The Legend of the Condor Heroes: Starting from the Bodyguard

Chapter 272 Millennium Snow Ginseng, Strengthening Tendons and Bones

The commotion echoed along the lake shore as Qiu Qianren, Ouyang Feng, Ouyang Ke, and others seized a pleasure boat in pursuit. However, they were no match for the skilled fisherman on the water.

The old fisherman rowed the boat, the light boat pushing through the waves, and in just a few dozen breaths he had shaken off the pursuing boat, widening the distance between them.

Zhou Yan saw that Hong Qigong's face was as white as paper, and when he touched his chest, although it was beating, it was extremely weak. How could he be careless? He had been hit by the "Diamond Palm," and should also have been struck in the back by the residual force of Ouyang Feng's Toad Stance.

How domineering is the "Diamond Prajna Palm"? In the world of Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, Zhang Sanfeng was attacked by Gang Xiang of the Vajra Sect, vomited blood, and said it would take three to five months to recover.

The Fire-Worker Monk's skill was far superior to Gang Xiang's, and Hong Qigong's injuries far exceeded those of Zhang Sanfeng.

Zhou Yan made his decision in an instant.

Yuezhou is only a two-day walk from Tongfeng Mountain, where the Herbalist lived.

The immortal can save people.

"Brother Fisherman, come to Tongfeng Mountain."

"Alright." Although the Fisherman of Misty Waves did not know about Hundred Herbs Valley, he did know about Tongfeng Mountain.

Zhou Yan took out a porcelain bottle from his bosom and poured out a "Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill". Hong Qigong was not in his right mind, but when he smelled the fragrant aroma of the pill, he opened his mouth slightly on his own.

This saved a lot of trouble.

Zhou Yan fed Hong Qigong a pill and took another one himself. Then he sat cross-legged at the bow of the boat and began to heal his injuries. He had taken a palm strike from Qiu Qianren, and although he avoided a fatal blow, it was still quite severe.

……

The fierce clash between the Manichaeans and the White Lotus Sect outside Yueyang Tower temporarily ceased after Zhang Sanqiang withdrew.

Helian Chuncheng, Nimo Xing, and the others, having failed to find him, turned ashen-faced.

Looking at the scars on Qiu Qianren's shoulders and back, the former young master of Changfeng recalled the confrontation inside Yueyang Tower, and a look of lingering fear suddenly appeared on his face.

Zhou Yan's cultivation level is now high enough that he can fight Qiu Qianren and even injure him.

Yang Kang was also there, lamenting the missed opportunity to kill Zhou Yan and Hong Qigong. Spurred by the battle at Shaoshi Mountain, but possessing innate martial arts talent, Yang Kang began to diligently practice. He picked up again the "Nine Yin White Bone Claw" and "Heart-Shattering Palm" techniques that Mei Chaofeng had taught him.

Yang Kang's conditions for learning martial arts were exceptionally outstanding.

He is proficient in the Quanzhen martial arts. He received the "Divine Camel Snow Mountain Palm" and "Instant Thousand Miles" from Ouyang Ke and Ouyang Feng, and also received continuous guidance from Ouyang Feng, Qiu Qianren, and others.

After years of arduous training, no one knows the extent of Yang Kang's cultivation level, but his insight is exceptional.

A small boat disappeared into the storm, and there was no hope of pursuit. Yang Kang said to Helian Chuncheng, "Zhou Yan's greatest strength is his ability to perform beyond his own strength in battle. Few people can match him in this."

“Indeed.” Helian Chuncheng nodded, his face grim.

"How is Yin Kexi?"

"His arm was chopped off."

"I don't know whether Hong Qigong is alive or dead."

When his words spread, the Fire-Worker Monk gave a sinister smile, "Even if he doesn't die, the damage to his meridians is irreversible, and his cultivation will plummet even after healed."

"Very good." Yang Kang smiled gently and said to Helian Chuncheng, "Let's go and check on Yin Kexi's injuries."

Yang Kang had no need to tell Qiu Qianren that now was the time for the Iron Palm Clan to wipe out the Manichaeism in the Xiangxi area.

He knew very well what he should and shouldn't say, and he also knew what Qiu Qianren would do.

……

The light boat had been moored in a patch of reeds for nearly two hours.

