Physical enlightenment begins with Xingyi Quan

Chapter 78 Ling Mu (Please subscribe!)

Inside the main hall of Lingmu Academy, Li Mu, the green-robed steward, had already put away the roster and gold notes, and rose to stand in front of Chen Jianghe.

He was in his early forties, with a thin face and three long wisps of beard.

The cuffs of the green robe were embroidered with intertwined medicinal herbs in silver thread, and a faint fragrance wafted from them as the wearer moved.

"Chen Jianghe," Li Mu began, his voice calm, "Now that you've entered Lingmu Academy, there are some rules I need to explain to you."

.

Chen Jianghe cupped his hands in greeting: "Please give your instructions, sir."

Li Mu walked slowly with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping over the medicinal herb fields outside the hall: "Lingmu Academy is different from the other four academies. Jinshu governs slaughter, Cangming emphasizes change, Yanchen seeks explosive growth, and Houtu strengthens the foundation. But my Lingmu—governs vitality."

He paused, then glanced at Chen Jianghe: "The so-called chance of survival has two aspects: first, medicine and alchemy, which can save lives and bring the dead back to life; second, lightness skills and hidden weapons, which can be used to maneuver and find a glimmer of hope in desperate situations. Therefore, disciples of this academy must cultivate both of these skills."

Chen Jianghe listened quietly, already understanding the situation.

"Let's talk about the accommodations first." Li Mu walked back to his desk, took out a map scroll, and unfolded it on the table. "Inner disciples all reside on 'Disciple Peak,' and their accommodations are divided into three grades according to the mountain's terrain."

He pointed to several small squares densely packed on the map: "Lower-class rooms, single rooms, only enough for one bed and one table, annual rent is ten taels of silver."

The fingertip moved upwards, landing on the slightly wider courtyard: "Central room, detached courtyard, with bedroom, small hall, and quiet practice room, annual rent fifty taels."

Finally, the group stopped at several secluded courtyards nestled against the mountains and beside the water, surrounded by bamboo fences: "A superior house with a private courtyard, containing a medicinal herb garden where one can cultivate one's own herbs. It is far from the hustle and bustle, quiet and suitable for spiritual practice. The annual rent is one hundred and fifty taels."

Li Mu raised his eyes and said calmly, "The rent must be paid in full at once, and the money should be handed over to the inn's accounting office. In addition..."

He paused, a subtle ambiguity creeping into his tone: "The sect provides each disciple with a maidservant to handle sweeping, washing, and meals. However, a separate training fee of ten taels is required for each maidservant," he continued, "and the academy will teach her to recognize medicinal herbs..."

"Be aware of the rules, so as not to accidentally touch the disciples' private possessions."

Chen Jianghe remained outwardly calm, but his heart sank slightly.

Ten taels of silver is enough for an average family of three to live on for several years in Yilin County.

Here, it's just a matter of paying the girl to "behave properly."

Li Mu seemed to read his mind, and a smile tugged at the corner of her lips: "You think it's expensive?"

Before Chen Jianghe could answer, he continued, "The Xingyi School has been established for a hundred years, with over ten thousand disciples. Resources are limited, so naturally, only the best are selected. Silver is the first filter. If one can't even earn enough to make a living, how can one talk about improving martial arts? How can one talk about seeking a way to survive?"

This statement is blunt, even somewhat cold.

But Chen Jianghe had to admit that it made sense.

In chaotic times, wealth is an integral part of power. The ability to accumulate and preserve wealth is also a skill.

"Disciple understands." Chen Jianghe nodded.

Li Mu hummed in agreement, put away the map, and then took out a wooden plaque about half the size of his palm from under the table. The plaque was inscribed with the two characters "Ling Mu" on the front and the number "Ding Jiuqi" on the back.

"This is your identity token. With this token, you can enter and exit the Disciple Peak, the Transmission Pavilion, and the Hundred Herbs Hall. All expenses within the sect, including rent, pills, medicinal bath materials, and the borrowing of cultivation techniques, will be recorded on this token and settled at the end of each month."

He handed over the wooden plaque, his tone becoming more serious: "Remember, the plaque is yours to keep. If you lose it, you must report it immediately, and the replacement will cost twenty taels. If someone else picks it up and uses it fraudulently, you will be responsible for all the debts incurred."

Chen Jianghe accepted the wooden plaque with both hands.

