Don't let Yu Ding take on any more disciples.

Chapter 274 Swords in the Sky and Across the Land
The night is deep.

The Ghost Valley was completely silent; even the sounds of cicadas and frogs gradually faded away.

Inside the bamboo house, soft snoring could be heard. Zhou Wu, who was fast asleep on the bed with his eyes closed, suddenly opened his eyes, and the snoring was coming from him.

He tiptoed out of bed, went to the door and listened carefully. When he heard snoring coming from another bamboo house not far away, he nodded in satisfaction, opened the window, climbed out, and silently headed into the depths of Ghost Valley.

Almost as soon as he left, Huang Yu, lying on the bed in another bamboo house, opened his eyes, a slight smile on his lips and a hint of admiration in his eyes.

To be honest, cultivating during the day had almost exhausted all his energy. Even with his current cultivation level, he was already feeling the strain and could fall asleep as soon as he lay down.

And the fact that his junior brother was able to get up and secretly go to receive training from that master was something he already admired.

As for him... Huang Yu mustered his strength, turned over, sat up cross-legged, and just as he was about to begin, he couldn't help but yawn.

"Damn it, why do I have to get up and train with Xiao Wu just because he goes to special training?"

Huang Yu wanted to lie down and continue sleeping, but when he thought of his junior brother, he was instantly enraged, his eyes flashing with intense killing intent, and he gritted his teeth: "Just because you made me unable to sleep, one day I will definitely kill you."

Putting everything else aside, that kid is guilty of... a capital offense for making him lose sleep!
He began to cultivate using the method, but he was not practicing breathing techniques; rather, he was practicing the art of exhalation and inhalation.

After practicing, he discovered that although both methods involved absorbing spiritual energy from heaven and earth in a special rhythm, the breathing technique was fundamental and gentler. Only by becoming familiar with the feeling of spiritual energy entering the body through the breathing technique could the body withstand the pain caused by the large amount of spiritual energy absorbed during battle.

The sign of mastery is probably that the body is completely familiar with that intense pain and it will not cause any discomfort... Huang Yu's eyes flickered, and he closed his eyes to begin practicing.

It must be said that he is really talented, and he quickly grasped the essence and connection between the two techniques.

……

Deep in Ghost Valley, at the reed-covered hut.

"Master? Master?"

When Zhou Wu cautiously approached, he was taken aback. He did not see Yu Ding and called out softly a few times, but received no response.

"Wait, why is the waterfall glowing?"

Soon, Zhou Wu discovered a beam of light, about ten feet in length, behind the waterfall, which twisted the water into a whirlpool-like portal, obscured only by a thin curtain of water: "Where does it lead? Could it be... that Master is inside?"

As he spoke, he curiously reached out and touched the light screen inside the vortex portal.

The moment his hand touched the light screen, Zhou Wu cried out in alarm. An indescribable, terrifying suction force emanated from the light screen, leaving him no time to resist or make a sound. In the next instant, he was pulled into the light screen.

"If I had known, I wouldn't have been so impulsive..." Zhou Wu was filled with regret the moment he disappeared.

Then he felt a blur before his eyes, and when he could see clearly again, he saw bright sunshine in front of him. Looking up, he saw a bright sun hanging high in the sky and lush green grass on the ground.

He seemed to be in a dense primeval forest, where the air was thick with yin energy and poisonous insects roamed. Deep in the mountains, the roars of beasts were as deep as thunder, and the stench of some unknown creature wafted through the air, sending chills down his spine.

"Ow!"

Suddenly, a thunderous roar came from the depths of the mountains, causing the trees to sway violently, leaves to fly wildly, and the ground to tremble. In the distance, it seemed that some enormous creature was lurking.

"This... this is..."

Hearing the roar, Zhou Wu, still somewhat listless, instantly felt a chill run down his spine. He involuntarily swallowed, his face turning pale, and he stammered, "Master, Senior Brother, where are you? I..."

"What? Are you scared?"

Suddenly a voice sounded behind him. Zhou Wu turned around and when he saw the familiar figure walking out, he felt like crying. He choked up and asked, "Master, where is this?"

"This is the place for your special training!"

Yu Ding glanced at him and revealed the kid's signature smile.

"This...this place?"

Zhou Wu, who usually squinted, widened his eyes upon hearing this, glanced around, and forced a smile, saying, "This...this isn't necessary, is it?"

Just hearing that muffled, thunderous roar from deep within the mountains sent chills down his spine.

"Do you know... what level your senior brother has reached in martial arts?" Yu Ding asked calmly.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Wu abruptly looked up, a fierce light flashing in his eyes: "What... realm?"

In an instant, his curiosity about the question made him forget his fear of the place.

"The path of martial arts is different from that of Qi cultivation. Cultivation is nothing more than 'external training of muscles, bones and skin, and internal training of Qi.'"

Yu Ding glanced at Zhou Wu and raised an eyebrow, saying, "He should be... almost at the half-step Divine Realm now."

Zhou Wu's pupils contracted sharply in disbelief. "He has actually reached... the Divine Travel Realm?"

