The Legend of the Condor Heroes: Starting from the Bodyguard

Chapter 204 Mo Chou's Scheme, Guo Jing's Mission

A gentle breeze caresses the grass and trees, and green shade embraces the emerald pool.

Zhou Yan, Li Mochou, and Xiaolongnu each sat on the flat river stones by the pool in the valley.

A waterfall, like a bolt of silk, cascades down with a thunderous roar, filling the air with mist and bringing a refreshing coolness.

Li Mochou wore a green dress that accentuated her slender and energetic figure. Her spine was elegant, and her silky hair cascaded down like light, concealing her delicate face, which was as beautiful as a peach blossom.

Beside her was Little Dragon Girl in a white dress, her face incredibly fair and delicate, like cream, seemingly about to drip water, her eyes sparkling like bright pearls.

As Zhou Yan was about to depart, Li Mochou and Xiaolongnu saw him off. Lin Chaoying's maid did not stop them, which led to the two discussing philosophy by the pool. Xiaolongnu was merely an observer.

On a sunny and breezy day, Zhou Yan's voice echoed along the stream.

"Beng Jin is an instantaneous explosive force. It is divided into horizontal Beng, horizontal Beng, and vertical Beng. The Beng in swordsmanship uses vertical Beng, while fists mostly use vertical Beng, and spears emphasize horizontal Beng, each with its own unique application. All schools and sects of martial arts in the world have methods of guiding Qi, but the principle of 'Beng Jin' is the same. When releasing Beng Jin, sink your waist and relax your shoulders, drop your elbows, and use your mind to guide the Qi, which will gush out from the meridians and acupoints of the palm and arm. With the help of external force, the wrist will suddenly exert force, releasing the force with a small movement. It is important to note that when performing a vertical Beng, the forearm must be in a straight line with the fist to ensure the accuracy of the point of force and the fullness of the striking power. Horizontal Beng and vertical Beng must be coordinated with a sideways body posture to maximize the power of horizontal and vertical Beng."

As Zhou Yan put it, he got up and demonstrated several fist techniques containing explosive force. Then he took the Qingfeng sword and demonstrated the sword technique of "Li Beng". The three-foot-long Qingfeng sword flashed and parted with a clear light. When the move reached its peak, the tip of the sword hummed and trembled, blooming into a cluster of sword flowers.

"There is also 'twisting force,' which is the force generated by twisting the limbs left and right. The basic principle of twisting force is that the root joint is relatively stable or in a fixed position, and the force is generated by twisting the tip joint."

Zhou Yan continued demonstrating, then began explaining the techniques for generating "penetrating force" and "combining force." After finishing, he said, "Ouyang Feng's iron sleeves shatter upon contact with anything. In fact, he uses not only 'shattering force,' but also 'penetrating force' and 'combining force' driven by internal energy. If silk were a weapon..."

Zhou Yan smiled and said, "I have never practiced such a technique, but I think it is similar to the whip technique, and should focus on 'penetrating force,' 'twisting force,' and 'snagging force.'"

In fact, Li Mochou also knew how to generate power, but compared to Zhou Yan, she was far inferior. The reason for this was related to the martial arts talent and level of Lin Chaoying's maid, as well as Li Mochou's limited perspective.

Zhou Yan, on the other hand, was exceptionally perceptive. In Zhongdu, he exchanged insights with Hong Qigong on the application of the "Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms." The essence of the Subduing Dragon Palms lies entirely in the application of force. The eighteen moves are interconnected, going from high to low and then from low to high, in a continuous cycle.

What Zhou Yan said was equivalent to his and Hong Qigong's shared insights on cultivation. How could Lin Chaoying, the maid, compare?

Xiaolongnu only had a vague understanding, while Li Mochou was filled with emotion. She understood things like the explosive force in swordplay, but compared to Zhou Yan, the difference lay in the subtle differences in their grasp of internal energy and external force. When they used the same move, the difference between them was "a difference of a hair's breadth, but a difference of a thousand miles."

After listening to Zhou Yan's explanation, she grasped the techniques of "penetrating force" and "twisting force," and suddenly understood many of the difficult questions she had been unable to answer when practicing "Silk Ribbon Golden Ball" the other day.

