Chapter 58: That Isn't How You Perform the Shape-Imitating Fist
Chapter 58: That Isn't How You Perform the Shape-Imitating Fist
Translator: yikaii Editor: yikaii
The Everlasting Sect, one of the four major demonic sects.
"The Everlasting Sect, I remember they worship the Everlasting Being who is said to live forever, undying and unaging. By being a loyal follower of the Everlasting Sect, one can avoid the three disasters and five calamities of cultivation, extending one's lifespan," Meng Jingzhou recalled information about the Everlasting Sect.
These were basic facts, easily found with a little effort, though the truthfulness of the details couldn't be guaranteed.
"The Everlasting Sect recruiting is indeed a good opportunity. With the mixed crowd, the threshold will be much lower, and the identity check won't be as strict," Lu Yang was pleased, seeing this as great news.
He was worried that without any authentic demonic cultivation techniques, they wouldn't pass scrutiny with just their method of commanding ghost servants. Qin Yuanhao's news came just in time, a stroke of luck.
"Are we still going to kill Qin Yuanhao?" Barbarian Bone asked, wondering if it was still necessary.
"He's a menace either way. If possible, kill him, but don't use his bone token," Lu Yang stated. Regardless of whether they could infiltrate the demonic sect, Qin Yuanhao was a target.
Reaching the mid or late stage of Foundation Building in the demonic sect meant having several lives on one's hands.
Don't think that Qin Yuanhao was merciful for not killing his lackey; the lackey was still useful.
As long as the lackey could move and was useful to Qin Yuanhao, he lived. Once useless, death was certain.
"Why not use the bone token?"
While eating skewers served by the two specters, Lu Yang explained, "Relations among members of the demonic sect aren't as good as we imagined. By framing Qin Yuanhao, he'll conclude someone within the sect is against him."
"Using Qin Yuanhao's bone token to enter the sect would label us as his allies, possibly causing troubles everywhere. It's not worth it."
Barbarian Bone had an epiphany.
"But the sect is cautious enough to prevent their location from leaking, announcing it only the day before. Are they afraid of being discovered and eradicated by the righteous path?" Lu Yang chuckled.
"Continue tracking Qin Yuanhao, see if we can find the location of Yanjiang Rudder in advance. It's good to be prepared."
"It's getting late. If you need to cultivate, you should cultivate, if you need to rest, you should rest. Let's call it a day."
...
The next morning, Lu Yang yawned, got dressed, and had breakfast with everyone—a beef offal soup made by Barbarian Bone.
By then, Barbarian Bone had already returned from the market with a cart full of pork, beef, and lamb.
The beef marrow bones were simmered to make a broth seasoned with salt and other spices. After simmering for a while, a steaming bowl of beef offal soup was ready.
"Add more tripe," Lu Yang called out.
"Right away."
After a satisfying breakfast, everyone went about their tasks.
It was Barbarian Bone's turn to monitor, so after breakfast, he headed to the second floor, prepared to sit there all day.
Meng Jingzhou, unable to stay idle, probably went off to cause mischief somewhere.
The two specters were busy dividing the meat, chopping vegetables, threading skewers, and by evening, they were ready to greet customers, moving to the backyard to light the charcoal and grill all night long.
They worked from dawn till dusk, leading a fulfilling life.
Lu Yang had his own tasks. He took out "Shape-Imitating Fist," hoping to at least reach the beginner level. He had never practiced martial arts before and was uncertain.
"There's a first time for everything."
Lu Yang set up a basic sound isolation array in the backyard, blocking external noise and preventing his own sound from escaping.
He sat cross-legged, earnestly flipping through the book: "Shape-Imitating Fist, a martial art that imitates the characteristics and forms of various animals as well as depicting the images of human combat and daily life, includes Tiger Fist, Monkey Fist, Eagle Claw Fist, Snake Fist, etc. This book only contains Tiger Fist."
"Tiger Fist emphasizes imitating the form of a tiger, acquiring the tiger's techniques, infusing them with rationale, and integrating them into the spirit of the fist."
"Tiger Fist routines are short, concise, and compact, with smaller steps and movements, primarily using the three-seven step."
"To master Tiger Fist, the most dangerous step is observing tigers, preferably having experience fighting a tiger. This way, one can profoundly understand the tiger's combat style and better imitate it."
The hardest step of Tiger Fist was actually easy for Lu Yang, who had fought and defeated a tiger demon.
Lu Yang slowly closed his eyes.
Growls, pounces, tears... The tiger demon's various attacks surfaced in Lu Yang's mind, vivid as if happening right before him.
Though the tiger demon was slain by him, Lu Yang had to admit it was a formidable foe with aspects worth learning from.
Of course, calling for his wife's help was unnecessary and, for the time being, unlearnable.
The image of the tiger demon and Lu Yang's own figure gradually overlapped, merging into one, with the human figure acquiring the tiger's techniques.
Lu Yang repeatedly simulated the movements of Tiger Fist in his mind, with initially awkward actions becoming increasingly agile, as if possessed by a fierce tiger, roaring in his thoughts.
This was something only Foundation Building cultivators could achieve, requiring a high demand on spiritual consciousness, impossible for mortal warriors.
Lu Yang opened his eyes, fierce and tiger-like.
He leaped up, firmly standing on the ground, posed ready, exhaling forcefully, powering his breath, stomping to bolster his presence, fierce and forceful.
The two specters in the house, hearing Lu Yang's punches, were startled, fearing the tiger demon had revived.
Peeking at Lu Yang through the door, they relaxed upon seeing it wasn't the tiger demon and continued their work.
After completing a set, Lu Yang felt energized, full of inexhaustible strength.
He seized the feeling to perform several more sets, each smoother than the last, each move strong and powerful.
Regardless of its applicability in combat, even a Tiger Fist master couldn't find fault with Lu Yang's performance.
"Not quite right, there's room for improvement."
Lu Yang's movements sped up, his mind calm like a still lake, each gesture revealing deeper insights into the fist technique.
Punching, kicking... As his understanding deepened, the shadow of the tiger demon faintly appeared behind him.
"Roar—"
Reaching a peak in his insight, Lu Yang's understanding culminated in a vigorous tiger roar.
"Why am I lying on the ground?" Lu Yang came back to his senses, puzzled why he couldn't stand, his legs weak after several attempts.
"What's happening?" Lu Yang couldn't understand the issue with practicing the fist technique, considering his supposed talent for it.
Lu Yang had a bad feeling and crawled to a water tank to see his reflection.
He had turned into a tiger.
A grand achievement in Tiger Fist, indeed.
"Lu Yang, guess what I saw in town, a tofu shop with a fascinating mascot."
Meng Jingzhou returned from his wanderings, curious to see Lu Yang's progress in the backyard.
Then, he saw a tiger demon looking into a mirror by the water tank.
"Damn, a monster!"
(End of the chapter)