Seeing that Old Zhang's expression was no longer downcast, Xiao Ning breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Brother Dao, my breakthrough to the Innate Realm was purely by the grace of Heaven. I still only have a superficial understanding of the cultivation of this realm. I wonder if you could explain it to me in detail?"
After he finished speaking, he bowed deeply in respect.
Zhang Sanfeng reached out to help, his expression slightly invigorated, and said, "Fellow Daoist, there's no need for such formalities. Even if you hadn't asked, this old Daoist was prepared to discuss the Dao with you."
Xiao Ning bowed again: "I am all ears!"
"The Innate Realm!"
Zhang Sanfeng paused, carefully choosing his words, and said, "In the martial arts world, he is also known as a martial arts legend..."
As Lao Zhang narrated, the mysterious veil of the Innate Realm was gradually lifted for Xiao Ning.
Chapter 8 Martial Arts Legend [Donations are now open!]
As the sun sets in the west, it bathes the entire back mountain of Wudang in a golden glow.
After discussing the Dao, the two became much closer. Afterward, Zhang Sanfeng took Xiao Ning back to his secluded thatched hut.
What came into Xiao Ning's view were two or three thatched huts, swaying precariously in the cold wind.
Tranquil and simple.
This was Xiao Ning's first impression of Zhang Sanfeng's residence.
"A mountain is not famous for its height, but for the immortals who dwell there. Water is not sacred for its depth, but for the dragons that inhabit it!"
He was full of admiration for Zhang Sanfeng beside him: "Brother Dao, what a wonderful state of mind! I admire you!"
"The greatest truths are the simplest!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Sanfeng stroked his beard and replied calmly, "I have lived for over a hundred years and have long seen through the fame and fortune of the world. All I seek in this life is the Dao!"
What he said, however, was deeply saddening.
As they spoke, the two entered the house and sat down as host and guest. Zhang Sanfeng pondered for a moment and said, "As the saying goes, 'If the name is not correct, the words will not be proper.' This old Daoist intends to accept you as a disciple on behalf of my late master, Zen Master Jueyuan, so that you can be considered my junior brother. What do you think, fellow Daoist?"
"Accepting disciples on behalf of the master?"
Xiao Ning was taken aback and replied, "In that case, wouldn't I become the senior uncle of the Seven Heroes of Wudang? Wouldn't that be inappropriate?"
He himself didn't care, but he was afraid that Song Yuanqiao, Yu Daiyan and the others wouldn't be able to accept it. After all, no one wanted to have an inexplicable elder for no reason.
In the martial arts world, the strong are respected!
Upon hearing this, Zhang Sanfeng waved his hand and said, "Experts at the Innate Realm hold a revered position in the martial world. Shouldn't we be their senior uncles? Besides, you haven't formally joined the Wudang Sect before, so it doesn't count as messing up the seniority."
As the saying goes, old people become wiser, and as soon as Xiao Ning spoke, Zhang Sanfeng naturally understood his concerns.
"Since that's the case..."
Xiao Ning hesitated for a moment, but seeing that Zhang Sanfeng's face was sincere and not fake, he gritted his teeth and nodded, saying, "Then I, Xiao, will do as you say, brother!"
"Haha, we're all family, no need for formalities!"
Zhang Sanfeng stroked his long beard and laughed heartily: "Let's go, let's go back now and have those little brats come and pay their respects to our master!"
After saying that, he stood up, intending to go out.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Ning gave a wry smile. The renowned martial arts master Song Yuanqiao was being called a "little brat." He wondered what Song Yuanqiao's expression would be if he heard this; it would surely be quite a sight!
Then, as if he had thought of something, he quickly stood up and stopped him, saying, "Brother, please wait a moment!"
Under Zhang Sanfeng's questioning gaze, Xiao Ning replied, "To be honest, I haven't prepared any gifts. It would be too embarrassing for me, your junior uncle, to come empty-handed. Do you have any paper and pen here, fellow Daoist?"
That's right, he was going to prepare a big gift for these nephews and nieces he had never met before.
Zhang Sanfeng instantly understood what he meant, nodded and said, "Of course we have them all, please feel free to take them, fellow Daoist!"
The two entered the study, and Xiao Ning apologized before picking up his pen and beginning to write from memory.
Half an hour later, Xiao Ning cut the paper with the ink dried, bound it into a book, and then handed a booklet with "Tai Chi Classics" written on the first page to Zhang Sanfeng, who had been waiting anxiously, saying, "Brother, your 100th birthday is just around the corner. I have nothing of value to give you."
"This secret manual was also bestowed upon me by the old immortal in my dream. Today, I, Xiao, am offering it as a token of my respect, wishing you, fellow Daoist, a long and happy life!"
At this time, Zhang Sanfeng only had a vague concept of the Way of Tai Chi, which was not yet fully developed. It would take more than ten years before Tai Chi Chuan would be fully realized.
"You're too kind, fellow Daoist!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Sanfeng was taken aback, thinking to himself, "Could it be that what Xiao Ning said about the origin of martial arts is true?"
He casually flipped open the boxing manual, and saw lines of vigorous, flowing calligraphy leaping off the page. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Beautiful calligraphy!"
"Huh..."
Zhang Sanfeng exclaimed in surprise, then focused his attention on watching.
"...Yin and Yang are the way of Heaven and Earth, the guiding principles of all things, the parents of change, the origin of life and death, and the abode of the divine..."
The text of the boxing manual struck Zhang Sanfeng's mind like a morning bell and an evening drum, causing him to be greatly shaken.
Seeing that he was engrossed in the story, Xiao Ning smiled slightly and did not disturb him.
"call…"
After an unknown amount of time, Zhang Sanfeng let out a long breath, his expression invigorated and his face slightly flushed. He exclaimed loudly, "The senior who created this boxing manual possesses a profound level of skill. This old Daoist is completely humbled! I wonder who this senior is? This old Daoist wishes he could have a discussion with him!"
"Haha, fellow Daoist, do you know the name of the predecessor who created this boxing manual?" Xiao Ning asked with a mysterious expression.