EFB Chapter 14 Take control of yourself, without relying on external means!
Chapter 14 Take control of yourself, without relying on external means!
With each sentence Zhang Yuan spoke, he took a step forward, and although he had no knife in his hand, he used his palm as a knife to make chopping, slashing, and horizontal movements!
His movements were steady and refined, with power penetrating to his fingertips. His footwork was perfectly coordinated, and his foundation was so solid that it was astonishing!
It was as if the heavy Xuanlin Blade had become one with him!
With the final step, a simple yet powerful vertical slash, imbued with the essence and spirit of the entire body, descended!
Although it had no blade, it still generated a sharp, powerful gust of wind!
Looking at the small, thin figure before him, who seemed to possess boundless strength and will, listening to the iron-blooded experience revealed in his calm words, and feeling the "sword intent" that, though still immature, already possessed the demeanor of a master, Zheng Chaoyang could no longer suppress his admiration and ecstasy!
"Hahaha! Good! What a brilliant 'the knife is like limbs, cut it off when necessary'! What a fine son of Zhang Zhenshan!"
Just as Zhang Yuan's feint strike landed, Zheng Chaoyang let out a deafening laugh that shook the rooftops!
Instead of retreating, he stepped forward to meet Zhang Yuan!
With lightning speed, his left hand firmly caught Zhang Yuan's elbow as he made a feinting strike!
A warm and surging power instantly flowed in, calming Zhang Yuan's turbulent blood and qi caused by exertion.
Zheng Chaoyang casually tossed the Xuanlin Heavy Blade back onto the weapon rack, making a resounding clang.
He placed his hands on Zhang Yuan's shoulders, his tiger-like eyes gleaming like two burning torches, his voice loud and solemn, clearly echoing throughout the entire martial arts school:
"Zhang Qingyang! From this day forward, you will be my last disciple, Zheng Chaoyang's disciple! You will have a place at the Pan Shi Martial Arts Academy!"
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The back hall of the county government office was solemn and quiet.
A man dressed in a drab yamen runner's robe bowed and reported: "Your Excellency, County Commandant, I have learned that Zhang Qingyang has entered the Panshi Martial Arts Hall today."
"In full view of everyone, the owner of the museum, Zheng Chaoyang, personally tested his strength and courage."
To take action personally?
County Lieutenant Lin Shen frowned.
"What was the result?" the county magistrate asked calmly.
"After some examination, Master Zheng actually... actually announced on the spot that he would accept him as his last disciple!" After the yamen runner finished speaking, he cautiously raised his eyes and glanced at the expressions of the two officials above him.
Seeing that there were no further instructions, he bowed deeply again and quietly withdrew from the inner hall.
The room returned to silence, with only the sound of the wind blowing through, bringing a touch of desolation.
County Lieutenant Lin Shen put down the dossier in his hand, a complex expression appearing on his upright and resolute face.
He looked at Magistrate Wang Mingyuan, who was sitting at the head of the table, and said in a deep voice, "Your Excellency, Zhang Qingyang is not old, but he really has some talent and skill."
"Chen Wenyuan mentioned to me privately that in that dangerous place, Guzhu Beach, this kid... was really capable of killing people with deadly intent."
He paused, his tone carrying a subtle hint of emotion.
Killing someone at the age of eight—what a decisive act!
"The fact that Zheng Chaoyang, a half-step grandmaster with such high aspirations, made an exception and accepted him as his last disciple shows that he is extraordinary."
At the head of the table was Magistrate Wang Mingyuan, who was about fifty years old. He had a lean face and his three long beards were meticulously groomed.
He gently stroked his beard with his fingers, paused slightly upon hearing this, looked up at Lin Shen with a deep gaze, and slowly shook his head, saying, "County Commandant Lin, you believe him... is he really Zhang Qingyang?"
Lin Shen was slightly taken aback by the question, then pondered for a moment, a look of understanding on his face, and lowered his voice slightly: "Whether it is or not... it doesn't matter now."
"If Chen Wenyuan says he is, then he is. This plaque of 'orphan of a loyal martyr' is now firmly placed on his head."
Wang Mingyuan's lips curled into a meaningful smile, and he nodded, saying, "Indeed. Counselor Chen is meticulous. Since he's admitted it, why should we delve deeper?"
"Moreover, Zhang Zhenshan's comrades in the army still have several who hold real power and command large armies in the prefectures, cities, and even the border armies."
"If this kid really gets into trouble in our Fengming County, we'll both be in deep trouble and have a hard time explaining ourselves."
His fingers, which were stroking his beard, stopped, and his gaze became solemn: "Now that he has 'returned' and is valued by Zheng Chaoyang, our county government should fulfill its duties and provide as much assistance as possible."
