Chapter Three: The Secret Tome of the Ghost Valley

Chapter Three: The Secret Canon of Ghost Valley

Part One: The Hidden Immortal Traces of the Cold Homeland (Part Three)

"I will be sure to keep this in mind!" Ye Hua cupped his fists, bowing low in respect. After a brief silence, he looked up to find that the Daoist Lingxu had already vanished, leaving only his father, Ye Ren, gazing at him in a daze. Ye Hua stepped forward to support his father, and together they slowly made their way back to their guest room.

Once in his room, Ye Hua unwrapped the silk scroll. A cursory glance revealed obscure and convoluted Zen phrases and incantations. Reading carefully, he noticed the passage lacked both beginning and end. He mused, "This must be a middle section of the scroll. Who knows how many parts are missing?"

After some thought, Ye Hua resolved, "I should memorize this incantation until I know it by heart, in case of unforeseen circumstances." He immediately sat down to commit it to memory. Fortunately, Ye Hua had an excellent recall, having been skilled in recitation since childhood. Though awkwardly phrased, after a dozen repetitions he found he could recite it fluently without error.

Having finished, Ye Hua took out the dragon-shaped jade pendant from his bosom. Since acquiring it, he would often examine it in solitude. The pendant contained the "Daoist Method Compendium, Upper Volume" in fifty-four chapters. It began with the "Sixfold Primordial Celestial Wishful **," which, besides detailing many talismans and incantations, was attributed to an elder named Shuangqiao.

One treatise, "Direct Instruction for Cultivation," stated: The essence of our school's cultivation lies in refining one's true self, relying on nothing external. One must nurture essence, refine qi, preserve spirit, harmonize the dragon and tiger, capture Kan and fill Li. Purify by inhaling the clear and exhaling the turbid, gather spirit by clacking teeth, guide and massage, visualize breathing. As the Dao says:

"Everyone naturally possesses their true self,
Why toil in search outside?
But treasure the spirit as jade,
So soul and po do not stray and clash!"

Methods such as harvesting yin to supplement yang, drawing the bow and treading the crossbow, passing breath through the navel, concocting pills, firing cauldrons—these are all side paths that waste spirit. The treatise also listed the school's lineage: The Great Compassionate Universal Benefactor True Lord of the Primordial, the Mysterious Daoist of the Primordial, and the Celestial Envoy of Thunder.

Reading this, Ye Hua was inwardly startled: "These are all immortals from myth and legend. Could it be they attained the Dao by cultivating this very method?"

He read on. The "Sixfold Primordial Celestial Wishful **" was divided into six levels. Mastering all would allow one to become an immortal effortlessly; even ascending as a celestial being was not impossible, reaching the highest realm of Jade Radiance.

Ye Hua felt both joy and regret: "This method is so powerful, but my jade pendant only has the first two levels. Who knows where the rest are! The method is incomplete!"

He wondered, "If this secret art is so formidable, why didn't my uncle practice it?"

Ye Hua did not know that when Ye Cheng obtained this secret scroll, he read of the dangers but paid them little heed. He cautiously began to cultivate, and at first, all went smoothly. But later, the path of his internal force diverged from before, clashing with the remnants of his previous Daoist energy in his meridians. The resultant collision caused his energy to surge wildly, nearly out of control. Only by acting decisively, risking damage to several meridians and forcefully suppressing the energy, did he avoid disaster—though at great cost to his vitality.

Ye Cheng was left in a cold sweat, counting his fortune. Had he hesitated, his energy would have dissipated, leading to his soul's destruction. Realizing the peril, he dared not attempt it again. Besides, the Emei school's own methods were the result of a thousand years of refinement and were not necessarily inferior. With only the first two levels of the "Sixfold Primordial Celestial Wishful **" available, and the rest nearly impossible to find in the vast world, he had little reason to pursue it further. Seeing that Ye Hua had some aptitude and faced a matter of life and death, he passed the scroll to him as an act of care.

Following the instructions, Ye Hua learned of the five elements and organs, the three lights and palaces, the seven constellations and fluids, the cycles of day and night, the breathing of yin and yang, the celestial court between the brows, the nose as the central mountain, the mouth as the jade pool, the face as the ruler's abode, the throat as the heavy tower, the heart as the spiritual terrace, the lungs as the golden chamber, the qi as clouds and mist. Internally harmonizing the five organs, externally corresponding to the five elements, balancing yin and yang, and following heaven and earth. As the Dao says:

"The five elements interweave, sharing one root,
Three and five harmonies must unite,
Heaven's seven and earth's three keep mutual watch,
Only with rising and falling in balance does it last,
Obey heaven, accord with earth, and store essence,
How lofty stands the mountain of the nine origins!"

