SWDnovel Chapter 103 Five years of internal energy cultivation, the road ahead is still long, watch me forge
Chapter 103 Five years of internal energy cultivation, the road ahead is still long, watch me forge
Chapter 104 Fifty years of internal energy cultivation, the road ahead is still long, watch me forge ahead with my sword! (5k)
Qianmen Street, Lu Residence.
Today, this house is even more lively than during the Lunar New Year.
Although Lu Cheng said he wouldn't hold a banquet, he couldn't resist the enthusiasm of his neighbors. The front door was piled high with all sorts of things, like a small mountain.
Some people were giving away eggs, basket after basket, with red paper attached.
Some people bring old hens, with their feet tied with straw rope, which cluck loudly.
Some people even gave away homemade cloth shoes with countless layers of stitches on the soles, showing that they had put a lot of effort into making them.
"Grandpa Lu, you've raised a fine son."
"That's the Martial Star descended to earth! That's the reincarnation of the Martial Star, possessing both literary and martial talents! Our whole street is benefiting from this!"
Lu Laogen was wearing a dark purple silk jacket.
He usually wouldn't wear it, but he specially dug it out today. Standing at the door, his back was straighter than the flagpole, and his face was all smiles.
He held a pipe in his hand, but forgot to smoke it, muttering to himself.
"Congratulations, congratulations! It's everyone's kindness, it's the neighbors showing us respect—"
Wang was also standing to the side, holding a blue handkerchief in her hand, wiping her eyes from time to time.
When Lu Cheng's rickshaw arrived at the door.
The crowd automatically parted to make way, their eyes filled with a mixture of awe and warmth.
No one dared to push forward; they all consciously stepped back, afraid of bumping into this "Martial Saint" who had just descended to earth.
Lu Cheng got out of the car, changed into a gray-blue casual long gown, wore black cloth shoes, and was not wearing a hat. His hair was neatly combed.
He didn't put on airs of a master. When he saw old neighbors he knew, he would smile, cup his hands, and call them "Aunt Wang," "Uncle Li," or "Aunt Zhao."
This shout moved the old ladies so much that they trembled, their lips quivering, and they could hardly speak.
"Look at Master Lu's demeanor, look at his magnanimity, that's what it means for a noble person not to forget their roots—"
We entered the backyard.
A small square table was placed under the eaves, directly opposite the old locust tree.
A steaming bowl of scallion noodles sits atop two golden poached eggs, the egg whites tender and the yolks runny. Beside it is a plate of finely shredded pickled vegetables in sesame oil, drizzled with a few drops of sesame oil, the aroma filling the air.
There were no delicacies, no clinking of glasses.
Lu Cheng sat down and picked up the bamboo chopsticks. They were warm and smooth from long use.
"Slurp"
One bite of noodles, and you'll find them chewy and smooth.
That familiar aroma of wheat, mixed with the caramelized scent of scallions and the rich flavor of lard, instantly filled his empty stomach.
Down-to-earth.
That's really reassuring.
It's a hundred times more reassuring than being admired by thousands on stage.
Lu Feng, Xiao Douzi, Shunzi, and several other apprentices stood around, none of them daring to speak, just quietly watching their master eat noodles.
In their eyes, this is how their master eats noodles.
With her head slightly bowed, she ate steadily with her chopsticks, neither too fast nor too slow, and even drank her soup silently.
It's even more handsome and realistic than the Guan Yu statue on the stage.
"Master————"
After Lu Cheng finished drinking all the soup, Lu Feng carefully handed him a hot handkerchief, hesitating to speak.
The little beans and the others stood around, their eyes filled with awe and a hint of lingering fear.
"What's wrong?" Lu Cheng wiped his mouth and looked up at them.
Lu Feng's Adam's apple bobbed, and he kept his voice low.
"That slash on stage today—it was so satisfying! We guys in the audience, our blood was boiling!"
But,"
He paused, then glanced at the youngest child, Xiaodouzi.
"But thinking about it afterwards, I felt a little scared. After all, he was Japanese, and a Kendo master at that."
Little Bean nodded in agreement, his small body shrinking involuntarily as he whispered.
"I've heard storytellers at the tea stalls say that the Japanese are vengeful and ruthless. Master, could they be—"
"Will they retaliate?" Lu Cheng continued the conversation.
