Volume One, Chapter 15: A Martial Arts Prodigy with Extraordinary Talent, Mastering Techniques at a Glance

Xia Jingtian was stunned, never expecting Zhang Sanfeng to come and teach him martial arts.

“Master, you’re worried that the Mongol national master might come to trouble me! I’ve already injured him, so he won’t come so soon,” Xia Jingtian said with a smile.

“Though you’ve injured him, he won’t give up easily,” Zhang Sanfeng replied.

At this moment, thanks to the system’s reward, Xia Jingtian had already acquired Zhang Sanfeng’s martial arts.

“Master, please teach me all of Wudang’s supreme arts. When I face the Mongol national master, I’ll surely be able to defeat him,” Xia Jingtian said confidently.

Zhang Sanfeng shook his head and sighed deeply.

Xia Jingtian, learning martial arts is different from other skills; you must build a solid foundation from a young age to achieve success. It’s not something you can learn casually!

Zhang Sanfeng had practiced martial arts for a hundred years, mastering internal boxing and swordsmanship. Renowned as a grandmaster and martial arts authority, he deeply understood that the mysteries of martial arts are not easily grasped, so he earnestly taught Xia Jingtian.

“I have practiced martial arts for a hundred years and have four major skills in my lifetime. Now, I will show you the one I call Taiji Fist.”

“I combined Xingyi, Baguazhang, and Taiji into one, forming the Wudang Taiji Fist. This style is majestic, adapting flexibly, with varied footwork, interchanging fists and palms, blending hardness and softness, every move grounded in technique, every technique genuine. It commands respect without anger, making defense nearly impossible.”

Zhang Sanfeng then demonstrated the thirteen Taiji forms.

First, the Opening Form; second, Embracing the Ball; third, Single Push; fourth, Probing; fifth, Supporting; sixth, Striking Down; seventh, Carrying; eighth, Splitting; ninth, Cloud; tenth, Transforming Posture; eleventh, Double Push; twelfth, Lowering; thirteenth, Closing.

These thirteen movements were similar to the Taiji forms Xia Jingtian had practiced with his grandfather in the park, but more refined, concise, and balancing hardness with softness.

“Master, I’ve learned it, take a look,” Xia Jingtian said.

“If you could learn my Taiji Fist just by watching once, then I would have wasted a hundred years learning martial arts!” Zhang Sanfeng said incredulously.

Xia Jingtian imitated the moves and demonstrated the thirteen Taiji forms.

Since he already had a foundation in Taiji and had gained Zhang Sanfeng’s martial arts through the system, his performance was identical to Zhang Sanfeng’s.

“How is this possible? You memorized my thirteen forms perfectly after just one viewing. I’ve never shown these forms to anyone else. How did you learn them? You truly are a martial arts prodigy,” Zhang Sanfeng said in disbelief.

“I was just copying the movements. Master, besides Taiji Fist, please teach me the Taiji Sword techniques,” Xia Jingtian smiled.

He knew that aside from Taiji Fist, the Taiji Sword was Zhang Sanfeng’s ultimate skill.

With a wave of his hand, Zhang Sanfeng sent a surge of true energy pushing open the Moon Gate. A sword flew from afar and landed in his hand.

“The Taiji Sword is based on the Taiji Fist. Watch closely!” Zhang Sanfeng said.

The Taiji Sword was smooth and flexible, capable of offense and defense, embodying the essence of swordsmanship. Holding the long sword, Zhang Sanfeng’s demonstration of the Taiji Sword had reached a transcendent level.

Unlike ordinary swordplay, the movements were delicate yet expansive, graceful and elegant without losing steadiness.

As the founder of the Taiji Sword, Zhang Sanfeng coordinated every aspect—hand, eye, body, method, and footwork—to perfection.

“The Taiji Sword consists of thirteen fundamental techniques: point, thrust, chop, sweep, draw, pull, intercept, wipe, flick, strike, hang, support, and block.”

He demonstrated each of these thirteen basic sword techniques.

“Based on these thirteen fundamentals, combined with Taiji Fist, you get the Taiji Sword style.”

“Master, I’ve got it. Let me try. May I borrow your sword?” Xia Jingtian extended his hand.

