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The light boat drifted downstream, carrying Yi Huawei and Shan Wanjing away from the majestic mountains and rivers of Lingnan. After several days of travel, the scenery on both banks gradually changed from humid and lush to open and gentle. The master and apprentice disembarked and headed southwest towards Jingling County.

For Shan Wanjing, this journey was also a form of spiritual practice. Yi Huawei taught her by example, no longer limiting himself to dissecting techniques, but guiding her to comprehend the energy of heaven and earth, gradually integrating the endless life force of the "Longevity Manual", the spiritual perception of the "Compassionate Sword Canon", the unpredictable and agile nature of the "Heavenly Demon Great Art", and even the control and rotation of "Life and Death from the Heart" into her sword intent.

He had Shan Wanjing practice swordsmanship on the swaying bow of the ship, so she could feel the wind and waves and maintain her balance; he had her observe the everyday life of the people at the dock, so she could understand the changing nature of human nature; and even when they spent the night on a deserted beach, he led her to look up at the starry sky, so she could feel the vastness of the world and her own insignificance.

Each seemingly casual guidance deepened Shan Wanjing's understanding, making her internal energy increasingly harmonious and vibrant, and imbuing her every movement with a composed and graceful air. Her swordplay no longer merely pursued "condensation" and "breaking," but began to carry a flowing, adaptable, and spiritual essence. Her progress was truly as rapid as a thousand miles a day.

That afternoon, the master and apprentice entered the southwestern territory of Jingling County. Climbing the winding mountain path, the terrain gradually rose, and the air became increasingly fresh. After crossing a lush, wooded ridge, a breathtaking view suddenly opened up before them!
Standing atop the mountain ridge, overlooking the scene below, Shan Wanjing's sapphire-blue eyes suddenly widened, her rosy lips parted slightly, and she let out an almost silent gasp of astonishment: "Ah—!"

She was completely captivated by the sight before her.

Below the mountain, the vast fertile fields stretched out like a giant scroll unfurled by the hand of a god. Patches of carefully cultivated fields resembled soft carpets of varying sizes and colors, their yellows and greens intermingling in shades and depths, forming a harmonious and magnificent geometric pattern that extended to the very edge of the field of vision.

What's even more breathtaking is that on this huge "canvas" dominated by blue, green, and dark blue hues, more than a dozen lakes of varying sizes are like mirrors scattered across the earth, or sapphires set in jade, quietly adorning the landscape.

Sunlight spills across the lake, its emerald waters reflecting the lush green pastures, creating a shimmering, dreamlike glow. The crystal-clear water mirrors the blue sky, white clouds, and surrounding mountains. Where the aquatic plants thrive, fish can be seen playing, and waterbirds skim across the surface, creating ripples that add to the vibrant life. This breathtaking scene of lake and grass vying for attention is so beautiful that it seems to purify the soul with its pure vitality and tranquility.

Shan Wanjing subconsciously held her breath, as if afraid of disturbing this fairyland. Her honey-colored cheeks flushed slightly with excitement, her long eyelashes trembled slightly, and her eyes were filled with pure admiration and awe. This was a beauty different from the vast expanse of sea and sky on Ryukyu Island, and also different from the bustling and noisy cities of the Central Plains. It was a beauty of tranquility, abundance, and natural wildness and harmonious order.

Her gaze involuntarily drifted to the edge of the grassland. No matter which direction she looked from, there were rolling mountains, like giant azure dragons, guarding this fertile paradise and stretching to the endless horizon, forming a natural and enormous barrier.

On this vibrant and idyllic land, various kinds of livestock are carefully raised on the pastures. Flocks of white sheep, like scattered clouds, move leisurely across the grasslands; robust herds of cattle, yellow or gray, lazily swirl their tails in the sunlight; most striking are the horses of various colors—chestnut, snow-white, jet-black, and sleek… Some graze in small groups, heads bowed, on the tender grass; others gallop, manes flying in the wind, their movements agile and graceful, full of the beauty of power and freedom. These creatures infuse this magnificent farmland with a vibrant soul, adding a lively touch.

Shan Wanjing's gaze was eventually drawn to the northwest corner of the ranch.

Perched high on a sheer cliff, a magnificent castle stands majestically, like a colossal beast coiled atop the mountain, exuding an imposing aura. Before the castle, a clear stream meanders quietly, its surface shimmering in the sunlight, like a graceful ribbon adorning this imposing structure.

The castle's thick, solid stone walls and towering towers, together with the precipitous cliffs behind it and the gentle river below, create a wonderfully balanced composition that is both powerful and graceful, full of visual impact and breathtaking.

"Master..."

Dan Wanjing subconsciously moved closer to Yi Huawei, her voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible excitement and inquiry: "Is this... Pegasus Ranch? It's like a paradise!"

Yi Huawei stood atop the mountain with his hands behind his back, his green robe fluttering gently in the breeze. His deep gaze swept over this uniquely fertile land, past the mirror-like lake and galloping horses, finally settling on the magnificent castle backed by a sheer cliff and facing a clear stream, a barely perceptible ripple passing through his eyes.

