r18novel Page 14
Page 14
"Oh? What is it about?"
"This disciple needs to return to my hometown of Shaoshi Mountain to bring my parents to Wudang to settle down. Now that turmoil is about to break out in the martial world, this disciple is truly worried about leaving my parents alone at the foot of Shaoshi Mountain," Qiao Tian said firmly.
Wu Yazi nodded knowingly, his eyes showing approval: "Of all virtues, filial piety is the most important. This is the right thing to do. Go ahead, your master and your senior brother will take care of everything in the mountains."
"Thank you, Master!" Qiao Tian bowed again, his mind made up. He turned and strode away, his figure quickly disappearing into the misty mountain path. He was going to reclaim the deepest bond he had in this world; only with peace at home could he face the storms ahead without fear.
Chapter 45 Family Reunion
The last rays of the setting sun shone through the window lattice, casting dappled light and shadow on the ground of the Qiao family courtyard. Qiao Sanhuai sat at the table, sipping cheap liquor, his face showing both weariness and satisfaction after a day's work. Qiao's mother sat on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), mending an oversized coarse cloth garment in the last rays of the daylight.
"Tian'er has been gone for over a year..." Madam Qiao's needlework continued, her voice filled with concern. "He doesn't send letters often. But Feng'er is quite promising now, even the abbot values him. Next month he will officially join the Beggars' Sect as the sect leader's personal disciple."
Qiao Sanhuai chuckled憨厚ly: "Feng'er is a true dragon, and our shallow pond can't hold him. It's just that Tian'er is taciturn and has a heavy heart, which is really worrying..."
Before he could finish speaking, the wooden door creaked open.
Backlit, a figure in a blue robe stood at the doorway. Tall and composed, though his face was obscured, the familiar figure made Qiao Sanhuai's wine bowl tremble, and his mother's needle pricked his finger.
"Father, mother."
A gentle voice rang out, tinged with a barely perceptible tremor.
"Tian'er?!"
Qiao's mother suddenly stood up, her sewing basket overturned on the ground. Qiao Sanhuai put down his wine bowl in a daze, his lips trembling.
Qiao Tian strode into the house, and seeing his parents' graying temples, his heart ached. He bowed and said, "Your unfilial son has returned."
"He's really my son!" Mrs. Qiao grabbed his arm, tears welling up in her eyes. "You've lost weight, but you've also gotten stronger! You heartless child..."
Qiao Sanhuai patted his son's shoulder heavily, his eyes reddening: "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back!"
After his excitement subsided, Qiao Tian helped the two elders sit down and briefly recounted his experiences over the past year, only mentioning that he had studied under a reclusive master and had now acquired property elsewhere.
“Our son has found a quiet place in Wudang Mountain and wants to invite you two to live there in your old age.” Qiao Tian said sincerely, “It’s a beautiful place with clear waters and lush mountains, and there are fields to cultivate. If Feng misses home in the future, he can go there to reunite with us.”
Mr. and Mrs. Qiao exchanged a glance, their faces showing hesitation. It was hard to leave their homeland; this small courtyard, though poor, held a lifetime of memories.
“It’s not that we don’t want the two elders to come back,” Qiao Tian gently persuaded, “it’s just that we need to find a more comfortable place. When the family is together, anywhere is home.”
Upon hearing "Feng'er" and "reunion," Qiao's mother was clearly moved. Qiao Sanhuai pondered for a long time before finally nodding: "Alright, the child is filial, so let's listen to him."
Just then, steady, powerful footsteps came from outside the courtyard, like muffled thunder rolling across the ground.
"Father, Mother! I'm back!"
The curtain was lifted, and a tall figure stooped as he entered. He was nearly eight feet tall, with broad shoulders and a thick back. His bronze skin was still damp with sweat, and he exuded boundless energy. His thick eyebrows and large eyes naturally revealed a heroic spirit, like a dragon hidden in the abyss, waiting for the winds of change.
He had barely finished shouting when his gaze became fixed on the figure in blue robes by the stove. He was struck dumb, frozen in place.
