The Prodigal Disciple of Mount Hua: Seizing All Opportunities

We embarked on the ship in Minnesota and have been adrift at sea for three days.

This three-masted seagoing vessel belongs to the Fang family.

When Fang Hongxiu learned that everyone wanted to go to Fuzhou, she strongly recommended that they take the sea route instead.

Although the sea route may seem long, it actually benefits from the wind and is much faster than the land route, saving you from the hardships of crossing mountains and sleeping in the open.

Everyone agreed that it made sense and readily agreed.

If sailing south from Mingzhou Port, and with favorable winds, it can reach Fuzhou Port in about five or six days.

The weather has been perfect for the past few days, with calm seas and a refreshing, salty sea breeze that makes the journey quite pleasant.

That morning, on the deck, Chen Qianyang, holding the Biyue Sword, was diligently practicing his swordsmanship. He was not using the Dugu Nine Swords or the Huashan Swordplay.

As the sword light flowed, it was sometimes heavy and powerful, like Mount Tai pressing down; at other times it became light and graceful, the sword path unpredictable, just like the clouds and mist of Mount Heng.

This is precisely the essence of the Taishan and Hengshan sword techniques that he saw and learned on the cliff of Siguo Cliff.

His internal strength is now growing stronger, and he also possesses the talent of "Painstaking Dedication," so he is no longer satisfied with simply sticking to the moves in martial arts.

He is trying to refine and integrate these two very different sword styles.

Furthermore, since he has already mastered the art of disguise, he can also use the knowledge of several other schools of swordsmanship to confuse others when he travels the world and changes his appearance, which is a good way to cover his identity.

"Brother Chen, your swordsmanship... seems quite different from what I've seen before."

Guo Jing had already appeared a few steps behind him, his eyes gleaming as he watched intently.

Upon hearing the sound, Chen Qianyang abruptly withdrew his sword, and the Azure Water Sword returned to its sheath.

He was slightly out of breath, and sweat beaded on his forehead. He turned around and said humbly, "Brother Guo, you flatter me. It's just some rudimentary skill, hardly worthy of your attention."

He originally thought that Guo Jing and Huang Rong were not skilled in swordsmanship, which is why he dared to demonstrate other martial arts in front of them so that his true abilities would not be easily seen through.

Unexpectedly, although Guo Jing was not proficient in sword theory, his martial arts skills had reached a high level, and his insight and understanding were extraordinary. His understanding of the essence of martial arts far surpassed that of ordinary people. After only observing for a short while, he keenly perceived the difference contained in his swordsmanship.

"Not so," Guo Jing shook his head. "Brother, you are too modest. These two sword techniques are vastly different; one is powerful and steady, while the other is light and unpredictable. Ordinary people would spend their entire lives trying to master either one. Yet you have grasped their essence and even attempted to fuse them into one, taking the spirit while omitting the form. This is truly remarkable."

The other day I happened to witness my brother displaying his exquisite swordsmanship, which was truly divine. Although I am not skilled in swordsmanship, I can generally distinguish between good and bad moves.

Upon hearing this, Chen Qianyang smiled slightly and asked, "But I wonder what Brother Guo thinks of my rudimentary skills compared to the world-renowned Quanzhen Swordplay?" In the Condor Heroes, as far as he knew, the only one who was truly famous for his swordsmanship was Wang Chongyang, the Central Divine.

Although Guo Jing never personally witnessed Wang Chongyang display his swordsmanship, he had a close relationship with the Seven Masters of Quanzhen, especially Qiu Chuji, and had witnessed him display authentic Quanzhen swordsmanship on several occasions.

He pondered for a moment before saying, "The Quanzhen Swordplay is the orthodox school of Xuanmen. It emphasizes a solid foundation, steady and dignified swordsmanship, and contains subtle and profound meanings in its variations. It is particularly good at defense, deflection, and prolonged combat. It is completely different from your style, which is light and agile and emphasizes skillful changes."

However, I once heard Master Qiu mention that the Quanzhen Sect still secretly transmits a technique called "Chongyang Divine Sword," which is the culmination of the lifelong skills of the Chongyang Immortal. It has simplified the complex techniques, and although the moves seem simple and unadorned, they are actually grand and majestic, with astonishing power.

However, this sword requires extremely high internal strength; one must cultivate the sect's innate skill to its peak before one can control its unparalleled and fierce sword energy.

"I see." Chen Qianyang nodded to himself.

In fact, all the superior martial arts in Jin Yong's novels require a correspondingly profound internal strength as a foundation in order to unleash their true power.

The Dugu Nine Swords, which rely almost entirely on the principles and intent of swordsmanship, with internal strength being a secondary requirement, is a truly exceptional case.

"My dear brother, we have some free time now, how about we spar a few moves?"

Guo Jing was intrigued by Chen Qianyang's exquisite swordsmanship.

Chen Qianyang's heart skipped a beat. Guo Jing's martial arts were unparalleled, and he had long been among the top masters of the time. Being able to spar with such a person would be of immense benefit in verifying his own learning.

"Since Brother Guo is in the mood, I will gladly keep you company. Please give me your guidance."

Guo Jing immediately stood still, his figure as imposing as a mountain, and with his hands behind his back, a powerful and profound aura arose spontaneously.

Chen Qianyang knew that his opponent was far superior to him in terms of skill, experience, and martial arts level, and that he had no chance of winning by fighting head-on.

He held his breath and slowly raised the Azure Water Sword, its tip trembling slightly, like a snake flicking its tongue.

He did not rush to attack, but instead focused on the supreme sword principles of the "Nine Swords of Dugu," which emphasize striking after the opponent has made a move and seizing opportunities to advance.

