Chapter 6: A Bowl of Plain Porridge

Neither Zhuang Yunzhen nor Liang Xi could have anticipated that Mu Chenyuan’s fate would ultimately be expulsion; such an ending was something Mu Chenyuan naturally could not accept. That man was proud to his core—forcing a prodigy of a sect to acknowledge defeat was surely the greatest blow. “What’s wrong? Are you two perhaps feeling pity for Mu Chenyuan? There’s no need. If either of you were eliminated in the end, Mu Chenyuan would be delighted beyond measure. For someone like him, don’t soften your hearts—this outcome is already quite merciful. If not for the consideration of his master, he would have died here today.”

“To try tricks in front of me… Forget it, the matter of that boy is past. But you two, you truly surprise me. I never imagined I would encounter practitioners of the Cloud Ascending Codex!” The Keeper of the Pavilion spoke plainly, revealing the reason behind Zhuang Yunzhen and Liang Xi’s remarkable abilities. At once, the two felt as though faced with a formidable foe, and the atmosphere grew tense again.

Seeing this, the Keeper smiled, “Gentlemen, there’s no need to be nervous. I’ve been in the Palace of Ten Thousand Swords for many years and know a thing or two about the Cloud Ascending Codex. Rest assured, I have no interest in that divine art, nor will I ever speak of it to outsiders. Carrying such peerless skills, you must remain discreet; otherwise, you’ll inevitably be caught in a whirlpool from which there is no escape.”

“If possible, I’d like to test your abilities—your trial is not yet over. Lei Pengfei’s Thunder Gang is not so easily entered. In this realm of Celestial Cloud, everyone hates the Thunder Gang, but they also fear it. They wish to destroy it again, but lack the strength, resulting in this twisted situation.”

“Mu Chenyuan is out; his entourage has naturally left as well. Now, if you truly wish to eradicate the Thunder Gang, your only reliable allies are each other. Your teamwork just now was impressive. No need for more words—I know you’ve just descended the mountain, especially you, Liang Xi; you don’t know any martial forms. Therefore, I’ll only use simple moves in our duel. If you can best me in a single exchange, you win.”

“At this stage, aren’t you curious about the reward awaiting you once you pass the Palace of Ten Thousand Swords’ trial? This reward is truly a godsend for you both. Zhuang Yunzhen, you study the Heavenly Scroll of the Cloud Ascending Codex, focusing on techniques; Liang Xi, you cultivate the Earth Scroll, focusing on qi. One lacks forms, the other lacks true force—an imbalance.”

“Thus, your reward will be ‘Sword Qi as One’—the sword as form, qi as power. Isn’t that perfectly suited for you? This was a divine skill created by the Palace’s master in ages past. Though not as heaven-defying as the Cloud Ascending Codex, it is extremely powerful, and for you now, it’s the ideal reward. But to claim it, you must defeat me!” The Keeper smiled.

He clearly favored Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen. With a swift motion, he attacked, using only palm techniques, no true qi—just pure forms. Zhuang Yunzhen hastily countered with his own boxing forms. While he had not cultivated true qi, he was thoroughly versed in his technique, and the moves themselves, drawn from the Cloud Ascending Codex, were exquisitely intricate. The longer he fought, the more the subtlety of his forms shone.

In a moment, they had exchanged dozens of moves. The Keeper’s palms flew, thinking a few exchanges would suffice to subdue the youth, but unexpectedly, the contest continued much longer. “Good! Your technique is endlessly varied. I’ve always known the Cloud Ascending Codex was formidable, but today, I’ve seen it firsthand. Though I didn’t use true qi, you’ve managed to fight me for so long—remarkable.”

Indeed, the Keeper was powerful; in this fight, he used only a fraction of his strength. As it wore on, his admiration grew. “Liang Xi, you still refuse to act? Can’t you halt time itself? Why don’t you use that technique?”

“Sir, it’s not that I won’t use it, but that it cannot be sustained for long. Otherwise, I would lose control. With my senior brother present, I feel secure. How about this—if he can draw even with you, could you allow us to pass? The next stages will only get more complex, and we’d rather not reveal all our abilities yet.”

“Lei Pengfei is obviously extraordinary—a man of skill and power. If the Thunder Gang rises again, we won’t know how to answer to our master.”

