Chapter 15

After the third day of Tan Yu's hunt for the wild boar king, early in the morning, Zhang Xun announced his return from seclusion and ordered the attendant boy to go down the mountain to invite Tan Yu to the Golden Summit.

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At the peak of Wudang's main mountain, Tianzhu Peak, the Zhongmiao Temple.

Two prayer mats, a master and a disciple.

Inside the temple, only Zhang Xun and Tan Yu sat facing each other.

In later generations, especially after the Ming Chengzu, Wudang Mountain was enfeoffed as "Taiyue," ranking above the Five Great Mountains, becoming a famous Taoist holy land with numerous buildings. However, at the end of the Han Dynasty, it was still a barren mountain, little known, and could barely be considered a blessed land.

Zhang Xun came to this place three years ago, building a thatched hut on Tianzhu Peak to practice Taoism in seclusion. His origin is unknown, but other high-ranking Taoist scholars who practiced in the area held him in high regard, calling him "Xuan Shi."

Laozi said: "Mysterious and more mysterious, the gateway to all wonders." The character "Xuan" is extremely noble in Taoism and should not be used lightly. Zhang Xun being publicly recognized as "Xuan Shi" speaks volumes about his knowledge and supernatural abilities.

In late September last year, after Tan Yu's health greatly improved, he went hunting and met Bao Chu. They hit it off immediately and became close friends. Bao Chu brought Tan Yu back to Wudang Mountain and introduced him to his adoptive mother. At that time, Zhang Xun happened to be coming down the mountain and, upon seeing Tan Yu, was delighted. He personally diagnosed and treated him, cleansing his blood and qi. Later, he taught him the inner family true techniques of Taoism, laying a solid foundation for him.

Over the past year, Tan Yu secretly visited Wudang Mountain three times, staying for more than a month each time, learning Taoist techniques with great enthusiasm. Zhang Xun, seeing his astonishing insight and diligent practice, was very satisfied with his progress each time he examined his skills.

Zhang Xun, who looked to be around fifty, had white hair and a youthful face, with a demeanor that exuded the air of a sage, and his complexion was very rosy.

"Dear disciple, have you enjoyed hunting pigs and leopards these past few days?"

"Uh..." Tan Yu, who had been harboring many grievances and sorrows, was completely deflated by his master's words. After thinking for a long time, he suddenly realized there wasn't much to complain about.

Having made up his mind, he decided to speak directly to his master.

"Yes, Master. Your disciple has gained some insights."

"Oh, what are they?" Zhang Xun asked with interest.

"A true warrior must face the bleakness of life head-on."

Zhang Xun nodded in approval and smiled. He had already known about Tan Yu's arrival that day. The reason he didn't immediately call him up the mountain was to let him stay for a few days and relax, stabilizing his mindset. It seemed Bao Chu had done a good job, and the boy had completely calmed down.

Noticing a scar on Tan Yu's left hand, Zhang Xun casually lifted the sleeve of his left arm.

From the back of his hand, up his forearm, and to his upper arm, there were numerous bruises and contusions. Fortunately, most of them did not break the skin, and there were only two larger wounds on his upper arm and elbow, which had already scabbed over.

"Did you resist the enemy's fierce attack?" Zhang Xun frowned, wondering how these injuries had occurred. So many small cuts.

"Master taught me the Taoist techniques, and I practice diligently every day without slacking off." Tan Yu dared not say that Xi Zhilan's nails were too sharp, so he made up a story, "I tried it out occasionally, and the Stone Skin Jade Flesh technique is truly marvelous."

Zhang Xun pinched the area, saying lightly, "It's hard and resilient, quite an achievement!"

Tan Yu grimaced; it really hurt when his master pinched him. His Stone Skin Jade Flesh technique had made significant progress, thanks to the wild boar king he faced a few days ago. When they met face-to-face under the tree, with life and death hanging by a thread, Tan Yu used all his strength to defend himself, suddenly gaining a deep understanding of the technique, achieving a minor success.

"This technique has five levels. To reach the second level within a year is indeed impressive. It seems that achieving the advanced 'Stone Guardian' skill within ten years is not impossible!"

"Master, what level is the Stone Guardian? Do I need to practice for ten years?"

"Indeed, the Stone Skin Jade Flesh technique is the foundation of our Taoist protective skills. Once you reach the fifth level, you can start practicing the more advanced 'Stone Guardian.' The Stone Guardian technique has nine levels. Once you reach the sixth level, you won't have to fear ordinary weapons."

Tan Yu's mouth dropped open, and his self-satisfaction vanished instantly.

Zhang Xun glanced at him, a smile appearing on his face. He then pressed his index and middle fingers on Tan Yu's wrist and listened for a while.

