Chapter 396:
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"To learn Hua strength, you must start by listening to the opponent’s energy."
"Come, Master Qiao, let’s practice together."
Wu Mingkong and Qiao Mu, who is actually Qiao Xin, the master of Peach Blossom Village, faced each other and placed their palms on each other’s wrists.
"Listening to the opponent’s energy means using your body to listen and feel the direction and strength of their energy. Master Qiao should understand this better than me."
Wu Mingkong’s wrist moved slightly as she exerted some force and lifted her palm upwards, slapping Qiao Mu’s chest with her hand.
Although Qiao Mu had placed his hand on Wu Mingkong’s wrist from the beginning, he could already sense her movements as it started.
"She is exerting an upward force and a forward force, aiming to attack my chest."
Qiao Mu’s palm gently turned and quietly moved down to Wu Mingkong’s wrist, applying pressure downwards.
Wu Mingkong’s attack suddenly stopped, her hand reaching towards his chest was pressed down, and she almost toppled forward.Wu Qizheng is a great martial artist, but Qiao Mu is even better.
Even when facing an expert like Qiao Xin with the "Wave-Cutting Sword", who can split waves with a single strike, possessing power to rival a Nascent Soul cultivator, Wu Mingkong’s skills couldn’t match up and she was easily pushed off balance.
"Hua strength is basically about neutralizing the opponent’s attacks. It involves listening to the opponent’s strength, neutralizing it, and then using that force to counter-attack," Wu Mingkong said, standing up straight.
"When both of us are fighting, martial artists can easily sense the direction and method of the opponent’s force through the contact of our wrists and palms, so they can easily neutralize it."
Qiao Mu added, "But in real combat, the opponents may not always have physical contact, and even if they do, it’s often brief. Most martial artists don’t have the reaction speed to listen, neutralize, and counter-attack in the blink of an eye."
Xue Changhe nodded repeatedly beside them.
This was also why he scolded Qiao Jinyin for being a fraud.
Qiao Jinyin’s understanding of Hua strength only stayed at a theoretical level, and the difference between him and Wu Mingkong was like calculating 235*352 on a draft paper compared to solving it mentally in a split second.
Xue Changhe watched as Qiao Jinyin performed martial arts, he knew that this move, called Hua strength, was only good for show and not for real fighting.
If he could do it, there was only one reason: he cheated, he knew the answer to 235 times 352 beforehand.
Wu Mingkong’s ability to master true Hua strength was all because of her skills, not because of Qiao Jinyin.
So the important thing is how Wu Mingkong learned to use instant Hua strength in real fights.
This was what impressed Earth Sword Immortal, calling it a superb skill.
"The big moment is coming," Xue Changhe held his breath, eager to hear how Wu Mingkong would explain using Hua strength in real battles, and how Qiao Xin would learn…
"Master Qiao Xin, it’s my turn now, quickly use Hua strength!"
Wu Mingkong forcefully slapped Qiao Mu’s chest.
This time they didn’t join hands, but attacked directly.
In a flash of lightning, Qiao Mu reached out and pressed his palm on Wu Mingkong’s wrist, almost forcing her to kneel.
But as soon as he finished the move, Qiao Mu frowned.
There was quite a gap in personal strength between him and Wu Mingkong. Facing her attacks, dodging, blocking, or even taking the hits with his chest were not a problem.
However, launching a counterattack in an instant proved to be quite difficult.
"A great martial artist like me needs extensive practice, extremely fast reaction speed, and mastering skills to achieve." Qiao Mu, with over two thousand years of martial arts experience, immediately made a judgment.
And as for Wu Mingkong in front of him…
At that moment, she looked puzzled, even more surprised than Qiao Mu:
"Hua, why aren’t you using your Hua strength? Didn’t I tell you to use it? Just like before, but faster?"
"Isn’t Master Qiao a genius in martial arts?"
Qiao Mu said….
He glanced at Xue Changhe and thought to himself that this kid is starting to show signs of boasting after hanging out with him.
Wu Mingkong taught Hua strength to him, first teaching him how to do calculations on paper and then saying, "Okay, now that you’ve learned how to do calculations, let’s do a mental calculation of 114 multiplied by 514 in one second."
"Okay, I shouldn’t have expected too much from Wu Mingkong’s teaching," Qiao Mu sighed and shook his head.
This little girl, like Earth Sword Immortal, was someone favored by heaven, able to grasp practical Hua strength just by instinct.
In Qiao Mu’s eyes, her martial arts aptitude had already surpassed the concept of a super-sized cup and might have reached the level of a family bucket.
