At the age of eight, he impersonated the orphan of a military officer and went to the martial world.

Zheng Chaoyang's gaze slowly swept over the group of disciples in front of the gate, especially those who were injured and those who had shown fear when they were watching. Finally, he let out a cold snort: "Hmph! If your skills are not up to par, don't try to be tough and fight with others! Today's beating is a lesson! All of you get inside and practice your stance training for an extra hour!"

The disciples fell silent, dejectedly helping the injured man into the martial arts school.

Zheng Chaoyang then turned his gaze to Zhang Yuan, who had been standing quietly to the side, and said in a flat tone, "What are you still standing there for? Waiting to watch the show? Come in and practice your skills!"

Zhang Yuan silently followed Zheng Chaoyang's steady steps and walked towards the martial arts training ground in the backyard.

As they walked through the corridor, Zheng Chaoyang spoke without turning his head, his voice low and deep: "Are you wondering why I didn't personally take action and kill those arrogant bastards one by one, to avenge my disciples and restore the martial arts school's reputation?"

Zhang Yuan paused slightly, nodded, then slowly shook his head, his voice clear: "This disciple has indeed thought about it. But Master, you once said that cultivation is not for fighting and being fierce. Teacher also taught that a gentleman focuses on the fundamentals; when the fundamentals are established, the Way will arise. Acting on momentary impulses is not necessarily the right path."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Chaoyang stopped in his tracks, turned around with some surprise, and looked Zhang Yuan up and down, raising his thick eyebrows slightly: "Oh? I thought you would be like those hotheads, pleading for those good-for-nothings, or encouraging your master to teach those martial arts practitioners a lesson."

A barely perceptible hint of approval flashed in his eyes as he turned and continued walking, his voice carrying a deeper sense of emotion.

"Our path of cultivation is long and arduous, with no end in sight. Martial arts, immortality, demonic arts, Buddhism... all paths ultimately lead to the same destination: seeking transcendence and attaining immortality."

His words echoed in the empty corridor, carrying a heavy weight of having experienced the vicissitudes of life.

"But in the end, no matter which path you take, living is the most important thing! Only by living can you see the true scenery of the great road and have the opportunity to climb the legendary peak."

"I can teach them martial arts techniques and strengthen their muscles and blood, but this world is treacherous, people's hearts are unpredictable, and swords are everywhere. I must teach them even more..."

"How to survive amidst powerful enemies and lurking dangers! Momentary pride and saving face mean nothing in the face of life and death!"

Zheng Chaoyang's tone was resolute.

Zhang Yuan looked at the figure in front of him with some surprise.

Zheng Chaoyang's insights must be the only truth in this chaotic world, right?

live.

Zheng Chaoyang stopped again as he reached the edge of the training ground.

He turned around, his gaze falling solemnly on Zhang Yuan, filled with scrutiny and a heavy expectation: "But you are different, Zhang Yuan."

Zhang Yuan's heart skipped a beat, and he looked up to meet his master's gaze.

"You have Zhang Zhenshan's blood in your veins, and your father was a 'Military Commandant' who died on the battlefield! The glory of the Zhang family needs you to restore it, and the unfulfilled responsibilities and vengeance of your father may eventually fall on your shoulders."

Zheng Chaoyang's voice wasn't loud, but every word struck Zhang Yuan's heart like a hammer blow.

"You are destined... to kill. Whether it's enemies on the battlefield or demons and monsters that stand in your way."

"When fighting for your life, especially in a life-or-death struggle, you must be ruthless! Ruthless to the enemy, but even more ruthless to yourself!"

Hesitation, cowardice, and excessive pity can all lead to your utter destruction. In the carnage of battle, amidst the flashing blades, it's either you or me! Remember, even a lion hunting a rabbit uses its full strength; there can be no holding back whatsoever!

A chilling aura of killing intent spread with Zheng Chaoyang's words, making the surrounding air seem to freeze for a moment.

This is not a drill, but the iron will that only those who have truly waded through mountains of corpses and seas of blood can possess.

Zhang Yuan straightened his back, feeling the invisible weight on his shoulders. His eyes became incredibly calm, and he nodded heavily: "Disciple understands!"

"Alright! Let's practice!" Zheng Chaoyang said no more and pointed to the open space in the center of the field.

Zhang Yuan followed instructions, adopting the stance of the Wild Bull Fist, lowering his waist and sitting firmly, his fists striking out like the wind.

The moves flowed smoothly and seamlessly, the blood and qi surged like rivers, and the muscles and bones resonated in unison. A fist intent as steady as a mountain and as explosive as thunder was already subtly revealed.

Zheng Chaoyang watched from the side and nodded slightly.

After practicing his boxing techniques, Zheng Chaoyang gestured for him to take out his knife.

