Gou Zai Wudao Shicheng Dao

Stepping out of the meditation room, Shi Jian stopped and looked at Fang Xia with a hint of expectation in her eyes.

"Fang Xia, there are countless geniuses in the world, and even in this inner academy, there are quite a few with outstanding aptitude."

Shi Jian said earnestly, "Although you have comprehension and determination, the limitations of your physical constitution will ultimately be your biggest obstacle."

Fang Xia lowered his head slightly, his expression respectful: "This disciple understands."

He knew in his heart that Shi Yuan's words were not meant to be a blow, but rather to show that she genuinely cared about him.

If he didn't value him, Shi Jian wouldn't have needed to waste his breath; he could have simply followed the rules.

This care warmed Fang Xia's heart.

Seeing that Fang Xia was listening, Shi Jian's eyes flashed with approval: "There are no shortcuts on the path of martial arts. Only by dripping water can wear away stone and persevering can one break through the shackles."

Do not let your newfound entry into the inner sect today lead you to even the slightest complacency, understand?

"Disciple understands! Thank you for your guidance, Master Shi. I will practice diligently every day without fail!" Fang Xia raised his eyes, his gaze full of determination, and bowed deeply.

Shi Yuan nodded slightly and looked at Zhou Cheng, instructing him: "Zhou Cheng, you have just entered the inner courtyard in early summer and your foundation is still shallow."

"Please take good care of me in my cultivation in the future."

Zhou Cheng bowed and agreed, his expression kind and solemn: "Brother Shi, rest assured, I will take good care of Brother Fang and teach him everything I know without holding anything back."

His gaze toward Shi Jian was full of respect and affection.

Fang Xia witnessed this scene and her heart stirred slightly.

Could it be... that there's some unusual connection between the two?

Shi Jian nodded slightly, a gentle look appearing in his eyes: "With your words, I am relieved."

Glancing at the shadows cast by the sundial, Shi Jian frowned slightly: "It's almost noon, the outer courtyard's stance training cannot be delayed."

Having said that, he rolled up his sleeves and strode towards the inner courtyard gate.

After Shi Jian left, only Fang Xia and Zhou Cheng remained.

A breeze rustled through the willow branches, casting dappled shadows and light, creating an even more peaceful atmosphere.

Zhou Cheng spoke first, his tone tinged with reminiscence: "Junior Brother Fang, are you curious why I hold Senior Brother Shi in such high esteem?"

Fang Xia was slightly taken aback, then nodded frankly, his tone sincere: "To be honest, Junior Brother does have some doubts in his heart."

It seems that Senior Brother Zhou and Master Shi are exceptionally close?

Zhou Cheng smiled, a hint of gratitude in his eyes, and slowly spoke:

Back then, I had mediocre natural talent and average comprehension. I practiced stance training for half a year, but I still couldn't achieve any significant progress.

At this point, Zhou Cheng paused slightly, a bitter look flashing across his face.

"But Senior Brother Shi did not give up on me."

Seeing that I was stubborn and hardworking, he personally taught me stance training, correcting my posture and explaining its key points...

It's fair to say that without Senior Brother Shi, I wouldn't be who I am today!

I will never forget this life-saving grace.

Upon hearing this, Fang Xia felt a sudden sense of relief.

So that's how it is! No wonder Senior Brother Zhou respects Master Shi so much!

Shi Shi may appear rough and stern, but he is actually kind and benevolent. Such a teacher is truly rare.

"Senior Brother Shi has always cherished talent!"

Zhou Cheng withdrew his gaze and looked at Fang Xia, his tone becoming more serious: "He specifically instructed me to take care of you today, which shows that he truly thinks highly of you."

You have understanding and composure; don't let him down, and don't let yourself down either.

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother Zhou." Fang Xia bowed in response, her gratitude growing even stronger.

.......

The two chatted as they walked along the courtyard.

The route is lined with pavilions and towers, and lush vegetation.

Before long, Zhou Cheng led Fang Xia to a secluded courtyard.

The courtyard was small, but it was kept very clean.

The vermilion wooden door was tightly closed, and a plaque hung above the door.

The inscription "Jingyunju" is written in a vigorous and powerful style.

Zhou Cheng pushed open the wooden door and gestured for Fang Xia to enter.

"Junior Brother Fang, come in."

This quiet room will be your training room from now on.

It's usually undisturbed, making it perfect for quiet contemplation.

Fang Xia entered the quiet room, her gaze sweeping across the room, and a wave of emotion welled up in her heart.

Although the quiet room was not large, it was decorated very well.

The ground was covered with sandalwood, and it was silent when you stepped on it.

On one side of the room, there were three prayer cushions, and on the other side, there were two stone locks.

In the southeast corner, there is a medicinal bath pool, with warm stones lining the bottom and the pool itself clean.

In the center of the quiet room stands a bronze figure marked with numerous acupoints, its lines flowing and lifelike.

