e-booksonline Chapter 54 Conditions
Chapter 54 Conditions
The True Transmission Stele now bears the inscription of twenty-one names.
Want to improve your ranking? It's simple, two ways: conquer the Tower of Ascension and engage in duels.
Both rely on strength.
Fang Yang, who is now in his seventh year of study, has already been ranked as the fourth true disciple, which shows his potential and talent.
"Fang Zhenchuan"
Mo Zheng bowed, not understanding why the other party had sought him out.
However, the teachers at the Martial Arts Hall were all experts at the Internal Organs Realm, so it was difficult to refuse their request to see him.
Mo Zheng readily agreed, closed the door, and followed the other party up Xiaohan Peak.
On Xiaohan Peak, the fog remained, and the cold was biting.
As Mo Zheng stepped onto the stairs, his internal energy was stimulated and began to circulate spontaneously. His body's blood and energy surged, making him feel like a furnace, without the slightest hint of cold.
Recalling the scene two months ago when he almost froze to death on the mountain, Mo Zheng couldn't help but feel a little dazed.
"What's wrong, Junior Brother Mo? Are you not used to the cold air of this Cold Marrow Mine?" Fang Yang turned around and asked with concern.
"No, I was just thinking about something else," Mo Zheng replied.
"This cold energy is a good thing. It can greatly improve the speed of internal energy cultivation. With your talent, Junior Brother, you will definitely be able to gain a place on this Little Cold Peak within a few years," Fang Yang said with a smile.
As You Chendong's senior brother, he also knew a lot about what happened in the secret realm.
The young man's swordsmanship talent was absolutely astonishing; otherwise, given the teacher's stern nature, he wouldn't have been in such a hurry to see him. He was afraid that his disciple would be snatched away.
"Senior brother, you flatter me."
Mo Zheng and Fang Yang were not familiar with each other, so he only said a polite word and then fell silent.
The two walked up in silence. The higher they went, the colder it became. Mo Zheng felt his internal energy circulating faster and faster, and his skin, which was as hard as stone, gradually became even harder under this tempering.
Soon, the two arrived at a small courtyard at the top of the mountain.
"Teacher, Junior Brother Mo has arrived."
Fang Yang stood in the outer room and spoke respectfully.
"Come in."
A woman's voice came, with a hint of coldness. Mo Zheng was stunned. Wasn't this the same woman's voice that had come from the Rejuvenation Realm?
"Please, Junior Brother Mo."
Fang Yang smiled and pushed open the door, gesturing for them to enter.
Thank you.
Mo Zheng walked in and saw a middle-aged woman sitting with her eyes closed in the living room. Her temperament was as cold as a mountain, and she exuded a sharp aura.
She suddenly opened her eyes, her gaze like two sharp swords piercing Mo Zheng's heart.
Mo Zheng felt a chill run through his body, but he still forced himself to bow and say, "Disciple greets Master."
"You have a good will."
The middle-aged woman's gaze softened, and the oppressive feeling of her sharp sword vanished without a trace. She said, "Let me introduce myself. My name is Wang He, and I mainly teach swordsmanship in this hall."
"It was her!"
Mo Zheng was startled.
He naturally recognized the name Wang He. She was a master of the Visceral Realm, on par with Liu Qing, and one of the three sword masters who had killed Visceral Realm experts.
Such a powerful martial artist could easily wipe out a family or gang with a master at the Internal Organs Realm. With a stomp of his foot, the entire Liangzhou would tremble.
"Please sit down."
"This disciple dares not," Mo Zheng replied respectfully.
What kind of status does he have that makes him worthy of sitting down in front of a super strong expert who can kill a master of the Visceral Realm?
"Dare not? I saw you dared to do anything in the Rejuvenation Realm, stripping so many disciples naked. Do you know that You Chendong has already been taken under my wing?" Wang He asked.
You Chendong's master?
Mo Zheng was startled and explained, "This disciple was also impetuous for a moment and did not know that Senior Brother You was your disciple, Master Wang. Please forgive me."
"You hit my disciple, and you think a simple 'forgive me' is enough?" Wang He's face turned cold.
Mo Zheng immediately felt the icy chill of the sword piercing his body again. He said, "The abbot has said that we disciples can fight in the secret realm. If the royal master feels that something is amiss, I am willing to return Senior Brother You's things."
Although You Chendong's items were quite valuable, and Mo Zheng was reluctant to part with them, compared to offending a powerful martial artist like Wang He who could kill a master of the Internal Organs Realm, Mo Zheng had no choice but to return them.
"Little guy, are you trying to intimidate me by using the headmaster's name?"
A slight smile suddenly appeared on Wang He's cold and stern face. She said, "You understand gains and losses, and know when to advance and retreat. You are indeed worthy of my appreciation. You are quite good."
"Don't worry, I won't interfere in the fights between your disciples."
