War broke out in the Central Plains. In just a few days, Jingzhou and Yongzhou were lost successively. Everyone in Qingyang City was in danger. The two generals Zhu Wang and Ye Baiye were defeated in succession. Although the support from the rear was continuous and they had an absolute advantage in numbers, they were still in danger. It was difficult to stop the decline, and could only barely block the continued invasion of Yan, Chu and Liao.
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On this day, Cao Qiong, who had been in seclusion for a long time, came out of seclusion with his sword. The realm of heaven and man was so wonderful that he could clearly sense any disturbance within a hundred miles. Cao Qiong asked himself, now that he met Ling Xiaoyun, he had a 60% chance of winning, but he didn't know who was stronger or weaker against the Monk Kongshan, who was the best in the world.
It has been half a year since Cao Qiong entered seclusion, and little Lu Xiong has grown up vigorously under the careful care of a group of village women. Cao Qiong had high expectations for this young apprentice. He only hoped that Lu Xiong would grow up soon so that he could teach martial arts and fulfill the long-cherished wish of two generations.
As for how to raise a child, Cao Qiong, who had no worries in his life and only placed his love on the sword, was naturally confused. Fortunately, there were many women on the Sword God Mountain, which was a big help to the Sword God.
Just as Cao Qiong was wandering thousands of miles away, a figure flew over from a distance and hit Cao Qiong's side like a meteor. It was Sikong Li, the Great Chu Army God. Cao Qiong glanced at this junior and asked: "The God of War is not on the front line, so why are you coming to this Sword God Mountain?"
Sikong Li bowed and clasped his fists, and said: "Congratulations to the senior on your successful release from seclusion and the realm of heaven and man. The junior is fascinated by it. I sincerely ask the senior to give me some advice, so that the senior can know how much he weighs now."
Cao Qiong looked the junior in front of him up and down, and said with a smile: "Congratulations, Your Excellency, for breaking through another level. No wonder you ignored the war on the front line and came to me. But I still say that you can't have your cake and eat it too." To have both, if you want to reach the top of martial arts, don’t do two things at once.”
Sikong said solemnly: "Thank you for your advice, senior, but I still want to take that unprecedented path. Besides, joining the army and practicing martial arts are not in conflict with each other. Please feel free to give me some advice, senior!"
The Ni Bodhisattva was still angry. Seeing that Sikong Li was still stubborn, Cao Qiong couldn't help but get really angry: "Sikong Li, I'm trying to persuade you, but I'm just showing off my talents. Don't push yourself too far! Although your cultivation has improved to a higher level now. Lou, you have achieved the state of trance, but for me, it is just a matter of one sword!" After saying that, a strong sword intent exuded from his body, and his whole body was like a sharp sword, ready to be unsheathed at any time!
Seeing that Cao Qiong was really angry, Sikong Li quickly took a step back, cupped his fists and said, "Senior, don't blame me, I'm impatient. But now, looking at the top masters in the world, I only admire my senior."
Hearing this, Cao Qiong put away his arrogance, snorted coldly, and said: "Although you and I both follow the pure martial arts path, your Excellency prefers to fight on the battlefield, which is different from my swordsmanship. . It doesn’t mean much to you if you want to learn from me.”
Sikong Li thought for a moment and understood the true meaning of Cao Qiong's words, and said in a deep voice: "Thank you for your advice, senior. It's the junior who was rude."
Cao Qiong asked again: "Now that the world is in chaos, why don't you sit on the front line and why do you have time to come here?"
Regarding these important military and political matters, Sikong Li did not hide anything, and replied: "Senior, I don't know. Although we, Chu, have won consecutive battles, Liang still has a back-up plan. If Li Jian doesn't come out, we still don't know who will win." "
Cao Qiong sighed: "For the emperor's selfish desires, I don't know how many people will die in this world." After saying that, he waved his hand and issued an order to expel the guests.
When Sikong Li left, a white-haired old woman came out of the darkness and said in a harsh voice: "Cao Qiong, do you really want to put this burden on a child?" The old woman's name was Mei Shuyan, whom she had loved when she was young. Cao Qiong, who was wearing a green shirt and wielded a sword, had devoted his life to swords and was determined to reach the top of the sword. How could Cao Qiong care about the love between these children? After being rejected by Cao Qiong, Mei Shuyan voluntarily stayed on the Sword God Mountain, just for Lifelong companionship. Cao Qiong did not refuse people thousands of miles away again. After getting along day and night for a period of time, Cao Qiong was shocked to realize that although Mei Shuyan's martial arts skills were average, her vision was extremely high and she had unique insights into the way of swordsmanship. The two began to treat each other as brother and sister. Now that decades have passed, the tacit understanding between the two has become even better. What's more, there are no secrets from each other.
Hearing this, Cao Qiong frowned and said: "I have no interest in belonging to the world. I just promised my old friend back then. A gentleman will naturally fulfill his last wish. Besides, as Lu Xiong is his descendant, this will It’s his fate and there’s no escaping it.”
After getting along with Lu Xiong day and night, Mei Shuyan liked this little baby from the bottom of her heart. She really couldn't bear to let him bear such a heavy fate. She sighed: "I don't understand your commitment and righteousness, but you guys These grown men keep saying they are for their family, their country, their confidants and their brothers, but who of them has really thought about Lu Xiong? Do you really want him to bear the hatred of the country and your family? Do you really want him to live his life according to your wishes? " said After that, he turned around and left, just like Cao Qiong did back then, leaving only the lonely figure of the other party who was so close but so far away.
