Be a proper Taoist priest in The Condor Heroes

Chapter 85 Yang Guo Becomes a Disciple

After the Mongol troops withdrew, the square in front of Chongyang Palace gradually returned to its former solemnity.

The Quanzhen disciples were busy cleaning up the battlefield, moving corpses, repairing cracks in the rocks, and wiping their weapons. The lingering smell of blood in the air was gradually dispersed by the mountain breeze, and sunlight pierced through the clouds, shining on the glazed tiles of the Taoist temple, creating a shimmering golden light.

Ma Yu, Qiu Chuji, and the other six disciples of Quanzhen Temple moved to the front of the Sanqing Hall with Su Yan and Guo Jing. Su Ye also returned to the small house in the Sutra Pavilion to pack his things. A great battle concerning the safety of Zhongnan Mountain came to an end, and everyone finally showed a long-lost sense of relief.

"Su Yan, this is the famous Hero Guo in the martial arts world. He became famous in the Huashan Sword Tournament back then, and in recent years he has been working hard to protect the people of the Central Plains. He has a deep connection with our Quanzhen Sect."

Qiu Chuji stepped forward with a smile and formally introduced the two, his tone full of satisfaction.

Guo Jing immediately clasped his hands and bowed, his expression earnest and filled with heartfelt admiration.

"Master Su, at such a young age, possesses such unparalleled martial arts skills and a dignified character. I, Guo, am truly impressed!"

Su Yan returned the greeting with a cupped-hand salute, his expression humble yet respectful.

"Master Guo, you flatter me. Your reputation is widespread, and I have long heard of you. It is a pleasure to meet you today."

The two greeted each other briefly, but their words revealed a mutual respect and appreciation.

After exchanging pleasantries, Guo Jing turned his gaze toward the rear hall, his expression gradually becoming serious, and began to discuss the core matters of this trip.

"Master Ma, Master Qiu, fellow Daoists, the crisis at Chongyang Palace has been resolved today. Regarding the matter of Guo'er, we hope that you Daoists can take him in."

When Yang Guo was mentioned, Ma Yu and the others all showed their approval. After exchanging glances, Ma Yu spoke first, his tone gentle yet firm.

"Jing'er, rest assured, Yang Guo has exceptional talent and keen eyes. He is a rare gem in martial arts. Our Quanzhen Sect is naturally willing to take him in and teach him authentic Xuanmen martial arts."

Qiu Chuji nodded in agreement, recalling the glimpse of Yang Guo in the back hall earlier, and sighed in admiration, saying in a deep voice.

"Yang Guo's talent far surpasses that of ordinary people. It is his good fortune and my blessing that he has been able to join my Quanzhen Sect. However, the matter of choosing a master must be handled with care, lest we fail to live up to your trust."

Wang Chuyi stroked his beard and added.

"Brother Qiu is absolutely right. We should choose carefully."

Everyone fell into deep thought, their gazes falling unanimously on Su Yan.

Among the direct disciples of the Six Masters of Quanzhen, Su Yan possessed the highest martial arts skills, the calmest mind, and was decisive and dignified, making him the best candidate to teach Yang Guo.

Su Yan had been away training for many years, focusing on improving his martial arts and helping his teachers. He had only returned to provide assistance because of the Mongol invasion. Everyone knew that he had always been dedicated to cultivation and had never mentioned taking on disciples. For a moment, they didn't know how to bring it up, fearing that they might offend him.

"Why should you Taoist priests make things difficult for us in choosing a master?"

Just then, a clear and firm voice rang out, and a small figure strode out from the back hall—it was Yang Guo.

He had overheard everyone's conversation from behind the hall and had already made up his mind. Now, he walked straight through the crowd, his steps steady, and stopped in front of Su Yan.

The boy's body had not yet fully developed, but his back was as straight as a pine tree, and his eyes were as clear as stars. He showed no trace of a child's timidity, but rather a determination beyond his years.

He bowed deeply to Su Yan, his waist bent extremely low, his tone sincere and full of heartfelt admiration.

"Master Su, I am Yang Guo, and I humbly request that you accept me as your disciple. I wish to learn unparalleled martial arts from you and one day become a hero like you, protecting the peace of this region. I will never take anyone else as my master in this life!"

These words were delivered with a resounding force, carrying the unique sincerity and determination of a young person, leaving everyone present stunned.

No one expected that this child would be so opinionated, daring to recommend himself to Su Yan directly in front of the Six Masters of Quanzhen and Guo Jing, and with such a firm attitude.