A cloud of white steam rose from Zhou Yan's head, and his previously pale face regained its rosy hue.

"call"

Zhou Yan exhaled a breath of stale air, feeling refreshed.

Using the healing properties of the Jade Guanyin, the internal injuries were completely healed within two hours.

Seeing Zhou Yan looking so energetic, the old fisherman laughed and said, "I told you that as long as I don't kill you on the spot, you're sure to survive afterwards."

Zhou Yan chuckled.

The old fisherman said, "I already hired a carriage to come while you were healing."

"Thank you for your help, Brother Fisherman."

"No need to be so polite." The old fisherman rolled his eyes.

"Heh, how's it going at Yueyang Tower?"

"They saw Ouyang Feng and his group from afar, but dared not get too close. Zhang Sanqiang managed to escape. However, the Manichaeism's influence in western Hunan is likely to be completely wiped out by the Iron Palm Clan and the White Lotus Clan."

"Yes!" Zhou Yan nodded. There was no time to worry about these things; saving lives was the most important thing.

He carried Hong Qigong across the lake shore, where he saw a black carriage parked by the roadside. The "Jade Lion Under the Night" snorted excitedly when it saw Zhou Yan.

Zhou Yan placed Hong Qigong in the carriage, then turned and jumped onto the carriage.

The old fisherman said, "I'll drive the carriage."

"Brother Fisherman, you ride ahead on horseback; I'm an expert at driving, both fast and steady."

"I've forgotten you were once a镖头 (bodyguard/escort) who rose from the ranks of镖师 (bodyguards/escorts)." The Fisherman of Misty Waves chuckled, leaping onto the "Jade Lion Under the Night."

"Giddy up!" The carriage started smoothly, gradually moving from stillness to speed, and galloped towards Tongfeng Mountain.

……

A veil of white mist floated in the newly cleared sky, and a campfire burned in the woods. Zhou Yan roasted a pheasant that he had beaten with stones and handed it to Hong Qigong.

Hong Qigong was unconscious for most of the night before, but after regaining consciousness, he soon became delirious again.

But he was clear-headed at the moment. Hong Qigong took a chicken leg, tore and chewed it, but after a few bites he felt weak. He said, "Old beggars love to eat. I don't even have the strength to eat anymore. My stomach is full of cravings."

Zhou Yan said, "It's only temporary."

"The old beggar is unaware of his injuries. The old monk's palm strike damaged his meridians and internal organs, and the old poisoner's Toad Style left a mark on his back. Even if he recovers somewhat, the damage to his meridians is irreversible, and he'll likely lose most of his power." Hong Qigong's voice was weak. After saying this, he pondered for a moment, "Boy, why don't you become my disciple and I'll teach you a set of 'Dog-Beating Stick Techniques'? In return, I'll pass on the position of Beggar Clan leader to you. Anyway, you're free now that you're not a镖师 (bodyguard/escort).

Zhou Yan laughed and said, "The Beggars' Clan has many rules. You can't kill this person, you can't kill that person. I finally managed to escape from the escort agency. It's the perfect time for me to settle scores. If I become the leader of the Beggars' Clan, wouldn't that just tie my own hands?"

Hong Qigong rolled his eyes. "You're not going to help this old beggar with this?"

Zhou Yan stood up, picked up Hong Qigong, and carried him towards the carriage: "Qigong's injuries will definitely heal, and his skills will surpass what they were before."

"Nonsense!" Hong Qigong laughed and cursed, then picked up a chicken leg and started tearing into it.

Zhou Yan put Qi Gong into the car and drove off again, a journey that lasted for two days with little rest.

……

As dawn breaks, what appears in the view of Zhouyan and Yanbo Diaosou is a scene of towering peaks, solitary peaks, verdant cypress trees, and babbling brooks.

Baicao Valley is in sight.

The carriage traveled for several miles, and then came into view a vast expanse of lush, green forest.

Zhou Yan stopped. This forest had changed a lot since he first came to Baicao Valley. He recognized it as a magic array set up by Huang Rong.

"Is the Immortal Sage here? Zhou Yan has come to visit!"

He channeled his energy and spoke, the sound of which traveled for miles like a thunderclap.

Just a few breaths later, a soft voice came, "Haha, young friend Zhou, I still have a few jars of 'Hundred Herbs Wine,' just enough for a good drink."

