The Nine Cauldrons

Book 2 Chapter 12 : How Time Flies

“Qingshan, you will learn Spear Arts from your uncle Yongxiang from now on.”

Although Teng Qingshan’s Spear Arts weren’t excellent, his true ability already exceeded that of his uncle’s. Not wanting to waste any time, he laughed and asked, “Uncle, do you have new techniques to teach me?”

“This…” Teng Yongxiang felt too awkward to say anything.

Teng Jia Village’s Spear Arts was cultivated by farmers, so how could there be new different techniques? Of course, different people performing the same move could yield entirely different strengths. However, this was based off experiences, and could not be taught.

Having seen Teng Qingshan’s prior practice, Yongxiang knew that it was already quite good, and so he had nothing useful to teach.

“We only have one set of Spear Arts, which you have already seen. That one set is enough to immerse ourselves in practice for our entire lifetimes,” Teng Yongxiang said.

“I already understand the basics and some general principles; I can refine them myself,” Teng Qingshan said.

Teng Yunlong and Teng Yongxiang looked at each other and couldn’t think of anything to say. At their current levels, they had nothing left to teach Teng Qingshan.

“From tomorrow onwards, will you do morning training with the other men?” Teng Yongxiang asked.

“I am just a kid, so I might as well train by myself in the Western Forest.” Teng Qingshan already had his own plans.

******

Teng Jia Village was constructed adjacent to the foot of the Great Yan Mountain.

As Teng Jia Village was contiguous to a large mountain, whenever there was heavy rainfall or strong winds, some stones would fall from the cliffs. In order to protect themselves, the villagers planted rows of large trees at the west side of the village, and these trees had turned into a dense forest after a thousand years.

Even if there were falling stones, they would effortlessly be blocked by the rows of trees.

Presently in the forest, there was a child wearing a blue cotton-padded jacket and holding a Green Zhennan Spear. Teng Qingshan casually stood with his right arm extended.

“Hu.” The fingers on his left hand firmly grasped the end of the long spear.

Teng Qingshan closed his eyes and stood completely still.

“What is Qingshan doing?” Not far away, Teng Yongxiang and Teng Yongfan watched quietly. Teng Yongxiang asked in a low voice, “Yongfan, your son is holding the spear while standing completely still. What kind of spear training is this? Why can I not see through it?”

“I also have no idea!” Teng Yongfan shook his head.

“Holding a spear like that wastes a lot of energy. Considering that Qingshan has a lot of strength, he can probably endure for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. Then, the spear tip will droop,” Teng Yongxiang evaluated.

Having spent half his lifetime on mastering the Spear Arts, Teng Yongxiang naturally knew what he was talking about.

One hour passed. Teng Qingshan still stood firmly without any movement.

The second hour passed. Teng Qingshan was still standing resolutely.

“How is this possible?” Having completed morning training, Teng Yongxiang and Teng Yongfan saw that Teng Qingshan still hadn’t moved from his stance, and they were quite astonished.

“Come on, let’s go,” Teng Yongfan said.

Teng Qingshan silently stood with his eyes closed. Inexplicably, his muscles and bones were emitting soft cries. Suddenly, Teng Qingshan’s ears moved, and he proceeded to retract his spear. Turning his head towards the onlookers, he laughed. “Father, Uncle, why did you come?”

“Qingshan, what were you just practicing?” Teng Yongfan skeptically asked.

“Why were you holding the spear for such a long time?” Teng Yongxiang was also confused. “Shouldn’t you be practicing spear thrusts?”

Teng Qingshan hesitated and thought, “Should I tell them? I am afraid that they will be shocked if I tell them the truth. Oh well, I guess I will just tell them a couple of details.” Teng Qingshan said with a childish tone of voice, “Dad, Uncle! I practiced like this in the past. I believe that regardless of the weapon, it should be an extension of your limbs. If I can let this spear become part of my body, I will be able to manifest tremendous strength.”

The childish nature of this speech shocked them both.

“A part of the body?” Teng Yongxiang and Teng Yongfan were flabbergasted.