Narration System for the Journey of Martial Arts

Lu Xiaofeng said helplessly, "Without money, Dazhi and Datong won't answer a single question."

As they spoke, Lu Xiaofeng caught up with the thin, frail old man ahead, whose legs seemed to give way and who looked as if he might fall at any moment. It's unclear what Lu Xiaofeng said to him, but he waved and led the two of them into a dilapidated cave outside the city.

………………

Time passed, the sun climbed overhead, and on the mountaintop, the large purple cocoon crackled and eventually turned into a pile of purple powder and fell off. Su Yuchen opened his eyes, and the sickly look on his face had faded by nearly half.

Looking down at the pearl in his hand, he saw only a faint purple hue flowing inside.

Lu Xiaofeng has found the learned and knowledgeable Da Zhi and Da Tong, and he wants to know more about you.

Su Yuchen smiled and rose to float down the cliff. He was also a little curious about these two legendary figures.

………………

"One last question, is Su Yuchen the eldest son of the Su family?" Lu Xiaofeng asked, tossing in a silver ingot.

After a long pause inside the cave, an aged voice finally rang out: "Yes, and no."

"Yes and no? What kind of answer is that?"

At the entrance of the cave outside the city, Lu Xiaofeng was not satisfied with the answer.

He tossed the silver in his hand and said again, "Su Yuchen is the eldest son of the Su family. He grew up in Suzhou Prefecture since childhood. Why can't you answer such a simple question?"

After a moment of silence in the cave, a deep, aged voice said, "Ever since Su Yuchen appeared in the small building of Hua Man Lou, his appearance and temperament have changed drastically. Even if the Su family members see him now, they may not be able to confirm that it is him."

"Could he be an imposter in disguise?" Lu Xiaofeng asked, tossing in another silver ingot.

The aged voice said, "He is definitely not an imposter, I am certain of that, he is Su Yuchen. But as for why, I can only say I don't know. Perhaps, he is still him, but also not him."

Hua Manlou took out a silver ingot and threw it in, then asked, "Why did he faint outside the building?"

An aged voice came from the cave: "Everything is predestined."

Lu Xiaofeng couldn't help but twitch his four eyebrows. If the cave entrance hadn't been so small, he might have already rushed in.

"Ha ha……"

Just then, a soft laugh rang out from the side, and Su Yuchen appeared silently outside the cave.

Hua Manlou laughed and said, "Brother Su, have you found what you were looking for?"

Su Yuchen tossed the purple pearl in his hand and casually tossed it into his arms, saying, "Not only have we found it, but it's also very useful. I'm very satisfied."

Looking at the damaged opening and sensing the divination energy within, Su Yuchen remained silent for a moment before sighing, "No matter who you are, I don't want to cause trouble. I just want to recover from my injuries in peace."

"Brother Hua, could you lend me a silver ingot? I also have a question I'd like to ask," Su Yuchen said, turning his head.

Hua Manlou fumbled for the pearl in his hand, then smiled and took out a silver ingot, throwing it into the cave.

"What do you want to ask?" the aged voice rang out.

Su Yuchen pointed to the pearl in Hua Manlou's hand and asked, "Where can I find a celestial treasure like the Great Sun Purple Qi Jade Marrow?"

After a moment of silence in the cave, an aged voice said, "The treasure trove of the Southeast King's Mansion contains eighteen dou of mermaid pearls, one of which absorbs the essence of the sun and moon, making it a treasure of heaven and earth. However, the divine light of this treasure is obscured, making it difficult for ordinary people to discover."

Hua Manlou proactively tossed in a silver ingot and said, "How can I exchange that pearl from the Prince of Zhennan's mansion?"

An aged voice came from the cave:

"There is no way."

“Divine objects are inherently concealed, and even the Southeast Prince’s Mansion itself is unaware of the existence of such a treasure. If someone were to try to exchange it, the Southeast Prince’s Mansion would naturally know that something is amiss, and they would certainly not allow outsiders to take it. Nor would the Southeast Prince’s Mansion open its treasure vault to outsiders.”

"Therefore, it is impossible to exchange it under any circumstances, unless someone forces their way into the treasure vault."

After he finished speaking, the rustling sounds inside the cave faded away.

P.S.: My boss has given me more responsibilities, and things have suddenly become much busier, so I can only manage three chapters no matter what I write.

I will try my best to write a complete story, or at least provide an ending.

thanks for your support.

Chapter 411 On the Innate

In a teahouse in the city, Hua Manlou was groping for a bright pearl that looked like warm jade in his hand.

Lu Xiaofeng looked at it again and again, and still couldn't help but ask, "Purple pearls are rare, but they do exist. Is there something different about this pearl?"

"I thought you would keep quiet about it," Su Yuchen said with a smile.

Lu Xiaofeng couldn't help but touch his nose. He was already embarrassed to suspect his friend behind his back and be caught red-handed, and now that Su Yuchen said this, Lu Xiaofeng was even more embarrassed to ask.

