Journey to the West: The Immortal Clan Begins by Feeding Monkeys at Five Elements Mountain

Chapter 131 The Young Master of the Qiang Tribe, Possessed by Ghosts and Gods

Jiang Yi understood immediately.

What the man "saw" was not his own peasant appearance, but a divine aura emanating from within.

Just like now, he can also "see" the other person.

In his eyes, the young man in brocade robes was clearly a dragon lurking in the abyss, coiled up and motionless, yet his divine will had already begun to soar.

His aura was concealed and not revealed, but in reality, it was as deep as a mountain range and as solid as mercury.

It's as if a casual exhale or exhale can stir up a storm.

This kind of atmosphere has long surpassed the ordinary training of muscles and bones and the struggle of qi and blood.

It is a kind of "momentum" that emerges from the soul after the spirit and soul are in harmony and the form and intention are in sync.

Jiang Yi slowly walked to the front of the school, casually slamming the old hoe on his shoulder with a clang, raising a little dust.

He stood there, steady as an old root clinging to a rock, neither angry nor afraid, and said in a calm voice, "My name is Jiang Yi, and I'm a farmer."

After speaking, he glanced up slightly, looking at the distinguished young man with a clear and open gaze:
"May I ask, young master, what brings you to my remote village after traversing mountains and rivers?"

Upon hearing this, the young nobleman merely smiled slightly, as if he had found the question interesting.

"You want to ask my name?"

His gaze fell on the uneven calluses on Jiang Yi's palm, his tone as casual as if he were chatting:

"It also depends on your physique...whether you can withstand it."

Before the words were even finished, and without any visible movement, the person flicked their fingertips lightly.

A gust of wind emerged silently, chilling to the bone, and pierced straight towards Jiang Yi's chest.

Jiang Yi was already on guard. He casually swung his old hoe horizontally, the blade gleaming like frost, and swept it in front of him.

With a "whoosh," the gust of wind collided with the wind from the stick and was crushed to pieces, leaving not even a trace.

This block seemed effortless.

But Jiang Yi's heart sank a little.

The wind is invisible yet powerful, and the breath is silent yet deadly; clearly, the power moves with the spirit, and the breath is controlled by the will.

Like his own son, he was no longer an ordinary martial artist.

His soul had merged with his thoughts; every gesture he made was filled with murderous intent.

Before he could think it through, the young nobleman had already made his move.

With a light step, like a willow swaying in the wind, he darted to the front of her face in a flash.

With a single palm strike, its power was barely discernible, yet its sharpness was concealed within, aiming directly at the vital acupoint in Jiang Yi's chest.

Jiang Yi's expression remained unchanged, but he had already subtly shifted his feet, his movements fluid and graceful, as if treading on flat ground, making his actions unpredictable.

The hoe flipped up and down, its movements so fluid and precise that it seemed to fly through the air, its cold gleam sometimes hidden, its power contained within.

Each move, though unassuming, has its own set of rules, seemingly circular yet breaking through straight lines, with yin and yang complementing each other in the turns and openings, and rules governing their opening and closing.

The courtyard was instantly filled only with the sound of wind breaking through, like the rising tide and the sound of drums, with clothes billowing and powerful energy swirling around.

The young nobleman, who had previously had a playful smile on his lips and a hint of leisure in his eyes, slowly composed himself.

His palm techniques tightened, the force like surging waves, one palm after another, seemingly without end.

Jiang Yi did not confront him head-on, but instead used a single move, his hoe flashing, both defending and drawing the opponent's attention, remaining as steady as ever.

Despite the fierce attacks, he remained as immovable as an old tree with deep roots, defusing them with skillful force.

"Excellent staff technique."

The young nobleman paused, abruptly withdrawing his palm strike, a smile playing on his lips.

This smile, unlike the casual one before, revealed a hint of interest and a long-lost appreciation.

"The level of understanding is a bit shallow... but the approach itself has some merit."

He could see it clearly.

The old farmer before me is not yet in harmony with his soul; he is merely following a rudimentary path of using martial arts to cultivate qi.

But with just this skillful and fluid staff technique, his palm technique didn't gain him the slightest advantage.

