Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue left Moon River Village and headed north. Along the way, Chen Jingchou often talked about his past with his master so that Yu Xiaoxue would not be too sad. When he was free, he would practice Professor Chen Fu's martial arts. In addition, he would often give pointers to Yu Xiaoxue's self-defense.
In just a few days, they had already reached the bank of Leixia Lake. He saw the vast blue waves and the distant mountains connecting the sky. There was a weeping willow beside the bank, standing tall and straight, with willow branches brushing against the water. The rain was drizzling and the flowers were red. It was picturesque.
Yu Xiaoxue stepped on the green grass and slowly walked to the shore. She sighed and said,"What a beautiful scenery!" There were a few small flowers under the willow tree, swaying in the wind, fragrant and fragrant.
Chen Jingchou looked into the distance and suddenly felt comfortable. He raised his head and casually recited,""Fragrant grass accompanied the green mountains, and the shadows of the clouds entered the center of the lake. The wind blows, the crane cries far away, and the lonely dream of the hut is heavy.”
"Brother Chen, what are you reading?" Yu Xiaoxue asked.”
"It's nothing!" Chen Jingchou laughed. I wrote a poem on a whim."
"Brother Chen, you can even write poetry!" Yu Xiaoxue exclaimed.”Chen Jingchou smiled but did not answer. "Actually, I don't quite understand it, but it makes me feel very comfortable!" Yu Xiaoxue said.”
"Really?" Chen Jingchou looked at the lake and asked. Master hates me writing poems the most. Every time I write one, he will scold me and say that our Chen Dynasty was destroyed because everyone was addicted to poetry!”
"Ah!" Yu Xiaoxue said. I'm sorry, I remember now…Brother Chen once told me that you're a descendant of the Chen Nation in the South.”
"Forget it!" Chen Jingchou shook his head. I hate this background the most. Master has high expectations for me and wants me to shoulder the heavy burden of reviving the Chen Nation.”He looked up at the sky and said,"But my favorite thing is to visit the beautiful scenery of various places and then write a few poems when I'm happy!"”After saying that, he looked around the lake and frowned."Lei Xiaze is so wide, how can we find Martial Uncle Gongshan?”
"Let's go along the shore and ask around along the way."”Chen Jingchou nodded.
The two of them walked around the shore of the lake and asked around for Uncle Master Gongshan's residence. However, after asking around for a few days, it was like a stone sinking into the sea. No one had heard of Mister Gongshan, let alone know where he lived. Chen Jingchou felt dejected. Yu Xiaoxue said,"Brother Chen, don't be discouraged. Let's keep looking. Maybe we'll find it soon."”The two of them rested by the lake that night.
The next morning, they got up and continued to move forward. By the afternoon, he still had no clue. It was the turn of spring and summer, and the heat on the road was unbearable. Chen Jingchou was sweating profusely while Yu Xiaoxue was also exhausted. The two of them saw the shade of a tree in the distance and quickly ran over to sit down.
Chen Jingchou took out a sheepskin water bag and handed it to Yu Xiaoxue.""You must be thirsty after such a long journey. Drink some water first.”
Yu Xiaoxue took the water bag. Seeing that there was not much water in the bag, she hesitated. Chen Jingchou said," You drink first. I'm not in a hurry. I'll go to the lakeside to get some later."”
Yu Xiaoxue took a sip and handed it back."Brother Chen, I've drunk it."
Chen Jingchou lifted the water bag and was about to drink when he suddenly said,""Xiao Xue…you've been running around with me these days. Do you feel tired?”
"No, I'm not tired!" Yu Xiaoxue quickly said. I feel…very happy these days!”
Chen Jingchou smiled and gulped down the cold water in the bag. He said,"You rest here for a while. I'll go to the lake to get some more water.”
"Yes!" Yu Xiaoxue said. Hurry up and come back!"
Chen Jingchou tied the water bag to his waist and walked into a forest toward the lake. The forest grew denser and denser, and the sunlight gradually disappeared. Chen Jingchou looked back and couldn't tell where he had come from. He had already lost his way and could only walk forward step by step. After walking for about an hour, they finally exited the forest. His eyes lit up as he found himself on a small island in the middle of the lake. He looked around and saw lake water on three sides.
Chen Jingchou took off his water bag and filled it with water. He turned around and looked at the dense forest behind him. He paced left and right and frowned. He didn't know how to go back. Suddenly, he saw a few wisps of green smoke slowly rising from the treetops in the dense forest to the north. Chen Jingchou was delighted and thought to himself, There should be someone there. Why don't I go and ask?”
Following the direction of the smoke, he pushed aside the thorns and groped forward. After walking for a few dozen feet, he walked out of the forest and saw a small path in the dense bamboo forest. Chen Jingchou walked along the small path and made several turns. In front of them was a thatched hut hidden in the shade of a tree. A wisp of smoke slowly rose from the roof. Chen Jingchou turned around the bamboo fence and came to the firewood door, saying,""Excuse me, is anyone home?"