In the next instant, his massive body burst forth with astonishing speed, lunging at Qiao Tian and tightly embracing him with both arms:
"Big brother! It really is you!"
His voice trembled with excitement, even choking up. He was so excited he didn't know what to say, only repeatedly cheering. He hugged Qiao Tian tightly, and if Qiao Tian hadn't been so strong, he probably would have been suffocated by the enthusiastic bear hug.
Qiao Tian felt a warmth in his heart as he sensed his younger brother's genuine joy and gently patted his muscular arm.
"Loosen your grip a bit, you're such a grown man, why are you still so clumsy?"
Qiao Feng then let go of Qiao Tian's hand, but still held on tightly to his arm, looking him up and down: "Brother, when did you get back? Are you leaving again this time?"
His intense gaze swept over Qiao Tian, then he suddenly scratched his head and said, "Brother, you seem... more composed."
Qiao Tian smiled and bent down, habitually brushing the dust off his trouser legs. His movements were natural, just like when he took care of the little one who followed behind him many years ago.
"Fengdi, you've grown up."
Mrs. Qiao, wiping away her tears, smiled and said, "Feng'er, stop bothering your brother, quickly wash your hands and get ready to eat! Your brother's return is a great joy..."
"Yes! Good news!" Qiao Feng responded loudly, but his feet didn't move, and his eyes remained fixed on Qiao Tian.
"No rush," Qiao Tian laughed. "Eat whatever you have at home first. We brothers need to talk things out. I'll be staying a few more days this time."
Upon hearing this, Qiao Feng was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly: "I'll listen to you, brother!"
He then happily went to wash his hands, but his eyes kept glancing at Qiao Tian, his smile as bright as if he had found some priceless treasure.
As dusk deepened, wisps of smoke rose from the chimneys in the courtyard. Qiao Tian watched his younger brother's busy figure, a sense of peace settling over him.
Chapter 46 Brothers unite
The dinner table was filled with ordinary farm-style vegetables, but it seemed especially lavish because of Qiao Tian's return. Qiao's mother kept putting food on her two sons' plates, and the smile in her eyes never faded as she looked at the two brothers.
Qiao Sanhuai sipped his wine, his face flushed. He looked at the spirited Qiao Feng, then at the calm and reserved Qiao Tian, and felt a surge of satisfaction. After a moment's hesitation, he finally spoke, "Feng'er, there's something I need to tell you."
Qiao Feng was shoveling rice into his mouth when he heard this. He looked up, his cheeks still puffed out: "Dad, what is it? Please tell me."
“Your eldest brother came back this time,” Qiao Sanhuai pointed to Qiao Tian, “saying that he has bought property in Wudang Mountain. The environment is good and quiet. He thought that your mother and I are getting old, so he invited us to go there to enjoy our retirement.”
Qiao Feng paused in his eating, looking at Qiao Tian with surprise, a hint of loss and confusion in his eyes. If his parents left with his elder brother, wouldn't he be all alone in this family?
Qiao Tian saw through his thoughts and said gently, "Brother Feng, don't worry about it. A man's ambition lies in all directions. You are about to go to the Beggars' Sect, which is a great opportunity. You should be working hard and not be held back by family matters. Our parents are getting old. One of us brothers should stay by their side to take care of them so that you can go out and make your way in the world without any worries. This is not a separation, but just a change of place to settle down. You can come to Wudang Mountain to reunite with us whenever you have free time."
Madam Qiao quickly chimed in, her tone tinged with pride and boastfulness: "Yes, Feng'er! Your elder brother has really made something of himself! The Wudang Mountain he mentioned is a sect with many accomplished seniors! Your elder brother has now received the senior's succession and is a proper sect leader!" Although she didn't quite understand the exact significance of "sect leader," she knew it was an extremely prestigious position. "So, Feng'er, if you're unhappy or tired of being in the Beggars' Sect, come to your elder brother's place! Our whole family will be together! Your father and I are getting old, and we don't expect you to achieve great things. We just hope that you two brothers can support each other and live peacefully!"
"Wudang? The sect leader?!"