Weren't you here to stand up for You Chendong?
Mo Zheng breathed a sigh of relief. That's true. What kind of status does Wang He have? He can kill even a master of the Visceral Realm. Why would he need to personally deal with him?
If we really want to avenge You Chendong, Fang Yang, the fourth disciple of the true lineage, is more than capable.
"I have already checked your background through the Martial Arts Hall. You have two brothers, and your eldest brother supports you by marrying into the family. Under such circumstances, it is not easy for you to concentrate on martial arts and get to where you are today."
In martial arts, talent alone is not enough to stand out.
Children from poor families have to put in more effort to get ahead.
Mo Zheng recalled an encounter before he awakened his mental power, and a complex expression appeared on his face.
Being a live-in son-in-law is not an easy job.
"But the road ahead will be even more difficult. The path of martial arts depends not only on talent, but also on resources and teachers."
"With resources, cultivation speed will advance by leaps and bounds, while guidance from a teacher will help you avoid detours and save a lot of time."
Mo Zheng nodded, agreeing with these words.
For example, he wouldn't have known about the Twelve Swords of Wind without Liu Qing's guidance.
Without this sword technique, his progress in the Wind Shadow Sword Technique wouldn't have been so rapid; in this Rejuvenation Secret Realm, he would probably only be able to watch others take away all the Awakening Blood Grass.
"I admire your potential and I like your character."
Wang He smiled and said, "If you are willing, you can become my disciple and join my lineage."
To become Wang He's student?
Mo Zheng was taken aback. He hadn't expected that the other party had come to him for this purpose: to take him as a disciple!
You must know that Wang He's status and position are absolutely among the top few strong people below the Martial Saint in the entire Great Yan!
She actually offered to take me as her apprentice!
"I have taught at the Martial Arts Hall for thirty years and have taken in twelve disciples. Except for two disciples who have not been cultivating for long, the other ten have all achieved true mastery. Two of the graduates have entered the Visceral Realm."
Wang He said, "Of these twelve disciples, I only invited two of them personally. One has already graduated, and the other is Fang Yang. They are both my most valued disciples, so I will ask my teacher to give them some guidance."
"And you are the third person I have invited. If you agree to join my lineage, I will also ask my teacher to give you some guidance."
At this point, a hint of pride appeared on Wang He's face as she said, "Let me introduce you. My teacher is one of the Great Yan's National Martial Saints, the Cold Sword Martial Saint."
Mo Zheng's heart was instantly filled with turmoil.
Cold Sword Martial Saint, no wonder, no wonder this royal army can be considered a master even in the Visceral Realm, it turns out there was actually a Martial Saint standing behind him!
The legendary Martial Saint!
Now, I actually have the opportunity to be personally instructed by him. What an incredible stroke of luck!
According to Wang He's description, even among her two disciples who had reached the Visceral Realm, at least one of them had never seen this Cold Sword Martial Saint. As for You Chen Dong, the young master of the You family, he was not invited by her to take him as a disciple, and therefore did not have the qualifications.
On the contrary, if he agrees to become a disciple, he will not only gain a powerful teacher like Wang He, but also become a grand-disciple of the Martial Saint!
What a great temptation this is!
Seeing Mo Zheng's face turn red and his breathing become heavier, Wang He couldn't help but smile even more broadly.
Who could refuse the guidance of a martial saint?
You should know that martial saints never show themselves to the world. It is extremely difficult to see them, let alone receive their guidance.
In fact, Wang He didn't take Mo Zheng's swordsmanship seriously; what she valued was his understanding of the Twelve Swords of Wind and Cloud.
To be able to master a sword technique in just one or two months is incredibly fast. Not to mention, Mo Zheng has also gained some understanding of the other eleven sword techniques. He has every opportunity to successfully navigate this most difficult path of martial arts.
Once the path is cleared, the Visceral Realm is within reach, and even the Martial Saint Realm has a certain chance of breakthrough.
Otherwise, how could a mere inner disciple possibly make such a demand?
Mo Zheng's shock gradually subsided. He looked at Wang He, who was full of expectation, and after thinking for a moment, said, "I'm sorry, Master Wang, I really want to receive guidance from the Martial Saint, but I cannot become your disciple."
"What did you say?"
Wang He was stunned. She had already prepared herself for Mo Zheng to become her disciple, but he refused?
Even for a powerful martial artist at the Visceral Realm level, obtaining guidance from a Martial Saint is an extremely difficult opportunity.
They actually refused?!
"I'm sorry, Master Wang," Mo Zheng repeated again, his tone firm.
Although he had the right to choose freely, Liu Qing had been kind to him.
Without Liu Qing, he wouldn't have achieved his current level of swordsmanship, and he would most likely have lost in his three duels with You Chendong.
Although they were not officially master and disciple, they were in fact master and disciple.