Fang Xia was secretly amazed; such an arrangement was truly extravagant.

The inner courtyard has a quiet room with sandalwood flooring, bronze statues, and a medicinal bath.

Seeing Fang Xia's感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a feeling of deep emotion), Zhou Cheng smiled slightly.

"Junior brother, don't be surprised. This is nothing special in the Sanyang Hall."

Our master is a top expert in the Qi Gathering and Meridian Opening Realm, and holds a very important position in Black Mountain County.

Even the county magistrate had to show deference to my master; his status was naturally extraordinary.

Fang Xia glanced at the medicinal bath, its walls piled high with warm stones: "Such extravagance is probably unique in the county?"

Zhou Cheng paused for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Our Sanyang Hall is not just a martial arts school."

The estate encompasses vast estates, medicinal herb fields, fishing grounds, and shops.

More importantly, Sanyangtang also controls a trade route leading deep into the Black Mountain.

The Black Mountain is rich in precious medicinal herbs and minerals; that trade route is one of the most important sources of revenue for our Sanyang Hall.

At this point, Zhou Cheng became more emotional: "In addition to these, there were also the tuition fees offered by my disciples and the donations from the Heishan County Chamber of Commerce."

Junior Brother Fang, you must remember that the resources and power of this world are ultimately in the hands of martial arts masters.

Otherwise, people like you and me, of ordinary birth, without martial arts skills to rely on, will ultimately be at the mercy of others.

Fang Xia listened quietly, nodding slowly, a wave of emotion washing over her.

Zhou Cheng's words were both piercing and sincere.

"What Senior Brother Zhou said is absolutely right." Fang Xia's tone was somewhat heavy, yet full of determination.

"Junior brother understands. Only by diligently practicing martial arts and becoming a strong person can one control one's own destiny and protect those one wants to protect."

Seeing that Fang Xia had grasped the concept thoroughly, Zhou Cheng's eyes revealed a hint of approval.

"Good, I'm glad you understand."

Without further ado, let's begin practicing the Azure Sun Palm today.

As he spoke, Zhou Cheng walked to the center of the quiet room and stood still.

"Qingyang Palm is one of the three fighting styles of our Sanyang Hall. Its core principle is 'strengthening the foundation'!"

What is foundation consolidation?

It is the nourishment of life, the unobstructed flow of energy, that builds a solid foundation for you, rather than simply pursuing brutality and ruthlessness.

He paused, softening his tone to make it easier for Fang Xia to understand.

"The Qingyang Palm contains the Dao of 'Foundation Strengthening'; one must not only memorize the moves, but also comprehend their essence."

Do not imitate its form, but forget its spirit!

After speaking, Zhou Cheng said no more, adopted the starting stance of the Qingyang Palm, and his aura became calm and focused.

"First move, Dawn Breaks in the Azure Sun."

Zhou Cheng slowly unfolded his palm, his movements gentle and sustained.

A gentle, warm internal energy emanated from his palm, like a spring breeze and gentle rain, slowly caressing his face.

"The essence of this move is like a tender sprout breaking through the soil, drawing in the fresh morning sun to dispel chronic ailments and clear blocked meridians."

Zhou Cheng's palm strikes were unhurried and calm; each flick of his palm was gentle and lingering.

"In terms of technique, the palm strikes should be gentle, the internal strength should be smooth, and the main focus should be on the joints and meridians."

It can "dredge and strengthen the foundation" and deflect force against the enemy!

Cut off the enemy's source of strength and vitality, and replenish your own weakened foundation!

After demonstrating the first move, Zhou Cheng stopped and then raised his hand again.

Slowly draw circles with both palms, the movements are gentle and smooth.

It's like holding a pool of clear spring water in your hands, and a gentle aura gradually forms around you.

"The second move, Qingyang Shengquan."

Zhou Cheng's voice was warm and gentle, perfectly complementing the artistic conception of his moves.

"The artistic conception is like a gentle stream, nourishing one's own vital energy and vitality."

Gathering energy in both palms is also a way to deflect force.

When dealing with an enemy, it can neutralize their force.

At the same time, it can also disrupt the flow of his qi and blood, making it difficult for him to exert force later.

The core of this technique is nourishing one's own Qi and blood.

After a brief pause, Zhou Cheng's steps became slightly heavier, and he firmly planted his weight.

Slowly raise both palms from the sides of the waist, push them upwards with the palms facing the sky, as if holding a newly risen sun.

The palm strike gradually intensifies, initially like a gentle breeze, but as it approaches the top of the head, it suddenly bursts forth with a tenacious pushing force.

"The third move, Azure Sun Ascends into the Sky."

Zhou Cheng's tone became more spirited.

"The essence of this move is the rising sun, turning defense into offense. Although it is not fierce, it has an unstoppable force."

.......

Fang Xia stood to the side, watching intently.

He memorized every move and every explanation from Zhou Cheng.

