Film and Television World Life Record

Chapter 532 The Fourth Level of Zixia Skill

Although the competition was tough, he gained a lot. Under the immense pressure of the seven-person combined sword formation, he finally comprehended the Yangwu Sword Intent, which he had never been able to grasp before. He mastered the Yangwu Sword Technique, which he had not been able to practice for so long.

This is only one aspect. As the sword intent of Yangwu grows, his internal organs surge, and his energy bursts forth, the third level of Zixia Gong is finally perfected.

In other words, the great threshold that had blocked countless martial arts practitioners from the third to the fourth level was no longer there, and he could break through at any time and enter the fourth level of the Purple Cloud Skill.

Li Mu didn't choose to break through on the spot, but set his time for tomorrow morning, at sunrise. The sunrise at Hengshan Mountain is beautiful, and he wanted to find the most beautiful peak to see it properly.

According to the sect's records, when one breaks through in the Zixia Gong, one enters a mysterious realm. If one happens to collect the misty purple qi in the morning during the breakthrough, even if one can only comprehend a trace of the mysterious meaning of the misty purple qi, it will greatly benefit one's future breakthroughs in the Zixia Gong to higher realms.

After a while, feeling that his strength had recovered to about 70-80%, Li Mu opened his eyes and saw Master Dingyi smiling at him. He was taken aback and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Martial Aunt."

Ding Yi remained silent, carefully scrutinizing Li Mu from head to toe before finally speaking, "You were the one who made a racket, disturbing my peaceful cultivation!"

As he spoke, his eyes gleamed with a sharp light.

Li Mu felt somewhat helpless upon hearing Master Dingyi's words. He had suddenly grasped the essence of the Yangwu Sword and, under the influence of his divine enlightenment, he had indeed started shouting and yelling incoherently.

However, this is something that cannot be controlled. When a martial artist breaks through in their skills, many people will make similar noises.

Everyone heard that, and without even saying a word, they knew that your martial arts skills had improved again.

However, this is Hengshan's territory after all, and many nuns are practicing in seclusion here. It would not be appropriate for them to suddenly shout.

He clasped his hands in a fist and said, "This disciple has been impolite!"

Master Dingyi showed no sign of blame. Instead, she carefully examined Li Mu and said with interest, "I saw you use the Yangwu Sword from afar just now. The sword's momentum was continuous and unbroken, with a powerful aura surging forth. You must have comprehended the Yangwu Sword Intent!"

Li Mu did not hide anything and replied frankly, "I must thank all the senior sisters for feeding me swords. I have been here for several days and have gained a lot. Today, I suddenly saw your sect's sword formation and admired it very much. I was itching to try my skills and was suppressed. I have gained some insights."

Master Dingyi said with some emotion, "Brother Yue is truly blessed to have such a fine disciple!"

Li Mu said, "Thank you for the praise, Uncle. However, all of you senior sisters are also exceptionally talented and have remarkable martial arts skills."

Master Dingyi laughed and said, "I heard you've come to say goodbye today?"

Li Mu said, "I have stayed at your esteemed sect for many days and have gained a lot. However, I still have letters to send, and I plan to set off tomorrow."

Master Dingyi nodded: "Alright! I won't keep you any longer. With your current martial arts skills, you'll be a formidable opponent in the martial world."

"When you encounter Hengshan disciples in the future, you should help each other and take care of them."

Li Mu said, "Uncle-Master, rest assured, I have remembered it."

……

After Abbess Dingyi left, Li Mu's interest remained high. He sparred with the sword formation formed by his seven senior sisters for several rounds until sunset. Only then did he descend Hengshan Mountain and return to the Hengshan Villa in the town.

The next morning, Li Mu got up very early, took a deep breath, and with light steps, he leaped up and sped towards a peak in Hengshan.

The sunrise viewing at Chaoyang Terrace on Mount Hua is world-renowned, and Li Mu watched it every day with great pleasure. I wonder what the view would be like from the top of Mount Heng.

If it can move me and allow me to comprehend a trace of the misty purple energy, then it will not have been in vain that I chose this place for my breakthrough.

Li Mu traveled at breakneck speed, unleashing the Spiral Nine Turns and the Heavenly Ladder in succession, leaping and bounding, dodging and weaving, borrowing strength from thin air, and achieving victory in every endeavor.

In the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, we reached the mountaintop.

The summit was empty and deserted. It was still early, so he found an open space, first practiced a set of Heaven-Turning Palms to loosen his muscles and bones, and then drew his longsword. He began practicing from the basic sword techniques, and the sword light flashed like lightning and silver snakes, with a strong wind howling. By the time he finished, the east was already turning a pale white.

Li Mu looked around and found a towering rock. He lightly floated up to it, finding it an excellent spot to watch the sunrise.

He looked up and gazed eastward. As the first rays of dawn broke through the darkness before sunrise, the first rays of light turned from gray to pale yellow, and then from pale yellow to orange-red.

The colorful clouds blended into the vast sea of ​​clouds on the horizon. The sun lifted the veil of clouds and drew back the curtain of rosy clouds, draped in a colorful robe, like a floating palace lantern, slowly rising into the sky. In an instant, it turned into a dazzling golden yellow, shooting out thousands of rays of light, dyeing all the mountain peaks.

