"Then let's end it here." Xiang Yu lifted his foot and lightly kicked a small pebble on the ground.
Whoosh!
Snap!
"Ouch!" The devout old monk clutched the large bump on his forehead, his face changing drastically. "How is this possible!"
Chapter 378 Heartfelt Intentions
"How is that possible!"
The devout old monk noticed Xiang Yu's footwork; it was impossible for him not to see it. The movement was not concealed at all, and it wasn't too fast either.
He thought that Xiang Yu was just testing whether physical attacks could penetrate the three-foot-high qi wall after seeing that ranged attacks with internal energy were ineffective.
As a result, the unremarkable pebble somehow passed through the three-foot-high air wall without any obstruction and strangely hit him on the forehead.
This hurts!
The young monk Chengcheng looked like he'd seen a ghost, his previous composure completely gone. He knew the strength of the old monk Qianqian better than anyone; even if all the other high monks in Shaolin Temple were tied together, they wouldn't be a match for him.
Even though Xiaoyaozi, the leader of the Xiaoyao Sect, possesses unfathomable martial arts skills, he would have to fight with all his might for a long time to defeat Qianqian.
But that young man who called himself Xiang Yu the Overlord broke Qianqian's proud skill so easily. No wonder he dared to call himself Xiang Yu the Overlord. His strength is indeed incomparably powerful!
At this moment, both Qianqian and Chengcheng understood why Xiaoyaozi was so polite to Xiang Yu; it was out of genuine respect for the strong.
Xiaoyaozi was stunned again. The move he had just made, which combined the Six Yang Palms of Tianshan and the White Rainbow Palm, giving the Six Yang Palms of Tianshan a ranged attack capability, or rather, enhancing the attack power of the White Rainbow Palm, could only be accomplished by mastering both martial arts to their fullest extent. Yet, he was blocked by the three-foot-high qi wall.
Xiang Yu effortlessly kicked a small pebble, which hit Qianqian on the forehead. This meant that Xiang Yu had not used his full strength in their fight yesterday, and might not have even used one-tenth of his power!
"Xiang Yu really doesn't give the Shaolin monks any face, but I like it, hehe." Hao Jiu found the big bump on Qianqian's forehead inexplicably funny.
"This is the way he chose to fight, very simple and confident. I, the King, will naturally also resolve this in a simple way, without wasting any more time. Since the God of Wine thinks that the little monk has extremely high talent, then let's accept him."
Xiang Yu's kick just now seemed simple, but it was actually quite simple. He simply wrapped the small stone with his domineering energy and used it to break through the three-foot-high wall of energy.
However, after passing through the air barrier, Xiang Yu dissipated his domineering energy; otherwise, it wouldn't have been as simple as just a large bump on Qianqian's head; it's hard to say whether she would still have her head.
Because the rules of the duel were that Qianqian couldn't dodge, and he could have dodged it if he wanted to, but that would have meant he would have lost. At the same time, Qianqian was very confident in his special skill, the Three-Foot Qi Wall, and never expected that it would actually hit him.
Having just blocked Xiaoyaozi's palm strike gave Qianqian immense confidence. Although the power of the palm strike from a distance is definitely less than that of directly touching the opponent's body with the palm, it was still enough to make her proud. After all, it was Xiaoyaozi's palm strike!
As it turned out, this overlord possessed such supernatural power that the three-foot-high wall of energy was like paper in front of him.
"Thank you for your mercy, benefactor. I have lost. I am deeply impressed by your might, Overlord." The devout old monk did not use his internal energy to dispel the large bump on his head, but instead clasped his hands together and bowed sincerely.
He deeply regretted the little tricks he and Chengcheng had just used. What was the point of stalling for time in front of such a master?
No wonder the other person said that there's no need to burn incense; it's true, it can be done in a breath or two, so why bother with incense?
"May I ask, Your Excellency, what martial art was that kick just now? This humble monk is truly impressed." Chengcheng had broadened his horizons today, and it also made him realize a fact: it seems that the Yi Jin Jing is not so powerful after all; it's just that it's the most difficult to cultivate in the world.
"I'm using domineering aura, not martial arts. Would you like to learn it?" Xiang Yu asked.
