togophonebook Chapter 14, Volume 3 complete, now we pay homage at the Sword Tomb!
Chapter 14, Volume 3 complete, now we pay homage at the Sword Tomb!
After returning to the valley, Ouyang Ke went back to the cave to meditate.
He sat cross-legged, having already swallowed the giant python's gall. The Divine Eagle stood at the cave entrance, gazing at his face, slightly flushed from the effects of the medicine, and let out a soft "coo," before turning and slowly walking out of the cave.
Although it could not understand human speech, it had long since grasped human nature. Upon seeing a stone tablet in front of the pile of rocks inside the cave, with the words "Tomb of the Sword Demon Dugu Qiubai" carved on it with a sharp weapon, it understood, though it could not read, that this was the work of Ouyang Ke.
Dugu Qiubai passed away here. The Divine Eagle, unwilling for his remains to be devoured by wild beasts, carried huge stones day after day, piling them one by one until this simple stone mound was formed. This was the only way it could send off its master, who had been with it for so many years, on his final journey.
And now, this stranger has erected a monument for his owner.
The Divine Eagle glanced deeply at the stone tablet, then at Ouyang Ke, before silently turning around, walking out of the cave, and standing guard not far from the entrance, never looking back.
Inside the cave, the firebird perched quietly on Ouyang Ke's shoulder, tilting its head to look at his profile.
Ouyang Ke was not in good condition at the moment.
When the giant python's gall bladder entered its belly, there was no immediate abnormality. However, in just a moment, an overwhelming and unstoppable surge of vital energy erupted from its belly like a volcanic eruption! The intensity of that vital energy far exceeded that of an ordinary Bodhi snake by more than ten times, and it instantly swept over the entire body.
Ouyang Ke felt his blood and qi surging all over his body, as if he were being burned by raging fire or being gnawed at by thousands of ants. An indescribable sense of frustration rushed to the top of his head, almost making him let out a long howl!
"not good!"
Ouyang Ke felt a chill run down his spine and instantly realized that he had been too overconfident.
This venomous python was an anomaly among the Bosqu snakes; its gallbladder contained medicinal and toxic properties ten times greater than those of ordinary snake gallbladders. Swallowing it raw recklessly nearly caused him to lose control of his blood and qi due to the shock!
His current state was somewhat similar to that of Guo Jing when he secretly drank the blood of Liang Ziweng's precious snake in Dadu. However, the effects of the two were worlds apart.
Although Liang Ziweng's giant snake was cultivated using countless rare medicinal herbs, it was ultimately an artificially bred creature. The Bodhi-Qu snake, on the other hand, was inherently supernatural and a rare and exotic species.
This venomous python is an anomaly among the Bosqu snakes, which may not be born for hundreds or even thousands of years. The effects of its gallbladder are more than ten times more potent than those of Liang Ziweng's snake blood.
But Ouyang Ke is ultimately not Guo Jing.
When Guo Jing secretly drank snake blood, he had no one to guide him and could only endure the effects of the medicine. But Ouyang Ke, possessing the "Yi Jin Duan Gu Pian" and also practicing the unparalleled "Nine Yang Divine Skill," would never let the essence of the snake gall go to waste.
He took a deep breath, suppressing the frustration in his heart, and immediately activated the "Tendon and Bone Strengthening" technique, guiding that powerful essence to slowly circulate in his meridians!
Taoist practices are most adept at refining essence into qi.
Although the snake gall essence was fierce and domineering, under the guidance of the "Tendon Changing and Bone Forging Chapter," it was gradually gathered into warm streams of energy that flowed slowly along the meridians. Ouyang Ke then activated the Nine Yang Divine Skill, transforming this essence into his own true energy little by little and returning it to his dantian.
After several cycles of this process, Ouyang Ke's white robes were steaming hot, and wisps of white mist rose from his body, making him appear as if he were in a sea of clouds.
The firebird perched on his shoulder, sensing the change in his aura. Its small eyes darted around, as if it understood that this was a crucial moment for him. It raised its head, warily watching the cave entrance, not allowing any living creature to disturb it.
During this time, the Divine Eagle strolled to the cave entrance, seemingly wanting to assess the situation. The Firebird immediately let out a sharp cry, a cry so urgent and piercing that it forced the Divine Eagle to retreat.
The divine eagle let out a "coo," but it wasn't annoyed. It just took a deep look into the cave and then walked back to its original spot to wait quietly.
After several more cycles, Ouyang Ke felt the burning sensation throughout his body gradually subside, and his mind seemed to become clearer. He was overjoyed, knowing that he had passed the most dangerous juncture.
At this moment, I felt warm all over, completely comfortable, and indescribably pleasant.
