Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils: The Successor of Bodhidharma

Page 8

“And… Zhang Sanfeng.” Qiao Tian’s heart stirred. This Taoist master, who carried on the legacy of the past and established his own school, possessed unparalleled martial arts skills. What was even more remarkable was his profound understanding of the Tao, which integrated various schools of thought and formed its own unique system. The Tai Chi he created emphasized using softness to overcome hardness and stillness to control movement, which was in harmony with the Tao. Its philosophy has long been thoroughly analyzed in modern times.

“He was taught a part of the Nine Yang Divine Skill by Jueyuan, and perhaps also fragments or concepts of the Marrow Cleansing Classic… And I have all of these, even more completely!” A brilliant light suddenly burst forth in Qiao Tian’s eyes, and an unprecedented thought grew wildly and instantly became crystal clear.

"Wudang! Yes, it's Wudang!"

At that time, Wudang was not the martial arts holy land that would later be considered on par with Shaolin, but merely a famous mountain with beautiful scenery but no master!

“Shaoshi Mountain is no longer a place to stay for long.” Qiao Tian’s gaze returned to the small courtyard at the foot of the mountain, filled with worry. With Qiao Feng gone, his adoptive parents were like a house without a shield. In the original story, Xiao Yuanshan endured for more than ten years before making his move, but how could he dare to gamble on that “possibility”? He couldn’t afford to gamble! He had to move his parents to a place of absolute safety.

Wudang Mountain, located in northern Hubei, is far from the center of conflict in the Central Plains martial arts world. Its steep terrain makes it easy to defend and difficult to attack, making it an ideal place to establish a foundation and settle one's parents!

What's even more remarkable is that he's going to follow the same path that Zhang Sanfeng walked—establishing a new school of thought!

"This Wudang is not that Wudang, but I can still call it Wudang!" Qiao Tian's heart was filled with pride. "Zhang Sanfeng was able to create an unparalleled career based on Tai Chi, so why can't I? The principles of Tai Chi and the way of Yin and Yang are already well-known philosophical and physical laws in modern times. What I lack is simply to transform these concepts into specific moves suitable for martial arts in this world."

He has the time, the foundation, and the determination. The complete Nine Yang Divine Skill has reached the seventh level, achieving a balance of Yin and Yang; the true meaning of the Marrow Cleansing Classic tempers the spirit and body; and the more than twenty kinds of martial arts fundamental concepts in the Bodhidharma Cave are priceless treasures, enough for him to integrate and innovate.

"Give me time, and while I may not be able to create a perfect Tai Chi, I will be able to establish a foothold in Wudang Mountain, make a name for myself, and build a rudimentary force. At the same time, I must find a way to gain the recognition and support of the imperial court."

His goal was extremely clear: before the Xingzilin Incident, to build Wudang into a rising force that the martial arts world could not underestimate, possessing prestige and influence that even Abbot Xuanci of Shaolin had to take seriously. Only then would he have the leverage to speak out for his brother in Xingzilin and possibly turn the tide of that fatal public opinion storm!

This was no easy task, almost a pipe dream. But he was a time traveler!

Qiao Tian took a deep breath, the last trace of confusion in his eyes vanished, replaced by unwavering determination and sharpness.

The fog on Shaoshi Mountain has completely dissipated, and the sun shines brightly, revealing the verdant mountains.

Chapter 26 Brothers Drunk and Talking About Ideals

At the foot of Shaoshi Mountain, in the Qiao Family Courtyard.

At dinner time, the table was set with only ordinary farm-style vegetables, but it seemed exceptionally lavish because of Qiao Tian's return. Qiao's mother kept putting food on her two sons' plates, her eyes filled with a mixture of smiles and tears. Qiao Sanhuai drank a couple more cups of coarsely brewed rice wine, his bronze face glowing red, listening to Qiao Feng enthusiastically recount the interesting stories of practicing martial arts at the temple and sparring with his fellow disciples, nodding憨厚ly from time to time.

Qiao Tian ate his meal quietly, occasionally asking a question or two, his gaze gently sweeping over his parents' gratified faces and his younger brother's radiant expression. This warm, homey atmosphere was a sanctuary he would protect at all costs.