Upon hearing this, the devout old monk looked bitter and glanced at Chengcheng, hesitant to speak. This disciple of his was exceptionally talented, a rare find in a hundred years, but he did not understand his teaching methods at all, and always talked about changing his master to someone else.
However, the Yi Jin Jing held an immense attraction for the entire Shaolin Temple and even the entire martial arts world, and Qianqian truly did not believe that Chengcheng would abandon it halfway through.
But now that the Overlord is so powerful and has taken on the idea of taking on disciples, what will Chengcheng choose? If it were him, he would probably be tempted too, right?
After a moment's thought, Chengcheng bowed deeply and said, "This humble monk has entered the Buddhist order. Twenty years ago, I became a disciple of the mad monk Qianqian, and I will never change my ways. I can only thank you for your kindness, Overlord. Although my master has been having me cultivate Buddhism in seclusion for the past twenty years and has not taught me any martial arts, I know that this is to lay the foundation for cultivating the Yi Jin Jing. Only in this way can I cultivate the Yi Jin Jing to its highest level."
Xiang Yu nodded slightly. "You misunderstood. I didn't intend to take you as my disciple. I just wanted to tell you that Buddhist disciples are not suitable for cultivating domineering energy. If you really want to learn, you don't need to become my disciple, but you must leave the Buddhist sect. Otherwise, too much killing will also be intolerable to the Buddhist sect."
Of course, if you don't want to cultivate your domineering aura to the highest level, it doesn't matter if you're in a Buddhist sect. You can still cultivate domineering aura by never killing a single person in your life. However, you'll have too little experience in life-and-death battles and won't have been tempered by war. Ultimately, your achievements might not be as good as if you had mastered the Yi Jin Jing (Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic).
Chengcheng's eyes lit up. "I see. I've learned something. But Shaolin monks are different from other Buddhist sects. We can also go to the battlefield to protect our country. At the same time, there will be no shortage of bloodshed and life-or-death battles in the martial arts world."
"Oh, alright then. If you agree, I will teach you the method of cultivating domineering aura. But whether you want to cultivate it or not, please think carefully. Cultivating domineering aura may affect your cultivation of the Yi Jin Jing." Xiang Yu didn't know if domineering aura would affect the Yi Jin Jing, but giving a reminder might save him trouble later. It wouldn't be good to do something wrong with good intentions.
"This humble monk naturally agrees. Your magnanimity is admirable." Chengcheng never expected that this divine skill called Overlord's Aura could be learned without having to become an apprentice.
"I don't need your verbal agreement, but your heartfelt agreement. Please make your decision," Xiang Yu said, raising his hand.
Suddenly, another person's voice echoed in Chengcheng's mind.
"System binding process initiated. Master Chengcheng, would you like to agree to the binding? Countdown begins: 10, 9, 8..."
Chengcheng was suddenly startled. Recalling Xiang Yu's words, the voice truly came from within his mind. What was a system? What was a program? What was binding? Should he agree?
If two complete strangers were given unparalleled martial arts skills after only exchanging a few words at their first meeting, is it really possible to gain such benefits without paying any price?
Xiang Yu's saying, "Don't just agree with my mouth, agree with my heart," couldn't be clearer: if you want unparalleled achievements, you must be willing to bear the corresponding responsibilities.
If this responsibility isn't to become an apprentice, then it means becoming one of their subordinates?
However, Xiang Yu's miraculous strike was already etched in his mind, and he would regret it for the rest of his life if he gave up now!
"3, 2..."
I agree!
Chapter 379 Transmission of the Dharma
With three seconds left in the countdown, Chengcheng finally gave his answer.
"Congratulations, Chengcheng, the binding is successful. The system shop service is now available, and the domineering cultivation method is among them."
Hao Jiu secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He was really afraid that the little monk would be too clever for his own good and refuse to bind with him. If that were the case, Hao Jiu would not give him a second chance. The Shadow System was very precious.
High martial arts talent does not necessarily mean high host talent. What Hao Jiu needs now is a hen that lays eggs to earn energy. If he doesn't find the target system in a hundred years, a full-scale scan will consume a lot of energy, and he has to earn it back.