Li Mu then took out six more booklets of varying thicknesses and stacked them on the table.

The two books at the top have worn covers and are titled "Rules and Precepts of Xingyi School" and "Detailed Rules of Lingmu Academy" respectively.

"Three hundred rules for the sect, one hundred and twenty rules for the academy." Li Mu tapped the booklet lightly with his fingers, his voice suddenly turning cold. "You must memorize them thoroughly, word for word. Those who violate them will be punished, at best with the forfeiture of their monthly allowance and confinement for reflection; at worst with the abolition of their cultivation, expulsion from the sect, or even—purging the sect."

Chen Jianghe's heart tightened, and he nodded emphatically: "This disciple will definitely memorize it."

Li Mu's expression softened slightly as he pointed to the four booklets below.

"Illustrated Compendium of Herbs (Volume 1)", "The Secret of Springing Back to Life on Dead Trees (Basic Edition)", "Analysis of All Poisons (Volume 1)", and "Twelve Forms of Form and Meaning".

"The 'Illustrated Compendium of Herbs' requires students to memorize the appearance, medicinal properties, harvesting season, and incompatible relationships of 500 common medicinal herbs within three months. This is the foundation for disciples of Lingmu Academy, and they will rely on it for alchemy, medicine preparation, and healing in the future."

"The 'Rejuvenating Tree Technique' is the fundamental internal cultivation method of our academy." Li Mu picked up the dark yellow booklet, his expression solemn. "This method is divided into nine levels, the first three of which are specifically designed for the Transformation Realm stage. Since you have already achieved Minor Success in the Transformation Realm, you should begin practicing from the first level, 'Returning to Origin.'"

He lightly tapped the booklet with his finger, explaining in detail: "This layer, 'Returning to the Origin,' aims to guide the latent energy already generated within your body back to its source, refining your qi and blood, and unblocking all parts of your body. When mastered, qi and blood become one, and strength flows seamlessly and unimpeded—this is the state of perfected internal energy transformation."

"Once the first level is mastered," Li Mu continued, "one can move on to the second level, 'No Leakage.' This level focuses on condensation and control, refining the flowing qi and blood throughout the body until it is perfectly integrated and leak-free, controlled at will. On the day it is mastered, the body will be flawless, and the power will reach even the fingertips and the tip of the hair—this is called the perfection of transforming energy."

Li Mu's voice took on a solemn tone: "The third level is called 'Tongxuan' (通玄). This is a crucial step from 'Hua Jin' (化劲) to 'Ru Gang' (入罡), requiring a flawless and complete Hua Jin as a foundation. One must comprehend the mysteries of power transformation, triggering a qualitative change in Qi and blood, and nurturing the first wisp of pure and refined Gang Qi within the body. Once mastered, one enters the initial stage of Gang Jin, where power can penetrate the body, injuring others from a distance—a world apart from Hua Jin."

He put down the booklet, looked at Chen Jianghe, and his tone became pragmatic: "For you, the path is clear: first, cultivate 'Return to Origin,' reaching the pinnacle of Transformation Force; then refine 'No Leakage,' reaching the perfection of Transformation Force; finally, comprehend 'Profound Understanding,' opening the door to罡劲 (Gang Jin). With your foundation, if you can dedicate yourself to cultivation, supplemented by the Twelve Forms Fist to temper your physique, this process may not take too long."

He then picked up the dark brown-covered book, *Xingyi Twelve Forms*, and said seriously, "The Twelve Forms Fist, Dragon..."

Tiger, monkey, horse, alligator, rooster, hawk, swallow, snake, swift, eagle, and bear are the fundamental external training methods of Xingyi Quan for tempering the body and stimulating qi and blood.

"You must remember," Li Mu said, his eyes gleaming, "that the Gan Er Xing Quan and the 'Ku Mu Feng Chun Jue' complement each other, like two wheels of a cart or two wings of a bird. Practicing the fist exercises the internal organs to stimulate the Qi and blood, strengthening the body and bones; cultivating the method guides internal strength, nourishing the source. Neither is dispensable. In daily practice, you should prioritize circulating Qi through the method. Once the Qi and blood are active, then practice the fist forms. This will yield twice the results with half the effort."

