Chapter 9 – Passing Down the Teachings

With that said, Ning Changge took out several manuals, all of which he had transcribed during his leisure time. Peerless body technique “Floating Cloud Heavenly Feathers,” peerless sword technique “Infinite Azure Dragon Sword,” peerless hand combat technique “Two-Yin Star Fighting Fist”…

These martial arts techniques were all created by Ning Changge based on the martial arts of the sect and his own insights accumulated from studying Taoist scriptures. Just as he had envisioned originally, he devoted most of his energy to creating immortal cultivation techniques, with the rest dedicated to martial arts.

On one hand, immortal techniques needed martial arts as their foundation, and on the other hand, he wanted to repay Wudang. Since he had joined Wudang, both his master and his senior brothers had treated him kindly, and Ning Changge felt that he should repay their kindness to maintain a clear conscience.

As for techniques like the North Sea Ingestion Technique and the Spiritual Qi Sensing Chapter, they were created by Ning Changge based on his own physical constitution and might not be of much use to others. He planned to consider making personalized techniques for them in the future when he had achieved success on the path of immortality.

Zhang Sanfeng took the several manuals from him, one by one, and as he flipped through them, his eyes were filled with astonishment, as if he was holding substantial treasures. These martial arts techniques were all top-tier, even surpassing the Yin-Yang Infinite Technique he had previously taught Ning Changge. Among them, some provided even more profound insights.

Zhang Sanfeng’s understanding of Ning Changge’s extraordinary talents deepened even further. He couldn’t help but think, “Could Changge really discover the path to immortality?” Originally, he had supported Ning Changge simply because of his character, but with this series of divine martial arts techniques laid before him, he couldn’t help but consider the possibility.

Creating so many divine martial arts techniques in just one year, it was a sign of exceptional talent. He might truly be a reincarnated immortal, as some said.

Zhang Sanfeng carefully put away the manuals, and the admiration in his eyes towards Ning Changge became more evident. “Changge, you have a heart for it.”

What he valued most was Ning Changge’s determination. The second and third-generation disciples of Wudang were indeed somewhat weak in terms of strength. With these divine martial arts techniques, their strength would undoubtedly increase significantly.

While Zhang Sanfeng had a calm temperament, it didn’t mean he didn’t want his disciples to improve their reputation. He just believed in going with the flow. Moreover, these techniques would also benefit him.

“These are all things disciples should do. In the future, if I create new martial arts, Master can have the senior brothers come and take them when they have the time,” Ning Changge humbly replied.

Zhang Sanfeng nodded slowly. At this moment, he felt that meeting Ning Changge at the foot of Mount Hua had been the luckiest event in his life.

“Changge, during this seclusion, I’ve gained some new insights into the Dao of Taiji. Listen carefully, I hope it will be of some help to you,” Zhang Sanfeng said with a serious expression. This was one of the main reasons he had come today.

[Note: Taiji (philosophy) – Wikipedia]

Ning Changge’s eyes shone brightly. Although he had exceptional comprehension, he needed to accumulate more experience. Experiencing the mortal world and gaining various insights were what he lacked. He would not underestimate anyone, as even his master had knowledge and wisdom worth learning from.

“Taiji was the Supreme One in the beginning. If we don’t know life, how can we know death, the dao of life and death, the principles of yin and yang …”

Zhang Sanfeng’s voice contained a hint of the Tao.

Ning Changge’s eyes were gleaming as he listened to the lecture. Although he had incredible insight, but he need to accumulate more in order to properly utilize it.

Heaven-defying insight never came out of thin air, and requires a lot of knowledge as a foundation. One day, if he succeeded in creating a path to immortality, he would definitely go down the mountain and practice, and both the human world and nature would be his teachers. Only then would he grow faster and move forward in the path of immortality.

Listening to Zhang Sanfeng explain the principles of the Yin and Yang of the Taiji Dao, Ning Changge’s mind was suddenly filled with countless insights. His previous readings of Daoist scriptures had also contained relevant explanations. Zhang Sanfeng’s perspective now served as a catalyst, igniting a burst of inspiration, like thunderbolts sparking a fire on earth.

