The back of the mountain is lonelier than the front. The back of the mountain is the Wudang forbidden area. A path filled with white stones extends from the front of the mountain. At the end is a bamboo forest.
The wind blows breezy, through the gaps in the bamboo stalks. Song Liong tojin walked across the white stones just now. His steps were unsteady like a bamboo stalk in the wind.
In the bamboo forest there is also a path. After walking a few steps, a short wall appeared in front of him.
In the center was a round moon-shaped door. Above it was a line of writing, "restricted area, anyone who enters will receive death".
Song Liong tojin stopped his footsteps in front of that door. He glanced at the writing briefly. Finally he stepped inside. Under the short wall there are still lots of bamboo sticks. After walking a few fathoms seen a small walled house.
The house is so remote. The door was also tightly closed. The steps in front of him are green. Not the original color but because it hasn't been cleaned for too long so it's mossy. Song Liong walked slowly towards the door of the stone house.
Silence enveloped the bamboo forest. Faintly heard the chirping of birds. Song Liong lifted his face to the sky. He climbed the stone steps and knocked on the door of the house three times.
"Enter!" heard a cry from inside the house. The sound was not very loud but very clear.
Song Liong tojin stretched out his hand and pushed open the door of the stone house. A body of air that made an uneasy feeling radiated from within the house. Song Liong tojin stepped inside. He didn't seem to feel anything.
–––
It was dim in the house. Although in the corner there are two windows, there is a row of bricks with small holes blocking the light that shines in. Air can penetrate through the gap in the window.
In the middle of the room there is a bed made of stone. On it sat cross-legged an old man. The man's hair and beard were all white. I don't know how long he hasn't shaved his hair and beard. His gray clothes were also very dirty.
His face was thin, so was his body. But it looks very large bones. Very different from ordinary humans. He leaned his back against the wall. His entire body carried the impression that he was too lazy to move. There was also a part of him that gave the impression of being sick.
Song Liong tojin turned his body and closed the stone door again. Then he faced the old man and bowed respectfully.
The old man squinted one eye and smiled, "You apparently ...."
"Song Liong is facing Suheng!"
“Between your own martial brothers, why should you be shy? Sit down," said the old man invitingly. Song Liong tojin sat on the end of the bed.
"I was wondering who was coming. Your footsteps are so light. Until in front of the door, just my ears heard it.
Song Liong tojin shook his head.
"Please Suheng do not laugh at."
That person's eyes fixedly fixed on Song Liong tojin's face, “Your complexion is unsightly. Did something happen up on the mountain?” he asked seriously.
"Earlier Bu-ti sent his student to deliver a letter of challenge," said Song Liong Tojin with his head bowed.
"Tok-ku Bu-ti from Bu-ti-bun?"
“That's right,” Song Liong tojin's tone became heavy. “Wudang and Bu-ti are forever like water with fire. Several times the fight was always Wudang who sent a letter of challenge. Except this time."
The old man pondered for a moment.
“Are you worried that there is some hidden purpose behind all of this?”
“My Tok Bu-ti's personality is very arrogant. I'm sure he won't use cunning to achieve victory. Meanwhile, in the last twenty years, I have lost twice to his hands. If he really had some intention, he definitely wouldn't have waited until today," Song Liong Tojin said.
“This shows that he has a lot of confidence in this fight.”
"Other than that, there must be other plans," Song Liong Tojin took a deep breath. “In the last few years, Bu-ti has spent a lot of money to collect paid heroes. He is spreading his wings with a large number of reinforcements.”
"Isn't anyone else blocking it?"
"There isn't any. Siau-lim-pai is experiencing a gloomy period. Gobi-pai had not produced a single reliable disciple. The nine big parties are just names left.”
"They just watched without doing anything?"
“Bu-ti herself certainly understands. The fight this time is most likely the opening for the path to domination of bu-lim.”
"What do you think?"
“He will not use cunning to achieve victory. rather he wants to achieve victory in the true way so that the world submits to him.”
"Your goal is to find me?"
"I want to know more clearly the science of Mit-kip-mo-kang (secrets of demonic arts) trained by Tok-ku Bu-ti," said Song Liong tojin.