He didn't elaborate on the sixth level or even higher realms, only saying, "The essence of martial arts cultivation lies in specialization and perseverance. As for the path after Gang Jin, you will understand its mysteries once you reach that stage. For now, you only need to focus your attention on these three levels of techniques and the Twelve Forms Fist."

"As for 'Analysis of a Hundred Poisons'—" Li Mu's lips curled into a meaningful smile, "In Lingmu Academy, those who cultivate life must also be aware of death. They must learn to recognize, identify, and neutralize poisons, and even use them. This book contains a hundred common poisons found throughout the world. You must memorize their properties, symptoms of poisoning, and antidotes within six months. Remember, the academy rules forbid the use of poison on fellow disciples. Those who violate this rule will have their cultivation crippled, their meridians severed, be imprisoned in the cold pool behind the mountain, and become lifelong slaves to testing medicines."

Slaves to drug trials — a living hell.

"Your disciple will remember this," Chen Jianghe replied solemnly.

Li Mu nodded and pushed the six booklets in front of him: "Keep them safe. Come with me to the Transmission Pavilion to retrieve the last item."

After saying that, he turned and walked out of the hall.

Chen Jianghe carefully tucked the booklet into his pocket and quickly followed.

The two walked one after the other through the elegant courtyard of Lingmu Courtyard, following a bluestone path towards the higher peaks of the mountain.

Along the way, they encountered several disciples of Lingmu Academy, all dressed in moon-white or light blue outfits with herbal patterns embroidered on their sleeves.

Some people squatted by the edge of the medicinal herb field to record its growth, some held bamboo sieves to dry the herbs, and others discussed the prescriptions in hushed tones in twos and threes.

Upon seeing Li Mu pass by, the disciples all stopped what they were doing, bowed, and greeted him: "Uncle-Master Li."

Li Mu nodded slightly, without saying anything more.

Chen Jianghe observed silently, and formed a preliminary impression of the atmosphere of Lingmu Academy—quiet, busy, and the disciples seemed to have little interaction, each focused on their own cultivation or affairs.

After walking for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a three-story wooden building appeared before them.

The building is simple and ancient, with upturned eaves and corners. Under the eaves hangs a plaque with the three characters "Chuan Gong Ge" (Transmission of Skills Pavilion), the characters are vigorous and powerful, with a hint of sword intent flowing through them.

In front of the pavilion was a small square paved with bluestone, where more than ten disciples were gathered, whispering among themselves.

Li Mu continued walking straight towards the pavilion door without stopping.

Chen Jianghe followed closely behind.

Just as the two were about to step into the pavilion, a voice shouted, "Get out of the way!"

A clear shout came from the side!

Chen Jianghe suddenly turned his head!

A tall figure swept in like a whirlwind!

The person who came was actually a woman!

She was nearly seven feet tall, half a head taller than an average man, with broad shoulders and a thick back. Her body was tightly wrapped in a black outfit, which accentuated her exaggerated muscle contours.

His arms were bare, his muscles bulging like cast iron, and his skin had a bronze sheen.

Most strikingly, she was carrying a giant bronze cauldron on her shoulder!

The tripod was about half a person's height, with three legs and two handles. The body of the tripod was engraved with intricate animal patterns, and it weighed at least a thousand catties!

The woman's steps were heavy, and with each step, the bluestone slabs made a "crackling" sound as they succumbed to the weight, sending stone chips flying!

She carried the cauldron and moved swiftly, her speed was astonishing, and in the blink of an eye she had rushed to the front of the Transmission Pavilion!

The disciples in front were horrified and hurriedly dodged to the sides.

The woman didn't even look. She stomped her left foot on the ground and leaped into the air, carrying the thousand-pound cauldron for three zhang. She crashed into the front of the Transmission Hall like a meteorite!

"Thump—!!!"

The giant cauldron crashed to the ground, and the entire square trembled for a moment!

The tripod legs are deeply embedded in the bluestone slab.

Smoke and dust filled the air.

The woman landed steadily, without blushing or panting. She simply raised her hand to wipe away non-existent sweat from her forehead, grinned, and revealed a set of white teeth.

She then turned her head, her gaze sweeping over Li Mu before finally settling on Chen Jianghe.

It was a face that exuded heroic spirit.

Her eyebrows were sharply defined, her eyes were bright as stars, her nose was high and straight, and her lips were slightly full.

His skin was a healthy wheat color, and there was a faint old scar on his forehead, which did not make him look fierce, but rather added a touch of bravery.