After a while, he heard a reply from inside the room,"Who is it?" Her voice was a little hoarse and sounded like an old woman, but her voice was full of confidence and every word was powerful.
"This junior has accidentally entered the forest and barged into your esteemed place. May I ask for the way out of the forest?" Chen Jingchou bowed.”
The wooden door of the thatched cottage opened, and an old woman with slightly white sideburns walked out. She was wearing a gray shirt, her face was tense, and her eyes were cold and threatening. Chen Jingchou walked forward and bowed across the fence.""This junior has trespassed into your esteemed land by mistake. Please forgive me!”
The old woman replied indifferently,"Yes!" He stared intently at Chen Jingchou, sizing him up, making Chen Jingchou feel uncomfortable. Suddenly, he snorted and shouted,"Why did that bastard Yuwen Tuo send you here?"”
"Yuwen Tuo?" Chen Jingchou asked curiously. What Yuwen Tuo…I don't even know him!”
"Oh?" The old granny sneered. Then what are you doing here? What is the conspiracy?"
Before Chen Jingchou could reply, the old woman's figure flashed as fast as lightning. She had already leaped out of the fence and instantly appeared beside Chen Jingchou. She waved her palm at Chen Jingchou's back. Chen Jingchou didn't have time to think. He raised his right hand and dodged to the side. The old woman took a step back and with a flip of her right hand, caught up. She caught the back of Chen Jingchou's neck and lifted him up.
Chen Jingchou's neck went numb and his entire body went limp. His feet left the ground and he was lifted into the air, unable to move. The old woman was slightly startled. Knowing Chen Jingchou's martial arts background, she let go and threw him to the ground.
Chen Jingchou's back was in pain. Just as he was about to speak, a cough suddenly came from the room."Ah Han…What happened?”His voice was old and weak.
"I'm fine!" Ah Han said. Brother Tie…was just a child who accidentally came to the forest.”
The old man in the room said,"Ah Han, bring that child…in!"”The old woman hesitated for a moment before lifting Chen Jingchou up like a three-year-old child. Chen Jingchou was unable to retaliate. The old woman walked into the thatched cottage and turned into a room on the west side. The straw hut was not spacious. There was a bamboo couch under the window, and an old man with white hair and beard was lying on the bamboo couch. The old man quickly made a gesture. The old woman understood and put down Chen Jingchou. She pulled over a blanket and helped the old man up, leaning against it.
The old man's face was thin and his bones protruded. He sized up Chen Jingchou for a while, coughed a few times, and asked,""Child, who did you learn your martial arts from? Who is your master?”
"My…my master's surname is Chen."”
The old man was slightly surprised." If I'm not wrong, what you used just now should be the technique of the Haunted Valley, right?"”
Chen Jingchou nodded. " I haven't seen your master for 16 years," the old man sighed." You must be Junior Brother Ji Ye who sacrificed his grandson to save the young master of Chen Country, right?"”It turned out that Chen Fu's surname was Ji Ye.
When Chen Jingchou heard this, he was surprised and delighted. He quickly asked,""Please ask! Are…are you Martial Uncle Gongshan?" The old man nodded.
Chen Jingchou fell to his knees and kowtowed, crying,""Martial Uncle Gongshan! Master…Master, he…"
Gongshan Tie said," Get up first. Speak slowly…" Chen Jingchou stood up with tears in his eyes.
Gongshan Tie turned around and pointed at the old woman."This is your aunt." Chen Jingchou turned around and knelt down to pay his respects. Ah Han raised his right hand and gently lifted Chen Jingchou up. Chen Jingchou stood up straight and wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes.
"You just said…what happened to your master?" Gongshan Tie asked.”
Chen Jingchou then recounted the incident of Chen Fu being trapped from beginning to end. Gongshan Tie let out a long sigh.
"Martial Uncle…Master's life is at stake. Please save him!" Chen Jingchou said.”
Gongshan Tie shook his head slowly and sighed." This Taotie is an ancient demon beast…If you want to save your master, you have to seal it back into the divine mirror…"
"Please, Martial Uncle, you must save Master!" Chen Jingchou said.”
Gong Shan sighed and looked out the window. After a while, he turned his head and said,"My child! "To suppress that demon, besides using the divine mirror, I'll need to consume a large amount of my primordial spirit's power…If it was a few years ago, I could still handle it. "But now…" Halfway through his words, he coughed repeatedly.
"Martial Uncle!" Chen Jingchou said. What's wrong?"
Gongshan Tie said," Child…I was seriously injured two years ago. My internal organs were injured by the golden sword qi, and I still haven't been able to remove them…I'm currently in a weak state. I can't do anything even if I want to!……”
"Martial Uncle…" Chen Jingchou was shocked.