One master, one disciple. One old, one young. One lectured, one listened.

Together, they created a perfect picture.

[You have listened to the Taiji Dao and gained a deeper understanding of the principles of Yin and Yang. You have discovered the shortcomings of the Yin-Yang Infinite Technique and improved it, creating the Yin-Yang Infinite Technique (Improved Version)!]

[You have listened to the Taiji Dao, made analogies, and gained insights into the principles of Yin and Yang, life and death. You have realized that spiritual energy and the human body are interdependent as Yin and Yang. You have created the Taiji Spirit Severing Technique!]

After an unknown amount of time passed, Ning Changge slowly opened his eyes. Zhang Sanfeng was smiling at him, unable to hide his admiration and approval.

“Thank you for your guidance, Master,” Ning Changge said gratefully. He couldn’t wait to activate the North Sea Ingestion Technique. The spiritual energy flowed into him, much to Zhang Sanfeng’s surprise.

Although Zhang Sanfeng couldn’t directly sense the presence of spiritual energy, he could feel the external signs of the pressure exerted by the spiritual energy. In essence, this was the essence of what a Transcendent Realm expert called “manipulating the great power of heaven and earth.”

As for Ning Changge, he was overjoyed. In the past, when he absorbed spiritual energy using the North Sea Ingestion Technique, most of it would quickly dissipate, leaving behind only a tiny fraction, less than one-thousandth, to silently enhance his physique.

But now, with the Taiji Spirit Severing Technique cutting off a portion of the spiritual energy, the human body and spiritual energy were like magnets attracting each other. More than half of the spiritual energy was retained within Ning Changge’s body. Although it was forcefully retained, like swatting flies, it was a promising start.

Another problem was solved, and Ning Changge couldn’t help but feel elated.

“To hear the truth in the morning and die in the evening.”

[The phrase “to hear the truth in the morning and die in the evening” is a Chinese idiom (成语, chéngyǔ) known as “朝闻道，夕死可矣” (Zhāo wén dào, xī sǐ kě yǐ). This idiom is often attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius.

The context of this phrase emphasizes the idea of gaining profound knowledge or enlightenment in one’s life. It suggests that if a person has the opportunity to hear or learn deep truths or wisdom (朝闻道, Zhāo wén dào) in the morning, they can feel content or fulfilled even if they were to pass away (夕死可矣, xī sǐ kě yǐ) later in the day. Essentially, it conveys the idea that acquiring valuable knowledge or insights is so meaningful that it can make a person’s life complete, regardless of how long they live afterward.]

Zhang Sanfeng saw the sincerity in his disciple’s eyes and couldn’t help but smile, stroking his beard. “Well done!”

He was becoming more and more satisfied with Ning Changge.

Ning Changge stopped his circulation and said, “Master, I have gained some understanding of Yin and Yang principles you just explained. The previous Yin and Yang Infinite Technique still has some flaws, please inform senior brothers about the improved versions.”

He then recited, word by word, the improved version of the Yin and Yang Infinite Technique.

Zhang Sanfeng said nothing. He nodded and left. But the corners of his lips curled up quietly, and his posture turning leisurely.

If you get a good disciple like this, what more could one ask for?

Ning Changge was happy sensing the joy in his master’s heart.

***

After this, no one disturbed Ning Changge’s cultivation. He devoted himself entirely to studying Daoist scriptures and strengthening his foundation. Occasionally, he went out to relax and meet with his master and senior brothers.

As for the third-generation disciples, they rarely saw the legendary genius junior martial brother. Ning Changge’s existence was only passed down through word of mouth. Even if some of the disciples went to the scripture chamber, most of the time, they couldn’t find him.

In this atmosphere, time passed slowly. Ning Changge continued to overcome various problems on the path of immortality, step by step, progressing steadfastly. In the blink of an eye, Ning Changge turned eight years old.