Chapter 4 The third round of kissing swords and long days against catalpa

Mrs. An pulled Yuan Chengzhi into the inner room, sat side by side on the edge of the bed, and said, "Chengzhi, I liked you very much when I saw you, as if you were my own son. Today you saved Xiaohui regardless of your life. I will never forget you even more. I am going to a far away place tonight. You go with the dumb uncle." Yuan Chengzhi said: "No, I will go with you." Aunt An smiled and said, "I don't want to part with you either. I want my dumb uncle to take you to someone. He is your Uncle Cui's named master. Your Uncle Cui only learned martial arts from him for two months, and that's it. This old man's martial arts is unparalleled in the world, I want you to learn from him." Yuan Chengzhi listened leisurely and fascinated.

Mrs. An said: "He only took in two real apprentices in his life, and it was many years ago. I'm afraid he may not be willing to accept another apprentice. But you have good qualifications and a kind heart. I think he will like it. The dumb uncle is his servant, I ask him to take you to beg him. You go well. If he really refuses to accept you, the dumb uncle will send you back to me." Yuan Chengzhi nodded. Mrs. An warned again: "This old man has a weird temper. Of course he doesn't like you if you are disobedient. If you are too obedient, he thinks you are too stupid and spineless, so I have to touch your fate." He took off a gold silk bracelet, put it on his arm, pinched it lightly, and the gold silk bracelet has shrunk and stopped falling, and said with a smile: "When you have mastered martial arts and become a big child, don't forget Aunt An And sister Xiaohui!"

Yuan Chengzhi said: "I will never forget. If that old senior is willing to accept me, Aunt An, when you are free, you can bring sister Xiaohui to visit me." Mother An's eyes were red, and she said: "Okay , I will always remember you." Mrs. An wrote a letter and handed it to the mute to forward to his master.The four went out and parted ways. Although Yuan Chengzhi, Mrs. An and Xiaohui haven't been together for many days, the mother and daughter treat him very kindly. They fought during the day and experienced life and death together. They were reluctant to part when they parted.

The mute knew that Yuan Chengzhi was injured, bleeding profusely, and his body was weak, so he held him in his hands, took big strides, and walked like flying. In this way, Xiao Xing stayed overnight and traveled northward continuously for more than a month.Yuan Chengzhi's wound has also healed, but there is a small scar on his left eyebrow.Every evening, the mute didn't stay in the inn, and just found a cave or a ruined temple to rest.When he was at the top of the inn, it was Yuan Chengzhi who asked for food.The mute has no idea what to eat, so he eats whatever he brings, at least two catties of noodles for a meal.Yuan Chengzhi gestured to ask him where he was, but he always pointed north.

After walking for many days, we went deep into the mountains, going higher and higher, until there was no road to follow.The mute uses his hands and feet together, climbing vines and vines, and climbs as high as he can.Yuan Chengzhi put his arms around his head and neck. Seeing that the mountain was so dangerous, he hugged him tightly with both hands, fearing that if he missed it, he would be crushed to pieces.After climbing like this for a day, I reached the top of a peak. I saw that the top of the peak is a large flat land surrounded by ancient pines, passing through the pine forest, there are five or six stone houses in front of my eyes.

The dumb smiles on his face, as if he is a long-term visitor returning to his hometown.He took Yuan Chengzhi's hand and walked into the stone house. The house was covered with dust and cobwebs, and it seemed that no one had lived in it for a long time.He took a big broom, cleaned it inside and out, and then boiled water to cook.On this perilous peak, we don't know how the food and utensils were brought up. Three days later, Yuan Chengzhi became anxious, and gestured to ask where the master was.The dumb pointed down the mountain, Yuan Chengzhi motioned to go down, but the dumb shook his head and refused.Yuan Chengzhi had no choice but to suffer, unable to communicate with the mute, living in a dangerous mountain, quite miserable and lonely, recalling the warm days with Mrs. An's mother and daughter, wishing to fly back with wings.

One night, in his sleep, he felt the glare of the light, rubbed his eyes, sat up, and saw an old man standing in front of the bed with a candle in his hand.The old man had white beard and eyebrows, but his face was full of red, and he looked at himself with a smile. Yuan Chengzhi climbed down the kang, kowtowed to him four times respectfully, and shouted: "Master, you old man is here!" The old man laughed loudly and said, "You baby, who taught you to call me Master? How do you know that I am willing to accept you as an apprentice?" Yuan Chengzhi heard his tone and knew that he was willing to accept it. He was overjoyed and said, "Aunt An taught me." The old man said: "She just caused me trouble. Well, for the sake of your deceased father, I'll accept you!" Yuan Chengzhi was about to kowtow again, but the old man said: "Enough, enough, let's talk about it tomorrow."

Yuan Chengzhi got up before dawn the next morning.Knowing that the old man agreed to take him in, the mute threw him into the air with joy, caught him casually, and threw him four or five times in a row. Hearing Yuan Chengzhi's laughter, the old man walked out of the room and said with a smile: "Okay, at such a young age, you already know how to be a chivalrous man and save women and children. That's amazing! What skills do you have? Come out and show me." Yuan Chengzhi blushed and felt uneasy when he told him. The old man smiled and said, "If you don't let me see your kung fu, how can I teach you?"

Yuan Chengzhi realized that the master was not joking with him, so he practiced the crouching tiger palm technique taught by Cui Qiushan from beginning to end. The old man looked at him and smiled, and when he finished the practice, he said with a smile: "Qiu Shan keeps praising you for being smart, I don't believe it yet, he only taught you for a few days, and you have achieved such an achievement, it's really not bad." As soon as Yuan Chengzhi heard Cui Qiushan's name, he wanted to ask him about his safety, but the old man was talking and didn't dare to interrupt him. When he stopped, he quickly asked, "Where is Uncle Cui? How is he?" The old man said: "He is in good health, and he has returned to General Li Chuang to fight." Yuan Chengzhi was very happy when he heard this.

The mute set up an incense table.The old man took out a painting, which showed a middle-aged scholar with an elegant demeanor.The old man lit a joss stick, kowtowed respectfully to the portrait, and said to Yuan Chengzhi: "This is the founder of our Huashan School, Master Fengzu, come here and kowtow." Yuan Chengzhi glanced at the person in the painting, I thought to myself: "You are much younger than my master, why are you the patriarch instead?" Now I went to kowtow, I didn't know how many kowtows I should kowtow, thinking that the more the better, I kowtowed until the old man smiled and told him to stop. stop.The old man was about to speak with a smile, when Yuan Chengzhi knelt down and kowtowed again, which was regarded as a formal apprenticeship.

