Starting from the world of martial arts in the Condor Heroes, practicing martial arts across the hea

In the secluded Peach Creek Valley of Kunlun, fallen petals drift silently, and the clear stream flows without a sound.

The morning mist had not yet dissipated, and a thin layer of misty vapor enveloped both banks of the emerald pool. Dozens of natural Kunlun warm jade, ice jade, and black jade raw stones were piled up beside the blue stone training ground. All of them were born from the nourishment of snowmelt and the spiritual energy of the mountains and rivers, with a warm and delicate texture and a pure and flawless surface, making them rare and top-quality jades in the world.

This was something Jiangnan painstakingly searched for in the Kunlun Mountains.

A few days ago, it rained after the wood carving was finished, so I rested for two days. I also practiced the Jade Maiden Heart Sword Technique with Rong'er and Long'er. Today, I have some free time, so Jiangnan started his original plan—carving jade.

Huang Rong and Xiaolongnu stood quietly by the peach grove, watching in silence.

A few mornings ago, this place was filled with the shimmering light and clear chimes of swords as the two practiced the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra Sword Technique together, their sword energy filling the valley. But this morning, the valley was devoid of any sword energy, only a profound, refined, and extremely gentle martial arts aura slowly spreading from the figure in the green robe, enveloping the entire valley.

Jiangnan sat upright on a high rock platform, his posture upright and dignified, his back straight as a pine tree, his eyes gently closed, his mind completely immersed in a state of tranquility and clarity.

Today, he neither practices swordsmanship, nor comprehends boxing, nor studies the Dao of Yin and Yang. Instead, he uses the five levels of martial arts power he created—Ming Jin, An Jin, Hua Jin, Gang Jin, and Dan Jin—to carve jade with his bare hands. He uses martial arts as a knife, qi as a chisel, and his heart as a ruler to sculpt exquisite jade artifacts for the world.

Ordinary craftsmen need to use diamond carving knives, grinding wheels, and fine files and soft cloths to carve jade. It takes several days or even months to complete a piece, and they inevitably leave knife marks, scratches, and damage to the texture, which destroys the natural spirit of the jade.

Jiang Nan's martial arts had reached the pinnacle; his physical body, tendons, meridians, internal energy, and spiritual energy were already interconnected with heaven and earth. He had mastered the five levels of power and could switch between them at will. To him, the power at his fingertips was the sharpest chisel in the world, the qi around his body was the finest sandpaper, and the inner strength of his mind was the most precise rule and measure. Without any aid, he could turn stubborn rocks into treasures with his bare hands.

The first technique he used was the most basic and upright Ming Jin (manifested strength).

Ming Jin refers to the power generated by the tendons and bones, which is strong, upright, and outwardly manifested. It is a powerful force that breaks through the air and is the foundation for entering martial arts. It is crisp, clean, and penetrating the surface. It is mainly used for breaking shapes, cutting materials, cutting, and shaping, and is precise and clean without any hesitation.

Jiangnan slightly opened his eyes, raised his fingertips, spread his five fingers together, and laid his palm flat. A pure and refined physical strength flowed from his arm through his fingertips, causing his muscles and bones to tremble slightly. The strength was concentrated and not scattered, firm but not fierce.

He raised his hand and pressed it lightly against a palm-sized piece of warm white jade in front of him, his fingertip making a gentle stroke.

There was no sharp, piercing sound, no harsh metallic clang; only a faint "hum" and a slight tremor of the jade stone. The incredibly hard Kunlun white jade raw stone, like soft dough, fell away neatly and cleanly along the path traced by his fingertips.

Ming Jin walks on the watch, specializing in opening up the outer shape and outline.

With fingertips moving swiftly and freely, following the natural grain of the raw stone, impurities are removed, excess material is trimmed, and rough edges are smoothed. Any unevenness, crookedness, or impurities in the stone's outer layer are precisely removed with skillful ease, without losing an inch of the jade's essence or altering its shape. In just a few breaths, a rough, stubborn stone is transformed into a neat, rounded, flattened oval shape, with a well-defined outline and uniform thickness, laying a solid foundation for subsequent carving.