"Uncle-Master Li," the woman said, clasping her hands in greeting. Her voice was cheerful and carried the bold spirit of a chivalrous heroine. "Another newcomer?"

A rare smile appeared on Li Mu's face as he nodded and said, "Shu Ling, this is Chen Jianghe, who just joined our academy today."

After saying that, he turned to look at Chen Jianghe, his expression solemn: "Jianghe, this is our senior sister, Liu Shuling. Senior Sister Liu has been a disciple for twelve years and has already mastered the fifth level of the 'Withered Tree Rejuvenates Technique'. She has also thoroughly mastered the 'Twelve Forms of Xingyi' and her cultivation has reached the Great Perfection of Gang Jin."

The Great Perfection of罡劲 (Gang Jin) has been achieved!

Chen Jianghe was startled.

The woman before me, who looked no more than twenty-five or twenty-six years old, had already achieved mastery of the Gang Jin technique! What was even more remarkable was that she had completely mastered the Twelve Forms Fist!

"Chen Jianghe greets Senior Sister Liu." Chen Jianghe bowed respectfully, his posture respectful but not humble.

Liu Shuling looked him up and down a few times, then suddenly smiled: "Five Elements aptitude, reaching the Transformation Realm at eighteen—hmm, your foundation is quite solid. What, no one from the other four academies wants you?"

This question was direct, and even a little awkward.

However, Chen Jianghe remained calm and said frankly, "It is because this disciple's talent is ordinary and does not meet the standards of the academy masters."

A hint of surprise flashed in Liu Shuling's eyes, then her smile deepened: "You're quite honest. Well then, since you've entered Lingmu Academy, you're now my junior brother, Liu Shuling's junior brother."

She paused, her gaze shifting to the massive bronze cauldron sunken deep in the ground, and suddenly asked, "Can you lift this cauldron?"

Chen Jianghe was taken aback and looked at the giant cauldron.

The cauldron was thick and heavy, with ferocious animal patterns. Dark red medicinal residue remained at the mouth of the cauldron, emitting a strange smell that was a mixture of strong medicinal fragrance and blood.

"Disciple—I can give it a try," Chen Jianghe said slowly after a moment of contemplation.

A glint of light flashed in Liu Shuling's eyes: "Alright! Let's give it a try!"

Chen Jianghe said no more and walked to the giant cauldron.

He took a deep breath, and his inner strength surged from his dantian, flowing through his limbs and bones.

Then he bent down and gripped the handles of the cauldron with both hands.

It was icy to the touch, the handles of the cauldron were as thick as a child's arm, and the texture in my palm was as heavy as iron.

"rise--!"

Chen Jianghe let out a low shout and suddenly exerted force from his waist and back!

The massive cauldron, weighing a thousand pounds, rose with a resounding crash!

But just as the cauldron was three feet off the ground, Chen Jianghe's expression changed drastically!

This cauldron—something's not right!

It wasn't just heavy; rather, there seemed to be a strange "suction force" within the cauldron, constantly devouring the strength he exerted!

It's like punching cotton; the force is neutralized by the invisible force!

Even more strangely, the mixture of medicinal fragrance and blood odor emanating from the cauldron became increasingly intense as he exerted his strength, directly assaulting his mouth and nose, causing his blood and qi to churn slightly!

"snort!"

Chen Jianghe grunted, clenched his teeth, pushed his internal energy to its limit, his muscles bulged, and his veins stood out!

"Bang!"

He lifted the giant cauldron above his head!

But it only lasted for three breaths.

Three breaths later, Chen Jianghe's arms trembled violently, veins throbbed on his forehead, and he slammed the giant cauldron down heavily!

"Thump!"

The tripod legs slammed into the bluestone again, causing the ground to tremble.

Chen Jianghe staggered back three steps before regaining his balance. His face was slightly pale, his arms were numb and sore, and his blood was churning.

Liu Shuling's eyes lit up.

"Excellent!" She clapped her hands and laughed. "To be able to lift it for three breaths already surpasses half of the disciples who have entered the academy! This Devouring Medicine Cauldron," which specializes in absorbing internal energy and disrupting blood circulation, would topple over if lifted by an ordinary cultivator of the Transformation Realm. The fact that you can lift it above your head shows that your foundation is far more solid than what one would expect from a cultivator with only the Five Elements Root Bone!"

