Volume One, Chapter 16: Xu Da Recovers, Gains Valor and Mastery in Battle

Over the next few days, apart from helping Xu Da and Zhu Xiongying with their treatments, Xia Jingtian spent his time learning martial arts from Zhang Sanfeng in the small backyard.

Xu Da and Xu Miaoyun watched from the second floor, astonished by Xia Jingtian’s training with Zhang Sanfeng.

“Who would have thought that Divine Doctor Xia is a disciple of Zhang Sanfeng? Not only is he a master of medicine, but his martial skills are also exceptional. No wonder he became Zhang Sanfeng’s apprentice—truly a prodigy among men!” Xu Da remarked admiringly.

“I heard from the Empress that Zhang Zhenren suffered from an eye disease, which Divine Doctor Xia cured with surgery. The Grand Preceptor of the Mongol Yuan, who had kidnapped Princess Yingrao, was injured by Xia Jingtian’s firearm. It was after that incident that Zhang Zhenren accepted Xia as his disciple!” Xu Miaoyun explained.

“What kind of firearm can injure the Grand Preceptor of the Mongol Yuan? I must inquire about this. If it could be used in my Yan army, we would have no trouble dealing with the remaining scattered forces of the Yuan.” Xu Da said.

After capturing the Yuan dynasty’s capital, Dadu, Xu Da had been stationed there for more than a decade. Though remnants of the Mongol Yuan forces occasionally attempted a comeback, they were always defeated by Xu Da.

Xia Jingtian examined Xu Da’s body and found his recovery was much faster than expected.

“Duke Wei, I’ve checked. The abscess on your back has fully healed,” Xia Jingtian reported.

“This time I delayed responding to the Emperor’s summons for many days. Now that the abscess has healed, I must return to Yanjing. Please accept these gifts as a token of my gratitude!” Xu Da said sincerely.

Xia Jingtian was delighted to see the box filled with antique ceramics and vases.

“Thank you, Duke Wei!”

The Time-Space Divine Doctor System appeared before Xia Jingtian’s eyes.

[Congratulations, host, on successfully treating Xu Da. You have gained his brave and skilled combat ability and earned 3,500 merit points.]

“Jingtian, you have mastered the 24-style Tai Chi Fist and the 36-style Tai Chi Sword. Today, I will teach you Wudang’s ultimate skill—Cloud Ladder Flight. It is a technique I created, renowned as the lightest of all lightness skills. It focuses on agility and grace rather than confusing the enemy with intricate footwork. The essence lies in being light and nimble, moving freely up and down, forward and backward.

Once you master Pure Yang Infinite Skill, using Cloud Ladder Flight will be as easy as turning your palm. Watch closely!” Zhang Sanfeng said.

Zhang Sanfeng leapt from the ground onto the plants, then to the pavilion roof, and several bounding moves later, he was on the second-floor rooftop. From there, he descended as if walking down stairs.

“Master, Cloud Ladder Flight is amazing! I want to learn it!” Xia Jingtian said excitedly.

Zhang Sanfeng then began teaching Xia how to channel his energy and use Cloud Ladder Flight. He placed several wooden stakes in the ground, and Xia practiced jumping swiftly from one to another.

Within two days, Xia Jingtian had mastered Cloud Ladder Flight, flying swiftly around the courtyard.

“You have mastered Cloud Ladder Flight. For the next few days, we will spar together,” Zhang Sanfeng instructed.

For the next three days, aside from his duties, Xia Jingtian sparred with Zhang Sanfeng. Xia wielded a sword while Zhang held a wooden staff, and they exchanged blows in the small courtyard.

“Grandma, Divine Doctor Xia and Zhang Zhenren are incredible. Both of them can actually fly!” Zhu Xiongying said curiously, leaning against the window.

Empress Ma watched their sparring and silently marveled at Xia Jingtian’s sharp mind and determination. In just a few days, he had already learned Zhang Zhenren’s supreme techniques.

“That’s enough training for now. You have too much energy and stamina. We’ve been sparring for two hours. This old man needs a break,” Zhang Sanfeng waved his hand.

“Master, you’ve worked hard. Let me make you a cup of milk tea,” Xia Jingtian said.

He prepared a cup of pearl milk tea and handed it to Zhang Sanfeng.

Zhang Sanfeng took a sip and said, “This pearl milk tea is delicious. You really know how to enjoy life!”

Bang!

At that moment, the Moon Gate was kicked open. The fierce and menacing Grand Preceptor of the Mongol Yuan strode in, wielding a pair of golden wheels.

He glared angrily at Xia Jingtian and scolded Zhang Sanfeng, who was leisurely drinking milk tea in the pavilion.

“Zhang Sanfeng, hand over this brat! He actually dared to wound me with a firearm, forcing me to see a doctor to remove the bullet. I was bedridden for seven days before I could get up. I will slaughter this brat!” the Grand Preceptor raged.

Xia Jingtian looked at him in surprise, thinking, no wonder he dares to challenge Zhang Sanfeng.

Just a few days after being shot and having the bullet removed, he could already walk.

“He is Xia Jingtian, a divine doctor and now my disciple. There’s no way I’ll hand him over to you,” Zhang Sanfeng said, sipping his tea.

The Grand Preceptor scrutinized Xia Jingtian, disdain etched across his face.

“Zhang Sanfeng, you’re getting more confused by the day. This brat isn’t even fully grown, yet you call him a divine doctor. You’re the Wudang Sect leader, yet you accept him as your disciple! He’s not fit to learn martial arts!” the Grand Preceptor sneered.

“This is a place for healing, not for your rampage. Leave now, or I won’t be polite,” Xia Jingtian said, drawing his pistol and glaring at the Grand Preceptor.

The Grand Preceptor clanged his golden wheels against his iron armor, creating a metallic sound.

“Hmph! Last time I underestimated your brat. This time I came prepared, wearing iron armor. Your bullets won’t penetrate,” he laughed.

Xia Jingtian holstered his pistol and drew his Tai Chi sword. “If you refuse to leave, I will make sure you never return. Watch my sword!”

Whoosh!

Using Cloud Ladder Flight, Xia Jingtian flashed before the Grand Preceptor and thrust his sword at his neck.

Thud!

The Grand Preceptor blocked the attack with his golden wheels.

Whoosh!

The golden wheels spun, attacking Xia Jingtian.

Whoosh!

Xia Jingtian swiftly dodged. The Grand Preceptor hurled the golden wheels toward him.

Boom!

Xia Jingtian swung his Tai Chi sword, deflecting the golden wheels. Stepping back two paces, he held the sword firmly, though his body trembled as his internal energy surged chaotically.

He quickly practiced Pure Yang Infinite Skill to stabilize the flow of his internal energy.

“This disciple you just accepted not only knows Cloud Ladder Flight and Tai Chi sword, but also Pure Yang Infinite Skill,” the Grand Preceptor exclaimed.

“He is a once-in-a-century martial prodigy, absolutely worthy of being my disciple! If he hadn’t only just started martial arts and lacked inner power, give him two more years and he could have killed you,” Zhang Sanfeng said confidently.