Meng Xiuyuan and his master did not practice boxing on this cliff for too long. They only imitated a simple punch once. Zhang Sanfeng then asked Meng Xiuyuan to go back to the mountain gate first, have a good meal and rest, and explain the essence of it in detail tomorrow.
Song Yuanqiao and Meng Xiuyuan were not surprised when they heard this, they just felt that this was a mentality common to the elderly.
It's like a grandfather seeing his grandson finally come home after so many years. He feels happy and wants to talk to him more, but he is also afraid that he will be tired from the journey and that he will not be able to rest well.
The two are entangled, but in the end they are all caring from the heart.
In this way, Meng Xiuyuan followed his master's wishes and did not dwell on martial arts here. Instead, he took Zhou Zhiruo and Xiao Zhao back to the small courtyard.
"Zhiruo, just take good care of Xiao Zhao and let her live in the same room as A Li.
She is new to the mountain, so she may not be familiar with the place, so please help her more."
Before Meng Xiuyuan returned to his room, he gave Zhou Zhiruo instructions.
"Yes~~Yes~~, you should go back and rest quickly. When did you ever take care of this kind of thing in the valley? Now you are just pretending."
Zhou Zhiruo couldn't help laughing when she heard the sound, and replied impatiently to Meng Xiuyuan.
Meng Xiuyuan was startled when he heard this, but when he thought about it, it seemed that this was indeed the case.
During the five years in the valley, the two girls had always taken more care of Meng Xiuyuan in terms of life, while Meng Xiuyuan had always only focused on practicing martial arts.
Now that I have said this, it can only be said that Meng Xiuyuan has returned to the familiar environment where he grew up, and he has unconsciously assumed the attitude of a master, so he subconsciously just said a few empty words.
After thinking about this, Meng Xiuyuan smiled and shook his head, stopped talking, and went back to his room to rest.
…
Early the next morning, after Meng Xiuyuan had packed up, he went to find his master.
Unexpectedly, after arriving at the door and knocking for a long time, there was no sound coming from the room. When he reached out and pushed it, he saw that the door was also locked.
After leaving the courtyard, I stopped a third-generation disciple and asked, only to find out that Zhang Sanfeng had no longer lived in the courtyard for the past five years in order to seek purity. Instead, he lived alone in the back mountain most of the time.
Meng Xiuyuan inquired about the location and searched all the way. Sure enough, he saw a simple courtyard deep in the bamboo forest at the back of the mountain.
There are dense trees and green shade all over the place. Except for the occasional chirping of birds, there is no sound nearby.
Meng Xiu saw a vague figure boxing in the courtyard from a distance, and knew it was his master. With a thought in his mind, he wanted to try his progress in kung fu over the years and see how he compared to his master at this time.
So he deliberately restrained his breath and footsteps, circled half a circle, and sneaked towards the yard under the cover of the bamboo forest.
After getting closer, I saw that the person in the courtyard was indeed Zhang Sanfeng, who was practicing Tai Chi with all his heart.
Yesterday, Meng Xiuyuan was so excited that he reunited after a long absence, so he did not take a closer look. Now he calmed down and took a closer look, and saw that although the master's face was red, his beard and eyebrows were all white, and he was a little older than he was five years ago.
Seeing this, Meng Xiuyuan couldn't help but feel a little sad in his heart. He just thought that although his master Zhang Zhenren was a great master of martial arts and everyone called him an old god, he was still a mortal body after all and could not achieve true immortality.
In his previous life, Meng Xiuyuan saw someone arguing on the Internet about how old this old immortal lived. Some said he was more than a hundred years old, some said he was more than two hundred years old, and even more outrageously, some said he was four or five hundred years old.
At that time, Meng Xiuyuan and the others quoted scriptures one by one and had a heated argument. He just found it boring and thought it was too much exaggeration and unrealistic.
In this life, when Meng Xiuyuan recalled these things, his mentality had already changed.