Besides, Hao Jiu couldn't be sure that this Chengcheng was the legendary master Sweeper Monk who appeared in the later stages of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, since there were still about sixty years to go.
The description of the Sweeper Monk in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils is not extensive. His name, Buddhist name, lineage, background, and everything else remain a mystery. Although he is highly skilled in martial arts, it is not mentioned which specific martial art he uses.
Of course, Hao Jiu believes that the Yi Jin Jing and the Bei Ming True Qi of the Xiaoyao Sect are very likely, since these two are the most advanced internal skills in Tian Long Ba Bu.
After Chengcheng bound himself to the Shadow System, he did not feel any discomfort, and his heart was finally at ease. Moreover, this system was quite mysterious. It even sold hemostatic medicine, healing medicine, and stamina medicine. The domineering cultivation method that Xiang Yu mentioned was also among them.
However, the functions of hemostatic drugs and wound-healing drugs seem to overlap somewhat. Wound-healing drugs can cure even internal injuries, while hemostatic drugs can only stop bleeding. The two are easy to distinguish: red wound-healing drugs are for internal use, while blue hemostatic drugs are for external application.
Unfortunately, he doesn't have the energy to buy these treasures right now, but that's not a problem. The description of the energy clearly states that he will receive some energy every day, and the higher his talent, the more he will receive.
The method for cultivating domineering power does not require purchase and can be viewed directly in the system. However, there is a note at the beginning stating that it may not be passed on to others without permission. Chengcheng can understand this, and even if the other party did not mention it, he would not pass it on.
Having already felt ashamed of having obtained unparalleled divine skills for nothing, how could I possibly pass them on to others?
"Thank you for bestowing this treasure upon me, Your Majesty!" Chengcheng bowed deeply, expressing his heartfelt gratitude to Xiang Yu.
"Hahaha... Congratulations, Overlord! Old Monk Qianqian, you don't need to look so miserable. This is Chengcheng's good fortune, an incredible opportunity. Chengcheng, I don't object to you practicing the Yi Jin Jing, but this mad monk doesn't know how to teach his disciples at all, wasting your precious youth."
I was foolish back then, mistaking a broken incense burner for a priceless treasure, thus missing out on you as my disciple and causing you to become a monk. To make up for my mistake, I am willing to teach you the Northern Darkness Divine Skill of the Free and Unfettered Sect.
Don't worry, the internal energy of my Xiaoyao Sect is compatible with all martial arts in the world. Not only is it harmless to practicing the Yi Jin Jing, but it also has some benefits.
I will follow the example of the Overlord and not require you to become his disciple, but if you wish to become his disciple, that would be even better. At that time, I can teach you not only the Northern Darkness Divine Art, but all the unique skills of the Free and Unfettered Sect! "The Free and Unfettered Master once again extended an olive branch.
"Thank you, Sect Leader Xiaoyao, but..." Chengcheng was interrupted by a slap from the old monk.
"You foolish disciple, the Northern Darkness Divine Skill of the Free and Unfettered Sect is a supreme divine skill on par with the Yi Jin Jing. And as Xiaoyaozi said, it does indeed have some benefits for practicing the Yi Jin Jing. Even if you don't become his disciple, how can you refuse the Northern Darkness Divine Skill he wants to pass on to you! That is the secret of the Free and Unfettered Sect! It will be too late once Xiaoyaozi goes back on his word!"
The devout old monk repeatedly patted Chengcheng's head, but the latter kept dodging and wouldn't let him hit him at all.
"Master, please stop hitting me! What if you make me stupid? Can't I just learn the Northern Darkness Divine Art?" Chengcheng sincerely thought that of course he wanted to learn it, but he was only doing so to save face for his master and planned to learn it secretly.
"Hmph, do you think I have to force you to accept the supreme martial art of my Xiaoyao Sect? If you want to learn it, you don't have to become my disciple, but you must agree to a few conditions." Xiaoyaozi looked displeased.
"Please speak, Sect Leader Xiaoyao," Chengcheng said respectfully.
"Firstly, I am only passing this technique on to you for self-defense. For no reason at all, you must not pass it on to anyone else, including your master and your future disciples," Xiaoyaozi said solemnly.
