I was told I'd be a late bloomer, but I was born with the potential to achieve great things!

At sunrise, golden rays of dawn sweep in from the horizon.

Strands of golden light streamed through the gaps in the mountain peaks, tearing through the darkness like thousands of sharp swords.

At the summit, Zhou Anxin, dressed in a gray-blue long robe, felt something.

As his wrist trembled repeatedly, the surging force transformed into sharp sword energy that slashed towards the sea of ​​clouds ahead along the cold, gleaming iron longsword.

The strong mountain wind was cleaved in two, and the sharp sword energy dissipated leisurely after flying seven feet away.

【Qingfeng Sword Technique (Sword Qi Realm Mastery 15/3000): Practice 100 times daily, mastery can be achieved in ten years】

"Alas, I was born 38 years too late. If I had been born earlier, I would definitely have been able to comprehend the sword immortal's sword."

Looking at the long sword in his hand, Zhou An sheathed it and sighed with regret.

Sunrises are beautiful, but after watching them for a while, they're really nothing special.

After spending the whole day in the cold wind with him, Liu Shuqing stopped coming.

Zhou An came every day, but looking at the magnificent mountain scenery in the distance, he still couldn't see a single hair.

A sword strike from a sword immortal is too far.

It's not as cold as the wind on the mountaintop.

After all, when practicing swordsmanship in this cold wind, Zhou An would subconsciously use the long sword in his hand to guide and enhance his sword energy.

He mastered swordsmanship.

"With my talent, I wonder how long it will take before I can truly embark on the path to immortality?"

"Coo coo coo!"

Before I could continue to sigh, the rumbling of my stomach broke the silence of my quiet contemplation.

"Alright, let's go down the mountain for lunch."

Zhou An rubbed his stomach, then turned and headed familiarly towards the small courtyard at the foot of the mountain.

Although the desire to see it up close remained, it did not slow down the pace of the descent.

He was very fast, moving as nimbly as a monkey.

Although Tongbei Changquan is a style of boxing, it also includes the monkey form.

It wasn't noticeable when he and Liu Shuqing were practicing their moves together, but the recent days of going up and down the mountain made Zhou An realize this even more.

The path to becoming a sword immortal is difficult to attain.

The most urgent task is to fill my stomach, and then find an opportunity to learn the techniques for achieving the skin-smoothing realm.

Although Zhou An also wanted to learn a faster and more agile movement technique or footwork, he had not yet obtained any techniques for the Skin Polishing Realm.

If he really had to choose between the two, he, who had no money or power, would definitely choose Iron Pole Kung Fu first.

"Not bad, I didn't miss the mealtime."

Watching Zhou An return to his room and put away his sword, Liu Shuqing, who had just finished washing up, held a wooden basin and a white towel, and said with a teasing expression.

Even a fool could tell that this guy was just using the excuse of watching the sunrise again.

"Has Zhou Jianxian figured out anything?"

Seeing that Zhou An ignored him, Liu Shuqing came up and put his arm around his shoulder.

"Not bad, my swordsmanship has reached a high level."

Zhou An replied casually, "This guy's resentment runs deep. It's been almost three days, and he still hasn't forgotten."

"Hahaha, you're so stubborn. Guess if I believe you or not."

Liu Shuqing laughed heartily.

"My swordsmanship has truly reached its peak."

However, it wasn't the sword aura that had reached its peak, but rather the sword energy itself, Zhou An thought to himself.

"Yes, yes, your swordsmanship has reached a high level, and you've even developed a sword aura."

Liu Shuqing was so happy that she clutched her stomach, put down the wooden basin and towel, and walked towards the door.

"Let's hurry up. Elder Huang might come and give us some pointers today. If we don't eat our fill, we might not have the strength later."

Even if I told you, you wouldn't believe me.

Seeing Liu Shuqing's beaming face, Zhou An waved his hand, but his mind quickly returned to Elder Huang's words.

Although he had received instruction from Sun Heng on precautions for entering the mountains these past few days, he would go to the top of the back mountain to cultivate after each instruction.

As for Liu Shuqing and the others, although they would sometimes go up to watch the Sword Immortal's sword strike, they mostly stayed at the Cloud Mist Residence.

Although Wang Yi and Qian Youde were still trying to curry favor with the reclusive Elder Huang Huayuan, Zhou An was able to learn some news from Liu Shuqing every time he returned, so that he wouldn't fall behind.

