Shooting the Eagle: Starting from Iron Palm Peak

As the boat passed the Yangtze River, the fog gradually dissipated.

Lin Qi stood at the bow of the boat, watching the outline of Hanyang City emerge in the morning light on the north bank. Wang Chuyi sat at the stern, eyes closed in meditation, an iron sword across his lap, his Taoist robe fluttering in the river breeze.

After crossing the river, the two abandoned the boat and went ashore, walking northeast along the official road. Wang Chuyi's pace was neither fast nor slow, each step seemingly measured, steady and composed. Lin Qi followed beside him, noticing that his breathing was extremely rhythmic—three steps in, three steps out, never out of control.

"Master Wang," Lin Qi couldn't help but ask, "what happened to the disciples of the Quanzhen Sect in the Jin Kingdom?"

Wang Chuyi did not answer directly, but pondered for a moment before saying, "There is a place called 'Dasheng Pass' within the territory of the Jin Kingdom. Nearby is a Taoist temple, a branch of the Quanzhen School. Half a month ago, the disciples of the temple sent word that a group of people of unknown origin had occupied the temple, injured the Taoist priests, and seized the temple's property. I am going to take a look."

"Don't the Jin government care?"

"The Jin government?" Wang Chuyi smiled. "The Jin people would love for all the temples and monasteries of the Han people to close down. They won't care, and might even secretly support them."

Lin Qi nodded. He had heard about the plight of the Han people within the Jin territory before, but hearing it with his own ears still weighed heavily on his mind.

After walking for about an hour, Wang Chuyi suddenly spoke up: "Your internal strength is not weak."

Lin Qi's heart tightened. He couldn't let anyone know that he had drunk snake blood, but Wang Chuyi was one of the Seven Masters of Quanzhen, with profound internal strength and sharp eyes; he couldn't hide it from anyone. He thought for a moment, then said, half-truthfully, "This junior had some fortuitous encounters recently, and my internal strength has increased considerably."

"A fortuitous encounter?" Wang Chuyi glanced at him but didn't press further. "Your internal energy is abundant, but lacks refinement. Is it because you haven't been practicing for long enough, and your foundation isn't solid enough yet?"

Lin Qi was taken aback, then nodded: "What the Daoist says is true. I haven't been practicing martial arts for long, and my internal strength has only recently improved by leaps and bounds, so it is indeed not pure enough."

Wang Chuyi slowed his pace, seemingly lost in thought. After a while, he said, "The Quanzhen Sect's internal energy cultivation method emphasizes 'emptiness and stillness,' which differs from your Iron Palm Clan's 'solid and heavy' approach. However, there is one principle that is the same—internal energy is like water, and meridians are like river channels. If the river channel is wide, the water can flow smoothly; if the river channel is narrow, no matter how much water there is, it will become silted up."

He picked up a twig from the roadside and drew a few lines on the ground.

"Look, these are the meridians. When internal energy circulates, don't just think about rushing forward; let it 'nourish' within the meridians. It's like cooking porridge; if the heat is too high, it will burn; you need to simmer it over a low flame."

Lin Qi seemed thoughtful. In the past, when he practiced internal energy, he only sought speed, wishing he could complete one cycle and immediately move on to the next. Wang Chuyi's approach differed from Qiu Qianren's—Qiu Qianren emphasized forceful and direct attacks, while Wang Chuyi emphasized gentle cultivation and harmony. Both approaches had their merits, but Wang Chuyi's words made him realize that he might have overlooked the "quality" of internal energy.

"Thank you for your guidance, Master Wang." Lin Qi clasped his hands in a fist salute.

Wang Chuyi waved his hand: "It was just a casual remark, no need to be so polite."

The two continued their journey. At noon, they ate a bowl of noodles at a small roadside shop, rested for half an hour, and then continued north.

The afternoon sun was blazing, and dust on the official road was kicked up by horses' hooves and wheels. Suddenly, Lin Qi heard a commotion ahead—there were shouts, cries, and the clanging of weapons.

Wang Chuyi heard this too, his brows furrowed slightly, and he quickened his pace.

After rounding a bend, a small village appeared ahead. A group of people were gathered at the village entrance. In the middle, several Jin soldiers in fur robes were dragging a young woman, while an old man lay beside them, his forehead bleeding profusely. A young man knelt on the ground, holding the old man, his face streaked with tears, shouting something at the Jin soldiers.

Wang Chuyi stopped in his tracks, his face darkening.

Lin Qi saw that his right hand was already gripping the sword hilt, his knuckles white.

"Master Wang..." Lin Qi had just opened his mouth when Wang Chuyi strode over.

"stop."

