Cultivating for Immorality: I Evolved Martial Arts into the Immortal Path – Chapter 81

Chapter 81: Qi Xiuliang’s Shock

“Take a look at this 《Pine and Bamboo Sword Technique》.”

Chu Liang put down the 《Green Pine Sword Technique》 in his hand, picked up the 《Pine and Bamboo Sword Technique》, and carefully flipped through it.

His saber technique had already reached the introductory level, and now, drawing parallels, he quickly understood the contents recorded in this sword technique.

“So that’s how it is. This 《Pine and Bamboo Sword Technique》, like the 《Three Autumn Blades》, categorizes similar moves together.”

Chu Liang nodded silently, gaining some understanding in his heart.

Perhaps all Third-Rate Martial Skills were like this.

Breaking through the limitations of fixed moves, aiming directly at the essence of the moves, and then evolving more moves from the essence.

“This 《Pine and Bamboo Sword Technique》 categorizes all the moves of the 《Green Pine Sword Technique》 into two types, namely ‘Immobile as a Pine’ and ‘Resilient as Bamboo’…”

Unconsciously, Chu Liang became engrossed in his reading.

This “Immobile as a Pine” likened the sword moves to a green pine, unafraid of the cold and frost, always green and upright, while “Resilient as Bamboo” emphasized flexibility.

Both emphasized perseverance and patience, using defense as offense, and unwavering determination to eventually wear down the enemy.

“My saber technique is divided into three aspects: ‘Fierce,’ ‘Swift,’ and ‘Unorthodox.’ All are offensive killing techniques, and indeed weaker in defense, but fortunately, I have soft armor to protect me.”

Chu Liang pondered silently.

Although this 《Pine and Bamboo Sword Technique》 was a sword technique, it gave him quite a bit of inspiration.

He vaguely felt that his saber technique needed some improvement; he needed to break through the three aspects defined for him by the 《Three Autumn Blades》.

“Third-Rate Martial Skills seem to break through the original framework of moves, but in reality, they give a larger framework, which is still not perfect.”

Chu Liang had a sudden realization; this was the flaw of Third-Rate Martial Skills.

He needed to go further.

Further up, perhaps, were Second-Rate Martial Skills.

Second-Rate Martial Skills, even in the Prefectural City, were only possessed by top martial artists; ordinary martial artists could only dream of them.

Time passed, and in a flash, it was late at night.

Chu Liang finally finished reading the entire 《Pine and Bamboo Sword Technique》.

“Phew…”

He let out a long breath, put down the martial skill in his hand, closed his eyes slightly, and various thoughts collided in his mind.

Sword technique, saber technique, offense and defense…

About fifteen minutes later, he slowly opened his eyes.

“My accumulation is still too little. Although this sword technique can give me some inspiration, it can’t give me a substantial breakthrough. No rush, I have time, I’ll take it slow.”

Chu Liang got up, put away the two sword techniques, and returned to his room to rest.

He lay down on the bed and slept soundly until dawn.

The sun rose high.

The late autumn sun was a bit pale and not very warm.

Winter was approaching, and the morning wind had become biting.

“Creak…”

Chu Liang pushed open the door and found the courtyard covered with fallen yellow leaves.

The wind blew, and the fallen leaves danced, creating a somewhat incomplete artistic conception of beauty.

His heart stirred slightly. He drew his saber, turned into a blur, and rushed into the cold morning wind, freely wielding his saber technique among the swirling fallen leaves.

Swish! Swish!

Cold light shone, saber light flickered.

Before long, Chu Liang was covered in sweat.

He sheathed his saber, wiped away the beads of sweat, and let out a long breath.

“Refreshing!”

He returned to his room, ate a simple breakfast, and began to study saber techniques, quietly waiting for Qi Xiuliang’s arrival.

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Meanwhile…

At the Black Sword Martial Arts Hall.

The matter of Qi Xiuliang confronting Qi Hai yesterday had already spread within the martial arts hall.

Many martial arts disciples were shocked and puzzled. It was hard for them to believe that an apprentice would actually confront a martial arts master, and the most important sword master in the hall, for an outsider.

Having offended the Sword Master, where would Qi Xiuliang learn swordsmanship in the future?

“Old Qi was truly unwise. He has no relation to that Chu Liang, not even a trace of blood relation. Why did he have to stand up for Chu Liang?”

“He clearly knew that Master Qi Hai didn’t like Chu Liang! Sigh…”

Some martial arts disciples who had a good relationship with Qi Xiuliang expressed their feelings, both helpless and regretful.

