Journey to the West: The Great Sage's Guide

Chapter 46 Good Fortune Comes Not from Me

In the square north of Jisa Kingdom, Zhong Xuan said leisurely:

"Firstly, I have a method for training the body that has not been verified. If you are willing to choose it, we can explore and improve it together."

Some people looked at each other in bewilderment.

"Secondly, I can't guarantee I can teach you the footwork from last night. If you insist on learning, you can give it a try."

Someone frowned.

"Thirdly, if any of you have mastered the Copper Head and Iron Bones technique, we can discuss it together and see if there is any room for improvement."

As soon as he finished speaking, the monks burst into shouts, their emotions surging.

"What is this? You promised the Chief, and this is how you try to fool us?"

"They clearly don't want to teach with their hearts!"

"What kind of coach hides everything away?"

Yuantong stood aside, not reprimanding his disciples, but his brows furrowed.

He was also worried—would this boy really just be perfunctory?

Zhong Xuan listened to these discussions, but his face showed no anger. Instead, he revealed a carefree smile, as if he were playing with the world.

He raised his chin and said, "In that case, all nine of you, come at me together."

The monks were taken aback.

Some people hesitated: "Really?"

Some were eager to try: "You said it yourself!"

Some people exchanged knowing glances: it's good to embarrass him so he won't look down on them.

The monkey grew impatient and leaped over to tug at Zhong Xuan's sleeve: "Brother! Use my iron rod!"

Zhong Xuan patted his head and laughed, "No need, I'll just dodge and not attack, so I won't hurt them."

The nine monks exchanged glances, each grabbed a staff, and surrounded Zhong Xuan.

Yuantong retreated to the sidelines, his expression grave.

He also wanted to see just how capable this young man really was.

That last sentence, in particular, was incredibly humiliating!

"Excuse me!"

The leading monk shouted and made the first move.

The other eight followed closely behind, their sticks flashing like mountains, descending upon the person in the center of the arena.

Zhong Xuan shifted his feet, his figure moving like a dragon entering the sea, weaving freely through the myriad shadows of the staffs.

He took the Seven Star Steps, each step perfectly avoiding the incoming force, his clothes fluttering as he showed no sign of disarray.

The monks grew increasingly alarmed as they fought.

We were so close, yet that one line always seemed forever out of reach.

That figure in green robes was like a wisp of wind—visible, yet impossible to grasp.

After an incense stick had burned, the monks stopped, panting heavily.

The leading monk clasped his hands in a fist and bowed deeply, expressing his sincere admiration: "Your skill is superb! We are convinced!"

The others bowed in greeting, their faces no longer showing any disdain.

Just as Zhong Xuan was about to speak, a sharp shout suddenly came from outside the arena—

"Junior brother, take this sword!"

A blue shadow swept through the air, its sword light as white as snow, aiming straight for his back.

It was Yeh Chuan-chen!

Ye Quanzhen thrust his sword forward, the sword light as white as snow streaking across the sky, his movements agile as a dragon soaring through the air.

Her blue robes fluttered in the wind, her black hair danced in the air, and her cold, beautiful face remained expressionless, except for a glint of cold light from the tip of her sword, which aimed straight for Zhong Xuan's shoulder.

The monks on the sidelines were stunned.

Someone subconsciously swallowed and immediately bowed their head to chant Buddhist prayers, "Forgive me, forgive me."

Zhong Xuan stepped out with the Seven Star Steps, shifting his body to the side and narrowly avoiding the sword strike.

The sword's edge grazed his sleeve, slicing off half a piece of cloth, which fluttered down.

"Good footwork." Ye Quanzhen sheathed his sword and nodded slightly. "Not bad aptitude, however..."

Before she could finish speaking, her foot suddenly moved.

It's the same Seven Star Steps, but it goes against the current!

She moved with lightning speed, taking seven steps in an instant, each step clashing with and countering Zhong Xuan's footwork, with sword light following in quick succession.

scoff.

Zhong Xuan's left sleeve was cut off.

laugh.

There was an opening on the right side of the jacket.

Ye Quanzhen controlled his sword with ease, each strike only damaging the clothes and not the flesh, clearly showing that he was holding back.

But this composure is more frustrating than the hurt he suffered.

