Chapter Thirty-Seven: Teaching the Art of Cultivation

Tang Wei instructed Zi Xuan to lead Tang’s father and the others out of the space first; she had one important task left to accomplish. She needed to practice the techniques of the Carefree Movement herself, so she could teach them properly once they were outside. At her current level, learning lower-tier techniques was swift and easy. Indeed, after less than an hour of practice, Xiao Ling told her she had already mastered ninety percent of the moves.

The more Tang Wei practiced, the more exhilarated she became. She realized these techniques were far from simple, despite their outward appearance, and the deeper she delved, the more profound they seemed. She ended up spending an extra hour, thoroughly studying the moves. She felt this method suited her well, for although she possessed spiritual energy within, she lacked external techniques. What she had just practiced were merely the fundamental skills; the real cultivation part was still untouched, yet even so, she found them formidable. She wondered if she should teach Shi Xiaolin and the others too once they went outside.

Before leaving, Tang Wei asked Xiao Ling, “I find this technique quite remarkable. Should we both cultivate it as well? Perhaps I should teach Shi Xiaolin and the others, too. Otherwise, I’d possess spiritual energy but lack any external moves, and wouldn’t that be laughable if I couldn’t even defeat them?”

Xiao Ling replied, “Sister, of course you can practice it. Let your two disciples observe as well. But if you intend to keep cultivating it, are you planning to become a sword cultivator? With your current level, you should be learning spells that use spiritual energy primarily. I’ve told you this many times, but you haven’t learned them yet. Right now, you have a treasure mountain but don’t know how to use it. If this continues, once they master the Carefree Movement, you’ll truly become a laughingstock.”

Seeing such powerful moves, Tang Wei resolved to begin practicing some useful spells that very night.

As soon as she exited the space, Tang Wei sought out Shi Xiaolin and asked her to gather Elder Li and the others at the back mountain, hinting that the three members of the Shi family could join as well. Once arrangements were made, she went to the back mountain alone.

Still fascinated by the Carefree Movement she had practiced in the space, Tang Wei couldn’t resist starting to move before the others arrived. Gradually, she entered a state of complete absorption, as if heaven and earth resided in her hands. Her movements flowed smoothly, like water.

When Elder Li arrived, Tang Wei was already practicing with her eyes closed, immersed in the nuances of every move. Li Changfeng, noticing Tang Wei hadn’t acknowledged them after such a long time, wanted to call out to her, but Elder Li stopped him. Elder Li often practiced the Five Animal Frolics for health and recognized the situation; he knew it was best not to disturb her now.

Li Changfeng could only wait, watching the petite woman before him as she moved—sometimes swiftly, sometimes slowly—leaving behind only fleeting silhouettes. Graceful as a startled swan, lithe as a swimming dragon: these words suddenly surfaced in his mind. They were made for her, he realized. From that moment, her image was etched eternally in his heart and mind.

When Tang Wei finally finished and drew back her aura, Elder Li led the group over and said, “It seems you’ve made new progress in martial arts, young lady!”

Tang Wei smiled, “Elder Li, to be honest, what I’ve practiced before wasn’t this technique. I found this among the methods my master left behind for you. Since I’m going to teach you, I had to familiarize myself first. I feel that once this technique is fully mastered, its power will be immense.”

Elder Li chuckled, “You might be mistaken, young lady. I’m here mainly to study our traditional acupuncture, not to learn powerful martial arts.”

Tang Wei replied, “Elder Li, you may not know, but my master told me this technique is extremely profound. Those who favor swordsmanship can derive exquisite sword techniques; those who favor blade techniques can develop dominant blade skills. Each person’s insight is unique—if eighteen people practice it, what they comprehend will all differ. Since you favor traditional medicine, you may well discover your own methods of cultivation. If I may, let me finish: traditional medicine surely had its own techniques to assist acupuncture, like the Five Animal Frolics passed down. Was it truly just for health? I doubt it. Over time, most of the original methods were lost, leaving only a fraction—just enough for health.”

Elder Li listened thoughtfully, then sighed deeply. “Perhaps you’re right. The ancient art of acupuncture is a powerful lure. I think you’ve convinced me. When do you think we should begin practicing?”

Tang Wei smiled, helped Elder Li to a rock to sit, and said, “Actually, the moves I just practiced are only the basics I intend to teach you. I haven’t even started on the true cultivation part yet. If the basics are this formidable, the advanced part must be even more so. But there are a few conditions I must discuss with you, to see if you find them suitable.”

“Oh? Go ahead,” Elder Li said, now adopting a mysterious air.

Tang Wei paid no mind to his attitude, and spoke sincerely, “To be honest, once this method is cultivated to its peak, feats like leaping cliffs and walking walls are trivial, and killing an ordinary person with a finger would be easy. Therefore, before you begin, you must swear to uphold certain requirements—these are my sect’s rules. Even though you are not formally my disciples, I must take responsibility in teaching you. If someone learns from me and later commits evil, that would be a disaster. So, after much deliberation, I’ve decided to do my part for society.”

Seeing it was only for this reason, Elder Li laughed, “Of course! You’re thoughtful. There are too many people nowadays who appear human but act like beasts. If everyone had some boundaries, it would be a good thing.”

“First: without my permission, you are not allowed to teach these methods to anyone else,” Tang Wei said, smiling.

“That’s only right! I agree!” Elder Li answered immediately.

“Second: after learning, you must not use it to bully ordinary people. Be virtuous, keep your abilities hidden, act with chivalry and righteousness, help those in need, eliminate greed and theft, abstain from lust and hatred, and never abuse your strength or forget your morals. Always keep a heart of compassion and kindness. In short, martial arts are to be used to help others, not to bully them.”

At this, Elder Li stood excitedly, “Excellent, young lady! You are thoughtful indeed. I agree to all these. Then, he gave Li Changfeng a forceful pat on the back and scolded, ‘Brat, why aren’t you agreeing? You’re not even as good as a young lady. You should learn to be more like Miss Tang.’”

Tang Wei replied, embarrassed, “Elder Li, please don’t say that. It’s just what my master taught me. Please, don’t call me Miss Tang or young lady—just call me Weiwei.” She stuck out her tongue, silently grateful she’d read those words in a book before leaving her room.

“Very well, Weiwei. Shall we begin now? Though there’s little time before breakfast, we can practice a few moves first,” Elder Li said, smiling.

“Of course. You all have some martial arts foundation, so you’ll learn quickly. I’ll move slowly in front; see if you can follow. Xiaolin, this technique is excellent—you can practice along as well,” Tang Wei arranged.

With everything ready, Tang Wei led the group, followed by five behind her. At first, everyone’s movements were clumsy and confused, but after one round, some began to find their rhythm, and gradually, the actions became more synchronized. When Tang’s mother called them for breakfast, all five could more or less keep up.