One must refine the mind and character, nurture essence and qi, accumulate golden elixir, and also gather herbs to stabilize the process. When the golden elixir is formed and yang stirs, one achieves minor success. From then on, Ye Hua cultivated daily without fail, drank immortal crane grass tea, and nourished his energy—details need not be recounted.

More than ten days passed in a blink. One day, as Ye Hua practiced, he expected the same uneventful outcome—his cinnabar field empty, merely visualizing the energy. But as he inspected his meridians, the wisp of black serpent poison stirred, following his intent, moving slowly through his body as if it were his own internal energy.

Ye Hua was struck with terror. "I am doomed! This is courting death!"

Yet, the black energy continued to circulate, traversing a full circuit of his meridians before returning to the cinnabar field, diminished slightly, with no other changes.

It took Ye Hua a long while to recover from the shock, sweat streaming down his face. He dared not practice further and checked his body—his limbs responded as usual, nothing seemed wrong, so he finally relaxed.

Even one with ten times Ye Hua's talent would not expect progress in such a short time. But fortune and misfortune are intertwined—this error with the "Sixfold Primordial Celestial Wishful **" proved to be a stroke of luck. The serpent demon's poison was internal energy of a different kind, and since the method required reverse circulation, the serpent energy was dispersed into his body, like absorbing someone else's fortune by accident—though whether boon or bane was unclear. The poison might now be even more deeply rooted.

Ye Hua dared not practice further, and stepped outside, intending to seek the two Daoist brothers Xuanru and Xuanzhen, but found no trace of them. "They should be chanting in the hall at this hour. Why are they absent?" he wondered.

Bored, he wandered out of the Longevity Palace. The setting sun dyed the clouds crimson and the summer scenery was breathtaking. Passing through a dense grove, he saw two figures approaching in the distance. Ye Hua suddenly recalled Lingxu's advice: "Do not go to Feiyun Cave behind the mountain. If you must, visit the Water Spring Cave of South Peak Daisan, the Fire Cloud Cave of North Peak Lishan, the Heavenly Lion Cave of West Peak Qingtan, or the Azure Cloud Monastery of East Peak Tianning. All are inhabited by reclusive masters—be cautious!"

"Surely I'm not at the rear mountain? Feiyun Cave must not host kindly folk," Ye Hua muttered. In the distance, the Longevity Palace looked like a toy at the mountain's base. The two figures drew nearer, dressed in black, engrossed in conversation, unaware of his presence. Ahead was a huge boulder with a hollow behind—a perfect hiding spot. Ye Hua quickly concealed himself, thinking it would be hard to spot him from outside.

"Senior brother, do you know why Master urgently summoned all the brothers this time?" one asked in a gruff voice.

The other chuckled dryly. "Junior brother Jiang, how should I know such confidential matters? Heh, but I heard—"

Jiang pressed anxiously, "Senior brother Liu, just tell me, there's no one else here!"

Liu lowered his voice. "I heard from Second Brother—seems Master lost something, perhaps—perhaps a certain brother took it..."

Jiang whispered, "Stolen? Who would dare steal from Master? Is it something important?"

Liu sighed, "Ah, you really deserve your nickname, Blockhead Jiang! If it weren't important, would Master summon everyone? Seems it's some kind of secret manual."

Jiang ventured, "Could it be Master's 'Secret Canon of Ghost Valley'?"

At this, Liu became angry. "'The Secret Canon of Ghost Valley' is our sect's supreme manual, handed down since Lord Iron of the Primordial conquered the Divine Continent millennia ago. Master treasures it dearly—how could it be lost? If he heard you say that, he might seal your soul and banish your spirit!"

Jiang stammered, "Heh, Senior Brother Liu, there's no one else here. Master won't know! I still have some Wind Yellow Elixirs—perhaps they'd help you break through..."

Liu chuckled, then suddenly shouted sternly, "Who's there?! Come out at once!"

Jiang was startled, "What is it, Senior Brother Liu? Something wrong?"

