Be a proper Taoist priest in The Condor Heroes

On the Double Ninth Festival, the morning mist over Zhongnan Mountain had not yet dissipated, but the martial arts training ground of Chongyang Palace was already bustling with activity. The bluestone pavement hummed under the footsteps of thousands of people, and more than 800 disciples lined up according to their seniority, their blue Taoist robes and gray servant uniforms intertwined like two waves of color spreading out.

The third-generation disciples numbered less than fifty, all standing at the front with composed expressions; the fourth-generation disciples numbered two to three hundred, their young faces full of eagerness; the remaining servants and registered disciples each made up half, some watching curiously, others whispering among themselves, making the entire training ground lively yet orderly.

Su Yan stood in the line of registered disciples, his gaze sweeping over the crowd as he mentally calculated the data on his panel.

Host: Su Yan

Age: 16

Internal strength:

Grade C - Complete Authentic Basic Breathing Technique (Mastery, 51/400).

Martial arts:

Rank E - Su Family Sword Technique (Perfect, 489/500) [Consumable -30%, Armor Penetration +30%, Pressure +40%]

Rank E - Leap Technique (Perfect, 500/500) [Consumer Cost -30%, Agility +40%, Evasion +40%]

Rank E - Monument Slayer (Perfect, 365/500) [Consumable -30%, Critical Hit +40%, Fist Power +40%]

Rank C - Quanzhen Swordplay (Mastery, 189/400) [Consumption -15%]

Realm: Third-rate martial artist (89%).

Over the past five days, although his Quanzhen Sword Technique had broken through to the level of mastery, Su Yan still felt dissatisfied. Compared to before, his progress was far too slow. His progress was not as rapid as during their previous sparring sessions.

He wasn't supposed to participate in the grand competition, but staring in the direction of the third-generation disciples, a hint of excitement flashed in his eyes. This was a rare opportunity to hone his skills. The third-generation disciples had a solid foundation in swordsmanship and were far better able to refine their moves than the fourth-generation disciples.

Before long, several of the Seven Masters of Quanzhen walked slowly into the high platform in the center of the training ground. Ma Yu sat in the middle, while disciples such as Yin Zhiping and Zhao Zhijing stood on both sides.

After the elaborate blessing ritual concluded, Ma Yu's gaze swept across the entire room, her tone calm.

"Today's Double Ninth Festival competition is primarily for exchanging skills and learning from each other. We will stop short of discussing the points, hoping that all disciples will verify each other's work and make progress together."

As soon as he finished speaking, the three generations of disciples took turns going up on stage to practice.

Li Zhiming was the first to step onto the stage, sparring with another third-generation disciple. His Quanzhen swordsmanship was smooth and fluid, with "Three Rings Encircling the Moon" and "Colorful Boat in the Clouds" seamlessly connected, drawing cheers from the disciples below the stage.

Su Yan watched intently, his fingers unconsciously mimicking the movements, his mind deducing the flaws in the moves, and the proficiency level on the panel even jumped slightly twice.

The competition among the third-generation disciples lasted for an hour, with each match receiving commentary from the Seven Masters, who pointed out the key points. The disciples below listened with great interest. Su Yan also secretly noted down the key points, especially Ma Yu's explanation of "moderation and harmony," which deepened his understanding of the Quanzhen Swordplay.

However, judging from the Quanzhen Swordplay of the third-generation disciples, most of them are probably at the advanced proficiency level or mastery level. Only Yin Zhiping is probably at the initial minor mastery level, while Zhao Zhijing is probably at the advanced mastery level.

After the third generation disciples finished their competition, Ma Yu raised his hand and said.

"As is customary, any disciple who wishes to test their martial arts skills may step onto the stage and challenge a third-generation disciple."

As soon as he finished speaking, Su Yan was overjoyed. He had been waiting for this for a long time. He immediately stepped out of the line, his posture upright and his expression calm, which caused a stir among the surrounding disciples.

"It's Su Yan! He actually wants to challenge a third-generation disciple?"

"He defeated four generations of masters with just one move before, who will he face this time?"

Su Yan walked straight to the martial arts stage, his gaze falling on Li Zhiming who had just come off the stage, and cupped his hands in greeting.

"Senior Brother Li, I didn't get enough of our sparring session the other day, and I'd like to ask you for some more pointers today."

A hint of surprise flashed in Li Zhiming's eyes, then he smiled.

"That's exactly what I wanted! Junior Brother Su has made rapid progress these past few days, and I've been eager to witness your new insights."

The two had practiced together for three days and had already developed a mutual respect for each other. Their greetings were brief but polite.

Yin Zhiping stood at the edge of the stage, his eyes focused; Zhao Zhijing snorted coldly, clearly not believing that Su Yan could beat Li Zhiming; Ma Yu smiled, indicating that the two could begin.

"please!"