Huang Rong watched quietly and sighed softly, "Ordinary craftsmen would easily break the jade and damage the original stone if they were not careful when cutting it. But Brother's Ming Jin is controlled and released with ease, and is upright and measured. He only breaks the stone skin without damaging the jade marrow. His control is unparalleled in the world."

Xiaolongnu nodded slightly, her lively yet calm eyes focused intently, and said softly, "Brother's Ming Jin is pure, his strength of muscles and bones is controlled to the extreme, and his tangible power can shape the intangible with precision."

Jiangnan remained silent upon hearing the sound, his fingertips moving swiftly. In an instant, his strength shifted, transforming from an outwardly tangible, visible force into a hidden, internal force.

The hidden strength lies in the muscles and skin, penetrating deep into the bones. It is formless and shapeless, yet permeates continuously. It does not damage the exterior but only nourishes the interior. It specializes in delicate polishing, texture refinement, and smoothing of edges and corners, eliminating all harsh edges and allowing the jade to naturally possess a warm and soft luster.

Exposed strength is cultivated externally, while concealed strength is cultivated internally.

At this moment, his fingertips were devoid of any fierce sharpness; his palms were warm and gentle, with a restrained and profound strength that seeped into the texture of the jade blank. His fingertips gently caressed and circulated, seemingly a light touch, but in reality, the hidden strength penetrated every inch of the jade's texture, smoothing out and smoothing away all the subtle lines, shallow marks, edges, and bumps left by the obvious carving.

The jade blank, originally somewhat rough and angular, gradually lost its hardness under the repeated polishing and softening of the hidden force, becoming smooth, delicate, and full of oily texture. The surface texture was made translucent and smooth by the hidden force, without a single grain or flaw. The entire jade blank was warm and restrained, faintly revealing a faint jade light, and its spiritual energy was beginning to emerge.

He used his hidden strength to carefully refine the jade blank for a moment, polishing it to an extremely smooth finish. Then he changed his strength again, directly entering the third level of martial arts – the Transformation Force.

Those who master the art of transforming strength can alternating between hardness and softness, and between emptiness and fullness. Their power follows their will, and their form follows their will. They have no fixed moves, and no stagnant strength. They can freely carve thousands of intricate patterns, delicate carvings, and exquisite shapes, transforming rigid and regular forms into lively and vibrant ones, and endowing stubborn stones with spirit and expression.

  

This powerful force is the core and key to jade carving and shaping.

Jiangnan's mind was focused, her eyes clear and bright. Her gaze fell upon the warm and smooth jade blank, and a delicate pattern had already taken shape in her mind.

With a light touch of the fingertips on the jade surface, the energy flows gently and shifts between reality and illusion, sometimes lightly flicking and stroking, sometimes gracefully outlining, sometimes meticulously carving, the power transforming at will without the slightest hesitation.

He first carved a white jade peach blossom hairpin.

With fingertips, a subtle, invisible force, as fine as a hair, gently outlines the shape of peach blossom petals on the translucent, warm jade surface. The five petals overlap, their curves soft and natural, the edges slightly curled, as if just beginning to bloom in the wind, lifelike and vivid. The flower's center is dotted with fine dots of varying density, and the slender stem extends gracefully, gracefully, ending with a rounded, inward curve.

The most exquisite aspect of "transforming rigidity into fluidity" lies in its ability to "transform lifelessness into agility." Ordinary knife carving produces stiff, rigid lines with uniform depth, devoid of life. In contrast, the Jiangnan style of carving, characterized by its use of "transforming strength," creates lines that vary in depth, weight, and pace. The edges of the petals are rendered with a gentle, delicate touch, as thin as a cicada's wing, translucent and lively; the flower's center is imbued with a subtle, weighty force, solid and lifelike; and the stem's movement is graceful and flowing, exuding a lingering charm.

In less than half an incense stick's time, a pure white, warm and translucent peach blossom jade hairpin had already taken shape.