Ye Hua, hiding in the hollow, was seized with panic. "I made no sound—how did they notice me? I've brought trouble on myself by wandering here!" He regretted his carelessness and was about to reveal himself when a muffled thud and a scream rang out.

"You—you! Senior Brother Liu, why did you attack me? Cough—cough—" Jiang cried, his voice weak.

Ye Hua froze, listening. Liu laughed harshly, "Junior Brother Jiang, of course I attacked you! You said you had Wind Yellow Elixir—but I remembered you also had a bottle of Great Blue Elixir! I've coveted it for ages!"

Jiang, now understanding, gave a bitter laugh. "It must have been Brother Zhang from the pill chamber who told you. If you had just asked, I'd have given it! Cough—cough—I also have half a bottle of Little Leaf Lotus Elixir. Take it too, Senior Brother!"

Liu sounded pleased. "Really? If you'd said so sooner, I wouldn't have tricked you and attacked by surprise. If you had handed it over, even though I'm only at the third level of the Seven Treasures and you're at the peak of the second, I might not have bested you! Haha! Little Leaf Lotus Elixir—"

Jiang gave a few weak chuckles, then suddenly groaned in pain and fell silent. Liu called from afar, "Brother Jiang! Get up, or I'll have to finish you with my sword!"

No response. Liu cursed under his breath, "Fainted so easily? Useless! Well, in that case, I'll help myself!"

Ye Hua, now understanding, realized he had stumbled upon a murder and robbery. As Liu approached, there were sounds of rummaging, then several soft thuds, followed by Liu's startled cry and a heavy fall.

"Heh, Senior Brother Liu, you're too careless! Cough—how could I be so easily defeated?" Jiang's voice drifted over.

Ye Hua was astonished. "Wasn't Jiang unconscious? He must have been feigning death! These two are truly treacherous!"

In the distance, the furious and fearful Liu stammered, "You—you used the White Bone Needle!"

Jiang coughed, "Did you forget, Senior Brother? My White Bone Needle is not easily come by! Consider it returning your earlier sword stroke! Unless you want more?"

With effort, Jiang staggered to his feet. Liu, seeing him approach, cried out in terror, "Jiang—Junior Brother—"

Jiang sighed, "Senior Brother Liu, perhaps in the next life you can call me 'Junior Brother Jiang' again." With that, several sharp sounds followed, then a scuffle, a groan from Jiang, a roar from Liu, and then silence.

Jiang seemed to have been injured again, coughed up blood, and collapsed with a thud. All was still.

Ye Hua waited a long time, curiosity overcoming caution. He peered out and saw two bodies lying motionless. Relieved, he stepped out of the hollow and walked closer. The thin youth's face was pale as death, with a white needle embedded deep between his brows. The sturdier youth had a sword through his body, blood still oozing, though faint breaths lingered—he was near death.

Ye Hua wondered, "What sect are these disciples from, to be so vicious and cunning? I'd best leave before I'm discovered!"

As he turned to go, he noticed a porcelain bottle protruding from the thin youth's robe. Gathering his courage, he took it and saw "Purple Vermilion Elixir" written on it. After searching both bodies, he found only a few bottles of pills and some books—no other valuables. Not wasting time, he hurried away.

His heart pounded as he raced back. Only when the Longevity Palace came into view did his nerves settle. By now, the sun had set, the mountains shrouded in mist, and the birds were calling in the woods.

Back at the palace, Ye Hua saw Xuanru busy in the courtyard. Xuanru said, "Ye Hua, Master is discussing scriptures with your father. Come help me place this stone tortoise!" The tortoise was large, pure white, with trigrams and a Taiji diagram carved on its back.

Ye Hua asked in wonder, "What is this stone tortoise for? The carvings are the primordial trigrams—what does it mean?"

Xuanru replied proudly, "It's part of a formation I just learned from Master. The tortoise is the formation's focal point, though I don't know its effects yet!"

Ye Hua asked, "Is the tortoise always the only focal point?"

Xuanru replied, "Most formations are based on the nine palaces and eight trigrams, with varying numbers of focal points. Master mentioned the Emei Sword Sect's Golden Light Formation, Wudang's Xuanwu Formation created by the Great Emperor Xuanwu, and the most powerful—Sun-Moon Alliance's Sun and Moon Twin Radiance Formation! It has thousands of focal points, all forged from mystical treasures, and can shake the very earth!"

