"I dare not accept such compliments," Wang Hao smiled and said, "Let’s discuss, let’s discuss. I used to be fond of traditional Chinese culture and have read quite a few poems, so I understand a bit. Master Yuan, the first two lines you’ve written are actually fine on their own. They depict a naive young man bumbling through the martial world, right?"
Master Yuan nodded, "Exactly, and then?"
"The first two lines are good," Wang Hao continued, "but when you add the next two lines, they don’t match. Look, your next two lines, ’The boat does not retreat against winds and rains, using joy as the paddle, pain as the lake.’ This means moving forward courageously and finding joy in suffering regardless of the thorns on the path ahead. So here comes the problem, how can a youth who goes with the flow be so bold and determined? Master Yuan, you’re experienced and should know that to be truly determined, one must have a very clear goal. But the earlier lines suggest drifting along, doesn’t that clash?"
In truth, Wang Hao was just rambling on, but he did have a logical point, and for a moment, Master Yuan had no counterarguments!
Li Chuang, watching from the side, was impressed—Little Wang really had some skills!
Director Deng and the others were agape with disbelief: "Wow, can this really work?!"
But even though the praise was due, a way out still had to be provided. Li Chuang hurriedly chuckled, "Perhaps Master Yuan overlooked something minor, a slight change might just do the trick, that’s surely not wrong."
Master Yuan, being a shrewd person, took the offered way out and immediately replied, turning the tables, "Right, a little adjustment, and it’s no big problem. But earlier, you mentioned you liked traditional studies and seemed to have a good grasp of poetry. Would it be possible for me to see your grand compositions?"
Upon hearing this, Li Chuang, who was just smiling, suddenly changed his expression.
Discussing and critiquing poetry was one thing; actually writing it was another entirely!
Ancient poetry is categorized into old-style and regulated verse, typically in lines of five or seven characters.
This wasn’t something one could do just by stringing together four lines; it required strict adherence to structural rules!
He was anxious, as everything depended on this interaction today!
Director Deng and the others exchanged significant glances—here comes the good part, haha!
"Actually, my poetry skills are just average," Wang Hao modestly scratched his head, smiling knowingly, "I barely know enough. Instead, I currently have some insights into swordsmanship. Would you be interested, Master Yuan?"
This guy knows insights into swordsmanship?
Li Chuang looked puzzled: "What? Insights into swordsmanship?"
Master Yuan was even more surprised, curiously asking, "You know this too, young brother?! Why not share it and let me hear?"
After all, he was a martial arts director; whether it was true or false, curiosity was certainly there.
Heh, why do they say curiosity killed the cat?
Barely knowing, Wang Hao chuckled and said, "Shall I start then?"
"Go ahead!" Master Yuan smiled and nodded, making a welcoming gesture.
Wang Hao then began speaking!
"Dugu Nine Sword strives forward without retreat, each move aggressively assaults, forcing the enemy to remain defensive, so the practitioner need not defend!" He recited in a deep voice, reminiscent of an orator. While reciting, he paced around the study; his voice filled the room.
He recited the essence of the Dugu Nine Sword, one of the pinnacles of Master Jin Yong’s novels!
This grand and profound understanding of the sword technique was sure to be effective in captivating Master Yuan!
"Excellent!" As expected, Master Yuan, who had profound insights into martial arts philosophy, exclaimed loudly, "Insightful! This sort of aggressive martial arts philosophy is truly novel to me!"
Just the opening and it was already so grand and impressive, how could the rest be any less remarkable?
Seeing that Master Yuan was hooked, Wang Hao continued reciting—
"The creator of this sword technique, the elder Dugu Qiubai, named ’Seeking Defeat,’ sought defeat throughout his life but never found an equal. When this sword technique is deployed, it is unmatched in the world. The first move, ’General Form,’ has over three thousand characters, disjointed in content, requiring daily recitation to thoroughly assimilate and integrate."
"The second move is to break other sword techniques, applicable to all schools and styles."
"The third move is to counter various knife techniques, including single knife, double knife, willow leaf knife, Ghost Head Saber, large cleaver, and horse-chopping saber. It emphasizes using lightness to control heaviness, speed to overcome slowness. Anticipating the enemy’s move is the essence of this sword technique."
"That’s quite a concept," Master Yuan furrowed his eyebrows, pondering, then said, "I’ve never heard of such martial arts theories before! Anticipating the enemy, using lightness to control heaviness, speed to overcome slowness? What sort of moves are those?"
By now, Li Chuang was completely shocked by Wang Hao’s formidable insights. Who could have guessed Wang Hao was this formidable?
Director Deng and the others were equally astounded—how could anyone conceive of such a martial art as the Dugu Nine Sword? Utterly brilliant!