"My child, I've let Junior Brother Ji Ye and you down!" Gongshan Tie sighed.”Then, he started coughing violently. Ah Han walked over and gently patted the back of Gongshan Iron. Gongshan Tie covered his chest with his right hand and coughed.”After a while, he continued,"Your master used the Ice Silk Technique to seal himself and the Taotie in the cave, so he should be able to maintain his life for at least a year." During this period of time, you can go and look for other experts…If the heavens bless Ji Ye, your master might be saved!”
Chen Jingchou's heart turned cold. After a long time, he said,""Martial Uncle! Then, where should I go to find other experts?”
Mister Gongshan closed his eyes and said nothing. After a long time, he said,""There are only a few people in the world who can barely defeat Tao Tie.”
Chen Jingchou was extremely disappointed. He lowered his head and remained silent. Thinking of his master's hard work in raising him for the past sixteen years, he could not help but shed tears.
Ah Han walked over and stroked Chen Jingchou's head.""Brother Tie, why didn't you tell this child that method?”
"Ah Han!" Gongshan Tie said. Stop joking! This child…was Junior Brother Ji Ye, the young master of the Chen Nation who had sacrificed his grandson to save him! How could I…how could I let him take such a huge risk!”After saying that, she started coughing again.
"Martial Uncle!" Chen Jingchou raised his head. As long as I can save Master, I'm willing to try any method!”
Gongshan Tie said," That's too dangerous! You don't need to know…"
Ah Han turned his head and said,"Right now, you're only half alive!" At this point, why was he still trying to be strong? Why didn't he let this child try?”
Gongshan Tie waved his hands and said,"No! No way! 'Ah Han, this child is Ji Ye's future hope. If anything happens to him, how can I face Junior Brother Ji Ye?'”
"Martial Uncle!" Chen Jingchou said. In order to save his master! No matter how dangerous it is, I'm not afraid!"
Gongshan Tie turned his head and said," Don't mention this anymore! Ah Han, take him down to rest!”Seeing Gongshan Tie's determination, Ah Han didn't dare to say anything more. He could only lead Chen Jingchou out of the room.
The two of them came to the grass hall. Ah Han served a bowl of rice with various fresh vegetables on it. Chen Jingchou raised his bamboo chopsticks and stared blankly at the rice bowl. How could he eat half a bite? Ah Han saw that he was distracted and sighed softly. He brought Chen Jingchou to the room on the east side of the thatched cottage. Chen Jingchou was in a bad mood. He fell onto the bed and fell asleep in a daze.
He didn't know how much time had passed before he woke up. When he opened his eyes, he saw Yu Xiaoxue sitting in front of the bed with a smile on her face. "Aiya!" Chen Jingchou sat up and said. I actually forgot about you! How did you find this place?"
Yu Xiaoxue turned her face. Chen Jingchou saw a light red scar on her snow-white arm."Ah! Why are you injured? Let me see."
"It's okay," Yu Xiaoxue said."I accidentally fell down."”Chen Jingchou got out of bed and pulled Yu Xiaoxue's arm. There were bruises and bruises on her arm. Yu Xiaoxue hurriedly retracted her hand and said,"It's time to eat. Come over quickly.”As he spoke, he walked out.
Chen Jingchou washed up and went to the west room to bow to Gongshan Tie. Then, he walked to the grass hall and saw that there were already a few oily and tender vegetables on the table. Chen Jingchou greeted his senior aunt, and Ah Han said,""Come, you two sit down."
Chen Jingchou sat beside him, and Yu Xiaoxue sat next to him.
Ah Han said,"You guys must be hungry. You're welcome!" Hurry up and eat."
Chen Jingchou picked up his chopsticks and took a bite, praising,""Auntie, your cooking is really delicious!”
Ah Han said," Senior Aunt's cooking skills are far inferior to yours. These dishes were all made by her."”
Yu Xiaoxue blushed and said,"No, how can I compare with Auntie's craftsmanship?"”
Ah Han sighed." This morning, I went to the vegetable field on the east side of the forest to water the vegetables. I saw this poor little girl fainted beside the vegetable field. She was covered in injuries, so I brought her back.”
"Little Xue!" Chen Jingchou exclaimed in shock. You, you came to the forest to look for me overnight?”
Yu Xiaoxue nodded.
Ah Han said,"I don't know how much pain I suffered to find you!"”Yu Xiaoxue lowered her head. Chen Jingchou looked at Yu Xiaoxue with gratitude.
Ah Han said,"Since you've already found this place, you can stay here for a few more days."”Chen Jingchou couldn't bear to think about it, but he didn't know where to go, so he could only nod in agreement. Ah Han guessed his thoughts and slowly shook his head.
After lunch, Ah Han led the two of them along a small path to an open space in the bamboo forest. "Martial Aunt, why did you bring us here?" Chen Jingchou asked.”
