As for Chen Shuyan, she watched the lively Dragon and Phoenix Castle and decided not to leave, thus spending the night there.
Lin Ruyu and the others expressed their welco, as having another girl around would make the topics livelier.
Moreover, when Chen Shuyan learned that soone was causing trouble at Dragon and Phoenix Castle, she ca over even in the late night, which moved Lin Ruyu and others dearly, making it hard for them to refuse her temporary stay.
...
The next day.
Around five in the morning, the Wudang disciples got up to practice martial arts, train in swordsmanship, and carry water.
Ye Hao also woke up to the cries of Wudang disciples training martial arts. He slowly made his way to the training ground in a Wudang robe prepared by Guang Daozi for him.
The person teaching the Wudang disciples was Chengren, the junior brother of Cheng Dao, with strength at the twelfth level of National Martial Arts, mastering Tai Chi skillfully. However, his Tai Chi wasn't as authentic as Ye Hao's, as he practiced a modified, simpler, yet more practical version.
Of course, Ye Hao hadn't forgotten the Thunder Emperor's advice at the Bermuda seabed, to use the authentic rather than simplified or altered martial arts. The original martial arts can only reveal its true essence in the future.
Ye Hao arrived at the gigantic training ground outside Yuxu Palace, where nearly two hundred disciples practiced martial arts despite fatigue clouding their faces, their efforts unwavering.
"Good morning, Master," Chengren greeted Ye Hao with a gesture.
"Chengren, do you usually get up at dawn for morning practice?" Ye Hao asked with a smile.
"Yes, Master, it's what our grandmaster taught us, to maintain early sleep and rise without neglecting martial practice, to persist continuously," Chengren replied.
"Grandmaster? You wouldn't be referring to Wudang's nearly three-hundred-year-old elder, right?" Ye Hao asked, intrigued, having heard of this elderly figure in Wudang before. What was his strength and realm? Why was his lifespan so long?
"Haha, yes, it's the grandmaster, but not that elder," Chengren laughed.
"What do you an?"
"You will know when you see it, Master. While you are here today, why not instruct the disciples in practicing Tai Chi?" Chengren suggested.
"Well, I haven't had much exposure to that aspect. I'm still unsuitable, for fear of leading them astray," Ye Hao laughed.
"No way, I heard the Sect Leader say that among the young generation, there's none that can rival Master's Tai Chi. It's a good chance for the disciples under our sect to experience that age and strength aren't necessarily related but to perceive with heart, observe with eyes, sll with nose, and listen with ears," Chengren said, in a teaching tone.
Ye Hao nodded secretly, agreeing with Chengren's words. Age indeed isn't crucial; what's important is to use heart, to experience and live life.
Just like Ye Hao, who at twenty-one was only at the third level of National Martial Arts, yet now, a year later, he's at the tenth level.
Ye Hao made seven leaps across realms within a year, yet within that year, Ye Hao also endured experiences unimaginable to others.
Experiences shaped him, achievents resulted from them.
"You seem more reliable than Cheng Dao," Ye Hao smiled.
"Master's words miss the mark; human nature is unique, with different innate tendencies. The mont of enlightennt for elder brother is also what we pursue," Chengren replied.
"Indeed it is."
"Let introduce you all. This is Wudang's 109th-generation master, Ye Hao, barely over twenty, yet his strength surpasses nearly thirty. In Tai Chi, none among the younger generation can rival him. Do you want to see the master's style?" Chengren asked aloud.
"Yes," everyone shouted in unison.
Faced with the crowd's enthusiasm, Ye Hao couldn't refuse and started performing Tai Chi just as he practiced daily.
Everyone followed his example, but so noticed differences between Ye Hao's Tai Chi and theirs.
However, those sensitive to differences felt Ye Hao's approach was purer and more authentic.
They started morizing and later planned to ask their teachers which was the real version.
After about three hours of repeating, repeating yet again, disciples with high understanding morized the general structure of authentic Tai Chi. As long as they had the formulas, they reckon they could consider themselves inheritors of it from Ye Hao.
Of course, Ye Hao wouldn't share the formulas with them, as Wudang's authentic Tai Chi was reserved only for core disciples like Ye Hao and Cheng Dao.
Around eight o'clock, the sun had risen.
Ye Hao happily wrapped up, not intending to continue practicing.
Martial practice should have moderation; excessive training might injure the body's muscles and bones.
"Chengren, it's over to you now, I'm heading down," Ye Hao said to Chengren with a smile.
During the few hours while Ye Hao taught the Wudang disciples, Chengren stayed close by, diligently instructing them, earning high praise from Ye Hao for his dedication.
"Thank you for this morning's guidance, Master," Chengren nodded with a smile.
After breakfast, Guang Daozi sent a disciple for Ye Hao.
Ye Hao suspected it might be to see the elder, so he tidied up, inford Qian Xiaosheng, and set off.
As for Shangguan Longyi, he mixed with the Wudang disciples, intending to learn Wudang's Tai Chi Eight Trigram palm and Tai Chi sword.
Since he was idle, learning more skills couldn't hurt.
The Wudang disciples warmly welcod Shangguan Longyi, as he was the master's friend; should they not treat him well?
Ye Hao followed the disciple sent by Guang Daozi to Xuanxu Palace.
Xuanxu Palace was situated right in the middle of Celestial Pillar Peak, behind Yuxu Palace.
Typically, outsiders aren't allowed in Xuanxu Palace; Yuxu Palace is the one open to external visitors for mountain gate worship.
Upon entering Xuanxu Palace, Ye Hao felt an overwhelming aura rushing towards him.
At the center of the hall stood a magnificent statue, three giant incense sticks burned before it, filling Xuanxu Palace with a faint Taoist charisma.
Currently, in the center of the hall, four elderly Taoists awaited Ye Hao: Sect Leader Guang Daozi, Grand Elder He Daozi, Second Elder Qing Daozi, Third Elder Cheng Daozi.
Ye Hao hurriedly stepped forward, clasping his hands respectfully, "Sect Leader, Grand Elder, Second Elder, Third Elder."
"No need for the formality, Master," Guang Daozi said.
"I don't know what the Sect Leader summoned for?" Ye Hao asked.
"The elder instructed us to take you to Wudang Holy Land to et him."
"Wudang Holy Land?" Ye Hao murmured in wonder.
"Indeed, only the elder can reveal to you; we aren't supposed to disclose further. Master, please follow us," Guang Daozi said, leading the way.
Guang Daozi guided Ye Hao around Yuxu Palace and to the far end, the Scripture Pavilion.
The Scripture Pavilion housed all of Wudang's texts, accessible only to the current Sect Leader and elders or Supre Elder.
Ordinary people approaching might face nothing unusual, but for those at the National Martial Arts Realm or Innate Realm, it's another matter entirely. (To be continued. If you enjoy the work, you are welco at Qidian (qidian) to cast your votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian for reading.)
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