The look in her eyes when she looked at Chen Jianghe held a newfound genuine appreciation.

Li Mu stroked his beard and smiled, clearly having anticipated this scene.

After laughing, Liu Shuling took out a thin book from her bosom and casually tossed it to Chen Jianghe.

Since you call me "Senior Sister," here's a little gift for you.

Chen Jianghe took it; the booklet had a light blue cover with four characters written on it: "Willow Leaves in Flight".

"This is a hidden weapon technique passed down in our academy." Liu Shuling's tone was casual, yet exuded confidence. "It takes the shape of a willow leaf, and is light, thin, fast, and unpredictable. When mastered, a single leaf thrown out is like a hundred leaves fluttering in the air, a mix of reality and illusion, making it impossible to defend against. Now that you've entered Lingmu Academy, you must learn the art of hidden weapons, and this technique is perfect for you."

Chen Jianghe was startled and solemnly accepted the gift: "Thank you for your generous gift, Senior Sister."

Liu Shuling waved her hand and looked at Chen Jianghe seriously, saying, "Junior brother, remember this. The Twelve Forms Fist and the 'Withered Tree Rejuvenates' technique must be practiced simultaneously. Cultivating both internal and external strength is the right path. These three levels of techniques and the Twelve Forms Fist are enough for you to practice for a long time. If you have any questions, you can come to the third quiet room on the east side of the Hundred Herbs Hall to find me."

Chen Jianghe solemnly replied, "This disciple will remember Senior Sister's teachings."

Liu Shuling nodded in satisfaction, grabbed the cauldron handle with one hand, lifted it up as easily as carrying a lantern, hoisted it onto her shoulder, and strode towards the medicine field.

My steps remained heavy, the bluestone slabs creaked, and I disappeared into the bamboo forest path in the blink of an eye.

Li Mu then withdrew his gaze and looked at Chen Jianghe, saying calmly, "Shu Ling is straightforward and values ​​practical skills. Since she gave you the technique, it means she acknowledges you. Cherish it."

"This disciple understands," Chen Jianghe said solemnly.

Li Mu nodded, turned around and walked into the Transmission Hall.

The pavilion was spacious, with wooden shelves reaching up to the roof standing all around, displaying countless books, scrolls, and jade slips in various categories.

An elderly man with gray hair and beard sat behind a long table by the door, resting with his eyes closed.

Li Mu stepped forward and handed Chen Jianghe's identity token: "Ding Jiuqi, retrieve the accompanying hidden weapon manual for 'Fluttering Willow Leaves' and one hundred basic hidden weapons."

The old man opened his eyes, examined the wooden plaque, and took out a scroll of sheepskin illustrations and a cowhide bag from under the table, handing them over.

"The diagrams must not be circulated outside the sect; violators will have their cultivation revoked. Once all the hidden weapons are used up, you can get more with a token, limited to one hundred per month." The old man's voice was hoarse as he finished speaking before closing his eyes again.

Li Mu handed the items to Chen Jianghe and said, "I've given you everything I could. Remember, from today onwards, you need to do three things every day: First, cultivate the internal strength of the 'Withered Tree Rejuvenates' technique to nourish your qi and blood; second, practice the Twelve Forms Fist to activate your internal organs; third, memorize the 'Illustrated Compendium of Herbs,' which is the foundation of this academy. These three complement each other and none can be neglected."

He paused, his tone profound: "The Xingyi School has been passed down for three hundred years, proven by countless disciples. Cultivating internal strength alone is like a tree without roots; practicing only the forms is like water without a source. Only by cultivating both internal and external strength, and harmonizing form and intention, can one find the right path. Once you have mastered the first level of the 'Returning to Origin' technique in the 'Withered Tree Rejuvenates,' and reached the pinnacle of Transformation Strength, you will understand its wonders."

Chen Jianghe nodded emphatically, engraving these words into his heart: "This disciple will certainly cultivate diligently and tirelessly, and live up to the cultivation of my master."

Li Mu hummed in agreement, and finally instructed, "Go. Go to the Disciple Peak and rent a room to settle down. Three days later, at Chen Shi (7-9 AM), come to the Transmission Hall for the first lecture of the 'Illustrated Compendium of Herbs.' Don't be late."

Having said that, he didn't linger and turned to leave.