Ah Han didn't answer. He sat down in a bamboo pavilion at the side and said,""Jingchou, practice the Phantom Valley Dao technique that your master taught you from the beginning. Let me see!”Chen Jingchou didn't know what was going on, but since it was his master's aunt's order, he could only bite the bullet and walk to the center of the empty space. He used all the kung fu he had learned, but he didn't learn much. Although he tried his best and was sweating profusely, his moves were exhausted in a few moves. Ah Han looked and shook his head.
It turned out that this Ghost Valley Taoist Technique was created by Wang Xu during the Spring and Autumn Period. He lived in seclusion in the Ghost Valley of Qingxi and called himself Mister Ghost Valley. It was originally a book of military strategy, subduing demons and devils. At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, a reclusive expert borrowed his name and integrated the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth into a set of martial arts. It was originally used to strengthen the body, cure diseases, and prolong life. However, he later discovered that this set of martial arts was actually extremely powerful. As long as one could master one of them, they would be able to fight against the top experts of the world. If he cultivated all five elephants, the power would be even more unimaginable. So he passed it on to future generations to protect his life in the chaos of war.
However, this Gui Gu Dao technique was extremely difficult to cultivate. The key was that the five symbols were mutually reinforcing and restraining each other. It was endless. How could it be easy to understand the principles within? For example, if one only cultivated the water and fire images, it would be fine as long as the water and fire did not restrict each other. However, if one cultivated all five images, the Qi of the five images would circulate back and forth in the body. One could imagine how difficult it would be to cultivate! If one did not understand the principles of the five elements, understood the five internal organs of water and fire, and was good at guiding them when practicing, they would easily practice. The image qi in the body would collide and hurt themselves, and the consequences would be unimaginable. Therefore, an expert like Gongshan Tie had only learned three of them.
When Chen Fu was teaching his disciples, he noticed that Chen Jingchou was often absent-minded. He was furious, and although he had been beaten and scolded several times, he still did not change. Helpless, he only taught him the simplest move of the Wood Elephant Art and let him slowly comprehend it himself. Then, he chose some other sword techniques to teach him.
After Chen Jingchou finished acting, he stood there and bowed.""Martial aunt! Nephew is done acting!" Ah Han walked forward, raised his right hand, and gently gestured. The moves he used were exactly the same as what Chen Jingchou had just practiced, but when he used them lightly, the power immediately increased several times, and the bamboo leaves fell. Chen Jingchou was dumbstruck. After Ah Han finished practicing, he corrected Chen Jingchou's mistakes and let him continue practicing. Chen Jingchou didn't dare to slack off. He practiced repeatedly until the sun had set before returning.
It was the same for the next few days. In order to save Chen Fu, although Chen Jingchou knew that his martial arts foundation was poor and that time was short, even if he practiced hard, it would not help, he was still extremely serious in his practice and his progress was very fast. He had practiced the Leaf Dance Technique so well that when his palms moved, it seemed like the wind was blowing leaves. In order not to distract Chen Jingchou, Yu Xiaoxue stayed alone in the straw hut to serve Mister Gongshan. She prepared the food and kept it in order. When Ah Han saw this, he was delighted.
Time passed quickly. Half a month had passed. Early in the morning, Chen Jingchou had just finished his breakfast and ran to the bamboo forest to practice alone. The shadow of the palm swept across the ground, and a gust of wind blew. Bamboo leaves danced in the air, like falling flowers. Chen Jingchou shouted and raised his palms. He leaped up and struck out. With a cracking sound, the thick bamboo around him broke and fell backwards, forming a big circle. Chen Jingchou stood in the circle and wiped the sweat off his face. Suddenly, she saw Ah Han standing at the side. She quickly walked up and bowed to greet him.
"Jingchou!" Ah Han nodded slightly. Ye Wu's technique is almost done, but it's still not enough to defeat the enemy! I'll teach you the rest of the Wood Elephant Technique tomorrow.”Chen Jingchou was overjoyed and hurriedly knelt down to kowtow.
Ah Han got him up, and his heart moved. He said,""Jingchou, a martial artist, has eyes and ears! If auntie is the enemy, your life is long gone. You must pay attention in the future!"
Chen Jingchou's face turned red and he felt ashamed.""Martial Aunt, Martial Nephew will be careful next time!”That day, Chen Jingchou continued to train hard until it was dark before he returned to the grass hut.
The next day, Chen Jingchou followed Ah Han to a pavilion in the bamboo forest. Ah Han imparted the incantation of the Wood Elephant Technique to Chen Jingchou. This Wood Elephant Technique was divided into seven moves according to the difficulty of cultivation-Leaf Dance Technique, Goat Tendon Eroding Bone, Crazy Wood Violent Mist, Transferring Flower onto Tree, Green Dragon Cloud Screen, Forest Fighting Stars, Autumn Sickle Wandering Blade. The power of each move gradually increased, and the specific functions were also different. When practicing, one had to take it step by step. Ah Han recited the incantation several times, and Chen Jingchou silently memorized it in his heart. The mnemonic chant was long and profound. Chen Jingchou only recited it word for word after the sixth time.