“Now it’s good, he’s ruined his own future!”

“This morning, Master Qi Hai made an announcement. He said that Old Qi could no longer enter his courtyard.”

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“However, Master Qi really didn’t handle the Chu Liang matter well… That Tiger Demon was most likely killed by Chu Liang. It’s just that Wu Neng was jealous. Master Qi shouldn’t have personally spoken up for Wu Neng.”

This matter hadn’t spread outside yet; the discussion was limited to within the Black Sword Martial Arts Hall.

Many disciples felt that Qi Hai had indeed acted improperly.

But Qi Hai was, after all, a master, and they didn’t dare to say such things to his face.

Even in private, the disciples didn’t dare to go too far, for fear that someone would report their words to Qi Hai.

“I heard that Brother Qi is going to the Dragon and Snake Martial Arts Hall. His path will be difficult from now on. The Dragon and Snake Martial Arts Hall’s sword techniques are not suitable for him.”

“But besides the one at the Dragon and Snake Martial Arts Hall, who else can teach him?”

The disciples put themselves in Qi Xiuliang’s shoes and couldn’t help but shake their heads, feeling that his future was bleak.

Qi Xiuliang, however, didn’t feel anything.

He was already a martial artist with Two Strands of Qi and Blood. In the eyes of ordinary people, he was already a lofty existence. Even if he gave up martial arts training now, he could still live a prosperous life in the future.

“I should go find Brother Chu!”

He ate breakfast and left the Black Sword Martial Arts Hall.

“I wonder what sword technique Brother Chu will teach me?”

Qi Xiuliang thought to himself, not holding much hope.

After returning last night, he thought about it carefully and felt that Chu Liang had probably said those words about teaching him sword techniques because he was drunk.

This morning, the more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed!

“He was most likely really drunk!” Qi Xiuliang smiled. “Brother Chu’s alcohol tolerance is not good. He needs more practice. I’ll go tease him today, and then… then I should go to the Dragon and Snake Martial Arts Hall.”

Qi Xiuliang suddenly stopped, turned around, and looked back, a trace of melancholy flashing in his eyes.

Behind him, the plaque above the martial arts hall gate was engraved with the four characters 【Black Sword Martial Arts Hall】, which hadn’t changed for so many years, just like when he first arrived.

He felt a surge of emotion in his heart.

After all, this martial arts hall was the starting point of his martial arts journey.

He was about to leave, and he couldn’t help but feel a little reluctant.

But even if he didn’t leave, he couldn’t learn anything more in this martial arts hall. Staying would only waste silver taels.

“It’s time to go!”

Qi Xiuliang turned his head, strengthened his resolve, and strode away.

He arrived at the entrance of the Autumn Blade Martial Arts Hall and asked someone to announce his arrival.

Not long after, Chu Liang hurried out and invited Qi Xiuliang into the courtyard.

“Brother Qi, I was just wondering when you would come.” Chu Liang said with a smile. “I thought you wouldn’t come until evening, but it’s not even noon yet.”

“Haha, Brother Chu, you promised last night to teach me a sword technique even more powerful than the 《Sinking Water Sword》!”

Qi Xiuliang, with a smile on his face, sat facing Chu Liang in the courtyard covered with fallen leaves.

He smiled and said, “I’m really looking forward to it! Brother Chu, where is that sword technique?”

He spoke with a joking tone, his voice relaxed.

Even if Chu Liang gave him the most inferior sword technique, he would praise it to the skies.

Chu Liang smiled and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll go get it for you.”

He got up and went into the house, took out the 《Pine and Bamboo Sword Technique》, returned to the courtyard, and placed it in front of Qi Xiuliang.

“Brother Qi, this is the martial skill I mentioned, even more powerful than the 《Sinking Water Sword》.”

Chu Liang gestured and introduced, “You should be able to see that this booklet is much thicker than ordinary martial skill booklets. It contains many explanations, with detailed descriptions of each move. Even if you have mediocre talent, as long as you study diligently and are willing to put in the time, you will eventually be able to master it. Moreover… Brother Qi, your talent isn’t too ordinary.”

“Oh? Let me see.”

Qi Xiuliang looked doubtful; he naturally didn’t believe it much.

But Chu Liang’s serious expression didn’t seem like he was lying.

He reached out and took the 《Pine and Bamboo Sword Technique》, casually opened a page, and started reading.

At first, he didn’t pay much attention.

But as he read, his eyes became focused, and his expression became more serious.

The more he read, the greater the change in his expression.

By the end, a huge wave surged in Qi Xiuliang’s heart.

“This… this sword technique…”