A man stands before the heavens, his sword emerges from the Emei Mountains.

Chapter 8: Becoming a Disciple, Engaging in Verbal Battles

The fresh mountain air carried the chill of the previous night; the rooster, longing for dawn, flapped its wings and blew a long, drawn-out cry.

Chen Yu got up to wash up and went to the courtyard in high spirits. He first stretched his muscles and bones, then lowered his body into a horse stance, with one arm extended forward, index finger pointing to the sky, thumb pointing to the ground, and the remaining three fingers bent, his posture upright and dignified.

This is the opening stance of Hung Kuen, one finger pointing towards the center.

Chen Yu stood in a dynamic horse stance, his trouser legs crackling. His boxing stance was wide and powerful, his Twelve Bridges Hands changing in succession, combining defense and offense, feints and real attacks, and his hands and feet moving in unison. He advanced from the upper, middle and lower parts of the body, displaying an astonishing momentum. Occasionally, humming and shouting sounds would echo through the courtyard, like spring thunder.

Hung Kuen emphasizes training one's breath through sound. Based on the force exertion of swallowing, spitting, floating, and sinking, the breath is also uttered with corresponding sounds to improve skill and regulate breathing. There is a saying that "seven parts sound are three parts skill."

Chen Yu's greatest sense of wonder is that, along the way, with the guidance of Miejue, he has cultivated internal energy. Now, when he practices Hung Kuen, his every move is powerful, and his voice is energetic. His breathing is smooth and natural. He has also come to understand the essence of many boxing techniques that he could not grasp when he was a stuntman. He has also come to understand them deeply through practicing the basic breathing techniques of Emei.

As Chen Yu's boxing practice progressed, he urged Chen Yu on with his voice and followed his steps. In the courtyard, only a figure could be seen moving about. Suddenly, he turned his waist to the left and threw out both fists as if they were spears.

Boom! The fist landed on the wooden stake, and morning dew splashed everywhere. Chen Yu slowly exhaled and withdrew his fist.

Throughout his journey with Abbess Miejue, he constantly sought her guidance, asking about basic techniques and application of force in palm and fist fighting. Knowing Chen Yu's proficiency in various styles of martial arts, Abbess Miejue readily shared her knowledge. Based on Abbess Miejue's explanations, Chen Yu learned that in the current martial arts world, most practitioners still adhered to the traditional concept of "avoiding double punches," while Hung Kuen, in actual combat, often used both fists and palms simultaneously. Two palms facing inward were called "Double Subduing Hands," and two fists simultaneously were called "Double Dragons Emerging from the Sea," combining offense and defense to create an impenetrable defense. Therefore, before practicing Emei boxing and footwork, he diligently trained the boxing techniques he had mastered as a stuntman to enhance his self-defense capabilities.

After practicing a set of Hung Kuen, he then practiced Bajiquan.

……

The morning air is clear in the east, the sky is filled with the shimmering light of water. The sun rises majestically, and the red glow of the rising sun is a testament to its power.

Ji Xiaofu's voice came from outside the courtyard, "Junior Brother Zhou."

"Senior Sister Ji."

Chen Yu wiped the sweat from her face with a towel and quickly left the hospital to meet him.

"How did you sleep last night?"

After bowing, Chen Yu said, "The environment is serene, and I slept very well."

"Let's go, let's go to the main hall to burn incense first."

"Thank you for leading the way, senior sister."

The two walked side by side, a gentle breeze blowing, birds singing and flowers blooming, lush grass and trees, verdant screens reaching to the sky, and clouds like ribbons winding around the mountains, truly like a fairyland.

Along the way, he encountered Emei disciples who all treated Ji Xiaofu with utmost respect, while they looked at Chen Yu with curiosity, to which he responded with a smile.

Upon reaching the summit, a flat area unfolds, dotted with neatly arranged houses, their carved beams and painted rafters exuding a majestic and ancient charm. At the center, bathed in sunlight, lies the Samantabhadra Bodhisattva Hall, its golden light gleaming brilliantly.

"Senior Sister, Junior Brother Zhou is here." Su Mengqing and Zhao Lingzhu stepped forward to greet them.

Not far away, under the eaves of the main hall, a woman of striking beauty and high cheekbones asked the woman beside her, "Who is that? She looks unfamiliar."

"Reporting to Senior Sister, this is the new junior brother."

"The Ji family?" The woman raised an eyebrow slightly.

"I came up the mountain with my master. Yesterday, my master arranged for Senior Sister Ji to show me around the mountain gate."

"I see." The woman nodded.

Chen Yu's gaze lingered on the woman for a moment. Referring to the character descriptions in the novel "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber" and Ji Xiaofu's explanation, he recognized her as Ding Minjun. Behind her, under the eaves, more than ten nuns stood with their feet planted firmly on the ground, their postures solemn. They were Jingxuan, Jingxu, and others.

Ji Xiaofu led Chen Yu to meet everyone one by one. More than ten men and women came to the front of the hall. Chen Yu remembered that Ji Xiaofu said that there were disciples entering the mountain gate, who should be of the same status as him, and were new to Emei.

The air was still, and there was no noise. The wait was only a short time, like the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, when Extinction arrived gracefully, and Jingxuan greeted her.

"Master, the new junior brothers and sisters have all arrived."

"Alright, bring them into the hall."