The voice wasn't loud, but it was clear. The Jin soldiers were startled, turned around, and saw a middle-aged Taoist priest walking over. They paused for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"A Taoist priest dares to interfere in the affairs of the Jin soldiers?" The leading Jin soldier released the woman, brandished his knife, and walked towards Wang Chuyi. "If you know what's good for you, get lost, or I'll chop off your head and use it as a chamber pot."

Wang Chuyi didn't move, he just stared at the Jin soldier.

Lin Qi stood behind him, his palms slightly open. He didn't want to cause trouble, but he couldn't pretend he hadn't seen this.

The Jin soldier walked up to Wang Chuyi and raised his sword to strike. Wang Chuyi raised his right hand, and the sound of his iron sword being drawn was like a flash of lightning. With a flash of light, the Jin soldier's sword flew out with a clang, and he was also shaken back several steps, falling to the ground with a thud.

Seeing this, the other Jin soldiers drew their swords and rushed forward. Wang Chuyi did not move an inch, and with three quick thrusts of his iron sword, all three swords flew from his hands at the same time. Each of the three Jin soldiers had a red mark on their wrist, and they grimaced in pain.

"Get lost." Wang Chuyi sheathed his sword.

The Jin soldiers turned pale with fright, scrambled to their feet and ran, abandoning their swords.

The people at the village entrance were stunned, then burst into cheers. The young woman ran over, knelt down, and kowtowed to Wang Chuyi. Wang Chuyi helped her up, sighed, and took out a few taels of silver from his pocket, handing them to the young man: "Take your father to see a doctor about his injuries."

The young man thanked him profusely, but Director Wang waved his hand and turned to leave.

Lin Qi followed and saw that Wang Chuyi's back was even straighter than before. He suddenly felt that there was something indescribable about this Taoist priest—not martial arts, not magnanimity, but a sense of responsibility that said, "Even if there are thousands of people, I will go."

These are the Seven Masters of Quanzhen. This is the spirit of the Central Plains martial arts world.

In the evening, the two found lodging in a small town.

At dinner, Wang Chuyi ordered a pot of wine and poured a bowl for Lin Qi as well. Lin Qi picked up the bowl and took a sip, wincing at the spiciness. Wang Chuyi smiled.

"You're not very old, but you can't hold your liquor," Wang Chuyi said. "A man of the martial arts world can't do without a drink."

Lin Qi smiled wryly: "I'll practice slowly."

After a few drinks, the two became more talkative. Wang Chuyi asked about the Iron Palm Clan, and Lin Qi told him the truth—Han Duanyue's influence, the factions within the clan, and Qiu Qianren's seclusion. He didn't mention the real reason for Qiu Qianren's seclusion, only saying that his master had gone out on business.

After listening, Wang Chuyi remained silent for a while.

"I've met Elder Qiu a few times," Wang Chuyi said. "His martial arts are unparalleled; in the Quanzhen Sect, perhaps only our Uncle Zhou can rival him. But his temperament... is somewhat extreme. You can learn martial arts from him, but you should think more about how you conduct yourself."

Lin Qi nodded: "This junior understands."

"It's good that you understand." Wang Chuyi put down his wine bowl. "The things the Iron Palm Clan has done over the years have been seen by people in the martial arts world. Since you are Qiu Qianren's disciple, you will inevitably be looked at differently when you travel the martial arts world in the future. At that time, people will not care what kind of person you are, they will only ask whose disciple you are."

Lin Qi's heart skipped a beat. Wang Chuyi's words were a reminder to him.

"I will prove with my actions that not all members of the Iron Palm Clan are bad people."

Wang Chuyi glanced at him and nodded: "Good. With that said, I am relieved."

The next day, the two continued their journey north.

After three days of travel, they arrived in Xinyang. Xinyang was within the territory of the Southern Song Dynasty; further north lay the Jin Dynasty. Wang Chuyi stopped in Xinyang for half a day to visit an old friend. Lin Qi waited for him at the inn and practiced his martial arts for a while.

In the afternoon, Director Wang returned, his expression somewhat grave.

"What's wrong?" Lin Qi asked.

"The situation at Dasheng Pass is more complicated than expected," Wang Chuyi said. "Those people are not ordinary bandits; they are officials from the Jin Dynasty in disguise. They occupied the Taoist temple because they wanted to set up a base there to monitor the movements of the Southern Song Dynasty."

"What should we do then?"

Wang Chuyi glanced at him: "I can go alone. You... you'd better not go. This is a matter for the Jin Kingdom, and it won't be good for you to get involved."

Lin Qi shook his head: "Master Wang, since I've come out with you, there's no reason for me to back down halfway. I'm not afraid of the Jin Kingdom."

Wang Chuyi stared at him for a few moments, then suddenly smiled.

"Okay. Let's go then."