After practicing for half an hour, Wu Mingkong went to rest in a guest room in the manor, leaving Qiao Mu feeling mixed emotions.
"It seems the issue now is not whether I am willing to teach Wu Mingkong martial arts, but whether she is willing to learn," Qiao Mu sighed.
"If you really want her to learn, it’s simple," Wu Qizheng said coldly.
"This person is a lazy donkey who won’t run forward unless whipped. Locking her in the basement of the mansion without training will naturally improve her martial arts skills."
But in the long run, this is not appropriate… Qiao Mu wants more than just a talented martial artist like Wu Mingkong.
From observing Wu Mingkong following Qiao Jinyin and learning practical fighting skills, it’s clear that she has a high level of talent in martial arts, reaching an unimaginable level for most people.
If she can voluntarily practice martial arts and study it willingly, maybe in the future she can discover various things similar to "practical fighting skills," which is the most precious.
But how to make this lazy donkey move, that’s not easy at all.
"She really is stubborn," Qiao Mu sighed.
Wu Mingkong is like a raw jade, everyone knows there is a priceless treasure inside this jade.
However, how to shape this jade, how to make it shine as it should, that is the tricky part.
Her talent and intelligence are too high, to the point where it’s difficult to handle. If we were to cut it open carelessly, we might regret ruining this precious gem.
So, how to handle this mysterious figure Martial Saint, who introduced himself as Wu Mingkong, became a difficult problem.
In response, Wu Qizheng said:
"Dealing with this person is indeed quite complicated, Senior Qiao. I will take my leave now, goodbye."
"Are you leaving Peach Blossom Villa? Is it because of this Wu Mingkong?" Qiao Mu asked in surprise.
"Wu Mingkong is a precious gem among mortals, even Martial Saint hesitates to influence her for fear of leading her astray," Wu Qizheng explained.
"Therefore, Wu Mingkong’s martial arts cultivation is only at the 3rd rank of Spiritual Refining Period not because of her limited potential, but because Martial Saint did not push her to train rigorously. He also did not teach her core techniques like the ‘Taotie Swallowing Heaven Skill’ to avoid her taking the wrong path."
"What are you trying to say? Speak up," Qiao Mu urged.
"Someone like Wu Mingkong would not act rashly," Wu Qizheng remarked.
"However, Martial Saint sent her to Peach Blossom Villa and allowed her to reveal her true identity, which is unusual," Wu Qizheng added.
"To me, these are just two possibilities."
"First, Martial Saint saw a different possibility at Peach Blossom Villa that was different from his Way of Gluttony."
"Second, maybe…" Wu Qizheng paused for a moment, then said slowly:
"Maybe taking care of matters behind the scenes and protecting the orphans."
Qiao Mu was surprised.
"My Qiao family has no connection with Martial Saint, it is not inappropriate to say we are mortal enemies…"
Wu Qizheng said, "In the martial arts world of Jiu Province, Martial Saint has enemies everywhere, this is not an exaggeration."
"Martial Saint swept through the martial arts world of Jiu Province single-handedly, breaking through the doors of major families, renowned sects, and schools like Shaolin and Wudang."
In forty years, the traditional martial arts sects in Jiu Province have virtually disappeared, with only a few scattered disciples remaining, but those who once belonged to those sects are not all extinct.
"Let’s talk about the martial artists in Peach Blossom Villa. Most of them have a deep hatred towards Martial Saint, they cannot stand each other."
"Martial Saint sent Wu Mingkong to Peach Blossom Villa, not because he has any connection with the Qiao family member." Wu Qizheng said seriously.
"I believe it’s because even though she is Martial Saint’s adopted daughter, Senior Qiao would not mistreat her due to her background, personality, or family feuds."
"Since Wu Mingkong does not practice Martial Saint’s martial arts style, even though Jiu Province is vast, the best place for her to show her skills and talents is probably this villa."
"With that said, I should take my leave now."
Saying this, Wu Qizheng stood up and walked away.
Qiao Mu opened his mouth, but did not stop him or ask for reasons.
Someone like Wu Qizheng cannot be persuaded by words alone. Even if he didn’t explain why he was leaving, Qiao Mu had a guess.
Ever since Wu Qizheng faked his death and broke free from the control of the Wuji Association.
He has been traveling to Jiu Province, secretly planning to kill Martial Saint.
As a substitute who once died for Martial Saint, Wu Qizheng deeply understands Martial Saint’s power. Now he truly believes that the disaster brought by Martial Saint, the Disaster of Taotie, may be even greater than any inhuman disaster.