"After listening to the head镖师's words, I suddenly understand everything," Li Mochou said with heartfelt admiration.

"Big brother is amazing."

Zhou Yan smiled and said to Xiaolongnu, "When you reach my age, you will surely surpass me."

"Yes, definitely."

Children speak without restraint, and both Zhou Yan and Li Mochou laughed.

Zhou Yan then said, "I have a set of whip techniques that I will tell you about. You might as well start with the whip and then practice the silk technique."

Li Mochou was not surprised, as bodyguards like Zhou Yan were proficient in all eighteen martial arts.

"Thank you, Chief Escort."

"You're welcome."

Zhou Yan memorized the "White Python Whip Technique" from the secret chamber of the ancient tomb. He had seen Mei Chaofeng use this martial art many times and had also witnessed Yin Kexi wielding the whip. After practicing for one night, although he was not quite good at fighting in battle, he was more than capable of teaching Li Mochou. He explained the moves and the method of guiding qi to her, allowing her to slowly practice and comprehend them before she could cultivate the "Silk Ribbon Golden Ball." This would be much more effective.

Under the warm sunshine, Zhou Yan spent nearly an hour explaining the Nine Yin Manual to Li Mochou and Xiaolongnu.

He now knew that Xiaolongnü would also cultivate the "Silk Ribbon Golden Ball" technique in the future, and that her skills were superb, incorporating music into this set of martial arts from the Ancient Tomb. Now, with the "White Python Whip Technique" assisting her cultivation, and having explained the techniques for using various forces, he estimated that Xiaolongnü's potential in this martial art would far exceed that of the Condor Heroes world.

The setting sun hangs over the distant mountains, as the镖客 (bodyguard/escort) travels the world.

The three of them stood up, and Zhou Yan whistled as the "Jade Lion Under the Night" galloped out from the forest.

"Miss Mochou, Little Dragon Girl, until we meet again."

"Big brother, if my sister, Master, and I are in danger, you still have to come."

"it is good!"

Zhou Yan waved his hand, mounted his horse, and the sound of the horse's hooves gradually slowed down. The horse and the man were alone in the setting sun.

Li Mochou suddenly felt a void in her heart.

We won't see each other again for another six months, almost two hundred days!
"Sister, let's go."

Little Dragon Girl held Li Mochou's hand and said.

"Ok!"

The two went up the mountain and entered the ancient tomb. Li Mochou went to Lin Chaoying's maid.

"Master."

"The head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) has left."

"Ah."

What about what I told you before?

Li Mochou took a slight breath and knelt down with a thud. "Master, the镖头 (bodyguard/escort) is not the heartless, treacherous, and glib person you described." "I know," Lin Chaoying's maidservant's expression softened slightly. "I was prejudiced against him before. But to inherit the mantle of the Ancient Tomb Sect, one must not leave the Ancient Tomb Sect and become entangled in worldly affairs."

"This disciple only wishes to serve Master and take care of Junior Sister?"

"Asshole."

Li Mochou trembled: "Master, please calm down, I know I was wrong."

Seeing Li Mochou's frightened expression, Lin Chaoying's maidservant recalled how Li Mochou had joined forces with Zhou Yan to fight Ouyang Feng, and how Lin Chaoying had taken good care of Li Mochou after she was injured by Ouyang Ke and others a long time ago. She sighed, "Alas! Originally there was nothing, but you have only accumulated dust. Think about it carefully."

"The disciple understands."

"Go."

As Li Mochou left the stone chamber and turned to leave, she patted her chest, saying that things were much better than last time and she hadn't been put in solitary confinement.

She suddenly laughed. If the head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) came a few more times, perhaps her master would be able to let go of all his prejudices.

Li Mochou was in a good mood. When she arrived at a stone chamber, she took off her embroidered shoes, got onto the cold jade bed, sat cross-legged, and began to cultivate her internal energy.

The Cold Jade Bed has a similar effect to the Jade Guanyin worn by Zhou Yan, assisting in the cultivation of internal energy. It can counteract the fire in the heart, preventing cultivators from going astray and causing internal energy to improve at a speed far exceeding that of ordinary martial artists who cultivate step by step.

