Chapter 11: Lingbo Weibu
Gu Yi didn't know that this breakthrough was not just a simple increase in spirit power, but the Pure Yuan Gong also penetrated into the tiny meridians in his body. The circulation route became more complex and tedious, and the time for each practice session increased.
After resting for a few days, Gu Yi began his new round of plans. The path of creating martial arts couldn't pause for a moment. Now, with Tiger Leopard Thunder Sound for body training, Pure Yuan Gong for spirit power cultivation, a spirit power version of the Six Meridians Divine Sword for attacking, what was missing was a movement technique.
This was also a crucial martial art. Just like Tang San's Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, originally just a lightness skill, but when he came here, it became a divine skill, completely giving Tang San an extraordinary dodging ability in the early stages.
Moreover, if one only had strength without speed, wouldn't they be like a brute? Gu Yi didn't want to become that kind of person. Brute force might be impressive, but he couldn't do it now. Besides, Gu Yi always boasted of being the heir to the ancient Chinese medicine culture, and he must maintain an elegant demeanor at all times. If his light skill was well practiced, he would be ethereal like a fairy. He aimed to be the model of an elegant person.
Thus, the Plum Blossom Piles and Sandbag Array[1] were born. These were excellent tools for practicing body techniques and dodging abilities. Standing on the piles of plum blossoms two meters high, Gu Yi felt a sense of excitement he had never felt before. Even if he fell from this height, he wouldn't be injured, at most just a bit embarrassed. But this feeling of hanging in mid-air was like walking on a tightrope. A misstep could lead to a fall into the abyss.
Gu Yi didn't just randomly set up these plum blossom piles. Even Zhao Wujin and Oscar, who wanted to help, were rejected by him. Because they didn't understand the Book of Changes(Yijing)[2], nor did they know what the sixty-four hexagrams[3] were.
Yes, next he wanted to create the Lingbo Weibu[4], considered the strongest lightness skill in Jin Yong[5]'s novels. The Book of Changes, along with other classical texts, he had memorized extensively. Naturally, he wouldn't miss this extremely powerful light skill. The concept of hexagrams came readily to him. Standing on the plum blossom piles, Gu Yi didn't know the specific training method for Lingbo Weibu. Perhaps even Jin Yong himself wouldn't be able to say. But the concept behind it was what he had learned.
Gu Yi didn't change any hexagram orientations, just walked step by step. The movements weren't fast. Even though he was familiar with the Book of Changes, he was not familiar with its walking methods, and this was his first time on the plum blossom piles. A slower speed was more secure.
Oscar, who had nothing to do, sat on the ground watching Gu Yi's strange steps. Could this really create a spirit skill? It seemed too rash. After completing sixty-four steps, Gu Yi didn't even use his spirit power. But this gave him a slight feeling. It seemed that although the sixty-four steps didn't hide any secrets, they were exceptionally smooth.
Try again.
This time, Gu Yi increased his speed. Even though it was his first time on the plum blossom piles, with the agility of his body and the support of his meridians, he moved like a very skilled practitioner, without the slightest mistake. With this speed, even Oscar, who had been bored and uninterested, was shocked. The originally slow footsteps, after speeding up, became unpredictable. It was completely impossible to predict his future movements, but he seemed composed.
"Is creating a spirit skill this easy?" Oscar couldn't believe it. The legendary self-created spirit skill was completed in such a short time. Actually, it wasn't. Gu Yi's comprehension was indeed not low, but it was not enough to create the Lingbo Weibu Douluo Continent version in such a short time. The main reason was that the Book of Changes had not appeared on the Douluo Continent, and there was no knowledge of the sixty-four hexagrams. So it seemed magical.
