Water elemental became a god, ultimately becoming the master of heaven, earth, mountains, and rivers

Chapter 195 Martial Arts Flourish, Scholar Ma Inspects the Accounts (4.6K)

In particular, it uses small red dots to mark various different routes of Qi circulation.

It is somewhat similar to known martial arts principles, yet it is also quite original.

Fist techniques, body techniques, external martial arts training methods, and techniques using swords, spears, halberds, and other weapons...

It seems that one can find a reference or model for regulating Qi within it.

Bai Manlou's gaze gradually trembled, his throat went dry, and he realized how precious this meridian chart was.

The two approached the scene with seriousness, eagerly turning to the next page.

It seems that the two were not true masters who had practiced martial arts for many years, but rather children who had just entered the path of martial arts and had accidentally obtained profound truths, and felt a sense of insignificance.

"I have a friend with whom I once discussed the way of martial arts at a restaurant called Erhunpu. I gained a lot from the discussion. Afterwards, I realized that the so-called three realms of martial arts are inseparable from the three words: gathering, dispersing, and truth."

"Gathering is like rivers surging and gathering to form abysses, and quicksand gathering to form towers. The movement of the human body is not hidden in the surging of blood, but in the gathering of strength in muscles and fascia. In the beginning, one focuses on the muscles of one arm, and in the later training, one gathers the strength in the fascia of the waist and back, until finally the muscles of the whole body become one."

"Those who are scattered, even if their flesh and blood bodies have the strength of a thousand pounds, cannot withstand the hardness of metal and stone, or the impact of chariots and horses. If they are hit head-on, they will surely be damaged. Even if they have jade trees and precious clothes, with joints like mortise and tenon joints, they can support and dismantle."

“The true essence lies in nourishing the muscles and bones, all of which depend on the internal organs to transform qi and blood. A breath of impure thoughts will corrupt the blood, causing the muscles to wither and the bone marrow to dry up. Therefore, one must contemplate the true meaning.”

Line by line, word by word.

The commentaries are profound yet simple, revealing profound insights in seemingly ordinary places.

They often directly address the essence of martial arts.

Moreover, it encompasses everything.

In the end, the recorded content even transcended martial arts.

Instead, it refers to various ethereal and intangible insights that require communion with the spirit of heaven and earth.

It seems the author highly admires... enlightenment!

To realize.

I see the clear sky and bright moon, where grass grows and orioles fly.

Insects chirp and birds sing, water in a bowl and mustard seeds.

Spring comes and autumn goes, life and death, separation and parting.

The more Bai Manlou and Xiao Qingchou read, the more they felt like they were looking at scribbled characters.

It's like being a vulgar fool, racking your brains but still unable to understand even the formula the other person casually solved.

The two exchanged a glance, somewhat startled.

Such insights and understandings can only be achieved by martial arts prodigies and those destined to become grandmasters!

and……

Why do the thoughts and insights on swordsmanship, fist techniques, and knife techniques recorded above seem so familiar?

Bai Manlou's "Zhou Tian Liu Qi Sword"

Xiao Qingchou's "The Rainbow Step with a Cut Tail"

Master Hong Wu's "Hundred-Crack Wave Fist"

Zhou Yongyi's "The Twelve Chaotic Heaven-Shattering Hammer Techniques"

Even Nie Zheng's "Descent Bajiquan," whose tragic death and for whom the killer has yet to be found...

You can find clues and similar martial arts lineages in this commentary.

It seems that the original owner of this book had been silently observing what everyone was learning and practicing day and night...

"Li Dongyang, where did you buy this book?"

Xiao Qingchou's face flushed red as he rushed out of the house, his voice filled with barely suppressed urgency.

Bai Manlou followed closely behind.

"what?"

Li Dongyang, who had just finished his punches and was rubbing his hands together while breathing out warm air, was stunned to see his two masters looking like this. He took a half step back and whispered:

"No... I didn't buy it, someone gave it to me as a gift."

"Who?"

"Old Master Chen... Chen Shunan."

Li Dongyang's voice lowered even further, and he shrank his neck, clearly not understanding why the commentary had excited the masters so much.

Li Dongyang read that commentary.

I think I understand some of it, but I also think I don't. It's much better than the storybooks I bought before.

Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Two blurry figures instantly darted out of Chaodou Hutong, instinctively wanting to chase after that person and that train convoy.

But once they reached the street, they both stopped.