The old man accepted it with a smile, and said, "From now on, you are a disciple of my Huashan School. I took in two disciples many years ago, and since then I have never met any smart and willing children, and I have not passed on them over the years. You are my third disciple and my closed apprentice. You have to study hard and don't embarrass me." Yuan Chengzhi nodded repeatedly. The old man said: "My surname is Mu, and my name is Mu Renqing. My friends in the world call me the Sword Immortal Ape. Remember, don't let people ask you next time, what is your master's name? Ah, sorry, I don't know about this." Yuan Chengzhi laughed out loud, thinking that Mrs. An said that he had a weird temper, and she was always a little scared, but he was actually kind and amiable, and his conversation was very humorous. Sword Immortal Ape Mu Renqing's martial arts are so high that he can be regarded as the number one person in the world. He has fought for justice in the world and has never met an opponent in the past twenty years. Because most of his actions are done in secret, he does not leave his name. Others often don't know that they have benefited from him, so their fame is not very famous.He has a very withdrawn temper. It is very pitiful to see Yuan Chengzhi alone as a child this time. In addition, he respects his father Yuan Chonghuan who killed the enemy for the country and died wronged.Mu Renqing had no children and no daughters, and walked alone in the rivers and lakes with a sword. When he was old, he suddenly saw a smart and lively child, and his liking was no less than that of Yuan Chengzhi. Said and laughed. Mu Renqing said again: "Your two senior brothers are both twenty or thirty years older than you. Their apprentices are much older than you. Maybe they will blame me for adding a baby junior to them at this time. Hehe, if you don't work hard, you will be compared to their disciples and grandchildren in the future, and they will have more reason to blame me for being an old fool." Yuan Chengzhi said: "The disciple must work hard." He asked again: "Is Uncle Cui also your old man's apprentice?" Mu Renqing said: "He wants to fight with King Chuang, so he has no time to learn from me. You can't be regarded as an apprentice by using the tiger's palm technique. Besides, with his aptitude, he can't be my apprentice." Pointing to the mute, he said: "Like him, he has learned a lot of tricks by watching every day, but with Compared with my two apprentices, there is a huge difference." Yuan Chengzhi saw the dumb man throwing the tolerance twice, and his shots were like lightning, and he has always admired him. He heard the master say that his two senior brothers are much more capable than him, so then As long as I work hard, even if I can't catch up with my senior brother, at least I can be dumb, I feel very happy. Mu Renqing said: "Our Huashan sect has many regulations, such as abstaining from adultery, officials, and bodyguards. I tell you now, but you don't understand. I only ask you two sentences: You must listen to the master and don't do bad things. You have to remember." Yuan Chengzhi said: "I will definitely listen to Master and dare not do bad things." Mu Renqing said: "Okay, now let's practice kung fu. Your Uncle Cui passed you a set of crouching tiger palms because of the rush of time. This set of palms is too profound and complicated, and you are too young Even if you learn it, you can’t use it well. I’ll teach you a set of Changquan Shiduanjin first.” Yuan Chengzhi said: "I know this, Uncle Ni taught it before." Mu Renqing said: "You know it? Do you know how to do it after learning a few ways? It's far away! If you really understand Changquan The mystery of Shiduanjin, there are not many people who can beat you in the Jianghu." Yuan Chengzhi's face was flushed, and he dared not say any more. Mu Renqing opened his posture and used the ten-duanjin technique. The style and boxing style were exactly the same as those used by Ni Hao.Yuan Chengzhi wondered secretly, thinking what's the difference? Mu Renqing said: "Are you lying to me as a master? Come on, come and grab my clothes, as long as you can touch a corner of my clothes, you are capable." Yuan Chengzhi didn't dare to get angry with his master, and smiled without moving.Mu Renqing said: "Come on, this is to teach you kung fu!" Yuan Chengzhi heard that he was teaching Kung Fu, so he rushed forward and reached out to touch the back of the master's gown. He could feel it when he saw it, but the skirt suddenly shrank, only two or three inches away.Yuan Chengzhi reached forward a few inches with his arm, and was about to grab the skirt, when the master suddenly disappeared, squeezed the back of his head and neck lightly, and said with a smile, "I'm here." Yuan Chengzhi "turned over with a kite" and hugged his hands behind his back. Unexpectedly, the master was gone again, so he turned around hurriedly, and saw that the master was two feet away.He found it interesting and thought: "I must catch you." He stepped forward and pulled his sleeve.With a flick of his sleeve, Mu Renqing swung away. Yuan Chengzhi chased after him laughing, and when he turned around, he suddenly saw the mute gesturing, asking him to pay attention, Yuan Chengzhi's heart moved, and he thought to himself: "Master really uses Shiduanjin body skills, but how can he do them so quickly?" While chasing and chasing, he watched his master's movement, he was very familiar with ten-duanjin, but he saw his master advancing and retreating with extraordinary dexterity, the same moves, but he performed them with extraordinary ingenuity.When Yuan Chengzhi was catching up, he secretly learned the tricks. After a while, he also used some of the