Chapter Twenty-One: Martial Arts Are the Ways of Man, Daoist Arts Are the Ways of Immortals

There are three realms in martial arts: Vital Energy, Internal Strength, and Martial Tao. Qingyuan sat across from him and said, “These three realms correspond to the three levels of cultivation in Daoist practice.”

“However, martial arts are ultimately the methods of men, whereas Daoist arts are the ways of immortals.”

“Human strength has its limits, but the Heavenly Way is endless.”

“So, cultivators who surpass the threefold heavens have further paths to tread, but a martial artist who reaches the third realm stands at the summit—the utmost limit of physical cultivation, known as the Grandmaster of Martial Tao.”

The mountain demon crouched in front, listening intently.

“Zhao Xu is robust, his vital energy nearly condensing into internal strength, akin to a cultivator of the second heaven. But you possess extraordinary talent, your vital energy is no less than his.”

Qingyuan continued, “Indeed, in a few days, once you condense true energy and drive your vital essence, your cultivation will surpass Zhao Xu's.”

Hearing this, the mountain demon grinned, clearly pleased.

“Yet cultivation is one matter, skill is another,” Qingyuan said. “Your vital energy exceeds his, but he is a practiced martial artist—not only is his physique strong, but he is versed in technique, proficient in wielding every ounce of his strength, with purpose in every movement. And if weapons are involved, you are not his match.”

The mountain demon lowered its head, silent.

“Generally, the first realm of cultivation is the practice of Qi, which only grants a strand of true energy for health and longevity.”

Qingyuan explained, “Martial artists, even if they haven’t mastered their vital energy, are considered skilled if they have learned techniques. For us cultivators, only after reaching the second heaven and fully condensing true energy can it be projected from the body and used to perform mysterious Daoist arts—then, martial artists can no longer compare.”

“I am now at the first heaven, not yet at the second, but for reasons unknown, my strength has increased greatly. With some knowledge of martial techniques, I am not inferior to Zhao Xu. When I break through and wield spells, the world will be transformed.”

“As for you...”

Qingyuan paused, then said, “It is time you learned some defensive techniques.”

Upon hearing this, the mountain demon was overjoyed, grinning and rubbing the crown of its head.

...

“Defensive techniques are ultimately means to protect the Dao, not its essence.”

“Remember, cultivation is paramount, but protective arts are used to safeguard the path.”

Qingyuan said, “Without defensive methods, disaster means death and the end of the Dao. But as always, do not mistake the means for the end.”

The mountain demon nodded and scratched its head. It had followed Qingyuan for some time, vaguely understanding that he was not one for idle chatter.

But this was something Qingyuan had emphasized repeatedly.

It must be important.

Ge Yu'er, eyes wide, listened intently.

“As for defensive arts, I know many Daoist spells and powers. But due to my own limitations, I have only recently entered the first heaven, and spells require the second heaven to be wielded.”

Qingyuan said, “These spells, I cannot teach you yet.”

The mountain demon, hearing this, was a little disappointed.

“In the future, as you cultivate, you will gain various methods. Moreover, if I achieve new insights, I will pass them on to you.”

Qingyuan offered a comforting smile, then continued, “Your talent is remarkable, your body strong; you can begin with martial skills. Your vital energy is so strong, you could have practiced internal martial arts and gained an advantage, but since you are learning Daoist arts, focus on them. Once you cultivate true energy and drive your vital essence, it will be similar to internal strength in martial arts.”

The mountain demon nodded repeatedly, quite delighted.

“These years I have traveled widely and, though I haven’t learned internal martial arts, I have picked up some defensive techniques.”

Qingyuan said, “I will now teach you these skills. But first, let me ask you… Your hands are strong and sharp, your nails like blades, giving you an advantage over humans. Do you wish to learn boxing? Palm techniques? Or claw skills?”

The mountain demon paused, then glanced at the iron staff hanging at Qingyuan’s waist.

Qingyuan smiled and shook his head, saying, “That cannot be taught to you.”

The mountain demon was a bit disappointed and lowered its head.

Qingyuan thought for a moment and asked, “Do you wish to learn staff techniques?”

The mountain demon scratched the white hair atop its head, then nodded.