“That’s a fine idea, and it matches my own thoughts. I’m sure you both wish to learn ‘Sword Qi as One.’ For you, it’s tremendously beneficial. Sword Qi as One is both sword technique and mindset, with four realms. I’ll explain them later; for now, I truly wish to see how strong your senior brother is!”

Unconsciously, the Keeper began to use true qi, and the situation changed. Ordinary palms now carried layers of internal force. Facing this, Zhuang Yunzhen felt pressure, struggling to endure. The Keeper noticed his discomfort, “Apologies, old habits die hard after years of combat. Against masters, I instinctively use true qi. Are you alright? That internal force shouldn’t have wounded you.”

“No need to worry, sir—I’m perfectly fine. Your skill is truly impressive! I’m deeply awed.” At seventeen, Zhuang Yunzhen had never seen such palm techniques. In his understanding, such forms should be grand and forceful, but the Keeper’s palms were both powerful and subtle, using finesse to overcome brute strength. This was all he could grasp for now—the Keeper’s palm technique was uncanny.

“You have a knack for flattery, but this palm method hasn’t been used in many years. At first, it was all about grand, forceful moves, but I found they consumed too much true qi. So I wondered: if I blended finesse into the forceful palm, what would happen?”

“To realize this idea, I spent years of effort. Fortunately, living in the Palace of Ten Thousand Swords, meeting countless masters daily, I could perfect it. Now, Zhuang Yunzhen, I intend to pass this palm method to you. Don’t feel undeserving—you lasted dozens of rounds without defeat, showing remarkable perseverance. More importantly, you sense the finesse in my palms.”

“That’s a rare destiny. Soon you’ll learn Sword Qi as One, and combined with my palm method, you will surely achieve greatness. The only pity is that my palm method has no name. If you think of a good one, name it yourself—I’d be delighted. Its core is ‘when extremes are reached, they reverse.’ You wonder why force and finesse can coexist? It’s because of those four words.”

When extremes are reached, they reverse? Does this mean that when something reaches its limit, it turns toward the opposite? Unclear, truly unclear. Zhuang Yunzhen’s expression grew solemn, pondering deeply. Compared to Liang Xi, Zhuang Yunzhen was more reserved, having learned to reflect since childhood.

The Keeper was satisfied to see this—if the youth could learn to think, he had found the right student for his palm method. Liang Xi was equally pleased, though not adept at contemplation; he preferred to hone himself through combat, adapting as he fought. If his senior brother mastered this palm method, he would be glad.

“Liang Xi, you study the Earth Scroll of the Cloud Ascending Codex, but you possess great power without knowing how to use it. Now your senior brother can still protect you, but have you considered—if Zhuang Yunzhen is in danger, how will you defend him if you lack strength?”

“In the Palace of Ten Thousand Swords, Sword Qi as One is mainly meant for you, teaching swordsmanship without requiring a blade. For you yourself are the sharpest sword. Over the years, I’ve seen countless sword masters, many progressing from wielding swords to mastering swordless realms. Though possible, it’s fraught with problems. What I want to tell you is, Sword Qi as One begins directly from the swordless stage.”

“Remember, no matter how agile a divine weapon, it cannot match your own hands and feet. Imagine yourself as a sword; when you learn sword forms, even other advanced techniques, you’ll be unimpeded.” Today Liang Xi heard these words for the first time, quite contrary to his master’s teachings. Still, both he and Zhuang Yunzhen felt they had entered a new world, beginning their cultivation from the swordless stage—the path truly suited to them.

“Now, don’t disturb your senior brother. This moment is crucial for him. If he grasps the principle of extremes reversing, his technique will grow even more formidable.”

Zhuang Yunzhen now sat on the ground, but he wasn’t really pondering—he had fallen asleep. The trial in the Palace was over, and the sweet fragrance in the air lulled him easily. He didn’t know how long he slept, but upon waking, he found it was night.

“It’s nighttime already? That nap was wonderfully restful. Wait—from day to night, that’s the reversal of extremes. After night comes day again—yes, that’s the principle! I think I understand now.”

“Hahaha, excellent! You’ve grasped it—the alternation of day and night is exactly the reversal of extremes. Now you understand this principle; how far you can take the palm method depends on your own talent!”

The palm method’s logic was indeed the reversal of extremes, alternating and interlinked, inspired by sun and moon. Now, he would name it ‘Sun and Moon Shining Together.’ Yes, that was a good name.