Li Mu was mesmerized by the sight. Watching the sunrise here was a completely different experience compared to watching it from Chaoyang Terrace on Mount Hua. Upon seeing this scene, he was captivated for a moment. Looking at the endless clouds on the horizon, he thought of the Zixia Skill and had a vague understanding of it. He calmed his mind, closed his eyes, and carefully experienced it.

Suddenly, his dantian throbbed, and a surge of true energy burst forth, spontaneously flowing through his meridians. Li Mu knew that the time for a breakthrough had arrived.

He already knew the method of circulating qi in the fourth level of Zixia Gong. He had secretly studied it many times. He was extremely familiar with how to do each step, where to circulate qi, how to coordinate acupoints, how to deal with breathing, when to reverse the flow of qi, when to avoid the extraordinary meridians, and when to reverse the flow of qi.

He sat cross-legged on the rocks, clearing his mind of all distractions. He relaxed his body and mind, focusing his attention on his dantian (lower abdomen), free from all thoughts. He slowly inhaled and exhaled, his breath flowing gently and continuously, seemingly present yet absent.

Gradually, the purple mist gathered from the horizon, and with each breath, it moved in and out of the mouth and nose.

Li Mu began to guide his true energy to circulate in his meridians. At first, it was a bit awkward, but later it became smooth and easy. Li Mu gradually became immersed in it and eventually reached a state of spiritual enlightenment. He could sense the wind and grass moving within a radius of several feet. His true energy circulated and was tempered in his meridians in turn!

He continued to circulate his internal energy, his true qi flowing like a gentle stream, dense and continuous, gradually reaching a state of complete absorption in the universe. In an instant, he felt as if he had returned to the beginning of time, before the separation of heaven and earth, experiencing a profound stillness! His true qi moved spontaneously and automatically, circulating back and forth along his meridians, gradually becoming pure and refined!

His heart remained calm, and his true energy circulated endlessly, faster and faster. Gradually, his internal energy surged throughout his body, washing over his meridians and acupoints like a tidal wave. After several cycles, his true energy became more and more smooth and free, and finally slowly flowed into his dantian.

At this moment, the purple aura on the horizon grew increasingly dense. Li Mu focused his mind into the aura, merging the aura with his spirit, and his spirit and mind became one. Gradually, saliva was generated spontaneously. He swallowed it, and his mouth was filled with sweetness. His dantian warmed, and his whole body felt comfortable. With each breath, every pore on his body responded to the aura, and the swirling purple aura moved in and out of his mouth and nose with each breath!

For a moment, Li Mu felt a white blur before his eyes, and saliva spontaneously produced in his mouth, flowing down his throat, filling his mouth with a sweet taste!

He suddenly opened his eyes, his pupils gleaming with a sharp light. He had mastered the fourth level of the Purple Cloud Technique.

Li Mu slowly stood up from the bluestone, took a deep breath, and felt light and warm all over his body. His true energy was completely integrated and dense.

At this moment, his temperament also changed. If he looked at himself in the mirror, he would find that his face had a faint, crystal-clear jade color, and his eyes were as bright as stars. He had an air of ethereal elegance.

His demeanor became increasingly restrained, his posture both relaxed and upright, moving like a rabbit and remaining still as a virgin; in both movement and stillness, he already possessed the demeanor of a master.

The Zixia Skill is quite similar to the cultivation methods of ancient Qi practitioners, which is precisely what makes it so magical. It is said that when practiced to a high level, it can preserve one's youthful appearance. Just look at Yue Buqun, who is over fifty years old but still looks like he is in his forties, which shows how extraordinary this skill is.

His breakthrough had subtly brought him to the profound realm of the Purple Cloud Skill, so this unusual phenomenon was to be expected.

A cool mountain breeze blew by, and Li Mu stood on the cliff edge. Although he was only wearing a blue robe, he did not feel cold at all, letting his clothes sway in the wind.

Having achieved a breakthrough, it's time to leave Hengshan!

The next moment, Li Mu's arms trembled, and like a bird, he soared into the air, disappearing from the mountaintop in a few leaps.

Chapter 533 Dragon and Tiger Meet, True Qi Released

After leaving Hengshan, Li Mu rode Little White southwards towards Hengshan in the south.

He wasn't in a hurry to get going, so he walked and stopped along the way, experiencing the unique characteristics of the era while trying to comprehend the fourth level of the Zixia Skill.

Once you reach the fourth level of the Zixia Skill, you'll reach the threshold of projecting your internal energy outwards, but that's just the threshold.

Just like Linghu Chong, who has excellent aptitude, he reached the fourth level of the Baoyuan Gong at the end of last year. According to Yue Buqun, if he can release his internal energy externally within two or three years, it will be considered that he has been diligent in his practice.

As for ordinary martial arts practitioners, it's already quite good if they can release their internal energy externally after three to five years of cultivating their internal strength to the fourth level.

Even some martial arts practitioners, due to damaged foundations, poor aptitude, or inadequate skills, may never be able to project their internal energy outwards, even if they reach the fourth level.

