As previously mentioned, Jiang Cheng had a childhood dream of becoming a martial artist, a fantasy many children entertain. However, while some only daydream, others, like Jiang Cheng, take action. He never shared this with anyone, but a significant reason behind his passion for reading was his hope to find a martial arts manual in some rare book that would grant him extraordinary powers.
It was a naive and silly idea, yet many have likely attempted the same, usually ending in failure.
But Jiang Cheng was different.
He actually found something.
Around the age of ten, he discovered a martial arts manual called "Six-Beast-Form" in Jiang Dejun's study, which detailed bird, tiger, monkey, bear, ox, and dragon forms. Later, Jiang Dejun mentioned he had brought it from their home in the capital city, considering it of little significance. It was somewhat similar to Hua Tuo's "Five Animal Play" and good for strengthening the body, but he thought it ludicrous to believe it could grant extraordinary martial skills.
However, young Jiang Cheng refused to be discouraged, firmly believing this technique was the legendary martial arts secret, effective only for the chosen few, and he was one of them.
From then on, he started practicing "Six-Beast-Form," persisting for eight years. Yet, reality proved that he wasn't that special individual. Despite his dedication, "Six-Beast-Form" only served as a health-improving exercise for him, similar to the Tai Chi practiced by elderly people in parks. However, he did feel more energetic after each practice and seldom fell ill, proving its health benefits. Hence, he continued his practice diligently.
Now, hearing the old man claim "Six-Beast-Form" originated from the Jiang family's secret "Eight Taos," specifically from the most crucial "Martial Tao," Jiang Cheng was understandably shocked.
"But wait! If, as you say, this technique is a powerful martial art, why haven't I noticed any remarkable effects after eight years of practice? It has only made me healthier and more spirited," Jiang Cheng expressed his confusion.
The old man chuckled and shook his head, offering no response. Chen Bo then explained, "Young Master Jiang, the techniques you learned were what I taught your father years ago. He wasn't very interested back then, so I only taught him some movements for health improvement."
With this revelation, Jiang Cheng understood it wasn't that "Six-Beast-Form" lacked effectiveness, but rather, what he practiced were just the basics, good for health but not for developing real martial prowess.
Nodding in understanding, Jiang Cheng excitedly asked, "Grandpa Chen, does this mean you possess the real technique? Could you demonstrate a few moves?"
Chen Bo smiled without replying, subtly shifting his stance. Jiang Cheng, initially confused by the gesture, was astonished upon looking where Chen Bo had stood. There were two clear footprints on the ground!
This courtyard was paved with large, sturdy bricks, so solid that even a hammer would struggle to break them. Yet, Chen Bo's casual step left a mark. This evidence led Jiang Cheng to half-believe the old man's words. Such skill couldn't be achieved without decades of dedicated practice, which only a family with a long history could pass down.
Seeing Jiang Cheng's incredulous expression, the old man offered, "Don't envy. If you wish to learn, I can have Ah He teach you."
Jiang Cheng, surprised, exclaimed, "I can learn this?!"
The old man smiled indulgently, "Of course. You're my grandson, a direct descendant of the Jiang family. This is our lineage's tradition, and naturally, it will be passed down to you if you wish to learn."
Chen Bo added, "If Young Master Jiang is willing to learn, I'm more than happy to teach."
Pleased and interested in learning the genuine technique, Jiang Cheng inquired, "Grandpa Chen, what was that move you just demonstrated?"
"It was the Bear Form of the Six-Beast-Form — Rooted to the Ground," Chen Bo replied with a smile.
"Indeed, very apt!" Jiang Cheng nodded, then asked, "But I've researched and found that the 'Six-Beast-Form' is very similar to the 'Five Animal Play.' How come?"
"That's nothing surprising. 'Six-Beast-Form' was established quite early. Aside from the most core Dragon Form, which wasn't lost, the rest were taught to others and hence circulated. Hua Tuo was an insightful person; he summarized these five forms and created the 'Five Animal Play,' but it's still different from the original," the old man explained.
Jiang Cheng nodded silently. Indeed, Hua Tuo's "Five Animal Play" consists of five forms that correspond to the "Six-Beast-Form," except for the ox form.
"Do you know who created the 'Six-Beast-Form'?" the old man suddenly asked.
Jiang Cheng shook his head, indicating his ignorance.
The old man smiled, "It was our ancestor, Jiang Ziya!"