After the meal, Qiao's mother cleared the dishes, and Qiao Tian helped his father put away the farm tools. Taking advantage of a break, he went to his mother's side and said softly, "Mother, I need to go out tomorrow to visit some old acquaintances. I won't be back for a while."

Mrs. Qiao paused in her movements, her smile fading slightly, and asked worriedly, "You just got back, why are you leaving again? How long will you be gone?"

"It could take several months, or even... a year." Qiao Tian's voice was calm, yet carried an unwavering resolve.

"A year?" Qiao's mother exclaimed in surprise, and Qiao Sanhuai, who was chopping wood, and Qiao Feng, who was practicing martial arts nearby, both looked over.

"Tian'er, did you encounter any difficulties outside?" Qiao Sanhuai put down his wood-chopping knife, his brows furrowed.

Qiao Feng strode up to Qiao Tian and said urgently, "Brother, where are you going? I'll go with you!"

Qiao Tian shook his head, patted his younger brother's strong arm, and said gently to his parents, "Father, Mother, it's not difficult. It's just that I have some things to do, some... plans concerning the future. Please rest assured, I can take good care of myself."

His tone was calm, his gaze firm, and his maturity beyond his years left Mr. and Mrs. Qiao unsure how to dissuade him. They knew that their eldest son had been opinionated since childhood, and that a deep mind lay hidden beneath his silent exterior.

Mrs. Qiao sighed, her eyes slightly red, but ultimately said nothing more, only carefully instructing him to be careful with his food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. Qiao Sanhuai nodded emphatically: "A man's ambition lies in all corners of the world. Go ahead. I'll take care of everything at home, and Feng'er is at the temple, so don't worry about him."

That night, the moon was bright and the stars were few. Under the old locust tree in the courtyard, Qiao Tian stood with his hands behind his back, while Xiao Hei sat quietly on his shoulder, its monkey eyes shining brightly in the moonlight. Qiao Feng, carrying two jars of wine, tiptoed out of the house, grinned at Qiao Tian, ​​and said in a low voice, "Brother, Dad's asleep. Shall we two have a drink?"

Qiao Tian smiled and accepted the jar. The two brothers sat side by side on the stone steps, broke the mud seal, and the rich aroma of the wine immediately filled the air.

This was Qiao Feng's first time drinking, and also Qiao Tian's first time in both his lives. The spicy liquid burned as it went down his throat, but it also eased the sorrow of parting. Qiao Feng drank heavily, and soon his face was flushed, and he became more talkative. Qiao Tian sipped slowly, enjoying the slight intoxication, listening to his younger brother talk about his dreams of the martial world and his ambitions in martial arts.

After a few bowls, Qiao Feng suddenly stopped, turned to look at his silent brother beside him, and asked with a thick tongue, "Brother, are you... are you troubled by something? I can tell that you're different this time you've come back than before."

Qiao Tian's fingers tightened slightly around the wine bowl. Moonlight shone on his cool profile, revealing a complex emotion. He remained silent for a long time before suddenly asking, "Brother Feng, if possible, would you be willing to live a simple and peaceful life with me and our parents at the foot of Shaoshi Mountain?"

Qiao Feng was taken aback, almost blurting out "I'm willing," but then a look of struggle appeared on his face. He scratched his head and said, "Being able to stay with my parents and brother is naturally the best. But... but a real man should go out and see the world, and make something of himself, right? Staying at home would be a waste of all my strength and martial arts skills." His tone was filled with the unique pride and longing of a young man.

Qiao Tian looked at him and continued to ask, "In your heart, what kind of career would be considered truly great? Is it becoming a martial arts master like the abbot of Shaolin Temple, or leading the number one gang in the world like the leader of the Beggars' Sect?"

Upon hearing this, Qiao Feng laughed heartily and patted Qiao Tian's shoulder forcefully: "Brother, don't tease me. Abbot of Shaolin? Leader of the Beggars' Sect? Those are too far removed from my life. I haven't thought that far ahead; I just want to be free! If I had to name the most perfect thing..." He tilted his head back and took another gulp of wine, dreaming, "It would be to be able to roam the martial world with you, brother, wielding swords and upholding justice! We'd intervene in injustices, fight against villains, drink the strongest liquor, and make the most loyal friends! Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Qiao Tian's heart sank. Sure enough, the seeds of fate had already been sown in his character. He suppressed his emotions and asked casually, "Really?"