master's vertical leap and retreat techniques during the chase, and he was much faster immediately.Mu Renqing nodded secretly, very happy that children can be taught. At this time, Yuan Chengzhi was in a hurry, and Mu Renqing was also in a hurry to avoid it. The two rushed forward, and only two figures were seen in the square, dancing around.Yuan Chengzhi had long forgotten to laugh, and concentrated on chasing Master. Suddenly Mu Renqing laughed, hugged him up, and said with a smile: "Good apprentice, good boy!" Yuan Chengzhi couldn't help being surprised and delighted when he saw how mysterious this set of ten sections of brocade was.Mu Renqing said: "Okay, this is enough for you to practice." Put him down on the ground, ask him to review it a few times, and then go in by himself. Yuan Chengzhi practiced this boxing method more than ten times from beginning to end. In addition to keeping in mind the master's body method, he also realized some ingenuity on his own.He scratched his ears and cheeks with joy, and didn't sleep well all night, even in his dream he was still practicing boxing. When it was dawn, I was afraid that I would forget what I learned yesterday, so I went to the square to practice again.The more he fought, the more vigorous he became, when he suddenly heard a cough behind him, he hurriedly turned around, and saw the master standing behind him with a smile, and called out: "Master!" Standing with hands down. Mu Renqing said: "It's not bad for you to realize these moves. But this move is too fast, and there is a gap in the lower body. If the enemy is a good player, if his foot hooks like this, you will be bad, so it should be like this. "Teaching with words and comparisons.Yuan Chengzhi admired him greatly, and learned a lot of tricks this day. Three years later, Yuan Chengzhi was thirteen years old.During these three years, Mu Renqing passed on his "Po Yuquan" and "Hunyuan Palm". Although "Hunyuan Palm" is a palm technique, it is for practicing internal strength.All schools and sects of internal energy practice pay attention to breathing, exhalation, meditation and Qi training, but the Huashan school's internal energy practice has a different way, from the outside to the inside, and the inner strength is cultivated in the palm of the hand.Although this kind of kung fu takes a long time and the effect is extremely slow, there is no danger of going crazy when practicing it, and it is extremely powerful after practice.Both the inside and the outside are cultivated. When facing the enemy, every move and style are natural and have internal strength attached to each other. They can defeat the enemy without noticing.Once the "Hunyuan Kung Fu" is complete, it will be invincible and invincible. Yuan Chengzhi's martial arts practice is still young, and his "Hunyuan Kung Fu" has never been successful, but his body has grown to be extremely strong and invulnerable to all diseases.Mu Renqing sometimes went down the mountain, and he went there for two, three, three or four months. After returning to the mountain, he checked his martial arts. On the Dragon Boat Festival this year, after eating realgar wine, Mu Renqing invited out the portrait of the patriarch, kowtowed himself, and ordered Yuan Chengzhi to kowtow.Said: "I teach you to worship the ancestor today, do you know why?" Yuan Chengzhi said: "Please tell me, Master." Mu Renqing took out a long wooden box from the inside and put it on the case. When the wooden box was lifted, one could see a dazzling three-foot long sword lying horizontally in the box. Yuan Chengzhi was full of surprises, his heart jumped wildly, and he said in a trembling voice: "Master, you are teaching me how to learn swords." Mu Renqing nodded, lifted the long sword from the box, his face sank, and said: "Kneel down, listen to me Speak." Yuan Chengzhi knelt down as he said. Mu Renqing said: "The sword is the ancestor of all soldiers, and it is the most difficult to learn. This school's swordsmanship is even more extensive and profound. In addition, since the ancestors of the past generations, each generation has improved. In other schools of martial arts, the master often left a special skill, so that a generation It is not as good as the first generation, the more subtle works are handed down later. This is not the case in this school, the selection of disciples is extremely strict, and after selection, they are taught to each other. In terms of swordsmanship alone, every generation can excel. You are smart and hardworking. It is not difficult to learn swordsmanship well. What is expected of you is to develop it even more in the future. You must also keep in mind: the sword is a sharp weapon. Use it to do good, and its goodness is infinite. Use it to do evil, and its evil is also endless. Today I want you to swear a solemn oath that you will never kill an innocent person in your life." Yuan Chengzhi said: "Master taught me swordsmanship. If I hurt a good person with my sword in the future, he will be killed." Mu Renqing said: "Okay, get up." Yuan Chengzhi stood up. Mu Renqing said: "I also know that you are kind-hearted and would never intentionally kill a good person. However, sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between right and wrong. The world is dangerous and people's hearts are unpredictable. A good person may be a bad person, and a bad person may actually be a good person. But As long as you are always loyal, forgiving and tolerant, you will not be easily injured by mistake." Yuan Chengzhi nodded in agreement.Mu Renqing said again: "Emperor Chongzhen killed your father. In his heart, he only thought that your father was a bad person. He did a good job in killing him, but he made a big mistake. Emperor