Ah Han said," Next, I'll explain to you how to use the technique. Whether you practice it well or not will depend on your comprehension! You have to carefully understand the essence of it and must master it thoroughly. Don't memorize it!”Chen Jingchou agreed and quietly listened to Ah Han's explanation. Who knew that after listening for half a day, the theory of creation and restriction was extremely profound. It was fine at the beginning, but the deeper it went, the more profound the theory became. Even though Chen Jingchou was concentrating hard, he only understood less than thirty percent. On the second day, he went to the bamboo forest again to lower his head and ponder. He only felt that it was difficult to understand, and his progress immediately stagnated. It was the same for the next few days. More haste, less speed. His mind was chaotic, and he was even more confused.
That night, Chen Jingchou tossed and turned on the bed, unable to sleep. He got up and walked into the bamboo forest. A bright moon hung overhead, and the shadows of the bamboos were mottled. Chen Jingchou stepped on the bamboo branches on the ground and paced back and forth, thinking hard. He would occasionally reach out and gesture, but he still didn't make any progress. He couldn't help but feel frustrated, lying on the grass and using his hand as a pillow, he fell asleep.
After an unknown amount of time, Chen Jingchou opened his eyes in a daze. The sky was already bright. Suddenly, he heard footsteps breaking. He turned around and saw Yu Xiaoxue carrying a rice basket and walking towards him. Soon, she was beside him and said,"Brother Chen, it's time to eat." As he spoke, he opened the box and took out a few exquisite dishes and a bowl of rice.
Chen Jingchou was frustrated and had no appetite. Yu Xiaoxue persuaded him a few more times.
Chen Jingchou couldn't bear to go against Yu Xiaoxue's good intentions, so he sat up, picked up his bowl, and took a few random bites before putting the bowl and chopsticks aside. Yu Xiaoxue sat down beside him and asked,""Brother Chen, are you unhappy?”
Chen Jingchou blamed himself." I'm really too stupid. I can't comprehend the pithy formula of the Hauntless Valley Daoist technique. I'm really useless!"”
"Brother Chen, don't worry!" Yu Xiaoxue advised. As long as he put his heart into it, he would eventually understand it.”
"I'm afraid that Master won't be able to hold on until I understand the chant," Chen Jingchou sighed.”Thinking of Chen Fu, he could not help but lower his head and feel dejected.
"Brother Chen, you should eat more. Don't starve yourself!" Yu Xiaoxue advised.”
Chen Jingchou didn't answer. He lay on the grass and repeated the incantation. He closed his eyes and began to think.
Yu Xiaoxue sat at the side and listened for a while. She also thought about it and suddenly said,"Brother Chen, can you tell me everything you've recited?”
Chen Jingchou stopped talking. He was puzzled and asked,""Why do you want to know this?"
"I-I think I roughly understand what it means!" Yu Xiaoxue said. -- Perhaps she could help Brother Chen answer it.”
Chen Jingchou smiled and recited the Wood Elephant Technique's incantation from beginning to end. Yu Xiaoxue secretly remembered it, thought for a while, and explained it one by one.
Hearing this, Chen Jingchou was skeptical. He lowered his head and pondered for a while. Suddenly, he turned over and jumped up, giving Yu Xiaoxue a fright. He paced back and forth, thinking hard. Suddenly, he turned around and held Yu Xiaoxue's hands. He said happily,""I see, I finally understand! Snowy, thank you. You're really smart!”
"Did I explain it correctly?" Yu Xiaoxue asked.”
"It's generally correct," Chen Jingchou said."How did you figure it out?”
"I don't know," Yu Xiaoxue said."I just said it randomly according to my own feelings."”
"You're really talented!" Chen Jingchou praised.”He thought about the mnemonic chant again, and although there were still some things he didn't understand, he couldn't force it, so he couldn't help but somersault a few times in joy.
"Brother Chen, the food is cold. Hurry up and eat." Yu Xiaoxue said.”At this moment, Chen Jingchou finally felt hungry. He picked up his bowl and stuffed all the food into his mouth in two or three mouthfuls. He threw down his bowl and jumped into the open space in the forest. He immediately got into position and began to practice step by step.
Seeing that Chen Jingchou had comprehended the mnemonic chant in just a few days, Ah Han was both surprised and happy. After thinking for a while, he taught him the five moves of the Water Elephant Art, Flowing Clouds, Falling Ice Stones, Falling Rain, Flying Black Snow, and Formless Tathagata.