He laughed loudly, his voice like the clanging of metal, clear and melodious, yet carrying a hint of delight.

With a light step, he gracefully retreated, his movements light and agile yet steady and composed, like a hawk soaring through the air, moving with effortless ease.

He slid his right hand down his waist.

"Choke!"

A dragon's roar pierced the air, and a flash of cold light appeared as the scimitar, inlaid with silver and gold and decorated with patterns resembling swimming dragons, was drawn from its sheath.

Before the knife even approached, a chill was felt first, and the light of the sky seemed to dim.

"Come again."

Before he could finish speaking, he had already moved.

With a wave of his hand, a blade of energy shot out, silent and without force, yet aimed directly at his face, like a cold star falling into the night, quiet yet resolute.

Jiang Yi remained unmoved, and with a sudden twist of his old hoe, he managed to deflect the sharp blade.

Before he could catch his breath, the young master had already stomped his foot.

His figure moved like a wild goose skimming across a cold river, closely following the blade's aura. A flash of blade light silently appeared, moving left and right like lightning or a whirlwind sweeping away clouds.

This time, his attack was no longer one of probing or concealment, but rather a unified display of energy and intent, with the blade moving in accordance with his thoughts.

The killing moves were unrestrained and deadly, each strike completely enveloping Jiang Yi's body, both in terms of appearance and reality.

Jiang Yi suddenly felt his energy flow become chaotic, and he was surrounded by sharp edges, like thorns on his back, leaving him with almost nowhere to hide.

Despite his best efforts, his staff techniques and footwork remained disciplined, and his flips still revealed a sense of seasoned skill.

But the blade moved unpredictably, like a living thing, and with each movement, it had him firmly under its control.

As the air leaked out, the force gradually weakened, and the once steady and flawless staff technique finally showed signs of strain.

Jiang Ming watched anxiously from the sidelines, and finally couldn't help but take a step forward.

Unbeknownst to him, several people had appeared beside him, standing lazily in the shadows under the eaves, blocking his path.

The leader leaned against a doorpost, a broad smile playing on his lips, but his eyes were cold. He spoke with a forced, insincere grin:

"My young master is in the mood, so I advise you not to spoil his fun."

Jiang Ming's brow twitched, he stopped in his tracks, and his fists clenched silently.

In the courtyard, Jiang Yi's breathing grew increasingly heavy, and the old hoe in his hand moved with a newfound composure.

He retreated seven steps, each step hovering around the blade's edge. The blade's light was menacing, and its chill was like water. His back was now pressed against the rough trunk of the old locust tree.

The shadows of the locust trees were as dark as ink, engulfing half of his body. The interplay of light and shadow made his ordinary-looking old farmer's face suddenly indistinct.

The noble young man in brocade robes was clearly engrossed in the fight, his eyes burning with increasing battle intent, his sword strikes as fierce as a raging storm, leaving one breathless.

Seeing the blade just half an inch closer, he was about to strike with all his might.

Suddenly, the wind howled overhead!
A chilling force descended from the sky without warning, like thunder and rock-shattering, carrying murderous intent and rage, and descended upon us!
The young nobleman's pupils contracted, his feet paused slightly, and his sword strike faltered.

It turned out that someone was hiding in that old locust tree.

Jiang Xi was usually very lazy and liked to take naps in this locust tree.

When the sun is warm, bask in its warmth on your back; when it's cloudy and rainy, huddle among the branches and listen to the dripping water from the eaves.

She heard noises in the courtyard early this morning, but she remained calm and unhurried, hiding in a branch and squinting at it for a long time.

Seeing an opening, it suddenly flipped over and leaped down from between the branches!

With a locust tree branch in his hand, as thick as his palm, he brought it down with a whoosh, striking the young nobleman squarely on the head.

That blow came suddenly and fiercely, without any warning, yet it was delivered from a tricky angle, striking hard and fast.

Before the young master could react, Jiang Yi had already made his move.

The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes twitched suddenly, and his usually cloudy old eyes suddenly lit up with a ray of light, like water suddenly appearing in a dry well.

Instead of retreating, he advanced!