"Oh? Was he actually a martial arts master?" Jiang Cheng was doubtful.
"Don't forget, the ancestor was also known as 'Fei Xiong' (Flying Bear)," the old man chuckled.
"Isn't that from 'Investiture of the Gods'?" Jiang Cheng asked in surprise.
"That part isn't," the old man assured, "Mythologies often have some basis in reality. In fact, according to historical records left by the ancestor, there were indeed some extraordinary individuals involved in the war that led to the Zhou dynasty's rise. Though not deities as in the legends, they were certainly not ordinary people."
Jiang Cheng frowned, "So, were these early martial artists?"
"Yes!" the old man affirmed.
Many believe that Chinese martial arts were only developed in modern times, a significant misconception. In reality, as early as the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors era, our ancestors devised combat techniques called "Imitative Animal Boxing" during their struggles against nature, forming the earliest martial arts. Over generations, these techniques evolved into more complex systems. Many current internal martial arts, such as Xingyi Quan, Eagle Claw, and White Crane Wing Chun, originated from these early forms. "Six-Beast-Form" retains the essence of "Imitative Animal Boxing."
"The ancestor earned his title during the war that brought down the Shang dynasty and established Zhou. He mastered the bear and bird forms of the 'Six-Beast-Form,' combining them into a move called 'Flying Bear Strike,' which was deadly and maiming. Hence, he was known as 'Fei Xiong'," the old man narrated.
Jiang Cheng was astounded by this revelation, struggling to reconcile it with his understanding.
After a pause to let Jiang Cheng digest the information, the old man finished his tea and continued, "Now, let's proceed. I've told you about the origin of our Jiang family. Let's discuss the philosophy that has allowed our family to survive through generations."
Jiang Cheng listened intently.
"Do you know about the Vertical and Horizontal Alliances?" the old man asked.
Jiang Cheng acknowledged his knowledge of the school, founded by Guiguzi during the Warring States period, and elaborated on its history and influence.
"Right. But do you know the original purpose behind its establishment?" the old man probed.
Jiang Cheng shook his head, unfamiliar with such ancient secrets.
"Ha, it was established as a challenge to the Military Strategists," the old man revealed.
"Oh? Why is that?" Jiang Cheng wondered, not recalling any conflict between the two schools.
"It's because of Sun Tzu being revered as the 'Saint of War.' As you know, our Jiang family's 'Liu Tao' predates Sun Tzu's 'Art of War,' being among the earliest military texts in our country. Yet, Sun Tzu gained the title of 'Saint of War,' overshadowing our ancestor Jiang Ziya. Where does that leave him?"
"Ah? So you're saying Guiguzi was…" Jiang Cheng's eyes widened in shock.
"Correct!" the old man affirmed gravely, "Guiguzi was an ancestor of our Jiang family who changed his surname to Wang. Displeased with the Military Strategists gaining prominence due to their revered ancestor, he changed his name, entered the world, and founded the school of Vertical and Horizontal Alliances to compete with them."
Jiang Cheng was speechless, never expecting the legendary figure Guiguzi to be his ancestor. Could it be true?
Ignoring Jiang Cheng's bewildered thoughts, the old man continued, "To ensure each successor of the Vertical and Horizontal Alliances was the cream of the crop, preventing the school's decline, each generation chose two individuals: one to learn 'Vertical' and the other 'Horizontal.' Both could only master the complete doctrine by learning from each other. However, due to the opposing nature of their knowledge, they naturally conflicted and wouldn't collaborate, leading to constant competition and conflict, ultimately leaving only the most outstanding individual to lead the school."
"Ah?!" Jiang Cheng was astounded, "So that's the meaning behind 'Vertical and Horizontal'! Isn't that too cruel?"
Indeed, wasn't it the case? Each generation of the school's successors were pairs like Sun Bin and Pang Juan, Su Qin and Zhang Yi, Gai Nie and Wei Zhuang, fighting to the death with only the best surviving. While this ensured better governance of the school, the process was incredibly bloody.
"The transmission of a school is a grave matter that cannot afford compassion. The Vertical and Horizontal lineage has survived in the otherwise Confucian-dominated society precisely because of this somewhat cruel tradition, avoiding absorption or eradication like the Legalists, Militarists, and Mohists," the old man explained, his eyes narrowing, "This is the way of nature, where the weak are prey to the strong. The survival philosophy of our Jiang family is derived from this very principle!"
"Ah?!"