Chongzhen killed many ministers and generals over the years. , some are bad people, but he also killed a lot of good people. He didn't know right from wrong, and he didn't have the slightest sense of generosity. If he killed so recklessly, the great Ming Dynasty would inevitably be ruined in his hands." Yuan Chengzhi nodded sadly, Knowing that Master brought up the matter of Chongzhen's killing of his father, he wanted him to take the lesson of "it's hard to tell right from wrong, not to kill rashly" deeply in his heart, and never forget it again. Mu Renqing made a sword formula with his left hand, and stretched out the long sword with his right hand. The sword moved away from dragons and snakes, and the white light was like a rainbow. A set of unparalleled swordsmanship was unfolded. The long sword shone brightly in the sunlight, and at the end of the dance, a ball of white light rolled around.Yuan Chengzhi has practiced boxing with his master for three years, and his vision is quite different from before. Even so, he still can't see clearly the master's swordsmanship and body skills. He only feels that the dignified place is like a towering mountain, and the light place is like a breeze without a trace , unpredictable and swift.When Wu got to a critical point, Mu Renqing gave a loud shout, and the long sword flew out suddenly, with a hissing sound, it plunged into a big pine tree beside the mountain peak, the blade did not reach the hilt. Yuan Chengzhi knew that the pine tree had a dense texture. When he saw Master dancing the sword just now, the sword body couldn't stop trembling, and it could be seen that the blade was firm and soft, but he didn't know that the blade of a long sword was completely submerged under this throw, so he didn't feel surprised. I had to open my mouth wide and couldn't close it. Suddenly, a person behind him shouted: "Okay!" Yuan Chengzhi has been on the mountain for three years. Apart from the voice of his master, he has never heard a second person speak. Although there is still a mute, the mute cannot speak.He hurriedly turned his head, only to see an old man walking up the peak with a smile on his face. The Taoist was wearing a yellow rough sermon robe, with a yellow and thin face, sparse hair, more white than black, and a small bun, and said loudly: "Old monkey, this move of 'flying dragon outside the sky' is more powerful in the world." There is no second person to do it, and the old Taoist is an eye-opener today. I haven't seen you use a sword for more than ten years, and I can't think of you being more diligent!" Mu Renqing laughed loudly and said, "Miaoji, Miaoji, what brought you here? As soon as I went up Mount Hua, I was given a big hat. Cheng Zhi, this Taoist Mu Sang, is Master's Friends, quickly kowtow to the Taoist priest." Yuan Chengzhi hurried over and knelt down and kowtowed.Taoist Mu Sang said with a smile: "That's all!" He stretched out his hand and pulled him up. Anyone who learns martial arts will involuntarily use kung fu to resist when encountering external forces.When Taoist Mu Sang talked like this, Yuan Chengzhi had already achieved a small degree of "Hunyuan Kung Fu" at this time, and his arms moved lightly in a natural way.Taoist Mu Sang had tried his kung fu, and said with a smile to Mu Renqing: "Old Monkey, I haven't seen you these few years, so I secretly hid here to take care of the little monkey's apprentice. You are not bad luck, one foot I have already stepped into the coffin, and I still found such a good doll.” Mu Renqing was used to joking with him, and when he heard him praise his little apprentice, he couldn't help but smile with his beard, feeling contented. Taoist Mu Sang said humanely: "Ah, I didn't bring money for the meeting today, but it's hard to bear your heads, what should I do?" Hearing what he said, Mu Renqing had an idea, and thought: "This old way of martial arts has something unique, and people in the world call it 'everything has changed'. If you are willing to pass something on to Cheng Zhi, it will benefit him a lot. It's just that this person has never been willing to accept apprentices, so I have to find a way to squeeze him." Said: "Chengzhi, the Taoist priest promised to give you benefits, so please kowtow to thank you." Yuan Chengzhi immediately knelt down and kowtowed again after hearing what Master said. Taoist Mu Sang laughed loudly, and said: "Okay, like a teacher, there must be a disciple. The master is shameless, and the apprentice is worthless. Hey, baby, listen to me, you must be decent, don't imitate you." Master is so thick-skinned, when he heard someone say give me something, he hastily knocked the nails and turned his feet. Could it be that my old man is still lying to your child? Well, let me take advantage of my old man's happiness today and give this to you." He said from his backpack. He took out a bunch of things and handed it to him. Yuan Chengzhi thanked him, took it with both hands respectfully, stood up, shook it off, and saw that it was a dark vest, which was heavy in his hand, not silk or leather. I don't know what it was made of. Since he was puzzled, Mu Renqing said: "Brother Dao, don't be joking, how can you give him this treasure?" When Yuan Chengzhi heard it, he realized that it was a precious treasure, and he hurriedly handed it back with both hands.Taoist Mu Sang refused to pick it up, and said: "Bah! The old Taoist is as shabby as your master, how can you take back what you gave away? Take it to me obediently!" Yuan Chengzhi didn't dare to accept it, he looked at his master and listened to his instructions.Mu Renqing said: "Since this is the case, thank the Taoist priest very much." Yuan Chengzhi knelt down and kowtowed.Mu Renqing said