With a flick, Zhang Sanfeng sent the sword flying into Xia Jingtian’s hand.

Holding the sword, Xia Jingtian mimicked the thirteen basic Taiji Sword techniques.

“You really memorized them all after one look. Incredible!” Zhang Sanfeng exclaimed.

“Master, what you taught me were the thirteen basic Taiji Fist forms and the thirteen basic Taiji Sword techniques, which are easier to learn,” Xia Jingtian replied with a smile.

“Although you’ve only learned the fist and sword forms, that’s already remarkable.

To fully harness their power, the Taiji Fist and Sword must be combined with the pure Yang infinite cultivation method I call Pure Yang Wuji Gong.”

“I will now teach you Pure Yang Wuji Gong. Remember, this is Wudang’s highest internal skill and essential for protection and defense.”

“This method cultivates both internal and external strength, combining movement and stillness. Internally, it nurtures the five viscera and six bowels; externally, it strengthens muscles, bones, and skin. Through long-term breathing techniques—inhale, hold, and expel—paired with specific body movements and tapping on the torso and limbs, it removes evil, supports righteousness, heals injuries and illnesses, and externally resists blows.”

“Pure Yang Wuji Gong is my Wudang secret art. Except for my closest disciples, no other Wudang followers know it. Today, I pass it on to you,” Zhang Sanfeng said.

Hearing this, Xia Jingtian was overjoyed that Zhang Sanfeng would impart his ultimate martial arts.

“Thank you, Master. I will never disappoint your expectations,” Xia Jingtian said.

Zhang Sanfeng then channeled true energy into Xia Jingtian’s body and began teaching him the Pure Yang Wuji Gong practice.

The movements included:

1. Five Fingers Pressing the Abdomen

2. Splitting Huashan with Force

3. Overlord Removing Robes

4. Overlord Lifting the Cauldron

5. Su Qin Carrying the Sword

6. Golden Tortoise Exposing the Back

7. Dripping Water Penetrates Stone

8. Snail Digging the Ground

9. Toad Cooling Off

10. Python Emerging from the Cave

11. Monkey Entering the Cave

12. Pure Yang Lying Posture

13. Copper Wall Iron Barrier (Auxiliary Skill)

14. Wind Blowing Willow (Healing)

Xia Jingtian felt the true energy circulating inside him, soothing and comfortable. Following the instructions, he practiced Pure Yang Wuji Gong, refining the true energy throughout his body before storing it in his dantian.

“Xia Jingtian, you mastered Taiji Fist, Taiji Sword, and Pure Yang Wuji Gong, refining the true energy I gave you, all in less than one day.

Others call me a martial arts prodigy, but I feel ashamed. Everything I’ve achieved comes from diligent practice.

Effort means nothing before innate talent. Now I truly understand what a martial arts prodigy with exceptional talent is,” Zhang Sanfeng sighed.

“However, Pure Yang Wuji Gong has some requirements you must remember.”

“Master, practicing Pure Yang Wuji Gong doesn’t require maintaining a childlike state, does it?” Xia Jingtian asked curiously.

“Nonsense! I’m not a child and I still practice it!”

“When practicing Wudang’s Pure Yang Wuji Gong, the first rule is to maintain the correct orientation.

You should face east or south and never change direction arbitrarily.

The best times to practice are early morning and late at night.

Spring through autumn, about three to four months, is the prime training season. After the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, you should gradually reduce practice.

Choose a place with fresh air or near forests and lakes. Quiet meditation can be done indoors but ensure good ventilation.

This method is mainly suited for unmarried men aged 18 to 25. Practitioners must respect their masters, maintain harmony with fellow disciples, and avoid loud noise to keep inner peace.

Married practitioners should abstain from sexual activity during training and avoid spicy and stimulating foods to maintain bodily harmony.

Persistence and gradual progression are key. Do not rush or seek quick progress.

Remember the core principle: inhale as if a crane soars, exhale as if sinking to the ocean’s depths, uniting breath and form, with the dantian as the foundation of practice,” Zhang Sanfeng instructed.

Xia Jingtian nodded, memorizing everything firmly, marveling at his own talent and gifted nature for having learned Taiji Fist, Taiji Sword, and Pure Yang Wuji Gong so swiftly.