Qiao Feng abruptly put down his chopsticks, his tiger-like eyes wide open, staring intently at Qiao Tian, his mouth slightly agape in shock.
Of course he remembered! Many years ago, under that moonlit night, his brother had talked to him about the grand ambition of "establishing a sect and standing shoulder to shoulder with Shaolin," and about creating a "Taoist" holy land that belonged to China and followed the natural way! At that time, he only felt that his brother's ambition was lofty and admired him, but he also knew that this matter was extremely difficult and could not be accomplished overnight.
But he never expected it!
How long has it been since?
Big brother actually... he actually did it?!
Not only did he establish his own sect, but he has actually become the leader of a faction!
He knew his elder brother was no ordinary man; he was meticulous and resolute. Yet, he never imagined that this earth-shattering first step could be taken so quickly! His parents spoke of it lightly, but Qiao Feng knew that this was far more than just "acquiring property" or "passing on the mantle from an elder"! This was clearly his elder brother single-handedly creating a completely new foundation that could shake the martial arts world!
The older brother who silently and steadfastly protected him in childhood, who resolutely became a monk in his youth, and who talked with him about his lofty ambitions under the moonlight... he really did it!
After the initial shock came an indescribable surge of excitement and pride, like molten lava churning within him!
He abruptly stood up, walked around the table, and grabbed Qiao Tian's hand. His hand, rough and strong from years of martial arts training, trembled slightly. He looked at Qiao Tian, his eyes burning with passion, his voice louder with excitement, even a little hoarse:
"Brother! Really?! Wudang... is the... Taoism you mentioned back then?"
Qiao Tian met his burning gaze and nodded calmly and firmly.
Upon receiving the affirmative reply, Qiao Feng felt a surge of heat rush to his head, making his entire body feel hot. He gripped Qiao Tian's hand tightly and shook it vigorously, as if trying to convey his overflowing emotions, a faint glint of light flashing in his tiger-like eyes:
"Brother! You...you are really...amazing!" He was so excited that he was almost incoherent. "I knew it! I knew my brother was no ordinary person! To be brothers with you in this life is the greatest fortune of my life, Qiao Feng! Brother, you really did it!"
Seeing his younger brother's undisguised joy and admiration, Qiao Tian felt a warm current surge in his heart. He gripped his brother's rough hand tightly, a genuine smile spreading across his face, his voice steady and powerful:
"Silly boy, what nonsense are you talking about? Your elder brother has simply taken a different path by going ahead. Just watch, in this world of martial arts, who will be more upright and trustworthy than my brother Feng? My brother, Qiao Tian's brother, is destined to become a peerless hero revered by all and shining through the ages! Your elder brother is proud of you!"
The two brothers held hands tightly, one as steady as a mountain, the other as passionate as fire. When their eyes met, there was a deep affection that needed no words, and a trust and pride in each other that they shared without reservation.
Looking at her two outstanding sons and listening to their silly "mutual praise," Mrs. Qiao couldn't help but laugh and scold, "You two rascals, you're always spouting nonsense and aiming too high! Aren't you afraid people will laugh at you?" Despite her words, the smile and satisfaction in her eyes were almost overflowing.
Qiao Sanhuai chuckled and took a satisfying sip of wine. The room was filled with a warm and cheerful atmosphere.
At this moment, the turmoil of the martial world and the hardships of the future seemed to be kept at bay by this simple yet cozy little house. All that remained was kinship and the deep bond between brothers.
Chapter 47: How Do the Two Brothers Compare Their Footwork?
Night fell, and the stars began to twinkle. The two brothers sat side by side on the roof of the old house, just as they had in their childhood. The night breeze carried the scent of rice paddies and earthy aromas from the fields, and the silhouette of Shaoshi Mountain in the distance formed a majestic silhouette in the darkness, silent and solemn.
Qiao Feng rested his hands behind his head, gazing at the vast starry sky, and suddenly spoke, his voice breaking the silence of the night: "Brother, in a few days, I will be setting off for the Beggars' Sect. Chief Wang is willing to accept me as his personal disciple, which is an incredible opportunity, and I am naturally delighted. However..." He paused, a rare hint of confusion in his voice, "...but the road ahead is long, how should I proceed to make the most of this opportunity, and how can I truly achieve something great?"