"Of course it's true!" Qiao Feng nodded vigorously, then asked, "Brother, what about you? What are your ambitions? You've read more books and know more than me, what do you want to do?"

Qiao Tian looked up at the bright moon in the sky and slowly said, "My ambition... is very simple. If your ambition is for a peaceful life, my ambition is to protect the safety and happiness of our family of four. If your ambition is for the martial world..." He paused, his voice not loud, but each word clear and carrying a captivating power, "My ambition is to establish a sect, for you and for this world, to create another martial arts holy land that can rival Shaolin. In terms of martial arts, doctrine, and reputation, we must contend with it."

"Pfft—" Qiao Feng almost spat out a mouthful of wine, his eyes widened, and he sobered up a bit. "Brother? You...you really? Found a sect? To be on par with Shaolin?" This idea was even more astonishing to him than hearing that he could become emperor.

“Of course it is true.” Qiao Tian’s gaze was calm as water. “Shaolin is indeed the leader of the martial arts world, with a century-old foundation that is unfathomable. Its martial arts are based on the Yi Jin Jing and utilize the Seventy-Two Unique Skills; its Buddhist doctrines and teachings are a complete system that has deeply penetrated people’s hearts. To contend with it is as difficult as climbing to heaven.”

Qiao Feng was bewildered, but felt a surge of excitement and pressed on, "Then... then brother, how do you intend to contend with him?"

Qiao Tian turned back, looking intently at his younger brother, and said, word by word, "Though the Buddha is vast, the Tao is boundless. Shaolin upholds the Buddha, and I will propagate the Tao."

"The Dao?" Qiao Feng was even more puzzled. "The methods of the Daoists? Chanting incantations and drawing talismans?"

Qiao Tian smiled slightly and shook his head, saying, "This is no ordinary Taoist. This path is the way of heaven and earth, the principle of yin and yang." Taking advantage of the wine, he slowly expressed the ideas that had been brewing in his heart, both answering his younger brother and sorting out his own thoughts.

"Shaolin martial arts originated from Bodhidharma, and were mostly introduced from foreign lands. After a hundred years of evolution, although it is profound and extensive, it tends to be forceful and emphasizes subduing external demons and being brave and diligent. When you reach a very high level, you are prone to 'martial arts obstacles', which can only be resolved by having a very high level of Buddhist cultivation." He thought of Xiao Yuanshan and Murong Bo's predicament, and his tone became slightly somber.

"The 'Way' I wish to establish is rooted in the Chinese land, emphasizing 'following the natural way' and 'harmony between heaven and man.'" Qiao Tian's tone gradually became solemn, and his eyes gleamed with wisdom. "Its martial arts do not emphasize brute force, but rather inner cultivation, using softness to overcome hardness, stillness to control movement, and striking after the opponent has moved first. Like flowing water, which is extremely soft, it can wear away stone; like a raging wind, which is invisible, it can destroy trees."

"Practicing this method does not require grueling physical exertion to the extreme; it emphasizes enlightenment and inner cultivation. Practicing the skill is cultivating the Tao, strengthening the body while also cultivating the mind. Not only is there no risk of going astray or becoming possessed by demons, but it also prolongs life and leads to perfect harmony and clarity."

He looked at Qiao Feng, who seemed to understand but was filled with shock, and summarized: "Shaolin's system is based on 'Buddha,' it is external, rigid, and requires strong constraints. My system, on the other hand, will be based on 'Tao,' it is local, flexible, and pursues harmony with nature. Only when Buddhism and Tao stand side by side, and strength and gentleness complement each other, can it be perfect. This is the path I want to take, and it is the only path that may rival or even surpass Shaolin."

Qiao Feng's mouth dropped open, and he forgot to put down the wine jar in his hand. His brother's words had opened a door he had never imagined. The world beyond that door was no longer a simple matter of fighting and revenge, but a much grander and more profound realm. Although he could not yet fully comprehend the mysteries of "Tao," he could sense the immense ambition and solid logic in his brother's words.

He was stunned for a long time before finally managing to stammer, "Brother...you...you are really...amazing!" He didn't know how else to express the shock he felt.