Then, a look of understanding appeared on his face: "The difference in strength between me and him is so vast, no wonder... wait, so that day..."

He recalled the duel from that day.

"That's right, you held back, and he didn't go all out either."

Yu Ding looked at Zhou Wu and said calmly.

Similar to the four realms of Qi Refining, martial arts are also divided into four realms: Body Refining Realm, Five Extremes Human Realm, Transcendent Earth Realm, and Divine Travel to Heaven Realm.

The origin of these four realms naturally comes from the ancient human ancestors, who, through the teachings of a sage, adopted the meaning of his great master's saying: "Man follows the Earth, Earth follows Heaven, Heaven follows the Dao, and the Dao follows Nature."

The Body Refinement Technique is the most fundamental of all martial arts paths. It is divided into five stages: skin, flesh, tendons, bones, and membranes. By using intention naturally, one can strengthen the body and cultivate and increase strength.

The ancient human race was physically weak, and in order to survive among various races with strong bodies, becoming strong was a prerequisite, which laid the foundation for them to later become the masters of the earth.

Secondly, the Five Extremes Human Realm involves cultivating the internal organs and strengthening the five internal organs.

As for the Transcendent Realm, the word "transcendent" says it all. True Qi is condensed into pure and thick True Essence, seventy-two major acupoints are opened and filled with True Essence, and one possesses power that surpasses that of ordinary people. Soaring through the air is not difficult.

The realm of the gods is a height and a legend that countless martial artists cannot reach.

He traveled through the heavens, opening up the thirty-six major acupoints in his body, and all one hundred and eight major acupoints were opened. His blood and qi were as abundant as the sea, his essence was as plentiful as a raging storm, and his true essence was inexhaustible. With every move he made, he possessed the divine power to split mountains and cleave rivers, and was beyond human comprehension.

Above the Heavenly Realm are the legendary Martial Immortals, who are said to be able to rival immortals and gods through the ways of humanity!
"He...didn't give it his all either?"

Upon hearing Yu Ding's words, Zhou Wu fell silent, his pupils trembling, seemingly unable to accept it.

"What did you think of?"

Yu Ding calmly looked at him and asked, "Zhou Wu's realm is at most at the early stage of the Extraordinary Earth Realm. It seems that he broke through not long ago, and there is a whole martial arts realm difference between him and Zhou Wu."

In fact, besides age, there is another reason that sets the two apart in terms of strength, and that is... their teacher!

He could tell that Huang Yu's natural talent was good, but in addition to his innate qualities, it seemed that someone had cleansed his marrow and used external aids to strengthen his physique and body since childhood.

As for Zhou Wu... his natural talent is like a pure, unpolished gem, which is why he chose to give this kid special training.

"Senior brother... is indeed more capable than me!"

Zhou Wu sighed, "A whole realm! Master said that catching up with my senior brother in three years is giving me too much credit. Perhaps it will take me ten or eight years to catch up with my current senior brother." "But that was before he entered the valley, it has nothing to do with me."

Yu Ding's eyes flickered as he said, "I don't care how big the gap was when you entered the valley, I'm only responsible that when you leave Ghost Valley, your strength will be evenly matched."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Wu's eyes blazed with intense light as he looked at Yu Ding, as if he had seen a light in the darkness: "Master?"

Yu Ding said calmly, "If your strengths are vastly different, then the outcome is already predetermined. What's the point of having you compete for the victory?"

“Yes!” Zhou Wu nodded emphatically.

"Next, abandon any thoughts in your mind and discard all distractions. I will now pass on to you the Ghost Valley's ultimate sword technique, the Vertical Sword Technique."

Yu Ding sat down cross-legged on a rock: "And this is where you will receive my special training for the next year..."

"The Vertical Sword Technique?" Zhou Wu sat under the rock, a thoughtful expression on his face.

“As your teacher, I observed the heavens and earth and learned from all things. I comprehended the Way of Vertical and Horizontal Swordsmanship and created a set of sword techniques. I further divided it into Vertical Sword Technique and Horizontal Sword Technique based on the Way of Heaven and Earth.”

Yu Ding glanced at Zhou Wu and slowly said, "The Way of Verticality and the Vertical Sword Technique are more suitable for you."

"Why?" Zhou Wu was taken aback.

"Vertical attack is to unite the weak to attack the strong; horizontal attack is to serve the strong to attack the weak. Horizontal attack is to use strategy to seek advantage, this is called opening; vertical attack is to use momentum to seek reality, this is called closing. Opening and closing are the way of heaven and earth!" Yu Ding said.

"Unite the weak to attack the strong?"

Zhou Wu muttered to himself, his eyes growing brighter and brighter, but then he suddenly felt guilty: "So, the Dao of Verticality and the Vertical Sword Technique are tailor-made for me, and they are indeed more suitable for me. But how did Master know that? Could it be that Master already knows my identity?"

Seemingly sensing his thoughts, Yu Ding said calmly, "I have no interest in your identities."

"Yes!" Zhou Wu's heart tightened, clearing away all distracting thoughts. Suddenly, he couldn't help but look up and ask, "So, the Horizontal Sword Technique..."