Ye Hua was intrigued. "Even a single mystical treasure is immeasurably powerful—thousands must be astounding!" He continued, "I've also heard of the Sun-Moon Alliance—its leader is the Great Emperor Ziyuan, famed throughout Taishan."

Xuanru nodded. "The Great Emperor Ziyuan is the most revered figure in the north—no one surpasses him!"

They chatted for a long while before Ye Hua returned to his room to rest. There, he examined his newfound treasures: bottles labeled Great Blue Elixir, Wind Yellow Elixir, Little Leaf Lotus Elixir, and Purple Vermilion Elixir. Opening one, a fragrant aroma filled the room. Delighted, Ye Hua surmised they were spiritual medicines for cultivation. The books were titled Blood Annihilation Palm, Shadow Thunder Sword, and so on; one even described the pills, explaining their use for breaking through the early levels of the Seven Treasures. Overjoyed, he put them away.

That night, worn out from the day's events, Ye Hua dared not practice further. He fell into a deep sleep, dreaming of the five elements, three lights, seven fluids, cycles of yin and yang—the dream was dominated by the mystical phrases he had learned. The serpent demon's poison in his belly began circulating on its own, following the method of the "Sixfold Primordial Celestial Wishful **." In the dream, a voice kept repeating, "No, this isn't right, not right at all!"

Yet his belly felt warm and comfortable. After some time, Ye Hua awoke abruptly, his breathing disordered and blood surging, suffering greatly as the poison returned to his cinnabar field, diminished once more.

Feeling his cinnabar field carefully, Ye Hua was shocked. "How can this be? If I continue, will the poison gradually disappear, or will it penetrate deeper into my organs, becoming impossible to expel?"

Troubled, he resolved to ask Daoist Lingxu for guidance the next day. With that, he drifted off to sleep again.

The next morning, the sun was bright and birds chirped outside. Rising, Ye Hua felt vigor coursing through his body. As he moved, his bones crackled; startled, he wondered if this was the effect of last night's dream practice. Finding nothing amiss, he went out.

Outside, Xuanru was practicing swordsmanship. He paused, saying, "Ye Hua, what do you think of my swordplay? Hmm, something seems different about you!"

Xuanru stared at Ye Hua for a while. "No, nothing's changed—just that you look very well!"

Ye Hua thought, "Perhaps last night's practice was beneficial after all." Changing the subject, he asked, "Senior brother, what sword technique are you practicing?"

Xuanru replied, "Just a basic health practice. Let me show you!" With that, he began his routine.

Ye Hua watched, reflecting, "The Daoist Method Compendium also contains a sword technique called 'Nine Heavens Thunder Sword.' I wonder how powerful it is, and when I'll be able to learn it? Perhaps only after making progress with the 'Sixfold Primordial Celestial Wishful **.'"

"Senior brother," Ye Hua asked, "is Daoist Lingxu in the scripture room?"

Xuanru replied, "You just missed him. Master left early this morning on urgent business—he didn't even have time to inform your father. He should be back by tonight."

Ye Hua sighed inwardly. "I had questions for the master, but I suppose I'll have to wait."

"So be it," Xuanru agreed.

*****

Several days passed, but Daoist Lingxu did not return. Ye Ren, worried about his wife, was eager to descend the mountain. He bid farewell to the two young Daoists, saying, "No need to see us off, nephews. The kindness of Daoist Lingxu to our Ye family will never be forgotten. We shall return to thank him in person someday."

Xuanru replied, "Uncle Ye, no need for formality. We will relay your words. Master is unpredictable—he meant to return in a few days, but must have been delayed. If fate allows, we shall meet again."

With that, Ye Ren and Ye Hua bowed and took their leave, descending the mountain.

After traveling more than ten miles, they reached the foot. In the past, Ye Hua would have been exhausted, but now he was full of energy, thanks to practicing the "Sixfold Primordial Celestial Wishful **" and the spiritual herbs. Though the serpent poison had diminished at first, it seemed to persist. Ye Hua wondered if his progress was too meager to expel it completely.

"Father, how long will we stay at Grandmother's house?" Ye Hua asked.

Ye Ren replied, "I know you wish to play with your cousin. Your mother and I will stay half a month; you may stay longer, and I'll fetch you later."