“Surely you yourself have been training hard during the past ten years. I believe you have also progressed quite a bit,” said the old man.
"If the current Bu-ti is the same as the old Bu-ti, I certainly have self-confidence," Song Liong Tojin again took a deep breath. "Ten years have passed, now the science of Bu-ti is of course also making rapid progress."
“When you suffered a loss ten years ago, we already discussed this matter together.”
“At that time, Suheng was sure that the Mit-kip-mo-kang that Tok-ku Bu-ti had learned had already reached the fifth level. Now that ten years have passed, it is likely that he has already reached the sixth or seventh, eighth level.”
Suddenly the old man laughed out loud, "Never before has anyone who studied Mit-kip-mo-kang reached the seventh level," he said.
“Oh?” Song Liong was a little suspicious hearing this statement. “Of course you know Ouw Jit Muk. He is Tok-ku Bu-ti's teacher. His intelligence exceeds that of the average human. At age seven he began studying the sciences of Mit-kip-mo-kang. Entering the age of fourteen, he is almost unmatched in the world of kangouw. At the age of nineteen he had already attained the sixth level of Mit-kip-mo-kang. But died when he was eighty, his knowledge did not progress at all anymore. He's still in grade six."
"Meanwhile, at the age of forty, Bu-ti had only reached level five," muttered Song Liong tojin.
"Therefore, I'm sure Bu-ti right now has only reached level six like her temperature."
"How good is the sixth level Mit-kip-mo-kang?" asked Song Liong tojin curiously.
“Your purpose in coming is to find out about this, right?”
Song Liong tojin nodded his head. "Accept!" shouted the old man. He threw an old sword that was on top of the bed wall.
Song Liong tojin stretched out his hand to receive the sword.
“Draw your sword!” the old man ordered once again. Song Liong tojin drew the sword from its scabbard.
A shroud of cold immediately spread within the room. The old man's eyes gleamed on the sword in his silky hand. “The inner energy is focused on Yang. Turn on Liang-gi…”
The sword in Song Liong tojin's hand was thrust forward.
His body twisted. The sword and body moved in unison.
The sound of the wind howling because of the slash of the sword.
Song Liong tojin's body seemed to merge with the sword in his hand.
With one flash he played thirty-six moves. His body floated in the air. In an instant he had moved his sword seventy-two times.
His sword had turned into a shadow. Song Liong's own body was like a spinning top. Both of them seemed to turn into thick wisps of fog.
The old man's sleeves fluttered under the roar of the wind raised by the sword in Song Liong Tojin's hand.
His eyes stared. His lips curled into a smile. His right palm suddenly expanded. His sleeve was like a sharp machete aiming at Song Liong.
Nobody would have thought that a human with such a thin body could have such strong strength. His sleeves were straight like iron plates. The sound he published was no less loud than the roar of the sword earlier.
Song Liong tojin's movement still hasn't stopped. The sleeve that contained the power disappeared covered by the sword's shadow.
Seeing this state, the old man burst into laughter. Song Liong pulled his sword back. He stood his ground. In that instant he had completely focused on his swordplay. Now his heart hesitated again considering the opponent he had to face. The old man was still laughing out loud. Song Liong tojin raised his sword and put it back into the scabbard. He approached the stone bed.
“Suheng...”
"Good!" The man's laughter finally stopped too. “During these ten years, even though you didn't say anything, I can tell you've been training hard. As far as I know, you are the only person who has managed to train Liong-gi-kiam to this level," he said in a satisfied tone.
Song Liong felt uncomfortable hearing the praise. He didn't even have time to say anything yet, the old man continued, "If Mit-kip-mo-kang Bu-ti really has reached level seven, you don't need to worry anymore."
Song Liong Tojin didn't seem to believe hearing this statement.
"How private is your suheng, of course you know clearly. Meanwhile, now is not the right time to play around,” said the old man. He knew what his sister was thinking.
Song Liong tojin forced to nod his head.
“If Mit-kip-mo-kang Bu-ti's knowledge still only reaches level six, then you will easily gain victory from the upcoming battle. But if he manages to reach tier seven, unless you're careless, then it won't be a problem either.”
