The Smiling, Proud Wanderer, becoming a disciple of Yue Buqun

Page 179

Fang Shengqi said.

The boulder he was looking at at that moment did indeed resemble a frog sitting on the ground.

"The master is right."

Jiang Ning smiled and nodded, saying, "This stone is also called the Frog Stone because it resembles a frog."

Fang Sheng laughed upon hearing this: "Could there be some story behind this stone?"

"good."

Jiang Ning nodded, then looked at the stone and slowly said, "Legend has it that a frog attained enlightenment and became a spirit. It came all the way to Mount Hua and settled here. Later, it transformed into human form and saw the gods being worshipped by the people in Huayang Palace. It became envious and wanted to be worshipped by the people as well. After hearing that a new temple had been built on Yuntai Peak, it wanted to become the god of the new temple."

"But in fact, this temple was built for the Zhenwu Emperor."

Listening to Jiang Ning recount the local stories and legends, Fang Sheng also became curious and asked, "And then what happened?"

Jiang Ning continued, "Later, the two generals under the command of the True Martial Emperor, the Turtle and the Snake, discovered the frog spirit's intentions during their patrol. They restored it to its original form, turning it into a stone frog that was forever fixed here."

After saying that, Jiang Ning turned to Fang Sheng and smiled, "However, this is just a legend. As for whether it is true or false, Master, just listen to it and treat it as a myth."

"I see."

Fang Sheng nodded, then looked at Jiang Ning and smiled, "I never expected that a stone frog would have such a legend. Benefactor Jiang is truly learned and talented. I admire you."

Jiang Ning chuckled and said, "I just grew up in Huashan and am familiar with these places. Moreover, this knowledge is just some miscellaneous knowledge and can hardly be considered erudite."

Fang Sheng just smiled, then looked at the stone frog again, his gaze seemingly lost in thought. After a moment, he murmured, "I wonder if there really is a celestial realm in the world, and if there really is an art to achieve immortality?"

Ordinary people worship gods and believe in Buddha simply to pray for divine protection. However, monks and Taoist priests hope to ascend to heaven and be reborn in the Pure Land. Although countless legends of immortals have been heard over the centuries, no one has ever actually seen or heard of anyone who has truly ascended. Even the question of whether Zhang Sanfeng, the founder of Wudang Mountain, ascended to heaven a hundred years ago remains shrouded in mystery.

Although Fang Sheng had shaved his head and become a monk, his head was no longer white, but his white beard covered his face, and his face was deeply lined with wrinkles. He was no longer young and was getting closer and closer to death.

Although it is said that monks should see through life and death, Fang Sheng does not seem to have let go.

Throughout history, countless kings and generals have pursued immortality, but who in this world has ever truly seen a god? And who has truly achieved immortality?

Hearing Fang Sheng's mutterings, Jiang Ning smiled and said, "Immortality is too unattainable for us mortals. Life is only a few decades long. Instead of pursuing that elusive immortality, why not think about how to make our short lives wonderful and meaningful?"

"If you're unhappy, even immortality is useless; if you're happy, even a short life is enough."

Although Jiang Ning himself came from another world, he didn't dwell too much on whether gods or immortality existed in the world; whether or not one could live forever was not important.

For him, life is meaningless, but as long as he lives, he can always find something meaningful.

Upon hearing Jiang Ning's opinion, Fang Sheng turned to look at Jiang Ning and smiled, "Benefactor Jiang is not only highly skilled in martial arts at such a young age, but also very knowledgeable and magnanimous. I admire you greatly."

Jiang Ning shook his head and smiled, "This junior's opinion is shallow; please forgive my ignorance, Master."

After getting to know Jiang Ning, Fang Sheng genuinely admired this rising star. From martial arts skills to knowledge and character, he perfectly met the requirements of a sect for its successor.

Fang Sheng couldn't help but have an idea: to have Fang Zheng recruit Jiang Ning to Shaolin Temple and bring him under their wing.

Such an outstanding genius should have a connection with Buddhism.

After visiting the place, Jiang Ning and Fang Sheng left. Jiang Ning then took Fang Sheng to visit several other places, and finally they arrived at the Chess Pavilion.

"This is where Emperor Taizu of Song, Zhao Kuangyin, once played chess with the extraordinary man Chen Tuan. Legend has it..."

Jiang Ning was about to tell Fang Sheng the story of the Chess Pavilion when he stopped a second later and looked at the Chess Pavilion with surprise. He saw that there were two people playing chess in the Chess Pavilion, which had been deserted before.

Fang Sheng glanced at him, his eyes also showing surprise.

"Oh? My senior brother is playing chess with Sect Leader Yue?"

After discovering that Fang Zheng was playing chess with Yue Buqun, Jiang Ning and Fang Sheng also took off their kites and flew over to the chess pavilion. At this time, the game on the chessboard was also nearing its end.

Yue Buqun frowned as he looked at the chessboard, slowly stroking a white chess piece in his hand, his eyes showing a thoughtful expression.