Li Zhiming drew his longsword, a clear hum cutting through the air. He executed the first move, "White Clouds Emerging from the Mountain," with agility. The tip of his sword pointed at Su Yan's shoulder, its power more potent than ever before.

Su Yan rapidly circulated the Quanzhen Basic Breathing Technique within his dantian, channeling his qi and blood to his limbs. The moment his longsword was drawn, the essence of the seven Quanzhen sword techniques was fully integrated into his mind. He neither dodged nor evaded, and used the same "White Clouds Emerging from the Mountain" technique, but it was no longer a single variation. Instead, it incorporated the harmonious essence of the latter six techniques, and the tip of his sword precisely struck the spine of Li Zhiming's sword.

With a crisp clang, sparks flew, and the two men each took a half step back. Li Zhiming was startled, realizing that Su Yan's swordplay was several times more powerful than it had been three days ago. It was no longer just about dismantling based on practical experience, but rather a true understanding of the "centrality" principle of the Quanzhen Swordplay.

Before he could even regain his footing, Su Yan's swordplay suddenly changed. "White Rainbow Piercing the Sun" followed up fiercely, the sword wind carrying his blood and qi, scattering the pebbles on the ground.

Immediately following, he unleashed the "Three Rings Encircling the Moon" technique in quick succession, the three sword strikes weaving together illusion and reality, creating an even more oppressive effect than Li Zhiming's variation. This was the result of his five days of repeated refinement; the Quanzhen Swordplay, now at its peak of mastery, was finally displaying its full power.

Li Zhiming dared not be careless. He used the "going with the flow" technique to deflect the force and the "colorful boat and light clouds" technique to counterattack. His sword moves were as smooth as flowing water as he faced the situation with all his might. The two exchanged blows, their sword shadows clashing, their fierceness and grace colliding, their lightness and composure intertwining.

Although Su Yan was able to quickly find weaknesses with his mastery of swordsmanship, he was not in a hurry to win. Instead, he used each exchange to hone his moves, and his proficiency level on the panel increased at a visible speed.

Rank C - Quanzhen Swordplay (Mastery, 192/400) [Consumption -15%]

The disciples below the stage watched intently, their voices rising and falling in discussion.

"How did Junior Brother Su's Quanzhen Swordplay become so powerful?"

"That's the complete seventh move! He's evenly matched with Senior Brother Li!"

"He was already impressive with just one move before, but now he knows all seven! That's terrifying!"

After fifty moves, Li Zhiming gradually began to feel the strain.

Su Yan's swordplay was not only fluid and skillful, but also carried the practical combat instincts of military battles. Each strike was precisely timed to the gaps in his moves, and his vital energy was abundant, allowing him to remain vigorous even after prolonged combat.

He knew that continuing the fight would only increase his own exhaustion, and Su Yan had clearly left himself some room to maneuver and had not gone all out.

When Su Yan's "Clouds Embracing the Moon" steadily caught his "Three Rings Encircling the Moon," and the sword momentum pressed down, Li Zhiming took the initiative to withdraw his sword and retreat, cupping his hands and smiling.

"Junior Brother Su's swordsmanship has reached a level of perfection that I cannot match. I humbly admit defeat!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the training ground fell silent for a moment, then erupted in thunderous shouts and cheers.

The third-generation disciples were filled with disbelief. Li Zhiming was Wang Chuyi's most prized disciple, yet he had voluntarily conceded defeat in the sparring match. The fourth-generation disciples were even more astonished. Su Yan, who had swept them away with a single move, could now even defeat a third-generation master.

Su Yan sheathed his sword and stood still, his breathing steady, and nodded to Li Zhiming.

"Brother Li, you are too kind. I have also benefited greatly from today's exchange."

His gaze swept over the rising proficiency level on the panel, and he felt somewhat relieved; this grand competition had indeed been worthwhile.

Host: Su Yan

Age: 16

Internal strength:

Grade C - Complete Authentic Basic Breathing Technique (Mastery, 51/400).

Martial arts:

Rank E - Su Family Sword Technique (Perfect, 489/500) [Consumable -30%, Armor Penetration +30%, Pressure +40%]

Rank E - Leap Technique (Perfect, 500/500) [Consumer Cost -30%, Agility +40%, Evasion +40%]

Rank E - Monument Slayer (Perfect, 365/500) [Consumable -30%, Critical Hit +40%, Fist Power +40%]

Rank C - Quanzhen Swordplay (Mastery, 201/400) [Consumption -15%]

Realm: Third-rate martial artist (89%).

Yin Zhiping's face showed approval, while Zhao Zhijing's face was ashen as he stared intently at Su Yan, his eyes filled with resentment. Ma Yu sat on the high platform, stroking his long beard, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes, and whispered to Wang Chuyi and Sun Bu'er beside him.

"Junior Brother Qiu indeed has a good eye; this boy's temperament and aptitude are both top-notch."

Wang Chuyi and Sun Bu'er nodded in agreement.