Then, as if on cue, they turned around and went back to the Fried Bean Martial Arts School without saying a word, and went inside.

It seems that what just happened was just an illusion.

"is it him?"

Inside the room, Bai Manlou's voice trembled slightly.

"Does it matter whether it is or not?"

Xiao Qingchou seemed to have figured out a key point, and his tone carried a hint of relief.

Since that person chose to use Li Dongyang to deliver this commentary to the two of them.

In a sense, the two sides reached a tacit understanding.

They rely on each other, one in the light and the other in the dark.

However, judging from that person's attitude, it seems that they do not want to get too involved with the Guoru Association, or even join it.

I just want to maintain a distant relationship.

The two were silent for a moment.

Xiao Qingchou picked up the annotation, his fingertips gently tracing the characters on the page, his gaze gradually hardening.
"But no matter what, even if this trip to the capital ultimately fails... with this annotation, the Guolu Society will have successors, and martial arts will surely prosper!"

"So, let's just go for it!"

……

Moving to a new home naturally involves visiting new neighbors, hosting a housewarming party, and entertaining old friends.

Chen Shunan had made preparations for all of this. He had already sent out invitations in advance and prepared four kinds of gifts, including tea, pastries, dried fruit, and wine, to give to the neighbors on both sides of the street.

After all, the Nine Great Families are a wealthy place, and even some of their large mansions have only second-rate martial artists guarding the gates.

Certain etiquette must be observed properly.

That way it will be convenient for him to do things in the future.

The carriage stopped at the entrance of Mianyi Residence, and the lanterns with the words "Household Celebration" hanging on both sides of the vermilion gate swayed gently in the cold wind.

Aunt Liu, accompanied by three or four young maids, was already waiting at the door to greet them.

Chen Shunan dismounted and looked around.

A faint, fishy stench wafted through the air.

Chen Shunan frowned, walked a few steps along the wall, and saw a small cart with a copper bell hanging on it parked behind the alley on the side of Mianyi Residence.

A mute man was throwing a pile of filthy food, including rotten fish and shrimp, bits of intestines and rotten pork hock, and leftover spoiled rice, onto the car.

Upon seeing Chen Shunan, the mute man wasn't afraid at all. Instead, he squinted and babbled in a silly manner, revealing a touch of honesty in his simple-mindedness.

“This is…” Chen Shunan’s gaze sharpened.

Aunt Liu gave an unnatural smile.

"Master, this is Jiang the Fool who dumps the dirty soil. As for those things, they're just temporarily placed here and will usually be taken away before dawn."

At that time, the recycling and disposal of household waste in the capital region was a major problem.

Ordinary families are fine; there's hardly any leftover food left. If a mouse gets in, it won't come out alive.

But some wealthy families had an enormous amount of food, clothing, and other necessities every day, including rotten meat and wine.

Thus, the profession of "dumping dirty soil" came into being.

They had to go into the city before dawn, going from street to street, collecting the dirty things piled up in front of the doors of both large and small households.

People who do this kind of work are of low social status, live in dilapidated cave dwellings, and wear tattered clothes; they are all poor and destitute.

They weren't allowed into people's yards, and they wouldn't even look at the customers.

Perhaps because the Mianyi Residence had been vacant for many years and no one lived there permanently, Guanghui Money Shop would occasionally send people over, but they would do so secretly and without making a fuss.

This led to many families in the nine households getting used to temporarily piling up this dirty soil at the side gate of the Mianyi Residence.

Anyway, they were taken away before dawn, and after a while, everyone got used to it, even thinking it was the natural order of things. When Liu Ma saw Chen Shun'an's expressionless face, her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly made a move to drive away that fool Jiang.

Chen Shunan shook his head, turned and walked towards the main entrance, casually saying,
"Give him a four-color water gift, and there's no need to say anything more."

Aunt Liu was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized what was happening. She quickly had her maid bring tea leaves and pastries, wrapped them up, and handed them to Jiang the Fool.

The fool took it, grinned, and pushed the cart away with a clatter.

A moment later, all the valuables and belongings were moved inside. Shui San'er, who had helped, didn't even drink tea before happily accepting her reward money and leaving.

So, when all the maids, led by Liu Ma, called Wan Niang "Madam" in unison.

Wan Niang was still a little taken aback, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she was at a loss for what to do.

Is this spacious and impressive three-courtyard house my own home?

And just as Wan Niang was in a daze.