"Yes, ma'am."

Abbess Miejue stood tall and imposing as she stepped into the hall, followed by Chen Yu and the others.

Under Jingxuan's instructions, Chen Yu and the others respectfully offered three sticks of incense and then paid a grand salute to Miejue, officially joining the Emei Sect.

Jingxuan then explained the rules of the Emei Sect to Chen Yu and the others one by one, a total of eighteen rules.

What moved Chen Yu deeply was that the first rule of the Emei Sect was to take it upon themselves to expel the Tartars and restore the Han people's land, followed by maintaining personal integrity, not associating with bandits, and revitalizing the sect.

Chen Yu sighed. Opinions on Miejue were divided, but she was truly righteous and had saved his life, showing him kindness and support. From this day forward, he would be a member of Emei, diligently practicing martial arts to avenge the original owner of his body and help Miejue revitalize Emei. If weak, he would cultivate himself, be a friend and neighbor. If successful, he would benefit the martial world and vanquish demons with his sword.

As the group left the main hall, the male and female disciples who had accompanied Chen Yu into the Emei sect immediately showed goodwill. A boy of about fifteen years old stepped forward and said, "Now that we are practicing martial arts together, we can look after and encourage each other. My surname is Tang and my given name is Zhihu."

"Greetings, Senior Brother Tang."

"Ah, although I am older, I really cannot accept being called 'senior brother'."

Chen Yu smiled and said, "Since I entered the mountain gate yesterday, I should naturally address him as Senior Brother Tang."

"Junior Brother Chen is so carefree and optimistic, then it would be impolite of me to refuse."

"Senior Brother Tang."

"Junior Brother Chen."

Several other men and women introduced themselves to each other, revealing their family backgrounds in their conversations. Some came from martial arts families in Sichuan, while others ran escort agencies.

Chen Yu knew what was going on. For example, when a family was out on a delivery mission, the person would go to Emei to learn martial arts so that he could become a disciple of the Emei sect and report the sect's name if the family encountered bandits while on a delivery mission.

Ding Minjun suddenly said, "I see that Master values ​​Junior Brother Chen highly. After Junior Brother Chen passes the examination, he may be instructed and taught by Junior Sister Ji. At that time, Junior Sister, you must teach him carefully and not let a pearl be tarnished."

Ji Xiaofu quickly said, "Junior Brother Chen is exceptionally talented. When that time comes, it will be Senior Sister who will teach him."

"Congratulations, Senior Sister Ding. I really regret not going with Senior Sister Ji to gather herbs yesterday, otherwise perhaps this wonderful thing could have happened to you too." Li Mingxia and Ding Minjun have a good relationship, and she said this seemingly jokingly.

Chen Yu sniffed, as if he smelled something ominous.

Looking at the group of male and female disciples of the Emei Sect in front of the hall, they were all different people. Many of the registered disciples looked at Chen Yu with complicated expressions of envy, jealousy and hatred after hearing Ding Minjun's words.

Ding Minjun then said to Chen Yu, "Junior brother, you must cultivate diligently and practice without ceasing."

Chen Yu replied gracefully, "Thank you for your encouragement, senior sister."

"Yes, I believe in you."

The hall lights outlined the silhouette of Abbess Miejue. With her profound internal strength, she could hear clearly what everyone outside the hall was saying. She then looked at Chen Yu's words and actions and nodded slightly. He was not timid or hesitant and did not disappoint.

As Xiaofu grew older, she lost the same ambition and drive she had when she first went to Mount Emei. Minjun, on the other hand, had some drive, but unfortunately, she lacked natural talent and broad-mindedness.

Chen Yu combines the strengths of both, and hopefully he won't disappoint.

Unaware of Miejue's intentions, the verbal sparring between Ding Minjun and the others came to an end, and Zhou Yan followed Ji Xiaofu down from the Golden Summit.

Chen Yu had submitted his body measurements to the miscellaneous affairs office yesterday morning. Ji Xiaofu led him to collect the daily clothing, training clothes, engraved waist tags, and wooden swords worn by Emei disciples.

The two walked to the outside of the courtyard, and Ji Xiaofu said, "From now on, Junior Brother, focus on your martial arts practice and I wish you success in your endeavors."

"Senior Sister Ji, rest assured."

Chen Yu's smile was clean and bright. Ji Xiaofu was momentarily dazed and thought to herself, "It's so good to be young. I was just as spirited as my junior brother back then. But alas, flowers may bloom again, but youth never comes again."

Ji Xiaofu returned to her senses and gave Chen Yu some instructions on the daily routines of outer disciples. In addition to martial arts practice, there were also general duties such as guarding, gathering herbs, and providing free medical consultations. She gave him all the instructions before leaving.

After lunch, Chen Yu, carrying his wooden sword, went to the foot of Huayan Peak. The training ground was the Sword Washing Ground, a spacious area with plum blossom stakes, sandbags, wooden dummies, and other equipment. Outer disciples practiced swordsmanship, fist techniques, and light footwork here. Several miles away was the Medicine King Cave, where disciples would send the medicinal herbs they gathered to refine elixirs and make ointments.

The person in charge of training new disciples such as Chen Yu and Tang Zhihu was an old outsider named Yang An who had been working hard for more than ten years.

Chen Yu's martial arts training at the Emei Sect officially began with the arrival of the other party.

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