From the unique perspective of the Dugu Nine Swords, Guo Jing may appear as immovable as a mountain, but many subtle "flaws" are revealed around him.

Of course, Chen Qianyang knew perfectly well that most of these so-called "weaknesses" would be instantly eliminated as soon as the opponent launched their move.

His sword tip suddenly trembled, like a flash of lightning, and stabbed straight at Guo Jing's vital "Jianjing" acupoint on his left shoulder.

Guo Jing's expression tightened slightly, and he secretly praised, "What a fast sword!"

He was obsessed with martial arts, and when he encountered such exquisite sword moves, he was not surprised but delighted.

Without hesitation, he lowered his shoulders and retracted his elbows, slightly circling his left arm, already in the starting stance of "The Dragon Regrets," intending to use his powerful palm strike to forcefully meet the sword's edge.

However, just as he moved his shoulder and was about to unleash his energy, Chen Qianyang's sword tip seemed to have anticipated this, drawing a strange arc and pointing directly at the "Qihai" acupoint in his waist and abdomen!

If this sword strike lands squarely, it will be enough to interrupt the opponent's power generation process.

Guo Jing was startled: "This kid... he can actually anticipate the enemy's moves?"

He dared not underestimate him any longer, and suddenly took a step forward, abandoning his defensive stance and turning defense into offense, pushing out his right palm horizontally.

This palm strike, though seemingly slow and unassuming, is actually the most majestic and powerful strike among the "Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms," with unparalleled palm force.

Before the palm strike even arrived, an invisible pressure, as overwhelming as a tidal wave, surged forth, firmly locking onto Chen Qianyang.

Chen Qianyang suddenly felt his breath catch in his throat, and the air around him seemed to become thick and heavy.

He quickly unleashed the "Breaking Palm" technique, causing the Azure Water Sword to tremble slightly, its tip flicking upwards as it attempted to find an opening to cut in and deflect the immense palm force.

However, the moment his sword tip touched that invisible wall of energy, he immediately felt an irresistible, fierce, and powerful internal force rebounding from it!

"Buzz—" The Azure Water Sword was bent into an arc by the immense force, almost breaking.

Chen Qianyang's tiger's mouth trembled violently, and his entire right arm instantly felt sore and numb.

He was horrified. He quickly tapped the deck with his toes and used the momentum to leap back three steps, barely managing to dissipate the terrifying force. His sword-wielding hand was still trembling slightly, and his blood and qi surged in his chest.

"Excellent swordsmanship!" Guo Jing's eyes gleamed with genuine admiration. He withdrew his palm and stood upright, praising, "Brother, your swordsmanship is unpredictable and has reached the pinnacle of attacking where the enemy must defend and anticipating their moves. It's a pity..."

"Brother Guo, please speak freely. I am all ears." Chen Qianyang regulated his breathing and earnestly sought advice.

"It's a pity that your internal strength is far inferior to this exquisite swordsmanship." Guo Jing was an upright man.

"I only used about 30% of my strength in that palm strike just now, and you almost couldn't withstand it. No matter how wonderful the sword technique is, if you can't support it, it's just a castle in the air."

I have here a superior method for raising qi and circulating energy recorded in the Nine Yin Manual, which is the most solid foundation and may be of great benefit to you in making up for this weakness...

He actually developed a fondness for talent and wanted to pass on the Nine Yin Manual to him.

Upon hearing this, Chen Qianyang was overjoyed.

The Nine Yin Manual is the supreme martial arts classic, and its methods are naturally unparalleled. If one obtains it, it will greatly benefit one's internal energy cultivation.

"Brother Jing!"

Just then, a sweet, clear voice called out, tinged with a hint of reproach.

Huang Rong walked gracefully towards them, carrying a plate of honeydew melon.

She moved with light steps, glancing at Chen Qianyang with a half-smile, then turned to Guo Jing and said softly, "Brother Chen is a disciple of the prestigious Huashan Sect. Headmaster Yue has passed down the 'Purple Cloud Divine Skill,' a righteous and profound martial art. Your rash act of privately teaching martial arts to another sect, though well-intentioned, may disrupt the rules of the martial world and be unsightly for Brother Chen's sect."

Upon hearing this, Guo Jing habitually scratched the back of his head and said with a simple and honest smile, "Rong'er, I just saw that Brother Chen is exceptionally talented and truly has great potential..."

"Brother Chen is an outstanding person, with his own destiny and lineage. There is no need for us to worry about him."

Huang Rong smiled and chatted, but her body subtly shifted slightly to the side, perfectly positioned between Guo Jing and Chen Qianyang.

She was quick-witted and had already noticed that Chen Qianyang's swordsmanship was strange, fierce, and ruthless, unlike the Five Mountains Swordsmanship she knew.

Furthermore, when they first met at the Mingzhou Inn, she keenly noticed that Chen Qianyang's gaze towards her carried a somewhat inexplicable meaning, completely lacking the proper respect and restraint.

Therefore, she deduced that this person was not as he appeared.

This person's background is unknown. Brother Jing is kind-hearted, how could he easily pass on such a secret as the Nine Yin Manual?

Seeing this, Chen Qianyang understood the situation perfectly.

Huang Rong was indeed very shrewd and had already become wary of him.

He smiled calmly and said, "I am deeply grateful for Brother Guo's kindness."

Sister Huang is absolutely right. Our sect's cultivation method is profound and extensive, requiring diligent practice and in-depth study from your disciple. I dare not be greedy for more and distract myself from it.

When Guo Jing saw that Chen Qianyang himself said the same thing, he felt it was a pity, but he couldn't insist any further. He could only nod and put the matter of passing on the skills aside for the time being.