those who wore such a robe had truly entered the upper class.
"Disciple thanks both Masters." Chen Ku bowed deeply.
Shang Yunfang said, "Alright, today I won't dispute with Elder Yang. You go to Jinshi Academy first to get acquainted, and come to Butcher Court tomorrow. I will teach you the Black Tiger Butcher Knife."
Yang Luochen was very satisfied with Shang Yunfang's cooperativeness. He was already eager to train his new disciple.
So he took Chen Ku to Jinshi Academy first.
"This is your Senior Brother Yang Shaoqi, who is now in the late stage of Inner Qi," Yang Luochen said, pointing to his eldest disciple as he introduced him to Chen Ku.
Chen Ku immediately paid his respects. "Greetings, Senior Brother."
Yang Shaoqi sighed. "With you here, Junior Brother, I'll no longer be the favorite. I'm afraid Master will now invest all his care in you, and I..."
Chen Ku was taken aback.
But before Yang Shaoqi could finish, Yang Luochen shot him a glare. "Then let me 'dote' on you in front of your Junior Brother right now."
Seeing his master's look, Yang Shaoqi immediately dropped into a Fierce Tiger prostration, his head thudding resoundingly against the ground. "Master! There's no need! To be honest, I've always hoped for someone to share Master's 'affection'!"
Watching his Senior Brother kneel so instinctively, Chen Ku felt a shiver down his spine, wondering if this new master's teaching method was particularly violent.
Yang Luochen, satisfied with Yang Shaoqi's quick admission of error, nodded. He then turned to Chen Ku and said, "You're at the Unity of Intent and Force stage now, right? Then you should be preparing for the breakthrough to Inner Qi. As it happens, today I will impart to you our Medicine King Hall's fundamental Qigong Mind Technique, the Qigong Section of the Everlasting Youth Classic, and the first four forms of the Furious Ape Mighty Staff."
Chen Ku's emotions began to stir.
Qigong! The secrets of Inner Qi. They were finally about to be revealed to him!
Chapter 88: Chapter 86: Killing the Eagle
In Jinshi Academy, within Yang Luochen's classically elegant courtyard, a painting of a white ape hung on the wall of the house. The ape was depicted squatting on a pine tree with its hands tucked in, gazing up at the great sun in the sky.
Beneath the ancient painting, Yang Luochen sat in a Taishi Chair, with Chen Ku standing opposite him and Yang Shaoqi to the side.
He was transmitting the technique.
"Our Medicine King Hall's Five Beasts Great Strength Technique emulates five Strange Beasts, and thus five Ultimate Skills have been derived from it," Yang Luochen said slowly. "However, after reaching the Inner Qi Realm, there is only one universal Inner Strength technique to be practiced, known as the 'Everlasting Youth Classic.' It can be combined with any of the Ultimate Skills to cultivate to the Fifth Realm—the Inner Strength Realm."
He continued, stroking his beard, "This Inner Strength technique can be considered the fundamental Martial Art of our Medicine King Hall. As the name suggests, Medicine King Hall originated from medical skills, not distinguishing between medicine and martial arts, with Health Cultivation being of utmost importance. Therefore, if one can successfully cultivate the 'Everlasting Youth Classic' to the Inner Strength Realm, they will be able to break the natural human lifespan limit of one hundred thirty and live up to one hundred eighty years old."
"One hundred eighty years!"
This was the first time Chen Ku had heard that practicing Martial Arts could increase one's lifespan. After all, having spent nearly half a year in Baojiao County, he was well aware that even Inner Qi Experts, and even those several Realms above, had normal human lifespans.
They were merely continuously tapping into the human body's potential, but lifespan was a fundamental limit set by human nature, a deadline.
Unless one could transcend the levels of life.
Now, he had finally heard the most substantial information.
To live for one hundred eighty years, almost as long as an entire Eastern Han Dynasty from his previous life's history... The allure of longevity!
Suddenly, with this prospect, Chen Ku felt nothing could be more heart-stirring than living for one hundred eighty years.
