The Legend of the Condor Heroes: Starting from the Bodyguard

Chapter 77 In a group of three, there must be one who can teach me.
A fisherman on the lakes and seas of Shaoshang, sailing freely across the vast expanse of Yuji. Though the canals are unfathomable, dragons still rise from the marshes.

The poem uses the fisherman as a metaphor and the meridians as a boat, navigating the sea of ​​life with ease and turning decay into wonder.

Among them, "Shaoshang", "Yuji", and "Chize" all refer to acupoints between meridians.

In the Quanzhen superior sword technique "One Sword Transforms into Three Pure Ones," this poem is the guiding principle of the sword technique.

Whether it's spear fighting or swordsmanship, there are methods of applying energy to both the "outer" aspects of the moves and the "inner" aspects of the techniques.

The same move can produce drastically different power depending on the method of applying energy.

Just like the classic "returning spear" in spear techniques, which exists in the Yang family spear style and the Huyan spear style, Zhang Sanqiang's spear technique naturally also has this move that can turn defeat into victory and kill with one blow.

However, the methods of circulating qi differ, resulting in variations in power and techniques.

The human body has eight extraordinary meridians, twelve regular meridians, as well as other meridians, the Three Enclosures Imperial Meridians, and twenty-eight branch meridians. All the mysteries of martial arts lie in the circulation of internal energy within the meridians.

Zhou Yan initially practiced the Quanzhen Sword Technique taught by Sun Bu'er. He comprehended the sword technique on the Taihang Mountain peak, and his internal energy flowed through the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian as described in the above formula. The superior sword technique "One Qi Transforms into Three Pure Ones" taught by Danyangzi, in addition to circulating internal energy through this meridian, also required the flow through the Hand Yangming Separate Meridian. The energy branched off from the "Shoulder Condyle Point" of this meridian, entered the posterior column of the neck, and went downwards to the large intestine and returned to the lungs, while upwards went along the throat and emerged superficially from the supraclavicular fossa.

The proper and unorthodox methods form a unique cycle, which is the key to "one sword transforms into three pure ones". Without the secret, let alone "transforming into three pure ones", even "transforming into two pure ones" is impossible. Without the method of guiding the qi, even someone with an outstanding memory like Huang Rong, who can almost remember everything she sees, can only watch and memorize the moves and then imitate them. At best, she can only make the sword tip tremble wildly. It may scare people, but it is difficult to hurt the enemy.

As Zhou Yan watched Ma Yu demonstrate the sword technique, he memorized the breathing method. His heart was filled with the utmost respect for Wang Chongyang, the Central Divine. The undisputed number one martial artist in the world, the Eastern Heretic, Western Poison, Southern Emperor, and Northern Beggar, had left the Quanzhen Sect a nearly inexhaustible treasure trove of martial arts. The decline of the Quanzhen Sect in the world of *The Return of the Condor Heroes* was not due to its techniques, but rather to its people—the lack of outstanding disciples.

"Two or three thatched huts in Shangyang, how many bends in the Yangxi River in Hegu, the clouds are faint by the Nine-Bend Pool, and the stars in the sky are bathed in the waves," Danyangzi suddenly finished speaking. After he finished speaking the last four lines of the mental cultivation formula, he let out a soft whistle, and the blade of his sword spread out in a fan-shaped radiance. The three swords intertwined with cold flames, and the cold edges were stacked. With a snap, three sword marks an inch deep appeared on the plum blossom stake in the courtyard at the same time.

Zhou Yan was amazed.

Ma Yu sheathed his sword and asked, "Young friend, how much of it do you remember?"

"Seventy percent."

Danyangzi exclaimed in admiration, "Young friend, your memory is almost photographic. Let me demonstrate it again."

"Thank you, Taoist Master."

The sword light flashed again, swift as Yi shooting down nine suns, graceful as emperors riding dragons. This time, Danyangzi deliberately slowed his movements, allowing Zhou Yan to observe every detail. After watching it once, he memorized it all, and inevitably received praise from the two Quanzhen disciples once more.

Zhou Yan memorized the techniques and methods of qi circulation. As for whether he could transform into the Second or Third Pure One, or even surpass the master in the Fourth or Fifth Sword Technique, it depended on the depth of his internal energy and his comprehension. The master could lead him in, but the cultivation depended on the individual.

Wang Chuyi suddenly said, "Young friend, the plum blossom stakes in your courtyard are unlike any I have seen before; they are truly wondrous."

Zhou Yan buried plum blossom stakes in the courtyard for two reasons: first, to refine the "Xiaoyao You" boxing style and body movements; and second, to practice the elbow techniques and freehand techniques in the "Yue Family Boxing Manual." Therefore, the plum blossom stakes were more than seven feet high.

When Yu Yangzi asked this question, Zhou Yan replied, "I will demonstrate it to you, Daoist, and you will know."

In terms of cultivation, Yu Yangzi and Dan Yangzi were superior to Zhou Yan. However, instead of Zhou Yan trying to be mysterious, they focused their attention on watching. They saw that Zhou Yan did not stand in the stance, but instead put his left foot forward, his right upper and lower arms overlapping, his right foot stepping forward, his upper body turning to the right, his left palm pushing his right fist, and using this momentum to push his right elbow forward and upward.