“Siaute will definitely be careful,” said Song Liong tojin. "Actually, you're a very cautious person."
"The fight between Siaute and Bu-ti this time is for the third time."
“Thoughts of defeat that continue to haunt you must be eliminated. When fighting tough enemies, we must have a mature calculation. Don't just rely on high knowledge. Accuracy, firmness, confidence must also be prioritized. Even place and time have a strong influence. If you are haunted by your past defeat before a match, then you have already lost by one step. You must understand this formula!” said the old man in a high tone.
Unknowingly, cold sweat dripped down Song Liong's forehead.
“Calm yourself in facing the battle this time!”
Finally Song Liong took a deep breath, “Okay...”
How the old man behaved, of course he was very clear. And now is a good time to joke around. Therefore, his heart became much calmer. But when he left the stone house, he felt an uneasy feeling in his heart. A feeling of depression that just can't be shaken off. It is also possible that this was because he had lost twice at the hands of Buti.
–––
Dusk day....
The sun was starting to set. The wind blows bringing coolness. The breeze brings small ripples on the surface of the pool.
In a place called Tian Cu Hong, there is a natural pool. Not too big, but in the middle built a building connected by a stone bridge. The building referred to here is not a place to live, but a kind of hostel or shelter.
Song Liong tojin often comes to this place. Sometimes he met his students at the venue. There were times when he entertained guests who were close acquaintances in the middle of the pond as well. There are so many thorny problems that can be solved properly at the resting place.
–––
After leaving the stone house earlier, Song Liong stepped into Tian Cu Hong. On the way he gave orders to his disciples. Therefore, just as he sat in the middle of the pond for a while, Wu Xing, Gui Xing and the four Hu-Hoat-tianglo had already arrived. Also the five students who should be proud of, namely Tek Tiok, Sie Beng, Kim Ciok, Tek Tiok, Cung Kok.
Tek Tiok is still as usual. He rarely smiled and his face was always serious. Sie Beng took a step with his chest puffed out. Under the fading sun, his skin was tanned. His leg movements are steady like a horse's.
Even the temperament has some parts that resemble those of the beast. Meanwhile, Tek Tiok is the closest student to Song Liong Tojin.
Cung Kok has a tall thin body shape. So thin that people think if there is a strong wind then he will be blown down. But among the five students of Song Liong Tojin, his ginkang is also the highest. Meanwhile, Kim Ciok may have come from the same area as Tek Tiok. His face also always looks stiff and serious.
–––
Wu Xing and Gui Xing stepped into the rest house first. Song Liong took a deep breath. His eyes looked at the two people alternately.
It seemed that the two people had many words to say, but there was still no chance.
"In two days Punco (as Ciangbunjin calls himself) will leave for Kuan Jit Hong," he muttered for a moment. “Punco's departure this time may take at least two months. Your gathering here is to discuss this matter. Punco meant the Wudang problem when Punco wasn't around.”
Wu Xing and Gui Xing glanced at each other briefly.
"Siaute feels that somehow there must be someone who represents Suheng to handle the Wudang issue." said Wu Xing giving a suggestion.
"Not wrong. There can't be no leader in Wudang at all. We really have to find someone to represent Ciangbunjin,” continued Gui Xing not to be outdone.
Song Liong tojin nodded his head.
"Liong-wi sute (the two half-brothers) think who is the most suitable to replace Punco temporarily?"
Wu Xing and Gui Xing's hearts tensed up instantly.
“Surely someone of both stature and age is quite high,” Wu Xing said quickly.
“Siaute instead thinks it's better to choose someone who is a bit younger. To deal with so many problems, an elderly person would naturally have a headache,” continued Gui Xing not wanting to be outdone.
“The new old ginger is spicy,” said Wu Xing. "The young are more excited!" Gui Xing replied. "Older!"
"Young!" the two men argued because they did not want to give in to each other. Song Liong smiled looking at the two people.
“Liong-wi sute doesn't need to fight. The words of the two were equally grounded. Both experience and passion are equally important. Tek Tiok has always had the mind of an old man. He is young and strong.