Qiao Tian couldn't help but chuckle at his honest and simple appearance, and raised his wine bowl: "Let's drink."

"Drink!" Qiao Feng clinked glasses with him heavily and drank heartily.

The night was cool and still. The two brothers nestled together under the moonlight. One was as still as a deep pool, harboring a grand ambition to create a new world; the other was as fiery as a raging fire, burning with a dream of roaming the world.

Chapter 27 Who in Shaolin Temple can stop me?

As dawn broke, Shaoshi Mountain was still shrouded in a thin veil of mist. Qiao Tian bid farewell to his parents and the still-sleeping Qiao Feng, carrying Xiao Hei on his shoulder, and stepped into the gates of Shaolin Temple once more. He headed straight for the meditation hall where Master Xuanku was practicing his reclusive meditation.

Inside the Zen temple, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood. Master Xuanku was sitting quietly on a futon, as if he had already anticipated his arrival.

"Disciple Qiao Tian has come to bid farewell to his revered master." Qiao Tian bowed respectfully.

Xuanku slowly opened his eyes, his gaze as calm as an ancient well, quietly observing him. After a long while, he finally spoke: "Your heart is not in this temple, there is no point in forcing you to stay. Go, the mortal world is also a place of practice."

"Thank you for your kindness, Master." Qiao Tian bowed again.

However, Xuan Ku did not finish his sentence. A look of inquiry flashed in his eyes as he slowly said, "You returned home yesterday, so you must have seen Feng'er."

Qiao Tian's heart stirred slightly, but his expression remained unchanged: "Yes."

“Feng’er’s martial arts progress has been remarkable recently.” Xuan Ku’s tone was calm, but it carried an undeniable insight. “Especially his understanding of power generation and control of internal energy, he has far surpassed his peers and has even faintly touched the threshold of a higher realm. The fist and foot techniques he practices are still based on the Shaolin style, but their core essence is completely different.”

The old monk's gaze sharpened, as if trying to see through Qiao Tian: "He said that it was you who taught him. I am truly curious about what kind of martial arts you comprehended from the Buddhist scriptures in the back mountain. I can sense that your martial arts have a vast and righteous source, originating from the same source as Shaolin internal energy. It is extremely yang and strong, yet it is also harmonious and free, with yin and yang complementing each other."

He leaned forward slightly, with the pure curiosity and exploration of a martial arts master towards the unknown, and said slowly, "Qiao Tian, ​​may I have a look?"

This wasn't a question, but more like an academic inquiry. But Qiao Tian knew he had to get past this hurdle.

Qiao Tian remained silent for a moment, then finally nodded: "Please give me your guidance, Master."

Before he could finish speaking, Master Xuanku had already made his move! He did not stand up, but his withered hand emerged from his sleeve. It seemed slow, but it was actually as fast as lightning. The essence of One-Finger Zen Kung Fu was concentrated at his fingertips, pointing towards Qiao Tian's Jianjing acupoint. The energy broke through the air and made a hissing sound.

Qiao Tian remained motionless until the wind from his finger touched his body, at which point he swayed slightly.

Lightness Skill - Crossing the River on a Reed! He seemed to transform into a wisp of green smoke, or a reed in the wind, drifting lightly along with Xuan Ku's finger strike, effortlessly. Xuan Ku's sharp finger strike couldn't even touch the hem of his clothes.

A glint flashed in Xuan Ku's eyes, and he shouted, "Excellent movement technique!" His body finally rose from the futon, and with a flick of his wrists, the power of the Prajna Palm surged out like a tidal wave, enveloping the entire Zen temple and suffocating everyone.

Qiao Tian still didn't take the blows head-on. His figure moved and flashed in the narrow space, dodging the strongest point of the palm strike at the last second. His movements were graceful and agile, as if he were not fighting, but dancing with the wind. Xiao Hei had already cleverly jumped onto the roof beam, baring its teeth and looking down.

Xuan Ku, unable to break through after a long attack, grew even more astonished. He changed his palm technique, simplifying the complex into a simple and unadorned Black Tiger Strike at the heart, aiming straight for the center, his inner strength condensed to its peak.

This time, Qiao Tian did not dodge.