"Never underestimate the heroes of the world," Ye Quanzhen said calmly.

On the sidelines, Rakshasa was standing next to the monkey at some point, her brows slightly furrowed.

Yuantong quickly put his palms together and bowed, saying, "Thank you so much for saving my life last night."

He glanced at the arena and said worriedly, "It seems that Benefactor Zhong... is at a disadvantage?"

The monkey squatted on the stone block, its eyes fixed on Ye Quanzhen's movements, muttering to itself, "Hit the head...hit the hands...hit the feet...hit..."

The Rakshasa woman glanced at him and said indifferently, "This woman has extremely strong martial arts talent, but that's all she can do. If Zhong Xuan had a weapon or used talismans and spells, he wouldn't be in such a sorry state."

Yuantong nodded in sudden realization.

No sooner had he finished speaking than the monkey let out a long howl, grabbed the iron cudgel, leaped up, and charged straight into the arena!

"Brother, don't panic! I'm here to help you!"

This leap was so powerful and imposing that the iron rod cut through the wind, resembling a tiger descending a mountain.

Ye Quanzhen's eyes lit up. Instead of retreating, he advanced, his sword flashing as he met the attack, shouting, "Good staff! Good monkey!"

Swords and clubs clashed, sparks flying everywhere.

Zhong Xuan stood at the sidelines, hands behind his back, and said helplessly, "Brother Monkey, hold back a bit. She's at the Three Flowers Gathering at the Top True Person Realm; she might use other methods..."

Ye Quanzhen forced the monkey back with a single sword strike, then turned and angrily said, "No way! My martial arts skills are more than enough to suppress you, don't slander me! This is just a friendly spar!"

Zhong Xuan shrugged and remained silent.

In the arena, the light of swords and the shadows of staffs intertwined.

The monkey fought fiercer and fiercer, but gradually lost ground in terms of technique. Although the iron rod was powerful, it was gradually dismantled by Ye Quanzhen's swordsmanship, leaving him with limited mobility.

laugh!

The monkey had a bloody gash on its arm.

Unaware of its surroundings, its eyes gradually reddened.

Zhong Xuan frowned slightly and lifted his foot to walk into the arena.

As soon as he took a step, he felt a gaze sweep over him from the side; the Rakshasa woman was looking at him strangely.

Yuantong, who was standing nearby, also looked over, scratched his bald head, grinned, and his smile conveyed a sense of "I understand".

Zhong Xuan ignored him and shouted into the arena, "Brother Monkey, lend me your staff! I'll spar with her a few times."

The monkey turned around at the sound, the red in its eyes gradually fading, and it broke free from the struggle.

It leaped down beside Zhong Xuan, handed him the iron rod, and bared its teeth, saying, "Brother, hit her!"

Ye Quanzhen sheathed his sword and stood there, sneering, "Junior brother, your martial arts are worse than a monkey's. Your footwork was already broken by me, and you still want to make a fool of yourself?"

Zhong Xuan took the iron rod, weighed it in his hand, and shook his head, saying, "Senior Brother Ye is being naughty—though I am not very talented, I will be serious and have a match with you."

Having said that, he gracefully entered the arena.

Ye Quanzhen snorted coldly and thrust his sword forward.

She secretly planned: first, she would twist his stick with her sword, then cut off his fingers, forcing him to abandon his stick in public and embarrass himself, only then could she vent her anger!

Why should Master sacrifice his lifespan and essence for such a weak boy?

The sword flashed like a rainbow, and it looked like it was about to entangle the iron rod.

Suddenly, the cast iron rod trembled slightly.

A strange vibration traveled along the sword.

Ye Quanzhen felt a numbness in his tiger's mouth, and his sword momentum was actually shaken off!

Her pupils contracted slightly.

Zhong Xuan held a staff in both hands, twirling it with incredible speed and precision, advancing step by step, closing in on the enemy.

Ye Quanzhen retreated several steps, attempting to flank the enemy.

Zhong Xuan stomped his foot heavily, executing the Seven Star Steps!

Ye Quanzhen immediately countered with the Reverse Seven Star Step, attempting to break his footwork.

However, this time, the opponent's footwork suddenly changed.

Instead of dodging and maneuvering, they resorted to head-on confrontations.

After three steps, the force on the stick increased layer by layer, each strike heavier than the last!