"Indeed! Pegasus Ranch lives up to its name. This place has the right timing, the right location, and the right people. No wonder it can maintain peace in this chaotic world and become a gathering place for the world's finest horses."

Yi Huawei and Shan Wanjing strolled towards the pasture. Shan Wanjing had a natural love for horses, and her eyes were full of joy as she looked at the plump, strong, and magnificent steeds.

Soon, her gaze was firmly drawn to a herd of galloping horses. Or rather, she was completely captivated by the crimson figure in the center of the herd, a figure as vibrant as a burning flame!
What a magnificent steed it was!

It was nearly a head taller than all the other horses around it, with an exceptionally robust and well-proportioned physique, its muscles flowing with explosive power. Its coat was a deep, glossy chestnut red, shimmering like molten lava in the sunlight. Its hooves trod on snow, its mane and tail thick and black, billowing like brocade in the wind. Its running posture exuded an air of unparalleled dominance, each leap filled with wild power and elegant rhythm. The other horses, though also magnificent, seemed like mere mortals in comparison.

"Good horse!"

Dan Wanjing couldn't help but whisper her praise, her eyes revealing undisguised affection and longing. She felt her heart race; this chestnut horse seemed destined for her.

Shan Wanjing turned to Yi Huawei: "Master, I want to give it a try!"

Yi Huawei's gaze lingered for a moment on the galloping chestnut horse, then fell on Shan Wanjing's determined face, a knowing smile flashing in his eyes. He nodded slightly: "Go. Remember, taming a wild horse is like fighting an enemy. Suppressing it with force is ultimately inferior; guiding it with your heart and with your will is the right path. Your 'Birth and Death from the Heart' is now being proven."

"Yes, Master!"

With approval in hand, Shan Wanjing's spirits soared. Taking a deep breath, her inner energy circulated freely, and her entire demeanor transformed, losing some of her girlish gentleness and gaining more of a heroic and composed air. She unfastened the "Azure Wave" sword from her waist, handed it to Yi Huawei for safekeeping, and with a light tap of her toes, her figure, like a wisp of pale blue smoke, silently swept across the grass, rushing towards the herd of horses.

Her movements were swift and light, with a peculiar rhythm, as if blending into the wind-blown grass, without causing excessive panic among the horses.

But the chestnut horse was unusually alert and immediately spotted the uninvited guest. It let out a high-pitched, warning neigh, abruptly changed direction, and its massive hooves pounded the grass like arrows released from a bow, charging towards Shan Wanjing with ferocious momentum! Its charge was like that of heavily armored cavalry on a battlefield, ready to crush anything that dared to challenge its majesty!

The herders in the surrounding pastures gasped in surprise, all holding their breath for the beautiful young girl. The speed and strength of the Horse King were far beyond what ordinary martial artists could withstand!

Yi Huawei stood with his hands behind his back, his expression calm, but his gaze remained fixed on the arena. Facing the ferocious charge of the Horse King, Shan Wanjing did not meet it head-on. Yi Huawei's instructions flashed through her mind in an instant—"Feel it with your heart, guide it with your momentum." Just as the Horse King was about to collide, her figure glided to the side and back like a willow catkin in the wind, at an incredible angle and speed.

The chestnut horse galloped past her, brushing against the hem of her clothes, the strong wind it generated ruffling her hair.

Having missed its target, the horse king grew even more enraged. It raised its front hooves high, bringing down with the force of a thunderbolt, to stomp down on Shan Wanjing's head! If this stomp landed, it would be enough to shatter iron and stone!
"Congeal!"

Dan Wanjing silently chanted in her heart, advancing instead of retreating. Just as the horse's hooves were about to land, she suddenly lowered her body and, like a nimble cat, burrowed under the horse's belly. At the same time, her jade hand, which was condensed with the true energy of the "Longevity Technique," swiftly and gently brushed against the strong abdominal tendons of the horse king!
This flick of the wrist, a subtle manipulation of resilient inner energy, like a gentle spring breeze and nourishing rain, silently disrupted the flow of Qi and blood in the moment the Horse King exerted his strength.

"Xilulu——!"

The horse king felt a strange tingling and numb sensation from its abdomen, and most of its concentrated strength instantly dissipated. Its powerful stomp became somewhat weak and powerless, making only a dull thud on the grass. It was shocked and angry, and suddenly twisted its body and swung its hooves, trying to kick the "little worm" under its belly away.

Dan Wanjing had anticipated this, her figure gliding out from the other side like a fish, once again brushing past the raging horse's hooves. She remained close to the horse king, using her far superior agility to find openings in its massive body as it twisted and turned. Each strike was infused with true energy, precisely targeting the key points of its power or the subtle flow of its qi and blood. Whether it was a flick, a press, or a pull… her movements were light and swift, like a butterfly flitting among flowers, yet each time she perfectly interrupted the horse king's ferocious attacks, leaving it with immense power but nowhere to vent it, as if trapped in an incredibly supple ball of cotton.