From then on, Chen Jingchou practiced diligently every day. After ten days, he had already reached a small level of mastery. He was proficient in the Goat Tendon Bone Eroding and Flowing Cloud Catching. Although it could not be said that he had reached perfection, he was still able to use them with ease.
This day, he came to the bamboo forest and practiced those two moves a few more times. After several hours, only a few drops of sweat seeped out of his forehead. Compared to the day when he first arrived, his cultivation had greatly improved. After practicing for a few more days, the power of the move became even stronger. It was both offensive and defensive, and it was impeccable. The palm wind was everywhere, and it could actually continuously knock down the huge bamboo dozens of feet away.
Ah Han also taught him the method of guiding Qi, so that he could concentrate the palm power on the sword. A simple sword move could also unleash immense power and instantly kill the enemy.
Unknowingly, a month had passed. Chen Jingchou calculated that Chen Fu did not have much time left to persevere. He was anxious and restless. He made up his mind to bid farewell to his Martial Uncle and Martial Aunt the next day. No matter where he went, he would definitely find a senior expert who could save his Master. Although he knew that the chances were slim, he still had to try his best. If the heavens were to bless him and he found an expert, his master would still have a chance of survival. If he waited here in vain and waited for his death, his master would definitely die.
After dinner that night, Chen Jingchou walked to Ah Han's room and saw that the door was ajar. He knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" Ah Han asked in the room. Is it Jingchou?"
"Senior Aunt, it's me." Chen Jingchou replied.”When he entered, he saw that the room was dimly lit and there was an oil lamp on a few tables. Ah Han was sitting on the straw mat, sewing clothes. She was not young anymore, and her hair had long turned white. Under the dim yellow light, her fingers trembled slightly, making it seem rather difficult for her.
Chen Jingchou looked at Ah Han's kind face under the light, and a few more wrinkles appeared. She wanted to open her mouth a few times, but her throat actually choked. He recalled that he had been an orphan since he was young and had been raised by Chen Fu. The master and disciple depended on each other and did not have any female relatives by his side. Sometimes, he would dream of his mother. However, when she woke up, her hands were empty. There was nothing left. Who knew how many times she had cried because of this. Although she had only spent a little more than a month with Ah Han, she took care of him like a loving mother. In Chen Jingchou's heart, he had long treated her like his own mother. At this moment, he couldn't help but be stunned on the spot. He felt a wave of sadness in his heart and didn't know how to speak. The words that were on the tip of his tongue actually couldn't come out.
Ah Han raised his head and said,"Jingchou!" Why are you looking for me?"
Chen Jingchou suddenly realized and bowed,""Nephew wants to…set off tomorrow morning.”
Ah Han put down his clothes and said,"You're leaving?" You still want to save your master?"
" Yes," Chen Jingchou said." Master's kindness to me is as heavy as a mountain. Even if I have to risk my life, I have to save Master!"”
"You child!" Ah Han sighed. But the world is so big, where are you going to find an otherworldly expert?”
Chen Jingchou lowered his head in silence. "Your Martial Uncle Gongshan could have saved your master, but…" Ah Han sighed after a while.
Chen Jingchou had always had a question in his heart. He was worried that Gongshan Tie would be unhappy, so he could only keep it in his heart. Now that Ah Han mentioned it, he dared to say it out loud."Martial aunt! Nephew wants to ask you a question?"
"Yes, go ahead!" Ah Han said.
"Martial Uncle's martial arts are so powerful. How…how could he be so heavily injured?" Chen Jingchou hesitated for a moment.”
Ah Han sighed and said,"It's a long story…" He slowly stood up and walked to the window."Two years ago, because your uncle master sympathized with the sufferings of the common people, he stepped forward resolutely and helped them rise up in revolt against the tyranny of the imperial court! Unexpectedly, on the way, they were brutally suppressed by the government troops and were seriously injured! From then on, he fell ill and couldn't get up!"
"Martial Uncle, how could Martial Uncle be defeated by the government army?" Chen Jingchou asked in puzzlement. Wasn't his kung fu even better than his master's?”
"That's true. Your Uncle Master has been studying the Dao of Phantom Valley for decades. He can be considered one of the best experts in the world today…" Ah Han said.
"Then, then how could he be injured?" Chen Jingchou asked.”
Ah Han let out a long sigh." The most hateful thing is that the opponent he encountered was not an ordinary military general. It was Grand Tutor Yuwen sent by the imperial court!"”
"Grand Tutor Yuwen?" Chen Jingchou asked curiously.”
Ah Han said," Yes, it's the Yuwen Tuo I mentioned to you that day when I mistakenly thought you were his subordinate." That Grand Tutor Yuwen's strength is much higher than your Martial Uncle's! That day in the chaotic army, your Martial Uncle was severely injured by him and luckily escaped with his life. After he came back, he was bedridden and never recovered…"
"There's actually such a formidable figure in the world!" Chen Jingchou exclaimed in shock.”
