Physical enlightenment begins with Xingyi Quan

Chapter 89 Invitation (Please subscribe! One more chapter to go!)

Xingyi School, Jinshu Academy.

Shen Hao sat alone in the quiet room, a newly delivered secret report spread out in front of him.

The secret report was very thin, only three pages long.

He stared at it for a long time.

"One man, one gun, and he took down the Caoshui Gang."

He repeated the sentence in a low voice, his gaze falling on the small print in the secret report: "The spear technique used by Chen Jianghe has been confirmed as the Heavenly Pivot Formation-Breaking Spear, the supreme martial art of the Golden Pivot Academy."

"

Tian Shu Breaking Formation Spear.

The foundation of the Golden Pivot Academy lies in its nine forms of spear techniques. Each form requires a master to teach it step by step and fellow disciples to practice and spar with it hundreds of times before one can truly grasp the essence of relentless, unyielding killing intent through the crucible of blood and flesh.

A disciple of Lingmu Academy, who had only been a student for a few months, managed to defeat a gang single-handedly with just a rubbing of a scroll.

Shen Hao closed his eyes.

He recalled the scene a few months ago when he decisively crossed out the name "Chen Jianghe" on the list of candidates for inner sect disciples.

Five elements and root bones, transforming strength at eighteen.

It wasn't that the Golden Prison couldn't accept Li Chengyue's apprentice, but he needed a reason, a reason that could convince himself, the entire academy, and explain why he wouldn't accept Li Chengyue's apprentice.

Then he thought of Shen Yun.

The younger brother who died under a hail of knives twenty years ago, the incomplete body, the eyes that never closed in death.

enough.

That reason is sufficient.

Nobody will say anything.

The younger brother of the head of the Golden Pivot Academy died in the mission that Li Chengyue accepted. The Golden Pivot Academy does not accept disciples of Li Chengyue.

That's what Shen Hao was thinking at the time.

But now, looking at the description in the secret report that "one shot kills the enemy, the spear light penetrates three feet into the body," he suddenly felt a tightness in his chest.

He practiced the Heavenly Pivot Formation-Breaking Spear for three years before he even got the basics down, five years before he achieved minor mastery, and ten years before he truly grasped its essence.

The gun's intent is "to advance without hesitation and never retreat."

But how long has Chen Jianghe been a student?

Three months.

He has been copying the secret manuals from the Xingyi Martial Arts Library for at most three months now.

In just three months, he mastered the Heavenly Pivot Formation-Breaking Spear technique to this level?

Shen Hao slowly opened his eyes, and a scene from twenty years ago seemed to appear before him: the martial arts arena of the Golden Pivot Academy, where a young man in a blue robe stood holding a spear.

The battle was won before the gun was even fired.

He broke through the Gang Jin at the age of twenty-two and touched the threshold of Zhen Yuan at the age of thirty. He is the most dazzling genius in the Jinshu Academy in the past hundred years, without exception.

Shen Hao had seen his gun far too many times.

Fast, ruthless, and accurate. Every shot was devoid of any fancy moves, just pure, unadulterated killing.

Shen Hao once thought he could reach that point too.

Until his younger brother Shen Yun died, until Li Chengyue was seriously injured and left the mountain, until he took over the Golden Pivot Academy and began to deal with those never-ending affairs.

"Chen Jianghe is a disciple of Li Chengyue of the Xingyi Martial Arts School in Yilin County."

Shen Hao repeated the words in a low voice, a sudden tightness in his throat: "Could this child truly be as exceptionally talented as my senior brother, which is why he was sent to the Xingyi Sect?"

The moment he finished speaking, he froze.

Senior brother.

This was the first time in twenty years that he had used this title.

Shen Hao lowered his eyes and looked at the gilded spear lying across the long table in front of him.

The gun barrel was dark, with a cold glint at the tip, and two small characters engraved on the shaft: "擎天" (Qingtian).

That was carved by Li Chengyue himself for him back then.

It is said that his marksmanship is powerful but lacks agility and flexibility, and he needs to have lofty ambitions to reach even greater heights.

He still remembers Li Chengyue's focused eyes when he was carving the characters.

