Translator: Myuu Editor: Myuu
Such is the world we live in. There will always be someone who can find the answer to complicated questions, while the more basic and simple questions are sometimes even tougher to get an answer to. This was because these simple questions were usually the fundamentals — like why do apples fall onto the ground? Why are the earth and bubbles round? As simple as these questions sound, only people with true wisdom can answer them. To answer simple questions like these, it would take a complete understanding of the nature of the world we live in.
Why must the handle of a spear be flexible? This question tested Yan Liqiang’s understanding of the properties of a spear.
Although Yan Liqiang had technically lived two lives, with his brain stuffed with all kinds of scientific knowledge and life experiences, he could not think of an answer to Li Hongtu’s question no matter how much he tried squeezing his brain.
At last, Yan Liqiang relented. With a shameful look, he turned to Li Hongtu, “Master, I have never really given any thought to this question before. I have been practicing my basic spear techniques with a stiff spear to strengthen my arms. As time passed, I became too comfortable with it that I even forgot that a spear can be flexible. Now, it seems that I have been wrong the whole time…”
“The basics of spear techniques are none other than blocking, holding and thrusting. Other techniques such as splitting, snapping, poking, twirling, and intertwining are all derived from those three basic moves. This is also true for other long-ranged weapons such as pikes, lances, and javelins. So, it is not a problem for you to practice using a stiff spear. However, if you want to achieve greater success in your spear technique without understanding its true principles, it would be impossible!” Li Hongtu shook his head.
“Master, why must the spear handle be flexible?”
Li Hongtu mischievously blinked at Yan Liqiang, “Tell me, why are your hands flexible but strong? Why are you able to extend and retract your hands whenever you like? Why are your fingers not the same length and size?”
“Well…” Yan Liqiang scratched his head, clueless.
Li Hongtu opened his arms wide as he explained, “Human hands are the most exquisite gifts in a human body. The hands of a warrior give him the ability to go to war and kill his enemies while using all kinds of weapons to protect his homeland. The hands of a chef give him the ability to cook all kinds of heavenly dishes. The hands of a carpenter give him the ability to build buildings, furniture, and everything else he can imagine. Humans can do anything with a pair of hands, even change his surroundings or be a king! That is why hands are born flexible but strong, extendable and retractable, long and short, thick and thin. This leads to an ever-changing Yinyang field. With these changes come all possibilities!”
The more Li Hongtu spoke, the more excited he became, and his eyes lit up.
This was like a kick in the head for Yan Liqiang. He was shaken as Li Hongtu’s words enlightened his world like a candle in a dark room.
“Master, do you mean that the flexibility in a spear is just like the flexibility in our hands? It can form an interchangeable Yinyang field too?”
Li Hongtu stared into Yan Liqiang’s eyes as he continued, “The flexibility of a spear is exactly what the Yinyang field is! When you are in a battle, this Yinyang field variation gives you the edge, and thus you will have full control over your opponent’s life. With just a spear, you can conquer the world and do everything fearlessly. This is why the spear is crowned as the king of all weapons. Everyone knows that, but not many know why exactly. In fact, other weapons can be called as the lord, the knight, the tyrant, the brave, or whatever they like, but the spear will always be the king!”
“Master, how do I gain control of the Yinyang field?”
Li Hongtu enthusiastically beamed, “Nine words. Memorize by heart, understand by mind, apply by hand!”
All Yan Liqiang knew was that he knew nuts about what Li Hongtu just said. Although none of the nine words were new to him, when they were all put together, it formed a sentence he could not understand. It was just too deep for him. It was beyond his understanding.
“Master, how do I put these words into practice?”
“This is what I want to teach you. The real stuff I’ve been talking about. Once you master this, you will be able to see through all kinds of spear techniques or skills. It will be like child’s play in your eyes, no matter what your opponents do! This is the one skill which can defeat a million skills!”
