Volume 2 Tian Nan ? Xuan Qing Volume Chapter 21: The Joy of Many Small Comparisons Fills the Mountain

  Luò Zhǐ Hán was practicing the "Lonely Goose Sword Technique" of the South Sea Sword School, and his sword moves were both intricate and dynamic, like a seagull soaring over the sea. Suddenly, he unleashed a powerful slash with his sword, leaping into the air for a full ten feet, and as his sword flashed in the light, it seemed to dance across the sky, executing the exquisite move "Surging Waves Crash Against the Shore". The onlookers couldn't help but secretly admire: the South Sea Sword School was indeed unparalleled, its reputation not undeserved.

  Lian Wanrou's face was covered in sweat, but suddenly her eyes filled with hatred. It turned out that Luo Zhihan had just remembered the kindness of his master Zhao Yinwind from years ago. The memories of his master's teachings when he practiced this move floated before his eyes, and a desire for revenge grew in his heart, becoming heavier by the second. He suddenly turned sideways, using his right foot to push off the ground with force. His sword flashed with a cold light, directly stabbing towards Lin Tian'er, Chu Jiu and Xiao Qizi, who were hiding behind a cluster of flowers and trees. It was the strongest killing move in the "Lone Goose Sword Technique", the "Lone Goose Soars into the Sky".

  Luren and Lian Wanrou were shocked, looking at each other in dismay. They knew that Luo Zhihan had just been overcome by a sudden demonic impulse, fueled by the hatred and anger he had been harboring in his heart for days. His mind had momentarily lost its clarity, and he was about to enter a state of madness, intent on slaughtering the flower cluster with a deadly blow. Lian Wanrou's eyes reddened, and tears were welling up in them. That night, Luren had personally witnessed Zhao Yinfeng use this set of sword techniques, and remembered that even when surrounded by danger, Zhao Yinfeng was always elegant and composed, severely injuring his enemies with a powerful sword style that far surpassed Luo Zhihan's abilities many times over. It seemed that Luo Zhihan, who had been wandering the jianghu since childhood, was actually lacking in internal energy cultivation.

  On this side, Lin Meng'er, along with Xiao Qiuzi and San, were discussing in low voices how to sneak out and surprise Er Shixiong, Liu Shixiong, and Lian Yurou.

  Lin Meng'er and Xiao Qiuzi were completely unaware that Luo Zhihan's sword had flashed over like lightning, but Chu Jiu heard the sound of the sword breaking through the air, furrowed his brow, and was about to stretch out his finger to pinch the sword tip when suddenly a loud "Break!" sounded, it was Lian Tian's voice. Luo Zhihan's spirit shook, and he and his sword abruptly stopped in their tracks. Looking over, he saw that his sword had already pierced halfway into the flower bush, and his right wrist's "Shenmen Hole" was grasped by Lian Tian, unable to move forward another inch. His previous actions seemed completely forgotten, and he couldn't help but stare blankly.

  "Are the three of you not coming out yet!" Lian Tian shouted loudly, with a hint of anger but not seriously, knowing that Lin Meng'er, Chu Jiu and Xiao Qi Zi were just joining in on the excitement and didn't intend to secretly observe the sword techniques of the Nanhai Sword Sect.

  Lin Meng'er, when she entered the side courtyard with Xiao Qiuzi and Chu Jiu at the beginning, he was concentrating on watching Luo Zhihan perform his sword dance, but the unusual movements around him did not escape his ears. He heard two people approaching, and after they hid behind a cluster of flowers, he heard Lin Meng'er's and Xiao Qiuzi's voices, including Lin Meng'er calling out "Chu Jiu", it seemed like there were three people. However, Chu Jiu's footsteps had gone unnoticed from start to finish, which was also strange. At this moment, Luo Zhihan suddenly stabbed his sword into the cluster of flowers, fearing that the three would be injured, he quickly reached out to restrain Luo Zhihan and shouted loudly, startling him awake.

  Everyone admired Lian Tian's quick and accurate movements, yet his thoughts were so meticulous and considerate. He was indeed worthy of being the first disciple of Dian Cang. Especially Rulun, he had no idea when Lin Bi'er, Xiao Jiu, and Xiao Qi entered earlier, but Er Shixiong had already known about it, feeling more ashamed. Lian Wanrou, on the other hand, was extremely delighted, for she had been close to her brother since childhood, naturally taking pride in Lian Tian.