However, Li Mochou had not yet truly practiced the internal energy of the "Jade Maiden True Scripture," so it was difficult for her to see any effects. Now, however, it was different. She practiced the "Tendon Changing and Bone Strengthening Chapter," and one day of her practice was equivalent to ten days of practice.

Li Mochou's biggest wish was to join forces with Zhou Yan and use their combined swords to defeat Ouyang Feng, so that her master's impression of Zhou Yan would be further improved.

This might also hinder interaction.

It can truly be said that women from the martial arts world have many worries.

……

Zhou Yan came from Zhongnan Mountain and entered Zhongdu. He felt that there were more people from all walks of life in the martial arts world than before. He traveled around as a镖行 (bodyguard/escort) and could hear the accents from different places.

Those from Guanzhong, Sichuan, western Hunan, Luzhou, and Lin'an—martial arts figures from all corners of the land—were present. He was secretly amazed that the news had even reached Sichuan. It seemed the grand banquet for heroes held considerable appeal for martial arts figures, perhaps also related to events like the Mount Hua Sword Tournament and the loss of Zhongzhong by the Jin Kingdom. Since it was such a grand feast, he was bound to devise a plan.

Zhou Yan's thoughts returned, and he hurried along. Upon arriving at the escort agency, the guard at the gate exclaimed joyfully, "The head escort is back!"

Zhou Yan asked, "Have镖师 Liang and 镖师 Mu arrived at the镖局?"

"None of them replied."

Zhou Yan nodded. It was normal that Duan Huai'an was in Wuwei to pay respects to his ancestors and recuperate, and hadn't yet reached Zhongdu. If Liang Xiaowu's journey had gone smoothly, he should be on his way back, based on his pace.

"Young Master Guo is here too," the porter said. "He's here to visit Escort Master Yang and Escort Master Mu."

"Understood!" Zhou Yan handed the reins to the porter, passed through the gatehouse, and walked along the corridor toward the council hall.

"Brother Zhou, the city is bustling with activity at the upcoming Heroes' Banquet. Let's go see what kind of trouble Huo Du is up to." As they passed the martial arts arena, bodyguards Wang Kui and Shi Baichuan came to greet them.

"it is good."

"How did things go?" The two bodyguards knew that Zhou Yan had gone to Zhongnan Mountain.

"appropriate."

"That's good. Let's go to Songhelou tonight."

"Alright, I'll go see the chief镖头 first."

"Ah."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhou Yan walked through the corridors and buildings to the council hall. The autumn wind was blowing softly, and the windows were half-open. From a distance, he could see Guo Jing, Zhang Wangyue, Huyan Lei, and Yang Tiexin.

He also saw Guo Jing rush out to greet him.

"Brother Guo, it's been a long time." Zhou Yan cupped his hands in greeting. Perhaps it was because Guo Jing was now leading troops into battle, but compared to their first meeting in Zhongdu, Zhou Yan felt that the other party had become much more composed and his physique had become even stronger.

"It's been a long time since we last met, and I've missed you dearly, Brother Zhou." Guo Jing returned the greeting with a bow.
"Come on, let's go inside and talk."

The two entered the hall, where Hu Yanlei had already poured a cup of hot tea.

Zhang Wangyue asked, "Has Brother Zhou's trip to Zhongnan Mountain been properly handled?"

"Okay."

“Excellent.” Zhang Wangyue: “Brother Guo, I was disappointed not to see you, but I never expected you to come at just the right time.”

Zhou Yan asked Guo Jing, "What a coincidence, Brother Guo, you have some free time?"

"For now, yes. That scoundrel Wanyan Honglie is quite capable. After ascending the throne, he changed generals frequently and rallied the troops. The Jin soldiers held firm in their defenses of the cities and passes, and every time they captured a city, they suffered considerable casualties. The Han Dynasty sent word for us to wait in the desert to discuss matters."

"I see!" Zhou Yan nodded slightly. He recalled the storyline of the Legend of the Condor Heroes world, and as expected, Genghis Khan wanted to summon Tolui and the others back to discuss the alliance with the Song Dynasty to attack the Jin Dynasty. He just didn't know if, due to the changes in Guo Jing's storyline, he would go to Lin'an with Tolui, Jebe, and the others.

Zhou Yan remarked that Guo Jing's life had undergone a complete transformation.

(End of this chapter)