Yan Liqiang was so moved upon hearing this. He could feel his own blood boiling. He couldn’t wait to learn, “Master, I need to learn this now, no matter what!”
“Hahaha!” Li Hongtu laughed, “Of course. You are my disciple. I will force you to learn it, even if you don’t want to! Now, watch!”
As he spoke, Li Hongtu grabbed the Dragon Spine Steel spear. He started by squatting down and holding the spear vertically with both his hands. Then, he started shaking his hands, and the spear started to vibrate in response. Soon, his whole body was vibrating, and the spear resonated in sync.
Li Hongtu had been pitching his secret skill for so long, and it sounded too good to be true. Now that it was time to demonstrate, Yan Liqiang almost fainted watching it. This was such a simple exercise. Even a ten-year-old could do this, let alone Yan Liqiang.
This simple exercise was the way to master the ultimate spear technique? Yan Liqiang was doubtful.
“Is that clear?” Li Hongtu asked.
“Master, I am clear about the action, but what is the hidden reason behind it?”
“You are doubting this, aren’t you? You don’t believe that such an exercise can help you master the ultimate spear technique I told you about, do you?” Li Hongtu could see what was on Yan Liqiang’s mind.
“A little… yes…” Yan Liqiang said, a little embarrassed.
“A sentence of truth is better than a whole library of lies. To master real skills, people always assume it takes tough and impossible training. In fact, most often than not, it is not as complicated as they think!”
“But Master, what is the secret when practicing this?” Yan Liqiang asked.
“Hahaha! You are a diamond in the rough! Of course there is a secret. Come closer…” Li Hongtu blinked at Yan Liqiang.
Just seconds ago, Li Hongtu was proudly articulating his techniques, and now he was acting all mysterious. Yan Liqiang did not bother with it, so he moved his ear closer to Li Hongtu.
There was absolutely nobody nearby, yet Li Hongtu checked around to make sure it was a safe place before he moved his lips closer to Yan Liqiang’s ear. With a hand covering his mouth, he whispered in Yan Liqiang’s ear, “Remember. There are two secrets to it. First, free your hand and relax your body. Second, the most important four words — focus on your ears!”
Once he finished the sentence, Li Hongtu took a step back and spoke with his normal tone, “Do you remember everything I told you just now?”
Yan Liqiang nodded, albeit feeling that it was a little absurd, “Yes!”
“Hahaha! Good! You will understand the first secret once you practice enough. The second secret is the most important one. Never tell a single soul about it, except your own disciple. Do not even trade the four words with even a million gold bars. The move I showed you just now looks like a simple exercise anyone can practice. There is nothing special to it. However, apply the second secret to it, and you will be able to master the essence of the ultimate spear technique. Without this, you can practice till the cow comes home, and nothing will happen other than gaining some stamina. So, keep this secret to yourself, and nobody can learn anything even if they imitate everything you do. Understood?”
“Understood! Don’t worry, Master. Unless I have a disciple, I will never pass this secret onto anyone!” Yan Liqiang pledged.
“Sigh… There are too many people with ill intentions. If they discover such an easy technique to master the ultimate spear technique, the world will be in chaos, and I will have blood on my hands. Besides, this secret is the essence of Chinese martial arts. I will be damned if the other races learn about it. This is why we have to be careful about it. This secret can never be passed through writing, only by word of mouth!” Li Hongtu suddenly yawned after he finished speaking. He pointed at the pool under the waterfall, “From now on, you must practice every morning on that rock beneath the waterfall. Make sure you practice till noon.”
“Master, when will I able to complete the training?”
“Haha! That is not up to me. You will know once you succeed in your training. Now, I must take a nap. I have already taught you everything. Take your time and practice. And also, Liqiang, fix my hut when you are free. There’s some leaking on the roof.” Li Hongtu yawned again as he walked towards the hut, leaving Yan Liqiang standing there alone.
Yan Liqiang looked at the spear in his hand, then at Li Hongtu who was strolling away. Everything seemed surreal…