Even though Liu Shuqing has become a bit more sarcastic than his initial shrewd scholar appearance, if Zhou An were left alone here, he wouldn't be able to cultivate in peace on the back mountain.

"That's what Senior Brother Sun said. He said that Elder Huang would give guidance to the new disciples before each trip into the mountains."

Liu Shuqing knew very well when to joke and when to talk about serious matters.

"You, Sun Wenhao, and Wang Yi, all three of you have already achieved full circulation of Qi and blood throughout your bodies and are able to unleash Ming Jin (a powerful force).

Although Ming Jin (manifested strength) isn't as resonant and crisp as Instructor Guo's, according to what Senior Brother Sun said, you are very likely to receive guidance on An Jin (hidden strength) or even the Skin-Refining Realm.

"Really?"

Zhou An looked at Liu Shuqing with a look of surprise and delight.

"I've confirmed it, and it's most likely true. Senior Brother Sun also received similar guidance back then."

As Liu Shuqing spoke, she looked at Zhou An with a mixture of sadness and envy.

"Brother, I always tell you about good things as soon as they happen. If you really get Elder Huang's guidance, don't forget to help me out."

"It's as if I haven't told you about any improvements I've made in my fist or sword techniques... Don't worry, I definitely won't forget you."

Zhou An patted his chest in response, showing no sign of guilt.

He wanted to instruct Liu Shuqing on sword light, sword energy, and hidden strength, but unfortunately, his friend's talent was far inferior to his.

Therefore, Zhou An could only teach him the basics of Ming Jin and swordsmanship bit by bit during their sparring sessions. He couldn't possibly teach him sword energy all at once...

Liu Shuqing didn't believe it when she came in; if she had, she probably would have been upset.

At breakfast, Zhou An ate six large bowls, and the medicinal soup was completely devoured, with not a drop of broth left.

Once lunchtime was over, everyone began practicing martial arts in the courtyard.

But everyone's thoughts were elsewhere. Not to mention Wang Yi and Qian Youde, even Sun Wenhao's eyes kept glancing out of the courtyard.

About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a man in a blue robe walked in from outside the courtyard.

"They're all practicing martial arts."

"Greetings, Elder Huang."

Almost the instant the figure appeared, everyone hurriedly greeted him loudly, with Zhou An's voice also being very loud.

Although he wasn't like Wang Yi and Qian Youde, who were always looking for ways to be a lackey, he wasn't one to just stand by and watch when it was time to make a move.

"Great, you're full of energy."

Huang Huayuan glanced at everyone and nodded in satisfaction.

"According to Guo Tao, you guys have achieved full circulation of Qi and blood throughout your body in just two months, and you can even generate Ming Jin (a type of internal energy).

That's excellent; for most people, that would be considered genius.

As Huang Huayuan said this, his gaze swept over Wang Yi, Sun Wenhao, and Zhou An, which excited the latter.

"This is all thanks to the teachings of the Seven Mysteries Sect."

Wang Yi straightened his chest and raised his head, his eyes full of anticipation.

"This kid's reaction speed is incredibly fast, even faster than my sword energy. In this area, I'm definitely at a disadvantage."

Zhou An felt a little annoyed; he had been somewhat careless after leaving the village.

"When Qi and blood flow throughout the body and one masters Ming Jin, it is only the beginning. The next step, in addition to continuing to refine Qi and blood to enhance strength, is to temper the skin and membrane."

Our Seven Mysteries Sect's techniques at this level are Iron Stake Technique and Eighteen Horizontal Exercises. I suppose your Instructor Guo has already told you about them.

We're heading into the mountains tomorrow, so let me give you some pointers on Iron Stake Technique beforehand.

Even if you may not be able to master it, you can still get a feel for it beforehand.

At this point, Huang Huayuan's gaze fell on Wang Yi.

"Let's start with you."

"Thank you, Elder Huang."

Upon hearing this, Wang Yi was overjoyed and excitedly bowed with his hands clasped.

"It's alright, it's alright, it's just a matter of first come, first served."

Zhou An breathed a sigh of relief, but soon his ears perked up as he heard Huang Huayuan begin to tell his story.

"The core of Iron Pole Kung Fu lies in the spine..."

.......