Hua Manlou shook his head and said softly, "Brother Su won't mind."

Su Yuchen smiled and nodded, saying:

"If you ask me for Dazhi and Datong's answer, I can only tell you that they have already given you the answer, but as for how to understand it, I cannot tell you."

"However, I can tell you that this jadeite is just like the mermaid pearl in the Southeast Prince's Palace. It is extremely rare, and there may only be one in the world. Only such a rare treasure can help me recover from my injuries."

“You haven’t told me what’s different about this pearl,” Lu Xiaofeng said.

Su Yuchen said calmly:

"China is a vast country with abundant resources. There are countless jade veins buried underground, but it takes at least a thousand years and at most ten thousand years for a single jade vein to form a jade heart."

"If that's the case, ordinary people wouldn't think much of it, but this jade heart is a creation of heaven and earth."

"When it was formed, it was located in the dragon vein of the earth, absorbing endless earth energy. Later, the earth vein changed, and it had a great opportunity to rise into the clouds and absorb the essence of the sun and moon. It can be said that under the whole world, only this one has obtained the spiritual energy of heaven and earth."

"Although I have absorbed all the energy in this jade heart, leaving only a trace of foundation, it is still a pure yang treasure of heaven and earth. As long as I keep it in my bosom during cultivation, it can not only change my physique, help my cultivation, and increase my true qi, but also prevent me from having demonic thoughts and going astray."

"Wearing it on your body can protect your mind and prevent all kinds of strange and mysterious arts such as bewitching and soul-capturing; if you soak it in water, it can cure all kinds of cold and evil poisons. In short, it has many benefits."

Hua Manlou paused in his hand and said, "Such a treasure should not be given away so easily, even to a friend. Brother Su, you should take it back."

Looking at the pearl that Hua Manlou handed over, Su Yuchen shook his head and said, "This pearl is no longer of any use to me. I have absorbed all the energy within it. It would take thousands or even tens of thousands of years to restore it. You can keep it and play with it."

………………

Hua Manlou sighed, "Brother Su's injuries are very serious?"

Su Yuchen said calmly, "My injury is not in my body or my true energy, but in my soul. This is not something that ordinary mortal objects can heal. Only the most precious treasures of heaven and earth can help. Otherwise, I can only rely on the passage of time to heal myself."

"What kind of injury could damage the soul, allowing a person to cultivate to such a level?" Lu Xiaofeng couldn't help but ask.

Su Yuchen shook his head: "Then it just means your knowledge is insufficient. An ordinary person may not be able to cross the Acquired Realm even after a lifetime of cultivation, let alone understand my realm."

Hua Manlou said softly, "Since I started practicing the Longevity Technique, my hearing has improved day by day. Now I can even hear the sound of horses' hooves from ten miles away. Does this mean I have reached another level?"

Lu Xiaofeng stared at his friend in astonishment, confirming that he was not joking. Ten miles away, was this the level that martial arts could reach?

Su Yuchen shook his head and said:

“A realm is a realm, and an ability is an ability.”

Have you ever heard the sound of a silkworm breaking free of its cocoon, the sound of snowflakes falling, the sound of leaves breaking off from a tree, or the sound of flower buds slowly opening?

"When your heart is in harmony with heaven and earth, the way of nature resides within you. This is your realm, and it is also your path. You already possess this realm, but your cultivation method is inadequate, preventing you from unlocking your hidden potential."

"The Longevity Manual merely unlocks your potential, merging your realm and your abilities into one."

"By following your path and maintaining this state of mind and the unity of true energy, you will step from the acquired realm to the innate realm. This realm may not make you much stronger, but it is a gift from heaven and earth."

"When you reach a certain level, the Longevity Manual will grant you unique abilities, and the improvement in hearing is just one of them."

“You are not the only one to have crossed into this realm. Ye Gucheng is, and Ximen Chuixue is on the way. As for the others, they are still lingering outside the threshold of cultivation.”

………………

After a moment of silence, Hua Manlou said, "But Ximen Chuixue doesn't have such powerful abilities."

Lu Xiaofeng nodded in agreement.

Su Yuchen said:

"As I said, realm and cultivation method are equally important. Without a suitable cultivation method, even if you reach a certain realm, you are just an ordinary person who is slightly stronger."

"Ye Gucheng is as aloof as an immortal, so his swordsmanship is also as magnificent as an immortal. However, his swordsmanship is also infused with his soul and will, so although his swordsmanship is magnificent, it is not just for show. It is also more powerful, so powerful that no one can withstand his sword."

"Because it's not just swordsmanship, it's also his will. So the sword follows his heart, and therefore it's unstoppable."

"Unfortunately, he doesn't have the corresponding cultivation method, so he doesn't know how to proceed. Therefore, he can only stop here and has no room to move forward. Unless he can comprehend the path ahead, he will not be able to continue on his journey."