Protective Body - Imperishable Embryo! His aura slightly solidified, and an invisible yet extremely resilient and flexible aura naturally erupted. Xuan Ku's punch, imbued with immense internal force, struck his chest, but it felt as if it had struck cotton, producing a muffled "plop." The expected sound of bones shattering did not come; instead, a gentle yet resilient recoil force struck, causing Xuan Ku's arm to go slightly numb!

"This is... the Vajra Indestructible Body Divine Skill? No! It's similar yet not quite!" Xuan Ku exclaimed, his eyes filled with disbelief.

Just as his old strength was waning and his new strength was beginning to rise, Qiao Tian made his move.

The Dragon-Capturing Technique! He casually raised his right hand, not to grab Xuan Ku, but to subtly guide a wisp of green smoke rising from the incense burner about ten feet away. The wisp of smoke seemed to be drawn by an invisible force, abruptly changing direction. At the same time, Xuan Ku felt his energy stagnate, as if he were sinking into quagmire, and his movements involuntarily slowed down by half a step!

It's that slight delay!

Qiao Tian's left hand, fingers joined like a sword, was enveloped in a faint purple-gold aura. He struck first despite being behind, ignoring Xuan Ku's hasty defense, and precisely placed a finger three inches in front of Xuan Ku's Tanzhong acupoint.

Before the finger force was even released, the extremely refined and sharp intent, capable of piercing through metal and stone, had already penetrated him. Xuan Ku's entire body stiffened, and all his movements instantly stopped. He clearly felt that as soon as the opponent released the finger force, he would be seriously injured immediately.

The monastery was deathly silent.

Xuan Ku stared blankly at the fingertips resting on his chest, then looked at Qiao Tian, ​​whose face remained calm as still water. After a long while, he let out a long sigh, slowly dissipating all his internal energy, and said with a bitter smile, "This old monk... has lost. Good! Good! Good! What a fine 'self-enlightenment from Buddhist scriptures'! Such martial arts, since Bodhidharma, there is no one else like him!"

However, at that moment, the gate of the Zen temple was suddenly pushed open!

Led by Abbot Xuanci, the head monks of the Bodhidharma Academy and the Discipline Academy, along with several senior monks of the Xuan generation, filed in. They had clearly been alarmed by the earlier fight and had been watching from the outside for a long time. Their faces were filled with shock and solemnity.

The head of the Disciplinary Hall, with a fiery temper, was the first to shout angrily: "Qiao Tian! What martial art did you just use? Your movements were as light and agile as smoke, yet they subtly resembled the Shaolin lightness skill! Your protective techniques were different, yet they were very similar to the 'Indestructible Vajra Body'! Your qi control technique was simply a higher level of the 'Dragon-Capturing Skill'! And that last finger gesture even had the meaning of the 'Flower-Plucking Finger' and the 'Formless Calamity Finger'! Tell me! Where did you learn this? Could it be that you sneaked into the Sutra Pavilion to steal secret manuals?!"

Abbot Xuanci's face was calm, but his eyes were as deep as the sea. He spoke slowly, his voice carrying an undeniable authority: "Qiao Tian, ​​although your martial arts are different in appearance from the Seventy-Two Shaolin Arts, their essence and origin are strikingly similar to our temple's unique skills, and even... surpass them. This matter concerns the very foundation of Shaolin martial arts, and you must give an explanation."

The atmosphere instantly became tense, threatening to escalate into torture at the slightest provocation. Xuan Ku looked troubled, opening his mouth as if to defend Qiao Tian, ​​but unsure where to begin. Qiao Tian's martial arts style was indeed too astonishing to be explained by ordinary means.

Qiao Tian slowly withdrew his finger, his gaze sweeping over the group of high monks before finally settling on Xuan Ku, whose face showed worry.

He suddenly lifted the hem of his robe, faced Xuan Ku, and knelt down respectfully, kowtowing three times with a loud "thump," "thump," "thump."

Each bow was performed with full force, and the sound could be clearly heard in the quiet Zen temple.

“Master,” Qiao Tian looked up, his gaze clear and firm, “I will never forget your kindness in recognizing my talent, your guidance, and your protection of my family over the years. Today’s events are all my fault, and I cannot explain them. I will bear all the blame myself, and it has nothing to do with you, Master.”