She saw a beautiful woman dressed in a Taoist robe walk unhurriedly to the door, and with her usual aloofness, bow to Chen Shunan.
"Consort Chen".

As a woman, Wan Niang's gaze quickly shifted from initial doubt to certainty, guided by her intuition.

She's a slut too.

Wan Niang immediately understood what was going on.

Upon meeting the two women, Chen Shunan appeared quite at ease, even open and forthright. He took the initiative to put his arm around Wan Niang's waist and introduced them to each other.
"Qingchen, this is Wanniang, call her sister. Wanniang, this girl is called Qingchen. She is from Fujian and her parents died early. She has no sisters. You will have to take good care of her in the future..."

Chen Shunan's words had already hinted at who was in charge and set the tone for the inner quarters!
Chen Shunan wasn't a womanizer, but the flowers were in full bloom, and it would seem rather unromantic not to appreciate them.

Therefore, the peace and tranquility of the inner quarters must be ensured!

Wan Niang was incredibly clever; a smile immediately bloomed on her face, and she took Qing Chen's hand.

"So it's Qingchen. Shun'an mentioned you to me last night. You really are a delicate beauty."

My brother is in charge of many affairs, so I will take care of the Wan Ji for him.

Qingchen paused for a moment, then bowed to Wanniang and said softly,
"This humble Taoist priest... my daughter Qingchen greets elder sister."

……

"Steward, my name is Chen Shunan, and I now reside at Mianyi Residence. I have long admired the reputation of the wealthy Master Wang... This humble gift is of little importance and I would be grateful if you could convey my invitation to Master Wang to come to his residence this evening for some drinks..."

"So it really is Manager Chen! I've heard so much about you, I'll definitely pass on the message to Master Wang!"

"Then I'll take my leave."

"Take care, take care!"

The steward accepted the four-colored water gift, smiled and watched Chen Shunan leave before closing the door.

"Who's knocking at the door?"

A middle-aged man wearing a dark brown satin robe and sporting arched eyebrows walked out of the study and casually asked a question.

The steward explained everything in detail and presented the four-colored water gift with both hands.

"Chen Shun'an? Oh, that Wohujing shopkeeper, the Shui San'er who made a name for himself a while ago?"

Master Wang suddenly realized what was happening, and then called his son over.
"Dongya, you can go to the banquet in my place. I don't like noise and commotion..."

"Father, there might be quite a few important figures attending this banquet, including that Zhao Guangxi. Why not take this opportunity to cultivate relationships and build goodwill?"

"How many important figures could a mere well manager possibly invite to the housewarming banquet? No matter how powerful Zhao Guangxi is, he's just a nobody. How could he possibly have any influence over me, Wang?"

Master Wang waved his hand, his brows furrowed, and said...
"You go in my place... Lately, that Ma Liangcai has been wielding his authority like a tiger, checking accounts everywhere, making it impossible for me to eat or sleep. How can I possibly have time to care about Chen Shunan or Li Shunan..."

The title "Master Yuanwai" is not something anyone can just call out to.

Most of them were donated with money, and they received salaries from the imperial court, but they had no real power and were considered minor officials.

Master Wang once worked in the tax department of Wuqing County, calculating the likin tax for more than ten years, before retiring early and taking early retirement.

But recently, a "Qianning Envoy" named Ma Liangcai, who was in charge of the Four Translation Bureau, suddenly appeared.

In order to prepare for the accommodation of the Qianning delegation in advance, the Wuqing County government requested that all departments contribute money and effort to build a mansion.

The taxes and miscellaneous levies collected by the Holy Dynasty were divided between the central government and the local government. The portion collected was allocated to the central government, while the portion collected was allowed to be used by the local governments for expenses such as post stations, administration, education, and people's livelihood.

The key point is that Ma Xiucai seems to have the ability to calculate the heavens and the earth, and he actually accurately calculated the amount of silver that Wuqing County should have kept sealed over the years.

They wanted to use the reserved silver to repair mansions, pave roads, and build bridges.

Distribute the gleaming silver to the laborers below!
If he can't come up with the money, he'll check the accounts.

Investigate past events!
Can accounts be checked at will?
That would cost you your head!
Therefore, during this period, many officials like Master Wang were in a state of great distress and complained endlessly.

Moreover, Ma Liangcai, that blockhead, seems to have finally seen the light.