solemnly: "This is the self-defense treasure that the Taoist priest spent countless efforts and fought all his life. You put it on." Yuan Chengzhi put on the vest as he said. Mu Renqing went to the pine tree, hooked the hilt of the sword with two fingers, lifted it lightly, and pulled out the long sword, saying: "This vest is made of black gold silk, hair, and golden monkey hair. No powerful weapon can hurt him." As he spoke, he stabbed Yuan Chengzhi's chest with a sword. The sword was so swift that Yuan Chengzhi didn't have time to dodge it. He was taken aback, but when the tip of the sword touched the vest, it bounced back gently. He was overjoyed, and knelt down to kowtow to Mu Sang again. Taoist Mu Sang said with a smile: "You have seen this thing is black and inconspicuous. I kowtowed my head before, I'm afraid I felt a little wronged in my heart, but this time I am really willing." Yuan Chengzhi told him well His face turned red, and he grinned and didn't answer. After talking for a while, Mu Renqing asked, "Has there been any news about that person recently?" Taoist Mu Sang was smiling, but when he mentioned "that person", he couldn't help but sighed, his expression suddenly unhappy, and said: " To tell you the truth, this guy has been wandering somewhere for a while, but recently he has been haunting Shanhaiguan. The old man doesn't want to see him, so he has no choice but to avoid him. When he came to Huashan, the old man came to escape." Mu Ren Qingdao: "Brother Dao, how can you build up the ambition of others and destroy your own prestige? With Brother Dao's superb kung fu, can't you deal with him?" Mu Sang shook his head, looking very depressed, said: "It's not that I can't deal with him, it's just that the old man can't bear it. Over the years, I have fought with him twice. I had the upper hand the first time, and finally Thinking of the friendship of the same family, my first teacher told me to take good care of him when he was dying. The old Taoist teachings were ineffective, which caused him to go astray and sink deeper and deeper. The old Taoist felt ashamed. The last blow could not be dealt with. The second time Fighting with each other, he did not know where he learned some powerful kung fu from the evil sect, and he stabbed my heart with a sword. Fortunately, thanks to this vest, the point of the sword could not go in. He was surprised, and only said that I practiced well Wonderful martial arts, such a distraction, I restrained him again. I tried to persuade him, but he just sneered, and said before parting: "I figured it out, so you are just relying on the precious clothes to protect yourself. Next time Do it, I will stab you in the head and face, how can you defend yourself?'” Mu Renqing said angrily: "This man is so arrogant. Daoist brother spared his life again and again because of his brotherhood, but the surname Mu has nothing to do with him? Daoist brother, you hang around here for a while, I'm going down the mountain now." Find him. As long as you see him still doing evil, Lao Mu will bring his head to see you." Mu Sang said: "Thank you for your kindness. But I always hope that he can repent on his own and change his past. In the past few years, I have carefully studied his evil martial arts. If I really want to do it again, I may not be unable to defeat him. .I hid on Mount Hua, begging for a person who does not see the eyes, hears or bothers, that is. If he can repent, then he is the blessing of my teacher. Let's die." He sighed and said, "Can he repent? Oh, it's hard, it's hard!" Mu Renqing said: "I heard that this person is greedy for money and lust, and has ruined the reputation of many women from good families. Recently, it has become worse. This kind of martial arts scum, next time it falls into the hands of Dao brothers, we must not repeat the old relationship. Dao Brother cleans up the family and eradicates the unworthy, that is to protect the name of respecting the teacher and repay the kindness of the respecting teacher." Mu Sang nodded and said: "Brother Mu said so. Alas!" He sighed a long time. Yuan Chengzhi listened to the conversation between the two, and it seemed that Taoist Mu Sang had a senior brother with a very bad character, but very strong martial arts. He held the vest and said to Mu Sang: "Master Taoist, if you want to get rid of that wicked person, you still have to do it." Wearing this vest is more secure. After you get rid of him, you can give it to the disciple. The disciple has not learned martial arts well, and he will not fight with bad guys, so this treasure is not needed." Mu Sang patted him on the shoulder, and said: "Thank you for your kindness. But even without this vest, forgive me, he can't kill me. This villain's evil kung fu can only attack people who are unprepared, but once and for all .You don’t have to worry about me, little baby.” Seeing that he was depressed, Mu Renqing knew that there was only one thing in the world that could make him put everything behind him, and said: "This matter is often said to defeat Qingxing. Niubi, your chess skills..." Mu Sang heard it With the word "chess skill", the muscles on his face twitched, and his face immediately glowed, suddenly he seemed to be twenty years younger. Mu Renqing said: "...have you improved a little over the years?" He said hastily: " What? Veteran martial arts have never been as good as yours, but your ability to play chess can be your master. If you don't believe me, let's..." Mu Renqing said with a smile: "Okay, I'll come and teach you the kung fu of 'every change' , did your meal guy bring it?" Mu Sang took out a Go board and two packs of chess pieces from his backpack with a smile, and said with a smile: "This old man never