Section 076: The Miraculous Three Axes

Section 076: The Miraculous Three-Axe Technique

The axe that Cheng Yaojin brought was also known as the "Horse Battle Axe." Its blade was five inches long, the handle seven feet, and both ends were tipped with sharp spikes. In the crucible of battle, when life hung by a thread, this axe could shift from chopping to stabbing or thrusting like a spear, its use remarkably versatile.

Li Dong took the axe, feeling its weight in his hands. In the open courtyard, he assumed a stance and said to Cheng Yaojin, "Watch carefully!"

He proceeded to demonstrate the legendary three-and-a-half axe moves: "Split the forehead, pierce the eye, twist the lips," and the final move, "Strike the horse's hoof." Li Dong wielded the axe slowly, his purpose not speed but clarity, so Cheng Yaojin could observe the transitions and paths of the techniques, allowing him to grasp their essence more quickly.

Though the "Three Axe Moves" were nominally just three techniques, Li Dong subtly blended into them the thirty-six mountain-cleaving forms of Yu the Great, infusing endless variations based on the fundamental actions of the axe—splitting, chopping, pushing, thrusting. The demonstration lasted a full hour, barely covering all the techniques. Li Dong finally stopped, his chest rising and falling slightly; the axe was simply too heavy, and Li Dong, whose strength lay more in wisdom than in brute force, was left breathless.

"Did you see clearly?" Li Dong asked.

Cheng Yaojin scratched his head, embarrassed, stammering, "You made my head spin—I only remember half!"

Li Dong laughed at that; so all his effort had been for nothing, and he was left panting. If he repeated the demonstration, he’d be drenched in sweat. Yet he had no choice—he had resolved to teach the axe technique.

After a brief rest, Li Dong took up the axe and went through the moves again, this time focusing on the core three, omitting less lethal techniques to help Cheng Yaojin master the essentials quickly.

When he finished, sweat poured down. Li Dong wiped his face and asked, "How about this time? How much did you remember?"

Cheng Yaojin blushed deeper, and after a long pause, squeezed out, "Just three moves!"

Li Dong nearly coughed up blood in frustration. What did this fellow see? Was he playing tricks on him? Better let him try—no more demonstrations, or he’d collapse.

"Show me the moves you remember, let's see how you do." Li Dong handed the axe to Cheng Yaojin, letting him perform the remembered moves—and to catch his breath.

Cheng Yaojin hesitated and took the axe, but seeing Li Dong already sweating, he felt too embarrassed to ask for a third demonstration. He stepped onto the open ground and began practicing. At first, his movements were hesitant and slow, but they were precise and well-formed.

Li Dong didn't hesitate to give him a thumbs-up, praising his mastery.

Then Cheng Yaojin sped up, and shadows flashed before their eyes, wind whistling.

Page (1/3)

He grew more confident, and a small whirlwind swept the courtyard, Li Dong feeling his clothes stirred by the axe's wind. Before him, it was no longer a single axe—there seemed to be countless axes spinning and whirling at high speed.

In that moment, cold light flickered throughout the courtyard, as if a storm was about to break, thunder crashed, lightning flashed, and fierce winds rose.

The axe—so swift, swifter than lightning!

The wind—so cold, cold to the marrow!

The moves—so fierce, unmatched!

Li Dong was stunned. To wield the axe to this degree, so miraculously, and claim to remember only three moves? The disciple had surpassed the master! He felt cheated—an hour’s sweat wasted. Were it not for decorum, Li Dong would have cried out to the heavens.

The legendary Three Axe Moves were not as simple as they appeared!

What he saw was not three moves, but countless axes wielded at once. One begets two, two begets three, three begets all things. The Three Axe Moves were a metaphor for infinite, unfathomable variations—not merely the fixed trio of later tales.

Li Dong was almost proud of himself—fortunately, he forced these techniques upon Cheng Yaojin, or else the idiom "Three Axe Moves" would never have entered the annals of history!

To create history, to change it, one need not participate in grand events, but must seize the present, the unexpected, and engage wherever possible.

At least Cheng Yaojin’s actions showed Li Dong: when you change history, history changes you.

When Cheng Yaojin finished, he stood tall, axe in hand, unruffled, barely panting, majestic as a god descending to earth.

"Excellent!" Li Dong applauded loudly, praising his performance.

This made Cheng Yaojin bashful; he grinned, "I’m not nearly as good as you, not even a tenth—I'm ashamed!"

"Not so!" Li Dong beamed, shaking his head. "With diligent practice, you will become truly formidable!"

"In the future?" Cheng Yaojin repeated, suddenly realizing something, and asked urgently, "Are you leaving Partridge Inn, abandoning me?"

Hearing this, Li Dong felt a pang of melancholy.

Page (2/3)

He had come to Partridge Inn only because of Qin Qiong, and had lingered here for some time. He could not stay any longer.

"Yes, I have an important matter to attend to. There’s still a journey ahead, and I must set out soon," Li Dong replied.

Cheng Yaojin immediately set the axe aside and bowed deeply, pleading, "You haven’t even been here a day—how can you leave? I haven’t given you a banquet, nor sought your advice for the future. Will you truly abandon me?"

"Please, stay a few more days, and guide me on what I should do. Otherwise, I will not let you leave Partridge Inn!" Cheng Yaojin’s tone was resolute, even a little threatening.

Indeed, if Li Dong could maintain a long association with Cheng Yaojin, his journey would not be in vain. Li Dong pondered for a moment, pointing northwest, saying, "Your path lies to the northwest, in the northern reaches of the Central Plains."

Cheng Yaojin was puzzled by the hidden meaning, and pressed Li Dong for guidance.

Li Dong vaguely revealed that in a few years, something earth-shattering would occur in the Central Plains. "When we meet again, it will be in that region. Then, a great event will shake the world. That will be the best time for you to seek me out."

"The Central Plains are vast and populous—how will I find you then?" Cheng Yaojin asked.

Li Dong smiled mysteriously, "I don’t know where we’ll meet, but meet we will. When the time comes, just ask anyone—you’ll know where to find me."

Now Cheng Yaojin understood.

The great event Li Dong spoke of must concern himself; otherwise, how could anyone know his whereabouts?

Judging by today’s events, Li Dong’s wisdom, martial skill, and generosity were enough for greatness. Could it be that he would… Cheng Yaojin dared not think further.

With a thud, Cheng Yaojin prostrated himself, deeply admiring Li Dong: "Please, continue to guide me!"

Li Dong quickly helped him up. "No need for such ceremony. Right now, you still have a hurdle to cross. Once you pass it, your path will be smooth."

Cheng Yaojin was puzzled, not knowing what Li Dong meant by this hurdle, and asked for his guidance.

Page (3/3)