Now he just hopes that the anecdotes and unofficial stories those people said are true, and that Master can live in good health for another one to two hundred years, maybe three to four hundred years.
Unfortunately, at least in the current time and space, it is indeed difficult for such a thing to happen.
After all, today, Meng Xiuyuan has truly reached the same state as his master Zhang Zhenren in his journey of internal strength cultivation, and has even taken half a step further.
But no matter how he imagined it, he still couldn't really find a way to completely lock in vitality and become immortal.
I think that although master Zhang Zhenren’s understanding of martial arts is much higher than that of Meng Xiuyuan, it does not help much on the road to longevity. The reason why he can live longer is because of the effect of the "Pure Yang Wuji Gong", which is still limited after all.
.
In the past, when masters and disciples chatted about each other, even Zhang Sanfeng himself often said that he felt that he would be content if he could live to be more than a hundred years old. If he could live another thirty or forty years, he would be considered favored by God.
Thinking about this, Meng Xiuyuan couldn't help but feel a little sad.
But before he had time to think about it, he suddenly saw something unexpected. That was that the Tai Chi that Zhang Sanfeng was practicing at this time seemed to be somewhat different from the one he was taught yesterday.
Meng Xiuyuan felt strange. After careful observation, he became more and more convinced of this point of view.
At this moment, Zhang Sanfeng continued to practice one move after another. Meng Xiuyuan had learned every move yesterday. Holding the bird's tail, single whip, hand gesture, white crane spreading its wings, hugging the knees, waving the pipa, and moving the hammer forward.
, as closed as closed...
However, compared with yesterday, although Zhang Sanfeng's movements at this time are roughly similar, the charm and artistic conception of the moves have indeed changed significantly.
For example, in the seventh move "Waving the Pipa" that I see now, I can see Zhang Sanfeng's left palm is yang and his right palm is yin. He stares at his left arm and slowly closes his palms. For a moment, he is as dignified as a mountain, but at the same time as light and agile.
feather.
This transformation between yin and yang is smooth and smooth, containing the subtle changes of Tai Chi style.
In comparison, the move that Zhang Sanfeng taught Meng Xiuyuan yesterday was obviously simple in intention and focused more on integration. There was no obvious difference between yin and yang between the hands, let alone the transformation of yin and yang.
At this point, Meng Xiuyuan couldn't help but feel a little confused, wondering what the master's arrangement was.
He knew that it was impossible for his master to teach him martial arts to hide his secrets, so it made sense to act like this. He just asked him to guess, but he couldn't guess at all.
Just at this moment, Zhang Sanfeng finished a whole set of boxing techniques, ending with the last form of "Tai Chi". He was calm and relaxed, and his energy was obviously getting stronger.
Seeing this, Meng Xiuyuan was not afraid of disturbing him. He relaxed his breathing and walked out of the forest directly saying hello:
"Master, I'm here."
Zhang Sanfeng was really surprised when he heard this. Apparently he had not noticed Meng Xiuyuan who was hiding intentionally just now, and was a little surprised that he suddenly appeared here.
But in an instant, he understood Meng Xiuyuan's intention, and he couldn't help but smile on his face and said:
"Yes, my kung fu has indeed improved a lot. Even though my personality is naughty, it hasn't changed at all..."
Meng Xiuyuan also smiled. He wanted to say something funny as usual, but he was thinking about kung fu, so he gave up on it.
Thinking that there was no need to mince words when talking to Master, he simply asked bluntly:
"By the way, Master. Why is the Tai Chi you just did different from what you taught me yesterday?"
When Zhang Sanfeng heard this, because he knew this young apprentice, he didn't think there was any other meaning in his question. Instead, he answered happily:
"Did you see it?
Yes, it’s good if you can see it. If you can see it, it means there is hope.”
After saying that, Zhang Sanfeng started Tai Chi from the beginning again, and at the same time reminded:
"I'll do it again and you can see the difference carefully."