I remember after Li Chengyue finished carving, he handed the gun back to him, smiling and saying, "Junior brother, in the future, we brothers will fight side by side and break through the clouds together."

Later, before he could even have the chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with Li Chengyue, he was seriously injured and had to leave the mountain.

The words "Qingtian" on that gilded spear were never mentioned again.

Shen Hao raised his hand and gently stroked the gun.

The moment his fingertips touched those two words, he suddenly felt that the resentment he had accumulated over the past twenty years was not so indestructible after all.

He took a deep breath. "Someone come here."

The disciple outside responded and entered.

Shen Hao said, "Go to Lingmu Academy. Tell them that Shen Hao, the head of Jinshu Academy, invites Chen Jianghe, a disciple of Lingmu Academy, to come to Jinshu Academy at Chenshi (7-9 AM) three days later to spar with him using spear techniques."

"If he can defeat someone of the same level, I am willing to make an exception and teach him the true spear technique of the Golden Pivot Academy."

The disciple was taken aback, then bowed and said, "Yes."

Chen Jianghe sat cross-legged in the quiet room.

Three days have passed since the battle at the Caohe Ferry.

He slowly finished his practice, opened his eyes, and a glint of light flashed in them.

[Destiny: Diligence is rewarded by Heaven; success is inevitable]

[Current Skill: Withered Tree Rejuvenates (Profound 6%)]

[Current Skill: Tian Shu Breaking Formation Spear (Minor Success 62%)]

The battle three days ago, though dangerous, deepened his understanding of marksmanship.

One against six.

Three were at the peak of the Transformation Realm, and three were at the Great Completion of the Transformation Realm.

In that battle, he used the Heavenly Pivot Formation-Breaking Spear's killing move three times from beginning to end.

The first time it was clumsy, the second time it became smooth, and the third time it was like a dragon shooting out, blood splattering five steps away.

Chen Jianghe snapped out of his thoughts, when suddenly there was a knock on the courtyard gate.

"Is Senior Brother Chen here? I am Mu Tian from the Golden Pivot Academy, here to deliver a message on the orders of the Academy Master."

The voice was not loud, but clear and pleasant to hear, conveying a sense of politeness while also carrying the reserved demeanor typical of disciples of the Golden Pivot Academy.

Chen Jianghe frowned almost imperceptibly.

He opened the courtyard gate.

Standing outside the door was a young man in his early twenties, dressed in the Jinshu Academy's uniform, with a dignified face and a respectful yet not humble demeanor.

It was Mu Tian.

Mu Tian clasped his hands in a salute, but his gaze subtly swept over Chen Jianghe.

This junior brother, who had only recently joined Lingmu Academy, was wiry and strong, with a restrained aura. Standing there, he exuded a calm and composed demeanor.

"Senior Brother Mu, please come in." Chen Jianghe stepped aside.

"No need," Mu Tian smiled. "The headmaster only asked me to deliver a message, and then he left."

He cleared his throat and said seriously, "The academy master heard that Junior Brother Chen single-handedly wiped out the Caoshui Gang, and also knows that Junior Brother has practiced the Heavenly Pivot Formation-Breaking Spear of our Golden Pivot Academy. The academy master said that Junior Brother has only been in the Xingyi Sect for a few months, yet his spear technique has reached such a level, which is truly remarkable."

He paused, then looked directly at Chen Jianghe: "The academy master wishes to invite Junior Brother Chen to the Golden Pivot Academy for a chat and to exchange spear techniques."

If my junior brother can defeat a disciple of the Golden Pivot Academy at the same cultivation level, the academy master is willing to make an exception and teach him the essential techniques of the Golden Pivot Academy's "Heavenly Pivot Formation-Breaking Spear" and his own insights.

After Mu Tian finished speaking, he looked quietly at Chen Jianghe, waiting for his reply.

Chen Jianghe remained silent for a moment.

"I am deeply honored by Abbot Shen's kindness," he said slowly, his voice calm. "However, I am currently focused on my cultivation and need to consolidate my realm, so I have no time to visit the Golden Pivot Academy. Please ask Senior Brother Mu to convey my gratitude to the Abbot on my behalf."

