Master Jingxin took a booklet down from the bookshelf. “Come, take a look. Ask your master if you don’t understand anything.”
Li Xi took it and saw that the cover of the booklet was titled "Tai Chi Eighteen Swords." She couldn't help but ask in confusion, "Is this a sword manual?"
"Well, you could say that. This is a sword manual I created myself," said the Taoist Master Jingxin.
"Created by yourself?" Li Xi was stunned, somewhat incredulous.
"All of my martial arts are self-created. This 'Tai Chi Eighteen Swords' was created by me by integrating Taoist thought, based on the principle that Wuji gives rise to Taiji, Taiji gives rise to Yin and Yang, Yin and Yang give rise to the Four Symbols, and the Four Symbols give rise to the Eight Trigrams," explained the Taoist Master Jingxin.
Li Xi turned to the first page, where a passage was written: "Enter the Dao with the sword, cultivate oneself with the sword, and break all laws with the sword."
"This?" Li Xi was speechless for a moment, feeling that this sword manual was unfathomable and far beyond her comprehension.
“Take your time to understand it; it takes time,” said the Taoist Master Jingxin. “Alright, now hold your sword and use that move you just used.”
That move just now.
Li Xi drew her sword as instructed and began to execute each move.
The Taoist Master Jingxin watched from the sidelines, offering occasional pointers.
"Your swordsmanship lacks variation and is too rigid." "Your sword strikes need to be faster and more ruthless."
"When sheathing your sword, you should leave some strength behind; you cannot use it all at once."
More than an hour later, Li Xi sat on the ground, panting heavily, covered in sweat. The long sword in his hand had been replaced with a wooden sword.
The Taoist Master Jingxin took out a gourd and said, "Have some water."
Li Xi drank all the water in the gourd in one go, and the afternoon she spent there broadened her horizons.
Previously, she practiced swordsmanship simply as a physical exercise, never imagining that swordsmanship contained so many profound principles. This "Eighteen Tai Chi Swords" made her feel an overwhelming sense of awe and reverence.
“Master, this swordsmanship is truly profound,” Li Xi exclaimed. “Now I understand a little why you said my swordsmanship was too superficial.”
"Then you should practice the Eighteen Tai Chi Swords diligently from now on. Your martial arts foundation is not bad. As long as you practice diligently, you will surely achieve something in time," Jingxin Daoren encouraged.
“Yes, Master,” Li Xi said.
The Taoist Master Jingxin continued, "Do you know why this sword technique is called the 'Eighteen Tai Chi Swords'?"
"It's because this sword technique embodies the philosophy of Tai Chi, and the sword moves have eighteen forms, so it's called 'Tai Chi Eighteen Swords'," Li Xi replied.
"That's right. Each of these eighteen sword strikes is stronger than the last, and the final three are even stronger than the last. You must proceed step by step and not be impatient for quick results," the Taoist Master Jingxin advised.
"Disciple understands," Li Xi nodded in response.
Jingxin Daoist looked at Li Xi and said with a smile, "The Eighteen Tai Chi Swords is not just a set of sword techniques, but also a way to cultivate oneself. Each of these eighteen swords has its own wonderful use and its own mystery. You must use your heart to experience and comprehend it in order to truly master its essence."
"Tai Chi emphasizes the harmony of Yin and Yang, with softness containing strength. This sword technique is the same; each strike contains elements of both softness and strength, which are mutually reinforcing and mutually dependent. You must carefully understand its mysteries and grasp the essence of Yin-Yang balance."
As the Taoist Jingxin spoke, he unleashed a series of sword moves, creating illusory sword shadows that dazzled Li Xi.
"Besides the swordsmanship itself, there is also a set of sword techniques and sword intent that need to be mastered. These sword techniques and sword intent complement the swordsmanship; only with their combination can the greatest power be unleashed," the Taoist Master Jingxin continued.
Li Xi told Daoist Jingxin, "This disciple will definitely cultivate diligently and live up to the high expectations of my sect."
"The path of cultivation requires perseverance, constant refinement, and profound understanding. Remember, patience and willpower are equally important. Failure is not terrible; rather, it is the necessary path to success," Master Jingxin kindly advised.
“This disciple will certainly keep it in mind,” Li Xi replied respectfully.
"Besides swordsmanship, you also need to learn other martial arts techniques, such as palm techniques, movement techniques, and lightness skills. These techniques are equally important and can help you improve your overall strength," Master Jingxin continued to instruct.
"This disciple will do his utmost to learn all kinds of martial arts techniques," Li Xi replied firmly.
“Very good. I am very pleased with your determination. The path of cultivation is long and full of challenges. You must always maintain a humble heart and continue to explore and improve. Only in this way can you go further and further on the path of cultivation.” Master Jingxin continued to encourage him.
"Disciple will remember Master's teachings," Li Xi replied respectfully.
Master Jingxin smiled and nodded, then turned and left. Li Xi was left alone to ponder his master's teachings, silently digesting everything in his heart.
Old Sun brought lunch to Li Xi.
He asked Li Xi curiously, "What do you think of what the old Taoist priest taught you?"
Li Xi thought for a moment and replied, "I found it very helpful. The methods taught by my second master are very practical, and his words have also helped me understand a lot."
Master Sun nodded in satisfaction. "That's very good. Since I value you so much, your talent and hard work must be outstanding. You should seize this opportunity, keep learning and improving, and strive to reach a higher level in martial arts."
He handed the food box to Li Xi, saying, "Let's eat first."
Li Xi took the food box, opened it, and found a bowl of steaming chicken soup and several delicate side dishes inside.
She felt a surge of warmth in her heart, and a feeling of gratitude welled up within her.
“Master, you are so kind,” Li Xi said. “I will never forget your kindness to me.”
Old Master Sun smiled and said, "These are all things I should do. You are my disciple, so naturally I will do my best to train you."
Li Xi was moved and lowered her head, saying, "Master, I will work hard and will not let you down."
Old Sun nodded in satisfaction. "I believe you. However, there are a few things you still need to pay attention to."
Li Xi raised her head and looked at Elder Sun with a puzzled expression. "Master, please speak."
Old Master Sun sighed, “The path of martial arts is fraught with difficulties and dangers. It requires not only extraordinary talent and hard work, but also a steadfast heart. You must always keep a clear mind and not be disturbed by external temptations and distractions. Only by focusing wholeheartedly on martial arts can you go further.”
Li Xi nodded earnestly, "Disciple has remembered."
Master Sun continued, “Furthermore, you must always maintain a sense of awe. Martial arts is not child’s play; it concerns life and death, destiny. You must always be vigilant about your own heart and not let selfish desires and delusions take over.”
Li Xi felt a chill run down her spine; she knew that what Elder Sun said was true.
In this world, strength is the only true measure of success. Only by continuously improving one's strength can one remain invincible.
"This disciple will certainly keep it in mind," Li Xi said firmly.
After dinner, she practiced by herself for more than an hour. Remembering that she still had a lot to do, and that Lan'er and the president were not in Kyoto, Li Xi decided to go back to Spicy Hot Pot.
Grandpa Sun and the Empress Dowager will stay here for a while.
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