Novel Lived
Chapter 35 - The Five Elements Escape Technique
Chapter 35 – The Five Elements Escape Technique
Ning Changge refilled Zhang Sanfeng’s cup with spirit tea as Zhang Sanfeng began to explain his newfound insights into the application of the Tai Chi.
“Tai Chi is the ultimate principle of Yin and Yang,” Zhang Sanfeng began. “It manifests the chaos above and the five elements below, containing the essence of all things in heaven and earth.”
Zhang Sanfeng’s tone was solemn as he elucidated the knowledge he had accumulated throughout his life. This time was different from several years ago when Ning Changge was just four years old and had first comprehended the Tai Chi Slashing Technique from Zhang Sanfeng’s teachings.
Now, after several years had passed and Ning Changge had achieved the initial stages of his path of immortality, Zhang Sanfeng had a different level of understanding of the Tai Chi Dao. Listening to his explanations, Ning Changge gained new insights. Countless flashes of enlightenment flickered in his mind, and his eyes shone brightly.
Zhang Sanfeng might not have Ning Changge’s extraordinary comprehension abilities, but he was exceptionally intelligent. His thoughts and ideas provided Ning Changge with new directions, and sometimes all Ning Changge needed was a spark of inspiration.
Gathering the wisdom of all living beings and treading the eternal path of immortality was Ning Changge’s journey.
As Zhang Sanfeng’s deep and resonant voice continued to fill the air, Ning Changge occasionally asked questions and made connections, fueling Zhang Sanfeng’s enthusiasm and sparking his inspiration.
Master and disciple sat down to discuss their insights on the Dao, creating a perfect picture. Unbeknownst to them, the day turned into night.
…
[You have listened to Zhang Sanfeng’s exposition on the principles of Yin and Yang in Tai Chi, and you have gained an understanding that Tai Chi encompasses Yin and Yang, and Yin and Yang give rise to the Five Elements. You have created the Daoist technique of Metal Escape!]
…
[You have realized the transformation of Yin and Yang into the Five Elements, and the harmonization of the Five Elements with Yin and Yang. You have integrated the Metal Escape, Wood Escape, Water Escape, Fire Escape, and Earth Escape techniques, creating the Daoist technique of Five Elements Escape!]
…
[You have deduced the concepts of space and time from the principles of Yin and Yang Tai Chi. You have comprehended spatial restrictions and temporal restrictions!]
…
Ning Changge continuously had new insights. It wasn’t until Zhang Sanfeng’s voice stopped after half an hour that he slowly opened his eyes.
“Master, I thank you for your teachings,” he said solemnly, paying his respects.
Zhang Sanfeng had held nothing back, sharing all his insights into martial arts over the past century. He wasn’t afraid of teaching his disciple everything, treating Ning Changge as if he were his own son.
Ning Changge gained immensely from this experience. Not only had he created the Five Elements Escape technique, but he had also developed spatial and temporal restrictions. The former would allow him to move freely among the Five Elements, establishing an unassailable position. The latter was equally valuable. Spatial restrictions were necessary for crafting storage-type artifacts, and while his understanding of temporal restrictions was still superficial, they had great potential, especially for nurturing spiritual treasures.
Most importantly, whether it was Dao of the Five Elements, the Dao of Space, or the Dao of Time, they were all Great Dao, paths to the Dao. Ning Changge’s ability to comprehend even a bit of them now meant that he would walk these paths more smoothly in the future.
Zhang Sanfeng raised his hand and smiled. “This is all your Master has to offer. If it benefits you, then it’s the best. If not, consider it a chat between Master and disciple.”
Ning Changge couldn’t help but chuckle. “Master, you underestimate yourself. I have benefited a lot from you. After some time, when I go into seclusion again, I won’t come out until I become a Land Immortal. By then, you should take care of Wudang while I’m away.”
Zhang Sanfeng smiled contentedly as he looked at Ning Changge. What made him happiest about this trip was seeing Ning Changge’s progress. Ning Changge had grown to such an extent that he might even surpass Zhang Sanfeng in the future.
With a solemn nod, Ning Changge said, “Master, you can rest assured and go into seclusion with peace of mind. As long as your disciple is at Wudang, nothing will go wrong.”
Zhang Sanfeng simply smiled and said, “It’s not time yet. Let’s talk about it in some time. You should continue your cultivation here. If you need help, you can always come to me.”
He didn’t waste any time and, with his steps, was already outside the scripture chamber.
Ning Changge chuckled lightly and began to review his insights from their discussion. “The Five Elements Escape technique is finally complete. From now on, I’ll keep comprehending the Five Elements and strive to master the Five Elements’ principles and even the Dao of the Five Elements.”
“My Wood Element Azure Dragon Sword Qi and Qianho Vermilion Bird Sword Qi both draw inspiration from the Five Elements’ spirits. With the completion of the Five Elements Escape technique, I can work towards perfecting the Five Elements’ spirits’ Sword Qi!”
Ning Changge contemplated, his eyes gradually shining brighter.
“As for spatial and temporal restrictions, I’ve only scratched the surface for now, but they have significant utility. Spatial restrictions will aid me in crafting storage-type artifacts. Combining these two aspects, I may even be able to create Dao artifacts like Immortal Abodes in the future. Of course, for now, creating regular storage-type artifacts should be entirely achievable!”
Ning Changge felt a growing anticipation. After becoming a cultivator, he increasingly realized the inconvenience of not having a storage-type artifact. Many of his spiritual treasures couldn’t be carried around with him, such as the Mountain and River Gathering Spirit Furnace. He couldn’t lug it around when he went down the mountain.
The few artifacts he had refined were exceptions. The Chixiao Sword, in particular, was special; its size could be adjusted at will, and it could be kept within his dantian for constant nourishment with spiritual energy. Other artifacts couldn’t do that.
However, Ning Changge estimated that he would have to wait until he reached the Foundation Establishment stage. At that point, his spiritual energy would liquefy, allowing him to easily refine each artifact and store it within his dantian.
“But for now, after today’s discussion with Master, I realize one thing: the Transcendent Realm of the Nine Provinces and the realm of the Land Immortals truly bring significant benefits to me. If I could observe the paths of these martial experts and learn from them, I’d undoubtedly gain many insights!”
Ning Changge marveled. Those who could reach the pinnacle of martial arts in the Nine Provinces were truly extraordinary individuals with exceptional intelligence and wisdom. Occasionally, their insights could provide a new direction for him, offering valuable feedback.
“If one day, the world of cultivation becomes widespread, I wonder what kind of sparks will there be,” he thought, his eyes filled with anticipation. He even had the urge to leave the mountain immediately and explore the world, witness the paths of various martial experts, and experience the worldly affairs, as he believed that would be even more beneficial for him.
“But there’s no rush. I should fully digest these accumulated insights first. Once I’ve deepened my cultivation, I can always travel later.”
Ning Changge had plenty of time. With a lifespan of ten centuries, he was just nine years old at the moment, barely any different from a young sapling.
Moreover, he hadn’t completely absorbed the martial techniques from the Five Great Sword Sects yet, and his supply of spirit herbs was still sufficient. He would travel once he reached a point where there was nothing more to gain.
With these thoughts in mind, Ning Changge slowly rose to his feet. He began selecting suitable materials from his collection of spiritual ores to craft a storage-type artifact for himself.
***
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