At this point, the white pieces on the board are in trouble, surrounded by black pieces, and are desperately seeking a way to escape.

Yue Buqun seemed to be engrossed in thinking about the chess game and did not notice the arrival of Jiang Ning and Fang Sheng.

Fang Zheng showed a relaxed smile. He was not surprised to see Fang Sheng and Jiang Ning arrive. He did not speak, but continued to play chess with Yue Buqun.

After thinking for a long time, Yue Buqun finally couldn't help but smile bitterly, put down the white chess piece in his hand, looked up at Fang Zheng and said with a smile: "Abbot Master's chess skills are superb, I, Yue, am willing to admit defeat."

Chapter 254: Every gift comes with a hidden price tag.

"Haha."

Upon hearing this, Fang Zheng immediately burst into a hearty laugh: "Sect Leader Yue's chess skills are also quite profound. When I played against Sect Leader Yue, I also felt a lot of pressure, and cold sweat even broke out on my forehead."

It was already noon. Yue Buqun and Fang Zheng had been playing chess here for several hours. During this time, Yue Buqun had also won against Fang Zheng, so it was a close match, but he lost more often than he won.

Fang Zheng reached out and wiped non-existent sweat from his forehead, and said with a smile, "Sect Leader Yue, you flatter me."

Yue Buqun chuckled and shook his head. Only then did he seem to notice the arrival of Jiang Ning and Fang Sheng.

"Oh? Ning'er, what brings you here with Master Fang Sheng?"

Yue Buqun looked surprised.

"Master, Grandmaster."

Seeing that the two had finished their game, Jiang Ning bowed to them before answering Yue Buqun's question: "I happened to meet Master Fang Sheng on the road and traveled with him to see the scenery of Mount Hua before arriving here. That's when I discovered that Master was playing a game of chess with Abbot Fang Sheng."

Fang Sheng then smiled and said, "Benefactor Jiang has shown me many scenic spots on Mount Hua and told me some interesting stories. I have truly benefited greatly."

"I see."

Yue Buqun nodded, then stood up and smiled at Fang Zheng, "Abbot, it's getting late. Why don't we have lunch first? I'll play a game of chess with you later."

Fang Zheng nodded and stood up: "Alright."

Without cleaning up the chessboard, the four decided to return to South Peak for a meal. Along the way, Yue Buqun and Fang Zheng and Fang Sheng chatted and laughed in harmony, while Jiang Ning walked behind, pondering the intentions of the two fellow disciples.

He had already noticed something was wrong. The two brothers had found him and Yue Buqun at the same time, which must have been for a purpose. However, Fang Sheng hadn't said anything when he was touring Mount Hua with him before, as if he just wanted to enjoy the scenery. Jiang Ning didn't understand his intentions. He planned to find a time later to ask Yue Buqun about the situation.

At this moment, the four of them returned from Yuntai Peak to Luoyan Peak and were heading towards the canteen. Halfway there, they saw two people walking towards them from the opposite direction. They were Linghu Chong and Chongxu.

Judging from the direction these two are coming from, they seem to be coming from the training ground.

The two were chatting and laughing as they made their way toward Jiangning, but it was Chongxu who was talking while Linghu Chong was scratching his head and grinning foolishly.

Upon seeing this strange pair, Jiang Ning and Yue Buqun's gazes sharpened. They glanced at Fang Zheng and Fang Sheng simultaneously before looking away, pretending to be nonchalant.

"Master, junior brother, and two great masters!"

At this moment, Linghu Chong also saw Yue Buqun, Jiang Ning, and the other three ahead. He quickly came over and bowed to Yue Buqun, Fang Zheng, and Fang Sheng. Chongxu also nodded and greeted the three of them.

"Taoist Master."

Yue Buqun first returned Chongxu's greeting, then looked at Linghu Chong and asked, "Chong'er, why did you come with Daoist Chongxu? Daoist Chongxu is your elder, is there anything impolite about it?"

"No, Master."

Linghu Chong quickly shook his head and said, "I planned to go to the training ground to practice my sword after I got up this morning. I didn't expect to run into Daoist Chongxu there. Daoist Chongxu then guided me in practicing my sword, and I've been practicing ever since."

At this point, Linghu Chong's face showed a hint of excitement: "The Taoist priest also taught me some Wudang sword techniques."

"It's not really about giving guidance, it's just about discussing things with each other."

Chongxu smiled faintly: "I have observed that Young Master Linghu possesses extraordinary talent in swordsmanship and has a far greater understanding of swordsmanship than ordinary people. I took a liking to his talent and discussed swordsmanship with him, and also taught him a little Tai Chi swordsmanship."

Tai Chi swordplay?

Jiang Ning and Yue Buqun's gazes sharpened again as they looked at Chongxu.

At this moment, Chongxu remained calm, as if it were just a trivial matter.

"hey-hey."

Linghu Chong ignored everything else and only heard Chongxu say that he was talented. He scratched his head and grinned foolishly.

fool.

