doitstory Chapter 1929-11928 Shanghai Long 3 Book House
Chapter 1929-11928 Shanghai Long 3 Book House
Chapter 1929 1.1928 Shanghai Changsan Bookstore
As previously known, the "true qi" in martial arts corresponds to the "primordial qi" in fantasy.
Just as the terms "pulse appearance" and "pulse phase" differ by only one character, their meanings are completely different. Pulse appearance refers to the "blood vessels" of the "twelve regular meridians" in traditional Chinese medicine pulse diagnosis. Pulse phase, on the other hand, refers to the "qi vessels" of the eight extraordinary meridians.
The twelve meridians are the collective name for the three Yin meridians of the hand (lung, pericardium, and heart), the three Yang meridians of the hand (large intestine, triple burner, and small intestine), the three Yang meridians of the foot (stomach, gallbladder, and bladder), and the three Yin meridians of the foot (spleen, liver, and kidney). Because they belong to the twelve internal organs, they form the main body of the meridian system and are also known as the "twelve regular meridians."
The Eight Extraordinary Meridians are the Ren, Du, Chong, Dai, Yin Wei, Yang Wei, Yin Qiao, and Yang Qiao meridians. They differ from the Twelve Regular Meridians in that they are neither directly connected to the internal organs nor have any exterior-interior pairing. Hence, they are called "Extraordinary Meridians."
The eight extraordinary meridians crisscross and run between the twelve regular meridians. When the qi of the twelve regular meridians and the internal organs is vigorous, the extraordinary meridians store it; when the physiological functions of the twelve regular meridians require it, the extraordinary meridians can replenish and supply it. Therefore, the extraordinary meridians have the function of regulating the qi of the twelve regular meridians.
Both blood vessels and qi vessels can store blood and qi. The difference lies in their emphasis. Blood vessels primarily store blood, with qi storage as a secondary function; qi vessels primarily store qi, with blood storage as a secondary function.
Because they do not pass through the internal organs, the eight extraordinary meridians are also called "external meridians," the "meridians of cultivators," and are the channels through which primordial energy is transported. In other words, primordial energy does not travel through the twelve regular meridians, but originates from the dantian. After circulating through the eight extraordinary meridians, it returns to the dantian, forming a complete primordial energy circuit.
Another well-known fact is that Wu Chen, who is known as the peerless furnace, suffers from "slippery meridians"—his congenital meridians are slippery, making it difficult for him to condense and retain his vital energy.
Just as pulse characteristics and pulse patterns are different, "slippery meridians" literally means that, like a slide, a person sits on it and slides down with a "whoosh." This implies that the vital energy in the eight extraordinary meridians is also like sliding down a slide, "whoosh," and then disappearing from the body.
That being said, if the eight extraordinary meridians cannot store vital energy, then no amount of arduous cultivation will be of any use.
Having regained his memories of the sanctuary, Wu Chen was well aware of his physical condition. Having been refined into an unparalleled furnace, how could he not be affected?
Especially during dual cultivation, Wu Chen could transform his overflowing demigod-level spiritual power into innate primordial energy, continuously transferring it to his cultivation partner. It was comparable to the shelter version of the "Wedding Dress Divine Skill".
At present, none of the Huitian Pavilion members present have yet been able to personally experience the dual cultivation divine power of Wu Chen's peerless cauldron.
Once you've tasted it for yourself, you'll be hooked, experiencing ecstasy and an insatiable urge to stop.
But that's a story for another time.
The newly arrived Huitian Pavilion became an instant sensation, acquiring two top courtesans and greatly increasing its strength. No brothel in Beibao dared to underestimate it.
Furthermore, according to the established rules of the Flower Pavilion Competition, the two flower pavilions that were merged, "Huixian Yaxu" and "Emei Zhengpai," retained their own nameplates and became branches of Huitian Pavilion. They became the left and right side rooms, guarding the central Huitian Pavilion private room. The three families were closely connected, sharing both prosperity and adversity.
Just as the three companies were merging and settling things off, the multi-tiered brothel began to turn again. Each company merged with others, resulting in a structure quite different from before.
"Following the old precedent, we should take advantage of the situation now and target the lone brothels. That way, we'll have a better chance of winning," said Dan Niang, the madam of Hui Xian Ya Xu, at the opportune moment.
"With the combined strength of our three families, we sisters could even merge two families (of brothels)." The top courtesan Qin Cao of Huixian Yaxu was reborn, her achievements unparalleled.
"If we can always be one step ahead, and merge the five families (3+2), victory will be assured." Abbess Jingyin, the head of the Emei Sect, was not to be outdone.
"What does Sister Ying think?" Elder Gu Xianniang asked the Right Protector Xiahou Ying.
"Very well then." Right Protector Xiahou Ying naturally followed the will of the people.