Upon hearing the word "wine," Hong Qigong's eyes suddenly lit up.

"Very well, let's drink three hundred cups with the immortal!"

"readily."

As the two conversed, the soft voice grew louder and louder. The herbalist, with his otherworldly air, darted left and right through the forest, his figure moving swiftly until he stood before Zhou Yan.

"Young friend, how have you been?"

"May the old man be well."

The two greeted each other, and Zhou Yan said, "The Five Poisons Sect has been lurking in western Hunan lately. We hope you won't be disturbed, Immortal."

The Herbalist exclaimed in admiration, "The magic array set up by Miss Huang is truly ingenious. Several groups from the Five Poisons Sect came, but they were all trapped inside the array. I took the opportunity to kill them."

“Very well. I have come here not only to visit the old man, but also to ask him for a favor.”

The Immortal Herbs looked at the carriage and laughed, "It must be to rescue someone. Let me take a look."

"Thank you!"

"Why be so polite?"

When Baicao Xianweng arrived at the carriage, Zhou Yan lifted the curtain. The old man looked at Hong Qigong's face and his expression immediately became serious. Hong Qigong smiled and said, "No need for you to trouble yourself, Immortal. This old beggar's meridians are damaged and his internal organs are seriously injured."

"You are quite lucid." The Immortal of Herbs took Zhou Yan's pulse and after a while said, "I can cure him. Let's go back to the valley and talk."

"okay."

Zhou Yan carried Hong Qigong, with Baocao Xianweng leading the way and Yanbo Diaosou following. The three of them turned left and right, and after about a hundred breaths, they walked out of the magic circle. Suddenly, their view became wider, and they could see bamboo forests and bamboo houses.

Huang Rong also transformed the bamboo forest into a magic array similar to the "chaotic stone array". After passing through the forest, Zhou Yan temporarily placed Hong Qigong on the bamboo couch.

A young boy served tea to the old fisherman on the misty waves, while the herbalist led Zhou Yan to the alchemy room.

The old man took out a brocade box and opened it. Inside was a snow-white ginseng about a foot long, which looked exactly like a fully formed child, with a head, body, hands and feet, and its skin was faintly tinged with blood. It was truly a rare treasure.

The Herbalist said, "This thousand-year-old snow ginseng can cure terminal illnesses and detoxify all poisons. It is said to have the power to bring the dead back to life. If this old beggar takes this snow ginseng and I take some care of him, the damage to his internal organs will be easily resolved. However, it is really difficult to resolve diseases of the meridians."

Zhou Yan was first surprised, then delighted. This snow ginseng in front of him was the very thing that the immortal in the Condor Heroes had given to Guo Xiang.

"Thank you, Immortal Elder. I will find a way to treat your meridian disorders."

Zhou Yan had his own methods, including strengthening tendons and bones.

Not long after Hong Qigong was injured, he gained profound insights into martial arts. He practiced the "Tendon Changing and Bone Strengthening Chapter" and "Healing Chapter" of the Nine Yin Manual and was completely healed, even surpassing his previous level.

"Very well, in that case, I will begin the treatment."

Zhou Yan thanked him again and went to the bamboo hut first.

Seeing him approach, Hong Qigong said, "Boy, don't waste your time. You should hurry up and learn the 'Dog-Beating Stick Technique'."

Zhou Yan moved a bamboo chair and sat down next to Hong Qigong, saying, "I have unintentionally obtained a martial arts technique, but I do not quite understand the meaning of many of the words. Could you perhaps enlighten me, Master Qigong?"

"tell me the story!"

"it is good!"

"The Yi (易) is the way of Yin and Yang. Yi is the change of change. Although the changes of Yi exist in Yin and Yang, the changes of Yin and Yang actually exist in man. Manipulating the sun and moon in a pot, grasping Yin and Yang in the palm of one's hand... Tendons are the meridians of the human body. They circulate blood and serve as an external support for the spirit. Just as a person's shoulders can carry, hands can grasp, and feet can walk, the agility and flexibility of the whole body are all due to the firmness of the tendons..."

Zhou Yan spoke at a measured pace and in a gentle voice, reciting the "Tendon Changing and Bone Strengthening Chapter" and the "Healing Chapter" of the Nine Yin Manual to Hong Qigong.

(End of this chapter)