Only those who understood the Book of Changes could see Gu Yi's next step. But it was estimated that only Tang San, who was also an outsider like Gu Yi, could understand it. But it was also possible that he wouldn't understand. After all, in his previous life, Tang San had never been part of the inner sect of the Tang Sect, and was immersed in poisons and the production of hidden weapons. The Book of Changes didn't seem to have anything to do with him. But even so, Gu Yi was not satisfied. After all, it was too easy to be recognized. Once the sixty-four steps were completed, the regularity in his footsteps would be understood.
This wasn't the Lingbo Weibu.
Over the past few days, Gu Yi had spent all his time on the plum blossom piles, even putting aside the study of the Six Meridians Divine Sword. Now, he had mastered the sixty-four steps perfectly, his figure was ethereal, as if he were a fairy. To those who didn't understand, this was simply a god among men, especially when paired with a white robe, it was even more elegant. Excluding Gu Yi's current baby face, everything else was so beautiful.
After several days of study, Gu Yi had already incorporated spirit power and his steps were constantly changing. Next, what he had to do was to constantly change the sixty-four steps, so that even the best arithmetic person in the world couldn't predict his footsteps. This step was undoubtedly the most difficult. He had to transform the Book of Changes into his own thing, achieving this realm could also be considered mastering the original version of the Lingbo Weibu. Only when he could use it perfectly even after leaving the plum blossom piles behind could it be considered truly mastered.
Gu Yi, who delved deeply into the martial arts, didn't pause at all, and it was time to put the transformation of martial arts methods on the agenda. Although Pure Yuan Gong was a good cultivation method, it wasn't the best. Gu Yi naturally wouldn't practice this method to the end; it was just a transitional method. That's why he chose a spirit beast like the Spirit Gathering Turtle for the second soul ring, to increase his resistance to different types of spirit power. His ambition was never just peaceful cultivation. Now it was time to start creating truly effective cultivation methods.
Time didn't seem to be cherished at all by those who were diligent; it always seemed to be rushing by.
When Gu Yi was nine years old, a chubby boy entered the academy. And Flender personally explained that if he could enter Shrek Academy at the age of twelve, he would take him as his disciple.
This chubby boy was Ma Hongjun, whose martial spirit Evil Fire Phoenix which mutated from a chicken. Because the mutation wasn't thorough enough, his martial spirit inherently carried a lustful fire that needed to be appeased by copulating with women.
Gu Yi looked at this chubby boy, not understanding why the dean brought him here.
"See if you can solve his martial spirit issue," Flender said. In the past year or so, Gu Yi had proven that his understanding and research on martial spirits had surpassed everyone else's. It was precisely because of this that Flender brought Ma Hongjun here, wanting to hear Gu Yi's opinion.
Although he had already known about Ma Hongjun's issue, he still listened carefully to Flender's words. In case of any changes, it was good to correct them in time.
Although he was secretly thinking, he didn't show it. He said to Ma Hongjun, "Don't resist, I need to examine your body." Ma Hongjun, looked at Gu Yi who was more than a head taller than him, and nodded gently. At this moment, he was extremely hot, his body seemed like it was about to explode, and his blood was flowing downwards.
(End of this chapter)
Glossary:
[1]Plum Blossom Piles and Sandbag Array-"Plum Blossom Piles and Sandbag Array" is a training method used in traditional Chinese martial arts, particularly associated with styles like Wing Chun (詠春) and other Southern Chinese martial arts systems. It combines two training tools: the "Plum Blossom Piles" and the "Sandbag Array." These tools are utilized to develop striking power, accuracy, speed, and endurance in martial artists. These are not only used for stationary target practice but also play a crucial role in training movement techniques and footwork in traditional Chinese martial arts. Combining both Plum Blossom Piles and the Sandbag Array allows practitioners to integrate stationary and dynamic movement training seamlessly. They can practice footwork drills around the Plum Blossom Piles and then apply those movements to evade and counter the swinging sandbags in the array. This integrated approach enhances overall movement skills, balance, and agility, preparing martial artists for the complexities of real-world combat scenarios.
