Mount Song, known in ancient times as Zhongyue, stands majestically in Henan Province. Its two main peaks, Taishi and Shaoshi, face each other across approximately thirty li, one exuding grandeur and solemnity, the other slender and graceful. The shaded valleys and sunlit slopes between them lead to numerous scenic spots, including the Longtan and Luyan Temples. Since the Tang Dynasty, these areas have been favored retreats for hermits and sages.
The Shaolin Temple, situated here, is renowned in the martial world, forming its own distinct sect. Heroes and warriors from all directions look up to it with admiration, leading to widespread tales and legends. The monks, accustomed to mountain life and rigorous training, possess physical strength surpassing that of ordinary people. Combined with their inherited martial arts, they appear spirited and robust. In terms of true martial prowess, they are indeed formidable.
In the early summer of the 23rd year of the Guangxu reign, a young man named Xi Si arrived at the foot of Mount Song. Clad in simple attire, his demeanor was unassuming, yet his eyes held a depth that spoke of experience beyond his years. He sought neither fame nor fortune but carried with him a purpose known only to himself.
As he ascended the mountain paths, the whispers of the wind seemed to carry tales of past heroes and ancient battles. The serenity of the landscape contrasted with the turmoil that Xi Si sensed brewing in the martial world. Unbeknownst to the inhabitants of the peaceful villages below, a new chapter in the annals of Jianghu was about to unfold.