leaves his body for a moment. You are afraid, and I want to avoid the battle. If you say that there are no chess pieces on Huashan, that's terrible." I can't afford it, haha, haha!" The mute moved out of the table and chair, and the two faced off in the shade of a tree.Yuan Chengzhi didn't understand Go, Mu Sang explained to him while playing, and at the same time kept bragging about how clever his move was and how his master was far from an opponent.Mu Renqing just smiled and thought, letting him boast. Go is easy to learn but difficult to master. If you play the rules properly, you will be able to master it.After watching the game, Yuan Chengzhi already understood the gist of it.He saw that the chessboard was made of fine steel, the black pieces were made of black iron, and the white pieces were made of silver.When the two fell, they made a clanking sound, which was very pleasant. In this game, Mu Sang really won the two.The two old friends played a total of three rounds from noon until dark. Mu Sang won two games and lost one. Reluctantly go to sleep. For three days in a row, Mu Sang pestered Mu Renqing to play chess.Yuan Chengzhi watched with relish.On the fourth day, Mu Renqing said: "Let's take a day off today, and wait for me to teach the apprentice the swordsmanship first." Mu Sang thought this was a serious matter, so it was inconvenient to stop him, but he was so itchy to wait, finally Mu Renqing finished the sword technique, he immediately stopped him and said, "Come, come, kill three more rounds." Mu Renqing has been teaching swords for a long time, and he is slightly tired, but Zhimu Sang is very addicted to chess, if he doesn't accompany him, I'm afraid he won't sleep well all night, so he went to play against him under the tree.Yuan Chengzhi practiced the newly learned swordsmanship for a while, and suddenly heard Mu Sang called out happily: "Chengzhi, come and see! Your master is terrible!" So he ran over to watch. Mu Renqing's chess strength is not as good as Mu Sang's, but at this time he is reluctant to accompany him, and his game is even more difficult. Before reaching the middle game, he is already restrained everywhere. Seeing that the situation of a piece of white stone is very critical, even if he tries to survive, all the points in the four corners will be lost. Occupied by the opponent.He picked up a chess piece, pondered for a while, and still couldn't put it down. Yuan Chengzhi watched from the side, and couldn't help it anymore, and said: "Master, if you go down here, Master Mu Sang will definitely go to save you. If you go down here again, you can rush out. I don't know if what the disciple said is right. " Mu Renqing always retreats calmly, he is not as conceited and aggressive as Mu Sang, so he followed his apprentice's instructions and made this move, a large piece of white pieces really rushed out, and trapped a small piece of black pieces to death.In this game of chess, Mu Renqing originally lost a lot, but after going through so many rounds, he only lost five pieces. Mu Sang praised Yuan Chengzhi's dexterity and asked him to play a game with him. Although Yuan Chengzhi does not understand the methods of the predecessors, the most important thing in Go is savvy. As the saying goes: "If you are not a national player at the age of twenty, you will have no hope for life." It means that if a Go player does not become famous in childhood, he will work hard in the future , It is always mediocre.Su Dongpo is such a smart person, he is proficient in everything from historical articles to calligraphy, painting and poetry, but he has always been unable to play Go, which has become a great regret in his life.He once said in a poem: "Victory is a pleasure, but defeat is also joyful." Later generations praised him for being broad-minded and not dwelling on victory or defeat.Did you know that the most important thing in Go is gain and loss, and the battle between one piece and one place must be calculated clearly and never relax, so that you can win. If you always play chess with the intention of "winning is always happy, losing is also happy", as a way of cultivating one's emotions, There is nothing wrong with pastime, but there must be less time for "Xin Ran" and more time for "Yi Xi". Mu Renqing's temperament is indifferent, and Mu Sang felt that playing chess with him was not intense and not very enjoyable. At this moment, the game with Yuan Chengzhi was quite different.Yuan Chengzhi and this way are quite talented, and with a childlike innocence, he tried every means to defeat this uncle.Although Mu Sang won this round, there were many dangers in the middle, and it was not easy to win. Early the next morning, Mu Sang dragged Cheng Zhi to play chess again. Cheng Zhi won three games in a row, changing from handing over nine pieces to handing over eight pieces.In less than a month, his chess strength has greatly improved, and Mu Sang can only let him three sons, so that they can win or lose each other. As soon as Yuan Chengzhi puts his heart into Go, he naturally spends less time practicing martial arts.Because of the affection of his old friend, Mu Renqing didn't say anything at first. Later, he saw that the old and the young were dealing with the catalpa all day long. Mu Sang plays a game of chess, and spends the rest of the time practicing martial arts. As soon as Yuan Chengzhi was reminded by his master, he thought that he had indeed neglected martial arts for many days, and he was secretly ashamed, so he hurried to practice swordsmanship.For two days in a row, Mu Sang asked him to play chess, and he always said that he wanted to practice sword.Mu Sang said: "Come and play chess with me. After the game, I will teach you a skill. Your