[2]Book Of Changes(Yijing)-The Book of Changes, also known as the Yijing or I Ching, is one of the oldest Chinese classics, dating back over 3,000 years. It is a foundational text in Chinese philosophy, religion, and divination, and it has had a profound influence on Chinese culture and thought. The Book of Changes consists of a series of oracular statements, as well as commentary, that are organized into 64 hexagrams. Overall, the Book of Changes serves as a timeless guide for navigating the complexities of existence, offering wisdom, insight, and practical guidance for those seeking to understand the patterns of change and transformation in the world.
[3]64 Hexagrams-The core of the Book of Changes is its 64 hexagrams, which are each composed of six stacked horizontal lines, either broken (yin) or unbroken (yang). These lines can be arranged in various combinations, resulting in a total of 2^6, or 64, possible hexagrams.
Each line within a hexagram represents a different aspect of a situation or condition. The bottom line is considered the first, and the top line is the sixth. Depending on whether a line is solid or broken, and its position within the hexagram, it carries different meanings and interpretations.
Within each hexagram, certain lines may be marked as "changing lines," indicating that they are in a state of transition. When a line changes, it transforms into its opposite (yin becomes yang, and yang becomes yin), altering the meaning of the hexagram.
The Book of Changes contains judgments and commentary associated with each hexagram. These texts provide interpretations, advice, and insights into the meanings of the hexagrams and their relevance to specific situations.
[4]Lingbo Weibu- "Lingbo Weibu" (零拨微步) is a concept and technique in traditional Chinese martial arts, particularly associated with the Xingyiquan (形意拳) style. It translates to "Divine Transferring Micro-steps" or "Zeroing-In on the Small Steps." Lingbo Weibu is characterized by its precise footwork and agile movements, emphasizing rapid changes in direction and position to evade attacks and create openings for counterattacks. It focuses on small, subtle footwork adjustments rather than large, sweeping movements. Practitioners learn to shift their weight and adjust their stance with minimal motion, allowing them to maintain balance and stability while maneuvering. The technique emphasizes precise timing and positioning to evade attacks and close the distance with opponents effectively. Practitioners aim to move with efficiency and accuracy, anticipating their opponent's movements and capitalizing on openings. It requires practitioners to develop agility and flexibility in their footwork, enabling them to quickly change direction and adapt to changing circumstances in combat. Practitioners learn to move fluidly and dynamically, maintaining a constant readiness to respond to threats. Proper balance and coordination are essential components of Lingbo Weibu. Practitioners must maintain a stable and centered stance while executing intricate footwork patterns, allowing them to remain grounded and mobile at the same time. Its techniques are highly effective for evading attacks and defending against opponents' strikes and for counterattacking.
Lingbo Weibu remains a fundamental aspect of Xingyiquan and other traditional Chinese martial arts styles. Its emphasis on precision, agility, and adaptability continues to attract martial artists seeking to enhance their footwork skills and combat effectiveness. Lingbo Weibu serves as a testament to the ingenuity and sophistication of traditional Chinese martial arts techniques, embodying the principles of balance, control, and martial virtue.
[5]Jin Yong-Jin Yong, also known by his birth name Louis Cha Leung-yung, was a highly influential Chinese novelist widely regarded as one of the greatest modern writers of wuxia fiction. His's literary works have had a profound impact on Chinese popular culture, and his novels continue to be cherished by readers across generations.
He is best known for his wuxia novels, a genre of Chinese fiction that focuses on martial arts heroes and their adventures in ancient China. His novels are characterized by intricate plots, richly developed characters, and vivid depictions of martial arts techniques.
His's most famous novels include "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" (射雕英雄传), "The Return of the Condor Heroes" (神雕侠侣), "The Deer and the Cauldron" (鹿鼎记), "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" (天龙八部), and "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" (笑傲江湖), among others. These works have been adapted into numerous films, TV series, and other forms of media, further cementing Jin Yong's legacy.