The children nodded silently, watching him expectantly.
Lu Cheng smiled.
He stood up, walked to the center of the courtyard, and looked at the old locust tree.
The winter chill had not yet dissipated, and most of the tree branches were bare.
But upon closer inspection, tiny buds the size of rice grains have already sprouted on the branches, retaining a stubborn yellowish-green hue.
Remove the phrase "whether or not".
He turned around and looked at the group of teenagers. "They will definitely retaliate."
The children's hearts jumped into their throats.
"But what good is fear in this world?"
"The more afraid you are, the more he thinks you are weak, and he will trample on you without any scruples. If you take a step back, he will take a step forward, until he has cornered you with no way out."
He walked back to the table and gently tapped the empty noodle bowl with his finger.
"Like this bowl of noodles, the more polite you are, saying you don't want any, the more likely someone will actually take it. But if you sit down calmly, pick up your chopsticks, and eat it all, others will know that this is your food and you can't touch it."
"This strike today is to tell those who come to bully me that this is my territory and my rules."
"They've been hurt, they're scared, they know there are hard bones here, they'll think twice before they extend their claws next time."
Lu Cheng's gaze swept over the still somewhat immature faces of his disciples.
"It's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark."
"From now on, you must keep your eyes sharp, your ears keen, and you can't slack off in your work. But you must keep your backbone straight."
He paused, his tone softening.
"Remember this. For us martial artists, strong fists are essential for survival. But what's even stronger than strong fists is this—"
He raised his hand and gently tapped his heart.
"It is this righteous spirit that cannot be dispersed or bent."
"
"As long as I have breath and my spine remains upright, no matter what demons, monsters, wolves, tigers, or leopards they come after, they'll all have to crash into me and bleed."
"Yes, Master!"
The children shouted in unison, their voices young yet firm, echoing through the yard.
Late at night.
The Lu residence quieted down, with only the lanterns under the eaves still lit, casting a warm, dim glow.
Lu Cheng returned to his study.
He did not rest immediately.
-
Today's battle was won beautifully, but it was also a perilous victory.
Now that I've calmed down, those details are slowly coming to mind.
The cold glint of the Chiba sword, the roars from the audience, the trajectory of the rolling head, and those chilling killing intents—
If it weren't for the [Zhong Kui Picture] suppressing the inner demons and allowing me to remain clear-headed when the demonic sounds attacked.
If it weren't for his instinct to "seek good fortune and avoid misfortune" allowing him to sense danger in advance, thus subtly influencing the luck of those two—
He is probably a corpse now, lying on the stage, his green robe stained with blood.
"Our strength is still not enough."
Lu Cheng looked at the Zhong Kui painting on the wall.
Zhong Kui's eyes were wide open in anger, he held a sword in his hand, and stepped on a little devil.
The painting is old, the paper is yellowed, but its awe-inspiring power to suppress evil spirits remains undiminished.
Although internal strength is powerful enough to split stone tablets and fight tigers with bare hands, in this chaotic world, one is still ultimately just a mortal.
He can dodge pistols and shotguns.
But what if it were a few machine guns firing or artillery bombarding?
What if the Japanese Special Higher Police went all out, using poison, explosives, and all sorts of underhanded tricks?
"Transformation of Internal Strength —"
A flicker of longing flashed in Lu Cheng's eyes.
Only by reaching the pinnacle of spiritual attainment and refining one's spirit to return to emptiness can one perceive danger with keen sensitivity, like a cicada sensing the autumn wind before it even stirs.
Furthermore, martial arts, when practiced to a high level, can alter one's physical appearance and shrink one's bones and shape through the use of qi and blood. This is the true foundation for survival, allowing one to move with more composure in this chaotic world.
"Brother Tongzi".
Lu Cheng silently recited in his heart.
A flash of golden light appeared before his eyes, and several lines of ancient characters, like smoke and mist, appeared in his mind.
[Current Performance: "Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles"]
[Character: Guan Yu (Possessed by the God of War)]
[Commentary: "With a mortal body, he embodied the god of war. He cleaved the Japanese invaders with his blade, his spirit dominating the entire city. This battle not only beheaded the enemy leader but also shattered the fear in the hearts of the Chinese people. His divine might was like a prison, his righteousness as vast as the heavens. Though not a true god descended, he was more than a god!"]