Haven't you heard? Even Monkey Brother, when faced with various Magic and Divine Skills, most desired the answer to the question, "Can it bestow eternal life?"
"Master, aren't you currently in the Fifth Realm, the Inner Strength Realm? Doesn't that mean you are only in your prime now?" Chen Ku asked.
Master Yang's age was no secret in Medicine King Hall. He was one hundred years old this year, about the same as Wudang Zhang Sanfeng. Yet, the thought that he could live another eighty years was astonishing. Even as only a Martial Practitioner, in Chen Ku's world, he would be considered like an Immortal.
"Roughly speaking," Yang Luochen said, stroking his beard. "Once a Martial Practitioner reaches the Fourth Realm of Meridian-Opening, they can slow their heartbeat to a turtle's pace and heal all internal injuries, living up to the theoretical human lifespan of one hundred thirty years. Our 'Everlasting Youth Classic' focuses more on Health Cultivation itself. Hence, in the Fifth Realm, one can live longer than those practicing other techniques. Now, I will impart to you the 'Internal Qi Chapter' of the Everlasting Youth Classic. Listen carefully; it consists of 1,201 words."
Chen Ku nodded, adopting a serious listening posture.
He then heard Yang Luochen recite the Incantation word by word:
"Blood is the mother of qi, qi is the commander of blood... Blood generates qi, qi circulates blood... So-called Inner Qi, is the qi within blood...
"Humans consume the essence of water and grains, the quintessence of medicine and meat, stored within the body, transforming into Essence Blood, nurturing all parts...
"Blood Qi is one; when blood is abundant, qi is strong; when blood is weak, qi is exhausted...
"Unity of Move and Force, Unity of Intent and Force, Unity of Qi and Intent; connect the Three Combinations, thus Inner Qi is born.
"The Incantation of this Chapter of the 'Everlasting Youth Classic' consists of 1,201 words. It aims to instruct Disciples on using Martial Arts Divine Intent to mobilize blood throughout the body. This then gives rise to Inner Qi, as blood movement leads to qi creation.
"Starting from Qi Sensation, the Inner Qi Realm has four minor stages: Qi Sensation, Sufficient Qi, Robust Qi, and Full Qi.
"Once qi is full throughout the body, one can challenge the Life-and-Death Mystical Pass..."
After finishing the recitation, Yang Luochen handed Chen Ku several pieces of paper with the Incantation written on them, saying, "Once you've memorized it, burn it. This is the method of mobilizing Essence Blood to generate Inner Qi, a secret of our art that must not be lost or disclosed to others."
Chen Ku carefully stored them away.
Next, Yang Luochen gave him three Fundamental Diagrams, saying, "Including the first technique that Shang the Dwarf acquired for you, these are the second, third, and fourth techniques of the Furious Ape Mighty Staff: 'Two Sticks Splitting Mountains,' 'Three Sticks Breaking the River,' and 'Four Sticks Scorching Wilds.' Each technique contains the Mental Realm specific to that move. Only when the Mental Realm is executed can it be considered Great Achievement."
Chen Ku etched this into his memory.
"You can first practice them with your senior brother in the courtyard."
Then, Chen Ku began to spar with Yang Shaoqi in the courtyard.
At first, Chen Ku could match his senior brother blow for blow, thanks to his strength. In a non-lethal exchange, they were evenly matched. But as time went on, because Yang Shaoqi had already reached the late Inner Qi stage of Robust Qi, his Inner Qi was both robust and full, and he showed no sign of fatigue even after half an hour.
Chen Ku, on the other hand, lacking Inner Qi for endurance and relying solely on his strength, found it difficult to continue.
But Yang Shaoqi was also having a hard time.
"My hands and feet are numb..." he complained. "Master, can you let Junior Brother practice on his own later? Though I can last longer, his strength is immense, and I suffer with each of his staff strikes."
"Stop complaining. You must accompany your junior brother in practice. Otherwise, how can we prove that he is more suited to practicing the Furious Ape Mighty Staff rather than the Black Tiger Butcher Knife?"
