Chapter 33: Enlightenment! The Woman

"The axe is the ancestor of all tools. It can split mountains and cleave stones; there is nothing it cannot do. This is the Mountain-Splitting Axe Technique..."

Tie Feng began reciting the mnemonic to Zhang Lingshan.

Though called a mnemonic, it was actually more like a jingle or a doggerel poem—easy to memorize and composed of simple, easy-to-understand sentences.

It was obvious that the martial arts expert had used plain language to accommodate Uncle Tie, knowing he was a simple man.

But even so, Uncle Tie had not fully grasped the meaning behind the words; otherwise, his axe technique would not have been so terrible.

However, one could not blame Uncle Tie.

After listening to Tie Feng's recitation, Zhang Lingshan also felt somewhat lost and confused.

Tie Feng said, "It doesn't matter. The expert said that as long as you focus your intent on these specific acupoints and the flow of internal energy, and practice these three axe moves several times, you will surely comprehend the meaning of the mnemonic he passed down."

"I see. So, how is your practice going?" Zhang Lingshan asked.

Tie Feng shook his head awkwardly. "I'm still completely in the dark; I haven't grasped even a hint of it. Perhaps my comprehension is too low. With Senior Brother Shan's talent, I'm sure you will succeed."

Zhang Lingshan shook his head, speechless. "You truly think too highly of me."

Tie Feng hurriedly added, "If Senior Brother Shan feels it's impossible to master, then don't waste your time on it. Actually, I also feel that this Mountain-Splitting Axe Technique might be unlearnable, but my father said that since the expert passed it down, there must be a reason. That's why he insisted I bring it to you, hoping it might be of help."

"Then I thank Uncle Tie for his kindness. By the way, how is Uncle Tie doing? I heard he collapsed from exhaustion?" Zhang Lingshan asked with concern.

Tie Feng sighed. "Yes, I was exhausted, but mostly from being frightened. My father is extremely grateful to Senior Brother Shan; he says he owes you a life. If there is ever anything we father and son can do to be of use, please do not hesitate to command us."

Zhang Lingshan's heart stirred, and he immediately said, "That's perfect. During this trip, I have deeply felt my own lack of strength and wish to learn more martial arts. You are well-traveled through your time at the Feng family; do you know of any leads?"

"This..."

Tie Feng thought for a moment and said, "I'll go back and talk to my father first. As far as I know, some of the herb-gathering guards come from outside the city and possess some martial skills. I can ask them if they are willing to teach."

"Good! Notify me as soon as you have news."

Zhang Lingshan was overjoyed.

In the blink of an eye, a lead had appeared. It truly was a case of "more friends, more paths."

Seeing that he could be of help to Zhang Lingshan, Tie Feng was also very happy. "Don't worry, Senior Brother Shan. As soon as there is news, I will come to you immediately."

"Good, good, good. But I don't seem to remember that Mountain-Splitting Axe mnemonic very clearly. Could you recite it for me one more time?"

"No problem."

For the rest of the time, Zhang Lingshan used Simplified Chinese to write down the mnemonic Tie Feng recited. Since Tie Feng couldn't read it anyway, Zhang Lingshan glossed over it using a special mnemonic method.

Afterward, Zhang Lingshan returned the favor by giving him some guidance on practicing the Hunyuan Zhenyang Stance.

Tie Feng was immensely grateful.

As evening approached, in order to get some more medicinal soup, Zhang Lingshan returned to the Feng residence with Tie Feng and went to the clinic's ward.

"Eh? Aren't you all better? Why are you back?" the medical apprentice asked in surprise.

Zhang Lingshan smiled. "I haven't fully recovered yet, so I came to ask for another dose of medicine to drink."

"Uh..."

The apprentice looked speechless. "Fine. The Sixth Young Master spoils you, so I won't say anything. But medicine has its toxins; even the best tonic can kill you if you drink too much."

"Thank you for the warning, Doctor."

"I'm not a doctor, just an apprentice," the apprentice said, shaking his head.

