Chapter 871
Descriptions in Ancient Books
This time, the number of attendees was twice that of yesterday. After the news spread, many disciples who had missed the first class rushed over, eager to hear what insights this master, who could draw the Heaven-Shattering Sword, had to offer.
Zheng Yi continued to patiently explain the key points of cultivating the Heavenly Gang Technique and answer the various questions raised by his disciples.
Halfway through the lesson, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the training ground.
Zheng Yi looked in the direction of the sound and saw a group of people walking towards the training ground. Leading them was a middle-aged man in his forties, dressed in a magnificent brocade robe, with a cold face and arrogant eyes. Behind him were more than a dozen followers, one of whom was Han Zixuan.
"Those are people from the Han family!" someone whispered in the crowd.
"The one leading the group is Han Zhengyang, the second elder of the Han family. I heard he came to the Xuantian Sect specifically to pick up Han Zixuan."
"Han Zhengyang? That's a peak Mahayana realm expert, extremely powerful!"
Zheng Yi frowned slightly.
The Han family has arrived? It seems they're here to cause trouble because of what happened the day before yesterday.
Han Zhengyang led his men into the training ground, his gaze sweeping across the crowd before finally settling on Zheng Yi.
"So you're Dark Night?" he asked coldly.
"It's me," Zheng Yi said calmly. "Elder Han, what brings you here?"
"What brings you here?" Han Zhengyang sneered. "You made my nephew kowtow to you in public the day before yesterday, do you think that's all there is to it?"
“That was what Young Master Han said himself,” Zheng Yi said. “He said if I could pull out the Heaven-Shattering Sword, he would kowtow three times to me in public. I pulled out the sword, so of course he has to keep his promise.”
"Nonsense!" Han Zhengyang roared. "You must have used some trick to deceive my nephew!"
"What methods did I use?" Zheng Yi sneered. "So many people were watching. If Elder Han doesn't believe me, he can go ask them."
Han Zhengyang's expression turned even more unpleasant.
He certainly knew what had happened. He had questioned Han Zixuan in detail before he came. Han Zixuan had indeed said those words, and in front of tens of thousands of people. Now, if he wanted to go back on his word, there was no evidence whatsoever.
But he was the second elder of the Han family, and Han Zixuan was his nephew. He, as the uncle, couldn't ignore his nephew being publicly humiliated.
"No matter what, you insulted the Han family, which means you're going against them," he said coldly. "I'm here today to seek justice."
"Seek justice?" Zheng Yi raised an eyebrow. "How does Elder Han intend to seek justice?"
“It’s simple,” Han Zhengyang said. “You kowtow three times to my nephew, and that will settle the matter. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being impolite.”
"You want me to kowtow to Han Zixuan? Dream on." Zheng Yi sneered.
"What did you say?" A flash of anger appeared in Han Zhengyang's eyes.
"I said, dream on," Zheng Yi said, emphasizing each word. "Han Zixuan broke his word, so he deserved to be punished by kowtowing. You want me to kowtow to him? The sun will rise in the west."
"Fine, fine, fine!" Han Zhengyang said three times in a row. "Since you won't give me face, then don't blame me for being impolite!"
He suddenly slapped Zheng Yi with his palm.
This palm strike contained all his power, and its force was astonishing. The wind from the palm strike howled, stirring up the sand and dust on the training ground.
Zheng Yi remained completely still.
He also struck out with his palm, meeting Han Zhengyang's palm strike.
"boom!"
Their palms collided with a loud bang. A powerful shockwave erupted from their palms, forcing those around them to stumble back several steps.
"What?" Han Zhengyang's expression changed drastically.
He hadn't expected Zheng Yi to be able to withstand his palm strike. Keep in mind, Zheng Yi was a peak-level expert in the Great Ascension Realm, and one of the best among them. Even experts of the same realm would find it difficult to withstand such a strike head-on.
But Zheng Yi not only accepted it, but also appeared to be completely unharmed.
"Elder Han, is this all you've got?" Zheng Yi asked coldly.
"You!" Han Zhengyang was furious and struck out with another palm.
This time, he used all his strength, each palm strike more powerful than the last. The palm winds formed vortexes in the air, carrying sand and dust as they swept towards Zheng Yi.
But Zheng Yi remained calm and composed.
His palm techniques looked simple, without any fancy moves, but each palm strike accurately hit Han Zhengyang's attack, neutralizing it completely.
"How is this possible? How is this possible?" Han Zhengyang became more and more alarmed as he fought.
He discovered that Zheng Yi's strength was actually on par with his own, and even slightly superior. Just who was this young man?