After saying that, he suddenly stood up.

When he faced Xuanci and the other eminent monks again, all the respect and warmth on his face vanished, replaced by a cold, arrogant disdain for everything. The aura of profound and unfathomable depth emanating from him spread out without reservation, causing the eminent monks of the Xuan generation to feel a chill run down their spines.

His gaze swept over the crowd, his voice not loud, but carrying a resolute determination that echoed clearly in the mountain wind:

"The origins of my martial arts techniques are difficult to disclose." "But if Qiao Tianru wishes to leave,"

He paused slightly, his tone resolute, carrying an undeniable confidence and strength:

"Who in the entire Shaolin Temple can stop me?"

Chapter 28 The Great Formation of the Eighteen Bronze Men

The air in the monastery seemed to freeze the moment Qiao Tian uttered, "Who can stop me?" The head of the Discipline Hall's face darkened, and his voice boomed like a bell: "Form the Eighteen Bronze Men Formation!"

Eighteen martial monks charged in at the sound of their cudgels, their staffs flashing like a forest, their auras intertwined, and a chilling atmosphere filled the air. Qiao Tian stood calmly in the center of the formation, while only Xiao Hei on the roof beam let out a low growl.

"Excuse me." Before he finished speaking, he had already moved.

He unleashed his agility, like a fish swimming through a river on a reed, weaving through the array of staffs. The bronze figures shifted their formations, the staffs whistling, yet he always managed to evade them by the slightest margin. The monks only saw a blur before their target had shifted.

"Lock!" the lead bronze figure shouted. The net tightened suddenly, sealing off all escape routes.

Qiao Tian stopped dodging, and his aura suddenly became heavy and solid. A pale golden halo flashed by, and more than a dozen long sticks struck him at the same time, producing a muffled thud like hitting rotten leather. The force of the recoil made the tiger's mouth of several bronze men go numb.

The Dragon-Capturing Technique was then unleashed, the invisible energy disrupting the staff net, causing the formation to momentarily halt. Qiao Tianzhi moved with him, pointing in mid-air, and in an instant, several bronze figures were frozen in place.

The Eighteen Bronze Men Formation is broken!

Master Xuannan stepped forward: "Amitabha! Let this old monk learn from you." The "Vajra Paying Homage to Buddha" in Prajna's palm slashed down, the palm wind fierce and powerful.

Qiao Tian neither dodged nor evaded, but met the attack with his right palm, his palm force flowing smoothly and seamlessly. The two palms collided without a sound. Xuan Nan felt the palm force as if it had vanished into thin air, and there was also a supple force pulling his body along.

He changed his move with lightning speed, his finger swiftly striking Qiao Tian's wrist. Qiao Tian slightly flipped his wrist, striking first and aiming directly at the vital point on his elbow, forcing Xuan Nan to defend himself.

The two fought with lightning speed, exchanging more than ten blows in the blink of an eye. Xuan Nan displayed his mastery of techniques such as the Prajna Palm, the Dorothea Leaf Finger, and the Dragon Claw Hand, but Qiao Tian consistently countered with a seemingly simple yet infinitely varied martial art, always managing to intercept the attacks at just the right moment.

"This boy is not using any of Shaolin's unique techniques, but the level of his artistic conception is so high..." a high monk from the Bodhidharma Academy murmured.

Abbot Xuanci finally stepped forward: "Young benefactor Qiao Tian, ​​please stop."

His voice contained inner strength, which was deafening.

Qiao Tian retreated gracefully, his breathing even and deep. Xuan Nan's face was slightly flushed, and his breathing was slightly rapid.

Xuan Ci's gaze was complex: "Young benefactor, your martial arts are exquisite, and they also contain profound Buddhist principles. If you are willing to tell me honestly, Shaolin is by no means unreasonable."

The head of the disciplinary hall roared, "Abbot! This boy's martial arts skills are of unknown origin. If we don't capture him and interrogate him..."

"Wait a minute." Master Xuanku stepped forward, blocking Qiao Tian's path. "Abbot, this young man was brought to Shaolin by me, and I would vouch for his character with my life. If we were to use our numbers to bully the weak today, wouldn't that further damage Shaolin's reputation?"