Yi Huawei nodded slightly from the side. Shan Wanjing had excellent comprehension and applied the concepts he taught her, such as "overcoming strength with softness," "breaking through force with skill," and "observing the flow of qi," with considerable skill. In particular, her use of true qi had begun to show promise; she was no longer simply deflecting or rebounding force, but was starting to try to guide and interfere with the flow of the opponent's internal energy.

The chestnut horse king was furious, neighing incessantly. It had never encountered such a formidable opponent! This "little thing" before it was slippery and unpredictable; it couldn't hit it, couldn't ram it, and instead, the strange force within its body was causing its blood and energy to churn, making it extremely agitated. It began to try various ways to escape: charging, kicking, sudden stops, spinning... its wild instincts were fully unleashed, and its movements became increasingly wild and unpredictable.

Dan Wanjing focused intently, elevating her mental state to its peak. She no longer consciously thought about moves, but instead immersed herself completely in sensing every tremor of the Horse King's muscles, every flow of his breath, and every change in his eyes. Her body seemed to possess its own consciousness, reacting naturally to the Horse King's movements—dodging, closing in, striking… True qi circulated throughout her body, granting her abundant stamina and making her movements increasingly fluid and effortless. Each near-miss, each precise strike, deepened her control over her own power and her understanding of "momentum."

This battle between men and women lasted for nearly half an hour!

The chestnut horse king's speed and power finally began to wane. Its ferocious aura gradually subsided amidst the repeated futile attacks and the restlessness caused by the constant disruption of its internal energy. It panted heavily, sweat pouring down its face, its chestnut fur glistening even more. The look in its eyes as it gazed at Shan Wanjing was no longer pure rage and contempt, but carried a hint of surprise, a hint of exhaustion, and even... a barely perceptible fear.

Dan Wanjing was also drenched in sweat, a few strands of hair clinging to her smooth forehead, but her eyes shone even brighter and sharper, her breath still long and steady. Seizing the moment when Ma Wang's old strength had dissipated and new strength had not yet arisen after a sprint, she suddenly accelerated, closing in again like a ghost. This time, she no longer attacked Ma Wang's torso, but instead concentrated all her energy and spirit, her fingers like a sword, carrying a supple yet firm "intention," precisely striking the acupoint on the side of Ma Wang's neck!
With this finger strike, the true energy was contained to the extreme, with no outward leakage of force, only a penetrating and soothing power.

"puff!"

A light touch with fingertips.

Just as the Horse King was about to go berserk again, its entire body stiffened abruptly! The finger strike, imbued with all of Shan Wanjing's will and true energy, acted like a stabilizing force, instantly calming the turbulent blood and wild rage within its body. An indescribable sense of comfort spread from the point of contact, as if the fatigue and irritability of the past few days had been dispelled by this single touch.

"Sorry..."

The horse king let out a long, no longer violent neigh, its front hooves pawing the grass restlessly. Its huge head slowly lowered, and its eyes, which were originally full of wildness and arrogance, looked at Shan Wanjing with a hint of confusion, a hint of dependence, and a hint of... submission.

A surge of joy welled up in Shan Wanjing's heart. She knew that the most crucial moment had arrived! She did not step forward immediately, but stood still, slowly extending her fair hand, palm up, looking calmly and firmly into the eyes of the Horse King, with a sense of reassurance and acceptance.

Time seemed to freeze.

The surrounding herders watched in disbelief. The ferocious horse that had defeated countless warriors was now bowing its proud head before a young girl!
The chestnut horse hesitated, its nostrils flaring as if trying to discern Shan Wanjing's scent. Finally, it took slow, cautious steps, walking up to Shan Wanjing, lowering its head, and gently, tentatively touching her palm with its warm nose, which carried the scent of sweat and grass.

It feels warm and rough to the touch.

A relieved and radiant smile bloomed on Shan Wanjing's face. She gently stroked the horse king's strong neck, feeling the terrifying power hidden beneath those strong muscles and its current docility. The chestnut horse king snorted comfortably, obediently letting her stroke it, and even affectionately nuzzled its head against her shoulder.

"it is good!"

Yi Huawei's clear voice broke the silence, filled with undisguised praise: "Your spirit is connected, and your hearts are in harmony. This horse shall be your mount."

Dan Wanjing turned to look at Yi Huawei with joy, her eyes filled with excitement: "Master! I did it!"

Yi Huawei nodded with a smile. Through this battle, Shan Wanjing not only made further progress in her martial arts skills, but also underwent a significant transformation in her mindset and will. Subduing this unruly horse king was an important milestone on her path of martial arts.

Just then, the crisp sound of horses' hooves approached from afar. A group of knights escorted a graceful woman in white, her face veiled, galloping towards them from the direction of the castle.

(End of this chapter)