I don't know who gave him the idea, but he actually learned to use his position to intimidate others, and he always wore the "Qianning Envoy" token on his waist and said things like "By imperial decree, recommended by the county magistrate."

They were truly fearless and no one dared to mess with them.

He became a veritable rogue in officialdom!

Master Wang stayed where he was, gave Wang Dongya a few more instructions, and then went back to the study with Wang Dongya.

Throughout the entire ordeal, no one paid any attention to the four-colored water gift that the steward was holding.

Master Wang didn't even glance at it.

Seeing his master's attitude, the butler understood.

He casually tossed the four-colored water gift into the dusty storage room, locked the door, and left.

……

After giving the gifts, I returned to my residence in Mianyi.

The other seven neighboring households all agreed to attend the banquet.

Chen Shunan naturally didn't need to worry about the trivial matters of cleaning and tidying up the house.

He saw that Wan Niang and Qing Chen got along well, and even huddled together to talk intimately... Of course, it was mainly Wan Niang who was talking, while Qing Chen listened silently.

Chen Shunan then stopped interfering.

In the afternoon, the Mianyi Residence was bathed in warm sunshine. The weeping willows by the pond were still covered with remnants of snow, and when the wind blew, snowflakes fell softly onto the water's surface.

After taking a Huangya Dan pill, Chen Shunan began practicing the Flying Immortal Technique by the pond.

As for why he used Li Dongyang to pass on his annotations to Xiao Qingchou and others.

Chen Shunan had also given it careful consideration.

By now, Chen Shunan has vaguely realized that his identity can no longer be hidden.

After all, there are countless heroes in the world, like carp crossing a river, not to mention the mysterious and elusive cultivators.

Chen Shunan's strength and past actions can only be concealed for a time, not forever.

Even Xiao Qingchou seemed to realize that something was wrong with him.

Rather than burying one's head in the sand, it's better to find a good opportunity to subtly hint at one's identity to the Khru Association, this indirect 'ally,' so as to avoid accidentally harming one's own people in the future.

Moreover, the Holy Dynasty has a long reign and unfathomable foundation. It is nothing short of a pipe dream for Chen Shunan alone to try to shake its foundation.

We can only mobilize all forces that can be united and utilized.

Moreover, if the Guolu Society can truly utilize the martial arts commentaries left by Chen Shunan, it could produce several more true masters, and even become fertile ground for nurturing a martial arts grandmaster.

Chen Shunan's actions can be considered a blessing for generations to come, and he has established virtue and merit.

Of course, it can also serve as a long-term "money tree," reaping the rewards of people's wishes...

Kill three birds with one stone!
My steps are steady, and my mind is focused on the sea of ​​consciousness.

A strong wind swept across the pond, rippling the water, but the ripples were obscured by the dense bamboo and vines in the distance, and no sound was heard.

With Chen Shunan's current level of mastery, his Flying Immortal Force has almost returned to its original simplicity. Every move he makes is as fleeting as dust, and he is hard to find. His blood and qi have been piled up to the limit of the True Meaning realm.

The six scenes rotate, and only one scene remains to complete the Flying Immortal Technique.

"The Flying Immortal Force, or rather, every superior martial art seems to have a sequel. The Six Scenery Revolving Visualization Diagram of the Zhang family is a kind of qualification, a key... What lies beyond the Flying Immortal Force? The secrets of martial arts grandmasters, or even immortal techniques?"

A thought arose in Chen Shunan's mind.

Meanwhile, the Zhang family is desperately searching for a prodigy who has mastered the Six Scenery Revolving Visualization Diagram, hoping to complete the family's assessment.

The reason Chen Shunan was unwilling to reveal his identity was that he didn't know how the Zhang family of Tongzhou would treat those who had comprehended the Six Realms Reincarnation.

It's impossible to say there was no ulterior motive or exploitation of interests.

In particular, as "Flesh Immortal" gradually came to fruition, he was burdened by the yin filth and corpse energy, and tended to become a flesh spirit mushroom.

Could it be that the Zhang family is full of people who are all ginseng or wild ginseng?
Given this context, the Zhang family's continued emphasis on those who have comprehended the Six Realms of Reincarnation must have a profound meaning.

Therefore, Chen Shunan's main principle is to not act until he sees the benefits; he will never admit anything before he has a clear understanding of the situation.

After practicing until he was covered in a thin layer of sweat, Chen Shunan stopped and began to regulate his breathing.

(End of this chapter)