The experience is also not bad. I think he's the most suitable to be appointed as Punco's replacement, don't you think?”
“Tek Tiok?” Wu Xing and Gui Xing were speechless.
Both of them were stunned to hear that person was chosen.
"Maybe he doesn't have much experience. But with Xing-wi Sute watching over, it doesn't feel like there's a problem anymore,” said Song Liong Tojin.
“Suheng...” Wu Xing and Gui Xing called out in unison.
Once again Song Liong tojin smiled.
“Punco really doesn't know who else would be best suited for this task,” he waved his hand. "There are no other problems. You may leave now."
Tek Tiok and his other martial brothers stepped into the rest house. With bright red faces Wu Xing and Gui Xing withdrew.
–––
After crossing the bridge, Wu Xing really couldn't contain himself anymore.
“Obviously he had it all planned out.
Pretending to want to negotiate with us again,” he grumbled at length.
“Slying old fart!” Gui Xing joined in the grumbling.
"Because of you too. Why do you want to compete with me to replace Ciangbunjin? Otherwise, he would not have chosen Tek Tiok!” Wu Xing snapped.
"Why don't you just give in?" Gui Xing shouted. The fight between the two of them became exciting again.
–––
The evening is almost over. The sun was starting to sink red. Truly a delightful sight.
Song Ngo Lin walked under the dim sunlight. The feeling was not happy at all. He had just returned from his duties cleaning the pig pens and taking care of their food. His body was so tired. He walked with his head down. His steps were unhurried.
What was really tired was actually not his body but his heart. So tired that it is difficult to describe in words.
Fatigue is like a poison that slowly eats away at his body. Even though his mind was in turmoil, but he did not forget the way to his own room. As if he had memorized it by heart, he turned to the back of the pavilion.
Just when his feet stepped on the front page, several people were blocking in front of him.
They are suhengs who use themselves as living targets to practice secret weapons.
When he realized, his head had already hit the chest of someone who was blocking in the middle. Automatically his footsteps stopped. The person immediately pinched his nose hard.
"Stinks!" he shouted.
Song Ngo Lin stood stunned.
"Where have you been? Why do you smell like this?" asked another.
Song Ngo Lin did not want to serve them for long.
"Pig pen," he said simply.
"I thought you fell into the sewer," said another.
Song Ngo Lin snorted coldly.
“How does that pigsty feel? Comfortable?" asked another.
Song Ngo Lin was lazy to serve them. He circled around the body of the person who was blocking him and headed to the room.
But that person deliberately took a few steps back and blocked in front of him again.
"You haven't answered the question," he said.
"If you really want to know, it's easy. You know where the pigsty is. Just try to stay there for half a day!” replied Song Ngo Lin indignantly.
“Eh?” the person's eyes glanced towards his comrades. "You guys can see, Wan-toaya is so proud to come back from the pigsty," he said.
Several other people burst out laughing.
“Her body smells so bad. If we let him in, who can stand it?” other sarcasm.
“If we don't let him in, Master will definitely say that we insulted him again. What should we do?" asked another.
"Do good, don't be too half-hearted, just take off his stinky clothes!" another colleague gave a suggestion.
The other martial brothers immediately cheered in approval. They advance together. Some flocked from left to right, some from the front and behind. Some of them pulled Song Ngo Lin's hands. Others clutched their stomachs. Of course there is still one person who undresses.
Song Ngo Lin really couldn't control his emotions anymore. Anger roared in his chest and suddenly exploded. He shouted at the top of his lungs. The power is exerted. The people who hugged and pulled him were blown away in an instant. They fell on the ground and overlapped each other.
“Rotten boy! It turns out you have buffalo power!” snapped someone who was trying to crawl up with difficulty. Her ass hurts so bad. His partner who fell on his head hitting the ground was even worse. On his forehead was a lump the size of a chicken egg.
Song Ngo Lin looked at them with glaring eyes. His anger had not yet dissipated either.
“Even though he has natural profound energy, he is still no match for us!” said someone who had managed to stand straight. "Let's beat him to the punch. Let him know our shrewdness!”
His suggestion was immediately warmly received. They were getting ready to gang up on him.