  Chu Jiu was also shocked, his own footsteps could be heard by Er Shixiong. To know that on that day, She Tian Lao Ren taught "She Tian Jing Long, 36 steps" and said that this move would make one's movements as loud as thunder in the nine heavens and as quiet as a ghost in the ten earths, once mastered, no one could detect one's presence within the nine heavens and ten earths. Chu Jiu thought to himself, it seems he still needs to practice harder, his cultivation is indeed too weak. However, he didn't know that Lian Tian knew of his presence not because of his footsteps but for other reasons.

  Lin Meng'er had already run to Lian Wanru's side, pulling her hand, and making a face at Chu Jiu, saying: "Second Brother, you're really too formidable! You still won't admit that it was my father and Master who taught you the secret training method? Otherwise, how could your shout just now be so shocking, directly piercing the heart and lungs, and resonating through the meridians?" The clarity of his Cang Yang Xuan Qing Qi was "obviously much higher than most of the other brothers! I'm afraid it's not below that of the two Master Brothers!"

  Although she seemed to be scowling, there was still a hint of a smile on her face, and it was clear that she was just joking. The crowd of disciples all burst out laughing.

  The Xuanmen Zhengzong inner skill of the Cangpai sect, "Cangyang Xuancheng Qi", is divided into four realms: "Tongluo Realm", "Yunqi Realm", "Heshen Realm" and "Yushen Realm". The "Tongluo Realm" has three layers, the "Yunqi Realm" has seven layers, and the "Heshen Realm" also has three layers. Only the founder of the sect, Yue Zushi, was able to cultivate up to the "Yushen Realm".

  "The Cang Yang Xuan Qing Qi" has different time requirements for each layer, depending on individual talent and acquired skills. Shen Que, Lu Shao Hang, and Lian Tian smoothly passed through all three layers of the "Tong Luo Jie", taking only three years in total. At that time, Chu Jiu was still wandering around the first layer of the "Tong Luo Jie". After reaching the "Yun Qi Jie", each subsequent layer's cultivation became increasingly difficult and took longer to complete.

  Lian Tian smiled slightly and said, "Little Shifu's mouth is getting sweeter and sweeter, indeed!"

  He and several others, for the past decade, day and night, have been together like this, laughing and chatting, it's truly a habitual routine. Lin Meng'er has just recently reached the second layer of "Luck Realm", feeling that her inner energy in her dantian is increasing bit by bit, thinking that she's making rapid progress, with her cultivated "Guanyin Sword Technique" merging quite well, plus having obtained a new precious sword, can't help but feel itchy hands and feet.

  Lin Meng'er saw Luo Zhihan's swordsmanship was exquisite, and couldn't help but say to Lian Tian, "Second Master Brother, it's no fun for Luo Master Brother to practice alone. I'll come and keep him company!" After speaking, she didn't wait for a response, and with her sword at the ready, charged towards Luo Zhihan. Luo Zhihan was about to decline, but the sword light came too quickly, leaving no time for words, and he could only raise his sword to meet hers.

  "Lu Xian, when fighting, the most taboo is a restless mind. The stronger the enemy, the more calm you should be. Otherwise, demons will arise in your heart, and not only will you fail to avenge yourself, but you'll also destroy yourself!" Lian Tian had already observed Lu Zhihan's martial arts for half a day, and after some thought, he spoke up: "The Nanhai Sword Sect's swordsmanship is renowned for its subtlety and fame. It's not an empty reputation; your swordsmanship just now was almost on par with the Dongcang Road Swordsmanship. However, since you've been wandering the jianghu since childhood, your internal energy cultivation is insufficient. I'll ask our masters to find a way to make up for this deficiency. But in the past, your respected teachers and older brother were always by your side, so many times you didn't need to take action, as they would help you out. Therefore, your experience against enemies is also greatly lacking. Fortunately, it's a good thing that you and little Shimei can practice together more often; it will be very beneficial for both of your combat experiences!"

