The Six Immortals

The master’s chambers were located in the depths of the cavern; and the walls on the sides were adorned with pearls, which acted like night lights, illuminating the spacious vicinity.

Bi Fan had walked almost half an hour, before he had reached this point, at the end of the cavern. The master’s chambers were very simple, very humble in design, and only comprised of a stone table, a few chairs, and some prayer rugs.

Ling Xin Ya was sitting on top of, one of the prayer rugs. His eyes were closed in prayer.

“Sit down.” Ling Xin Ya instructed; his eyes remained closed, still.

Bi Fan walked over to Ling Xin Ya, and sat down on the rug opposite to him.

“Deputy, master, Bi Fan returns after completing one month inside the devil’s territory.”

“Your strength has reached the ‘brave’ layer. Good! Very good!” Ling Xin praised.

“Thank you for the complement master. It means a lot.” Bi Fan replied respectfully.

“After some time, I will take you to our great masters, and recognize you as my eleventh disciple.” Ling Xin Ya said: “Things are simple here, and we don’t have many rules either. There is however, one rule; never betray the school or the master. This, you must always remember.”

“Yes master, I will engrave it into my mind and my soul.”

Lin Xin Ya smiled: “Don’t be so tensed, relax your nerves. In some time, I will give you some techniques that you must learn and practice, but first, tell me what you already know, so I can give you something better.”

“I have learnt the Wan Zu Fist, Longevity Burst and ‘fufueng double-edged sword’ techniques, but apart from this, I have also learnt some basics of foot works, and ‘prancing tiger’, however, only two strokes of the latter. I also learnt some techniques to increase and refine physical strength, so I can temper my body… ”

Bi Fan concealed some of the techniques from his master, but he disclosed most of them, especially because he was going to using these often, so hiding them wouldn’t be of any use.

Mentioning the blood devil technique was out of question; and it was best to keep the jade book a secret as well….

Bi Fan was quite embarrassed, as he couldn’t disclose everything to his master, and as a result, was sounding a bit vague.

Ling Xin Ya pondered for a moment, muttering to himself, before he spoke up: “You have a pretty good basic foundation. I will teach you the ‘Floating sword’ technique, and for your ‘inner energy’, you will learn the ‘Fire and Ice Dragon’ burst. As far as boxing is concerned, you shall learn the ‘swimming Dragon’ style, which will only be temporary provision, and once you’ve mastered these, I will teach you more techniques.”

Ling Xin Ya took out four books and handed them over to Bi Fan.

Bi Fan accepted these books with both hands, gratefully, and said: “Thank you master, I will strive hard to learn these techniques.”

Lin Xin Ya explained: “’Fire and Ice Dragon’ burst, is something that I accidentally stumbled upon; it complements the ‘prancing tiger’ fist very well. The ‘Fire and Ice Dragon’ clan was medieval clan, which vanished over time, but you may be assured that you can learn their art well. After you’re able to master this technique, your strength might possibly increase at a very rapid pace, so I’d reckon that this technique shall suit you well.”

He paused for a moment, and then continued: “The ’Floating Sword’ technique is a more advanced version of the ‘Fufeng double-edged sword’ technique, and is taught only to the senior martial artists at Quinyang. ‘Swimming Dragon’ style is a very advanced form, which is only imparted to senior martial artists and helps in creating, their own custom boxing style; it is mostly used by ‘emerging from the womb’ layer practitioners.”

“Yes master!” Bi Fan was really very excited now; all of a sudden, he had been presented with four senior level martial arts techniques; looks like, being an apprentice of a distinguished master was going to very beneficial after all.

Ling Xi Ya stated: “If you have any difficulty in understanding these techniques, you may ask your big brother, Yang Feng, and he will assist you.”

Bi Fan nodded and said: “Yes master. Using these techniques, how quickly can I expect my strength to rise?”

“Bi Fan, your strength is already going up at a phenomenal rate, why do wish to enhance your pace further?” Lin Xin Ya was somewhat confused.

He paused for a moment and then continued: “Enhancing strength at a very quick pace isn’t very good either; if your foundation is unstable, then prospects of future development might be hindered.”