"What is it?" came a voice from the front yard.
A girl's voice. Inside Wudang there is only one girl. She is Xiao Rong. The one who stepped in hastily and asked the question was almost certainly there. His eyes wandered for a moment then glanced at his group of fellow students.
Of course he understood what was going on. They must be playing Song Ngo Lin. Meanwhile, the people who were preparing to gang up on the young man were stunned to see Xiao Rong's presence.
"Why?" Xiao Rong stood with her hands on her hips, "You guys are making fun of Song Ngo Lin again?" he asked curtly.
“Sumoi... he... he...”
“What do you want to say? Is he the one making fun of you?” Xiao Rong's eyes darted at the person. "No shame! There are so many of you, while he is just alone. Besides, he can't do martial arts. Can he play you? I want to ask Susiok!”
The person was stunned. Their faces reflected panic.
"Sumoi, this kind of chicken scratch business is better not to bother the old sifu."
"What else is Sifu feeling bad," said the other quickly.
“That's right. We're just playing around anyway. Why is Sumoi taking it seriously?” said the other joined in giving advice.
Facing this one Sumoi, they really have deep respect. Xiao Rong looked at them one by one. He approached Song Ngo Lin and looked at him carefully.
"How are you? Are you hurt?” he asked intently.
Song Ngo Lin returned the girl's gaze with gratitude. "I don't…" he muttered in an indistinct voice.
“About this incident...”
"I'm also guilty. It's better not to bring it up again," said Song Ngo Lin.
"You don't have to be afraid of them," Xiao Rong said.
Song Ngo Lin forced to nod his head. Xiao Rong turned his gaze towards the other martial brothers.
"Why haven't you guys left yet? Do you guys want to wait for the opportunity to make fun of him some more?” she snapped.
The faces of the people were bright red. They glanced at each other briefly then dispersed away from the place. Xiao Rong's eyes followed them. Finally he took a deep breath.
"Why are they always making fun of you?" he said as if to himself.
Song Ngo Lin laughed bitterly, "I don't know why either."
"Maybe it's because you're such an easy target for them to make fun of."
Xiao Rong suddenly pinched his nose, "Why are you so smelly?"
Once again Song Ngo Lin laughed bitterly, "Who told me to take care of those pigs all day long!"
Xiao Rong pinched her nose once again, “This kind of work shouldn't be delegated to you,” she said.
“Hm...” Song Ngo Lin didn't know what to say.
Xiao Rong suddenly seemed to remember something, "I have to go now!" he said.
“Hm...” Song Ngo Lin scratched his head.
"If they're still making fun of you, tell me," just as he finished, the girl's body flashed. His movement was like a swallow heading in the direction it had come from.
Song Ngo Lin intended to call him, but his throat seemed to constrict. The words he was ready to say swallowed back. He himself did not know what he felt at that time.
He thought for a moment, then sniffed his own clothes.
“No mistake, this kind of work shouldn't be my job. I came to Wudang-san to learn martial arts, not to take care of some sickly smelling pigsty!” he said to himself.
"I have to meet Ciangbunjin and ask for an explanation from him," he thought to himself. His steps quickened. He headed towards where Song Liong tojin lived. At that time the night began to approach.
–––
It's not too dark yet. But the lights in the room had been turned on.
Song Liong tojin stood with his back to the lantern light. He was glued to the west window. In front of the window are some lush trees. The leaves fluttered in the west wind. Creepy atmosphere.
Even though it wasn't too late at night, the moon was already shining. Song Liong stared into the distance. He seemed to be lost in his daydream. His two hands grasped the jade slip.
The jade was only half a chip. The stone was originally round, but now it looks like the moon is covered by clouds and splits right down the middle. The cleavage is so neat. What a jade that is very well made. The light of the lamp made the stone clearer and clearer. Even the veins in it are clearly visible. On the outside is engraved a hong bird. Only one side of the wing is visible, of course the other side is in another piece. The carving is so alive. Its spread wings are like a bird flying in the sky.
Song Liong tojin touched the jade surface gently. His actions seemed to contain a deep meaning. It seemed that what had clung to his mind at that moment had something to do with the jade halves.
–––