Meng Xiuyuan nodded quickly when he heard this, activating the "enlightenment" mode and observed attentively.
As if to let Meng Xiuyuan see clearly, Zhang Sanfeng struck more gently this time than before.
A punch and a kick landed in Meng Xiuyuan's eyes, as if in slow motion at 0.5x speed, all the details were captured in his eyes, exactly.
But the strange thing was that he suddenly couldn't understand Zhang Sanfeng's boxing technique.
Obviously there are still those movements, but this time Zhang Sanfeng's Tai Chi is completely different from yesterday and just now, with earth-shaking changes.
At this time, Zhang Sanfeng's whole person had an inexplicable charm, as if he had become one with this bamboo forest and this hut.
The wind blowing in the forest, the clouds floating overhead, the birds suddenly chirping in the distance, every slight change in the surroundings can affect Zhang Sanfeng's boxing, making him change accordingly and always be in harmony with the surrounding environment.
Meng Xiuyuan didn't know the origin of this strange feeling, nor could he understand how Zhang Sanfeng did it. But he understood that this was definitely a very important matter.
Subconsciously, Meng Xiuyuan began to use the "Sudden Enlightenment" state and the "Great Shift of the Universe" to forcefully imitate Zhang Sanfeng's boxing techniques at this time.
Originally speaking, both of them were very magical. When combined with each other, Meng Xiuyuan should be able to learn any martial arts move in the world at a glance.
But at this point, after just beating him forcefully for a while, Meng Xiuyuan felt chest tightness, breathlessness, dizziness, and his whole face became congested and red, making him very uncomfortable.
After a moment, the true energy in Meng Xiuyuan's body began to flow uncontrollably. Even with his current level of internal energy, he could not control it.
In an instant, Meng Xiuyuan was in danger of going crazy.
Fortunately, Zhang Sanfeng discovered that something was wrong with him.
"Xiuyuan, concentrate!"
Master Zhang Zhenren stopped his movements and gave a clear shout, which shocked Meng Xiuyuan out of the strange and uncomfortable state.
"Huh...huh..."
Meng Xiuyuan took a few breaths, and all the pores on his body suddenly opened, and he was sweating profusely for a while. Fortunately, the true energy in his body gradually stabilized, and with his 20 years of experience in meditation, he quickly turned the corner.
It really hurts the body.
"Master, what's going on with you?"
As soon as he calmed down his breathing, he couldn't help but ask Zhang Sanfeng immediately.
Although Meng Xiuyuan had just passed a thrilling test at this time, he was very excited because he could feel that there was something almost transcendent in the master's boxing technique.
When Zhang Sanfeng saw Meng Xiuyuan's anxious look, although he blamed him for being reckless, in the end he couldn't help but smile kindly and didn't really blame him.
After all, as a warrior, Zhang Sanfeng could understand Meng Xiuyuan's heart at this time.
"This is my Tai Chi, or in other words, it is the side of Tai Chi that is unique to me."
Zhang Sanfeng thought for a moment, and then explained to Meng Xiuyuan.
"Is Tai Chi unique?" Meng Xiuyuan became more and more puzzled after hearing Zhang Sanfeng's words.
Seeing this, Master Zhang Zhenren also knew that this statement was a bit unfamiliar, so he was not afraid to waste his words and said to Meng Xiuyuan from the beginning:
"Yes, that's right.
This Tai Chi has a lofty goal, so it is named "Tai Chi", which is naturally all-encompassing.
Although boxing is just a set of boxing techniques, the profound meaning of it is very different for everyone.
You can think of this boxing technique as a key. After opening the door, how much you can take out depends on your personal cultivation and understanding.
And what you just saw is what I realized."
As he spoke, Zhang Sanfeng simply performed two more moves, using the same subtle changes and smooth and smooth charm that Meng Xiuyuan had used when he was peeking in the forest just now.
