Be a proper Taoist priest in The Condor Heroes

Yin Zhiping stood in the center of the martial arts hall, holding a long sword, and explained the core principles of Quanzhen swordplay in detail. From the light and agile power of "White Clouds Emerging from the Mountain" to the transformation of softness and hardness in "White Rainbow Piercing the Sun", and then to the breathing coordination between moves, he demonstrated every detail clearly.

"The Quanzhen Swordplay emphasizes balance and tranquility, and cannot be achieved through brute force. It requires internal energy to flow along the sword's momentum, like a stream winding around a rock, rather than a torrent breaking through a dam."

With a slight flick of his wrist, he twirled the longsword, creating a smooth, flowing sword flower.

"For example, in this 'Three Rings Encircling the Moon' technique, the three sword strikes must be executed in one go, but three parts of the power must be reserved for later use, so that one can adapt to obstacles and advance when there is an opening."

Su Yan sat upright to the side, listening intently, her fingers unconsciously mimicking the movements, her mind constantly comparing the awkwardness she experienced during practice.

Yin Zhiping's explanation hit the nail on the head. Those previously vague joints became clear in an instant, and the Quanzhen Basic Breathing Technique in his dantian became smoother and smoother. His qi and blood gradually merged with the essence of sword moves.

The proficiency level on the panel steadily increased: [Grade C (Incomplete) - Quanzhen Swordplay (Beginner, 168/200)]

After Yin Zhiping finished demonstrating the four sword techniques he had taught, Su Yan stood up, cupped his hands, and asked several questions about the coordination between breathing techniques and sword techniques.

"Senior Brother Yin, how do you control the timing of power generation for sword strikes when practicing breathing techniques?"

"When internal energy is insufficient, how can one compensate for the power of sword techniques with qi and blood?"

These questions all stemmed from his genuine confusion during actual combat and training, and were practical and precise. Yin Zhiping patiently answered them, sometimes gesturing with his hand like a sword, sometimes pointing out the key acupoints for the flow of his meridians.

"Breathing and sword techniques should be inseparable; when the sword rises, qi arises; when the sword falls, qi recedes. Qi and blood are secondary, while internal strength is primary, only then can they be perfectly integrated."

Su Yan noted them down one by one. When she circulated the breathing technique again, she felt the warm current in her dantian flow more smoothly, and the proficiency of [C-level - Quanzhen Basic Breathing Technique (Beginner, 92/200)] on the panel increased by a few points.

Xiao Nianba sat quietly to the side, tidying up Su Yan's old sword tassel. Occasionally, he would look up at Su Yan with eyes full of admiration, secretly memorizing the words "diligent practice" and "avoiding arrogance and impetuosity" that Yin Zhiping had mentioned.

After finishing his explanation, Yin Zhiping smiled and said to Su Yan.

"Your martial arts foundation is solid, and you are willing to study diligently. Given time, you will surely achieve great success. The sword application was approved yesterday. You can go to the logistics hall today to collect a standard longsword, which is more suitable for your hand than the iron sword you brought with you."

He paused, then added.

"Once you pass the test of Grandmaster Changchun and become a formal disciple, you will need to choose one of the following tasks: guarding the mountain, preaching, or practicing martial arts. Guarding the mountain requires you to take turns guarding the mountain gate, preaching is responsible for instructing new disciples in basic martial arts, and practicing martial arts involves assisting in managing the affairs of the martial arts hall. You can devote the rest of your time to cultivation without disturbing your progress."

"If you eventually reach the level of a second-rate martial artist, you will have more options: you can go down the mountain to travel and gain experience, you can guard the Taoist temples and outposts set up outside the sect, or you can join the secret agents to collect intelligence on the martial world and the chaotic world. It's all up to your choice."

Su Yan understood and bowed in thanks.

"Thank you for letting me know, Senior Brother Yin. I've got it."

He knew that the task of a formal disciple was both a responsibility and a training experience, and the choice of a second-rate martial artist gave him more ideas for the future.

In any case, improving our strength and protecting Xiao Nian'erba is the most important thing.

On the other side, in Zhao Zhijing's room, tables and chairs were overturned, teaware shards were scattered everywhere, and fine celadon teacups were smashed to pieces, with tea mixed with tea leaves spilling all over the floor. His face was ashen, veins bulging on his forehead, as he sternly rebuked the dejected disciples in front of him, his anger almost bursting forth, his voice making the rafters seem to vibrate.