Clang.

As the sword and staff clashed, Ye Quanzhen's longsword trembled violently, and his tiger's mouth went numb.

She used the momentum to drift back several steps, the tip of her sword trembling slightly.

"What kind of staff technique is this? How can you stack layers of force?" she blurted out.

Zhong Xuan smiled without saying a word and walked forward step by step.

Ye Quanzhen parried each sword strike, but the more he parried, the more strained he became.

The force of the stick was like a tidal wave, one wave higher than the next, making it hard to breathe.

On the sidelines, Yuantong suddenly realized and loudly explained, "It's good that Benefactor Ye knows! We didn't object to the head monk inviting Mr. Zhong to lead the class, precisely because we witnessed the wonder of this footwork last night; it's not just about stepping!"

Ye Quanzhen bit her lip, feeling both surprised and resentful.

What was astonishing was the terrifying comprehension of this person in martial arts. Just a moment ago, he had been suppressed by him, but in the blink of an eye, he was able to integrate footwork and staff techniques and gradually reach a state of perfection.

What he found infuriating was that he, a dignified True Person of the Three Flowers Gathering at the Top, had been forced into such a state by a weakling who had only reached the Qi Refining stage.

She steeled her resolve and drew her sword.

The longsword flew out of his hand, transforming into a streak of light, heading straight for Zhong Xuan!

"I admit defeat."

Zhong Xuan immediately withdrew his staff and took a step back.

The flying sword hovered three inches in front of his face before coming to an abrupt stop.

Ye Quanzhen recalled her longsword, but her face showed no joy. Instead, she glared at him angrily, finally revealing her girlish side: "Where did you learn your martial arts skills from?!"

Zhong Xuan waved his hand: "Study from all schools of thought. As long as you have a strength, choose the best one to learn. Martial arts are ultimately just tools. They are good for health and wellness. If they can protect your path in critical moments, that is enough."

As soon as he finished speaking, Yuantong led a group of martial monks to surround them.

Seeing how impressive the footwork was, they were all filled with eager anticipation, chattering away:

"Mr. Zhong! Please teach us this footwork!"

"And is this footwork something like the Seven Stars technique?"

"How do you use the stacking force technique?"

Zhong Xuan was surrounded, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

On the sidelines, Rakshasa woman slightly curled the corners of her lips, withdrew her gaze, and stopped looking in this direction.

Ye Quanzhen stood there, sword in hand, his expression shifting constantly.

After a long pause, he gave a soft hum and turned his head away.

Although there are still many methods that haven't been used, it must be admitted...

This junior brother, at least in terms of martial arts talent, seems to be able to barely approach the level of a genius like himself.

……

Half a day later.

In the meditation room of Jin Guang Temple, Zhong Xuanzheng and Ye Quanzhen sat facing each other.

The shouts of martial monks practicing their skills drifted in from outside the window, and sunlight streamed through the window, casting dappled shadows on the blue brick floor.

Zhong Xuan poured a cup of tea and pushed it in front of her: "Senior Brother Ye, I have a favor to ask. I have to go out on business tomorrow, and I would like to ask you to give me some pointers on the martial monks' studies for a day."

Ye Quanzhen picked up her teacup, took a sip, and revealed a small portion of her fair wrist.

Her cold, expressionless face said, "I can help. However, I came down the mountain for a reason. There's a rumor going around the north of the city that a demon has taken human form and is swindling money and women among the Taoist priests. My master told me to investigate while I'm at it, and if it really is a demon, then I should kill it."

She looked up at Zhong Xuan, her gaze scrutinizing him: "Since you want my help, you should at least show some appreciation by coming with me, how about it?"

Zhong Xuan chuckled and nodded in agreement: "Of course I'll keep you company."

The two agreed to go to the north of the city together the next day, and Ye Quanzhen got up to take his leave.

Zhong Xuan escorted her to the courtyard gate and was about to turn around when he suddenly heard a commotion coming from the front yard.

"Immortal Master! Where is the Immortal Master? We want to thank him in person!"

"Hey, Zhou, slow down!"

"My goodness, this is truly a living god!"

Zhong Xuan raised an eyebrow and followed the sound toward the mountain gate.

Before we even reached the door, a group of people surged in.