With a dull thud, the snowflakes falling on the wooden stake were shaken up, forming a curtain of snow.

Zhou Yan used the six elbow techniques from the "Elbow Techniques" in the "Yue Family Boxing Manual": breaking, rolling, falling, breaking, mandarin duck, and blocking. He also used the upward elbow, flat elbow, smashing elbow, lifting elbow, coiling elbow, and turning elbow. His elbow attacks were as hard as iron and specifically targeted qi and blood.

Wang Chuyi and Ma Yu were genuinely astonished by the fluid, compact, steady, and swift elbow strikes. To an untrained eye, it might seem like the brawling and unreasonable fighting style of a rogue. However, the two Quanzhen disciples, with their profound cultivation, understood the intricacies of the art. This set of techniques could be considered deadly moves that could break bones and rupture tendons, possessing immense destructive power and sudden attacks. The fist was the long-range weapon, while the elbow was the short-range weapon; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a technique that would establish a new school of martial arts.

The martial arts of the Quanzhen Sect not only aim to injure the enemy but also to be visually appealing. If it were someone like Zhao Zhijing, they would inevitably scoff at Zhou Yan's elbow techniques. However, Danyangzi and Yuyangzi were intensely impressed, watching intently. Unconsciously, they memorized most of the elbow techniques in the "Yue Family Boxing Manual." This was an external martial art, without any method of guiding qi. With their cultivation levels, they could learn it immediately. Out of the corner of his eye, Zhou Yan caught a glimpse of the two Quanzhen disciples' focused expressions. Suddenly, an image flashed in his mind: a Taoist priest, seemingly a hermit with an otherworldly air, delivering an elbow strike to his opponent's face, causing the opponent's skull to shatter and blood to splatter.

He laughed.

There is no superiority or inferiority in skills. This exchange was very enjoyable, and before they knew it, the two Quanzhen disciples had grasped some of the true essence and mysteries of Yue Family Boxing.

The kind-hearted Danyangzi even thought of encountering a tough opponent. He would feign raising his whisk and then launch a powerful elbow strike, which he expected would surely confuse his opponent. He found it amusing and couldn't help but chuckle.

The two elders and the young man truly became friends despite their age difference.

The porter arrived at the courtyard at that moment with the groceries he had purchased.

Danyangzi and Yuyangzi returned to their quarters, where the Tangzi Handlers assisted them. While Zhou Yan was preparing the meal, he explained some simple elbow strike techniques, which was an opportunity for the Tangzi Handlers.

Zhou Yan had a profound influence on the boy; he was the one who carried the flag of the镖师 (bodyguard/escort) on the outskirts of Xiangyang, and he himself had mentioned the method of throwing lime.

……

Snowy foam and milky blossoms float in the midday cups, while tender shoots and artemisia grace the spring platter. Clumps of green and red water pepper sprouts and vegetables abound, amidst the laughter and chatter of guests.

Chrysanthemum white wine adds to the festivities, and one can eat without speaking.

Wang Chuyi said, "I have come to your place today because I need your help with something."

Zhou Yan hurriedly replied, "Please speak, Daoist Master. I will do my best and it is my duty."

When Wang Chuyi and Zhou Yan first met, they didn't mention the martial arts competition in Jiaxing, and this remains the case now.

"Young friend, you work for a security escort agency and are well-informed. Could you please keep an eye on a few people for me?"

Zhou Yan understood; they were looking for the Six Eccentrics of Jiangnan and the Golden Knife Prince Consort.

In the world of Legend of the Condor Heroes, Yu Yangzi met Guo Jing during Mu Nianci's martial arts contest to find a husband, but this scene no longer exists.

"Please tell me who you are, Taoist priest?"

"Senior brother, you tell us."

Danyangzi Ma Yu found it difficult to describe Guo Jing, as he hadn't seen him for a long time. He figured Guo Jing would be with the Six Heroes of Jiangnan on his way south, so he said, "The people my two senior brothers are looking for are easy to identify. The leader carries a thick iron staff. He's between fifty and sixty years old, with a pointed mouth and thin cheeks. There's another person with a peculiar appearance, short arms, short legs, short neck, and a short, stocky build. There are about six or seven people appearing together, and there will be a woman among them."

Danyangzi focused on the flying bat Ke Zhen'e and the horse god Han Baoju.

Zhou Yan couldn't directly say that the Six Eccentrics of Jiangnan were staying at the "Yuelai Inn," but he could tell them in a day or two.

He then said, "When we return to the escort agency, we will arrange for some scouts to investigate. My courtyard is quite spacious, so the two Taoist priests may stay here for the time being and get back to us as soon as we have any news."

"Very good."

Yu Yangzi and Dan Yangzi made no need for formalities and stayed for two days, enjoying drinks and tea with their young friend, discussing martial arts and classic texts—a truly delightful experience.

(End of this chapter)