After asking three questions in succession, Cao Qiong could not help but remain silent. For the first time in his life, Cao Qiong, who had always been hard-hearted towards others and himself, felt shaken in his heart. Regardless of national hatred or family hatred, did he really want to decide his future path with a little baby? As soon as he thought of this, Cao Qiong felt depressed, so he flew the flying sword, soared up, and split the sky thousands of miles apart with one sword!
In the evening, Cao Qiong went to Mei Shuyan's residence alone. The latter was coaxing Lu Xiong to sleep. When he saw Cao Qiong arriving, he said angrily: "Isn't this our Cao Jian Shen who cares about the country and the people? Why don't you come here?" What's the point?"
Cao Qiong's face turned red and he sighed: "I have thought about it for a long time and feel that your words are reasonable. No matter what Lu Xiong's background is, I have no right to decide his future path. His fate should be in his own hands. "
Mei Shuyan couldn't help but be surprised and asked: "Are you serious about what you said?"
Cao Qiong nodded and continued: "In half a year, my disciple will be one year old soon. According to the customs in the Central Plains, when a child turns one year old, he must use the week to predict his future. At that time, you, sister, will arrange relevant matters for him. , if the object he grabs is any weapon, it proves that he cannot escape his fate. If he grabs other objects, I will not hesitate to be the treacherous person, let him grow up, protect him, and protect him from death. What do you think, little girl, of being carefree and living your whole life on the Sword God Mountain?"
Mei Shuyan knew that Cao Qiong had made a huge concession and was willing to risk the world's disapproval and break his promise with Lu Linyi, so he nodded and said: "That's very good, let Lu Xiong decide for himself." It’s fate.”
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The reason why Yunyin Temple in the Liang Kingdom is called the best temple in the world is because its abbot is Kongshan Monk, the best martial artist in the world. It is hard to imagine that this unassailable number one person in the world who has been at the pinnacle of martial arts for thirty years is a short, thin old monk with an unattractive appearance. At this time, the holy monk Kongshan was walking around the temple with a fair boy about five or six years old.
Along the way, the monks in the temple, young and old, would stop for a moment when they saw the two of them, put their hands together and salute, and the holy monk Kongshan would also smile and salute them one by one. The two of them walked to a secluded place in the back mountain. There were obviously fewer monks passing by. The Holy Monk of Kongshan whispered the Buddha's name and said softly: "Gongyang, your family has suffered a disaster, and now you are the only one left alive. I remember that your ancestor will believe in my Buddha for the rest of his life. From today on, I will accept you as a disciple and teach the Dharma. You Are you willing?"
The boy's name was Liu Gongyang. His grandfather had served as the prefect of Yangzhou in the Liang Kingdom. He was considered a high-ranking official in the border areas. He had been honest and charitable throughout his life. As the chief pilgrim of Yunyin Temple, he had a close relationship with the holy monk Kongshan and became a close friend. Later, because of his old age, he voluntarily resigned and returned to his hometown. He originally wanted to enjoy his old age, but because of his integrity, he refused to collude with others and offended other big officials in the officialdom. Without his official position behind him, he was quickly killed by his enemies. Late one night, a fire burned down the Liu Mansion. Except for the only grandson Liu Gongyang, who had high hopes, and was fostered in Yunyin Temple, he survived. None of the eight people survived! The holy monk of Kongshan couldn't bear the end of his old friend, so he made an exception and prepared to take Liu Gongyang into his sect. That's when he asked the question just now.
When Liu Gongyang heard this, he knelt down on the ground, kowtowed three times respectfully, and said, "Disciple is willing! Master, please accept my bow!"
Seeing this, the Holy Monk Kongshan took a step back, folded his hands on his abdomen, and showed no signs of joy or anger.
Liu Gongyang is still young, so naturally he doesn't know the true identity of the wizened old monk in front of him, nor does he know how much his kneeling will change him in the future, nor does he know how many people in the world today dream of this but can't. I just felt that this old monk had a kind face and felt close to him.
With just a few words, Monk Kongshan accepted his first and only direct disciple in his life. Lifting Liu Gong up, Kongshan Holy Monk said calmly: "From today on, you are the only disciple of Lao Monk. You need to always be by my side, eating fast, chanting Buddha's name, and practicing Buddhism. The life is very boring. Are you willing?"
Looking up at Kongshan Holy Monk, the two met each other's eyes. Liu Gongyang said: "I am willing to reply to Master, and I am not afraid of hardship. However, will I never see my parents or grandpa again in the future?" As he spoke, his eyes became wet again, but he stubbornly held back the tears.
The holy monk of Kongshan explained: "Silly boy, your relatives just went to the Western Paradise and passed away. They can also meet each other in dreams, so don't be too sad."
Liu Gongyang was influenced by his family ancestors since he was a child. Under the influence of his ears and eyes, he was very proficient in Buddhism, so he asked: "Master, is there really a paradise?"
The holy monk of Kongshan smiled and said: "Of course there is. Not only is there a paradise, but there is also Abi Hell. If you accumulate virtue and do good, you can go to the Western Paradise and be reborn. If you do evil, you will go to Abi Hell, suffer all the sufferings in the world, and will never be reincarnated. .”
Liu Gongyang believed deeply in his master's words and nodded heavily. Then he asked with a sad face: "Master, there is one more thing. After your disciple becomes your master, will he also have to shave his head and become a monk?"
Monk Kongshan's smile did not diminish: "Disciple, it doesn't matter. If you don't want to, just don't be ordained. There is a Buddha in your heart, so why bother about appearances."
Only then did Liu Gongyang smile.
From then on, the monks and pilgrims of Yunyin Temple could always see a little boy following the holy monk Kongshan all day long, inseparable.