"Your path is one of closeness to nature. The secret of the Longevity Formula lies in the continuous cycle of life. This is the harmony between the Tao and the Dharma."

"Your lethality may not be as strong as his, but if you keep going, you will only get stronger."

"You probably haven't fought anyone in a long time, so you're not sure of your own strength. If you fight Lu Xiaofeng now, you'll find that the Spirit Rhinoceros Finger is nothing special."

"No matter how elusive the Spirit Finger technique may be, or how ingenious its moves may be, once it enters your mind, it will become traceable."

"If it were Ye Gucheng, his sword intent would be extremely pure and his destructive power would be even greater. You definitely couldn't beat him now. If you encountered him, you could only avoid his sharp edge, but he wouldn't be able to hurt you either."

"If the acquired realm is still considered an ordinary person, then the innate realm is already a master of the Dao."

"When you reach the ultimate innate state and your spiritual realm is developed to its limit, the next stage is the sublimation of the mind and true energy. In Taoist terms, this is the convergence of the three treasures of essence, energy, and spirit. When you reach this level, you will naturally understand."

Hua Manlou was silent for a moment, then said, "Brother Su said earlier that the two and a half people who could interest you were me, Ye Gucheng, and Ximen Chuixue?"

Su Yuchen nodded: "Simply in terms of realm, your realm is the highest, Ye Gucheng is still a bit behind, and Ximen Chuixue has only just entered the first stage."

“Brother Su didn’t mention himself,” Hua Manlou said.

Su Yuchen shook his head:

"The difference between innate and acquired is already like an abyss, and with each subsequent realm, the gap will only widen."

"My realm is beyond your comprehension. What you see is only a part of what I can show you."

[After hearing your theory on innate abilities, Lu Xiaofeng gained new insights into his own martial arts. He will follow in Ximen Chuixue's footsteps and embark on his own path.]

Chapter 412 At the Foot of the Mountain

Seeing Lu Xiaofeng deep in thought, Su Yuchen couldn't help but sigh. These protagonists of heaven and earth were truly not called that for nothing. With just a general description, they could comprehend it on their own and step into another realm.

Hua Manlou asked in bewilderment, "The Great Compassionate Zen Master of Shaolin and the Senior Mu Daoren of Wudang are both renowned seniors of Buddhism and Taoism. Are they not yet capable of comprehending this realm?"

Su Yuchen said calmly, "If one's heart is caught up in the mundane world, and one has forgotten about Buddha and Taoism, how can one possibly enter the gate? And those true Taoist monks who can truly enter the gate of the innate path pursue longevity, bliss, and the true meaning. They disdain martial arts."

Lu Xiaofeng looked up and said, "Senior Wu Dang, Daoist Mu, is indifferent to fame and fortune and travels all over the world. Is his state of mind not enough?"

Su Yuchen glanced at him and said, "I know he's your friend. But all I can say is, there are only people who misjudge others, not realms that are mistrodden."

"What about the honest monk? He is honest, follows his heart, and is devoted to Buddhism. Moreover, he is a disciple of the Buddhist sect, whose lineage has been passed down without interruption. Could it be that he has something to hide?" Lu Xiaofeng was furious.

Su Yuchen stood up, gave him a pitying look, and left without saying a word.

"What...what does he mean? Does he doubt my judgment in choosing friends?" Lu Xiaofeng said angrily.

Hua Manlou sighed, patted his good friend on the shoulder, offered a silent word of comfort, and then got up and left.

………………

The three of them arrived at the foot of Wanmei Mountain Villa, but Lu Xiaofeng sighed.

"Why aren't you going in yet?" Su Yuchen asked.

Hua Manlou laughed and said, "Because he was distracted by what you said and hasn't figured out a way to get Ximen Chuixue to come down the mountain yet."

Lu Xiaofeng said with a sigh, "Ximen Chuixue lacks nothing, he has money and leisure. Unless he is willing, I really can't do anything about it."

Su Yuchen said calmly, "There's always a way. Maybe you'll find a solution when you meet him."

Lu Xiaofeng sighed, "But now I don't want to ask him to come down the mountain."

Su Yuchen responded with an "oh".

"You just say 'oh'?" Lu Xiaofeng looked up and asked.

Su Yuchen glanced at him, looked at the azaleas covering the mountains and fields, and said, "Are you afraid he can't beat Dugu Yihe?"

Lu Xiaofeng asked, "In your eyes, what is Dugu Yihe's realm and martial arts skill?"

Su Yuchen asked, "Do you know what Dugu Yihe's best martial art is?"

"The Forty-Nine Forms of Dual Sword and Saber Techniques! This is his unique martial art," Lu Xiaofeng said.

Su Yuchen put his hands behind his back and said slowly, "Dugu Yihe was originally a great general of the Golden Roc Dynasty. The swordsmanship he practiced was naturally a military killing technique. So in the past, his person and his sword must have been very compatible."

"And now? Has his martial arts deteriorated?" Lu Xiaofeng asked.