“Sun and Moon Shining Together? Aptly named! Now, watch carefully as I demonstrate these techniques. The palm method has eight moves, usable individually or in combination. As your skill deepens, you’ll discover countless subtleties, but for now you needn’t worry about that. I spent years perfecting it, so you won’t need to refine it further for quite a while. After you’ve learned it, it will surely aid you.”

The palm method was fierce yet nimble, alternating force and finesse in a seamless flow. Zhuang Yunzhen had never encountered such a style; unconsciously, he followed the Keeper in training. His ability to learn was high, and soon he mastered the connections among the eight moves.

“Good! You truly have a gift for palm techniques. Before, I feared my palm method would vanish without a successor, but I met you here in the Palace—that’s fate.”

“But Zhuang Yunzhen, Liang Xi, you must remember: though I’ve guided you, we are not master and disciple. Your insights in the Palace are your own fortune. Per our previous agreement, I should now take you to see Sword Qi as One. Follow me.”

The Keeper led, Zhuang and Liang followed. After passing through the corridor and turning left, they saw a locked wooden door.

“Sword Qi as One is within. Enter now.” As the words fell, the lock clicked open. The two pushed the door and entered. The room was small and simply furnished, but there was no sign of the sword technique—only many fist-sized stones floating, glowing softly. “You see these floating stones? This is Sword Qi as One. Place your palms on them, and the skill will be transmitted into your bodies.”

Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen felt calm, following the Keeper’s instructions. At once, a vast aura poured into their bodies. Sword Qi as One was both sword technique and mindset. Liang Xi learned the sword technique, lacking protective forms; Zhuang Yunzhen learned the mindset, for technique alone was insufficient. Sword Qi as One had four levels: Rainbow Sword Qi, Sword Drawn for Merit, Sword Heart with Lute Courage, and Ten-Year Sword.

“These four levels are both mental and technical realms. Though only four moves, you’ve already sensed their immense power. Now, Sword Qi as One has found its masters. Soon you’ll leave; your task in the Palace is complete, and once you exit, I and this palace will depart as well.” The Keeper spoke gently, as if discussing something unrelated to himself.

“No need for sadness; the Palace’s duty was to guard Sword Qi as One. Now its task is finished, so it need not remain.” Chance brought us together—there’s no need for sorrow. Well, my task is done; I’ll send you out now. Zhuang Yunzhen, the eight moves I taught you—you will comprehend them further in combat, and I know you’ll surpass me one day.” With a sweep of his palm, he sent the brothers out.

“They’re out—they’re out! I never thought someone could survive the Palace’s trial!” But just then, the Palace trembled and faded into nothing, leaving only the Keeper’s faint words in the air: “Everyone, the Palace’s task is complete. For many years it brought harm to many; henceforth, it shall be no more. There’s no need to let trials breed discord.”

What had happened? Why had the Palace vanished? Surely it was something Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen had done. Without the Palace, would Celestial Cloud still be the same? “Tell us, what did you two do? Before you came, the Palace was fine. We used to come here to hone our skills, but now it’s gone—what are we to do?”

In an instant, Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen went from revered figures to targets of blame—a rapid reversal. “Enough! Look at yourselves—veteran masters ganging up on two children. How dignified! The Keeper’s words were clear; his task is finished, meaning Zhuang Yunzhen and Liang Xi have completed the trial. If it’s over, why linger?”

“Is it only you who deserve to pass the trial? Must others be denied?” Lei Pengfei, silent till now, finally could not endure, stepping in front of Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen and speaking loudly.

Now, the two said nothing, which was wisest. Seeing Lei Pengfei speak, the crowd fell silent. Though young, Lei Pengfei had earned great prestige in Celestial Cloud, and his ruthless methods inspired fear. As no one spoke, he continued, “According to Thunder Gang rules, anyone who passes the Palace’s trial becomes one of us. Opposing the Thunder Gang—you all know what fate awaits.”

Lei Pengfei was not angry, but his casual words chilled everyone. None dared challenge the Thunder Gang; after all, what mattered more—divine skill or survival? Clearly, the latter.

“Since there are no objections, disperse. Surely you have things to do; lingering here is unwise.” The crowd breathed a collective sigh of relief, realizing now was the time to leave, lest the young master change his mind and bar their departure.