Upon hearing this, Dan Niang, the madam of Hui Xian Ya Xu, immediately beamed with joy: "In that case, we should choose this place." "Shanghai Chang San Shu Yu." Following Dan Niang's finger, Right Protector Xiahou Ying immediately saw the brothel room that was the result of the merger of the "Shanghai Beach" nightclub in Shinjuku Kabukicho in "The City That Never Sleeps" and the "Chang San Shu Yu" in the British Concession of Shanghai in the late Qing Dynasty in "Flowers of Shanghai".
In the "Changsan Shuyu" high-class brothel in the British Concession of Shanghai, there were three courtesans who spoke in soft Wu dialect, carried water pipes, and exuded the charm of Shanghai: Zhou Shuangzhu, Huang Cuifeng, and Shen Xiaohong.
There are also three top courtesans at the Kabukicho nightclub in Shinjuku: Madam Huang Xiuhong, top hostess Wu Fulian, and number two hostess Wen Cuiping (Wen Cuiping).
Everyone's life has its own unique circumstances. Packaged into "Wuxia World: Prison City Battle," they are further engulfed by the plot. For example, Wen Cuiping, originally a secretary to a gangster boss, is forced to work in a nightclub after the boss's defeat and death in a power struggle. Wu Fulian, who was originally supposed to die at the snowy Shinjuku pier, escapes by adopting the alias Sato Natsumi.
Now, they all meet in Beibao.
"They all appear to be weak and frail women." The madam of Huixian Yaxu, Dan Niang, accompanied Elder Gu Xian Niang of Huitian to deliver the challenge.
"Dan Niang should know that in 'Wuxia World: Prison City Conquest,' everyone has their own extraordinary encounters, so don't underestimate it."
"I will remember your wise words, Fairy Maiden," said Dan Niang, the madam of Huixian Yaxu, with a smile.
Having made up their minds, the group from Huitian Pavilion set off for the other party's private room.
"Master Gu, what brings you here?" Huang Xiuhong, the madam of the Changsan Book House in Shanghai, came out to greet him first.
"I have come to issue a challenge." Elder Gu Xianniang of Huitian treated them with courtesy.
"As the saying goes, 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do.'" Huang Xiuhong, the madam of the Changsan Book House in Shanghai, smiled with captivating charm: "I've heard that the Master of the Pavilion possesses the art of rejuvenation. I wonder if you are skilled in martial arts?"
"What, the Changsan Book House in Shanghai... instead of drinking games, you want to fight?" Elder Gu Xianniang of Huitian was caught off guard.
"Ah, it's a long story," came a soft, Wu-accented voice from behind. Huang Xiuhong, the madam of the Changsan Book House in Shanghai, turned slightly to the side. Three courtesans, each holding a water pipe and exuding the charm of Shanghai, gracefully approached. They were Zhou Shuangzhu, Huang Cuifeng, and Shen Xiaohong.
"What do you mean by that?" Elder Gu Xianniang of Huitian was determined to get to the bottom of it. This matter concerned winning the championship and taking the medal. How could a frail woman have such a fortuitous encounter and become proficient in martial arts overnight?
"That day, after returning from my 'elimination,' I encountered an old beggar selling martial arts manuals at the alley entrance. He said he saw my extraordinary physique, that I was a once-in-a-million martial arts prodigy, and that maintaining world peace depended on me. He had a manual here, and saying that he felt a connection with me, he sold it to me for ten yuan..."
In old Shanghai, prostitutes were generally divided into three classes: brothel girls, high-class prostitutes, and low-class prostitutes.
Among the brothels in Shanghai during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, the highest level was undoubtedly the "Shuyu," where the practitioners were called "Sir" (or simply "Shuyu"). This was because the doors or sides of the brothels were marked with "So-and-so Shuyu," hence the name.
It's important to understand that not just any brothel could call itself a "book house" (书寓). Only those that passed a festival-wide assessment and were generally recognized as qualified could officially register as such. Throughout Shanghai, the number of "book house" employees never exceeded 100, and most of the time it only had a few dozen. A typical high-class "book house" had only 2-3 employees, a private courtyard, and an elegant environment for tea and music. The "book house" employees were very aloof, maintaining a distance of about one foot from their guests when serving drinks. It is said that a chat with a "book house" employee, lasting from an afternoon to two hours, would cost 20-40 silver dollars; while inviting one to a banquet would cost anywhere from 50 to 100 silver dollars. Keep in mind that at the time, a silk reeler's monthly income was only about 8 silver dollars.
As can be seen from the above, life in brothels was extremely luxurious. Back then, a single opium pipe belonging to a certain brothel was priced at 1800 silver dollars. To truly be intimate with a brothel owner required not only a great deal of time but also a substantial amount of money. This was because once a brothel owner offered herself, the price would be astonishingly high, with the first time (serving a client) costing up to 5 silver dollars.
A popular brothel might even have dedicated staff: a madam, a prostitute, an accountant, a cook, maids, and other female servants, demonstrating its immense earning power. Furthermore, if a brothel attendee, no lower-ranking employee could be present; otherwise, they would feel insulted and leave in a huff.