[Overall Rating: Top Grade (Perfect in both appearance and spirit, an unparalleled national hero)]
[Reward Received:]
【1. Subtle Infusion of Power (Fifty Years of Refined Internal Energy)】
2. Horsemanship
3. Special Item: Wildfire Seed
Looking at the rewards, Lu Cheng's breathing quickened instantly.
Fifty years of hidden strength!
He was originally a master of internal strength, with blood and qi as pure as mercury and bones as strong as iron.
If you pour in fifty years' worth of refined internal energy, to what extent will that push him?
Half-step into the realm of power?
Or—directly touch that mysterious threshold?
"Buzz—!!"
Before he could think any further, an unimaginably large surge of heat poured into his body like a dam bursting.
It surged in from the Baihui acupoint on the top of the head, instantly washing over the limbs and bones.
This is the infusion of hidden power, resulting in a pure and profound skill that reaches the innate level.
It instantly filled every meridian, every acupoint, every bone, and every muscle in the body.
His bones were vibrating, making a buzzing sound, a sound so profound that only he could hear it.
The internal organs are pulsating, slowly but powerfully; this is the "formless great elephant," and the transformation within is far more astonishing than the outward appearance.
The meridians are widened and their resilience is increased several times over, allowing qi and blood to flow faster, more vigorously, and more smoothly.
At the same time, another unfamiliar "memory" flowed into my heart like a clear spring.
How to judge a horse by its hooves, how to control the reins and saddle, how to harmonize your breath and mind with your mount —
In a daze, it seemed as if the afterimage of Guan Yu riding Red Hare alone for a thousand miles had flashed by.
This is the true art of horsemanship, where man and horse become one. If one obtains a fine steed, one can move freely even in the midst of a vast army.
This force eventually surged to the crown of the head, merging with the wisp of "True Dragon Purple Qi" swirling in the sea of consciousness.
boom!
In Lu Cheng's mind, the strange scene reappeared.
In that sea of consciousness, on the left was a picture of Zhong Kui with a fierce look, and on the right was a white tiger roaring in the mountains.
The previously empty space now has a glimmer of light.
A golden flame, the size of a grain of rice, appeared out of thin air.
It was very weak and trembling, as if a gust of wind could blow it out.
But it is exceptionally resilient, radiating an aura of warmth, light, vastness, and integrity.
Like a lamp in the cold winter night, like a star before dawn.
Lu Cheng's "divine will" gazed at the flame, and a sudden realization dawned on him.
"This is... the spark?"
He felt that the flame seemed to be connected to countless invisible threads.
As fine as a hair, as numerous as cow hairs, they converge from all directions.
Some of those lines came from the cheering audience at the Tianqiao Theater, some from the neighbors delivering eggs on Qianmen Street, and some from every ordinary person who had heard his name and admired him.
There are even people from more distant places—those whom we have never met, yet whose hearts are set on the light.
That is the will of the people, that is their aspiration.
It is the most basic yearning for "chivalry" and "righteousness" that this nation has cherished for thousands of years.
This is the spark of popular support; fueled by reputation and good deeds, it can strengthen the nation's fortune and ward off disasters.
As his fame spread, the flame flickered and grew stronger.
With each leap, a wisp of golden energy was exhaled, merging into the "True Dragon Purple Qi" beside it.
The originally ethereal purple aura became more solid under the nourishment of this golden aura.
A faint dragon shape appeared, slowly moving within the sea of consciousness.
"I see----"
Lu Cheng opened his eyes, his gaze gleaming.
This spark is his foundation, his "Tao".
As long as he acts uprightly and honestly, as long as he remains in this world to punish evil and promote good, and to speak up for the people, this flame will never be extinguished.
As long as the flame remains, the destiny will never end.
The will of the people is the inevitable trend.
This is the foundation of one's character and the basis for attaining enlightenment!
In fact, those who stand at the pinnacle of martial arts are mostly people who cherish virtue and respect themselves.
For example, Sun Lutang entered the Dao through boxing, and Shang Yunxiang embraced simplicity and truth. All those who reached the level of a grandmaster cultivated their inner strength and nourished their martial arts with virtue.
Only by maintaining a noble spirit and a clear mind can one glimpse the "way of utmost sincerity, which allows one to foresee the future."