Guo Jing was both surprised and delighted upon hearing these words. He was surprised by such a rash judgment, as this Daoist Su's cultivation was probably even higher than his own. Although he was a third-generation disciple, he was one of the sect's top combatants, and he feared that this would put him in a difficult position.

What pleased him was that he could say such a thing. He had been deeply resentful about Yang Kang's death, believing that he, as the elder brother, had failed in his duty.

Having thoroughly educated the other party, seeing that Yang Guo could utter such words, which truly struck at his weak point, he immediately teared up.

Guo Jing was both surprised and delighted, and quickly stepped forward to advise, "Guo'er, you mustn't be rude. Master Su is a top expert of the Quanzhen Sect and is very busy. Don't be willful—"

"Uncle Guo, I wasn't being willful!"

Yang Guo raised his head, his eyes growing even more determined.

All eyes were on Su Yan. Ma Yu, Qiu Chuji and others looked on with anticipation, and Guo Jing also looked expectant, waiting for Su Yan's answer.

Su Yan looked at the young man before him, his gaze calm and unwavering. He could see the untamed spirit in Yang Guo's eyes, as well as his yearning and longing for martial arts. He pondered for a moment, then spoke slowly, his tone serious and uncompromising.

"Yang Guo, I don't have any peerless martial arts here. They're all martial arts techniques that the sect already has. Besides, I don't just teach martial arts; all kinds of Taoist classics can't be neglected. It's very tough and tiring. Have you thought it through?"

These words were firm and carried an unquestionable authority. An ordinary child would probably have been frightened into shrinking back, but Yang Guo's eyes shone even brighter, and he nodded heavily without hesitation.

"Disciple has made up his mind! No matter how hard or tiring it is, disciple will persevere and will never slack off. If I break this oath, I will accept whatever punishment Master may impose upon me."

Seeing Yang Guo's unwavering resolve, Su Yan had already given his consent. He rose and walked to the incense burner in front of the Sanqing Hall, turning to face Yang Guo.

However, his expression remained serious.

"In that case, I will accept you as my disciple. From this day forward, you are my official disciple. You must abide by the rules of the Quanzhen Sect, diligently cultivate, uphold the righteous path, and not disappoint the expectations of Master Guo and the other Daoist masters."

Upon hearing this, Yang Guo was overjoyed. He immediately knelt down and respectfully kowtowed three times to Su Yan, his voice loud and clear.

"Disciple Yang Guo greets Master!"

The Quanzhen disciples had already prepared tea for the apprenticeship ceremony. Su Ye stepped forward with a tea tray and handed it to Yang Guo. Yang Guo held the teacup with both hands, bowed again, raised the teacup above his head, and respectfully presented it to Su Yan.

"Master, please have some tea."

Su Yan took the teacup, took a small sip, and then handed it back. This cup of tea symbolized the formal establishment of the master-disciple relationship. The six Quanzhen disciples, Guo Jing, and others in front of the Sanqing Hall all looked pleased and nodded.

Qiu Chuji stroked his beard and laughed heartily.

"Excellent! Excellent! Su Yan has found a perfect match in Yang Guo as his disciple! Jing'er, you can rest assured that Su Yan's martial arts skills and character will surely guide Yang Guo well, enabling him to become a truly upright and heroic man!"

Guo Jing felt a great weight lifted from his heart and bowed to Su Yan in thanks.

"Master Su, thank you for taking Guo'er in. From now on, I entrust this child to you! If he disobeys my teachings in the slightest, please..."

"No need to hold back on punishment!"

Su Yan nodded slightly.

"Don't worry, Master Guo. Now that I've accepted him as my disciple, I will teach him everything I know and discipline him strictly so that he will never go astray."

After becoming a disciple, Yang Guo remained kneeling on the ground, his eyes filled with excitement and anticipation.

He looked up at Su Yan and secretly vowed to cultivate diligently, learn unparalleled martial arts like his master as soon as possible, protect the people he wanted to protect, and no longer be an orphan who could be bullied by others.

Ma Yu stepped forward with a gentle smile on her face.

"Yang Guo, from this day forward, you are a disciple of the Quanzhen Sect. You must remember the sect's rules of 'uprightness and sincerity, punishing evil and promoting good,' live in harmony with your fellow disciples, and diligently cultivate your skills. Your master is the most outstanding disciple among the third generation of the Quanzhen Sect. Following him, you will surely achieve great things."

Yang Guo responded respectfully.

"Your disciple will remember your master's teachings."

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