Hearing these words, Yang Shaoqi began to grumble inwardly again: You old man, always so concerned about your reputation, using me as a whetstone! Getting beaten numb by a junior brother who doesn't even have Inner Qi—don't I have any pride?
But he ultimately didn't dare to say it out loud.
Yet how could Chen Ku not appreciate his senior brother's sparring? He stepped forward, bowed, and said respectfully, "Senior Brother, you've worked hard. When I have time, I'll bring you something to help you recover."
"Sure thing!" Yang Shaoqi's eyes lit up. "It'd better be the eight dishes and eight bowls from Hongyan Tower. I really love that."
Yang Luochen snorted angrily. "Your junior brother was just an Apprentice before. Where would he get the money to treat you to Hongyan Tower? It makes more sense for you to treat him."
Yang Shaoqi deflated. All his money went into his Martial Arts practice, and he had no extra to spend at Hongyan Tower.
Chen Ku coughed and said, "Master, Senior Brother, to tell you the truth, I do have some family assets. I own an iron shop outside, and it will have its grand opening ribbon-cutting in a couple of days. If Master and Senior Brother could grace the occasion, I will arrange the feast at Hongyan Tower."
"Oh, who would have thought, you lad, were a mine boss?" Yang Luochen laughed upon hearing this. "Well then, that's great. In that case, I won't try to save you money."
Chen Ku was even more satisfied. Now that he had influential backing, the grand opening naturally needed an impressive ceremony. What could be more prestigious than having the second top expert in the county personally attend the ribbon-cutting?
He practiced in Jinshi Academy for half a day.
After Chen Ku became a Disciple, he generally didn't have to work anymore, but he still went back to the workshop in the Butcher Court as usual.
It wasn't for any other reason... He just wanted to see if, with his current status as the Disciple of two great masters, he was qualified to take on the task of dissecting Demon-level beasts.
Ke Yansheng was initially very happy to see Chen Ku return to stay the night. However, after hearing his request, he was surprised and seemed to understand something, asking, "Last time you said you used butchery to practice your Bladesmanship, was that true?"
"Yes, it's very useful," Chen Ku said, partly concealing and partly revealing the truth. Indeed, his growth owed much to the slaughtering work at the Butcher Court. Otherwise, where would his Four Symbols Power have come from?
The last time Chen Ku had requested a transfer to Workshop No. 3, which handled the butchering of large ferocious beasts, he had mentioned that he no longer felt any improvement from killing small wild beasts. That was why he switched to Workshop No. 3.
Many Apprentices in the Butcher Court had experience with practicing through butchery.
But at most, they would only reach Minor Achievement.
No one expected that Chen Ku could use this method to achieve Great Achievement in Bladesmanship in less than three months.
"So, you mean you want to try butchering Demon-level beasts now?" Ke Yansheng pondered for a moment and said, "With your strength, it's indeed sufficient. However, I'm afraid that now that you are a Disciple, you shouldn't be doing this dirty work anymore. Also, your other great master always likes to be clean."
"That's not a problem. Am I not taught by each master on alternating days? I can help out while I'm practicing in our Slaughter Court, and then go see the other great master the next day looking clean. There's no conflict," Chen Ku said, anxious that Ke Yansheng might not agree.
"Then... okay." Ke Yansheng looked over the procurement list of Butcher Court. "If this truly helps your Bladesmanship practice, then perhaps you can also quickly achieve entry-level mastery of Elder Shang's Black Tiger Butcher Knife through this method."
He continued, "Coincidentally, tomorrow, two First Realm Demons that were purchased will arrive. One is the 'Multi-faced Illusion Lion,' which can use its Demonic Qi to create illusory clones to confuse people. The other is the 'Golden-eyed White Feathered Sculpture,' which flies high in the sky and can cover twenty zhang in a single flap of its wings, making it extremely fast. The flesh and blood of these two Demons are premium tonics, not to mention their special parts, which are materials for refining 'Demon Cores'."
"You pick one. Yan Hairu from the court can handle the other."
Chen Ku looked at the two Demons on the list and made his decision.