Ouyang Ke knew that this was the best time to cultivate the Nine Yang Divine Skill. He dared not delay and continued to cultivate diligently, following the text of the third volume of the Nine Yang True Scripture.
Within his dantian, the swirling true energy grew increasingly profound, far surpassing its previous level.
Given Ouyang Ke's natural talent, it would have taken him at least several years of arduous practice to master the third volume of the Nine Yang Divine Skill. However, with the help of this venomous python's gall, he has, by a twist of fate, already mastered more than half of it!
……
In the blink of an eye, half a month has passed.
On this day, Ouyang Ke awoke from his meditation and slowly opened his eyes.
His entire demeanor has undergone a complete transformation.
When he had previously mastered the Nine Yang Divine Skill, his eyes shone brightly, exuding a sharp and intimidating aura. Anyone who saw him would know that he was a highly skilled martial artist and not to be underestimated. But now, his eyes have become deep and reserved, his divine brilliance completely concealed. Unless one possesses extremely high cultivation, it is impossible to discern the true extent of his martial arts prowess.
In later generations, Zhang Wuji was trapped in Kunlun Valley and spent a year just barely mastering the third volume of the Nine Yang Divine Skill. However, Ouyang Ke, with the help of a poisonous python's gall, mastered the third volume in a mere month!
In the past month, with the help of the gallbladder of the Bodhi snake, he has mastered the Nine Yang Divine Skill up to the fourth volume.
However, this fourth volume of scripture is far more profound and unfathomable than the first three volumes, and its cultivation is increasingly difficult.
Another half month passed before he finally mastered the fourth volume.
The progress is getting slower and slower.
The effects of the Bosqu snake gallbladder on him were diminishing. Ouyang Ke had anticipated this—any rare and precious herb, if used in excess, would eventually lead to resistance in the body. Unless another venomous python came to his aid, it would take an unknown amount of time to complete the fourth volume using only these ordinary snake gallbladders.
But that venomous python is a rare species that only appears once every few hundred years. How could another one be found in this desolate valley?
However, Ouyang Ke was not in a hurry.
With his foundation established, he only needs to continue cultivating step by step, and he will eventually master the fourth volume. In the original story, it took Zhang Wuji four years to barely complete the fourth volume. With the help of the snake gall, it shouldn't take him that long.
Moreover, he also has his uncle as a strong ally.
The White Camel Mountain Manor has been raising various venomous snakes for many years, and the intricacies of this practice were all developed by my uncle himself. If my uncle were to personally take charge, it wouldn't be impossible to further enhance the medicinal effects of the Bodhi snake. While it might not be possible to cultivate a venomous python in a short time, increasing the efficacy of the snake gallbladder by several times would be a piece of cake.
Thinking of this, Ouyang Ke couldn't help but smile slightly.
He raised his head and looked into the distance.
It was the time when the sun was setting in the west, and a magnificent sunset painted the western sky, turning half of the sky into streaks of red ribbons, fiery and breathtaking.
He looked at the increasingly empty sky and listened to the murmuring water in the valley, and his mind suddenly calmed down.
Swish swish swish—swish swish swish—
That was the sound of the waterfall cascading down from above in the valley. The sound of the water rushed and crashed against the sand and stones on the ground, sometimes as rousing as war drums, sometimes as gentle as whispers, like the sound of bells and chimes echoing in an empty valley, exceptionally pleasant to the ear.
As he listened, Ouyang Ke's smile deepened.
He continued gazing into the distance, his eyes unfocused, as if looking at the sunset, or perhaps at the distant mountains, or perhaps at nothing at all. He didn't know how much time had passed when the soft light reflecting from the setting sun entered his eyes. The light wasn't harsh; instead, it possessed a gentle warmth.
Suddenly, he looked up at the horizon.
As the setting sun faded and its last rays dissipated, the evening glow grew even more magnificent, painting half the sky crimson.
Ouyang Ke suddenly had a thought.
The Nine Yang True Qi within his body started circulating automatically at this moment!
Its smoothness and naturalness were unprecedented!
In that instant, the things that had been perplexing him suddenly became clear, as if struck by lightning!
My thoughts cleared up instantly.
All those chaotic thoughts, those doubts and confusions, those troubles and anxieties, and those obsessions with quick success were all driven away and vanished in this moment!
A clear and open mind, and a pure and clear thought.
Ouyang Ke felt his body become three times lighter, as if he were about to be carried away by the wind. And his cultivation of the Nine Yang Divine Skill also improved a few more times as a result.
He couldn't help but chuckle.
He's been too demanding lately.
He was eager to master the Nine Yang Divine Skill and to restore his legs.
This obsession, ironically, caused his mental state to deteriorate, making his cultivation efforts less effective.
Now, after this sudden realization, he finally understood—
In martial arts, haste makes waste.