“Brothers, you are truly heaven-sent to aid my Thunder Gang. As agreed, from now on you are our people. At last, the Thunder Gang can regain its former glory. In Celestial Cloud, rest and train at ease—no one will dare harm you.” With that, Lei Pengfei led Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen toward the Thunder Gang’s headquarters.

Why was Lei Pengfei unconcerned about what skill the two had obtained? Because when they emerged from the Palace, he knew that whatever power they possessed belonged to the Thunder Gang. Since it was theirs, he need not know the details. He wondered if making them elders was enough; pity the chief’s post could not be ceded, else they might lead the gang while he operated from the shadows.

After years of development, the Thunder Gang’s base had grown impressive—a massive blue-gray structure, second only in height to the Palace. With the Palace gone, the Violet Thunder Hall became Celestial Cloud’s tallest building.

“The Palace was awe-inspiring, but the Violet Thunder Hall is equally grand. It’s named for the purple thunder ore used throughout its construction; no other materials were used. If outsiders enter uninvited, they will be struck by thunder.”

“I’m back! Today is a joyous day. These are Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen, whom I mentioned in my letter. From now on, they are Thunder Gang disciples—no, I misspoke, elders.”

“Greetings, elders!” The disciples knew proper etiquette. Yes, they must greet the elders. Now, the Thunder Gang had only five disciples, with elder positions vacant for years. At last, two young heroes joined—how could they not rejoice?

Indeed, the gang now had only five disciples, residing in the vast Violet Thunder Hall, a bit lonely. But that was over—the loneliness was past. To pass the Palace’s trial was proof of real talent; the chief sought true ability, not the failures of old.

Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen observed the Hall; it differed greatly from the Palace, which was majestic, while the Hall, though grand, felt oddly uncomfortable. Was it their imagination? “Elders, you must be weary—let me take you to the rest quarters.” A smiling, rustic girl spoke—this was Qing Shu, her demeanor as gentle as her name, always dressed in soft green, pleasing to the eye.

“Our Thunder Gang hasn’t been lively for years. The last time was when Young Master Pengfei became chief—a child then, but his gaze inspired trust. We’ve been dormant so long; now, with Pengfei as chief, the gang will surely regain its former glory.” Qing Shu was a chatterbox, especially on the gang’s history. “Qing Shu, is your nickname Little Sparrow? I think you must be the Sparrow’s master.”

Liang Xi couldn’t help himself, reverting to mischief. Had he not noticed Qing Shu’s displeasure? Still, she replied, “Everyone likes to call me that.” Such honesty was unexpected—Qing Shu was truly straightforward. “Ah, how dull you are! I was joking, and you answered so seriously. I thought my brother was wooden, but now there are two!”

“Little Mat—being your senior, it seems I haven’t disciplined you in a while, and you’re getting ever more unruly.” Zhuang Yunzhen felt his younger brother said anything when relaxed.

“Qing Shu, my brother’s mouth is always so wicked. Don’t take it to heart; though his manners are rough, he’s actually very dependable.”

Qing Shu had never been addressed so kindly, and was a bit overwhelmed. “I dare not. I’ve heard you grew up together, with deep affection. In Celestial Cloud, such bonds among brothers are rare—everyone seeks strength, so brotherhood means little.”

“Elders, these are your bedrooms. I’ll take my leave. If you need anything, just ask—I’ll do whatever I can.” With that, Qing Shu ran off.

She was a sweet girl, but living in the Thunder Gang was a pity. In Yunzhou, she would have had different experiences; if mother saw her, she’d be delighted.

“This day has worn me out—I must sleep well tonight.” Sleeping was Liang Xi’s greatest hobby; for this, he’d often been punished by master and brother, but never could he shake the habit. “You’re old enough and still the same.”

“Zhuang, don’t say that—you’re just as stubborn. For ten years you’ve been so rigid; your nickname is Zhuang, but I never meant for you to become a block of wood.”

Bantering with his brother was always fun. “Hm? What’s this?” Liang Xi found a small paper ball in his palm. “Senior brother, I am the Nail. For this day, I’ve waited many years. I was trained by Old Dao. I thought this day would never come, but at last, you arrived. All these years, I’ve been alone, striving by myself!”