Yu Ding glanced at him, and Zhou Wu immediately dared not be distracted. He quickly held his breath, straightened his posture, and looked just like a primary school student listening to a lesson.

"The Vertical Sword Technique consists of ten forms. Its characteristics are simplicity and plainness, aiming only for a single, fatal blow. It does not require any extra frills or embellishments, but only seeks a perfect combination of speed, power, and accuracy."

Yu Ding slowly said, "So, to put it simply, the key is only three words: fast, accurate, and ruthless! What you need to do from now on is to be faster, more accurate, and more ruthless. Today, I will teach you nine moves, among which the sure-kill move is called the Hundred-Step Flying Sword, which can kill gods and ghosts within a hundred steps..."

"Hiss?" Zhou Wu gasped, then suddenly paused, "Wait, Master, weren't there ten moves?"

"There are ten moves, but I will only teach you nine."

Yu Ding glanced at them and said, "As for the final move, the Supreme Sword, it is included in my design, but what exactly it is, you will have to figure it out yourselves."

"Figure it out yourself..." Zhou Wu's lips twitched, and he quickly asked with a forced smile, "Is there any hint, Master?"

The jade cauldron floated down from the stone and walked away into the distance.

"Perhaps you will understand this sword technique in the future, or perhaps one of you will die before you ever do..."

"Wow, this sounds... really difficult!"

Zhou Wu scratched his head and muttered, "Besides, what kind of master teaches a disciple to comprehend things on their own?"

Soon after, Yu Ding stepped out of the whirlpool beneath the waterfall.

The waterfall's light flashed, transforming into a scroll that flew over and landed in his sleeve.

As the master, he could control everything in the landscape painting at will, while at this moment, the sky outside was just beginning to brighten.

At this moment, Huang Yu, carrying a sword, walked from a distance, heading to the waterfall to cultivate.

Yu Ding said, "Yu'er, wait a moment."

A moment later, at the foot of the thatched hut.

"Using the strong to attack the weak?"

Huang Yu muttered to himself, then looked up at the jade cauldron, revealing the same expression as Zhou Wu: "Does Master know my identity?"

"Don't look at your teacher like that. I have absolutely no interest in your identities."

Yu Ding said calmly, "I probably know the answer to your question. Perhaps the Path of Horizontal Path is the answer you seek, and the path to salvation lies within it."

The characteristics of the Horizontal Sword Technique are: as fierce as the wind, as powerful as the waves, with awe-inspiring momentum, brimming with killing intent, as fast as lightning, ever-changing, and every move deadly, leaving the opponent no chance to breathe. Simply put, it is…

“Wild, fierce, fast, accurate, ruthless…” Huang Yu murmured, his eyes growing brighter and brighter.

"Huh?" Yu Ding was taken aback, but this time he nodded silently.

He admitted that although the two were of similar talent, Huang Yu was indeed slightly better than Zhou Wu in terms of martial arts skills.

"The Horizontal Sword Technique has ten forms. Today, I will teach you nine of them. The most powerful and strongest killing move among them is the Horizontal Sweep."

Yu Ding said, "The practitioner of this sword technique must possess the domineering spirit to sweep away even if thousands of troops, immortals, gods, demons, and monsters block his way, with sword energy spanning thirty thousand miles and a sword light chilling the nine heavens..."

Whether it's the Hundred-Step Flying Sword or the Sweeping Across All Directions, these two sword techniques are actually nothing special in this primordial world. However, he has the knowledge reserves of the Chan and Jie sects, and he has a lot of experience in improving techniques.

Now, his description of those two sword techniques sounds like he's bragging, so let's just assume he is.

But let's not forget what kind of world this is.

Once these two boys grow up, their master will have to make up for all the boasts he made.

What? It can't be fixed?

Ha ha!

Expelled from the school, never to be employed again!
Such excellent sword techniques are so good that other disciples are vying for them!

"Hiss..." Upon hearing this, even Huang Yu, who was already in the Divine Realm, gasped and suddenly paused, "Wait, something seems wrong. Master, didn't you say that the Horizontal Sword Technique... has ten moves? Why did you only teach me nine moves today? What about the last move?"

"The final move is the supreme secret of the Horizontal and Vertical Sword Technique, possessing an immeasurable power that can shake the heavens and earth and repel gods and demons."

Yu Ding looked at Huang Yu and said calmly, "But this move only exists in my design. How effective it is, whether it can be used, and whether it can appear in this world depends on whether the two of you can comprehend it."

"We understand???" Huang Yu was stunned for a moment, then fell into deep thought.

Yu Ding glanced at Huang Yu, then at the sleeve containing the Landscape Painting, and sighed inwardly.

These two rascals, that's all I can do as their teacher. Any more than that won't be allowed by the higher-ups.

The rest... is up to you to decide for yourselves in the future.

P.S.: Sorry I'm a little late again!

Pineapple wishes all book lovers and students taking the college entrance examination this year the best of luck, hoping they achieve satisfactory results and leave no regrets in their lives!

(End of this chapter)