"Good, your meridians are strong, and your qi and blood are very vigorous. Your internal injuries have truly healed. Breaking and then rebuilding, how many people can do that? You've done it, very well! It seems that your half-step breathing technique is indeed extraordinary and has a mutually beneficial effect with our school's techniques. Practice well."

"Yes, Master." Tan Yu responded respectfully.

"What about these two wounds? They don't look like they were caused by a sharp blade." Zhang Xun pointed to the two wounds on Tan Yu's upper arm and elbow.

"Master, your keen eyesight." Tan Yu wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, not daring to hide anything, and described Xi Zhilan's sword technique.

"You are truly born lucky! Not even a muscle or bone was injured! This girl can unleash two sword beams, indicating that her martial arts cultivation is at least one level higher than yours. She just isn't as devious as you, with all your tricks." Zhang Xun was amazed at Tan Yu's good luck, daring to use iron arm guards to resist the sword beams and not breaking his arm, "However, you don't need to envy others' sword beams. They are child's play, and their talent is extremely high. Your master... is also extraordinary."

Tan Yu blinked and said, "Your disciple's talent is also extraordinary, and your disciple's master is the best in the world. And... your disciple is still a child."

"Ha ha ha!" Zhang Xun laughed heartily, finding Tan Yu's twisted interpretation of "child's play" amusing. He was even more pleased that Tan Yu had fully recovered his normal teenage mindset, "Alright, since your foundation is solid, and you are... a child, I will teach you the Jade Sword Heart Sutra. Whether you can achieve sword beams in the future depends on whether you are as diligent as others."

"Can I really achieve sword beams if I practice hard?" Tan Yu asked eagerly.

"Of course. Our school has three unique techniques: the Heavenly Dao Technique, the Jade Sword Sutra, and the Stone Guardian. All high-ranking experts and extraordinary people in the world seek them. Although the Jade Sword Heart Sutra is difficult to master, it has great potential and a high realm, far surpassing ordinary martial arts techniques. Moreover, the greatest advantage of the Jade Sword Heart Sutra is that once you understand one principle, you understand all principles. Once you achieve success, your sword will have sword beams, your spear will have spear needles, and your knife will have virtual blades. You can use any of the eighteen weapons as you please, without any restrictions."

Tan Yu was overjoyed and repeatedly said, "Please teach me, Master."

Zhang Xun waved his hand, "Your mind is not at peace right now. Wait a moment, and I will teach you."

Tan Yu was taken aback, "Yes."

Zhang Xun looked at Tan Yu intently, his eyes shining.

"Disciple, I know about your family's tragedy. The hatred of a family's destruction must be avenged with the blood of the enemy's entire family! Tell me, how can I help you?"

Tan Yu had already thought about this and said without hesitation, "Please let the eldest brother come out of seclusion to assist your disciple."

Zhang Xun stroked his chin, "Wencai's mother is old... but supporting her is not difficult."

Tan Yu was overjoyed. He knew that his senior brother had extraordinary skills but had always stayed in seclusion to take care of his elderly mother. His master was truly powerful, solving the problem with a few words.

"Master Zhang, your disciple also wants to borrow him."

"Agreed."

"Then there's nothing else." Tan Yu closed his mouth, knowing that one should be content. Having his senior and junior brothers as helpers, his master had already been very generous.

"Do you want your senior and junior brothers to help you to kill the enemy together?"

"No. In these chaotic times, with soldiers and bandits rampant, my enemy is likely to have great power and deep connections. Three people can't accomplish much. I can't defeat them by force for now, so I need to observe them slowly. I plan to follow the example of Liu, Guan, and Zhang, forming a private army in the chaos. Once my strength grows, I will seek revenge, which will be easy." Tan Yu had thought about the blood feud for a long time and had a clear plan.

"You have a bump on your head? Liu Xuande is being chased like a dog, and you want to follow his example?!" Zhang Xun was surprised.

"Um..." Tan Yu was drenched in sweat. His master's words were too harsh, even though they were true.

"However, what you said is not wrong. The world is in turmoil, and the chaos is like a tangled mess. There are five types of chaos: those who fight for fame are called righteous, those who fight for profit are called strong; those who accumulate hatred are called resolute; those who cause internal strife are called violent; and those who suffer from hunger are called chaotic." Zhang Xun looked at his beloved disciple, speaking slowly, "If you form this army, what do you intend to do?"

Tan Yu smiled, "Master, your disciple's idea of forming an army is to avenge the family's great hatred, which can be called a resolute army."

"Resolute army?" Zhang Xun closed his eyes slightly, pondering the two words, and remained silent.

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