master will definitely like it." Yuan Chengzhi said: "I went to ask the master." Mu Sang said: "Okay, you go ask." Yuan Chengzhi rushed in and told the master what Mu Sang said.Mu Renqing was overjoyed when he heard this. Taoist Mu Sang is nicknamed "Thousands of Changes".When he was young, he was nicknamed "flying on the ever-changing grass" because of his outstanding lightness skills and infinite changes in body skills.Later he indulged in playing chess.The way of Go pays attention to "robbing", and countless changes are born from robbery.Mu Sang's kung fu is very high, he himself thought it was mediocre, and his chess skills were not above average, but he was so conceited that he changed his nickname and called it "The National Chess Player of Thousand Changes and Tribulations".Because of his face, others are inconvenient to ignore his self-changing nickname, but they also know that his chess skills are far from the realm of "national player", so they make a compromise and simplify it, calling it "a myriad of changes". .These four characters are actually a compliment to his ever-changing martial arts, killing the enemy "forever".But if someone explains this to his face, Mu Sang will be very angry, and he will not give up until the other party admits that this nickname refers to his chess skills. Mu Renqing has always admired his unique secrets in martial arts, but he has never been willing to teach apprentices. Now that he agrees to teach Yuan Chengzhi martial arts, he must be too addicted to chess. , bowed to Mu Sang, and said: "You are willing to help the young apprentice, thank you first." Ask Yuan Chengzhi to kowtow to Mu Sang as a teacher. Yuan Chengzhi knelt down.Mu Sang jumped up, shook his hands, and said: "I don't accept apprentices. He wants me to teach Kung Fu, and I have to win by my ability." Mu Renqing said: "What can this little boy win you over?" Mu Sang said: "Swordsmanship and boxing, you are unparalleled in the world, and I am a veteran. As long as this child can learn 20 to 30% of your kung fu, it is difficult to find an opponent in the world. But when it comes to light skills and hidden weapons, I am afraid that I am too experienced." There are two more!" Mu Renqing said: "Who doesn't know that you are 'thousands of changes', with a variety of tricks!" Mu Sang laughed and said, "'Thousands of changes' means that the old chess skills are unparalleled in the world, and it has nothing to do with martial arts. It must not be confused It's only because you claim to be a master of the school, pay attention to grandeur and style in everything, and refuse to work hard on the hidden weapons of lightness kung fu, so that the old man can show off the limelight in these two schools. That's it, you let Chengzhi play two games of chess with me every day , I let him have three sons. If I win, that is to entertain my uncle, which is his filial piety. If he wins one round, I will teach him a trick of lightness kung fu. If he wins two rounds in a row, I will teach him a trick of hidden weapons in addition to light kung fu. We pay attention to gambling in chess, and that is the first prize. Do you think it is fair or not?" Mu Renqing thought this old man was really funny, and said: "Okay, that's the way to do it. I was afraid that Chengzhi would waste his time playing chess, but now that there are so many benefits, I don't care if you play eight or ten games every day." Mu Sang and Yuan Chengzhi was overjoyed when he heard that, and the old and young went to play chess again. Mu Sang had one victory and one loss that day, and when the chess game was over, he said to Yuan Chengzhi: "Today I will teach you a trick to lighten your body. Although it is just one trick, as long as you practice it with your heart, it will be enough for you to benefit from it for life. Look carefully. Just as he finished speaking, he didn't see him bending his legs to make a gesture, and suddenly pulled up his whole body, he had already reached the top of the big tree, somersaulted, and stood in front of him again.Yuan Chengzhi was dumbfounded and clapped his hands. Taoist Mu Sang immediately taught him the lightweight kung fu of "climbing the clouds and riding the dragon". Although it is just a single move, it can be seen that there are countless mysteries in the strength of the waist and legs, the footwork and the eyes.Yuan Chengzhi studied hard, but it was not easy to understand for a while. The next day Yuan Chengzhi lost two games in a row and got nothing.On the third day, he highlighted the surprise soldiers, gave up all the corners, occupied the hinterland of the center, and actually won both games.Mu Sang was not convinced, and played two more rounds, this time with one win and one loss. After the settlement, Mu Sang should teach him three tricks. Mu Sang taught him two light kung fu moves, and seeing that he had memorized them, he said, "Do you know what weapon I use against the enemy?" Yuan Chengzhi shook his head.Taoist Mu Sang grabbed the chessboard and said with a smile: "I used to use swords too, but in recent years I have switched to this guy." 袁承志早见这棋盘是精钢所铸，以为他喜爱奕道，随身携带棋局，为怕棋盘损坏，是以特用钢铸，哪知竟是对敌的兵器。木桑又拈起一把棋子，笑道：“这是我的暗器！”随手掷出，十几颗棋子向天飞去。 待棋子落下，木桑举起棋盘一接，只听得当的一声大响，十几颗棋子同时落在棋盘之上。袁承志伸出了舌头，半晌说不出话来。 本来十几颗棋子抛上天空，落下时定有先后，铁棋子和银棋子碰到钢棋盘，必是叮叮当当的乱响一阵，哪知十几颗棋子落下来竟是同时碰到棋盘，然则抛掷上去时手力的平匀，实是惊人。更奇的是，十几颗棋子落在棋盘之上，竟无一颗弹开落地，但见他右手微微一沉，已消了棋子下落之势，一颗颗棋子就似用手摆在棋盘上一般。 木桑笑道：“打暗器要先练力，再练准头，发出去的轻重有了把握，再谈得上准不准。”于是把投掷棋子用力使劲的心法传授了他。