Leading the group were the Zhou couple who had been kneeling and crying in the street early that morning. Their faces were full of smiles, and they were holding reins in their hands. At the other end of the reins was a tall, black horse with snow-white hooves. Behind the horse was a fat and strong blue ox, which was slowly pacing.

The man surnamed Zhou saw Zhong Xuan at once and knelt down with a thud, so excited he was incoherent: "Immortal Master! You are truly a living deity! Your words, 'A loss of a horse is not a disaster,' have indeed come true!"

The surrounding neighbors also poured in, chiming in with their own opinions:

"That's right! Not only did the horse return on its own, it also brought back a blue ox!"

"This blue ox is clearly no ordinary breed; it's plump and strong, worth at least several hundred taels!"

"The Immortal Master's words are truly golden; he can predict the future with incredible skill!"

Zhou's wife also knelt down, kowtowing repeatedly: "Immortal Master, our family has come especially to thank you! Please accept this small token of our gratitude!"

As she spoke, she pulled a cloth bag from her bosom, which was bulging with money, clearly the money she had collected.

Zhong Xuan looked at the scene before him with a calm expression.

He didn't take the cloth bag, but shook his head and said seriously, "Losing a horse is not a disaster, gaining an ox is not a blessing."

The Zhou couple were stunned as soon as the words were spoken.

The neighbors around were stunned, looking at each other with puzzled expressions.

"Master, what is this...?" the man surnamed Zhou asked cautiously.

Zhong Xuan glanced at him, his gaze gentle, but offered no further explanation.

He simply waved his hand and turned to continue heading north along the long street.

Behind them, the Zhou couple exchanged bewildered glances, while the neighbors began to whisper among themselves again:

"What...what does this mean?"

"Is getting a cow a blessing? Or could it bring misfortune?"

"Don't talk nonsense. How can you understand the words of an immortal?"

In the crowd, the blue ox continued to stroll leisurely, its expression serene.

But if someone were to get closer and take a closer look, they would notice a strange glint in those bull's eyes.

It let out a soft moo, and began to wonder:

"This kid...did he see through my disguise?"

"impossible."

"What is my cultivation level? What is his cultivation level?"

"How could a mere cultivator at the peak of Qi Refining possibly see through it?"

"It must have been just a casual remark, a coincidence."

The blue ox lowered its head and continued to slowly chew on the grass it had picked from the roadside, no longer thinking about it.

......

The three walked for several miles and left the bustling city.

Weeping willows lined the roadside, their branches rustling softly in the wind.

The monkey couldn't help but speak first, grabbing its ear and hopping in front of Zhong Xuan, asking, "Brother, brother! Why did you say that just now? That green ox looked very strong, isn't it a good thing? How come it's not a blessing?"

The Rakshasa woman also glanced sideways, her eyes, hidden behind her veil, filled with curiosity, and they walked side by side, their steps slightly slower.

Zhong Xuan glanced at the monkey, then looked at the Rakshasa woman, and said softly, "You also find it strange?"

The Rakshasa woman nodded slightly.

Zhong Xuan stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the distant sky, and said leisurely:

"Losing a horse is not necessarily a disaster, gaining an ox is not necessarily a blessing; good things and bad things are not absolute."

"By chance and circumstance, fortune and misfortune are intertwined; such is the way of things in this world."

"When the Zhou family lost their horse, they felt it was a terrible disaster; when the horse returned and they even had an extra ox, they felt it was a great blessing."

"But why did the horse return? Where did the ox come from? Whether it's a blessing or a curse, we'll have to wait and see."

"The world is inherently simple; it is people who complicate it, needlessly losing their true selves and swayed by circumstances. Isn't that a pity?"

The monkey seemed to understand but not quite, scratching its head and muttering "fate and destiny" and "fortune and misfortune are interdependent," its brows furrowed.

The Rakshasa woman seemed to be deep in thought, and her gaze towards Zhong Xuan held a strange quality.

Just then, the wooden fish in Zhong Xuan's sleeve trembled slightly.

Zhang Chengming's spirit sneered, its voice chillingly emanating from him: "Playing hard to get! It's nothing but shallow talk about fortune and misfortune. How could a mere youth like you possibly understand cause and effect?"

Zhong Xuan ignored him, simply patted his sleeves, and strode forward.