Mu Tian's smile faltered slightly.

He seemed surprised that Chen Jianghe would refuse so decisively.

"Junior Brother Chen," he carefully chose his words, "the Dean himself invited you to spar, an opportunity that others would kill for. Dean Jin Shu is a True Yuan Realm expert, and his insights are never shared. The Dean's exception this time shows how much he values ​​you, Junior Brother. Why must you—"

"Senior Brother Mu," Chen Jianghe interrupted him, cupping his fists and saying, "This disciple is indeed preoccupied with other matters and unable to attend to them. If I have the time in the future, I will definitely pay a visit to the academy master to apologize in person."

Mu Tian looked at him.

There was no fear or distress in those eyes, only a calmness.

A complex emotion swept through Mu Tian's heart.

He knew a little about the feud between Jinshu Academy and Chen Jianghe. Elder Sun Yuhai still harbored resentment over Sun Hongyao's death in Black Wind Cave. Although Academy Master Shen Hao had not made a statement, the attitude of everyone in Jinshu Academy towards Chen Jianghe was quite subtle.

"In that case," Mu Tian nodded, "I will report back to the academy master as such. Junior Brother Chen, farewell."

He turned and left, but after taking a few steps, he suddenly stopped and looked back.

"Junior Brother Chen," he lowered his voice, "the academy master's invitation to you for a sparring session is a well-intentioned gesture. He and your master, Li Chengyue, cultivated together at the Golden Pivot Academy in the past, and their friendship is very deep. This invitation may well be intended to help a disciple of an old friend."

"You—you'd better watch yourself."

After saying that, he strode away, his figure quickly disappearing at the end of the bamboo path.

Chen Jianghe stood at the gate of the courtyard and watched him leave.

To mentor the children of old friends?

He recalled the silence of the Golden Privy Council when Sun Hongyao's name was listed as being punished on the notice issued by the Court of Criminal Law that day.

I'm reminded of that saying—"Don't you understand who's behind the Caoshui Gang?"

Sun Yuhai, an elder of the Jinshu Academy, is Sun Hongyao's biological grandfather.

Chen Jianghe lowered his eyes.

Shen Hao invited him to spar, promising to teach him the true art of spearmanship. Was this a genuine act of mentorship, or did he have ulterior motives?

he does not know.

But he knew he couldn't afford to gamble.

Sun Yuhai lost his granddaughter and was framed. Everyone in the Jinshu Academy knew perfectly well who he was blaming.

What would happen if he really went to the Golden Pivot and stepped into that territory that hated him?

Did you accidentally cripple his arm during a sparring match?

Did he "accidentally" go into a state of demonic possession while practicing martial arts?

In fact, you don't even need to lift a finger.

With just a word from Sun Yuhai, there are plenty of ways to make this Lingmu Academy disciple suffer a terrible fate within the territory of the Jinshu Academy.

Chen Jianghe turned around and returned to the quiet room.

He did not continue his cultivation.

He took out a cloth bag from under his pillow, counted out two hundred taels of gold notes, and put them into his pocket.

Then, he pushed open the door and went out.

Liwu Cliff.

When Chen Jianghe stepped onto the last stone step, there was no one on the cliff top.

He waited for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn before he saw that familiar figure sweeping down from the bottom of the cliff.

Liu Shuling did not practice her martial arts today, and was only wearing a loose blue robe.

She leaped to the top of the cliff and saw Chen Jianghe standing at the edge. She raised an eyebrow slightly and asked, "What is it?"

Chen Jianghe clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Senior Sister, I have a request."

Liu Shuling walked to the old pine tree, picked up the water bag and took a few gulps before turning to look at him: "Speak."

Chen Jianghe took out the stack of gold notes from his pocket and presented them with both hands: "This disciple would like to ask for Senior Sister's protection."

Liu Shuling's gaze fell on the stack of gold notes.

Two hundred taels.

For her, the senior sister of Lingmu Academy who had achieved mastery of internal energy, it wasn't much, but it was certainly not little either.

She didn't answer, but instead looked up at Chen Jianghe and said, "Explain yourself."