木桑在华山绝顶一住就是大半年，天天与这位小友对弈，流连忘返，乐而忘倦，而一身轻身功夫和打棋子的心法，在这大半年中也毫不藏私的传了给他。 这天正是盛暑，袁承志上午练了拳剑，下午和木桑在树下对弈。这时他棋力早已高出木桑一先，可是木桑好胜，每次还是要让他先行，那更是胜少败多了。纵然“千变万劫”，变来变去，也仍是不免落败。败得越多，传授武功的次数也是越密。好在他棋艺上变化有限，武学却实是广博，输棋虽多，尽有层出不穷的招数来还债。 这天教的仍是发暗器的“满天花雨”手法，一手同时撒出七颗棋子，要颗颗打中敌人穴道。这项上乘武功自非朝夕之间所能学会，袁承志在这功夫上已下了两个多月苦功，可是同时发出三四颗棋子，每次总只能有一二颗打中。 木桑做了个木牌，牌上画了人形，叫哑巴举了木牌奔跑。木桑喊道：“天宗、肩贞、玉枕！”袁承志三颗棋子发出，打中了天宗、玉枕两穴，肩贞一穴却打偏了。木桑又喊：“关元、神封、中庭。”哑巴一边跑，一边把木牌乱晃。袁承志展开轻身功夫，追赶上去，手一挥，木桑已叫了起来：“关元穴没中。”正要再喊，忽听得袁承志惊叫一声，抢上去将哑巴一把拉住，向后力扯。 哑巴一呆，回过头来，只见一头大猩猩站在身后，神态狰狞，张牙舞爪，作势欲扑。哑巴举起木牌劈头向猩猩打下，突然左臂一紧，已被木桑拉了回来。 木桑叫道：“承志，你对付它！”袁承志知是木桑师伯考查他功夫，答应了一声，双掌一错，轻飘飘的纵到猩猩之前。 猩猩见他来得快速，转身想走，袁承志用重手拍的一声，在它背上重重一掌。猩猩痛得哇哇怪叫，转身挥长臂来抓。袁承志托地跳开，正要乘隙迎击，忽觉身后生风，似有敌人来袭。他不及回头，左脚一点，跃在空中，人未落地，已见袭击他的原来是另一头大猩猩。 他上山后练了这些年武功，只与师父拆解，却从未与人当真动过手，两头猩猩虽然狞恶，他却也不畏惧，展开伏虎掌法与两兽斗了起来。此时的掌法劲力，与当年在圣峰嶂忠烈祠中斗豹之时，自已不可同日而语。 呼喝声中，穆人清也奔了出来，见袁承志力斗两兽，手掌所到之处，猩猩无不痛得呵呵大叫，心下也自欣喜：“这孩子不枉了我一番心血。” 两头猩猩吃了苦头，不敢迫近，只是窜来跳去，俟机进扑。 穆人清见袁承志掌法尽可制得住两头畜生，要再看看他的剑法，于是奔进去取出长剑，叫道：“接剑！”将剑掷向空中。 袁承志纵起身来，右手一抄，接住剑柄，长剑在手，登时如虎添翼，人未落下，一招“穿针引线”，向一头猩猩肩上刺了过去，那猩猩急忙后退。 袁承志一柄剑使了开来，登时把两头猩猩裹在剑光之中。木桑道：“承志，别伤它们性命。”袁承志答应一声，长剑使得更加紧了，这时候他要刺杀猩猩，已是易如反掌。两头猩猩转眼间臂上、肩上、腿上、头上，剑创累累，他始终未下绝招，每手都是浅伤即止。 两头猩猩颇有灵性，起初还想奋力逃命，后来见微一纵开，剑锋随到，只要停步，对方就收招，知他有意不下杀手，忽然同时叫了几声，蹲在地下，双手抱头，不再进扑，四只眼珠骨碌碌的转动，望着袁承志，露出哀求的神色。 哑巴见袁承志制服了两头畜生，高兴得拍手顿足，奔进去取出一捆麻绳来，将两头猩猩缚住。双猩起初还露齿咆哮，但哑巴用力一捏，猩猩筋骨剧痛，不敢再行反抗，只得乖乖受缚，只是叽叽咕咕的叫个不休。 木桑与穆人清都赞袁承志近来功力大进，着实勉励了几句。袁承志很是高兴，用金创药敷上双猩伤口，又采些果子给它们吃了。 养了七八天，猩猩野性渐除，解去绳子后，居然也不逃走。袁承志大喜，给雄猩猩取名“大威”，雌猩猩叫做“小乖”。穆人清与木桑见雌猩猩如此毛茸茸的一头庞然大物，竟取了这般小巧玲珑的名字，都不禁失笑。 大威和小乖越养越驯，袁承志一发命令，双猩立即遵行无违。
这一天，两头猩猩攀到峰西绝壁上采摘果子，这绝壁一面较斜，尚可攀援，另一面却如一大堵平墙，毫无可容手足之处。双猩摘果嬉戏，小乖忽然失足，从树上跌了下来，直向绝壁一面溜下。这绝壁离地四十多丈，一掉下去自是粉身碎骨。大威吓得魂飞魄散，赶到山壁上看时，见小乖幸喜并未掉下，两条长臂攀在山壁上一个洞里。这洞穴年深月久，本来被泥土封住，小乖掉下来时在山壁上乱抓乱爬，凑巧抓破封泥，手指勾住了洞穴。只是身子挂在半空，上不得，下不去，十分狼狈。 大威无法可施，飞奔下山，来讨救兵。袁承志正在练剑，见它满身被荆棘刺得斑斑血迹，神态惊惶，不住跳跃，口中吱吱乱叫，知道小乖必定出了事，忙招呼了哑巴，一起跟大威出去。大威指着峭壁，乱跳乱叫。袁承志和哑巴奔近一看，见到小乖吊在半空。 袁承志回到石屋取了几条长绳，和哑巴、大威从斜坡爬上绝壁，将三条长绳接了起来，悬垂下去。小乖这时已累得筋疲力尽，一见绳子，双手双脚死命拉住。哑巴和大威一齐用力，将它拉了上来。 小乖身上被山石擦伤了数处，受伤不重，但它吱吱而叫，把手掌直伸到袁承志面前。袁承志一看，只见它手掌上钉着两枚奇形暗器，铸成小蛇模样，伸手一拔，竟拔不下来，小乖却已痛得乱跳，知道暗器下面生有倒刺。 袁承志一惊，心想：“难道来了敌人？”忙打手势问小乖，暗器是谁打来的？小乖指手划脚，示意说伸手到洞中时刺上的。 袁承志很是奇怪，心想这绝壁上的洞穴素不露形，而且上距山顶、下离地面都是甚远，怎会有暗器藏在其中？想了一会，难以索解，便去见师父和木桑道人。 两人听他说明情由，见了小乖掌上的暗器，也都称奇。木桑道：“我从来爱打暗器，江湖上各家各门的暗器都见识过，这蛇形小锥今日却是首次见到。老穆，这可把我考倒啦。”穆人清也暗暗纳罕，说道：“把它起出来再说。” 木桑回到房中，从药囊里取出一把锋利小刀，割开小乖掌上肌肉，将两枚暗器挖了出来。小乖知是给它治伤，毫没反抗。木桑给它敷上药，用布扎好伤口。小乖经过这次大难，甚为委顿。大威给它搔痒捉虱，拚命讨好，以示安慰。 那两枚暗器长约二寸八分，打成昂首吐舌的蛇形，蛇舌尖端分成双叉，每一叉都是一个倒刺。蛇身黝黑，积满了青苔秽土。木桑拿起来细细察看，用小刀挑去蛇身各处污泥，那蛇形锥渐渐灿烂生光，竟然是黄金所铸。木桑道：“怪不得一件小暗器有这么重，原来是金子打的。使这暗器的人好阔气，一出手就是一两多金子。” 穆人清突然一凛，说道：“这是金蛇郎君的。”木桑道：“金蛇郎君？你说是夏雪宜？听说此人已死了十多年啦！”刚说了这句话，忽然叫道：“不错，正是他。”小刀挑刮下，蛇锥的蛇腹上现出一个“雪”字。另一枚蛇锥上也刻着这字。 袁承志问道：“师父，金蛇郎君是谁？”穆人清道：“这事待会再说。道兄，你说他的暗器怎会藏在这洞里？”木桑沉思不语，呆呆出神。 袁承志见师父和木桑师伯神色郑重，便也不敢多问。晚饭过后，穆人清与木桑剪烛对谈，说了许多话，袁承志都不大懂，听他们说的都是仇杀、报复等事。 木桑忽道：“那么你说金蛇郎君是为避仇而到这里？”穆人清道：“以他的武功机智，似不必远从江南逃到此处，躲在这荒山之中。”木桑道：“难道这人还没死？”穆人清道：“此人行事向来神出鬼没，咱们在江湖中这些年，只听到他的名头，果然说得上是威名远震，却从来没见过他面。听人说他已死了，可是谁也不知道怎么死的。”木桑叹道：“这人行事也真古怪，有时穷凶极恶，有时却又行侠仗义，是好是坏，教人捉摸不定。我几次想要找他，都没能找到。”穆人清道：“咱们别瞎猜啦，明儿到山洞去睢瞧。” 次日一早，穆人清、木桑、袁承志、哑巴四人带了绳索兵刃，爬上峭壁之顶。木桑道：“我下去。”穆人清点点头，说道：“小心了。”将绳索缚在他腰里，与哑巴两人紧紧拉住，慢慢将他缒下去。 木桑一手持着精钢棋盘，一手扣了三枚棋子，溜到洞口，向下一望只见脚下雾气一团团的随风飘过，却不看见地，虽然他轻功卓绝，绝峰险岭，于他便如平地，这时却也不由得心惊，转头向洞里张望，黑沉沉的看不清楚，只觉得洞穴很深。洞口甚小，那是钻不进去的，于是用布包住了手，轻轻到洞里一探，碰到几枚尖利之物，插在洞口，一摸之下就知是金蛇锥，轻轻拔了出来，一共拔了十四枚，就没有了。再伸手进去，直到面颊抵住洞口，也再摸不到甚么，纵声叫道：“拉我上来。” 穆人清缓缓收索，拉了上来，拉到离崖顶二丈多时，木桑右脚在峭壁上一点，窜了上来，棋盘中托了一大把金蛇锥，笑道：“老穆，咱哥儿们发财啦，这么多金子。” 穆人清脸色却甚是沉重，双眉微蹙，说道：“这怪人将这些东西放在这里，不知是甚么意思。洞里还有甚么？待我下去瞧瞧。”木桑道：“你下去也是白饶，洞口太小，钻不进去。”穆人清满腹心事，低头不语。 袁承志忽道：“师伯，我成吗？”木桑喜道：“你也许成，但这样高，你敢下去吗？”袁承志道：“我敢，师父，我下去好不好？” 穆人清寻思：“这个江湖异人把他的防身至宝放在此地，必有用意，便在我居处之侧，岂可不探查明白？但只怕洞内有险，让这孩子孤身犯难，倒令人担心。”说道：“只怕洞里有危险呢。”袁承志忙道：“师父，我小心着就是啦。” 穆人清见他神色兴奋，跃跃欲试，就点头道：“好吧，你点一个火把，伸进洞去，倘若火熄，千万不可进去。”
袁承志答应了，右手执剑，左手拿着火把，缒绳下去。他遵照师父的吩咐，用火把先探进洞里。小乖弄破洞外泥封，山顶风劲，吹了一晚，已把洞中秽气吹尽，火把并不熄灭。 于是他慢慢爬了进去，见是一条狭窄的天生甬道，其实是山腹内的一条裂缝，爬了十多丈远，甬道渐高，再前进丈余，已可站直。他挺一挺腰，向前走去，甬道忽然转弯，他不敢大意，右手长剑当胸，走了两三丈远，前面豁然空阔，出现一个洞穴，便如是座石室。 举起火把一照，登时吃了一惊，只见对面石壁上斜倚着一副骷髅骨，身上衣服已烂了七八成，那骷髅骨宛然尚可见到是个人形。 他见到这副情形，一颗心嘣嘣乱跳，见石室中别无其他可怖事物，于是举火把仔细照看。骷髅前面横七竖八的放着十几把金蛇锥，石壁上有几百幅用利器刻成的简陋人形，每个人形均不相同，举手踢足，似在练武。他挨次看去，密密层层的都是图形，心下不解，不知刻在这里有甚么用意。 图形尽处，石壁上出现了几行字，也是以利器所刻，凑过去一看，见刻的是十六个字：“重宝秘术，付与有缘，入我门来，遇祸莫怨。”这十六字之旁，有个剑柄凸出在石壁之上，似是一把剑插入了石壁，直至剑柄。 他好奇心起，握住剑柄向外一拔，却是纹丝不动，竟似铸在石里一般。 正想再看，听得洞口隐隐似有呼唤之声，忙奔出去，转了弯走到甬道口，听得木桑在叫自己名字，忙高声答应，爬了出去。 原来木桑和穆人清在山顶见绳子越扯越长，等了很久不见出来，心中焦急，木桑也缒下去察看。他爬不进去，只得在洞口叫喊。 袁承志爬了出来，对木桑道：“洞里有许多古怪东西。”扯动绳子，上面穆人清和哑巴忙把两人拉上去。袁承志定了定神，才将洞中的情形说了出来。 穆人清道：“那骷髅定是金蛇郎君夏雪宜了。想不到一代怪杰，毕命于此。”木桑道：“他留的这十六字是甚么意思？”穆人清沉吟道：“看样子似乎他在洞中埋藏了甚么宝物。石壁上所刻图形，当是他的武功了。这十六字留言颇为诡奇，似说谁得到他的遗赠，就得算他门人，而且说不定会有祸患。”木桑道：“按字义推详，该当如此，只不知这怪人还有甚么奇特花样。” 穆人清叹了口气，道：“咱们也不贪图他的甚么重宝秘术。承志，明儿你再进去，把这位前辈的遗骨葬了，点了香烛在他灵前叩拜一番，也对得起他了。”袁承志答应了。 次日清晨，袁承志拿了一把锄头，和哑巴两人爬上了峭壁。这次穆人清和木桑知道洞里没有危险，没再和他们同去。 袁承志心想埋葬骸骨，费时不少，特地带了三个火把，爬进洞后，用锄头在地下挖了个小洞，插入火把，用泥土护住，转身瞧那骷髅。 心想：听师父说，这人生前是一位怪侠，不知何以落得命丧荒山，死在这隐秘的洞穴之中，骸骨无人殓埋，心下恻然，在骷髅面前跪下，叩了几个头，暗暗祝告：“弟子袁承志无意中得见遗体，今日给前辈落葬，你在地下长眠安息吧！”祷祝方罢，一阵冷风飕飕的刮进洞来，只觉寒气逼人，不禁毛骨悚然。 他不敢在洞中多耽，便用锄头在地下挖掘，心想地下都是坚硬的岩石，倘若挖不下去，只有把白骨捡到洞外去埋葬了。 哪知一锄下去，地面应锄而开，竟然甚是松软，忙加劲挖掘，挖了一会，忽然叮的一声，锄头碰到一件铁器。移近火把一看，见底下有块铁板，再用锄头挖了几下，拨开旁边泥土，原来竟是一只两尺见方的大铁盒。 他把铁盒捧了出来，见那盒子高约一尺，然而入手轻飘飘地，似乎盒里并没藏着甚么东西。打开盒盖，那盒子竟浅得出奇，离底仅只一寸，他心下奇怪，一只尺来高的盒子，怎地盒里却这般浅？料得必有夹层。 盒中有个信封，封皮上写着八字：“得我盒者，开启此柬。”拆开信封，里面有张白笺，年深日久，纸笺早已变黄。笺上写道：“盒中之物，留赠有缘。惟得盒者，务须先葬我骸骨，方可启盒，要紧要紧。”信封中又有两个小封套，一个封套上写着“启盒之法”，一个封套上写着“葬我骸骨之法”。 袁承志举起盒子一摇，里面果然有物，心想：“师父怜你暴骨荒山，才命我给你收葬，又不是贪得你的物事。” 于是拆开写着“葬我骸骨之法”的封套，见里面又有白笺，写道：“君如诚心葬我骸骨，请在坑中再向下挖掘三尺，然后埋葬，使我深居地下，不受虫蚁之害。” 袁承志心想：“我好人做到底，索性照你的吩咐做吧。”于是又向地下挖掘，这次泥土较坚，时时出现山石，挖掘远为费力。 他此时武功颇有根底，但也累出了一身大汗，堪堪又将挖了三尺，忽然叮的一声，锄头又碰到一物，拨开泥土，果然又是一只铁盒，不过这只盒子小得多，只一尺见方，暗想：“这位怪侠当真古怪，不知这盒中又有甚么东西。”打开盒盖看时，只惊得一身冷汗。 原来盒中一张笺上写道：“君是忠厚仁者，葬我骸骨，当酬以重宝秘术。大铁盒开启时有毒箭射出，盒中书谱地图均假，上有剧毒，以惩贪欲恶徒。真者在此小铁盒内。” 袁承志不敢多看，将两只铁盒放在一旁，把金蛇郎君的骸骨依次搬入穴中，盖上泥土，点上了香烛，拜了几拜，捧了铁盒，回身走出。 火光照耀下见洞口是用石块砌成，想是金蛇郎君当日进洞之后，再用岩石封住。否则的话，从这具骷髅看来，他身材高大，又怎进得洞来？只是时日已久，洞外土积藤攀，又生满了青苔，却看不出来，只道洞口是天生这么细小的。袁承志挖开石块，开大洞口，以备师父与木桑道人进来查看。出洞后哑巴将他拉上。他拿了两只铁盒，去见师父。 穆人清与木桑正在弈棋，见他过来，便停弈不下。袁承志把经过一说，两人看了几封书柬，都是暗暗心惊，又把大铁盒中写着“启盒之法”的封套拆开，里面一张纸写道：“铁盒左右，各有机括，双手捧盒同时力掀，铁盒即开。” 木桑向穆人清伸了伸舌头，道：“承志这条小命，今日险些送在山洞之中，要是他稍有贪心，不先埋葬骸骨而即去开启盒子，只怕难逃毒箭。” 叫哑巴搬了一只大木桶来，在木桶靠底处开了两个孔，将铁盒打开了盖放在桶内，再用木板盖住桶口，然后用两根小棒从孔中伸进桶内，与袁承志各持一根小棒，同时用力一抵，只听得呀的