The old hoe in his hand, like an old snake coiling around a branch, stuck to the gleaming silver scimitar and held it tightly, not giving an inch!
At this very moment, Jiang Xi's staff descended with the force of a thunderbolt and the weight of a torrential downpour, aiming directly at the young nobleman's brow.

This time, there's no way to avoid it!

If it were to land solidly, it would probably dent that fair and delicate face by three points.

But in that split second, Jiang Yi felt a jolt in his heart, as if his soul had sensed something, and he saw the void sway.

It's like a wisp of silk silently drawn from the air.

"clang!"

Its clear and bright sound is like jade striking a bronze chime.

Jiang Xi's powerful strike, which was as strong as a collapsing mountain, was actually deflected three inches, only grazing her forehead.

The wind still blew, but only a chilling aura swirled in the courtyard before suddenly slipping into the clothes and disappearing without a trace.

Jiang Xi raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

With a light tap of her foot and a spun motion, she dissipated all the remaining force, landing quietly without the tip of the stick getting any closer.

Taking a moment to catch his breath, the young nobleman trembled slightly, and the blade flashed like waves, exuding a chilling aura that forced Jiang Yi to take a half-step to the side.

He then gracefully retreated three feet, his sleeves unfurled, and stood under the eaves as if he had never made a move.

His posture remained dashing, but his aura had become heavy and composed.

He raised an eyebrow slightly, as if he felt a little regretful, or perhaps with a deeper meaning, and even his eyes added a touch of playfulness.

Then, his gaze shifted and landed on the girl's face.

Upon seeing the expression in his eyes and brows, which clearly bore a resemblance to Jiang Yi, he paused for a moment, then chuckled softly.

"Interesting...it's really interesting."

The Qiang young master spoke in a low voice, a smile hidden on his lips, but his eyes held a hint of interest, with seven parts still lingering.

The courtyard was unusually quiet for a moment.

Only the wind rustles through the locust leaves.

At this moment, the young nobleman put away his aggressive demeanor.

He stood with his hands in his sleeves, looking relaxed, his gaze shifting back and forth between the father and daughter.

After a moment, he smiled gently, a subtle, enigmatic curve appearing at the corner of his lips.

"The mind is not yet settled, but the soul is already frozen... This approach is quite unconventional."

After speaking, he paused slightly, then glanced subtly at Jiang Xi's still-childish face.

"If it were just one child, one could say it was a stroke of good luck, an incredible coincidence; but this family has two, and one of them is so young..."

He stopped talking before he could finish.

But in that smile, it was clear that everything had already been said for others.

This family either has an extraordinary stroke of luck or is hiding a secret that cannot be revealed to others.

At this point, the Qiang prince suddenly smiled.

His smile no longer carried a knife; instead, he wore a gentle, businessman-like demeanor.

"It's quite interesting."

He shrugged, his tone light and casual, as if he were chatting about everyday life on the street corner:

"The original intention of this trip was merely to clear away a strange omen caused by someone who was ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth, so as to avoid stumbling blocks on the road ahead. Unexpectedly, I have stumbled upon such a pleasant surprise."

The tone shifted abruptly, the smile lingering, but the gaze darkened as it fell upon Jiang Yi, and she slowly uttered:
"If you two are willing to submit to my Shaodang tribe and offer up that method of cultivating the soul... I, Miwu, will guarantee your family immense wealth in the name of my father, the Shaodang chieftain."

He paused slightly, a meaningful smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"Furthermore, everyone in this village, young and old, has been spared and won't have to die in vain along with you."

Having said that, he waved his hand and finished with a smile:
"how?"

He asked the question casually, but his tone revealed a certainty, and his face showed absolute confidence.

Even though he had just witnessed the father and daughter's skills, he felt no fear whatsoever; on the contrary, his expression became even more resolute.

In his view, such conditions were already an immense favor; an ordinary person would probably have knelt down and kowtowed to thank the emperor for his great kindness.

Jiang Yi remained silent.

He slowly raised his head, his eyes filled with a heavy mist, murky like an old well, making it impossible to see what was hidden inside.

Jiang Xi stood to the side, remaining silent.

The father and daughter exchanged a glance.

No words were needed; the answer was already clear.

The next instant, Jiang Yi tightened his grip on the hoe handle, his fingers digging so deeply that even his knuckles turned a deathly white.

