Jin Yong has a master-level way of thinking about many things.

In 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils,' do you all remember the Sweeping Monk?

He stated a fact while also expressing a viewpoint:

1️⃣

Fact

The 72 Unique Skills of Shaolin, not many can master them, let alone grasp several at the same time.

2️⃣

Viewpoint

The reason is that with each unique skill practiced, one must study the corresponding deeper Buddhist teachings to truly master it.

Jiu Mo Zhi, Mu Rong Bo, and Xiao Yuan Shan are all contemporary masters who, in their greed to learn various unique skills, ignored the Buddhist scriptures placed aside by the Sweeping Monk, ultimately leading to their downfall.

When I first read this, my understanding was:

Unique skills can kill, and one must have corresponding 'compassion' to truly comprehend and master them.

Looking back now, Jin Yong's thinking goes deeper:

In anything in the world, wanting to become a master has two levels: 'technique' and 'way.'

In Sun Zi's Art of War, the 'way of heaven, earth, general, and law' also applies to warfare.

A master cannot only grasp 'technique' but must also understand 'general and law'; otherwise, at a higher level, problems will arise, even leading to backlash.

In trading, when you can manage a certain level of funds, you must not only master the 'technique' of how to earn that money but also possess the 'way' to control it—both are equally important.

Greedily wanting to become the top master, continuously improving in 'technique,' practicing every day, but neglecting to work on 'way' will lead to a fate like Jiu Mo Zhi.

Masters in any field are:

Not only must they practice the sword, but they must also read scriptures.