Seeing his appearance, Jiang Ning and Yue Buqun thought to themselves at the same time.

Yue Buqun's face darkened the next second, and he shouted at Linghu Chong, "Tai Chi Swordplay is the treasure of Wudang! How could you let Daoist Chongxu teach you such a precious swordplay!"

Upon hearing Yue Buqun's words, Linghu Chong's expression changed from a silly grin to panic.

Tai Chi swordplay?

No wonder he, who had eaten coarse food, thought the sword technique was good; it turned out to be Tai Chi sword technique.

Linghu Chong then realized the problem and immediately tried to kneel down to admit his mistake.

"Master, please calm your anger, your disciple..."

Just then, Chongxu reached out and pulled Linghu Chong back, saying to Yue Buqun, "Sect Leader Yue, there's no need to scold Young Hero Linghu. This sword technique was taught to him by me. Young Hero Linghu didn't even know it was Tai Chi sword technique when he was learning it."

"Oh?"

Yue Buqun's expression quickly changed from anger to confusion. He asked, "Why is that, Daoist Master?"

Tai Chi swordplay is as important to the Wudang School as a family heirloom. Chongxu's actions are like someone carrying a family heirloom and wandering around the streets, randomly grabbing someone and offering them the heirloom. Even Yue Buqun did not understand Chongxu's meaning.

Chongxu smiled bitterly: "This Tai Chi sword technique was left by the founder of Wudang. However, I am not talented enough to comprehend its essence. Today, upon meeting Young Hero Linghu, I felt that he had an outstanding talent for swordsmanship. Therefore, I took the opportunity to teach him a little Tai Chi sword technique. Please forgive me, Sect Leader Yue."

Yue Buqun was still somewhat skeptical, but he frowned and said, "Even so, Daoist Master is still too kind to him. This is your sect's most prized treasure. I, Yue, am truly ashamed."

Chongxu laughed and said, "Sect Leader Yue, there's no need for that. Although I taught Young Hero Linghu some Tai Chi sword techniques, it was only the basics. It's nothing profound and won't hurt you."

Linghu Chong didn't understand much, but he felt that Daoist Chongxu was a really good person who selflessly taught him swordsmanship. He was even willing to teach him such a precious swordsmanship, just like Feng Qingyang, which moved him deeply. He was so touched that he almost choked up at that moment.

"Thank you, Taoist Master."

fool.

Seeing Linghu Chong on the verge of tears, Jiang Ning couldn't help but shake his head slightly, a very small movement that went unnoticed.

Every gift comes with a hidden price tag. No stranger will be kind to you for no reason. In this world, what is free is always the most expensive, but Linghu Chong did not understand this principle.

"Hurry up and thank the Taoist priest!"

Yue Buqun glared at Linghu Chong.

Linghu Chong quickly bowed deeply to Chongxu.

This time, Chongxu did not stop him and accepted the gift without hesitation.

"Amitabha."

Fang Zheng, who had been smiling all along, said, "Sect Leader Yue is truly blessed. Both of your disciples are exceptionally talented. I believe that with such outstanding talents, the Huashan Sect will surely become more and more glorious in the future."

Yue Buqun shook his head with a wry smile: "I just hope these two unworthy disciples don't go astray."

Chapter 255: A Young Man's Feelings

"Young Master Jiang and Young Master Linghu are both kind-hearted people, so I think Sect Leader Yue has nothing to worry about."

Fang Zheng said with a smile.

"I hope so."

Yue Buqun also smiled and shook his head.

Seeing the pleasant atmosphere of the conversation between the elders, Linghu Chong's anxious mood relaxed, and when he saw Jiang Ning behind him, he winked and made funny faces at Jiang Ning.

After they met, they went to the cafeteria together for a meal.

Besides Qingcheng and Emei, several other sects, including Shaolin, Wudang, and Kunlun, came to support Huashan Sect this time. There were many people there, and when Jiang Ning and the others arrived at the canteen, it was already full of people. Many people even had no room to sit down and were wandering around the mountain with their rice bowls in their hands.

Fortunately, Yue Buqun had stockpiled a lot of food last time, and in order to prepare for the worst-case scenario, he had stockpiled enough food for the Huashan Sect to use for a long time. Although there are more people now, they can still barely supply the sect. They just need to purchase more food as soon as possible.

Seeing that the canteen was packed with people, Yue Buqun took the initiative to invite Fang Zheng, Chongxu and the others to eat together at his Suoyoubuwei Pavilion. Jiang Ning, like the other disciples, carried his rice bowl and wandered around. He came to a cliff and sat down to eat while looking at the scenery below.

"Junior brother, why are you eating here? We saved a seat for you."

At this time, Lu Dayou found Jiang Ning.

“My fellow students and I couldn’t find you before, and we thought you had gone somewhere.”

Jiang Ning turned around and smiled: "It's fine here."

Seeing Jiang Ning sitting here, Lu Dayou also sat down, looking somewhat worried.

"What's wrong, senior brother?"