「Before long, it was early the next morning.」
As per Chen Ku's request, a Golden-eyed White Feathered Sculpture, with a wingspan of about ten feet and locked inside a huge cage, appeared in the main yard of the Slaughter Court.
"Be careful. The claws of this Golden-eyed White Jade Sculpture are as tough as steel and capable of crushing swords. When its Demonic Qi bursts forth, even an Internal Qi Expert can be forced to retreat," Ke Yansheng warned with concern.
In the courtyard, many Apprentices of the Slaughter Court were watching Chen Ku.
They saw the future successor of the Slaughter Court, who had now become the Young Master of the Institute, open the cage. He confronted the Demon Bird that stood as tall as a person with a ten-foot wingspan. As the cage opened, the bird started to flap its wings frantically and screeched sharply, striking with its claw towards Chen Ku.
Chen Ku, holding a sharp knife, directly unleashed the Bone-Chopping Butcher Blade, going head-to-head with it. The force of his blade collided with the Demon Bird's sharp claws, creating sparks.
But as Chen Ku's Divine Power exploded, he directly grabbed the White Jade Eagle's ankle and, with a fierce yank, slammed it to the ground. Then, with a single slash, he slit its throat...
A First Realm Demon, especially one confined to a cage and unable to fly, had its advantage reduced by seventy percent. How could it be difficult for an Internal Qi Expert to kill?
[Diagram Master has killed the Golden-eyed White Feathered Sculpture, obtaining one strand of First Realm Demon-level Evil Qi...]
Chen Ku was satisfied. A flyer has arrived!
Chapter 89: Chapter 87 Hundred Miles
Chen Ku severed the Golden-eyed White Feathered Sculpture, a First Realm Demonic Being Level creature, with a single slash, eliciting gasps of amazement and admiration from the Apprentices within the Butcher Court. This was especially true for those senior and junior brothers from Workshop Three and Workshop Six who had worked alongside Chen Ku before.
Qin Sheng looked at the Golden-eyed White Feathered Sculpture. One of its claws was chained in the cage, and it was still flapping on the spot even after its neck had been cut. Despite being a bird demon and restricted, unable to take flight, it was, after all, a First Realm demon.
He hasn't even cultivated Inner Qi, yet he can... participate in slaughtering a First Realm demon, killing a bird demon as if it's a chicken. Qin Sheng wondered silently, Junior Brother Chen? Could he already battle an internal qi expert?
The autumn wind swept through the courtyard, ruffling Chen Ku's hair. He paid no attention to the others' stares and exclamations. After killing the Golden-eyed White Feathered Sculpture, he stepped back slightly, squatted down, and began to dissect the body with his skilled bladesmanship. The key parts of this White Jade Eagle's body had long been etched into his mind, thanks to Master Ke's reminders. As a large eagle, its most precious feature was its eyes. Being a demon, its vision was several times sharper than that of ordinary birds of prey, so its eyeballs, containing the essence of Demonic Qi, were valuable for medicine. Also precious were its Demon Meat and several white tail feathers from its tail, which were as tough as swords and blades—rigid enough to be ground and incorporated into medicine.
Chen Ku first plucked a dozen small, dagger-like white tail feathers, then proceeded with the dissection. With his current mastery of Feng Guang's Great Achievement Blade Technique, he wielded the sharp boning knife in his hand like a whirling sphere of blades, finishing the job in no time. In just a dozen breaths, a neat array of Demon Meat, the sculpture's eyes, innards, feathers, and demon blood were arranged on the rosewood table beside him.
"He's really efficient," Ke Yansheng and Yan Hairu, another master responsible for slaughtering demons in the Butcher Court, watched from not too far away, both impressed. Ke Yansheng had thought that Chen Ku, even if endowed with Divine Power, would still face some danger when confronting a demon comparable to internal qi experts. To his surprise, however, the boy didn't seem to care at all, working with clean, efficient movements and demonstrating astonishing strength.
Master Yan Hairu, who possessed a Second Realm Mystic Barrier cultivation and whose Inner Qi was coursing strongly, now had a smile on his face, much like Ke. "Good, at last, the court has a Disciple who can help share this old man's burden."