He turned his head to look at Qiao Tian, his eyes clear and burning: "Brother, you have a broader perspective than I do. After much thought, I've concluded that as a man of the Great Song Dynasty, standing tall and upright, it is my duty to protect my country and drive out the Tartars! Only then can I live up to all that I've learned in my life!"
Qiao Tian remained silent for a moment, his profile under the starry sky appearing exceptionally serene. He did not respond directly, but instead asked, "Defending one's country is a man's duty. But Brother Feng, do you know that on the battlefield, swords are merciless? What kind of lives are you trying to take?"
Without hesitation, Qiao Feng declared loudly, "They are the Liao dogs who invaded our territory and slaughtered our people!"
“Liao dogs…” Qiao Tian repeated softly, his tone devoid of emotion, but his gaze grew increasingly distant. “Those Liao soldiers, like you and me, are born of parents, flesh and blood. They may have come south for food, or they may have been driven by the powerful and had no choice in their own lives. They are no different in essence from the border people of our Great Song.”
"Brother!" Qiao Feng's thick eyebrows furrowed, his tone becoming urgent. "Why are you so kind to outsiders? Those who are not of our kind will surely have different hearts!"
“Brother Feng,” Qiao Tian turned his head and looked directly into his younger brother’s eyes, his voice low but powerful, “Do you know that since the Qin and Han dynasties, the Xiongnu, Xianbei, Jie, Di, Qiang… how many ‘foreign tribes’ once dominated the world have long since integrated their blood into the great current of China and become members of the ‘Han’ people today?”
He raised his hand and pointed to the boundless night sky, his tone carrying a profound understanding of history: "The river of history flows ever onward. A hundred or several hundred years from now, who can say for sure that the descendants of the Liao, Xia, Tubo, and Dali peoples of today will not become part of our larger ethnic group? This is not about a momentary victory or defeat, but about the general trend of cultural exchange. Excessive killing only breeds hatred and endless cycles of revenge. When will this ever end?"
These words struck Qiao Feng like a hammer blow to the heart. His upbringing had instilled in him loyalty to the emperor and patriotism, as well as the distinction between Chinese and barbarians; his elder brother's words completely overturned his understanding. He opened his mouth, wanting to refute, but felt an undeniable, heavy force in those words, and could only mutter, "What elder brother says... seems to make sense. But on the battlefield, it's a matter of life and death, allowing no room for mercy."
Seeing that he had taken some of the advice to heart, Qiao Tian's expression softened, and his tone became somewhat mocking: "So, I'm just advising you to avoid some killing if possible. Brother Feng, let me ask you again, if one day you discover that your elder brother is actually a Khitan, what will you do?"
Qiao Feng was taken aback at first, then his eyes widened, and without thinking, he said decisively, "Brother, what nonsense are you spouting? No matter if you are a Khitan or a barbarian from the ends of the earth, you are still my elder brother, Qiao Feng! Our brotherhood is heavier than Mount Tai, how can it be severed by blood or identity? Anyone who dares to insult you because of this, I, Qiao Feng, will be the first to object!"
"What if everyone in the world sees me as an enemy and wants to get rid of me as soon as possible?" Qiao Tian pressed, his gaze fixed intently on Qiao Feng.
Qiao Feng laughed loudly, his voice echoing across the land, filled with unwavering determination: "Then let us brothers be of one mind, our strength can break metal! Let them be thousands of troops, let them be heroes of the world, as long as they dare to touch a single hair on my head, I, Qiao Feng, will fight them to the death! We will share life and death, without a second thought!"
"Good!" A warm feeling surged through his chest. Qiao Tian patted his younger brother's broad and sturdy shoulder forcefully, his eyes shining with the same fervor and determination. "With a brother like this, what more could I ask for! I share the same sentiment. I will never let you suffer even the slightest humiliation, Feng Di! Let's join hands and venture into this world together. What's wrong with fighting against the world!"