"Taxes on land should be waived where appropriate, and if there is a shortage of daily expenses, some money and grain should be allocated as appropriate. This can be considered as fulfilling the dignity of the court in honoring the descendants of loyal martyrs."
"Once he has grown up to be sixteen, we will send him to participate in the Zhenwu Guard's trials."
A glint of light flashed in Wang Mingyuan's eyes, his tone carrying a hint of expectation and calculation: "The threshold of the Zhenwu Guard, though it's said to be a matter of nine deaths and one life..."
"But what if, what if this kid really manages to get through and become a full-fledged captain of the Zhenwu Guard? With his status as a descendant of loyal martyrs and his potential... he might very well become a prominent figure in the future."
"At that time, the 'care' we've shown each other today might just be a small opportunity in our careers."
Upon hearing this, Lin Shen's face also showed a hint of emotion, and he sighed, "Yes, Zhenwu Guard... that place is a mountain of knives and a sea of fire. Those who can come out alive and gain a foothold are truly ruthless characters."
"Let's just hope this kid is lucky and can really get through that ordeal."
Their eyes met, and they both saw a complex attitude toward the thin boy in each other's eyes.
It's partly about providing support in line with the trend, partly about avoiding trouble, and partly about a vague expectation of investment in the distant future.
……
The back room of the Panshi Martial Arts Hall.
Unlike the noisy shouts and practice of the disciples in the front courtyard, this place was unusually spacious and solemn.
The smooth bluestone floor was like a mirror, reflecting the sunlight streaming through the high windows.
The walls on all sides were plain and undecorated, without any paintings or decorations.
There were only a few rows of weapon racks, displaying swords, spears, and halberds of various shapes and sizes, all exuding a heavy and murderous aura.
Zhang Yuan stood solemnly in the hall.
Although he was still thin, his back was straight as a pine tree, his eyes were calm, and he exuded a refined aura far beyond his peers.
Zheng Chaoyang stood opposite him, his burly body like a moving mountain, his gaze sharp as he scrutinized his newly accepted disciple.
"Qingyang," Zheng Chaoyang began, his voice deep and metallic, echoing in the back hall.
"The path of martial arts is as vast as the ocean."
"Your father passed down the Wild Bull Fist to you, which has laid a solid foundation. You also have an innate understanding of the art of killing with a knife, which is very good. But this is just the beginning."
He paced slowly, his steps silent, yet a deep and imposing aura pressed down on the space.
Zhang Yuan felt as if Zheng Chaoyang in front of him had transformed into a hundred-foot-tall mountain.
"The path to extraordinary achievement in this world is not limited to martial arts." Zheng Chaoyang's voice was solemn.
"Taoist cultivators draw upon the power of heaven and earth, use talismans to communicate with the divine, and their words become law. The most powerful can move mountains and fill seas, and summon wind and rain."
"However, its method emphasizes tranquility and non-action, and comprehending the Way of Heaven. One drawback is that the physical body is weak in the early stages."
Zheng Chaoyang spoke calmly, yet he succinctly revealed the essence of Taoism.
"Furthermore, there is a Buddhist tradition that cultivates an indestructible body, condenses the light of relics, and emphasizes subduing inner demons and saving all sentient beings."
"Its methods are righteous and majestic, and have a strong effect against demons and evil spirits. However, it is difficult to enter the sect, requiring great wisdom and perseverance, and the rules are strict."
He changed the subject, his tone turning cold: "As for demons and monsters, there are many kinds. Some absorb the essence of the sun and moon to take shape, while others devour the blood and essence of living beings to grow. They are born with strong physiques and their innate supernatural powers are unpredictable."
"Like the 'Sea-Overturning Dragon,' a mighty dragon-elephant demon that overturns rivers and seas, almost possessing the might of heaven! There are also sinister and ghostly creatures, formless and intangible, that bewitch people's minds and spirits, and suck their essence, making them impossible to guard against."
Taoist sect.
Fomen.
demon.
Although Zhang Yuan knew that the path of cultivation in this world was complicated, this was the first time he had heard a powerful person describe it in person.
What a magnificent world this is!
Zheng Chaoyang stopped, his gaze sharp as he looked directly at Zhang Yuan: "However, the martial arts of our human race have been passed down for millennia, tempering ourselves with blood and qi as fuel, and willpower as fire, forging our skin, refining our bones, changing our tendons, and cleansing our marrow, step by step reversing our innate nature, until we reach the third realm of the Profound Realm, and even beyond divine powers!"
"Though this path is arduous and fraught with thorns, it is one that controls oneself from within, without relying on external means! How is it inferior to other paths?"
His tone was filled with undeniable arrogance and confidence.
Take control of yourself; don't rely on external things!
Zhang Yuan was thrilled.
This is the power of martial arts!