Usually, the task of dealing with the demon-level Demon Beasts in the court fell to him, the full-time slaughtering master, except for the occasionally troublesome ones personally handled by Grandmaster Shang. Now... it seemed he could finally find some time to relax amidst his busy schedule.
"Don't get your hopes up," Ke Yansheng said. Perhaps seeing something special in Chen Ku, his words were sarcastic and didn't mince words. "He's just been accepted as a Disciple by the two grandmasters; his status is on par with yours and mine now. From now on, he'll virtually be the leading figure in the court. You think he'd be your assistant? Do you even qualify?"
Yan Hairu chuckled, strolling away with his hands clasped behind his back, leaving a comment, "But the kid's willing to do it."
Indeed, Chen Ku was more than willing.
After finishing the slaughter, Chen Ku shook the blood from his hands and spoke gently to Qin Sheng and the other Apprentice brothers, "Alright, the butchering of this demon is finished. The rest is up to you all to grind and use in medicine. I'm going to wash up." Then he took off his apron and went to the bathhouse.
After a quick wash in the bathhouse, he deactivated Feng Guangbian. He then took the fresh, steaming Evil Qi of the Golden-eyed White Jade Sculpture and hung it on the Third Transformation Diagram.
[Golden-eyed White Feathered Sculpture Transformation! Transform!]
[Golden-eyed White Feathered Sculpture: Height nine feet, wingspan ten feet, white feathers sharp as swords, a pair of Golden Eyes able to see as far as a Hundred Miles. Soaring in the sky, a single flap of its wings covers seventy yards in an instant, and it is capable of flying three thousand miles in a single day... Possesses one hundred-millionth of the Bloodline of the ancient Sky-dropping Divine Eagle.]
[Golden-eyed White Feathered Sculpture · Shape Shifting]
[Shape Shifting Part: Golden Eyes (Can see for a Hundred Miles)]
Although he hadn't acquired the Power of Demonic Qi that could augment his physique through Shape Shifting, Chen Ku was thrilled by the Golden Eyes' vision he had acquired from the Golden-eyed White Feathered Sculpture. Able to see for a Hundred Miles! Isn't this just a scaled-down 'Clairvoyance'?
He immediately dried himself, dressed, and left the bathhouse to look outside.
At that moment in the courtyard, all the Apprentices in the Butcher Court were busy: some were drying herbs, some were grinding ingredients, and others were slaughtering beasts—everyone was diligently occupied.
Under Chen Ku's gaze, it felt as if the whole world had grown quiet. He could now distinctly see Qin Sheng inside Workshop Three dissecting a musk deer; the compound eyes of a few flies on the meat appeared magnified more than tenfold. Turning his head, he looked at the herbs drying in the courtyard. The textures of each medicinal plant were magnified hundreds of times in his vision, revealing their cut surfaces and tiny aphids that looked as large as washbasins. It was as though the entire world had been magnified a hundred times through his eyes. Most importantly, this vision could switch between near and far focus at will.
To test just how far he could actually see, whether it was truly a Hundred Miles, he specifically left Medicine King Hall. Out on the street, he found a small three- or four-story building. With a few quick steps, he leaped to the roof and stood there, looking towards the other end of the county town where the view was unobstructed. That area was the poor district, lacking tall buildings. Thus, with a single glance, Chen Ku's vision reached the City Defense Forces Ten Li away on the walls of Baojiao County, standing like lances in the watchtowers.
Chapter 90: Chapter 87 Hundred Miles_2
Under normal circumstances, without obstructions, an ordinary person's vision can distinguish a human figure as a black dot at a maximum distance of about five hundred meters. That's the limit. The Golden-eyed White Feathered Sculpture, however, could see a hundred times farther, as if the person were right before its eyes. From ten li away, Chen Ku could discern the intricate patterns on the scabbard of the blade worn by a member of the City Defense Forces.
So powerful!