Now that Martial Saint’s adopted daughter Wu Mingkong has arrived at Peach Blossom Villa, it suggests that there has been a change in Martial Saint’s situation.
So, it is time for him to take action.
"In this world, there are no immortals who don’t face challenges, nor gods who can do everything." Wu Qizheng said calmly:
"The previous Martial Saint, in the eyes of our three thousand followers, was like a powerful monster that cannot be defeated."
"I also want to see why he has changed his mind now."
…………………………………………………………..
Nan Province, Tiger City.
Tiger City is a small town nestled in the mountains next to Yan City. Over two years ago, there was a small Inhuman Disaster. A local sword sect called "Bright Moon Sect" fell apart because of the disaster.
However, two years later, a new Taoist temple stood tall in Tiger City, with worshippers coming every day, offering incense.
Until tonight.
A group of strong soldiers stormed into the temple, scattering the worshippers gathered inside. They roughly pushed down the statue and smashed it into pieces with a heavy hammer.
At first, the worshippers panicked and scattered, but soon they realized that the soldiers were only driving them away without harming them. Someone then scolded them, saying:
"Aren’t you afraid of divine retribution for what you’re doing?"
"Man proposes, God disposes, heaven’s eyes see all."
"Young people, I advise you to be more thoughtful.."
All the noise was eventually drowned out by the shattering of the statue.
Among the crowd, Southern King Wang Songhe looked coldly at the scene, shaking his head gently.
"This new teaching only gained popularity after my uprising a few months ago."
"And now, some people are already criticizing my soldiers under my command for being cursed by the heavens."
He raised his hand, formed a spell, and flames suddenly appeared out of nowhere, quickly engulfing the Taoist temple.
The flames illuminated the night sky and Qiao Mu’s face beside him. He watched quietly as the flames consumed the temple, unable to resist yawning.
"Have all the people from Xuantian Sect died? This is the thirteenth temple destroyed by the Southern Army. Why haven’t they shown up yet?" Qiao Mu asked eagerly, rubbing his hands together.
These days, he had been following Wang Songhe around, waiting for the Xuantian Sect to retaliate. But after thirteen temples destroyed, there was no sign of Xuantian Sect.
"Qiao Shuangxin, I understand your urgent desire for revenge, but remember, Xuantian Sect is one of the Nine Immortal Gates," Wang Songhe said.
"They are quiet now, but if they decide to act, it will be a force to be reckoned with!"
"Then I will continue, no matter what… even if it means death," Qiao Mu said, feeling a bit scared suddenly.
There is only one Long Life Lock chain left, and the dream time consumed for resurrection is multiplied by a hundred.
If he has to wait for three to five thousand years, the long time would be enough for him to work hard and save up in his past life. It’s really frightening to think about.
"Mingqing Temple in Heyang City has become the largest temple for offerings in Nan Province," explained South King.
"We have reached this point and Immortal Gate has not attacked yet, so perhaps we should consider… attacking Qingming Valley."
Wang Songhe was once accepted into Xuantian Sect and became a disciple under Nascent Soul Elder.
Although only a Medicine Man and not a true disciple of Immortal Gate, he still had some understanding of the secrets within Xuantian Sect.
"In recent years, Heyang City in Nan Province has actually been less prosperous than before, with a declining population. This is because, starting two years ago, more and more local ordinary people of Nan Province have been sent to Qingming Valley."
"Xuantian Sect excels in the art of alchemy among the Nine Immortal Gates. And Qingming Valley, located in the Qingming Mountain Range, is actually a Medicinal Valley where the sect is based."
Wang Songhe explained:
"Planting spiritual herbs, cultivating spiritual fields, these tasks are taken care of by cultivators on the Immortal Path, but there are also ordinary people involved, known as Spiritual Farmers, who assist cultivators from the Xuantian Sect in the Medicinal Valley…"
"If cultivators from the Immortal Path are involved, what do ordinary people do?" Qiao Mu asked in amazement.
The Immortal Path has been passed down from ancient times to today, and has developed into a very prosperous state with various magical techniques emerging endlessly.
There are Message Jade Talismans for communicating over long distances, the Art of Water Mirror for seeing afar, even simple actions like scattering beans or cutting paper can turn into Taoist magic soldiers, and with just a wave of the hand, one can summon thunder, lightning, wind, and fire… The magical techniques of the Immortal Path are so powerful and perfected, so what roles are left for ordinary people?
Wang Songhe chuckled softly upon hearing this, "Senior Qiao, you may not be aware…"
But halfway through his sentence, he suddenly stopped, abruptly ending his words.
His body fell straight back, and a blurry figure floated out from within.
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