After speaking, he leaned back and lay down on the cool roof tiles, the starlight instantly flooding his eyes. The Milky Way stretched across the sky like a ribbon, serene and mysterious.
"Brother, what are you looking at?" Qiao Feng lay down in the same way as him and asked curiously.
Qiao Tian let out a soft sigh, his tone becoming complex and difficult to decipher: "Watching the Milky Way flow, I thought of some interesting things and lamented the cruel twists of fate."
"Fate is playing tricks on us?" Qiao Feng asked, puzzled.
"Yes," Qiao Tian's voice seemed to come from afar, tinged with weariness and mockery, "Look, some people painstakingly pursue unparalleled martial arts, only to find their efforts futile throughout their lives; others, ignorant and unknowing, receive enlightenment from a senior, reaching the Innate Realm overnight, yet their lifelong wish might be nothing more than to live a life of quiet contemplation and Buddhist practice, a life they cannot attain. Meanwhile, that great villain, bound by the need to atone for his sins, is forced to spend his life worshipping Buddha to atone for his transgressions."
He paused, then continued, "Some people dream of becoming emperors, treating sincerity like dirt; but little do they know, there are others who are deeply devoted to those they discard, and these same people are destined to be emperors, with no way to escape it."
Qiao Feng's breathing gradually slowed as he carefully savored the mystery and sorrow in those words.
Qiao Tian's voice grew even lower: "There are even those who dedicate their lives to protecting their country, slaying foreign invaders, shedding blood on the battlefield, and achieving great feats. But in the end, they discover that their hands are stained with the blood of their own compatriots. And the homeland they swore to protect, when the truth comes out, has no place for them to stand..."
Qiao Feng fell silent. His chest rose and fell slowly. His elder brother's words were like a stone thrown into a deep pool, stirring up ripples in his heart. Although he did not fully understand the profound helplessness and irony, he instinctively felt a heavy resonance, making it hard for him to breathe.
Qiao Tian seemed troubled by the chaotic thoughts he had stirred within him, a lingering restlessness creeping into his brow. He fell silent, taking out a warm, smooth jade flute from his robes and bringing it to his lips.
With a moment's concentration, a flute melody rose gently, unlike any tune of the time. At times, it was as stirring as iron horses and icy rivers, at others as melodious as flowers under the moon, at still others as ethereal as clouds drifting through the mountains, and at still others as melancholic as an ancient road in autumn winds (it was none other than "Swords and Dreams"). The flute music drifted through the night sky, as if weaving a bizarre and epic martial arts world, temporarily isolating all worries, confusion, and the heavy sense of fate from it.
Qiao Feng was captivated by the music, feeling the pent-up emotions in his chest gradually dissipate with the wondrous melody, and a surge of heroic spirit rose anew.
As the music ended, its lingering notes drifted into the night sky. Qiao Tian put down his jade flute, his face regaining its usual gentleness. He turned and smiled, "On such a fine night, with the stars and moon as our companions, how can we be without wine? Brother Feng, would you dare to test your speed with your brother? Let's head down to the town, find a good tavern, and drink three hundred cups until we're completely drunk!"
Upon hearing this, Qiao Feng's eyes lit up, all his heavy thoughts instantly dispelled by the suggestion. He sat up abruptly and shouted, "Alright! Let's compete! This time, I'm going to beat you!"
The two brothers exchanged a smile, then simultaneously leaped into the air like two great roc birds, soaring over the rooftops and disappearing into the deep night. Only the starry sky remained, silently watching over these two brothers whose fates were intertwined, as they journeyed into the world of martial arts.
Chapter 48 Fighting Murong Bo
The moonlight, as clear as water, spilled onto the winding mountain path of Shaoshi Mountain. Two figures, one after the other, sped down the mountain like lightning, their footsteps light and silent as they trod on the grass. They were none other than the brothers Qiao Tian and Qiao Feng, who were competing in a contest of speed.
Qiao Tian's figure was elusive, like a wisp of green smoke. With his superb lightness skill, he could use momentum to deflect force. Every time he lightly touched the grass or stone edge with his toes, he could slide several feet away. His posture was elegant and composed, showing the wonder of his superior lightness skill.