After that, cultivation will be much more efficient, and there will be no need to be so tense and persistent anymore.
As if sensing Ouyang Ke's clear thinking, the firebird perched on his shoulder became more active. It flapped its wings, circled twice above his head, and let out a high-pitched and relaxed cry. The cry was clear and melodious, echoing through the valley for a long time.
Suddenly, a cry of an eagle came from not far away.
Immediately afterward, the Divine Eagle appeared not far away, head held high. Seeing Ouyang Ke standing outside the cave admiring the sunset, it tilted its head, a hint of surprise in its eyes, and then nodded to him as a greeting.
"Brother Eagle, we meet again." Ouyang Ke smiled slightly.
The eagle cooed, took a step forward, and then looked back at him.
Ouyang Ke's heart skipped a beat—where was he being taken?
"Brother Eagle, please lead the way. I will follow and will not fall behind."
The divine eagle let out a "coo," turned around, and strode off into the depths of the valley. Though its body was heavy and it could not fly, it moved with incredible speed, as swift as the wind.
Ouyang Ke touched the ground with his crutches and gracefully followed.
If he hadn't already mastered the third volume of the Nine Yang Divine Skill, he might not have been able to keep up with the Divine Eagle's speed so easily. But now, he was handling it with ease.
One person and one eagle roam between the valleys.
After walking for about a mile, the view suddenly opened up before them. Behind the cave, the trees were lush and green, and the mountain air was refreshing, a scene completely different from that at the valley entrance. Ouyang Ke knew that this was the Sword Tomb where the "Sword Demon" Dugu Qiubai had hidden his sword in the past.
He looked up and saw a sheer cliff rising before him, like a giant blade thrust diagonally into the ground. Looking further up, he saw only wisps of mist, and couldn't tell how high the cliff was!
The sword mound was located on a cliff platform twenty or thirty feet above the ground.
Such a height is virtually insurmountable for ordinary martial artists. Even masters of the Five Greats level would find it difficult to reach the top if there were no footholds on the cliff face.
But on this cliff, every few feet there was a clump of moss. Now that Ouyang Ke had mastered the Nine Yang Divine Skill, his eyesight was astonishing, and he could tell at a glance that it was definitely not naturally growing—it must have been a leverage point deliberately left by Dugu Qiubai in the past. It was only because of the passage of time and the accumulation of mud in the cave that the moss grew.
The eagle stretched out its claws and grabbed the cave in the cliff, leaping upwards. Although its body was heavy, its leg strength and claw power were extremely formidable, and it reached the platform in an instant.
After ascending the platform, it looked down at Ouyang Ke and made several "cooing" sounds, as if urging him on.
Ouyang Ke laughed loudly, lightly tapped the ground with his crutches, and his whole body flew into the air!
Dressed in white, she seemed to be floating in the air!
He used his crutches to precisely strike the mossy footholds on the cliff face, and in a few moments, he had already climbed onto the high platform!
In less than a few breaths, he was already on a cliff twenty or thirty feet high.
Looking down from his high vantage point, Ouyang Ke couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions.
Now, he has turned misfortune into blessing, and both his lightness skill and internal strength are far superior to what they used to be. In the past, he could certainly have climbed this platform, but he would never have been as swift and composed as he is today.
Unfortunately, his legs were ultimately impaired.
Such rapid progress in a short period is manageable. However, if the situation drags on for too long, it may become unsustainable.
Ouyang Ke shook his head, pulled himself out of his thoughts, and looked down at the platform.
The Divine Eagle was facing a giant rock, as if bowing in respect. Ouyang Ke followed his gaze and saw two large characters carved on the rock—
"Sword Tomb".
Beside the large characters, there are two lines of smaller characters carved on stone:
"Since the Sword Demon Dugu Qiubai was invincible under heaven, he buried his sword here. Alas! All heroes are helpless, and the long sword is useless; is this not a tragedy!"
Behind the large rock, many stones were piled up to form a large mound. The mound faced away from the valley, overlooking a vast open space, dominating the terrain. Just by looking at this sword mound, one could imagine that the person who built it was a man of both literary and martial talents, with extraordinary ambitions.
Looking at the stone mound, Ouyang Ke was filled with emotion.
Dugu Qiubai, known as the "Sword Demon," was a martial arts fanatic of unparalleled talent. However, he was born at the wrong time, and his lifelong pursuit of a defeat was fruitless. In the end, he could only befriend an eagle and live out his lonely days there.
If he had been born decades earlier, in the era of Tianlong, he could have competed with top masters like Qiao Feng of the North, Murong of the South, the Xiaoyao Sect, and Shaolin Temple; if he had been born a hundred years later, in the era of the Five Greats vying for supremacy, he could have exchanged and discussed Dao with Wang Chongyang, Huang Yaoshi, Ouyang Feng, Hong Qigong, Duan Zhixing, and others—he might still have been unable to find a worthy opponent, but at least he wouldn't have been so lonely.