“Master, yesterday, when I returned to Quinyang after my training, I visited Yunufeng to pay my respects to Miss Yan Yu Si. There, I met with Miss Yan Yu Si’s senior, Shaui Ying Tian, and he hit me. His one, single strike, was enough to knock the life out of me. I want to promote my strength quickly, so I don’t have to suffer such disgrace again in the future.” Bi Fan recounted the previous day’s events in detail.

“Shaui Ying Tian!” Ling Xin Ya was astounded: “He is the second son of the Xuannu palace, and is one of the strongest martial artists of our generation, in fact, he’s probably amongst the top twenty in the entire Tian Yu. He’s even stronger than some of the practitioners of the older generation.”

“Regardless of his strength, one day I will get back at him for this humiliation, and he will beg me for his life.” Bi Fan’s determined look didn’t waiver one bit as he demonstrated his resolve.

“Good! Now there’s a true Ling Xin Ya disciple.” Ling Xin Ya laughed heartily: “If you have the courage for it, then go hunting the Devil’s Race, inside the Devil’s Abyss. But your strength is not sufficient to enter into the first layer of the Devil’s Abyss just now, and it would be more appropriate for you to enter into the Devil’s Abyss once you’ve entered into the ‘emerging from the womb’ layer.”

“Devil’s Abyss! Devil’s Race!” Bi Fan was completely astounded, as this was the first time he had ever heard of these terms.

In the past, he had heard of and even confronted the devil’s disciples, but he had no idea that there was a sect where the devil’s race actually lived.

Ling Xin Ya could make out that the Devil’s Abyss had attracted Bi Fan attention, so he started to explain things to Bi Fan in some more detail.

The Devil’s Abyss was very different, special, and wasn’t associated with the sacred way of life. The demons and humans that lingered in the Devil’s Abyss were far too hostile, and overly combative in nature, which is why they were not welcomed into any of the six circles of Tian Yu.

It was for this reason itself that the Devil’s Abyss was formed, and these extreme beings were gathered together, to dwell there.

No one had been able to completely explore the Devil’s Abyss, which is why most parts of it remained unknown to the Tian Yu World. In fact, this world existed on a completely different channel, beyond the control of Tian Yu. Naturally, occasionally, some of the devil’s race managed to enter into Tian Yu, and these being were wantonly hunted down, and massacred.

The Devil’s race is a sworn mortal enemy of humanity in general, and often, humans entered into the Devil’s Abyss to fight and kill the Devil’s race; Firstly, to enhance strength and train; and secondly, to earn spars.

The carcasses obtained from killing the Devil’s Race inside the Devil’s Abyss, often contained nuclei, and apart from this, the region was also the habitat of some very rare beasts, both of which were very much in demand in Tian Yu world.

The first layer of the Devil’s Abyss was only recommended for practitioners who had already entered into the ‘emerging from the womb’ layer, as the Devil’s race that dwelled in it were very strong, and bloodshed was inevitable. It is for this reason that, practitioners below the ‘emerging from the womb’ layer were not allowed to enter the Devil’s Abyss; as it was extremely dangerous.

“Bi Fan, If you really wish to enter into the Devil’s Abyss for your practice, then we must think very clearly and carefully. Once you’re inside the Devil’s Abyss, you must spend at least half a month before you can exit it. And any problems you encounter in there shall be your own to resolve, as no one will be able to help you in there.” Ling Xin Ya warned, earnestly.

Bi Fan was certain: “Master, send me to the Devil’s Abyss, and be assured that I can take care of myself.”

Ling Xin Ya sensed the resolve in Bi Fan’s eyes, and so, he didn’t object.

“Bi Fan, you must practice for a month first, to prepare. I will teach you the necessary techniques to get started, and then you can enter the Devil’s Abyss.”

“Yes, Master!” Bi Fan thought for a second, and agreed.

Entering the Devil’s Abyss after some more training would, indeed be safer; and more strength would surely act as insurance, if he ran into trouble.