Without making a sound, Jiang Xi moved the heavy locust wood stick half an inch closer to her.

This mere half-inch is already the answer.

Miwu watched this scene without even lifting his eyelids, only letting out a soft "heh".

His smile held neither anger nor surprise, but rather a hint of contentment, as if he had anticipated this response.

Also.

If someone could use such powerful techniques, and was actually a spineless coward who would kneel down and beg for mercy at the slightest intimidation, it would kill the fun. What I fear least in my life is someone like this who stubbornly refuses to bow their head.

Knock on the drum inch by inch, break it inch by inch, until they kneel on the ground, only then is the play truly getting into the swing of things.

Jiang Yi's expression was as calm as an ancient well, remaining completely unmoved as the wind brushed against his temples.

He exchanged a glance with his daughter beside him, and then silently took the heavy old locust tree branch.

Jiang Xi picked up the somewhat comical-looking hoe, stood in front of the young man in brocade robes, and shielded her father behind her.

Jiang Yi did not rush to make a move. Instead, he slightly lowered his shoulders, his body sank, and his staff stance also lowered.

The blow was delivered extremely slowly, almost to the point of stillness, yet the tip of the stick carved a furrow about a foot deep into the ground. It was as heavy as a mountain, as imposing as a mountain peak, and thus it was called Yin.

Suddenly, the end of the staff flipped, floating lightly like cotton, swirling like silk, drawing a soft stroke in the void, like painting or writing, with a hint of concealing sharpness in the sleeves, this is the Yang.

Yin and Yang, heavy and light, create opportunities for transformation and combination between strength and gentleness.

Like the breath of heaven and earth, water and fire merging, a sense of natural perfection is condensed within this mortal body of flesh and blood.

Within his mind, two faint lights also flickered, one black and one white, like fire and water, flowing endlessly.

At the point where Yin and Yang intertwine, the intent of the staff becomes increasingly profound, and the force surges like a tide.

Like a terrazzo, it surges silently, accumulating power until it is fully unleashed; when it does, it is devastating.

At this moment, Mi Wu already considered the two of them as his own.

He stepped forward, a slight smirk playing on his lips, as if he had suddenly become interested, and casually exchanged a couple of blows with Jiang Xi.

His movements were unhurried and relaxed, and he even managed to glance at Jiang Yi from the side.

Quietly watching the staff slowly unfold, even before the move arrived, the intent of the staff was already like a mountain rain pressing down, about to burst forth.

The appreciation in his eyes was even stronger than before.

However, his expression remained nonchalant as the wind from the stick swept over him inch by inch.

Finally, the blow was fully prepared.

Jiang Yi didn't utter a word, but his eyes seemed to ignite with fire, a fire that, though not intense, was extremely bright.

With a sudden stomp, dust rose three feet high, making his figure appear to grow three inches taller.

The locust wood stick trembled and rose up, the sound of it cutting through the air like a startled swan. It flew up to mid-air, then turned down and struck straight at the center, as if it wanted to split the heavens and the earth apart with one blow!

This blow is not just about exhausting strength, but about exhausting bones, exhausting breath, and exhausting the heart.

It was all the hard work and knowledge he had accumulated over half his life, every meal and every moment of practice, that he had poured into this one move.

Once the stick falls, success or failure, life or death, none will think of turning back.

As the blow was about to land, Mi Wu finally dropped the nonchalant expression on his face.

It's like meeting a worthy opponent in drinking or chess; a feeling of exhilaration suddenly ignites.

He let out a loud laugh, his voice as resonant as metal striking a cauldron: "Good!"

With a swift sweep of his curved blade, he deflected the persistent old hoe and sent Jiang Xi staggering back three steps.

Instead of retreating, the man rallied his spirits, strode forward, and drew his sword to meet the attack!

The blade flashed, showing no mercy.

The dragon that was already coiled around the blade seemed to come alive at this moment.

As his energy surged, he transformed into a ferocious dragon roaring forth, its mouth slamming into the staff that seemed capable of splitting mountains and shattering peaks!
"clang!"

A loud bang, like the tolling of a night bell, startled all the birds in the mountain forest into flight.