“That’s enough,” Zheng Yi suddenly said.
He struck out with his palm, and a sharp burst of celestial energy shot out from his palm, striking Han Zhengyang in the chest.
"Pfft!" Han Zhengyang coughed up blood, his body flew backward, and crashed heavily to the ground.
"Uncle!" Han Zixuan exclaimed and rushed over to help Han Zhengyang up.
Han Zhengyang struggled to stand up, but the sharp pain in his chest prevented him from moving. He looked up at Zheng Yi, his eyes filled with shock and fear.
"Your cultivation level?" he said in a trembling voice.
“My cultivation level is indeed similar to yours,” Zheng Yi said calmly, “but I cultivate the Heavenly Gang Technique, and my attack power is stronger than yours.”
"The Heavenly Gang Technique?" Han Zhengyang's expression turned even more grim.
Of course he knew what the Heavenly Gang Technique was. It was the ultimate skill of the founder of the Xuan Tian Sect, and its power was astonishing. It was said that once mastered, one would be virtually invincible within the same cultivation level.
This young man has actually cultivated the Heavenly Gang Technique; no wonder he was able to draw the Heaven-Breaking Sword!
"Elder Han, do you still want to continue?" Zheng Yi asked, looking at Han Zhengyang.
Han Zhengyang was silent for a moment, then shook his head.
“I’ll remember what happened today,” he said. “Let’s go!”
Han Zixuan helped him up, and the group of followers slunk away from the training ground.
Watching their departing figures, Zheng Yi's lips curled into a slight smile.
Although the Han family members are arrogant, they can only run away with their tails between their legs when they encounter someone stronger than them.
"Mr. Dark Night is mighty!" A cheer rang out from the crowd.
"Well done! The Han family has finally met their match!"
"Mr. Dark Night's strength is truly astounding!"
Zheng Yi waved his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet.
“Alright, let’s continue the lesson,” he said.
The disciples returned to their seats and continued listening to Zheng Yi's lecture.
But the way they looked at Zheng Yi was completely different now. Before, it was respect and gratitude; now, it carried a hint of awe and admiration. Defeating the Second Elder of the Han family was no easy feat. Mr. Dark Night's strength was far greater than they had imagined.
The course continued.
Zheng Yi explained in greater detail and depth, sharing all his insights and experiences in cultivating the Heavenly Gang Technique. The disciples listened with rapt attention, frequently exclaiming in amazement.
Before we knew it, another morning had passed.
"That's all for today's lesson," Zheng Yi said. "Go home and digest this information carefully. Ask any questions you have tomorrow."
"Thank you, Mr. Dark Night!" the disciples said in unison, their voices louder and more sincere than yesterday.
Zheng Yi nodded and stepped down from the platform.
As soon as I stepped out of the training ground, I saw Master Xuantian standing at the entrance with a smile on his face.
“Mr. Dark Night, I witnessed the entire contest just now,” he said.
"Sect Leader." Zheng Yi was somewhat surprised.
"The Han family has always been arrogant and domineering, using their power to bully others," said Master Xuantian. "You taught them a lesson today; you did a good job."
"Thank you for the compliment, Sect Leader," Zheng Yi said.
“However, the Han family won’t let this go,” Master Xuantian said. “They will definitely find a way to retaliate after they return. You need to be careful in the future.”
"I understand," Zheng Yi nodded.
"By the way, I have something else I'd like to say to you regarding the Heavenly Gang Technique," said True Man Xuantian. "If you have time, please come to my residence."
"Alright, I'll go right away."
Zheng Yi followed Master Xuantian to his residence.
The residence of the Mysterious Immortal was located at the highest point of Mysterious Heaven Mountain; it was a simple bamboo hut. A patch of lush bamboo grew around the hut, its leaves rustling in the wind, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere.
The two sat down in the bamboo hut, and a disciple served them fragrant tea.
"Master Dark Night," said True Man Xuantian, "I have been secretly observing your lectures to the disciples these past few days. "You have lectured very well, and many disciples have made great progress."
"You flatter me, Sect Leader," Zheng Yi said. "These disciples all have a very good foundation; they just lack the right methods. With guidance, they will naturally improve quickly."
“You are too modest,” said Master Xuantian. “The Heavenly Gang Technique is an extremely profound skill, and it’s not easy to explain it clearly. The fact that you can explain it so simply shows that you have a deep understanding of it.”
"I've simply cultivated for a little longer than them," Zheng Yi said.