High walls obstructed his view, limiting his sight to ten li, yet what he saw was as clear as if it were right before him. Thus, he had no doubt about the Golden Eagle's "Hundred Li Eye" ability. Consider this: the Golden Eagle is a bird of prey. Ordinary eagles fly at altitudes of several thousand meters; the higher they fly, the farther they can see. The Golden Eagle was even more exceptional than common raptors. It possessed a faint trace of an Ancient Great Demon's bloodline, enabling it to effortlessly see a hundred li from an altitude of several thousand meters. This was hardly surprising. And this was merely within the city. Chen Ku had no doubt that if he ventured outside the city and stood atop a mountain, he would possess the same keen vision.
Truly worthy of being a demon among avians! This heaven-defying vision is simply outrageous. With such eyesight, combined with my Four Symbols Divine Power, if I also had a Ten Thousand Catties Divine Bow, I could perhaps shoot down an Inner Qi Realm expert from several li away!
This was no exaggeration. Imagine: forty thousand catties of Divine Power paired with a ten-thousand-catty bow, launching an arrow covertly from several li away. The speed and force of such an arrow would likely surpass even Chen Ku's full-strength Skyward Strike!
The prerequisite, however, is a ten-thousand-catty bow, which is even harder to obtain than a thousand-catty heavy stick. Secondly, he had no actual training in archery. But that wasn't an issue.
One of Medicine King Hall's Six Ultimate Skills, 'Sky Eagle Eight Arrows,' is a Bow Technique. I once saw Instructor Chai use one of its arrows. However, because the archer was closed in on by a fist-fighter, not even a tenth of the archery's power was displayed, and he quickly fell to a disadvantage against Huang Muxia.
Chen Ku understood that this was definitely not due to a lack of strength in Instructor Chai or the Sky Eagle Eight Arrows, but rather the absence of a suitable opportunity and venue. These thoughts further solidified his plans concerning the Guardian Hall.
Then, as if guided by an unseen hand, his thoughts turned to his own various transformations.
True Lord had his Barks-at-Heaven Dog, Sky-Dropping Eagle, Three-Edged Double-Bladed Blade, and Golden Bow with Silver Bullets. I have my Skinny Dog and White Feathered Sculpture. I can also learn Bow Technique and practice Bladesmanship... And the most crucial point: True Lord was the second son in his family, and I am also the second in mine. We are both 'Er Lang'; how could I not claim to be the inheritor of True Lord's legacy?
Thinking this, his eagerness to learn Grandmaster Shang's Bladesmanship intensified.
Upon returning to Medicine King Hall, he had a simple disciple's meal. The meal box contained six dishes—three cold and three hot—accompanied by a nourishing Deer Antler and Cordyceps soup. Since his Cultivation had improved, Chen Ku discovered that the issue of his appetite was just as Master Kong had said... 'One never tires of finely prepared food, nor of meticulously cut meat.' Indeed, as long as the food contained sufficient Vital Energy, there was no need to consume dozens of large steamed buns at every meal.
...
In Shang Yunfang's small courtyard—each Grandmaster in the hall had a private, modest-sized courtyard, yet it was fully equipped.
"Master, your disciple has come to learn Bladesmanship," Chen Ku announced respectfully from outside the door, awaiting a response.
Shang Yunfang's voice preceded her as she slowly emerged. One arm was still bandaged, but the other held a narrow, two-foot-long blade. "I heard you assisted the hall in slaughtering a Golden-eyed White Jade Sculpture this morning. Well done. While your Four Symbols Power certainly played a part, it also indirectly demonstrates that your bone-chopping butcher blade technique has reached the current limit of your Cultivation. With this foundation, your progress in learning the Black Tiger Butcher Knife should be considerably faster."
"As you can see," she continued, "I am injured and cannot demonstrate much for you personally. However, I can compile the first nine forms of the Black Tiger Butcher Knife into illustrated diagrams for your study. Also... I will demonstrate a fundamental aspect of the Black Tiger Butcher Knife."
As she finished speaking, the blade in her hand flicked. A scroll resting on a side table near the door was sent slicing through the air and into Chen Ku's grasp.