That day, Li Mu traveled to the vicinity of Jiugong Mountain in Hubei Province. He heard that the scenery on the mountain was extremely beautiful, with the highest alpine lake in the area, "Yunzhong Lake," and the mountaintop was also a good place to watch the sunrise.

Since practicing the Zixia Skill, Li Mu has developed a great interest in watching the sunrise, and he always makes sure to visit famous mountains and rivers whenever he comes across one.

The next day, while it was still somewhat dark, Li Mu had already left the inn and sped off towards Jiugong Mountain like a wisp of smoke.

After breaking through the Zixia Skill, with the support of internal energy, his lightness skill reached a new level, especially in climbing the Heavenly Ladder. Now he can take two steps in mid-air, which is extremely mysterious.

Each time his momentum waned, he would lightly touch the rock face and rise again. His speed was even and steady, as if he were riding the clouds, his posture elegant and leisurely.

Before long, they reached the summit. With one step, they floated down silently.

The mountaintop offers a panoramic view, with lush greenery stretching for miles around.

Li Mu unfastened the long sword from his waist, sat down to regulate his breathing for a moment, and then, full of energy, drew his long sword and began to practice the thirty-six basic sword techniques one by one.

This introductory sword technique, though not particularly profound, is, in a sense, the most easily overlooked yet most important. If one masters it to its highest level, reaching a state of returning to simplicity, one can master any sword technique in the world, no matter how advanced, and learn it instantly.

After practicing the basic sword techniques and then the Yangwu Sword, the sky was already turning a pale white. Soon, a wisp of gold rose up. Li Mu found a towering rock, floated up lightly, and looked eastward. As the sun rose, it lifted the clouds and drew back the rosy curtain, radiating thousands of rays of light in an instant.

Li Mu was mesmerized by what he saw; watching the sunrise from this spot offered a unique experience.

Upon seeing this scene, and after carefully contemplating it, I suddenly felt something. I immediately sat cross-legged, and my inner energy stirred, as if a dragon and a tiger were converging. My whole body was in a state of harmonious flow, a state of complete chaos.

In the art of martial arts, sometimes one needs perseverance and courage to make progress; other times one needs to guard against arrogance and impatience and make steady progress. The choice is up to one's own mind.

At this moment, with the dragon and tiger converging, the internal energy in his body surged, and in the darkness, it was as if a great barrier had been opened. He felt much more relaxed, and his skin seemed to breathe. For the first time, he felt the wonder of nature and felt as if he were connected with the surrounding trees and rocks.

Li Mu gathered his inner energy and slowly channeled his true qi into his dantian. He was overjoyed. He had just broken through to the fourth level of the Purple Cloud Technique in seven days, and he hadn't expected it to happen so quickly. It could be said that it was a stroke of luck, or it could be said that it was a natural progression. The dragon and tiger had converged, yin and yang had harmonized, and he had broken through a major barrier for martial arts practitioners, now able to release his true qi externally.

Suddenly, Li Mu's heart stirred, and with a surge of true energy, a stream of air appeared out of thin air around him, clearing away the dust within a three-foot radius.

He reached out and slowly struck out with his palm, leaving a shallow palm print on the bluestone two feet away!

From this point on, true qi breaks free from the shackles of the human body, not only greatly advancing martial arts skills but also representing the communication between the body's internal and external worlds. Internal breathing, breathing through the pores of the skin, is no longer a difficult task.

The effects that the Nine Yin Manual's breath-holding technique could achieve can now be achieved simply through one's own level of cultivation, without needing the technique.

If one's martial arts skills are cultivated to the point where one can project their true energy outwards, one would be considered a renowned master in the martial arts world, and a pillar of any major sect.

Especially for those who practice martial arts, if they haven't reached the level of releasing their true energy, when they encounter someone with a weapon, they can only fight with their flesh and blood, and they will only be able to take a beating.

This also shows that cultivating the ability to project one's true qi outwards enhances martial arts skills.

Moreover, the ability to project true qi is not only a major hurdle but also a watershed moment in internal energy cultivation. Once this hurdle is overcome, one can not only regulate breathing through the mouth and nose during future practice, but also have all the pores of the body open and close with each breath, resulting in an increase in internal energy that more than doubles.

This is one of the reasons why those martial arts masters, after cultivating to the point of releasing their true energy, quickly widen the gap between themselves and ordinary masters.

However, in the current martial arts world, most of the masters who can release their true energy are over thirty years old, and their physical potential begins to decline. Not many can maintain their vigorous progress. Most people make rapid progress for a period of time, but then they hit a bottleneck and may never be able to break through it in their lifetime.

……

Overjoyed at his breakthrough in internal energy, Li Mu felt an urge to try his hand at it. He leaped into the air and disappeared from the mountaintop.

A moment later, a figure flashed through the forest. It was Li Mu. He moved with incredible speed and suddenly stopped in front of a tree that was so big that it would take one person to hug it. He struck out with his palm without any force. In the blink of an eye, a palm print inch deep was left on the tree trunk. The tree did not shake at all, as if he had never struck it!