Ah Han continued," This Grand Tutor Yuwen is the Imperial Advisor of the current imperial court. He carries a golden heavy sword and can kill ten thousand people in an instant with a raise of his hand. In the past, no matter how large the scale of civil unrest was, as long as he personally suppressed it, it would be immediately suppressed! Now that many people heard Grand Tutor Yuwen's name, they were scared out of their wits and immediately collapsed without fighting!”
Chen Jingchou gritted his teeth and said," This Grand Tutor Yuwen killed innocent people. He's too hateful!"”
Ah Han said," The injuries on your uncle master's body were caused by a sword strike from Grand Tutor Yuwen. His internal organs were damaged, and the sword qi in his body surged. Even now, it still can't be removed!”
Chen Jingchou was both sad and angry. He gritted his teeth. After a long time, he said,""Martial Aunt, that Grand Tutor Yuwen is too despicable. In the future, I will definitely avenge Martial Uncle and the people who died tragically!”
"Jingchou, don't do anything stupid," Ah Han hurriedly said. You don't know how terrifying he is. Your Martial Uncle is not his match at all! -- The only thing we need to do now is to cure your uncle master's illness!”
"Then…what method should I use to cure Martial Uncle?" Chen Jingchou asked.”
"The only way to cure your Martial Uncle's sword injury is the method I mentioned that day!" Ah Han said. But-"
"Martial Aunt, please tell me!" Chen Jingchou hurriedly said.”
"The golden sword that injured your uncle master is said to be one of the ancient divine artifacts of the Central Plains. Therefore, to eliminate its sword qi, one would need the power of an ancient divine artifact. If you can find the legendary Shennong Cauldron that Emperor Yan used to refine medicine and give it to your uncle master, he will be able to disperse the golden sword qi!”
"If that's the case, where is this Shennong Cauldron now?" Chen Jingchou asked.”
Ah Han sighed." Sigh…This is also why your Martial Uncle didn't want you to know about this method and took the risk alone. It's because that divine cauldron is said to be in Grand Tutor Yuwen's hands!”
"What?" Chen Jingchou was shocked.
Ah Han changed the topic,"However, this is only a rumor!" Previously, in order to save your Martial Uncle, Martial Aunt had searched everywhere for news of the Divine Cauldron. However, because your Martial Uncle was seriously ill, Martial Aunt rushed back to take care of him, so she didn't have the chance to investigate further.”
Chen Jingchou thought for a while and made up his mind."Martial aunt, I must find that divine cauldron! Uncle Master was severely injured because he was chivalrous! I hope that I can cure Martial Uncle's illness. Moreover, only when Martial Uncle is cured can I save Master!”
"Child, to be honest, it's very dangerous to find the divine cauldron!" Ah Han said. Martial aunt wants you to go, but she also doesn't want you to go!”
" Don't worry, Martial Aunt," Chen Jingchou said." Nephew will definitely act according to the situation. He will be careful and return safely!"”
Ah Han pondered for a while and said,"Good…Jingchou!" You can go to the north first and find the Tuoba tribe of Xianbei who originally kept this cauldron. You can confirm if the Shennong Cauldron was really taken away by Grand Tutor Yuwen as the rumors say.”
"En!" Chen Jingchou replied. Nephew understands!"
" If Grand Tutor Yuwen really took the Shennong Cauldron away, you must not fight with his life," Ah Han said." Otherwise, I won't be able to face your Martial Uncle!"”
"Don't worry, Senior Aunt. I'll think about it myself!" Chen Jingchou said.”
Ah Han turned around and walked to the wooden box next to the table. He reached out and opened the lid. He took out a few things and handed them to Chen Jingchou. Chen Jingchou received it with both hands. Seeing that it was a sheepskin map and a prescription, he carefully put it away.
Ah Han said," You found the Shennong Cauldron. You don't have to bring it back. You just need to use it to refine the medicine on the prescription and bring it back to your Martial Uncle to consume."”Chen Jingchou bowed and agreed. Ah Han looked out of the window. It was already late at night. He said,""It's getting late. Hurry up and go back to sleep!”
The next day, Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue woke up early in the morning. After breakfast, they came to the west house to bid farewell to Gongshan Tie. Gongshan Tie reminded. The two of them walked out of the fence gate. They had left home in a hurry. Other than the weapons in their hands, there was only a breeze in their sleeves. They did not have any personal belongings. Ah Han sent the two of them out to the side of the main road outside the forest. Before he left, he took out two bundles and handed them to the two of them."This journey to the north, the desert is vast and boundless. These two sets of clothes and some dry rations are for you.”Chen Jingchou couldn't help but feel sad. When Ah Han saw this, he comforted her,"You must be careful on the road. I will wait for your good news."?”Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue bid farewell to Ah Han and turned to walk on the main road. Ah Han stood at the edge of the forest and watched the two of them disappear behind the ridge.
Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue followed the route recorded on the sheepskin map and headed north. After walking for more than half a month, the people on the road gradually became sparse. Years of war had caused the land to be desolate. The people were destitute. The bark was peeled off, the grass roots were eaten up, and the hungry people fled everywhere.
Chen Jingchou couldn't help but feel indignant.""The emperor is extravagant and indulgent. Today, they would patrol the north, and tomorrow, they would attack the east. They would drive the people like cattle and horses, and they would harm the people of the world!”After a few more days, the weather gradually cooled down, and the scenery on the ground gradually became desolate.
On this day, they arrived at the southern foot of Yin Mountain, not far from Yanmen Pass. Chen Jingchou took out a map and looked at it for a while before saying,""According to the map, we'll be arriving at Blackhills Town soon. After crossing the mountain, we'll reach the desert if we head north. The Tuoba tribe should be not far to the north.”
The two of them rested for the night and continued on their journey the next day. Walking halfway up the mountain, he saw a small town sandwiched in the valley with towering mountains on both sides. The two of them walked into the town and found it strange. The streets were full of women and children, but there was not a single adult man. "Brother Chen, why are there so many women and children here? Where are the fathers of those children?" Yu Xiaoxue asked.”
"En!" Chen Jingchou said as he walked and watched. I guess they were all like your father, captured by the government to fight or do hard labor!”
"Oh, no wonder. Aren't these children very pitiful?" Yu Xiaoxue said.”
Chen Jingchou said," The Imperial Court is unjust. The commoners can only endure it. What can they do?!"”After walking for a while, he said,"Little Xue, are you used to such a long journey?" Do you miss home?"
Yu Xiaoxue lowered her head and said,"Yes!" It won't happen…"
Chen Jingchou laughed." You're still so stubborn. If you have something on your mind, just say it. I don't know who it was last night. She buried her head in her clothes and cried secretly!”
Yu Xiaoxue blushed." I, I just…How did you…How did you eavesdrop on me crying?"”
Chen Jingchou laughed." You cried for so long that I couldn't sleep the entire night. I had no choice but to stuff my ears with leaves. How dare you say that I was eavesdropping?"”
"I'm sorry!" Yu Xiaoxue lowered her head. I…I didn't mean it."
" Don't mind me," Chen Jingchou said." I was just joking. I don't mean to blame you!" Next time, if you have something on your mind, just say it out loud…Don't keep it in your heart! You're suffocating yourself!"
"Yes, Brother Chen," Yu Xiaoxue said.”The two chatted as they walked. Chen Jingchou looked forward and saw a small inn in the northeast corner of the town. He said,""You must be hungry after walking for so long. Let's go eat something and rest!”
Before long, they had already entered the inn. There were very few customers in the inn, so Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue sat beside a small wooden table by the door. Not long after, the shopkeeper walked over and asked,""What would you like to eat?" "Thank you, uncle, for bringing us some food!" Chen Jingchou said.”The old man agreed and left. A moment later, he brought out two bowls of plain noodles and placed them on the table.
"Uncle, is there a Tuoba tribe in the desert north of here?" Chen Jingchou thanked him and asked.”
"This Tuoba tribe does have some," said the old man. Listening to this little guest, he seemed to be from the south!”
"Yes, I have urgent matters to attend to at the Tuoba tribe." Uncle, please point out the way!"
The shopkeeper shook his head and sighed." Aiya, little guest, you came at a bad time!" It was said that the Tuoba tribe had been scattered by the government army before the new year, and there had been no news of them since a long time ago. Now that the army is in a panic, the two of you should hurry home!”He turned around and walked away.
Chen Jingchou raised his chopsticks and frowned slightly. He didn't know what had happened, but the Tuoba tribe had disappeared. After pondering for a while, he ate two mouthfuls of noodles and thought,""Since we're already here, we have to make a trip to the north of the desert no matter what. It's hard to say if we can find them.”
Just as he was lost in his thoughts, he suddenly heard a shout from outside the shop, mixed with the cries of a few women.
"Brother Chen!" Yu Xiaoxue said. It's so noisy outside! I wonder what happened?"
"I'll go out and take a look!" Chen Jingchou said.”He put down his bowl and stepped out of the door.
The open space in front of the shop was already surrounded by a group of people. Chen Jingchou stepped into the crowd and saw several soldiers brandishing their sabers as they kicked away a few women kneeling on the ground. Each soldier was holding a yellow-mouthed child by the collar. Those children were crying out loud in fear and struggling hard.
A woman rushed forward and hugged the soldier's legs. She cried,"I beg you! Grandpa! Let go of my child!" "What are you babbling about? Get lost! Get lost!" He raised his right leg and kicked the woman's chest with all his might. The woman was sent flying backward, spitting out a large mouthful of blood before fainting.
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。