"Steal? Who cares?" The devout old monk curled his lip.
"Rest assured, Sect Leader Xiaoyao, this humble monk swears to all the gods and Buddhas that I will never reveal this to anyone," Chengcheng said solemnly.
"Secondly, you must not use the Northern Darkness Divine Art to absorb internal energy other than the Yi Jin Jing in the future, otherwise the internal energy will be too complex and will affect your cultivation of the Yi Jin Jing," Xiaoyaozi added.
"Thank you for the reminder, Sect Leader Xiaoyao. I will certainly comply." Chengcheng thought to himself that there was a hidden point in this matter: absorbing the Beiming True Qi would not interfere with the Yi Jin Jing, but Xiaoyaozi clearly did not want him to absorb the internal energy of the Xiaoyao Sect members.
The devout monk cursed Xiaoyaozi inwardly. Wasn't the reason he passed on the Beiming Divine Skill to Chengcheng just to absorb his Yi Jin Jing internal energy?
In this way, even if Chengcheng doesn't learn the Yi Jin Jing very well in the future, he can still become a top master by absorbing his power.
Well, Xiaoyaozi's move was intended to provide Chengcheng with a guarantee, and it also had the suspicion of stealing a disciple, but wasn't it also to leave the seed of Yi Jin Jing for Shaolin?
This old monk will remember this favor!
"Thirdly, if you have a conflict with the disciples of the Xiaoyao Sect in the future, you shall not use the Beiming Divine Art unless you publicly acknowledge that you are my disciple, Xiaoyaozi. Do you agree to these three conditions?" Xiaoyaozi flicked his sleeve.
"This humble monk agrees, and will not be an enemy of the disciples of the Free and Unfettered Sect in the future." Chengcheng simply added a clause to his own statement to repay the great kindness.
Xiaoyaozi nodded. "God of Wine, please help me put the Northern Darkness Divine Art into Chengcheng's system shop."
"You certainly know how to slack off." Hao Jiu also learned this new skill after being reminded by Xiaoyaozi. Thinking back to the time when the Chu-Han plane was sealed and Yu Ji passed notes, it was truly a great improvement in his skills.
In fact, Hao Jiu could have changed the descriptions of the products in the store, and there was no word limit to the descriptions, so there was no problem at all in displaying a cultivation technique in the store in the form of a text description.
"Haha, thanks for your help, God of Wine. This makes it easier to keep things secret. Besides, I don't carry any martial arts manuals with me." Xiaoyaozi had been enjoying chatting with Hao Jiu a lot lately, and they got along quite well.
Although Xiaoyaozi was omniscient and knowledgeable, he could hear many things from the God of Wine that he did not know.
Hao Jiu also had many questions for Xiaoyaozi, and directly treated him as an advisor. The main reason was that the card recording had taken too long and the content was too complicated, and there were many things that Hao Jiu found interesting. As a result, Hao Jiu lost all his idol image and his attitude towards An Qisheng was completely different.
Of course, Hao Jiu's initial act of being aloof and mysterious in front of An Qisheng was out of necessity, since at that time, Ba Wang's strength was not enough to crush the world.
Now is the time to establish Xiang Yu's prestige. If a great figure like him is willing to assist Xiang Yu, everyone will be convinced.
"Thank you, Sect Leader Xiaoyao!" Chengcheng clasped his hands together and bowed deeply.
Xiaoyaozi stroked his beard. "Cultivate diligently, lest you tarnish the prestige of the Northern Darkness Divine Art."
"This humble monk will remember this." He bowed again sincerely.
"The matter at Shaolin is settled, let's go. We still have other sects to visit. Farewell, Master Qianqian." Xiang Yu cupped his hands in greeting.
"Since Your Majesty has important matters to attend to, this old monk will not linger any longer. Please proceed, Your Majesty." Qianqian secretly breathed a sigh of relief; thankfully, it was just a large bump on his head.
"This humble monk respectfully sees off the Overlord." After saying this, Chengcheng looked up and saw that Xiang Yu and Xiaoyaozi were nowhere to be seen in the courtyard... The Overlord was truly a divine being, with the ability to fly and escape into the earth!