The hairpin is smooth and flawless, with delicate and lifelike peach blossom patterns. It seems as if a faint floral fragrance is contained within the jade. The entire jade hairpin is full of spirit and exquisitely elegant, far surpassing the finished products of the world's top craftsmen who have spent months working on them.

As the hairpin takes shape, Jiangnan's fingers move nimbly, transforming their strength and turning the blade again, taking a small, round jade blank and carving it into beads.

Each bead is uniform in size, perfectly round and regular, meticulously carved with exquisite skill. Every bead is perfectly round and translucent, without any deviation or unevenness, each one full and lustrous. Dozens of jade beads are strung together, each one round and smooth, with a uniform luster, appearing as if naturally formed, exquisitely crafted.

Following closely behind is a jade bracelet with intertwined branches.

He used subtle techniques to outline the intertwined vine patterns, with the tendrils winding and intertwining, the branches and leaves stretching and moving, the lines flowing continuously and smoothly, without a single break or stiffness. The bracelet is of uniform width and fits the wrist comfortably, with the intertwined vine patterns appearing natural and vivid, as if they grew naturally on the jade, elegant and gentle, full of ancient charm.

With the three exquisite pieces of jewelry completed, Jiangnan did not stop. His mind became more focused, and his strength was sublimated once again, breaking through the shackles of the Transformation Realm. His aura suddenly became vast, profound, majestic, and refined, which was the fourth level of martial arts - Gang Jin.

Those with "罡劲" (gangjin) can solidify their qi into a physical form and project it outwards into a domain. Their qi can envelop and cover their entire body, allowing them to shape, carve, and intricately engrave objects from a distance. They are not afraid of the minute and complex details and can create exquisite jade pieces that are hollow, double-layered, or openwork.

The Hua Jin technique can only be used for close-up carving, while the Gang Jin technique can be used to manipulate jade from a distance and carve patterns in mid-air, increasing the level of refinement several times over.

A faint bluish-white aura slowly circulated around him, enveloping several jade stones in front of him. The invisible aura condensed into thousands of fine aura blades, threads, and dots, evenly covering the surface of the jade body with precision.

Jiang Nan raised his hand and gestured in mid-air, and a square piece of black jade floated up on its own, stopping steadily in the center of the Gang Jin domain, without shaking or swaying.

He wanted to carve a private jade seal first.

The square, heavy black jade, with its deep, subdued color, perfectly suits the grandeur of a seal. Fine, flowing lines of ink, like suspended threads, are used to carve the seal's characters. The strokes, their pauses, turns, concealments, and retractions, are all precisely controlled by this powerful energy, resulting in characters that are dignified and imposing, each stroke brimming with strength. The sides of the seal are further decorated with shallowly carved cloud and water patterns, their elegant and freehand lines, with a balanced density, adding to the overall refinement without detracting from the seal's overall aesthetic.

The seal is carved with a mythical beast, Pixiu, with a powerful and three-dimensional form. The lines of the beast's body are both strong and gentle, and its posture is majestic and agile. It is lying down with its head raised, exuding a calm and steady aura. Its eyes are focused and lifelike. It is a seal that can stabilize the seal and has a natural artistic conception.

A personal seal, square and grand, with ancient charm, neat seal script and lifelike auspicious beasts, perfectly formed.

Next, he took several pieces of colored jade and warm jade and used his powerful energy to carve animal and plant seals in mid-air.

The orchid chapter carved from bluish-white jade depicts a graceful orchid with sparse branches and leaves, embodying the noble character of a gentleman; the bamboo chapter carved from emerald green jade depicts a bamboo with upright joints and vigorous branches and leaves, exuding a strong and elegant spirit; the phoenix chapter carved from warm yellow jade depicts a paulownia tree with lush branches and leaves, exuding a grand and expansive presence; and the plum blossom chapter carved from pure white jade depicts a plum blossom with a proud spirit that withstands frost and a sparse and elegant shadow.

The bird and animal patterns are also unique and charming. The cranes are graceful, the fish swim freely, the larks are light and agile, and the deer are gentle. They are all carved with great strength and fine detail. The textures are extremely delicate and the expressions are vivid and lifelike. Within a small jade surface, there are thousands of lively artistic conceptions.