"It's not just a matter of time," Master Xuantian shook his head. "I've cultivated the Heavenly Gang Technique for decades, and although I've achieved some success, I still only have a superficial understanding of many aspects. Your understanding of the Heavenly Gang Technique far surpasses mine."
"You flatter me, Sect Leader," Zheng Yi said.
“I am telling the truth,” said Master Xuantian. “Therefore, I would like to ask you for a favor.”
"Please speak, Sect Leader."
"Our sect possesses some ancient texts about the Heavenly Gang Technique, left behind by the Xuan Tian Ancestor," said True Man Xuan Tian. "However, these ancient texts are so old that many parts are blurred and illegible, and we have been unable to decipher them. I would like to ask for your help in taking a look and seeing if you can find anything useful within them."
"Ancient books?" Zheng Yi's eyes lit up. "An ancient book left behind by the Xuan Tian Ancestor?"
“Yes,” Master Xuantian nodded. “These ancient texts record some profound parts of the Heavenly Gang Technique. If we can decipher them, it will greatly benefit the development of our sect.”
“This junior is willing to give it a try,” Zheng Yi said.
"Excellent!" Master Xuantian's face lit up with joy. "I'll have someone bring the ancient book right away."
He called out towards the door, and a disciple walked in, carrying an old wooden box in his hands.
Master Xuantian opened the wooden box, took out several yellowed books, and handed them to Zheng Yi.
Zheng Yi took the book and carefully opened it.
The book's paper was very fragile, and the writing was somewhat blurred. But Zheng Yi could still make out most of the content.
"This is the advanced part of the Heavenly Gang Technique?" he said in surprise.
“That’s right.” Master Xuantian nodded. “The Heavenly Gang Technique passed down in our sect is only the introductory part; these ancient texts record the advanced part. Unfortunately, many parts are blurred and unclear, and we cannot decipher them.”
Zheng Yi carefully perused the ancient book, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
The contents of these ancient books are far more profound than the Heavenly Gang Technique he cultivates. If he can decipher them all, his cultivation level will definitely improve significantly.
"Sect Leader, could I borrow these ancient books to study for a few days?" he asked.
"Of course," Master Xuantian nodded. "You can take it and study it. Just tell me what you discover."
"Thank you so much, Sect Leader!" Zheng Yi said excitedly.
Over the next few days, Zheng Yi locked himself in the courtyard and devoted himself to studying those ancient books.
The mornings at Xuantian Mountain are always shrouded in a thin layer of mist, with sunlight filtering through and bathing the entire mountain in a soft golden hue. The air is filled with the fragrance of pine and cypress trees and the earthy aroma, making one feel refreshed and invigorated.
Zheng Yi would get up before dawn every day and meditate under the ginkgo tree in the courtyard. After daybreak, he would return to his room and continue studying the ancient books.
The contents recorded in the ancient book were very profound, and many parts required repeated study to understand. As Zheng Yi read, he compared them with his own experience in cultivating the Heavenly Gang Technique, and recorded what he understood.
That evening, the afterglow of the setting sun shone on the ginkgo tree in the courtyard, turning the golden leaves into a reddish-orange hue. A gentle breeze blew, and a few leaves drifted down, swirling in the air before finally landing on the stone table.
Zheng Yi sat at the stone table, an ancient book spread out in front of him, his brows furrowed.
He has been studying this ancient book for three days and has understood most of the contents, but there is one part that he still can't figure out.
That was about the method of condensing the Qi of the Heavenly Gang into a form.
According to ancient texts, once the Heavenly Qi is cultivated to a certain level, it can condense into various forms, such as swords, knives, and spears. This condensed Heavenly Qi is several times more powerful than ordinary Heavenly Qi.
However, the descriptions of condensation methods in ancient books are very vague, consisting of only a few cryptic sentences that leave people completely baffled.
"The Heavenly Dipper manifests its form, its intention precedes its action. The form follows the mind, and the mind is swayed by the will." Zheng Yi murmured the words from the ancient text, "What exactly does this mean?"
He closed his eyes and began to try according to the descriptions in the ancient book.
He activated the Heavenly Gang Technique, guiding the Heavenly Gang Qi to the palm of his right hand, and then tried to condense it into the shape of a sword with his mind.
But the Heavenly Qi was like a group of disobedient children, running wildly in his palm, unable to condense into a solid form.
“No, something’s definitely wrong,” he muttered.
He tried several more times, but the result was the same. Although the Heavenly Qi could gather in his palm, it could not be condensed into a fixed shape.
"Sir, what are you doing?"
A voice came from the courtyard gate. (End of Chapter)