After passing Xinyang, the two entered Jin territory. The atmosphere here was noticeably different—there were fewer pedestrians on the road, more checkpoints, and Jin soldiers everywhere. Wang Chu wrapped an iron sword in cloth and carried it on his back, while Lin Qi carefully concealed the Iron Palm Gang's waist token. The two disguised themselves as ordinary traveling Taoist priests and their attendants, and managed to slip through several checkpoints.

After traveling for another two days, Dasheng Pass came into view.

Dasheng Pass is a small fortified town nestled between two mountains, serving as a vital transportation route between the north and south. Inside the fortified town is a main street with few shops and sparse pedestrian traffic. The Taoist temple is located in the northeast corner of the fortified town; it is a small, three-courtyard complex. One of the stone lions at the entrance is toppled, and a seal is affixed to the gate.

Wang Chuyi stood at the entrance of the Taoist temple, looking at the seal, his face ashen.

"It was granted by the Jin government," he said. "They occupied the Taoist temple and then turned around and accused the Taoist priests of being spies of the Southern Song Dynasty."

"What does the Taoist priest plan to do?"

Wang Chuyi did not answer. He walked to the side of the Taoist temple, leaped over the wall, grabbed the top, and jumped overboard. Lin Qi followed him overboard.

The courtyard was a mess. The incense burner was overturned, the offering table was chopped into firewood, and broken tiles and tattered cloth were scattered everywhere on the ground. The door to the main hall was locked. Wang Chuyi stepped forward, smashed the lock with a single palm strike, and pushed the door open.

The hall was empty. The statues of the gods had been overturned, and the walls were covered with inscriptions in gold script written in ink. Lin Qi couldn't understand them, but judging from Wang Chuyi's expression, they certainly weren't good words.

Wang Chuyi stood in the hall, silent for a long time.

"Where are the Taoist priests in the temple?" Lin Qi asked.

"They've been arrested," Wang Chuyi said. "They're being held in a Jin prison. I must find them first and rescue them."

"How do I find it?"

Wang Chuyi turned around and looked at Lin Qi: "Do you know why I'm called 'Iron-Legged Immortal'?"

Lin Qi was taken aback. Of course he knew—Wang Chuyi's nickname came from his exceptional lower body strength; his legs were like iron, his stance as stable as Mount Tai, and he could break trees with his kicks. He was known in the martial arts world as "Iron-Legged Immortal." This wasn't lightness skill; it was legwork.

"My lower body skills are passable," Wang Chuyi said. "Tonight, I'll go to the government office in the pass to see where those Taoist priests are being held. You wait for me here."

"Master Wang, I'll go with you," Lin Qi said. "Two people are better than one."

Wang Chu glanced at him and shook his head: "It's not that I don't want you to go, it's just that we need to split up. I'll go in and scout ahead, and you stay outside to provide backup. If I get bogged down, you can set a fire or make some noise outside to distract the guards, making it easier for me to escape. If we both go in together, and we get trapped inside, we won't even have anyone to send a message."

Lin Qi thought about it and realized it made sense. It wasn't that they thought his martial arts skills were lacking, but rather that they wanted to divide the work.

"Then this junior will follow the Taoist's instructions."

After nightfall, Wang Chuyi changed into black clothes, masked his face, and silently scaled the wall and left. Lin Qi remained alone in the Taoist temple, sitting in a corner of the main hall, meditating and practicing his internal energy.

About two hours later, Wang Chuyi returned.

He didn't look well.

"Found him," he said. "He's being held in the dungeon behind the government office, guarded by a dozen or so men. The leader is quite skilled in martial arts; he must be a master from the Jin Dynasty."

"Can it be saved?"

"Yes," Wang Chuyi said, "but we need to plan carefully. We can't force our way in; that dungeon only has one entrance, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. The best approach is to lure them out."

Lin Qi thought for a moment and said, "Master, I have an idea."

"explain."

"That group occupied the Taoist temple, which shows they care about it a lot. If someone causes trouble at the temple gate tomorrow, will they send someone to check it out?"

Wang Chuyi glanced at him, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

"You mean, you're going to be the bait?"

"Although my martial arts skills are not high, I can still escape," Lin Qi said. "Taoist Master, take advantage of the moment when they sent people out to sneak into the dungeon and rescue them."

Wang Chuyi remained silent for a moment, then nodded.

"You can give it a try. But be careful, don't push your luck."

"I understand."

The next morning, Lin Qi changed into a set of tattered clothes, walked to the entrance of the Taoist temple, and cursed loudly at the gate that was sealed with tape.

"Corrupt official! Robber! Seizing the Taoist temple and bullying monks, may you die a horrible death!"

He cursed loudly and hurled insults, which soon attracted a crowd of onlookers. As Lin Qi continued cursing, he secretly observed the surroundings and saw someone peek out from a courtyard diagonally opposite the Taoist temple before retreating back inside.

Not long after, four burly men in plain clothes came out of the courtyard and surrounded Lin Qi.

"Who goes there? Causing trouble here?"