With all the seals in place, Jiangnan Gangji once again unleashed his power, taking a single piece of flawless, top-grade mutton-fat jade from mid-air and beginning to carve it into a jade ruyi.

The jade ruyi is exquisitely crafted, with graceful lines and delicate curves, requiring the utmost skill in controlling one's strength. Layers of qi (vital energy) envelop the jade body, first determining the overall curvature, with rounded and full ends, and a slender and moderately proportioned handle.

The Ruyi scepter is carved with auspicious cloud patterns at both ends, layered, symmetrical, and flowing gracefully. The handle is lightly engraved with intertwined auspicious clouds, with even density and elegant style. There are no sharp edges or messy patterns on the entire piece; it is naturally rounded and graceful, possessing both the warmth and purity of jade and the auspiciousness and dignity of the Ruyi scepter. It is an exquisite and elegant piece of craftsmanship.

The powerful carvings are exquisite and ingenious, showcasing the extraordinary creative power of martial arts.

Once all the openwork, relief, and three-dimensional carvings were completed, Jiangnan's vast and outward-radiating internal energy suddenly receded and was drawn into his dantian. His aura changed from being outwardly vast to inwardly deep and still, reaching the highest level of martial arts—Dan Jin.

Those who cultivate Dan Jin (丹劲) are those whose spirit and soul are condensed into a Dan (丹), achieving unity of inner and outer, possessing divine strength, and whose Qi (气) nourishes all things. They do not carve out the external shape or patterns, but rather nurture the jade's charm, condense its spirit, and stabilize its soul.

Ming Jin shapes the form, An Jin refines the substance, Hua Jin generates rhythm, Gang Jin creates skill, and Dan Jin nourishes the spirit.

At this moment, Jiangnan's mind and spirit were completely integrated with the jade. The inner elixir in his dantian was warm and flowing, and the pure and long-lasting dan energy slowly overflowed, seeping into each piece of carved jade.

All the jade hairpins, jade bracelets, beads, jade pendants, jade jue, jade jue, private seals, leisure seals, and jade ruyi floated around him, enveloped and nourished by a faint aura of dan jin qi.

The essence of Dan Jin is formless, yet it can nourish the spirit of objects, cleanse impurities from jade, and refine the inherent charm of jade.

The originally exquisite and perfect jade artifacts, under the nourishment of the cinnabar energy, become even more translucent and pure, and the surface develops a layer of warm, restrained, and soft natural luster, which is not dazzling or ostentatious, but calm, elegant and spiritually rich.

He raised his hand to activate his inner energy, and began to carefully craft three ancient ritual jade items: a jade pendant, a jade jue, and a jade jue.

The jade pendant is round and flawless, with flowing cloud patterns on both sides. Its gentle and peaceful charm is nurtured by the Danjin (a type of cinnabar) and embodies the gentle and refined style of a gentleman. The jade jue is half-ringed and half-ringed, with the interplay of emptiness and fullness. Its Danjin embodies the complementary meaning of yin and yang and contains the realm of perfection and imperfection. The jade jue is flawed yet balanced, with the combination of strength and gentleness. Its Danjin defines its decisive and insightful spirit and carries its own awe-inspiring character.

These three ancient jade pieces are of orthodox form and profound ancient charm. After being nurtured by the cinnabar, they have become even more profound and enduring in their artistic conception and cultural heritage, far surpassing ordinary jade artifacts.

Finally, Jiangnan took a thick and delicate piece of black jade and used five layers of force to carve it into a scholar's inkstone, making it the last treasure of the writing implements.

First, the material is cut and shaped using the Ming Jin technique, creating a square outline and neat edges and corners for the inkstone. Then, the inkwell and ink surface are carefully polished using the An Jin technique, resulting in a smooth and delicate interior that allows for fine ink release and prevents ink from seeping. Next, the landscape patterns on the sides of the inkstone are carved using the Hua Jin technique, depicting distant mountains and nearby waters, streams and springs, creating a refined and elegant artistic conception. Then, the cloud patterns on the edge of the inkwell are carved using the Gang Jin technique, resulting in a delicate, refined, and elegant piece. Finally, the Dan Jin technique is used to concentrate the spirit and nurture the inkstone, allowing the warm energy to permeate the inkstone, making the entire inkstone stable, substantial, and full of scholarly charm.