  He had been traveling the world for many years, and his martial arts skills and experience were superior to those of Lu Ren. Although he had never seen Zhao Yunfeng use the "Lonely Goose Soars into the Sky" sword move, he naturally had a deeper understanding of it. He also knew how important experience was in battle, so he didn't object to the two of them competing with each other.

  Lin Meng'er gained the advantage of her new sword, and her morale was sharp and unstoppable. With her martial arts skills originally above Luo Zhihan's, she had intended to knock the sword out of Luo Zhihan's hand in the 30th move. However, seeing little Ruo Xue by her side with a worried expression, she couldn't bear it and thought to wait until the 50th move to strike his sword instead!

  Who would have thought that Luo Zhi's sword moves became more and more familiar, more and more confident, exquisite sword moves were made one after another. The Southern Sea Sword Sect dominated the Southern Sea, and it was indeed not in vain. Once he let go of his hands and feet, Lin Meng'er was already gasping for breath. After fifty moves, she couldn't bear to knock the sword out of his hand.

  Before long, the two had already exchanged over a hundred moves, and both were getting more and more delighted.

  So in these two days, the few people were together practicing swordsmanship, either Lin Meng'er or Lian Wanrou, occasionally Lu Lun and Lian Tian also came down to practice with Luo Zhihan, from beginning to end smiling and watching, the five people were always together, Luo Zhihan and Lin Meng'er naturally made rapid progress, their swordsmanship becoming more precise and skilled, and everyone unconsciously cheered for the two!

  On the evening of the 18th, Lian Tian, Chu Jiu, Lu Lun, and also Lian Tian's third junior brother Qian Reng, Lu Shao Hang's third junior brother Luo Tian, and fifth junior brother Sun Hui Guang were all surrounding the rear courtyard garden, watching Lin Meng Er, Lian Wan Rou, and Luo Zhi Han practice their swordplay.

  In the grand hall ahead, Yun Yuan was still directing the younger disciples as they bustled about, completing the arrangements with only a few minor details remaining. The three people in the arena sometimes fought two against one and sometimes each fought alone, their swords clashing back and forth, making it difficult for onlookers to keep up. Everyone present couldn't help but offer their opinions, pointing out and confirming each other's observations, even Qian Reng and Luo Tian, who were not usually talkative, wore smiles on their faces.

  Suddenly, the back door was pushed open, and in a short while, Xiao Qi Zi rushed in with a big sweat on his head. Without wiping off the sweat, he shouted to everyone: "Second Brother, Second Brother, it's strange!"

  Consecutive days without a solution, he turned back and asked: "Little Qi Zi, what's wrong? How did you become so strange?" Everyone turned their heads around, looking at Little Qi Zi.

  Xiao Qi Zi saw everyone gathering around, including Lin Fei Er, Wan Rou and Luo Zhi Han, who also sheathed their swords and stopped competing. They walked over, Xiao Qi Zi smiled, revealing a row of white teeth, and said: "Second Master Brother, it's like this, the strange tree on Qiu Feng Slope has bloomed!"

  Everyone looked at each other in surprise and delight, yet also with disbelief. Sun Hui Guang said: "We've come to this mountain many times, but we've never seen the ancient tree of protection bloom!" He was a disciple of Diancang, so he naturally knew that the strange tree on Qifeng Slope was called the Tree of Protection of the Teachings. However, when he had once asked his fifth uncle about it, why it was called the Tree of Protection of the Teachings and what its special features were, even his fifth uncle seemed not to know much about it.

  "Exactly! Little Seventh, you've never seen the Guardian Tree of Education bloom before, so why are you so certain now?"

  "It's like this, I was just preparing to come and find Xiao Jiu, little Shixiong, and Ming'er, Shijie playing. From a distance, I saw that the Wuyi Tree on Qifeng Slope had a five-colored cloud-like thing on it, as if clouds and mist were falling on it. If the divine tree isn't blooming, what else could it be?" Little Qi Zi hastily replied.

  Lin Meng'er wiped the sweat from her face and smiled: "What's there to argue about? Xiao Qi Zi is usually naughty, but he never lies. Let's go take a look at the Hu Jiao Shen Shu on Qī Fēng Pō and we'll know!"