Mi Wu felt a tremendous force, as heavy as an abyss and as turbulent as rolling waves, surge into the blade with a deafening roar. Layer upon layer, wave after wave, it shattered his tiger's mouth and threatened to break his arm bones.

The precious sword he carried finally let out a mournful cry and flew out of his hand with a "whoosh".

It spun three times in mid-air before finally plunging into the yellow mud with a "thud," its handle still trembling.

But Jiang Yi's blow, imbued with half a lifetime of cultivation and effort, did not falter in the slightest.

We must seize the opportunity, deliver a decisive blow, and end the game.

However, just as the blow from the stick was about to hit me, and was only a foot away from my forehead...

Suddenly, his soul trembled again, just as it had before.

This time, Jiang Yi calmed down and finally saw it clearly.

It was a dark shadow, like a drop of thick ink falling from the depths of the night, swaying gently.

Without a sound or a breeze, it swayed gently, like ink falling into a clear pond, causing ripples.

"Ding."

The staff swept across the shadowy figure, producing only a crisp sound, as delicate as a distant bell, untouched by dust, as if it came from a distant mountain valley, ethereal and elusive.

But it was this soft sound that made Jiang Yi's all-out strike seem as if he had hit an unseen mountain.

Its force was originally as strong as splitting bamboo, and it surged forward like a tidal wave, but it was forcefully suppressed and could not advance even an inch.

Not only did it not break anything, but the force was also bounced back intact.

In that instant, Jiang Yi felt as if his arms were splitting, his bones and tendons were cracking, and his chest was filled with churning blood.

With a low groan, his body flew straight back like a kite with a broken string!

He mustered his inner energy mid-air, twisted his waist, and slammed his feet onto the courtyard wall. Using the momentum, he flipped over and barely managed to stabilize himself.

Upon landing, dust and sand billowed up, leaving two deep marks about an inch deep underfoot.

Jiang Yi's heart sank immediately.

I felt a chilling aura creeping up my body from my limbs, slowly eroding me, like frost seeping into my marrow, making even my breathing feel slightly sluggish.

Only a faint trace of warmth remained on the corner of his right thumb.

Miwu stood there, also stunned for a moment.

After a long while, a smile finally returned to his face.

But that smile was no longer as relaxed as before; it carried a hint of undisguised seriousness.

"Not bad...not bad."

He spoke as if to himself, or perhaps savoring the essence and power of that strike, his voice softly echoing.

"This is getting more and more... interesting."

His words were still tinged with laughter, and his tone remained calm, but the joy in his eyes was impossible to hide.

Even an old farmer from the countryside has mastered such skills.

A thought quietly sprouted in his mind, like a wild grass.

It may be an unorthodox or miraculous method, or a lost and forgotten technique.

If it could fall into our hands, coupled with the foundation and resources of our clan, we might be able to forge a personal army with a refined soul and fearless courage.

At that time... he might be able to compete with his elder brother for the position of commander.

Before he finished speaking, he had already taken two steps, reached into the mud, and slowly pulled out the half-buried curved knife.

This time, however, he did not make a move.

With a flick of the wrist, the blade slid smoothly into its sheath with a clear "clang".

Along with the faint killing intent, it vanished instantly, like a knife sinking to the bottom of water, leaving no trace.

"I know you are not convinced."

His voice was gentle, his steps steady, and he slowly approached with his hands behind his back.

His aura was relaxed, and he didn't put up any defensive stance at all, as if he were strolling leisurely.

"Then let the two of you see for yourselves."

Before he finished speaking, he merely glanced at the two of them indifferently.

His eyes held no anger or fire, only a chilling coldness.

"Behold what it means to have...unmatched power of ghosts and gods."

Mi Wu's gaze shifted from Jiang Yi to the girl standing with a hoe.

"Show us whatever other skills you have."

He paused, a slight upturn at the corner of his lips, as if casually flicking a speck of dust from his shoulder:
"Today... if you can damage my clothes even a little bit, I will turn around and leave, and never set foot here again."

The situation is now clear. I do not seek to kill people, but only to destroy their spirit.

What he wanted was not two corpses lying in the dust, but two hearts prostrate on the ground, heads bowed, no longer harboring thoughts.

