Chapter 161: Journey to Heavenly Sun

The fourth chapter of the technique consists of sixteen forms, and starting from this chapter, one must coordinate the movements with internal energy cultivation. This makes it exceptionally difficult, but fortunately, I have some experience in this area, so even if it is challenging, it won't defeat me.

I attempted to execute the first form, but I found that my movements were always jerky, which indirectly prevented the blade technique from reaching its full potential. I refused to give up, however. I tightened my grip on the Snow Blade and resolved to master the first form before moving on. As the blade danced swiftly through the air, I began to grasp some of the nuances, though not enough to fully master it yet. I chose to take it slow, focusing on perfecting the movements first.

The movements in this chapter are relatively simple. Aside from a few high-difficulty maneuvers that required repeated practice, the rest were not a problem for me. After practicing the first form several times, I sat down to study the internal energy cultivation method. On the surface, it appeared straightforward, but it was filled with hidden complexities; failing to control the intensity of the energy could easily lead to failure. It required absolute precision and complete mastery over one's own spiritual energy. For example, one technique required channeling energy to a specific acupoint and then executing a series of linked movements to achieve maximum power.

After reviewing it several times, I was eager to try. I picked up the Snow Blade and stepped into the center of the courtyard. Taking a deep breath, I began to perform the first form of the fourth chapter of the Wing Shadow Blade Technique. The Snow Blade hissed through the air, and even in the daylight, I could manifest trails of spiritual energy. The afterimages of the blade trailing in the air were a visual feast. It was my first time combining the blade technique with the internal cultivation, so I was unpracticed, and I had to repeat it several times.

Half an hour later, I finally grasped the mystery, and the execution of the technique became quite smooth. Once I finished, I felt I had basically mastered this form, but the thought of the remaining fifteen forms gave me a headache. Still, I couldn't afford to procrastinate and develop bad habits, so I immediately began learning the second form. As before, I practiced the physical movements first, then delved into the internal cultivation. In this second form, both the blade technique and the internal cultivation were more demanding. This time, the internal method required several complex locks and had connections to the first form—perhaps this was the hallmark of the Wing Shadow Blade Technique: everything is interconnected. Just when I thought I had mastered the internal cultivation, reality would slap me back down.

In the blink of an eye, it was past six o'clock. I had spent the entire afternoon practicing. Li Zijian had come out once and sat with me for a while before heading back inside. My Great Uncle and Nangong Xi were both in their rooms practicing. I didn't know what Chen Chen was doing, but Li Zijian had been practicing a specific technique. He even demonstrated it for me, saying his father had gone to great lengths to get it for him; it allowed him to turn his spiritual energy into ice, which was truly marvelous.

This type of ancient text is similar to my Heaven’s Path Finger Technique. Although his manual wasn't of the orthodox Taoist tradition, it was clearly a secret art, and it is said that those who master it become incredibly powerful.

In the evening, my Great Uncle prepared a few dishes. Since we had to set off that night, none of us drank any alcohol. After a simple meal, I prepared to return to my room to rest, as my temples were throbbing from studying the Wing Shadow Blade Technique all afternoon. I lay on the bed, set an alarm for nine o'clock, and drifted into a deep sleep.

...

It felt like I had slept for a long time before Chen Chen woke me up. "Let's go, let's go! Uncle Li's car is already downstairs."

I checked the time. Perhaps because I had slept so soundly, I hadn't heard the alarm; it was already nine-twenty. "Let's go."

I forced my eyes open to wake myself up, changed into my white silk robes, grabbed my belongings, and followed Chen Chen out. Li Zijian was already waiting on the stone bench. Seeing me come out, he pulled out a piece of paper. He had prepared it in advance and handed it to me, saying, "How about that, Brother Yao? I'm quite thoughtful, aren't I?"

It read: "Great Uncle, we are going out for a few days. Take care of yourself, we'll see you when we get back."

I nodded and prepared to leave it on the stone table for my Great Uncle to find in the morning. However, a sleepy voice drifted from behind me. "Brother? Where are you going?"

I turned to see Nangong Xi; she must have heard the noise and woken up. "Oh, we're just heading out for a trip; we'll be back in a few days." There was no need to hide anything from her; she trusted me implicitly.

"Oh... then stay safe and be careful."

I looked at the note in my hand and handed it to Nangong Xi. "If Great Uncle asks where we went tomorrow, give this to him. Tell him not to worry, we'll be back soon."

After Nangong Xi glanced at the note, she tucked it into her ring. I patted her cheek gently before heading down the mountain with Chen Chen and the others. I didn't want to leave them, but as a Guest Elder of Tianyang Mountain, I had to fulfill my duties; I couldn't just sit idly by. Besides, they had helped me in the past, so I felt compelled to return the favor.

At the foot of the mountain, I saw a luxurious business vehicle. We climbed in one by one, and the car started moving. Old Li said from the driver's seat, "You kids, always something going on. I never know what you're so busy with."

Li Zijian hadn't told Old Li about the situation at Tianyang Mountain, so I filled him in. Old Li nodded in sudden realization and continued driving. Because it was night and safety was the priority, the car didn't travel very fast, but it moved steadily along the highway. According to Old Li, at this speed and barring any unforeseen circumstances, we would arrive at Tianyang Mountain by five o'clock the next morning.

Old Li must have already had a nap because he didn't seem tired at all. The car was filled with soothing music, which made the atmosphere more relaxing. It was good for Old Li to be relaxed, but Chen Chen and Li Zijian were exhausted and soon fell fast asleep. I, however, remained alert and began reviewing the Wing Shadow Blade Technique in my mind.

In terms of actual combat, the third chapter was still more reliable for me; since I hadn't fully learned or mastered the fourth chapter, using it carried a certain level of risk. The car soon merged onto the expressway. Although I had only been to Tianyang Mountain once, I remembered the route clearly. Whenever Old Li wasn't sure which way to go, I guided him. Since I couldn't sleep anyway, chatting with Old Li was pleasant.

Old Li was a very gentle person—the type who speaks the softest words while fighting the fiercest battles. His strength was decent, having reached the third rank of the Spirit Flower realm, but he said his limit was likely the Spirit Lotus realm, and he was content to spend his life driving for the Li Group. There are very few people left in this world with such a mindset; even I have my own selfish desires at times.