When one's mind is pure and undistracted, and one's words and actions are in harmony with the true essence of martial arts, it is like a clear mirror reflecting all things, with signs of action appearing before any movement is made.
At that moment, the intention had arrived before the fist was moved, and the spirit had already set out before the momentum was formed. It was clear that both mind and skill had merged into a state of clarity.
"call----"
Lu Cheng exhaled a breath of stale air, which lingered in the air like a small white dragon for a moment before slowly dissipating.
He clenched his fist, a sense of "completeness" filling his entire body from the inside out.
Even if he didn't dodge or flinch now, and instead withstood Wanyan Lie's impact head-on, he could probably break Wanyan Lie's bones and tendons without suffering any injury himself.
As for that Mauser sniper rifle—
Lu Cheng narrowed his eyes.
As long as the distance isn't too close, he's confident that he can use this surge of power and […] to strike just before the bullet fires.
The prediction of "seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune" leads to instinctive avoidance.
"This play was worth it."
The next morning, the threshold of the Lu residence was almost worn down by footsteps.
Reporters from major newspapers, like cats drawn by the smell of fish, crowded the entrance with their long lenses and microphones, forming a dense, dark mass.
The cameras clicked incessantly, and the flashes from the spotlights were dazzling.
Shuntian Times, Beijing Daily, Ta Kung Pao, Morning Post, Yishi Daily —
There were even reporters from Tianjin's Ta Kung Pao who took the train overnight to come over.
The front page headlines were all large, bold, and highlighted.
[A master of Chinese martial arts slays Japanese invaders, upholding national prestige!] (Beijing Daily)
[Guan Yu manifests? Lu Cheng beheads Chiba on stage!] (Shuntian Times, a newspaper with pro-Japanese background, uses sarcastic headlines, but dares not write anything inappropriate in its content)
[Chinese martial arts will never die! The Qingyun troupe upholds the backbone of the nation!] (Ta Kung Pao)
[Avenging the humiliation with a single blow: Ten thousand people at Tianqiao in Beiping witness the beheading of a Japanese samurai] (Morning Post)
In the photo, Lu Cheng holds a knife in one hand, stands on the banner that reads "China-Japan Friendship," and looks down with a disdainful gaze. He has a red face and a green robe, and looks imposing.
That photo was cut out by countless people and pasted on their bedside tables and doors, used as a door god, with the belief that it could ward off evil spirits.
Lu Cheng did not meet with reporters.
He told Shunzi to leave, saying only one sentence.
"The show is over, and it's time for everyone to eat. Please leave now."
His "quick fix and then disappear" attitude actually made him even more respected by the people.
In teahouses and restaurants, everyone was talking about it.
"Look at Master Lu, that's what you call a true master who doesn't reveal his abilities."
"Yes, that's the demeanor of a true master, unlike those who get a little fame and then become arrogant and haughty—"
Around noon.
The sun was warm and inviting, making people feel lazy.
An unexpected guest arrived.
He was neither a warlord, nor a martial arts master, nor a journalist.
Instead, he was a middle-aged man dressed in a dark blue long gown and wearing gold-rimmed glasses, who appeared refined and cultured.
He was carrying a black leather suitcase, the corners of which were worn white. His face was tired, his eyes were sunken, but his eyes were bright.
"My name is Qi Rushan, the steward of Boss Mei Lanfang."
The middle-aged man cupped his hands in a respectful but not servile tone, displaying the demeanor of a scholar.
"When Boss Mei heard about Boss Lu's deeds, he praised him highly, saying 'good' three times in a row."
"Boss Mei said that in our opera world, besides singing, we also need to have backbone. No matter how well you sing, if you have no backbone, you'll end up begging on your knees."
"Boss Lu's move has brought honor and redeemed us actors. From now on, who will dare say that actors are unrighteous?"
As he spoke, Steward Qi opened his leather suitcase.
There were no silver dollars or gold bars inside.
Instead, it was a set of costumes.
A brand new set of armor, densely embroidered with gold thread — the Overlord Armor.
The armor is black with gold thread embroidered with coiled dragons, cloud patterns, and sea and cliff patterns, densely packed and layered.
The breastplate is made from a single piece of polished brass, so shiny it reflects one's image.