"Useless! You can't even control a newly joined disciple, making me lose face in front of Yin Zhiping!"

The disciples all shrank back, not daring to breathe. They all knew that their master's anger was directed at Su Yan and Yin Zhiping.

Zhao Zhijing was a highly senior figure among the third-generation disciples of the Quanzhen Sect. Over the years, through his skillful maneuvering and recruitment of disciples with powerful backgrounds, he wielded considerable power in both the Martial Arts Hall and the Supervisory Hall. Many wealthy young men and descendants of merchants who wanted to take shortcuts into the sect attached themselves to him.

People like Wang Chengye can not only bring him substantial donations of money (the money donated by Wang Chengye's father a few days ago was just enough to repair the sword training ground on the west side of the martial arts hall), but also strengthen his power and rival the lineage of Yin Zhiping that emphasizes "pure cultivation and relying on real talent and learning".

He had always been eager to outdo Yin Zhiping, but Yin Zhiping had the favor of his grandmaster Qiu Chuji, and most of his disciples were upright and skilled in martial arts, which caused him to suffer repeated setbacks.

Thinking to himself, Yin Zhiping has Qiu Chuji backing him up, do you think I'm so easy to bully? The money donated by those rich kids like Wang Chengye has earned me a lot of face in front of the elders. Even the supplies for the martial arts hall have to be at my beck and call. And a newly joined disciple dares to be so arrogant! If word gets out, those disciples who rely on me will probably become restless, and the elders will think that I can't even control a junior. Wouldn't my influence in the sect be further diminished?

Wang Chengye was the son of a wealthy merchant in Jingzhao Prefecture. He donated a large sum of money to Chongyang Palace and was his "god of wealth," so naturally he couldn't be criticized. He could only vent his anger on his own disciples.

He paced back and forth, the wooden floorboards creaking under his feet, his chest heaving violently, and his robe sleeves fluttering in the wind.

"Yin Zhiping, relying on Qiu Chuji's backing, opposes me at every turn. And that Su Yan is even more ignorant of his own limitations, daring to contradict me! Does he really think my authority as Zhao Zhijing is just for show?"

A disciple cautiously stepped forward, his head almost buried in his chest, and whispered.

"Master, please calm down. In half a month, it will be the Double Ninth Festival, which is the annual grand competition of the sect. According to the rules, you can challenge others freely, and the winners and losers will determine the rewards and punishments. Elders will also be present to listen in."

Zhao Zhijing's eyes suddenly lit up, a sinister smile crept onto his lips, and a ruthless glint flashed in his eyes.

"Excellent! The grand competition is ostensibly for friendly sparring, but in reality, it's about actual combat!"

He stopped, his fingers unconsciously stroking the jade pendant at his waist, his mind racing with calculations.

"The grand competition on the Double Ninth Festival! Heaven is truly helping me! I'll have my disciples who have practiced the Quanzhen Swordplay for over three years challenge him. Su Yan has only been learning for less than a week. Even if he has reached a third-rate level, his swordsmanship foundation must be weak, and his moves will definitely have flaws. I'll also secretly instruct my disciples to focus on his weaknesses. As long as he suffers a crushing defeat in front of everyone, not only will I be able to vent my anger, but I'll also make Yin Zhiping's lineage lose face."

The more he thought about it, the more smug he became, his smile growing wider, as if he could already see Su Yan's pathetic defeat in the competition. But just as he was secretly gloating and plotting, a disciple suddenly rushed in from outside, his hair disheveled, his expression panicked, and he shouted breathlessly.

"Master! Master, something terrible has happened! That Su Yan has come knocking on our door!"

"What?"

Zhao Zhijing slammed his hand on the table, and the already shaky wooden table collapsed.

"He dares to break into my place? He's got a death wish!"

"It's not a residence! It's a martial arts training hall!"

The disciple was sweating profusely and speaking rapidly.

"He said he wanted to spar and test his swordsmanship, and he's already challenged two newly initiated formal disciples, Junior Brother Zhang and Junior Brother Li, who just passed their assessment last week. Both of them lost! Now he's waiting for the next one, saying he wants to 'learn more from the senior brothers' skills.' It's obvious he's targeting our lineage!"

Zhao Zhijing's face turned from green to white with anger. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white.