“I thought, even without help, even if I’m alone, I must complete this task. Now I’ve seen you, and you possess the Palace’s power—I’m truly glad. I am Qing Shu, but my identity as the Nail must not be revealed. It’s not time yet. When the moment comes, we’ll join forces; that’s my hope and my plan.”

Liang Xi read the note and thought of Qing Shu’s gentle exterior—how much strength lay beneath it? All these years, alone—how did she endure? “This girl is brave, preserving her strength even in peril. She truly trusts Old Dao, and he trusts her in return.”

“Let’s act as though we know nothing. Qing Shu has prepared for years; she must have a plan, and I sense it’s already underway. All we need do is stand by her when she’s in danger, so she’s not isolated.” Zhuang Yunzhen calmly offered the best advice, and Liang Xi agreed—having his brother meant he need not worry.

“Come, come! Today I’m truly delighted. You five have seen the power of Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen—anyone here able to pass the Palace’s trial? None. Our Thunder Gang once dominated Yunxuan and Yunzhou, but now we shrink in Celestial Cloud. As chief, I’ve failed you, and failed our ancestors. I used to think restoring the gang would take years, but now I can tell you—Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen are here, and our plan can succeed.”

Lei Pengfei’s spirit soared, and Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen sighed—his resolve and martial skill were first-rate, but sadly misapplied. His initial heroism now turned to fervor.

Qing Shu remained silent, always docile, never arguing with any brother or sister. “Hahaha, Qing Shu, when I took you as a disciple, I asked your wish—you said it was to go home, for you’d had enough of Celestial Cloud!”

“I said, from now on, the Thunder Gang is your home. With me here, no one will bully you. You may not know martial arts or techniques, but you possess a power—a trustworthy one. Now, I can finally tell you, we’ll soon go home.”

They were master and disciple in truth, but Lei Pengfei knew the gang fell due to betrayal, so he called himself senior brother, hoping that would help.

“Senior brother, indeed! Qing Shu once tried to sneak home several times, but got lost and had to return. Now the Thunder Gang will rise again—no one will get lost anymore.” Bai Yuan laughed.

“Brother Bai always teases me.” Was it teasing? Probably not. Yet after all these years, Qing Shu remained so pure—a good thing. After the gang’s resurgence, they must not repeat past mistakes.

“All right, today is a day for joy. You are my gang, or rather, my most trusted people. I know that, whatever happens, you’ll never betray me…” Lei Pengfei was drunk, clearly overjoyed.

“Lei Pengfei is of two minds—he’s done much for Celestial Cloud, and without his thunderous methods, it wouldn’t be as it is. Yet for those who cross him, he’s ruthless. Now, with us three caught in the middle, we must be careful.”

Another paper note from Qing Shu—she truly was resourceful, able to pass messages unnoticed. “Brothers, do not act rashly. At the banquet, you saw how much he trusts me. My plan has begun, and soon I will be able to leave. I know you see me as adept at patience, but I dislike it.”

“Lei Pengfei wants to change the gang’s reputation, but that’s impossible—no matter how much he does, he cannot erase the harm Thunder Gang caused in Yunzhou.”

“Brothers, you have peerless skills but weak foundations. Acting rashly will only put you in danger, which I do not wish to see. You must conserve your strength—never let anyone know about the Cloud Ascending Codex unless absolutely necessary.”

“Lei Pengfei has always coveted that skill. If he discovers it’s right beside him, the consequences would be unimaginable.” Qing Shu’s words held power and resolve. Still, must they merely watch? Yes, for now, that was all they could do. At least, in this moment, Qing Shu was safe.

“Zhuang, I’ve never felt this way before—is this what it means to be protected? To know everything, yet be unable to act?” Not just Liang Xi— even the steadfast Zhuang Yunzhen struggled to accept it. Yet if they refused, what could they do? Act now? That would be easy, but if it ruined Qing Shu’s years of preparation, that would be unforgivable.

Every day, after training, Lei Pengfei drank a bowl of plain porridge—a habit unchanged for years, known to no one. In his youth, he witnessed an uncle’s death after his habits were exploited. Such a fate would never befall him, so his habits shifted daily—except for the porridge. That bowl had once saved his life, and he never imagined its taste would be so profound. Since then, porridge became part of him. By drinking it, his strength grew deeper; despite being a psychological trick, it worked for him, so it was the best.