"What I am doing now can be regarded as the most standard form of Tai Chi, which is what is passed down to most disciples of Wudang.
Whether it is those third-generation disciples or your seven senior brothers, they all learned this way.
The only slight difference is that the disciples of the third generation emphasized the form, which is to achieve the sixteen words of "the empty spirit is strong, the chest is straight and the back is lifted, the waist is loose and the hips are drooped, the shoulders are sinking and the elbows are sunk".
As for your senior brothers, we need to go one step further and achieve 'pure action with mind, and the unity of form and spirit'.
The reason why I teach you something different is because I feel that you are no longer on the same level as them, so naturally you pursue something different...
You’ll understand after you try each one yourself.”
Meng Xiuyuan nodded when he heard this, and hurriedly started the "sudden enlightenment" state again. According to his memory, he practiced the two sets of Tai Chi taught by Zhang Sanfeng yesterday and today.
Sure enough, you can feel the difference as soon as you start using it.
Compared with today's "standard version", when Meng Xiuyuan started the Tai Chi set demonstrated by his master yesterday, he clearly felt like a fish in water.
Every move he made was in perfect harmony with his subconscious attack method. It was as if he could move his fists and feet naturally without thinking too much, doubling his power.
"Master, did you choreograph yesterday's Tai Chi specifically for me based on my martial arts characteristics?"
Meng Xiuyuan only realized this when he reached this point, and looked at Zhang Sanfeng with disbelief.
Zhang Sanfeng pondered for a moment before speaking:
"Yes, but that's not the point.
What I want to teach you is not just this set of boxing techniques.
But like what I said just now, through this boxing method, you can find the things behind it.
This boxing technique is just a summary I made for you to inspire you.
You have to complete the important work later on yourself."
After saying that, Zhang Sanfeng and Meng Xiuyuan sat down at the small table in the courtyard and said:
"I originally created Tai Chi two years ago.
It's just that at that time, I was striving for excellence and polishing it to pass it on to future generations, so I turned around and carefully read and studied the martial arts classics you brought back, hoping to draw parallels and confirm each other.
But for a long time, I couldn't find the right method and felt that it didn't have much effect.
Until one night, I felt a little tired, put down the secret book in my hand, and walked to the courtyard to take a rest.
A gust of breeze blew, and the moonlight spread on the ground. Seeing the quiet and beautiful scenery, I became interested and wanted to stretch my muscles.
But I didn't expect that since the punch started, I couldn't stop it.
Every time I make a move, many thoughts and insights from my past martial arts training pop up in my mind, which I incorporate into my boxing techniques.
By the time I stopped, it was already dawn, and I had changed this boxing technique beyond recognition.
As for myself, I have integrated all the past martial arts concepts into one, as if I have entered a new world of martial arts.
If I have to say it, it should be more like an artistic conception..."
Zhang Sanfeng's voice was not loud when he said this paragraph, but Meng Xiuyuan listened in his ears, but he only felt his ears buzzing from the shock.
He really didn't expect that his master's martial arts had reached such an advanced level and that he could make such a major breakthrough.
If "compressing the true energy" can be regarded as an attempt by Meng Xiuyuan to break through its limitations after cultivating this worldly inner skill to the extreme.
Zhang Sanfeng's behavior of "integrating his lifelong martial arts knowledge and condensing his own martial arts artistic conception" can definitely be regarded as a successful breakthrough after practicing the external skills to the extreme.
It is also beyond the limits of existing worldly martial arts. The difference is that Meng Xiuyuan is still trying and is far away from success, while Zhang Sanfeng accomplished it by blowing the wind and admiring the moon.
All I can say is that Master is indeed still Master, and he is truly amazing.
When Meng Xiuyuan thought about this, he couldn't help but feel ashamed and happy in his heart. He secretly thought that his worries about his master's lifespan before were really unnecessary.
Why should he worry about such a great martial arts master with such a long history?