  She hadn't finished speaking before she grabbed Lian Wanrou's hand and ran towards the back door, so Lian Tian, Chu Jiu and the others also followed them out.

  That Qiufeng Slope is just outside the back door, going up the mountain for four or five miles to Malong Mountain, with Ma Jiuyou and Wuyoutai in opposite directions. However, on the ninth day of the first month, Lin Qinger, Xiaoqizi, and others often go there to play. The nineteen peaks of Cangshan, eighteen streams, and Erhai Lake can be said to be familiar to them. On top of Qiufeng Slope, although it is already autumn, it is still lush and green, with a dense forest, among which there is a large tree that stands out from the crowd by more than three zhang, its canopy like an umbrella, extremely large, visible from afar.

  As soon as everyone came out of the hospital gate, they saw that on top of the ancient tree in the distance, there was a colorful glow like a piece of rainbow-colored cloud, shining with a strange light, completely different from other days. From afar, it seemed as if the whole tree was blooming with purple and red flowers.

  "Following Master Jiang to travel north and south, I have been to many places, but such a tall, grand, and radiant ancient tree with unique aura is truly something I've never seen before. This place is indeed a treasure land of divine energy!" Luo Zhihan followed the footsteps of the crowd and said.

  Qian Reng said with a shallow smile: "I was born and raised in the south, such things, today's strange tree, I have never seen it before." He is a Bai ethnic youth, but everyone heard this clearly.

  "Besides, since I came to this mountain, this tree is nothing but tall and big, there's nothing else strange about it!" Luo Tian, who had been silent all along, now spoke up after seeing the ancient tree's unusual appearance: "Could it be that this tree is some kind of rare species that only blooms once every few decades?"

  Luotian casually asked, originally unintentional, but Lin Qing'er in front was stunned, turned her head and said: "Shi Jiu Xiao Shixiong, what was the allusion you mentioned last time about a certain tree that blooms once every few years and bears fruit?"

  On the ninth day, he neither rushed nor slowed down as he followed the crowd. When Lin Meng'er asked him, he smiled and said: "I was just casually saying it that day, who would have thought it was true?"

  Lian Wanrou and Lin Ming'er however were not letting up, surrounding him as they said: "Young Master Shi, say it again!"

  The three of them were chatting and laughing together, so I walked over to join in on the fun.

  "All I know is what others have told me: that in this world there's a kind of great tree. It blooms once every three hundred years, and bears fruit once every three hundred years, then it withers away."

  Lin Meng'er laughed and said: "And, and, what was it you said last time? Something about flowers and fruits, and you were so vivid and lively in your description!"

  He couldn't help but smile wryly and continued, "Legend has it that the flower is a deep crimson color, rarely seen in its seven-petaled form. The fruit is a bright yellow color. It grows to be fifty zhang tall, with leaves one zhang long and over two chi wide. The fruit has a pit, shaped like a date, five chi long and almost as wide. If cut with a golden knife, it tastes sour; if cut with a bamboo knife, it tastes bitter. Eating it grants the ability of an earth immortal, fearing neither water nor fire nor sharp blades!"

  He added hastily, "After all, it's just a rumor, don't mind it."

  Everyone was amazed, and even Wan Rou laughed after hearing it: "Oh, is this the legend? My mother also told me and my brother about it. It seems that the tree's name is 'How' ancient tree, what a strange name! Fortunately, it's strange, or I wouldn't have remembered the name!" Her last sentence was directed at Lian Tian behind her.

  But there was no response from Lian Tian, and at the beginning of the ninth hour, he hurriedly turned his head to look at Lian Tian, only to see that Lian Tian was staring intently at the ancient tree getting closer and closer, with a hint of strangeness in his eyes. As they spoke, they did not stop walking, and were now only two miles away from the ancient tree.

  It's not surprising that Lian Tian is familiar with this legend. Firstly, he has heard his mother mention it before, and secondly, such legends have been passed down through the ages, like the peaches of the Queen Mother of the West in mythology, or the elixir-producing grass and the dan that blooms once every three thousand years and bears fruit once every three thousand years. To ordinary people, hearing about these things is just a formality, without any deeper significance.