“Staff techniques are indeed suitable for simian creatures,” Qingyuan mused. “It is said that some staff arts in the martial world were inspired by observing monkeys, and some are rumored to have been invented by spirit monkeys. The most famous is the Monkey King Staff, but I have not learned it. Perhaps I can seek it out in the future.”

The mountain demon suddenly let out an odd cry and looked at the knife in Qingyuan’s hand.

Qingyuan, surprised, said, “You want to learn swordsmanship?”

The mountain demon nodded.

Qingyuan frowned slightly, “I am not well-versed in sword techniques. When I used a blade, I was not skilled.”

He stared at the knife in his hand, brow furrowed.

Not far away, Old Master Ge saw him looking at the knife and, after thinking for a moment, called out, “Are you asking about the blade, or the sword techniques?”

Qingyuan was a little surprised and quickly replied, “Sword techniques.”

Old Master Ge paused in silence, then said, “I know a little.”

Ge Yu’er was greatly surprised, almost unbelieving that her grandfather knew sword techniques.

Qingyuan, equally surprised, asked, “So Old Master Ge also knows sword techniques?”

Old Master Ge shook his head, “I know military sword techniques, but I cannot wield them myself.”

Qingyuan immediately understood.

Some people know much, their insight profound, and can guide others, but may not have the skill to perform it themselves.

A person who knows how to teach cooking may not be able to prepare a feast with their own hands.

Old Master Ge knew the moves and methods of sword techniques, but could not wield them. Yet this did not prevent him from understanding.

Qingyuan hesitated slightly, mindful that the mountain demon had once harmed Old Master Ge and kidnapped little Yu.

Old Master Ge sighed, “Don’t trouble yourself. I will teach it sword techniques.”

Qingyuan stood up and thanked him, then looked toward the mountain demon.

The mountain demon, intelligent as ever, immediately understood, bowed deeply, and with its usual low voice said, “Thank you, Old Master Ge.”

Qingyuan was relieved that Old Master Ge was willing to pass down sword techniques.

Teaching sword skills need not be rushed.

Moreover, the blade in his hand was once the weapon of General Ge Zhan, who fought countless battles and slew hundreds—its murderous energy was formidable. Though the mountain demon knew it must not harm the blade, it could not help but feel a little fearful.

Only when the mountain demon has cultivated true energy will it no longer fear the blade and be able to wield it, practicing sword techniques for self-defense.

Qingyuan gripped the knife, thinking, “This blade, both in material and craftsmanship, is of the highest quality, and carries with it the aura of blood and battle. It should suffice before it becomes a true demon.”

...

The next day, before dawn, Qingyuan and the others rose early.

According to Old Master Ge’s suggestion, returning to the city was no longer wise. Since Prince Wang had been slain by Zhao Xu, yet the cause lay with them, entering the city again would surely invite trouble.

Thus, they set out on foot toward Yuanjing City, expecting to encounter traveling carriages or wagons along the way, which they could board for a modest fee. It would not be difficult.

“Hmm?”

As they finished packing and prepared to depart, Qingyuan sensed something amiss. He stopped, his brows tightly knit, unease stirring in his heart.

Old Master Ge asked, “What is it?”

Qingyuan shook his head, “It just feels damp and oppressive.”

Old Master Ge looked up, “Today’s weather is more oppressive than yesterday, and the humidity heavier.”

“Humidity?”

Qingyuan frowned, “No rain, yet the air is thick with moisture—no wonder it feels stifling.”

Old Master Ge was unconcerned, “Perhaps the morning dew has not yet dissipated. Once the sun rises, it will likely clear.”

Qingyuan acknowledged, though his mind remained unsettled.

...

Much time passed.

An old man, leaning on a long banner, arrived panting and out of breath.

He wiped the sweat from his brow and sighed, “Being human is truly exhausting…”

This was none other than the diviner known as Half-Immortal Xiang.

He glanced in the direction Qingyuan and the others had gone, then turned and headed another way.

“There’s nothing worthwhile in the south. I’ll go north instead…”

He slipped a hand from his sleeve and casually tossed a fish.

It was a small carp, landing on the ground and leaping, soon covered in dust.

Here was dry land.

A carp, not in water, but on earth.

It was doomed to die.