Qiao Feng, however, was entirely different! Every step he took was steady and powerful, deeply rooted in the essence of Shaolin's solid foundation, relying on his overwhelming and unstoppable internal energy and incomparably strong physique. He wasn't "light," but "fast"—the ultimate speed resulting from a pure burst of power, like a tiger descending a mountain, unstoppable, each step leaving shallow marks on the ground, filled with a wild sense of power. He followed closely behind Qiao Tian, unwilling to be at a disadvantage in the slightest!
Qiao Tian was secretly amazed: (My brother Feng is truly a martial arts prodigy who appears only once in a century! With just the most basic Shaolin lightness skill, he can unleash such power. Given time, if he also acquires advanced movement techniques, who in the world can catch up with him?) The night breeze brushed their faces as the two brothers chased each other, galloping freely, displaying a certain dashing and heroic spirit of riding through the martial world.
However, at a relatively open bend in the mountain road, something unexpected happened!
On the platform, two dark figures clashed and exchanged blows at a dazzling speed, their palms whistling and their energy surging! It was Murong Bo and Xiao Yuanshan! Both were masked with black cloth; this was not a life-or-death struggle, but rather a high-level sparring match. They tacitly concealed their most core martial arts, attacking each other solely with the exquisite Shaolin Seventy-Two Arts.
Murong Bo unleashed his "Formless Finger of Calamity," a sharp and sinister strike aimed directly at Xiao Yuanshan's ribs. Xiao Yuanshan, in turn, lowered his stance and met the attack with a powerful "Great Vajra Fist," its force unmatched and accompanied by the sound of wind and thunder. Both men displayed seasoned skill and profound inner strength; though using only a fraction of their power, they already exuded the aura of masters far surpassing ordinary martial arts experts. They secretly admired each other's martial arts prowess and felt a mutual respect.
Just then, as if sensing something, the two simultaneously withdrew their attacks and retreated, their sharp gazes shooting down the mountain path—Qiao Tian and Qiao Feng were rushing towards them!
Qiao Tian noticed the moment the two stopped fighting, and his heart sank: (Damn it! Just what I feared has happened, Murong Bo and Xiao Yuanshan! How could those two old monsters be together?)
The four met unexpectedly on the mountain path under the moonlight, and the atmosphere instantly froze, with an awkward and tense standoff.
Although startled, Qiao Feng remained calm. He was naturally brave and valiant. Seeing the two men dressed in black and masked, fighting furtively at the foot of Shaoshi Mountain in the dead of night, he immediately stepped forward and broke the silence with a booming voice: "Hey! Where did these cowards come from, hiding their heads and tails, what are they trying to do at the foot of my Shaoshi Mountain? If you can't give me a reason, I, Qiao Feng, will not spare you with my palms!"
Qiao Tian was completely bewildered, inwardly screaming: (Holy crap! My silly brother Feng! You're really something! Didn't you sense the unfathomable depths of these two? They started arguing without warning, and these are two genuine grandmasters! Are we going to be done for tonight?)
Across from him, Xiao Yuanshan shuddered violently upon hearing the name "Qiao Feng" and recognizing the tall, robust, and spirited young man's face! Even through the mask, his exposed eyes widened instantly, fixed intently on Qiao Feng, his gaze filled with an indescribable mix of excitement, elation, and sorrow. His entire body trembled slightly from the intense emotional turmoil. (He's my child! He's my Feng!)
Murong Bo, a man of meticulous mind, was surprised by Qiao Feng's courage, but he noticed even more the calm demeanor and the subtle danger emanating from Qiao Tian. He chuckled, took a step forward, and while his tone seemed gentle, he subtly moved closer to Qiao Feng: "Young brother, you misunderstand. We are old friends, just exchanging martial arts here, with no ill intentions..." Before he finished speaking, he suddenly accelerated, his palms moving in a flash, striking Qiao Feng's vital points on the chest like a ghost, clearly intending to subdue this seemingly reckless young man first!