The nail plates are made of cowhide lined with silk, which is both hard and flexible, and makes a "thump thump" sound when tapped with your fingers.
"When Mr. Mei was filming 'Farewell My Concubine,' he specially found the best embroiderers in Suzhou, and it took them three years to embroider it stitch by stitch."
"We used 1.2 pounds of gold thread alone."
Manager Qi stroked the patterns on the armor, his eyes filled with nostalgia.
"Boss Mei said that he found this armor too heavy and it hurt his throat."
"He plays female roles, so his movements need to be light and agile. But this armor is also of high quality, and he can't bear to let it get dusty."
"He said only a hero like Boss Lu deserves this Overlord's Armor. The armor is heavy because it carries weight. If you can bear the weight, the armor won't feel heavy."
Lu Cheng looked at the costume.
The gold threads on it shimmered in the sunlight, dazzling yet not glaring, just like the shimmering surface of a lake bathed in the setting sun.
This is more than just a piece of clothing.
This is the first person in the Peking Opera world to acknowledge him.
It is also a kind of inheritance.
From Mei Lanfang to Lu Cheng, from female roles to male martial arts roles, from art to character.
"Please thank Boss Mei for me."
Lu Cheng reached out and stroked the armor plate.
It feels warm to the touch, and is indeed an excellent material.
"I'll accept this armor."
"I will definitely pay a visit another day to express my gratitude and ask Boss Mei for some guidance. It's not about learning acting, but about learning how to be a person."
Manager Qi smiled and bowed deeply: "Boss Mei said that he would be ready to welcome you at any time."
After seeing Steward Qi off,
Before Lu Cheng could even take a sip of water, he took a closer look at the Overlord Armor.
There was another commotion in the backyard, with hurried and heavy footsteps.
"Master, Master!"
Lu Feng ran in excitedly, holding a bright red invitation card with gold foil embossed around the edges, clearly not an ordinary item.
"Who's here again?" Lu Cheng asked helplessly. The doorstep was quite lively today.
"They're not outsiders."
Lu Feng chuckled and handed the post over with both hands.
"They are from the Simin Martial Arts Club."
"That old man Han has woken up. He was unconscious for three days and three nights, and he opened his eyes this morning."
"He said—he wants to give you the position of 'Head Instructor of the Simin Martial Arts Club.' The invitation is in Old Master Han's own handwriting. Take a look!"
Lu Cheng took the invitation and unfolded it.
The characters were written with a brush, in the Yan style, square and weighty.
However, the strokes are somewhat weak, indicating that the writer's strength has not yet recovered.
"Lu Cheng's Appreciation of Taiwan:"
I, Han Jinyong, am deeply grateful for your life-saving grace, for which I have no way to repay. Recently, I heard that you slew the Japanese pirates, upholding the prestige of our nation, and I am filled with immense joy!
The Simin Martial Arts Society was founded by our late master with the aim of strengthening the nation and the race. Unfortunately, due to his advanced age and declining health, he almost made a grave mistake.
I would like to entrust you with the position of head instructor; I hope you will not decline.
Furthermore, I have heard that you practice Xingyi Quan, but you have only grasped its form and not its spirit. Although I am not talented, I am willing to humbly pass on the true essence of Xingyi Quan to you.
The Five Elements and Twelve Forms, along with the internal cultivation methods, are imparted without reservation to repay the life-saving grace and to preserve a true lineage for the Xingyi school.
Looking forward to your reply.
Han Jinyong bows deeply.
Lu Cheng was stunned.
He then laughed.
This old man is truly a man of principle, clearly distinguishing between gratitude and resentment.
This means entrusting him with the entire Xingyi School's assets in Beiping.
The position of head instructor, the true transmission of Xingyi—this is a great honor.
"go."
Lu Cheng stood up and straightened his clothes.
"Prepare the car."
"Take that old ginseng with you. I bought it from Tongrentang last time, and I haven't finished using it yet."
"Let's go see this stubborn old man."
"yes!"
Lu Feng excitedly ran out.
Lu Cheng stood in the courtyard and looked up at the sky.
The sky was blue, the clouds were light, and the sun was shining brightly.
The road ahead is long.
But with this skill, this spirit, and these like-minded people—
This is the path we can keep walking on.
Go where you're supposed to go.