Chen Jianghe nodded and recounted in detail the events of Mu Tian's visit and Shen Hao's invitation that day.

After listening, Liu Shuling remained silent for a moment.

Then, she smiled helplessly and said, "You little rascal, you seem like a quiet gourd, but you're quite cunning."

"Two hundred taels." Liu Shuling took the gold note and casually stuffed it into her bosom. "Alright, I'll take this job."

She walked to the old pine tree, plopped down on the bluestone, patted the spot next to her, and gestured for Chen Jianghe to sit down.

Chen Jianghe sat down as instructed.

Looking at the distant, rolling mountains, Liu Shuling suddenly asked, "Jiang He, do you know what kind of relationship Shen Hao, the head of the Golden Pivot Academy, had with your master, Li Chengyue?"

Chen Jianghe shook his head.

Liu Shuling said, "We are fellow disciples from the same school and academy. We are all disciples of the previous generation's Golden Pivot Academy Master. Li Chengyue is the eldest senior brother, and Shen Hao is the second senior brother."

"Back then, Li Chengyue was exceptionally talented. He broke through the Gang Jin realm at the age of twenty-two and touched the threshold of Zhen Yuan at the age of thirty. He was the undisputed candidate for the next head of the Xingyi School. Shen Hao has always held him in high esteem."

She paused, her voice lowering slightly: "Later, something happened. Li Chengyue accepted a mission, fell into an ambush, and was poisoned with bone-corroding poison. His junior brother, Shen Yun, died in battle. He risked his life to protect another junior brother and fought his way out of the encirclement, but his own foundation of internal energy was completely destroyed, and his path to true essence was severed."

"Shen Yun is Shen Hao's younger brother."

Chen Jianghe remained silent; this was the first time he had learned the reason behind it.

Liu Shuling continued, "Shen Hao hated Li Chengyue. He hated him for not protecting his younger brother, for taking that mission, and for coming back alive."

"But later he found out the truth and realized it was a sure-kill trap. The other side had deployed True Yuan Realm experts and five peak Gang Jin Realm experts. Li Chengyue had already given his all to protect one person and fight his way out."

"After that, Shen Hao never mentioned the matter again. However, when Li Chengyue asked to leave the mountain, he neither stopped him nor saw him off."

Liu Shuling turned to Chen Jianghe: "So his invitation to spar with you today may not have been out of malice. He just wanted to see how capable Li Chengyue's disciple really was."

Chen Jianghe listened without changing his expression.

"Senior sister," he said slowly, "where is Sun Yuhai?"

Liu Shuling was taken aback.

Chen Jianghe looked at her calmly: "Sun Yuhai's granddaughter is dead. He's holding me responsible for this. If I step into the Golden Privy Academy, what will he do?"

Liu Shuling remained silent.

After a long while, she sighed softly.

"You're right," she said. "Shen Hao may have good intentions, but the Golden Pivot Academy isn't just his. Sun Yuhai served as an elder there for forty years, and his disciples and former subordinates are all over the academy. If you go there, you'll be stepping into a tiger's den."

She stood up and patted her robes.

"Alright, I understand. From now on, if anyone in the Golden Pivot Academy dares to suppress you with their cultivation level, I'll protect you."

She paused, looked at Chen Jianghe, and said with a serious expression, "But remember, I can only stop those shameless old fogies. You'll have to handle the competition between your peers yourself."

O

"If you are defeated by a disciple of the Golden Pivot Academy at the Transformation Realm, I will have no face to stand up for you."

Chen Jianghe stood up and solemnly clasped his hands in thanks: "Thank you, Senior Sister."

Liu Shuling waved her hand, then suddenly remembered something: "Oh right, I won't take your two hundred taels of silver for nothing. From now on, every third of the month, come to Liwu Cliff, and I'll give you an hour of practical training. Although Lingmu Academy doesn't teach swords, spears, or staffs, I have more experience than you in how to use hidden weapons in conjunction with footwork, and how to turn the tide in desperate situations."

Chen Jianghe's heart stirred slightly, and he clasped his hands in a fist again: "Disciple obeys."

Liu Shuling hummed in agreement and turned to walk down the cliff.

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