What a pity, what a pity.
Seeing him deep in thought, the eagle waited no longer. Its claws moved swiftly, and in a short while, it moved aside the stones on the mound, revealing three longswords lying side by side. Between the first and second swords was a long, narrow stone slab. The three swords and the stone slab were placed side by side on a large blue stone.
Ouyang Ke stepped forward, his gaze falling on the first sword.
The sword was about four feet long, gleaming with a bluish light, its sharp edge clearly visible; it was obviously a formidable weapon. Two lines of small characters were engraved on the stone beneath the sword:
"Sharp and fierce, invincible, I used it to compete with the heroes of Hebei before I came of age."
Ouyang Ke put the sword back where it belonged and picked up the long stone slab. Two lines of small characters were also engraved on the bluestone beneath the slab:
"The Purple Rose Soft Sword was used before I was thirty years old. It was an ominous sign that it accidentally injured a righteous man, so I abandoned it in a deep valley."
He put down the stone shard and his gaze fell on the third sword.
The sword was dark and unremarkable, no different from an ordinary iron sword. But when Ouyang Ke saw the two lines of small characters beneath the sword, his pupils contracted slightly—
"A heavy sword has no edge, and great skill appears effortless. Before the age of forty, I relied on it to roam the world unchallenged."
"A heavy sword has no edge; true skill lies in simplicity..."
Ouyang Ke murmured these eight words, as if he had gained some insight.
The saying goes, "One force can overcome ten techniques." No matter how your moves change, I have enough internal energy. At the highest level, techniques are no longer important; internal energy is fundamental. How similar this is to the essence of the Nine Yang Divine Skill!
A thought struck him, and he reached out to pick up the heavy sword.
The moment he got his hands on it, Ouyang Ke was taken aback!
The heavy sword was dark and unremarkable, yet extremely heavy! A sword that was just over three feet long weighed no less than seventy or eighty pounds!
With his current skill level, lifting this heavy sword would naturally be no problem. However, his lower body is unstable, making movement difficult to begin with. If he were to wield this heavy sword, let alone fight, even walking would become a problem.
Ouyang Ke stared at the heavy sword for a long, long time before finally putting it down with deep regret.
Such divine weapons are currently out of his reach.
At least for now.
He took a deep breath and looked at the fourth sword.
That could no longer be called a "sword"—it was a wooden sword, decayed over time, both the blade and hilt rotten. The stone inscription beneath the sword read:
"After the age of forty, one is no longer attached to material things; grass, trees, bamboo, and stones can all be swords. From then on, one refines one's skills and gradually progresses to the realm where having no sword is better than having a sword."
Ouyang Ke stared at the rotten wooden sword, remaining silent for a long time.
After the age of forty, one is no longer attached to material things; grass, trees, bamboo, and stones can all be used as swords.
The realm of having no sword is better than having a sword.
What level of skill has this reached?
He sighed softly and looked around the area near the sword tomb, trying to find the famous "Nine Swords of Dugu" sword manual. But after searching for a long time, he found nothing.
Deep down, there was still a lingering sense of regret.
As if sensing his low spirits, the firebird perched on his shoulder suddenly spread its wings and soared into the sky, transforming into a streak of red light!
The red light shone brightly in the setting sun, like a streak of fire cutting through the sky.
Ouyang Ke looked up and watched the red light gradually disappear and then circle back. The regret in his heart gradually dissipated.
He had already obtained the "Nine Yang Divine Skill", encountered the Bodhi Snake which could help him break through his internal energy, had the extraordinary encounter of obtaining the gall of a poisonous python, and also met the spiritual beast, the Firebird Divine Eagle!
How can a person be insatiable?
"Thank you, little one."
He gazed at the firebird circling in the sunset and smiled slightly.
Then, he stood on the cliff and roared to the sky!
The roar was like a dragon's cry or a tiger's howl, soaring straight into the sky and echoing for a long time in the valley!
Recalling that Dugu Qiubai had practiced swordsmanship here in the past, recalling his lifelong loneliness in seeking a defeat but never finding one, and recalling the hardships and adventures he had encountered along the way, Ouyang Ke felt a surge of heroic spirit.
In an instant, he felt his chest and abdomen filled with pure energy, and he felt light and airy, as if he wanted to ride the wind and fly away!
The sky was ablaze with sunset colors, the red clouds like fire.
On the precipice, the man in white roared to the sky, a firebird circled in the air, and a divine eagle stood proudly to one side.
This scene, like a painting, was frozen in time amidst the magnificent sunset.