Most importantly, You Chendong was also under Wang He's tutelage, and he disliked this person and did not want to become his fellow disciple.
"Interesting. You're the first person to reject me like this. Looks like someone has already offered you better terms."
Wang He raised an eyebrow and said, "Young man, don't be in a hurry. Perhaps you don't understand the significance of the Martial Saint's personal guidance. You still have two days to think it over."
"I've thought it through. I'll wait for you to become my apprentice."
Two days later will be the semi-annual graduation ceremony, at which time the inner disciples will formally become disciples. After the graduation ceremony, the Martial Arts Hall will have a ten-day holiday, allowing the disciples to go home for the New Year and reunite with their families.
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. This disciple will take his leave now."
Mo Zheng bowed respectfully and withdrew.
As soon as he left, Wang He's face turned cold.
As a direct disciple of the Martial Saint, even the headmaster would give her some deference, yet she was rejected by a mere child in the Physical Realm!
"Fang Yang, go and tell You Chendong to come here!"
"Yes, teacher."
Fang Yang's voice came from outside, and a short while later, You Chendong walked in.
His steps were unsteady and his face was pale, clearly indicating that the injuries he sustained in the Rejuvenation Realm had not yet healed.
"Disciple greets Master!"
Facing Wang He, a powerful expert at the Visceral Realm, You Chendong showed no arrogance befitting a disciple of a prestigious family; his expression was filled with awe.
Before he joined this lineage, his ancestor had told him that he was only able to become Wang He's disciple because she owed the You family a favor in her early years. If he angered Wang He, even his ancestor could not protect him.
"You fought Mo Zheng three times and lost three times, and were even stripped naked and displayed to the public. You really are my good disciple!" Wang He said in an unfriendly tone.
"teacher!"
Upon hearing this, You Chendong was so frightened that he knelt down on the ground with a thud, saying in a panic, "This disciple is incompetent, this disciple is incompetent, I have disgraced the teacher, please forgive me."
"You're useless. I haven't even said how I'll punish you yet."
Seeing his behavior, Wang He frowned and said, "So what if you lost? You can win it back in the future. Why make such a show?"
"Win it back?"
You Chendong looked up at Wang He, a bitter look flashing across his face. How could he win? In just one month, Mo Zheng had defeated him three times in a row. Originally, Mo Zheng's swordsmanship was not as good as his, but now he could hardly catch up with him. Anyone would not have confidence.
"What, lack of confidence? Although you are not as good as him now, your aptitude is not bad, and your family background is a thousand times better than his. With my guidance, as long as you cultivate diligently, you may have a chance to reach the Visceral Realm one day, let alone surpass him." Wang He said, "Today is the first time that you and I, master and disciple, have met, so I will give you some guidance."
"From today onwards, go to Tianxing Cliff to observe the stars and practice your sword for one hour every day at midnight. If you can persevere, you will surely be able to enter the Unity Realm within five years."
Tianxing Cliff is the highest peak in the back mountain, very close to the Daliang Mountains. It is extremely steep, and flying monsters often land on it, making it extremely dangerous.
You Chendong was somewhat frightened upon hearing this.
Firstly, the daily return journey is extremely arduous; secondly, flying monsters are generally stronger than ground monsters, and many are second-tier monsters, making them extremely difficult to deal with.
One or two days is fine, but five years of climbing mountains and practicing swordsmanship day and night, and having to encounter powerful flying monsters, is something a pampered young master like him naturally doesn't want.
However, remembering his ancestor's instructions, he dared not object. He could only grit his teeth and say, "This disciple will obey Master's orders and will persevere in practicing swordsmanship at Tianxing Cliff, so as to master the true teachings as soon as possible."
"Yes, martial arts practitioners must be unafraid of hardship and danger in their training. Your injuries have not yet healed, so rest for a couple of days and begin your training after the ceremony," Wang He instructed.
"Yes, teacher."
After responding, You Chendong turned and took his leave.
Her hatred for Mo Zheng deepened even further.
If it weren't for the other party embarrassing him in the secret realm, why would he have gone to the dangerous place of Tianxing Cliff every day to practice his sword?
"This little guy has been pampered for too long and lacks the indomitable spirit of a martial artist. He's far inferior to Mo Zheng."
Wang He, with her keen insight, saw through the young disciple's character the moment she met her, finding her far inferior to Mo Zheng, who came from a poor background.
However, after practicing at Tianxing Cliff for a few years, one can surely shed the air of wealth and nobility that fills one's body.
How can a martial artist grow without experiencing danger?
As for being killed by monsters?
So what if she's dead? Every year, disciples from the Martial Arts Hall die while on missions against monsters or while adventuring outside. Would the You family dare to cause her any trouble?
"well……"
Wang He took a sip of tea and couldn't help but sigh softly. Compared to this, she wanted to take Mo Zheng under her wing even more.
I wonder who this little guy will choose in two days?
……