Jiang Xi bit her lip, her pretty face as gloomy as if a whole cloud was pressing down on it.

Holding the old hoe he had traded for from his father, it suddenly felt heavier, and he couldn't bring himself to swing it.

But just as she looked up, she suddenly saw...

Not far behind Mi Wu, the figure leaning on the ground, panting, was quietly giving her a thumbs up.

Those fingers were thick and strong, with distinct knuckles, and the palms were covered with calluses.

On that thumb, a polished brass thumb ring gleamed with a lukewarm light under the sunlight.

Mi Wu had already noticed the movement behind him.

Someone like him can be seen clearly whether a few fingers behind his back move or whether his sleeves tremble.

As for the few close attendants beside him, they saw it very clearly.

He didn't even lift his eyelids, but a hint of undisguised sarcasm appeared at the corner of his mouth.

The young master is destined by Heaven and is protected by gods and spirits.

Such trivial skills, honed from humble origins, are nothing more than the buzzing of mosquitoes and flies, merely adding to the amusement of others.

But when that light and shadow fell into Jiang Xi's eyes, it was as if a layer of fog that had been obscured for a long time had been lifted.

She took a deep breath, gripped the hoe handle tighter, her palms were already damp with sweat, but there was no tremor in her eyes.

Her other hand quietly dropped down, and she gripped the ordinary string of copper beads on her wrist even tighter.

The next moment, the father and daughter moved simultaneously.

One after the other, their steps were steady and unhurried, yet filled with murderous intent, heading straight for Mi Wu.

The sticks cast heavy shadows, the hoes whistled in the wind, and two long, slanted shadows were cast in the sunlight.

The initial momentum was fierce, but the landing point was extremely clever, with the left and right sides connected, sealing off the enemy completely.

Mi Wu remained standing with his hands behind his back, his face showing a hint of laziness, as if he were watching a somewhat interesting rural play.

Without raising his voice, without taking any precautions, and without even lifting his eyelids.

He was already making plans in his mind.

After the father and daughter had suffered enough, they knelt down and begged for forgiveness.

At that time, as you slowly unravel the mystery, that unorthodox method of soul refining will naturally come to you.

If they could truly bring him back to their clan, and with the added blessing of spirits and deities, who knows...

Before the thought had even fully formed, a cold glint flashed in his eyes, and the two men were already upon him.

The sticks and hoes flew through the air, about to strike the body.

Mi Wu's brow twitched slightly, and with a thought, the cold, dark shadow rose up in response.

It flickered in the void and appeared faintly, neither roaring nor howling, and rushed straight towards the two figures.

But just as they were about to reach that critical moment, Jiang Yi and Jiang Xi suddenly let go of each other's hands.

The hoe stick flew out, drawing a cross shape in mid-air, but it was not the end of the attack; rather, it was the beginning of a deadly intent.

The two men kept moving, their fists flashing as they attacked one after the other with overwhelming force!

His demeanor was even more ruthless and his killing intent even stronger than before.

The next instant, before the fist even arrived, a glint of bronze light from the fist had already grazed the shadow.

Unlike the blazing sun or thunder, it was just a faint, gentle light that flickered quietly.

The cold, dark shadow touched it suddenly, as if snow had fallen into boiling water.

With a soft hiss, before it could even roar in anger, it turned into a wisp of steam and dissipated into the wind.

The resentment vanished without a trace, the malevolent energy dissipated completely, leaving not even a lingering echo.

Those ghostly creatures that had devoured souls couldn't even muster a single glimmer of light.

The punch arrived with extreme ferocity, so fast that even the air couldn't catch a sound.

Mi Wu's face, radiating confidence, remained impassive, his brows unfurled and his eyes unblinking, not even registering a thought of astonishment.

Then two muffled thuds, almost overlapping, were heard.

A punch came straight at his face, breaking his nose bone completely;

A punch came from behind, hitting the back of the head and going straight to the base of the skull.

Jiang Yi and Jiang Xi attacked ruthlessly, showing no mercy.

One after the other, the two forces were not only heavy, but also collided with each other, converging at a single point.

There was a soft, muffled "pop," like a melon bursting open.

(End of this chapter)