Zhang Yuan picked up the heavy Xuanlin Blade, and the moment he held it, the complete essence of the seven forms of the "Rock-Splitting Mountain Blade" clearly appeared in his mind.

He didn't deliberately hold back; with a thought, the blade sliced ​​through the air!

The force of "opening the mountain" is like splitting a thousand pounds.

"Severing Flow Slash" is decisive and fierce.

The "Collapse Mountain Force" contains the power of thunder.

"Pan Shi Town" stands as immovable as a mountain.

The "earth-shattering" style is powerful and domineering.

The collapse of a thousand mountains is a chain reaction of destruction.

"The roar of ten thousand valleys" splits rocks and pierces the sky!

The seven-style sword technique flowed smoothly and was exquisitely connected. Wherever the blade passed, the air was torn apart and emitted a sharp whistling sound. The heavy blade seemed as light as a feather in his hands, yet it carried a terrifying power capable of splitting mountains and shattering rocks!

The heavy and domineering sword intent belonging to "Splitting Rocks and Cracking Mountains" was only revealed in a trace, but it already filled the entire training ground with a heart-palpitating sense of oppression!

Zheng Chaoyang's eyes gleamed with admiration, and he couldn't help but clap his hands in praise: "Excellent! Excellent swordsmanship! In such a short time, you have already reached the peak of minor mastery, and are only one step away from mastery!"

"You little rascal, you were born to be a knife!"

He was shocked. The level of swordsmanship that Zhang Yuan displayed far exceeded the limits that a child who had only been learning swordsmanship for a few months could reach.

Even many martial artists who have been immersed in the way of the sword for many years may not have such pure control.

He walked to Zhang Yuan's side, patted him hard on the shoulder, and said with unprecedented solemnity and expectation, "Qingyang, once this matter is settled and the time is right, I will find a way to recommend you to the 'Sinking Abyss Martial Sect' for cultivation!"

"That's the true ocean where you, a hidden dragon, can soar!"

Zhang Yuan sheathed his sword, his breathing steady: "Martial Grandmaster of the Abyss?"

"Indeed." A hint of reminiscence and pride flashed in Zheng Chaoyang's eyes. "That's one of the five most renowned martial arts sects, controlling the martial arts world of Luyang Prefecture and the surrounding three counties!"

"The sect boasts numerous powerful figures and a profound and extensive martial arts tradition, far surpassing the small Rock Martial Arts School. The Shenyuan Valley, where its mountain gate is located, is a treasure trove of cultivation where the spiritual energy of heaven and earth converges, and it is rich in spiritual herbs and precious materials."

"Back then, I was also a disciple of the Shenyuan Martial Sect, but alas... well, let's not talk about it."

Zheng Chaoyang looked up, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

"The Great Yu territory is vast, with numerous prefectures and counties. Although the imperial court has the Zhenwu Guard to oversee the entire country, those who truly control the local areas, maintain order, and even control trade routes and cultivation resources are often the result of interdependence, cooperation, and even competition between local officials and powerful local sects."

"Besides martial arts sects, there are also Taoist immortal sects that draw upon the power of heaven and earth, Buddhist ancient temples that cultivate indestructible Vajra, and even... there are mysterious demonic giants who each occupy sacred mountains and blessed lands, recruiting disciples widely, and their influence extends far and wide."

"The Shenyuan Martial Sect is the pinnacle of martial arts in the Luyang Prefecture! Only by entering it can one have the opportunity to glimpse a more distant landscape of martial arts and obtain more precious cultivation resources."

Zhang Yuan understood immediately; this was quite similar to the worldview he knew from his previous life, one of sectarian division and resource monopoly.

The Martial Sect of the Deep Abyss is undoubtedly the best stepping stone he knows of so far.

Zheng Chaoyang changed the subject, his expression turning serious: "Back to the present. News has come from the county government that Counselor Chen is recruiting martial artists from the Jianghu (martial arts world), and has ordered Xu Changhe of the Green Bamboo Gang and Zhao Hengjiang of the Lonely Bamboo Hall to go and suppress the bandits."

"To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, the county government will organize an elite team to go to Tanjialing tomorrow to oversee the operation. Counselor Chen will personally lead the team. The county magistrate specifically requested that I accompany him as his bodyguard."

He looked intently at Zhang Yuan: "You should pack your things too, you'll come with me tomorrow!"

"Let them witness the true bloodshed of the battlefield, smell the stench of slaughter and death! Theory without practice is ultimately just empty talk!"

Zhang Yuan felt a chill run down his spine.

The bandits at Tanjialing were not ordinary martial artists, but rather fierce defeated soldiers.

Without hesitation, he clasped his hands in a fist salute, his voice resolute: "Disciple obeys!"