Subsequently, Ling Xin Ya took Bi Fan to the shrine of the ancestral master of Yangshan, and Bi fan kneeled in front of Yang Ding’s shrine, offering his salutations, and was officially inducted as a Quinyang disciple.

Yang Ding was a legend, who had adorned the realms of men thousands of years ago. The rumor has it, that he was so strong, that he had managed to enter into the ‘Immortal’ layer, and then, in time, had ascended to the heaven, leaving the realms of mortal men.

Bi Fan had genuine respect for such a great and legendary figure, and so he bowed down with all his sincerity.

“Bi Fan, always remember this, that apart from being a disciple of Quinyang School, you are also a son of a Yangshan now.” Lin Yin Xa addressed Bi Fan, in a serious tone.

“I will always remember that master.” Bi Fan nodded.

“You will practice here, at the summit of Yangshan from now on, and your senior brother, Yang Feng, will help you in making arrangements. Additionally, I will also send word to Yunufeng, of your induction to Yangshan.” Lin Xin Ya added softly.

“Thank you master. I will go and begin my training.” Bi Fan turned away, and talked towards the exit of Ling Xin Ya’s residence.

Yang Feng had already arranged a residence, especially for Bi Fan’s training.

At the Yangshan peak, only a few, very distinguished disciples had their own personal area for practice, and these disciples were considered the core disciples of Yangshan.

The hierarchy was abundantly clear; the core disciples, the normal disciples (Neimen), outdoor disciples, and part-time helpers; the treatment one received, varied accordingly; and greatly.

This was done in order to concentrate the resources on the development of the core disciples. On top of that, this also helped in developing a sense of competition, which helped in accelerating the growth of the new and young generation of martial artists.

Bi Fan had just entered Yangshan and had already acquired his own personal residence; this feat had attracted a lot of attention, both in terms of admiration and envy.

However, Bi Fan simply didn’t pay any attention to any of it, nor did he have any time to care about such trivial things. In fact, he didn’t even have the time to spare any thought to Zhu San, let alone anyone else.

Bi Fan just wanted to train, using the gap between himself and Shaui Ying Tian to a very positive effect. He knew that he needed to work hard, as he was no match for his virtual enemy, for he was too weak and too small.

Since the gap in strength was so huge, which he was so well aware of, he was willing to strive as hard as it took to get there; as it was not in his nature to give up easily.

Bi Fan’s ultimate goal was to become the strongest, and he was willing to work as hard, as was needed.

He had already suffered a lot of bullying in his life, and he had already made decision that he wasn’t going to suffer any more of it.

At present, Bi Fan was in possession of four new, high-level, trade secrets. So naturally, he immediately immersed himself in into training.

Behind closed doors, Bi Fan began learning these new secret arts.

When Yan Yu Si heard about Bi Fan’s closed-door practice at the Yangshan peak, her heart somewhat felt at a loss. She felt very sorry for the way Shaui Ying Tian had behaved.

Shaui Ying Tian had infuriated Yan Yu Si, but she couldn’t really do anything about it; after all, he was the second son of the Xuannu palace.

Left with no alternative, Yan Yu Si bid her farewell, and left the Quinyang Mountains.

She couldn’t control Shaui Ying Tian, and so it was best to take him away from the Quinyang Mountains; at least this way he wouldn’t be able to cause any more grief here.

Yan Yu Si had grown up in the mountains of Quinyang, due to which she associated herself more strongly with Quinyang schools, than she did with Xuannu Palace. She didn’t like the idea of Quinyang schools being bullied around like that, even if it was at the hands for her own senior.

Yan Yu Si had never imagined that Shaui Ying Tian would stoop to such activities; and after the way he had treated Bi Fan, her demeanor towards Shaui Ying Tian had become very cold and indifferent.

The fact the Shaui Ying Tian had treated such an oppressed medicine orchard boy, like Bi Fan, in that manner, had completely disgusted Yan Yu Si.

Shaui Ying Tian didn’t reckon that he’d made an error in conduct, and in fact, he began to hate Bi Fan even more now.

He saw the new light in which Yan Yu Si was seeing Bi Fan, and was beginning to regret leaving him alive in the first place.