Just then, the golden destiny mark between his brows glowed faintly.

[Destiny: Late bloomer.]

[Attribute: Perseverance will surely lead to success.]

[Sanyang Zhuang Minor Success (2/100)]

[Qingyang Palm Basics (1/100)]

[Body Tempering Realm: Skin Barrier - Initial Stage of Superior Strength]

Fang Xia felt a sudden clarity in her mind, and her spirits lifted.

Every detail of Zhou Cheng's demonstration was vividly imprinted in my mind.

The moves that were originally somewhat obscure suddenly became easy to understand.

The Qingyang Palm technique focuses on "strengthening the foundation" while also encompassing "opening up, nourishing, defending, and attacking".

Unblock the meridians, nourish qi and blood, and safeguard the foundation.

Using offense as a supplement to defense is the true way to solidify one's foundation.

The three moves seem simple, but they are progressive, complementary, and indispensable.

Such exquisite fighting techniques are indeed the core heritage of the Sanyang Hall.

After demonstrating three times, Zhou Cheng finished and looked at Fang Xia: "Junior brother, did you see it clearly?"

"Reporting to Senior Brother, this disciple saw it clearly." Fang Xia nodded, a hint of certainty flashing in his eyes.

He not only saw the moves clearly, but also grasped some of their essence.

"Alright, then try practicing it once, and I'll guide you."

Zhou Cheng smiled and nodded, then walked to the side, his eyes fixed on Fang Xia.

"Don't be nervous. Follow the moves you see and strike with your palms calmly. Pay attention to the flow of qi and blood, and coordinate it with your stance training."

Fang Xia took a deep breath and walked to the center of the quiet room.

He closed his eyes, then opened them a moment later.

His eyes were now free of any distracting thoughts, and his mind was completely absorbed in the moves.

"The dawn breaks!"

Fang Xia adopted the starting stance of the Qingyang Palm, her palm movements gentle and continuous.

He deliberately slowed down the pace, and his inner strength gently swept across the palm.

"Qingyang Spring!"

Immediately afterwards, Fang Xia switched to Qingyang Shengquan.

He slowly made circles with both palms, trying to make the movements as smooth and fluid as possible.

Internal energy condenses within the body, forming a faint aura that envelops oneself.

"The sun rises!"

Fang Xia's steps were steady, and he pushed his palms up from below, gradually increasing the force of his palms.

At the moment of explosive thrust, he used the force to stabilize his lower body.

.......

Although Fang Xia's movements were somewhat clumsy, he grasped the essence of each move.

The flow of Qi and blood is in harmony with the techniques and stance training.

Zhou Cheng stood aside, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He spoke up at the right moment to give some pointers: "Junior brother, when practicing Qingyang Dawn, make your palm movements a little softer. Your internal energy should sink into your palm, not float on the surface."

Seeing Fang Xia make adjustments, Zhou Cheng continued to instruct: "Qingyang Shengquan, the movements should be smooth and continuous, without any pauses."

Internal strength must be sustained, and one's aura must be stable.

When Fang Xia practiced "Rising Sun", Zhou Cheng stepped forward to correct his lower body posture: "When the sun rises, your lower body must be stable."

The force of the push should gradually increase from weak to strong, and the explosive force should be swift!

Zhou Cheng personally corrected Fang Xia's posture and meticulously explained how to counter each move.

He explained the principles of offense and defense, the importance of seizing opportunities, and even personally taught Fang Xia how to tackle.

Let him experience the power generation techniques and defensive principles of the Qingyang Palm in actual combat.

Zhou Cheng's guidance was meticulous and detailed, without holding back a single word.

Fang Xia was completely focused, and he memorized every word of Zhou Cheng's advice.

[Late Bloomer] With the blessing of his destiny, his comprehension and endurance far exceed those of ordinary people.

With each practice session, the mastery of the technique improved, the control of Qi and blood became more precise, and the application of internal strength became smoother.

When fatigue strikes, a refreshing stream flows through your body from the point where your destiny changes, dispelling the weariness.

Before we knew it, two hours had passed.

Fang Xia stopped her moves, her breathing slightly rapid, but her eyes were full of light.

He could clearly feel that his meridians were becoming more unobstructed, his blood and qi were more abundant than before, and his lower body was becoming more stable.

Zhou Cheng looked at him with genuine admiration and couldn't help but say, "Junior Brother Fang, your comprehension is truly rare!"

In less than half a day, you were able to practice the Qingyang Palm fluently and had thoroughly grasped its essence.

This level of understanding is far superior to mine back then!

Brother Shi was right about you, and so was the Master!

It is important to understand that the essence of Qingyang Palm is not the moves, but the way of "strengthening the foundation".

If you can grasp this level, you will definitely avoid many detours in your future spiritual practice.

Fang Xia bowed slightly and said humbly, "Senior brother, you flatter me. My progress is entirely due to your careful guidance."