"Good! I haven't seen my cousin in so long—I wonder how he is now," Ye Hua said, delighted.

They soon arrived at Gao Village, the largest in the area. The Gao family had long been merchants and were locally renowned. Ye Hua's cousin, Gao Lu, was a year older, bright and gifted, though not fond of study—he preferred martial arts, learning from the family uncle who had once been in an opera troupe. By chance, a high monk from Clear Void Peak had visited, and the uncle, with some talent and much diligence, had mastered a strong martial art.

At this moment, Gao Lu was practicing palm strikes in the garden. Hearing of Ye Hua's arrival, he rushed to greet him joyfully. "Cousin, I've missed you so much!" he shouted, running up and bowing to Ye Ren. Lifting Ye Hua with both arms, he laughed, "You've grown heavier, but I've grown stronger too! Haha! I've just learned the Buddhist Moluohunyuan Palm—let me show you!"

"Mind your manners! How can you be so unruly before your uncle?" called a middle-aged woman from the house, dressed in a red floral jacket and a white lotus skirt—Gao Lu's mother and Ye Hua's aunt, known respectfully as Madam Gao. She greeted them warmly.

"Brother-in-law, you must be tired from the journey—come rest, Mother has been anxious to see you," she said with a smile.

"Sister-in-law, it's been too long. Is the household well? We were delayed on the mountain—I'll tell you all about it later. Please take me to see Mother," Ye Ren replied, and they went together to the matriarch's hall.

The Gao family matriarch, now eighty, was still in good health. She was chatting with Ye Hua's mother when she heard of their arrival. She had dearly missed her clever grandson, not having seen him in half a year.

As Ye Ren and Ye Hua entered, they bowed. "Greetings, Grandmother!" they chorused.

"Good, good—are you well? We've been so worried, nearly sent someone to the mountain to inquire. Now that you're home, we're relieved," the matriarch said, taking Ye Hua's hand. "Let me see if you've grown taller!"

"Grandmother, I've missed you these days," Ye Hua said.

"How was your time on the mountain? Did you adapt to life at the Longevity Palace?" she asked.

"Everything was fine—the Daoists were very kind to us," Ye Hua replied.

"Daoist Lingxu is quite famous for his fortune-telling. Did you have your fortune told?" the matriarch smiled.

Ye Hua realized his mother must have told her he went for a fortune reading to prevent worry. Ye Ren added, "Lingxu said Ye Hua will be both wealthy and noble in the future, but must endure hardship first."

"That's as it should be," the matriarch said seriously. "All who achieve great things face trials—remember the Daoist's words."

"Listen to your grandmother," Ye Hua's mother urged.

"Yes, Grandmother," Ye Hua replied dutifully.

"You must be tired—go rest," she said, and Ye Ren and Ye Hua went to their rooms.

A few days later, Ye Hua and some village youths watched Gao Lu practice with his sword. Gao Lu's blade flashed like a rolling ball of silver. Ye Hua applauded, "Cousin, your swordplay is impressive!"

Gao Lu grinned, "This is the Dharma Sword—I've only just begun! Still a long way to go!"

Before Ye Hua could reply, six or seven youths approached from the far end of the village, the leader mocking, "Haha, Gao Lu! Practicing alone? So this is the Dharma Sword? Looks fancy but useless!"

As they drew near, Ye Hua saw the leader was a tall, thin youth of about fifteen or sixteen, sneering at Gao Lu while the others laughed.

Gao Lu sheathed his sword, wiped his brow, and snorted, "Lu Hong! What are you doing here? Did you finish the five essays the teacher assigned as punishment?"

Lu Hong's face flushed with anger. "I'm here about that! If you hadn't tattled, the teacher wouldn't have known about the garden incident! As classmates, you should understand the rules—today, I'll repay you for what the teacher did to me!"

Gao Lu retorted, "You've studied at the academy for years; you ought to be better than this! Do you think your Dragon Fist makes you my match?"

"Let's see if you're my match!" Lu Hong shouted, lunging forward with a punch to Gao Lu's chest.

Gao Lu dodged, raising his arms to block, but the punch was powerful and broke through his guard, striking him squarely. Gao Lu staggered back, and the watching youths rushed Lu Hong, pummeling him to the ground.

Lu Hong's companions, unwilling to back down, charged into the fray, and a brawl erupted.