"I'm cursing corrupt officials, what's it to you?" Lin Qi deliberately provoked.

The burly man at the head of the group sneered and reached out to grab Lin Qi's collar. Lin Qi was prepared; he ducked under the man's arm and slapped another burly man in the chest. The man groaned and staggered back several steps, his face deathly pale.

"You still dare to make a move?" The burly man in the lead was furious. He drew a short knife from his waist and stabbed at Lin Qi.

Lin Qi turned and ran, at a pace that was just right for them to catch up. He ran along the streets and alleys, leading the four men out of the city gate and into a grove of trees.

He stopped and turned around.

Four burly men caught up, panting heavily, but their expressions had changed from anger to sinister grins.

"Running? Why did you stop running?"

Lin Qi flexed his wrists and smiled, "No need to run anymore."

He walked toward the first person.

After a short while, Lin Qi dusted himself off and emerged from the woods. Four burly men lay sprawled in the woods, some unconscious, others clutching their arms and groaning, none of them able to stand.

He returned to the entrance of the Taoist temple, where the crowd of onlookers had not yet dispersed. Some people saw him return and applauded and cheered. Lin Qichong and the others bowed respectfully and pushed open the door to enter the Taoist temple.

In the evening, Wang Chuyi returned.

He brought back twelve people—twelve Taoist priests from the Quanzhen School, all dressed in prison clothes, covered in wounds, but in good spirits. Wang Chuyi looked much better than when he left, and nodded when he saw Lin Qi.

"Done. How about yours?"

"Four of them, I've sent them all away."

Wang Chuyi told the Taoist priests to rest in the temple, then walked over to Lin Qi and patted him on the shoulder.

"I saw your performance today," Wang Chuyi said. "You are courageous, insightful, and your martial arts are not weak either. Qiu Qianren was right to take you as his disciple."

Lin Qi was a little embarrassed: "Master Wang, you flatter me."

"It's no flattery," Wang Chuyi said earnestly. "I've been wandering the martial world for so many years and have seen many young people. But there aren't many like you who have the courage, the brains, and the martial arts skills."

He took a book out of his pocket and handed it to Lin Qi.

"This is a copy of the Quanzhen School's fundamental internal energy cultivation method, the 'Quanzhen Great Dao Song.' It's not a closely guarded secret of our school, but it will help you cultivate your internal strength and refine your true qi. Take it and practice it, but don't pass it on to others."

Lin Qi took the book, his heart pounding with excitement. The internal energy cultivation method of the Quanzhen Sect was the orthodox school of martial arts, and although it was only a basic mental cultivation method, it was already a priceless treasure for a martial artist like him who had only recently begun his training.

"Thank you, Master Wang!"

"No need to thank me." Wang Chuyi waved his hand. "You have done me a great favor. This little token is nothing."

He stayed overnight at the Taoist temple, and early the next morning, he left Dasheng Pass with twelve Taoist priests. Lin Qi saw them off outside the pass, and before Wang Chuyi mounted his horse, he looked back at him.

"Lin Qi, I have a word for you."

"Please speak, Taoist priest."

"The world is a long and winding road, where good and evil are clearly distinguished. You have a promising future; don't let yourself go astray."

Lin Qi clasped his hands in a fist and said, "This junior will remember."

Wang Chuyi nodded and rode away. The twelve Taoist priests followed behind, gradually disappearing at the end of the official road.

Lin Qi stood by the roadside, watching their backs as they walked away, feeling a pang of sadness.

Along the way, he learned a lot. Martial arts skills were secondary; the most important thing was that he saw what a true chivalrous person looked like. Wang Chuyi was not a top master like the Five Greats, but his character, his sense of responsibility, and his integrity earned Lin Qi's sincere respect.

He stayed another night at Dashengguan, and the next morning, he rode south on horseback.

Iron Palm Peak is in the south. Qiu Qianren still has more than a month before he emerges from seclusion; he has time. But he doesn't want to wander around outside anymore. This trip north has brought him a lot—the power of the snake blood, Wang Chuyi's guidance, the Quanzhen Sect's internal energy cultivation methods, and experience gained from his adventures in the martial world. Now it's time to go back, digest all of this, and properly prepare to face Han Duanyue.

Along the way, Lin Qi traveled during the day and practiced his martial arts at night. He combined the "Complete Perfection Great Dao Song" with the Iron Bone Technique, first using the Complete Perfection Sect's mental cultivation method to nurture his internal energy, and then using the Iron Bone Technique's energy circulation method to transform his internal energy into palm power. The two internal energy techniques, one gentle and one forceful, complemented each other, and the purity of his internal energy improved significantly compared to before.

After walking for half a month, Iron Palm Peak finally came into view.

Lin Qi reined in his horse, looked at the familiar mountain peak, and took a deep breath.

He is back.