Zhu Ziliu is the number one calligrapher of the northern sky, though he practices martial arts he hadnât stopped studying literature, in the end, the more he practiced his kung fu the further refined it became and eventually the two arts became connected to each other. The âSolitary Yang Fingerâ and calligraphy became one. This kung fu was his own invention; if the opponent was stronger but didnât have a background in literature, it would be extremely difficult for them to defend against this martial art. From literature and literature on martial arts came a kung fu where both literature and martial arts have reached an extremely advanced state.
Luckily, Huo Dou has studied under a Han scholar when he was young, he had read books and recited poems, and was able to defend against this attack. He saw the tip of the pen flashing across, in the calligraphy was the aim of sealing pressure points, in the pressure point sealing was the aim of calligraphy. It was like a silver hook and metal scull, the strokes were swift and powerful and in the midst of this there was a leisurely and elegant air.
Guo Jing wasnât versed in literature, as he watched he thought this kung fu was extraordinary.
Huang Rongâs father taught her both martial arts and literature, when she saw this excellent kung fu, she couldnât stop herself from admiring and enjoying it.
Guo Fu went over to her motherâs side and asked, âMother, heâs holding that pen, stroking it here and there, what kind of game is that?â
Huang Rong was concentrating on the battle and just replied, âThe Fang Xuan Ling Inscription.â
Guo Fu didnât understand and asked, âWhat Fang Xuan Ling Inscription?â
Huang Rong was absorbed in the battle and didnât reply.
The âFan Xuan Ling Inscriptionâ is a work written by the Tang minister Chu Sui Liang, and it is also a refined calligraphy style. The people before them have judged Chuâs book and likened it to âa girl from heaven scattering flowersâ; the calligraphy style was firm, graceful and elegant, concentrating on creating beauty, every stroke was airy, completely focusing on this aspect. Zhu Ziliuâs âSolitary Yang Book Fingerâ uses a pen as the finger; every stance was measured and cautious, like a pen writing a book.
Though Huo Duo did not understand the intricacies of the âSolitary Yang Fingerâ, at least he had read the âFang Xuan Ling Inscriptionâ before, he knew that the horizontal stroke will be followed by a vertical stroke, he defended well, and he didnât show signs of losing.
Zhu Ziliu saw that he knew this style of calligraphy; he called out and shouted, âCareful! A cursive calligraphy style is coming.â Suddenly he took off his hat and shot it at him, his sleeve flew across the air, and he dashed forward madly, his stances not following the style. He looked as if he were mad, crazy, drunk, as if a spell was put on him, the penâs aim raining down, the finger moving like a dragon and snake.
Guo Fu was startled and laughed as she asked, âMother, has he gone mad?â
Huang Rong said, âIf he drank three cups of wine then the pen would be even better.â She picked up a wine pot and poured three cups, she called out, âBrother Zhu, drink three cups to further you enjoyment.â The cup was in her left hand, the middle finger of her right hand flicked it, and the wine cup flew steadily across to him.
Zhu Ziliu raised his pen and brushed down, forcing Huo Dou to the side as he caught the cup, drinking it in one go. Huang Rong flicked the second and third cup over in the same way.
Huo Dou saw the two of them offering wine in the battle, not even noticing that he was there, he wanted to wave his fan and knock the cups out of the air but Huang Rong followed Zhu Ziliuâs penâs intent, she flicked out the cups in the gaps. Huo Dou was unable to knock them out of the air.
Zhu Ziliu drank the three cups dry and called out, âThank you. That is very handsome âDivine Flicking Fingerâ kung fu!â
Huang Rong laughed and said, âVery spirited âZi Yan Tieâ!â
Zhu Ziliu gave a laugh and thought, âI have always thought that I am clever, but I am still a level below that girl. I have studied this skill diligently for over ten years; just one look and she saw through it.â
The work that he was using now was Zhang Xuâs âTie Yin Tieâ of the Tang dynasty. Zhang Xu has been given the title of âCao Shengâ, the saint of cursive calligraphy. Du Fuâs poem âThe Song of the eight drinking Immortalsâ says; âZhang Xuâs three cups passes onto Cao Sheng, the hat is removed showing his head in front of the king, the pen descending on the paper like a fog.â
Huang Rong offered him three cups firstly to acknowledge the class of kung fu he was using, secondly, once the influence of wine increases, the calligraphy will be even better, and lastly she wanted to dampen Huo Douâs spirits. She then saw Zhu Ziliu write âThe Bold Man Fights for the Roadâ, on the âroadâ word, the pen hooked up and brushed across Huo Douâs clothes. The heroes all laughed as Huo Dou retreated backwards.