A Kunlun inkstone, with its delicate and warm texture, feels slightly cool and smooth to the touch. It retains ink for a long time and produces ink evenly. The inkstone's surface features a landscape painting with a profound artistic conception and a long-lasting literary charm. It is a top-grade scholar's object and a treasure for literati.

At this point, all the jade artifacts had been carved into their final form.

In the secluded valley of peach blossoms, dozens of jade artifacts of various sizes float in mid-air, arranged in layers with a pleasing sense of order. The white jade hairpin is elegant and lively, the jade bracelet is gentle and graceful, the beads are round and translucent, the jade pendant is warm and gentlemanly, the jade jue is yin and yang in harmony, the jade jue is dignified and awe-inspiring, the personal seal is square and weighty, the animal and plant seals are lively and vivid, the jade ruyi is auspicious and dignified, and the inkstone is full of literary charm.

Each piece is perfectly shaped, exquisitely textured, vibrant in spirit, and imbued with inner vitality. There is not a trace of the stiffness of artificial carving; only the natural beauty of martial arts reaching the divine and the unity of heaven and man.

Jiang Nan slowly withdrew his strength, gently closed his eyes, and gathered all five layers of energy into his body. The Dan energy returned to its origin, the Gang energy subsided, the Hua energy returned to his heart, the An energy entered his body, and the Ming energy was hidden in his bones. His aura returned to peace and gentleness, without revealing any sharpness. He was still the same gentle and refined young man in a green robe.

With a gentle wave of his hand, countless jade artifacts drifted down and were neatly arranged on the bluestone platform in front of him, their surfaces smooth, lustrous, and dazzling.

Huang Rong stepped forward slowly, her fingertips gently brushing against the warm, smooth peach blossom jade hairpin. Her eyes were filled with amazement and tenderness as she sighed softly, "Most people carve jade with knives, relying on craftsmanship to achieve their goal. Their work is often clumsy and rigid. Only you, brother, carve jade with martial arts. Your five layers of strength advance layer by layer, from shaping, smoothing, imbuing with charm, creating ingenuity, to nurturing the spirit. Each step is a new realm, giving the stubborn stone a spirit and the beautiful jade a soul. Such a divine creation is unparalleled in the world."

Little Dragon Girl also approached to examine them closely. Her clear, cold eyes gazed at the exquisite jade artifacts on the table, each one exquisite and naturally beautiful. She said softly, "The Ming Jin is well-ordered, the An Jin is warm and smooth, the Hua Jin is agile, the Gang Jin is delicate, and the Dan Jin is focused. The five Jin combined can sculpt all things. Brother's martial arts are all-encompassing and can create the most precious treasures in the world."

Looking at the jade artifacts he had personally carved, Jiang Nan smiled gently and said softly, "Jade is originally a stubborn stone, without spirit, charm, form, or shape. It takes shape by borrowing the strength of sinews and bones, it is refined by borrowing the hidden strength of texture, it is given form by borrowing the power of the mind, it is made skillful by borrowing the powerful energy of the dantian, and it is nourished by borrowing the energy of the dantian. The five strengths are in sequence. Martial arts are used to carve objects, which means to enter art with martial arts, to create a realm with the heart, to transform ordinary stone into spiritual jade, and to endow silence with charm."

Spring breezes rustle through the woods, petals flutter and drift, brushing against the exquisite jade artifacts. Petals settle on the jade surfaces, the jade gleams, the fragrance of flowers lingers, the stream murmurs, and the breeze is gentle.

In the secluded valley of Kunlun, a gentleman in green robes uses his unparalleled martial arts strength to carve jade with his bare hands, creating countless exquisite pieces that embody the ultimate elegance of martial arts. He is accompanied by Peach Blossom Creek year after year, and finds peace of mind in the jade's smooth surface.