Chen Ku quickly caught it. He didn't immediately unroll it, his heart stirred. Just like a true Grandmaster, Master Shang has taught me even more! I've heard the Black Tiger Butcher Knife has eighteen forms in total, and she's given me half of this Ultimate Skill already!
But he also looked up and asked, "Master? A fundamental aspect of the Black Tiger Butcher Knife? What is it?"
Shang Yunfang reversed her grip on the blade, slowly approached Chen Ku, and began her instruction: "Each of Medicine King Hall's Six Ultimate Skills has its own strengths. Elder Yang's Stick Technique is famed for its immense power and unmatched ferocity. The Black Tiger Butcher Knife also has its unique characteristic: speed. You sparred with Ke Yansheng, Master Ke, the other day; you should have sensed some of it. When an opponent's speed surpasses yours, even if you possess Thousand Jun Power, you cannot land a blow. If they seize an opportunity, a single slash to your throat—if they are even a fraction faster—you will be the one to die."
Chen Ku nodded in profound agreement. "Indeed."
Shang Yunfang continued, "The Black Tiger Butcher Knife is an exceedingly ruthless technique. When attacking, you treat your enemy as meat upon a chopping block. Each strike aims to gouge out the heart, tear out the lungs, sever tendons, or shatter bones. From this, you should understand that the bone-chopping butcher blade is a lesser technique derived from this very Black Tiger Butcher Knife. Thus, they share a similar ingenious underlying principle."
"However, therein lies the challenge. As an Apprentice, you used the bone-chopping butcher blade to dismember beasts on a cutting board. They were already dead, motionless, allowing you to apply your skills freely. But when your opponent is a living person, whose Martial Arts and tactics are far more complex than those of a mindless beast or Demon, how can you still treat them as 'meat on the chopping block,' utterly still and defenseless?"
Having spoken, Shang Yunfang looked at Chen Ku, her gaze evaluative.
A yellow leaf drifted down, carried by the wind in the courtyard.
Enlightenment struck Chen Ku. He said, "Master, you just emphasized the importance of speed. The key must be... speed! As long as my movements are faster than my opponent's, preventing them from reacting in time, then they become akin to motionless meat on a chopping block, correct?"
The autumn breeze rustled gently.
Satisfaction appeared on Shang Yunfang's face, which was about half a head lower than Chen Ku's, as she smiled. "You are correct. It is speed. What I am about to show you is the most fundamental secret of this Absolute Skill Level Bladesmanship: a movement technique that complements the Black Tiger Butcher Knife, known as the Piercing Sound Step."
"Piercing Sound Step?" Chen Ku listened intently. "Is this movement technique exceptionally fast?"
"As its name implies," Shang Yunfang stated calmly, "when cultivated to the Perfection Realm, you can outpace sound itself. The sound of your movement arrives after you do—sound moves, person arrives, blade strikes, enemy dies."
"Outpace sound?!" Chen Ku was astounded. "Does that mean one can dash a hundred zhang in a single instant?!"
"Precisely, but that is at the Perfection Realm. I have dedicated over sixty years to this movement technique and have only attained the Great Achievement Realm."
Shang Yunfang said slowly, "Nevertheless, at full exertion and augmented by Inner Qi, I can traverse seventy zhang in an instant. This courtyard is too confined. Come with me; I will demonstrate it elsewhere..."
The two departed. They proceeded directly out of Baojiao County and into a small grove beyond the city walls.
"I will demonstrate. Watch closely."
The moment Elder Shang finished speaking, Chen Ku fixed his gaze intently upon her.
Elder Shang, who had been standing merely two or three meters from Chen Ku, vanished in an instant.
BOOM!
The air where she had stood erupted with a sonic boom, instantly kicking up a massive ring of dust, like an oil-paper umbrella snapping open and unfurling!
In the next instant, Elder Shang reappeared over two hundred meters away, beneath a tree so thick it would take a person's full embrace to encircle it. A flash of her blade circled its trunk.
The massive tree crashed to the ground with a thunderous roar.
Chen Ku was utterly awestruck.
This is the might of Absolute Skill Level Martial Arts!