Zhang Lingshan didn't care about the title.

As he grew more familiar with the apprentice, he spent his free time in the evenings asking about acupoints and meridians—such as the Juque, Danzhong, Jimen, and Tianfu acupoints mentioned in the Mountain-Splitting Axe technique.

The apprentice answered them all one by one.

Knowing that Feng Shaolong valued Zhang Lingshan, he answered in great detail, striving to leave a good impression. He even emphasized, "My name is Su Mu, the same as the medicinal herb *Su Mu*, which has the effect of promoting blood circulation and unblocking the collaterals."

"Alright, I understand, Doctor Su Mu. Now, about this Yongquan acupoint..."

Zhang Lingshan became more enthusiastic as they talked. He kept the apprentice engaged with questions all night until Su Mu could no longer hold out and fell asleep.

But Zhang Lingshan could not sleep.

He felt as though he had touched upon something, like there was only a thin layer of paper between him and understanding.

As soon as he pierced that paper, he would surely master the Mountain-Splitting Axe technique.

The next day.

Zhang Lingshan borrowed an axe from Su Mu and began practicing those three moves of the Mountain-Splitting Axe technique in the courtyard.

The first move: Cleave!

Zhang Lingshan dropped into a half-squatting horse stance, gathered all his strength, concentrated all the power in his body into his right arm, and then swung downward with all his might.

*Hum!*

With that strike, he seemed to see the trace of the axe.

But it lasted only an instant before his head felt dizzy, all his strength was drained, and he collapsed sideways onto the ground, looking just as disheveled as when Uncle Tie had first fought him.

"I understand now."

Zhang Lingshan had a sudden epiphany.

This first move wasn't meant for cleaving people; it was meant for tempering strength.

With that single strike, all the strength in his body was mobilized. The fact that it could drain his strength even with his current level showed just how high the requirement for power was.

In other words, this move exercised the muscles of every part of the body.

As long as he practiced persistently, he would surely increase his strength and step into another realm.

As for the other two moves, they could only be practiced after the first move was mastered.

Once he understood this, Zhang Lingshan saw the panel undergo a sudden change.

Name: Zhang Lingshan Martial Arts: Mountain-Splitting Axe Technique (Not yet entered), Red Line Fist (Small Success), Hunyuan Zhenyang Stance (Perfection) Energy: 1

*'Recorded. As long as I have enough energy later, I can just add points directly. I don't need to practice it for now,'* Zhang Lingshan thought to himself.

The cultivation of the Mountain-Splitting Axe technique was quite taxing. Rather than wasting time on it, it was better to practice the Red Line Fist.

Of course, it would be best if there were simpler stance techniques to practice, so he could make the most of his time.

To Zhang Lingshan's delight, Tie Feng did not disappoint him.

That very afternoon, he brought good news.

"Senior Brother Shan, there is a herb-gathering guard named Wu Zheng. He knows a leg technique and is skilled at navigating mountainous terrain; he's quite well-known among the guards. He happens to be short on money and is willing to teach, but he wants fifty taels of silver."

"That much?"

Zhang Lingshan was somewhat shocked.

Tie Feng said, "He says it's a unique skill and won't haggle. The fifty taels is only because we all work for the Feng family."

"I don't have that much money right now. Can we pay in installments? Can he teach the basics first? For example, what kind of stance technique should be practiced before learning leg techniques?"

"That... should be negotiable."

"Then go ask tomorrow."

"Alright."

...

Tens of thousands of kilometers away from Jincheng, in a dilapidated Mountain God Temple.

"Brother Ming, by my calculations, my sister should have arrived long ago. Why hasn't she come yet? I've been feeling uneasy lately; did something happen to her?"

A woman dressed in a red skirt, wearing red embroidered shoes, paced back and forth anxiously.

If Zhang Lingshan were here, he would have noticed that this woman looked ninety percent identical to the woman he had encountered on Qinghe Road, who had once said, "The Netherworld is conducting business; bystanders should stay back!"

(End of Chapter)